Trailers & Tow Vehicles: Ask all your questions here! How-To, Safety, etc

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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 site, Federal Motor Carrier's website: 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.

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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:

Trailer 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

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

Title Inspection Form: 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.)

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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

And, if using reflective tape, 50% of sides and rear required.

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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 . . .

[ToughBowtieTruck]

More to come!

[Mudduck]

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...

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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.

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.

[Mudduck]

i see  i was gonna haul a bogger on a 5th wheel then a pop up camper behind it....

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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.  

"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

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/documents/recreational_double_21025_7.pdf

[Mudduck]

Gotcha so i better not do it.... Cheaper to pay someone else to haul it for me  than dealing w tickets n towing

[85cHeavyMetalBogger]

great stuff, thx for posting.

[Mudduck]

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

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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.

[Mudduck]

Where can i get permit? State police office or secretary of state office?

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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.

[betterbeaters]

thanks for the good info!

but what do you do if you lose the trailer Registration? lost the paper still have plate?

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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.

[betterbeaters]

ok thanks thats easy lol

[ToughBowtieTruck]

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?

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

[4x4xdodgeman]

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.