Trailer GVW rating question

[themadhatter]

is there any way to reduce the official GVW of a trailer after it's manufactured? I currently have it registered for zero pounds, the manufacturer declared the gvw at 14,000 pounds and I'd like to get it to 13,000 pounds.

it's a 2007 Kaufman 3 car (triple axle) hauler, any advice would be great.

[720Deere]

Try starting with your local dealer. I have seen this done before to get around DOT requirements. I know a guy that has several 12K trailers that have new decals rating them at 10K. It can be legally done as long as the manufacturer supplies you with new decal or plate.

[themadhatter]

Originally Posted by 720Deere

Try starting with your local dealer. I have seen this done before to get around DOT requirements. I know a guy that has several 12K trailers that have new decals rating them at 10K. It can be legally done as long as the manufacturer supplies you with new decal or plate.

Kaufman uses a sticker, I could easily make a replacement sticker but that'd be fraud and probably bite me in the rear later. I bought the trailer direct from them in NC, I guess I can give them a call. My issue is that my truck's gvw is 13k, add the 14k trailer and I'm in CDL Class A territory. The last time I loaded up my trailer and hit a scale, I weighed in at 24,500 with 3 cars on the back. Having the extra room to pull more just isn't needed as I can never use it even with three SUVs on the back...sometimes having a pickup with a 13k gvw is just overkill. :drive:

[720Deere]

I don't know how it works where you are, but in Maryland you need a CDL for any trailer over 10K no matter what your GCVW is.

[defjef]

Since this deals with towing, I was wondering when and If you have to cross the DOT scales with a trailer?

[720Deere]

Everybody has different thoughts on this. In MD the signs used to read "Commercial Vehicles over 10,000 lbs" now they say "All Vehicles over 10,000 lbs". Basically they consider any type of equipment trailer to be commercial no matter what. If you have an F350 dually on up through a F550 and beyond then you are supposed to stop.

RVs are usually exempt.

[DieselFord]

From AZ crossing into NM or CO has signs requiring all vehicles pulling a trailer must stop.
Going into CA same thing, CA will chase you down if you have a 3 axel trailer and you best have all the “T”’s & “I”s crossed and doted per USDOT (CFR 49) or one will be setting on the side till you get your act together. :rain:
Never got questioned on the GCVWR when my paper work had a higher weight (fees paid) than the scale registered, never looked at the vehicle applied stickers, only the paperwork.
Let’s say trailer & truck manufactured for 30K, fees paid for 20K (10K & 10K, at the no CDL required), scaled at 18,789.
Divers license (not a CDL), registration papers for truck, trailer, bill of ladling for the stuff in (or on) the trailer and the drivers log, have a nice evening, enjoy your trip.
:burnout
P/S and you do have a copy of CFR49 & the daily inspection log in the truck, per the requirements, never been asked to show them.

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Last edited by DieselFord : 10-03-2007 at 10:25 AM.

[themadhatter]

Originally Posted by defjef

Since this deals with towing, I was wondering when and If you have to cross the DOT scales with a trailer?

the ONLY time that the DOT (federal law) does not require you to stop is when you're driving/pulling for pleasure (not for hire/business). any other time requires you to stop.

this is the absolute law as far as Federal DOT requirements go, states have the ability to enforce their own laws as you see in the above posts.

[DieselFord]

Originally Posted by themadhatter

the ONLY time that the DOT (federal law) does not require you to stop is when you're driving/pulling for pleasure (not for hire/business). any other time requires you to stop.

this is the absolute law as far as Federal DOT requirements go, states have the ability to enforce their own laws as you see in the above posts.

The man at the gate is the law as he sees it. Have had this face to face, not worth the time, just play the game. Have rolled into a scale and told to keep moving, also received the 2nd look, having the paperwork ready ends up with the thank you, have a nice day. Some times (most times) he may not buy its just a hobby not as he sees a pro or semipro racing operation. Safe move I found pass the paperwork and pass through.

[orangesbc383]

when the sign says weight station open, all commerishal trucks must enter, as the other post said it is up to the scale master to make the call i have been pulled over by the dot many times, on the road or at the scale doing a spot check> they all look for different things. In new York state the DOT is not very friendly, going to the races with a 1 ton truck with a tri axel trailer all letter with the racing logos and all even said not for hire, they went through the whole truck brakes lights ect. then on to the scale the trailer weighed in at 13,500 its a good thing i was driveing because ive got my class a. Needless to say its up to johnny law.