Decifering Trailer towing laws.

CBakes · June 13, 2013, 04:52:37 PM

I recently aquired a trailer capable of hauling 2 trucks at one time. It is a trailboss 10T tag a long. 25' deck and 5 ' dove. My question is, with out a cdl or someother classification, can I legally tow both trucks on this trailer, being as though the combined weight of the 2 trucks could be over 10, 000 pounds?
My tow rig is a 2007 Ford F350 Crew cab long bed 6.0 diesel. Trailer weighs 7K-7500lbs. Any info would be great!

ToughBowtieTruck · June 13, 2013, 05:45:18 PM

The big problem is it's a dually trailer. DOT will look at that as a commercial trailer, and your weights are so high you will probably get harassed without a CDL.

Just one truck on the trailer might push you over 10,000 lbs, in which you'll have to be careful where you go. Every DOT has their own discretion on it.

CBakes · June 13, 2013, 06:48:28 PM

Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on June 13, 2013, 05:45:18 PM
The big problem is it's a dually trailer. DOT will look at that as a commercial trailer, and your weights are so high you will probably get harassed without a CDL.

Just one truck on the trailer might push you over 10,000 lbs, in which you'll have to be careful where you go. Every DOT has their own discretion on it.

Thanks for the info.....

There really is no clear answer or any real information online for this particular scenario. Anyone suggest anything else or department to call?

poorboyzmuddin · June 13, 2013, 07:31:07 PM

try calling the state police they might give some kinda info

4x4xdodgeman · June 13, 2013, 09:56:37 PM

one thing on this is the gvw of the truck that you are towing with is not rate for that height that you are towing. if want to call some body you have to motor carry. not state police

'the DON' · June 13, 2013, 10:38:02 PM

you would have to be over weight on that hitch. i have the same questions. i want a new trailer too so i can haul 2 trucks but the gcwr on my truck is like 19k i think and thats a dually.

lilred · June 14, 2013, 12:48:06 AM

I think I'm going to have trouble with my suburban also. Even though its a 3/4 ton frame, suspension etc the body on it was a 2wd half ton according to the vin.

BigFrank · June 14, 2013, 08:38:14 AM

buy a heavier weight class liscense plate for the truck my companys work trucks are all plated way over what they will safely haul but like don said your limited by the hitch on the truck

Mudduck · June 15, 2013, 02:28:59 AM

I had 35 ft 5th wheel and the frame is a camper and I had hauled two mud toys all over and never got bothered. Knocking on the wood.

Thumper · June 15, 2013, 11:17:39 AM

we haul all over Michigan, your biggest problem will be the size of your hitch mount trailer. with a hitch mount trailer that big the DOT will get you, you are gonna be way over safe bumper towing capacity. get rid of that trailer and get a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer problem solved. I haul a 35' tandam dual gooseneck never had a problem

BigFrank · June 15, 2013, 11:21:29 AM

Quote from: Thumper on June 15, 2013, 11:17:39 AM
we haul all over Michigan, your biggest problem will be the size of your hitch mount trailer. with a hitch mount trailer that big the DOT will get you, you are gonna be way over safe bumper towing capacity. get rid of that trailer and get a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer problem solved. I haul a 35' tandam dual gooseneck never had a problem

that's what I was thinking also

Hammerlane · June 17, 2013, 04:03:33 PM

MTA (Michigan trucking asso.) may be able to assist w/ the legal..

your GVWR (Gross Vehicle weight rating) combined with combination vehicle weights/ gross axle weights etc..
will determine how legal you are.
I would say your outside the boundries on multiple levels, over bumper, over gross, over axle at least.
you are not hauling commercially so CDL is a grey area.. combination vehicle over 10,001 lbs i think you would need at least a chauffers.

Thumper · June 18, 2013, 12:22:28 PM

no "profit" = no chauffer's license needed, but if you use your truck to make any profit of any kind you now have become commercial whether you have an actual "business" or not. technically all the comp racers, including myself, that make money or prizes at boggs could be held to all commercial rules if DOT wanted to press the issue, including having a DOT Medical Card. As a business owner with 6 driver's I attend seminars about this issue because it always changes. I have worked with and highly questioned the MTA and several DOT certified state police weigh masters to keep our driver's legal as well as being within reasonable legal limits when I do personal hauling.

CBakes · June 18, 2013, 12:56:23 PM

Thanks for all of the info guys. It does help. Gonna sell the two trailers I have in hopes of getting a NICE goose neck.

badhabit · July 13, 2013, 12:36:45 AM

chris how big of a goose neck you lookin for? you still going to haul two trucks? goose necks are the way to go!

CBakes · July 13, 2013, 01:08:07 AM

Quote from: badhabit on July 13, 2013, 12:36:45 AM
chris how big of a goose neck you lookin for? you still going to haul two trucks? goose necks are the way to go!

I really need to start looking. I will be selling the two trailers I have to purchase one. Any suggestions for models / sizes?

badhabit · July 14, 2013, 04:15:44 AM

depends you planning on haulin two trucks?? we got a 25 ft and we haul all we need on that not to big and works great we trying to get a 32ft so i can get my dads rail and our bogger on same trailor so we can travel to races with both trucks.

BigFrank · July 14, 2013, 11:10:32 AM

Quote from: CBakes on July 13, 2013, 01:08:07 AM
Quote from: badhabit on July 13, 2013, 12:36:45 AM
chris how big of a goose neck you lookin for? you still going to haul two trucks? goose necks are the way to go!
I really need to start looking. I will be selling the two trailers I have to purchase one. Any suggestions for models / sizes?

theres a nice one on m 52 for sale north of m 57 west side of the road the guy must work for the road commission he drives home the road grader