Interstate Trucking regs

[mitchntx]

So, on a whim, we decided to pull into a weigh station and see how much the rig weighed.

 

2K1 GMC 2500 HD - 6.0L - A4 - 4WD - CC/SB - 24' tag - 95 Camaro - race support gear

 

Truck front - ~3600

Truck rear - ~ 5800

Trailer - ~ 8000

 

We were within the vehicle and trailer ratings.

 

The trailer had some graphics on it, signifying a "sponsor". The sponsor basically footed the fuel bill to and from Ohio.

 

However, the questions concerning the trailer contents, who owned the trailer and contents, what we did with the contents and if the contents (or trailer) generated revenue was a little scarey.

 

Learned Lesson - Don't EVER pull into a state operated weigh station. Too many questions to answer and they must be answered correctly to avoid further delay or wallet drainage.

 

Can someone point me to a website to do some research on what to do and not do to make sure I stay legal?

[dewfpo]

Truck front - ~3600

Truck rear - ~ 5800

 

 

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That looks like 9,400 lbs. I thought the GVWR was 9,200 lbs on these rigs?

 

DEWFPO

[95Sierra2500]

Truck front - ~3600

Truck rear - ~ 5800

 

 

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That looks like 9,400 lbs. I thought the GVWR was 9,200 lbs on these rigs?

 

DEWFPO

 

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Those numbers DO add up like that, but you have to remember that he's towing a trailer, so he's got additional weight on the back of the truck. More than his GVWR? Sure. Enough to worry about? Nope.

[scrver]

Do a google search for weigh stations and you will find private ones.

[gave20]

If he was a commercial operator, being over his GVWR WOULD be a problem.

[mmmikkke]

So, on a whim, we decided to pull into a weigh station and see how much the rig weighed.

 

2K1 GMC 2500 HD - 6.0L - A4 - 4WD - CC/SB - 24' tag - 95 Camaro - race support gear

 

Truck front - ~3600

Truck rear - ~ 5800

Trailer - ~ 8000

 

We were within the vehicle and trailer ratings.

 

The trailer had some graphics on it, signifying a "sponsor". The sponsor basically footed the fuel bill to and from Ohio.

 

However, the questions concerning the trailer contents, who owned the trailer and contents, what we did with the contents and if the contents (or trailer) generated revenue was a little scarey.

 

Learned Lesson - Don't EVER pull into a state operated weigh station. Too many questions to answer and they must be answered correctly to avoid further delay or wallet drainage.

 

Can someone point me to a website to do some research on what to do and not do to make sure I stay legal?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

So how'd they ping you? Just a delay, or did they knit-pick?

[mitchntx]

Mostly delay in playing "20 Questions". It was a moment of clarity ...

[lowrider]

It was a moment of clarity ...

 

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Lou

[willieboy]

GCVWR and GVWR are two different things. So long as he is not over the towing limit (GCVWR-empty truck wet weight plus 1 150 lb. passenger) he is well within his limits.

 

GCVWR: Gross combined vehicle weight rating= the total weight of the combo

 

GVWR: Maximum truck combined axle weights. This will include everything in the truck plus the tongue weight of the trailer, bit not the trailer itself.

[95Sierra2500]

If he was a commercial operator, being over his GVWR WOULD be a problem.

 

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That's true, but since he's not (and most of us aren't) then it's no big deal. It also won't hurt the truck, I'm SURE of that. Most trucks are actually far underrated. My dad's '94 1-ton dually crew cab weighs in at 7000 lbs and has a 10k lbs GVWR. And I know we've had almost 5000 lbs in the bed of that truck. My granddad has ALWAYS had half-ton trucks and loads them up w/feed for his cows/pigs, and CONSTANTLY has them riding on the overloads. Hasn't broken a spring yet.

[mitchntx]

What the truck will do and what the regs allow are 2 different things.

 

One is cool and the other can be expensive.

[Bart2500HD]

Yes, what a truck CAN do and what it is rated for are different. I believe the main factor in determining ratings is the braking system of the truck and its ability to stop the load.

[k3500]

There's an article on this website discussing the DOT regs for drag racers and how the rules are very open to interpretation by the local law enforcement.

 

http://www.dragracingonline.com/archives.html

 

Select the September 2005 issue and the column is on the left side of the page, written by Jok Nicholson, the "Dead On" column. The bottom line from the article is if you claim income/losses from racing on your taxes, you are considered a commercial vehicle and need to adhere to commercial regs. I'm not saying your situation is like this, but that is what is stated in the article.

 

There has also been discussions on this on the Bracket Talk forum - do a search of DOT and you should find them.

 

http://drr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/cfrm/f/4976075

 

I think they are targetting the semi-pro racers more than the "little guy" bracket racers (i.e. the toterhomes and stacker trailers).

 

Hope it helps.