I will be adding to this thread with the effort of increasing knowledge of the rules and regulations that surround tow rigs and trailers in Michigan.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for the individual to gain a better knowledge of the safety, rules, and regulations of various tow rig and trailer combinations, by use of Michigan's website: www.michigan.gov/sos (http://www.michigan.gov/sos) site, Federal Motor Carrier's website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov) , and through information gained elsewhere. Look for the "Source: xxxxxx" for a hotlink to the quoted or paraphrased text to find where information is coming from. This guide is intended as stated: a guide. Nothing more. I am not here to point out improper trailers or methods, but simply to point out the rules that you should be aware of when towing, building a trailer, etc etc. Remember, we're all sharing the road. The safer we all can be, the better off we all will be.
++peace
Registration, Plates, and Titles: First off,
all trailers in Michigan are required to be registered. Each trailer should have a plate that matches the weight of the trailer. A copy of the registration with the tow vehicle or located in a sealed container on the trailer is also a good idea to remember in case you were to be stopped.
Now if your trailer weighs over 2500lbs, Michigan requires it to be titled. If you do not have a title, you can go to SoS and file for one. Easiest way is with an "assembled trailer" receipt with a price, and a "Certified" weight slip. Certified means some company with a scale has recorded the weight of the trailer to be true.
Then you will be asked to have a police inspect the trailer, and return the application and inspection paperwork. At that point SoS will issue you an appointment date to take the trailer and have it inspected again, then your trailer will have a new VIN attached. Finally, you can walk in and get your title and plate! I've done it, and it isn't the most terrible thing to do, so long as the trailer passes the inspections. Those guidelines will follow shortly.
Plate and title fees:QuoteTrailer and Trailer Coach Plate Fees
Trailers and trailer coaches are registered with a permanent, non-expiring trailer plate based on the unit's weight. Trailer plates are nontransferable.
Trailers and Trailer Coaches 0-2,499 pounds -$75
Trailers and Trailer Coaches 2,500-9,999 pounds -$200
Trailers and Trailer Coaches 10,000 pounds or more -$300
Replacement Trailer Plate -$5
Trailer or Trailer Coach Title -$15 if applicable
Source: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1585_14651-75432--,00.html (http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1585_14651-75432--,00.html)
Information regarding getting a title for an assembled trailer over 2500lbs:What you need to do as the trailer owner/builder: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/BFS-72__09-03__83315_7.pdf (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/BFS-72__09-03__83315_7.pdf)
Title Inspection Form: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf)
(This to be completed by a police officer, however you can print it off and use it as a guide to make sure you will pass inspection.)
Lights and Reflectors/Reflective Material and Inspection Guidelines Based on Michigan Rule:
Michigan divides trailers into two different sections when concerning lights. They are: Under 3,000 gvw (weight+trailer load) and, Over 3,000 gvw (weight+trailer load). Any trailer, besides pole trailers, will fall under one of these sections.
NOTE: The Michigan law states that while these are the minimum requirements, any additional lights on the trailer must be kept operational. For instance, if the law says "at least one" and you have two but only one is working, you still can be ticketed for it not working.
NOTE: These rules are based on Michigan Rule. More may be required to meet Federal D.O.T rules, or rules on trailers used commercially.
The requirements to pass inspection are:
Under 3,000 gvw:
-At least One tail light
-Two reflectors facing the rear, on each side
-Brake light (required ONLY if load or trailer will block vehicle brake lights)
-license plate light
-tires with at least 2/32" tread, D.O.T. approved and in good order.
Over 3,000 gvw:
-At least One tail light
-At least One brake light
-license plate light
-Two FRONT clearance lamps, one on each side facing the FRONT, amber
-Two REAR clearance lamps, one on each side facing the REAR (two taillights on the sides count)
-Two side marker lamps ON EACH SIDE (two facing the driver's side, at the front and rear, two facing the passenger side, at the front and rear)
-Two reflectors on EACH SIDE (two facing the driver's side, at the front and rear, two facing the passenger side, at the front and rear)
-Two reflectors facing the REAR on each side
-tires with at least 2/32" tread, D.O.T. approved and in good order.
ALSO: If trailer is 5,500lbs gvw or more (trailer and load/trailer rating) Brakes are required on all wheels.
Source: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf)
And, if using reflective tape, 50% of sides and rear required.
Safety Chains:
There are various sites on the net that state Michigan requires two safety chains on any trailer, 5th wheel included. However, I find that not to be true, since the 5th wheel is considered the safest form of hauling-But not to be confused with the gooseneck trailer!
While I try and figure that out, I do know Michigan requires 2 safety chains on goosenecks and bumper-pulls that can pull the trailer and load without failing. Chains on bumper-pull trailers should be crossed also. This is so the chains can "catch" the tongue of the trailer should its primary hitch fail.
Be it law or not, safety chains are cheap insurance that can mean the difference between an out-of-control trailer, and a trailer you can get stopped if the primary hitch fails. Speaking of being able to stop a trailer . . .
More to come! ;D
Find out more info on how long trailer can u haul and combo a 5 th wheel pulling a trailer I know it legal to do that but there length n weight limitation...
Quote from: Mudduck on March 01, 2012, 02:07:00 PM
Find out more info on how long trailer can u haul and combo a 5 th wheel pulling a trailer I know it legal to do that but there length n weight limitation...
Total length of truck and recreation double cannot exceed 65 feet. I think most non commercial trailers are limited to 40 feet, might be 53' like semi trailers. Cannot exceed tow rating of tow rig. I'll get a concrete post later on. ;D
The rec double, or "R" endorsement, only allows for two trailers to be pulled, with the primary trailer being a 5th wheel only. No goosenecks allowed to do this. Also, one trailer must be of the recreation type. You must have this endorsement to do so.
I don't know if a CDL-A holder with the T endorsement like myself is allowed to pull two flatbed doubles behind a pickup and be legal, or not. I've had discussions with friends and so far we cannot find that information. But having the CDL-A and T endorsement allows me to pull the recreation double without the endorsement, because my endorsement is at a higher level.
i see i was gonna haul a bogger on a 5th wheel then a pop up camper behind it....
Quote from: Mudduck on March 04, 2012, 04:57:34 PM
i see i was gonna haul a bogger on a 5th wheel then a pop up camper behind it....
I found the primary trailer
has to be a 5th wheel designed for living purposes only. Quote"What is the recreational double endorsement and when is it needed?
Answer:
A recreational double endorsement ® is needed when driving a pickup truck, equipped with a fifth-wheel assembly with an attached fifth-wheel trailer designed for recreational living purposes and towing an additional trailer or semi trailer. The total length of all three vehicles cannot exceed 65 feet. The gross weight of the additional trailer cannot exceed the empty weight of the pickup or the semi trailer. The minimum age to get a recreational doubles endorsement is 18. The cost of the endorsement is $10. You must pass a 15-question Recreational Doubles written test. No road test is required. "
Source: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-48296-88453--F,00.html (http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-48296-88453--F,00.html)
Quote
A "recreational double" is a pickup truck pulling a fifth wheel trailer designed for recreational living purposes, with a second trailer attached to the rear of the fifth wheel trailer. The pickup truck must have a towing rate equal to, or greater than, the total weight being towed. To operate a recreational double, you must have an "R" endorsement on your driver license. Anyone age 18 or older with a valid driver license may apply for this endorsement at a branch office. A knowledge test is required. There is no skills test. Drivers holding a Group "A" CDL with a "T" double or triple trailers endorsement can operate a recreational double without the "R" endorsement. Triple trailers are not permitted in Michigan. For more information, obtain a copy of the brochure A Recreational Double Endorsement at a Secretary of State branch office or from this web site.
Source: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53329-212757--,00.html (http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53329-212757--,00.html)
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/recreational_double_21025_7.pdf (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/recreational_double_21025_7.pdf)
Gotcha so i better not do it.... Cheaper to pay someone else to haul it for me than dealing w tickets n towing
great stuff, thx for posting.
What the rules n regulation on wide load? As soon I finish my boat blogger it gonna be wider than 102" with tractor tires on just wanted to know what the rules on that
Quote from: Mudduck on March 08, 2012, 02:56:09 PM
What the rules n regulation on wide load? As soon I finish my boat blogger it gonna be wider than 102" with tractor tires on just wanted to know what the rules on that
As far as I know to this point, 102" is the legal max limit. Some restricted roads are still 96" however there aren't that many. Anything over 102" might require permits to legally transport.
Where can i get permit? State police office or secretary of state office?
I think permits are based on a one-time trip basis. So each time you'd have to get a permit. I need to research it though for I cannot come up with any direct answers yet.
thanks for the good info!
but what do you do if you lose the trailer Registration? lost the paper still have plate?
Quote from: betterbeaters on March 09, 2012, 03:40:56 AM
thanks for the good info!
but what do you do if you lose the trailer Registration? lost the paper still have plate?
Go to Secretary of State and they will print you off a new registration. So long as it is in your name. Replacement plate is 5 bucks, I don't think there is a fee for just another copy of registration though. ++peace
ok thanks thats easy lol
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 08, 2012, 06:21:10 PM
Quote from: Mudduck on March 08, 2012, 02:56:09 PM
What the rules n regulation on wide load? As soon I finish my boat blogger it gonna be wider than 102" with tractor tires on just wanted to know what the rules on that
As far as I know to this point, 102" is the legal max limit. Some restricted roads are still 96" however there aren't that many. Anything over 102" might require permits to legally transport.
Quote from: Mudduck on March 08, 2012, 08:10:30 PM
Where can i get permit? State police office or secretary of state office?
Here's the State of Michigan board for Oversize/Overweight permits, and what is oversize and overweight: But it's only for M-DOT maintained roads. County roads require county permits, as the link explains.
http://www.michigan.gov./mdot/0,1607,7-151-9623_26662_26679_27267_48606-185333--,00.html#2 (http://www.michigan.gov./mdot/0,1607,7-151-9623_26662_26679_27267_48606-185333--,00.html#2)
wide load permits for the state work on like m21 and us127, if i thank right you can get it for like 21 days. once you off the highways go on to county road you need county permit for each county you go though. (around $100.00) those for a year. you will need orange flags each corners wide load sign on front.
What abbout fenders???
i'm not sure if you can do wide load on the weekend or after dark ?
you can on sat day but not sunday, not after dark. and when it comes to holiday weekend, you cann't haul after 3:00 the friday before the weekend. I think on question on fenders no because all you is mud flaps. lowboys don't have anything on top of the tires. semi you just need mud flaps.
So do I have to have a Mdot # for me to haul my bogger?
no
how do they do the weight limit ? can i be over weight hauling my bogger ?
Quote from: 'the DON' on April 13, 2012, 10:02:55 PM
how do they do the weight limit ? can i be over weight hauling my bogger ?
You aren't allowed to exceed the weight ratings set by the manufacturer of the vehicle. No matter what add-ons the vehicle has, the D.O.T. goes by the factory-assigned ratings that vehicle's VIN has.
Yes, you can be overweight if you are beyond your tow rating/ or tongue/pin weight limit or axle rating limits.
All sorts of stuff they can get you for.
i had a combined weight of 21k when i went to yankee lake my dually says 19,000 gcvwr i think .
Quote from: 'the DON' on April 13, 2012, 10:31:40 PM
i had a combined weight of 21k when i went to yankee lake my dually says 19,000 gcvwr i think .
If you load it properly, you probably won't have any issues. It's the people with excessive tongue/pin weight or excessive weight on the trailer axles that get attention.
Quote from: 'the DON' on April 13, 2012, 10:31:40 PM
i had a combined weight of 21k when i went to yankee lake my dually says 19,000 gcvwr i think .
then you were over gross.. which surley put you over on your axles too.
gcvwr = Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (thats dually, trailer and load combined)
i got pulled over a few yrs back and the state cop said i had 2 have fenders on the trailer and of coarse i didnt at the time but i got a few tickets from him because i got cocky just like he did i just dont take p00 from a holes and he was a ahole
I'm building a trailer. So what about lights. What are required? I have the 2 tail lights so far. And plan to put 3 red marker lights aross the back. And what about the reflector tape. Is it required and how many inches and stuff apart? The trailers 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. Getting close to getting the deck ready to put on plan on getting it weighed in a few weeks then going to get it registered and get the plate.
Quote from: 73chevytruck on April 28, 2012, 09:43:00 PM
I'm building a trailer. So what about lights. What are required? I have the 2 tail lights so far. And plan to put 3 red marker lights aross the back. And what about the reflector tape. Is it required and how many inches and stuff apart? The trailers 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. Getting close to getting the deck ready to put on plan on getting it weighed in a few weeks then going to get it registered and get the plate.
First page has the read-up on lights and reflectors and placement. ==np
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 09, 2012, 07:35:57 PM
Quote from: betterbeaters on March 09, 2012, 03:40:56 AM
thanks for the good info!
but what do you do if you lose the trailer Registration? lost the paper still have plate?
Go to Secretary of State and they will print you off a new registration. So long as it is in your name. Replacement plate is 5 bucks, I don't think there is a fee for just another copy of registration though. ++peace
mine is unreadable, been in my wallet 10 years. just used it last summer, luckily the cop didnt care.
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on April 29, 2012, 03:55:02 PM
Quote from: 73chevytruck on April 28, 2012, 09:43:00 PM
I'm building a trailer. So what about lights. What are required? I have the 2 tail lights so far. And plan to put 3 red marker lights aross the back. And what about the reflector tape. Is it required and how many inches and stuff apart? The trailers 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. Getting close to getting the deck ready to put on plan on getting it weighed in a few weeks then going to get it registered and get the plate.
First page has the read-up on lights and reflectors and placement. ==np
ive looked all around on there and cant find anything about any of it,
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 01, 2012, 05:59:24 AM
Lights and Reflectors/Reflective Material and Inspection Guidelines Based on Michigan Rule:
Michigan divides trailers into two different sections when concerning lights. They are: Under 3,000 gvw (weight+trailer load) and, Over 3,000 gvw (weight+trailer load). Any trailer, besides pole trailers, will fall under one of these sections.
NOTE: The Michigan law states that while these are the minimum requirements, any additional lights on the trailer must be kept operational. For instance, if the law says "at least one" and you have two but only one is working, you still can be ticketed for it not working.
NOTE: These rules are based on Michigan Rule. More may be required to meet Federal D.O.T rules, or rules on trailers used commercially.
The requirements to pass inspection are:
Under 3,000 gvw:
-At least One tail light
-Two reflectors facing the rear, on each side
-Brake light (required ONLY if load or trailer will block vehicle brake lights)
-license plate light
-tires with at least 2/32" tread, D.O.T. approved and in good order.
Over 3,000 gvw:
-At least One tail light
-At least One brake light
-license plate light
-Two FRONT clearance lamps, one on each side facing the FRONT, amber
-Two REAR clearance lamps, one on each side facing the REAR (two taillights on the sides count)
-Two side marker lamps ON EACH SIDE (two facing the driver's side, at the front and rear, two facing the passenger side, at the front and rear)
-Two reflectors on EACH SIDE (two facing the driver's side, at the front and rear, two facing the passenger side, at the front and rear)
-Two reflectors facing the REAR on each side
-tires with at least 2/32" tread, D.O.T. approved and in good order.
ALSO: If trailer is 5,500lbs gvw or more (trailer and load/trailer rating) Brakes are required on all wheels.
Source: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf)
And, if using reflective tape, 50% of sides and rear required.
For the reflectors on the sides and rear, would it be amber for the front and red for the rear like marker lights?
Quote from: Bowtie972 on April 30, 2012, 12:41:17 AM
For the reflectors on the sides and rear, would it be amber for the front and red for the rear like marker lights?
Yep, red is only allowed on the rear sides and rear facing. Or use reflector tape as a substitute. Most "trailer light kits" you find have built-in reflective lenses though, so those should count as reflectors as well.
chaining a vehicle down in 4 points, can i use 2 chains to do this? or do i need 4?
Quote from: marshall on May 04, 2012, 11:42:09 AM
chaining a vehicle down in 4 points, can i use 2 chains to do this? or do i need 4?
Supposed to have 4 chains and binders. Equipment needs the chains to be crossed.
If one chain fails, you at least have 1 other chain to hold the load. If you only have two chains, one fails, the load is no longer secure.
VERY, VERY, cheap insurance.
i got told over the weekend that they had a law that said u have 2 take ur hitch off the truck when u arent towin a trailer i thought that stupid but owell mine will be on the truck anyway but wanted 2 c if this is true ive looked all over the state site and found nothin on it
just heard that myself. thats my bumper protector, lol
Ive never heard of it...... I like to keep my big pintle hitch on...... for them people that dont know how to stop behind me....lol already happened once got rear ended by a caviler and it barely scratched my bumper..... he had to get towed loll
Quote from: xjs3667 on May 21, 2012, 04:06:55 PM
Ive never heard of it...... I like to keep my big pintle hitch on...... for them people that dont know how to stop behind me....lol already happened once got rear ended by a caviler and it barely scratched my bumper..... he had to get towed loll
thats y i was told they made this a law because cars were gettin messed up pretty bad from the hitches and i leave my big hitch in all the time and wont take it out untill they stop me and tell me i have 2
Quote from: mudboggincrazy on May 21, 2012, 07:47:34 PM
Quote from: xjs3667 on May 21, 2012, 04:06:55 PM
Ive never heard of it...... I like to keep my big pintle hitch on...... for them people that dont know how to stop behind me....lol already happened once got rear ended by a caviler and it barely scratched my bumper..... he had to get towed loll
thats y i was told they made this a law because cars were gettin messed up pretty bad from the hitches and i leave my big hitch in all the time and wont take it out untill they stop me and tell me i have 2
Exactly, either way if they rear end u its their fault so why should u mess ur truck up too. Its not like its a giant spike sticking outa there alltho sometimes I wish there was..... Maybe then people wont tailgate so much loll
its just another way to pull you over, then they can serch you ride,and give you p00 for nothing !
Two problems with hitches left in the trucks:
1: It interferes with the bumper absorbing impact
2: some can block your license plate.
This is a law in Indiana, but as far as I know not in MI. However, your hitch can't be blocking visibility to your license plate if you aren't hauling anything. That they can get you for.
they dont like it if your hitch covers up that strip in the middle of ur plate that their computer reads. I always have mine in. Its saved my bumper a few times.
Man, if we get enough trailer/towing related posts in here, there could be a whole thread of useful posts in it. ;D
i have a couple trailer ??? looking at a assembeled not factory built trailer it has 3 trailer house axels under it i cant find any rating on them and was wondering about how much this thing would be rated at next one the guy said its never been registered soo is there a form i need too get or just weight slip from grain elevator and take that to sos my biggest concern is the axels and rims/tires on it
I hate blasting my shin bone on them cuz I forget its in there but I like leaving mine in aalso
whats the weight rating on a trailer house axel anyone know
usually 6 to 7k pounds
Quote from: BigFrank on February 08, 2013, 02:21:39 AM
Quote from: BLAZIN SKIDDY on February 08, 2013, 01:08:10 AM
usually 6 to 7k pounds
thanks
5,200 and 7,000 are the most popular.
As far as weight,
if it is over 2500lbs, be prepared to show a receipt for it and to get it inspected by police and the state, because you HAVE to title any trailer weighing 2501lbs and more.
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on February 26, 2013, 02:43:51 AM
Quote from: BigFrank on February 08, 2013, 02:21:39 AM
Quote from: BLAZIN SKIDDY on February 08, 2013, 01:08:10 AM
usually 6 to 7k pounds
thanks
5,200 and 7,000 are the most popular.
As far as weight,
if it is over 2500lbs, be prepared to show a receipt for it and to get it inspected by police and the state, because you HAVE to title any trailer weighing 2501lbs and more.
one more lol is there a way too turn theses trailer house axels into a 8 lug hub or would it bee easier too just change the axles
Just swap them out. 8lug axles are only anout $400 each.
I know that Bud style wheels are legal there is no law saying different and i checked with the state police post, but the tires witch are 14.5 have to be dot approved!
just wondering im goin truck shopping and im looking at a 1/2 ton chevy with the 5.7 in it and was wondering if that motor would be good hauling my 98' Silverado bogger on 40s on my 18' car trailer up to hale for tgw? I currently have a 2002 chevy with 4.3 vortec and 3:73 gears and if I cant find a truck before august ill be towin my bogger up to hale with a v6?
A v8 would help, but you need to pay attention to the gear ratios as well. 3.73s and 4.10s will be your best bet.
Like I told you before all it takes is the wrong DOT officer to hassle your current tow rig setup.
ik I make sure all my lights and set up is right cuz I move mobile homes with my toter and the DOT sucks. im gonna have to use my V6 for this year ill just have to find somewhere to get a trans cooler installed. and I should be alright. thanks for all the help
look cool