Vehicle plating and regulations for 1-ton

[stevenknapp]

Let me start this by saying that I'm somewhat amazed what it takes to get one of these on the road. I just want the MPG, the longevity, and the torque. I don't want to haul anything huge.



BUT Illinois says I need a "D" plate. Which means higher yearly fees, no sales tax, and inspections every 6 months.



I'm trying to think of the downsides of this.



What about other states?

Tolls?

Parking?

Road restrictions?



It seems I'm getting into this whole catagory of heavy commercial vehicle, and all that...

 

[dresslered]

In Kalifornia, if you permanently mount a camper shell on it, you can get regular plates. However, if you are caught without the shell in place, it is a big fine. Maybe your state has something similar. I pay the big weight fees.

 

[ndurbin]

There are no special regulations on 1-tons in KS that I know about. I have my 3/4 ton tagged as a farm truck which makes the tags, taxes, and insuarnce cheaper. In KS if I remember right if you buy a 3/4 ton or 1 ton and use it for farm use you can right the majority of it off on your taxes.

 

[klenger]

No big deal here in AZ. There is no mention of any weight restrictions on my registration. Tags were about the same price as a 3/4 ton. It might be different for a DRW, but I don't think so.

 

[QRTRHRS]

When you say one ton, I think 3500. Your post sounds like your needs would be better served by a 2500 (3/4 ton). Lots of dually owners don't really haul much but they like the look enough to put up with the spacial constraints and the cost of doing business.



Parking can be a problem in towns. At the mall, just park back where your not as likely to get "bumped" anyway. There are some road restrictions but you generally have plenty of alternate choices. Don't forget to look into your insurance costs.

 

[bmoeller]

Steve, what does your truck weigh and are you near Chicago or something?



I have the B-truck plates on mine. Hasn't been a problem. Have been considering going to a D plate though. I'm really pushing it with the B only good for up to a 8K truck, even "empty".

 

[HeavyHauler]

Tennessee Regulations

I'm in Tennessee and I don't know of any road restrictions on 1-ton pickups. There are a few restrictions on plates though that a lot of people don't know about.



Any vehicle with anything more than a 3/4 ton payload capacity or a GCWR of over 9000 pounds is not supposed to be tagged with a regular state license plate. Most people around here do anyway being as TN isn't very strict on tagging.



I have what's called a "joint" tag that is the same type of tag that is used for big trucks. The price varies according to the total GCWR printed on the tag. They start at 9000 and go to 80000 pounds for the big rigs. I've noticed that most people that use a joint tag for 1-tons have a "J2" tag which is rated at 16000 pounds GCWR. So, theoretically, if my total rig weighed more than 16000, I could be fined. The total cost of my J2 tag is $62 and some change which isn't bad considering I'm truly legal to drive my truck on Tennessee roads and the regular state tag will cost you $45.

 

[Joe G.]

If you qualify for handicapped plates, check to see if there are some special regulations. In CA, if a rig has handicapped plates, no weight fee is charged.

 

[bmoeller]

Parking can be tricky in town at times, but not bad. I can fit into the same size hole as my Ford. The Ram has the same turning radius as my Ford, even though it is longer, so it takes about the same size opening to get into the parking space.



Tolls, Illinois charges by the number of axles, not weight. An 18-wheeler is $3 (at least on I-88) towards Chicago.



No road restrictions that I'm aware of. I know some states between here and Florida do have at times, lanes that are not to be used by trucks that have 6 or more wheels.

 

[stevenknapp]

It's a 3500 SRW I'm ordering. From what I've read there isn't much of a difference 2500/3500, some helper springs and cab lights. So I thought I'd just get the 3500 "just in case" The 2500's GVWR is also higher than the 8000 "B" rating. So I'd be in the same situation there.



I'm in Grayslake, which is ~1hr NNW of Chicago.



Parking, not so much thinking of the size, but more thinking of getting tickets. I'm trying to get a hold of the town to see if they will ticket my truck in the driveway or some such. I know there are towns where "work trucks" are not allowed.



I know there are roads in the city where you're not welcome with a "B" truck much less a "D", say Lake Shore Drive. But a friend mentioned "what about all the small suburban side streets marked "no trucks"?



Getting the "D" plates makes the vehicle sales tax exempt. Which saves me money for at least 10yrs.



http://www.sos.state.il.us/departments/vehicles/cft/cdf_faq.html



So I save money, the 6mo inspections seem pretty painless... . what am I missing? Is there some downside?



Thanks for all the help!

 

[CougFan]

How bout just moving to a non- commie state that wont hassle you for driving a pickup. ... ... . ; )

 

[stevenknapp]

I was thinking about a move to Texas, does that count?



Wife doens't want to be that far away from her family in upstate NY.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Hi stevenknapp



Come on out to Arizona. That's were most of the snowbirds live so she should feel 'right at home'.



I bought my 3500 DW six months ago. I got a reduction in the emissions fee from $27 normal to $20. 00 cause it's a diesel. Then at the tag agency, they stuck me for $12. 00 extra for a commercial tag cause it has dual wheels. Go figure? I argued that the truck is for pleasure. They said I could save $8. 00 by tagging it recreational, but if the bed ever had anything in it, I could be fined. A pickup truck the bed ALWAYS stays empty? don't think so... . I bought the commercial plate to save the hassles.



Parking isn't a problem for me. My company says we have to "back in" for safety, so that when we pull out, we are looking forward and can see oncoming traffic. Works for me. I like it anyway. Dumb idiots can't get by you if the truck occupys the whole driving lane while you are backing in ..... grin.....

 

[Black Cloud]

Steve,



I live in Indiana and travel quite often to Chicago and suburbs with my 3500. Honestly I have no problem getting around the City, yes it is a pain at times finding a parking spot but I tend to back in the back fourtys anyway. When you see a sign on the streets that says "NO TRUCKS", they mean actual trucks, not pickups.



Plates here in Indiana go by weight, with 7000 pounds being your typical pickup and I have 9000 on mine. I could have stepped up to 11,000 but my truck doesn't weigh that much and the is no benefit of having that.



I had the same decision as yourself. I could have gotten away with a 3/4 ton but I love the dually and couldn't resist.



Good Luck!

 

[stevenknapp]

FYI, in Chicago proper, any Boulevard (sp?) or Lake Shore Drive is not supposed to have even pickups. I've had many friends get hassled for that esp on LSD. Chicago is somewhat commie in that regard, it's extra cash for em.



Looks like no real reason not to be legal and get the "D" plates. My name is on the order for the truck now too. 3500 QC/SB SRW 4x4.



Thanks for all the help!

Steve