I Need Feedback From Hot Shotters

[DPrew]

I'm in a debate with someone over what the rules say about towing. I need info from someone who knows the rules. I was under the impression that your tire weight ratings ultimately dictate what you can legally tow. That basically. your dually might be rated to tow 16K by Dodge but that with say a tandem dually (12K axles) gooseneck you could actually tow more and be totally legal.



To me Dodges rating is merely a liability rating that is not looked at by state and fed regs at all. I know the 19. 5's, and 22. 5's are popular for increasing you legal towing capacity.

 

[HBarlow]

Your question is too complex for a one sentence answer. This issue has been discussed endlessly in previous posts over the last several years. If you really want to answer the question and understand the issues you'll have to do some reading.

If you are talking about using the truck for personal recreational use, type of driver's license, registered weights, and tire/axle weights determine what can legally be towed. If you are talking about a truck used for any business or commercial hauling purpose, the same answer applies but in addition to the above the 26,000 lb. limit applies.

If your debate opponent is claiming that the manufacturer's gross combined weight ratings or manufacturer's specified trailer towing limits apply, he is simply uninformed and wrong. DOT does not know the numbers Dodge/Furd/GM published in their marketing brochures and cares even less.

 

[DPrew]

I have a landscape company and only tow my own stuff here in Texas. I saw some more info that makes it look like it's a combination of your axle weight ratings (with proper tires) that really dictates what you can tow.

 

[HBarlow]

DPrew,

Nope, not true.

Reading between the lines I can tell you are trying to convince yourself you are not required to have a Class A CDL, higher weights on your registrations, signs on your doors, and other DOT requirements. You are trying to fool yourself. You may continue to get way with it but you are not legal.

Your rig is commercial and required to comply because you and your rig are engaged in commercial activity. You said it yourself, you own and operate a landscaping business. You are probably eligible for a long list of citations if a TX Commercial Enforcement trooper sees you on the highways.

If your trailer has a rated or actual weight greater than 10,000 lbs. (I'll bet it does) and your gross combined weight exceeds 26,000 lbs. (I"ll bet it does) you are required to have commercial liability, a Class A CDL, company name and DOT number signs, medical card, fire extinguisher, stop at all scales, and register your truck and trailer (each) for full actual loaded weight. You cannot exceed rated weights on truck or trailer tires.

If you comply with all the above DOT enforcement will probably not pay much attention to the truck's GVWR and GAWR tag on the door post. Tires with appropriate wheels might and I emphasize might increase your towing capacity. If you don't have a CDL the truck and trailer's GVWR and GAWRs definitely matter to a DOT cop.

Not what you wanted to learn here I'm sure but I told you the truth.

 

[Road Dog]

You still have to stay under the GVWR and GAWR (and tire rating) for the truck but the trailer weight is limited by what you're LEGALLY LICENSED to tow. HBarlow covered that part. I can license my truck for up to 77,000 pounds which is far beyond what the truck can actually pull.

 

[jhenderson]

I believe you only need a class A license if the gross weight of the tow vehicle is over 26;000. The trailer weight over 10;000, combined with a tow vehicle gross less than 26;000 requires a class B, according to federal regs.