Calculated Largest Trailer without CDL
 

I am trying to calculate the largest trailer I can tow with my 99 F250 PSD Ext Cab 8’ bed with a 373 axle.
If I understand things correctly then the GVW of my Truck is 8800. Ford set the GVCW at 20,000.
So the largest trailer I can have is predetermined at 20,000-8,800 = 11,200 lbs GVW.
My truck with me and full tank is approximately 7,000 lbs.
I want a gooseneck trailer so the toung or bed weight is about 20% of the overall trailer weight. Is that correct?
If so then I am limited by my payload of 8800-7000 or 1800 lbs. Or a 9,000 lb loaded trailer (9,000 * 20%) = 1,800.
So in reality I can legally be maxed out at a 9,000 lb GVW trailer?

I did some more research and in PA if the GVW of the Trailer is GREATER than 10,000 lbs then you need a Class A CDL.
And if the Gross Combination weight is over 17,000 lbs you need a medical card..

So at at 8800+9000 = 17,800 lbs I would need a medical card.

I want the largest legal trailer my truck can handle.
Does this sound correct?

I think thats pretty much standard

thats easy, unless you have a problem that could interfere with driving

9000 + 7000 doesnt weigh 20k, I think you could go bigger, IF you could still keep a 1800ish tounge weight.

If PA is like IL then you won't need a CDL or a medical card. IL offers non-CDL Class C, B, & A licenses for cases like this.

as long as you stay under the "magical" 26001 pound GCVW you do not need a "CDL", your class c will carry you just fine as long as your not doing this for hire. If you do plan on being for hire or commercial use, I would go ahead and get the class "B" for insurance purposes.
Also keep this in mind, as your gross weight goes up your braking capacity decreases. I tell poeple that get a new trailer to load it to capacity then find a good long parking lot in the middle of the night, get it up to about 50 mph and do a both feet on the peddles panic stop. You will learn will real quick your driving abilities, the lack of stopping power your truck has, and how tightly your butt can grab fabric!
Every one always wants to know how much they can pull, but the real question is how much weight can they stop if a kid darts out in front of them or traffic comes to an abrupt stop!
2 cents worth from a truck driver.

Thanks all for the tips.
When you say "commercial use" - Do I need a CDL if I am using the trailer for my own business. I am not moving any equipment as a 3rd party. I just buy and sell and sometimes deliver for my customers.

Also, I thought the GVWR for EACH axle was important.

I also read that Ford rated the F250 to be able to tow 13,100 lbs.

I think if I get a 12,000 lb gooseneck trailer and not overload it I should be fine. The placement of the load should reduce the pin load on the bed.

I agree. In Oregon, if you register any truck, or trailer, or combo under 26,001, you don't need a CDL. I contacted ODOT, for my 53 T-800 semi, and they said the same thing. I can register it however I want, and that will determine my license requirement. It all boils down to what you plan on doing, and that's going to be the deciding factor on the size of trailer, and what you'll need. If you can safely stop the weight, you can use it. You may also want to check into things like an exhaust brake, or trans brake for increased stopping power.

if you make money with it, its CDL time

[QUOTE=westtntrucker]as long as you stay under the "magical" 26001 pound GCVW you do not need a "CDL", your class c will carry you just fine as long as your not doing this for hire. [QUOTE]
Partly incorrect here. If your trailer gvwr is 10,001lbs or more you are required to obtain a class a license. the class c will not carry you. although each state might be diffrent but here in nc you would be stuck for sure. the only way you can get out of that is if your recreational. meaning a horse trailer or a camper and some cases a farmer. but here is where it get tricky. if you cross state lines with your trailer you will need a dot number, this is due to the trailer gvwr. also you need to pull into the weigh stations. if you go to 26,001 or more lbs you will need to apply for the fuel stickers and what a mess that is. bottom line is if you attempt to haul a trailer with a gvwr with 10,001 lbs or more you need a new license your classc will not carry you at all. And yes since you buy and sell a product and haul it that would mean you are comercial. ( they hire you to get the product)

I wanted to pull my 14' boat behind my 5th wheel.To do this I had to get a CDL as it is now doubles,But in Calif you have to do the tripple test also.The reason is that it is not leagle in some states ,But it is in others so you have to have a tripple License.
It is not that big of a deal if you want it.Get the books and studey.Truck drivers will also give you a lot of help.
My 77 F250 doesn't have air brakes so that part of the test I didn't have to take.
I took the test in my pickup pulling my 5th wheel
The class A with the tripple endorsment I have is restructed to. Without air brakes and combination of vehicles with A GCWR of less than26,001 and theGVWR of vehicle(s)being towed is in excess of 10,000lbs.
That is what I took the test in and that is the License I have.It works for me.
I had heard too many things.Most wrong. Go to the CDL Dept.and get the WRIGHT information.You will not be sorry. TAKE THE TEST.If I can do it so can you.
Don

The standard nation wide COMMERCIAL regulations are: ANY trailer with a rating above 10,000 lbs REQUIRES a Class A commercial endorsment / license.

Any single vehical with a weight rating above 26,000 lbs requires a Class B license (or a class A if towing a trailer above 10,00 lbs) if used in COMMERCIAL service.

This is the standard / uniform nation wide law. Some states allow exemtions if not crossing state lines, but once you do that then you are absolutly bound by the national laws. If you cross state lines you then also become a "logged" driver, even with the 100 mile exemption rule (only used in state)

Here in Washington, if it is not a commercial vehical, then NO SPECIAL licence is required, even with air brakes. Example would be a 44,000 pound motorhome / bus conversion with air brakes. Licenced here as a motorhome and nothing special needed in licensing. Use that same rig COMMERCIALY and you would require a Class B, air brake endorsement and a coach endorsment.

I would suggest reference to the uniform motor carrier rules book on this subject. BUT these rules only cover COMMERCIAL vehicals. (ANY vehical used in a buisness aspects, common carriers and not) And remember, individual state commercial laws can be more stringent than the uniform nation wide commercial laws!!!

The individual non commercial laws are a nightmare, nothing is standardized for the poor non commercial vehical user...

David