Big trailer opportunity

[kvom]

The attached pic is a tow rig and trailer parked at Tim Kirk's garage.  F350 dually towing a 48' wedge trailer.

This could haul 4 buggies or 3 JKs.   Owner would sell combo for $8500, and trailer needs a couple of hundred more for rewiring.  Trailer has winch and ramps, and a 2' front extension that might squeeze different longer combos.

Truck is an 02 Powerstroke with about 350K miles.  However the fuel system (injectors, pump) have been replaced recently, and the transmission has 100K since replacement with OEM.  Owner says it gets 8MPG towing.  Trailer tires look good; rears on the truck might need replacement sooner, but I'm no tire expert.

A thought I had was that 3 or 4 of us might be interested in going in as a group, esp. those going to Moab next year.  I'm just throwin it out there.

[Raisinhead]

I may be up for putting money in on this. Could sell after moab to recoup as much as possible. Interesting thought.

[tcdawg]

What license is necessary to drive that much weight

[Scott F.]

What license is necessary to drive that much weight

http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.aspx?con=1741951492&ty=dl

Looks like you'll be ok with a normal class C, because that f350 is only rated for a GCWR of 20k and a max trailer weight of 12,800.  Lots of people out there towing more, but hit anyone while over the weight ratings + over litigious society = really bad day I would think.

Correction if it has the 4.30 or 4.88 rear end then 26k GCWR.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/2002_All.pdf

[DOUG]

My understanding is that you can add the GVWR's together, but I guess you shouldn't exceed the total rating, so i wonder how these haulers are doing it. 

That trailer being at least 21,000 GVWR puts it all well above 26,000, and in GA you'll need a NON COMMERCIAL CDL.  Easy to get by taking a test. 

There is a huge case from a few years back of a guy hauling an empty trailer thru Atlanta, and was cited for the weight rating and not having the proper drivers license for the rating even though it was empty.  he took it to the Supreme Court and lost. 

http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.aspx?con=1747971758&ty=dl

Class E (formerly Non-Commercial Class A)**   
Truck trailer or tractor-semi trailer combination in which the combination weight exceeds 26,001 pounds and the unit being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.  Applicants for a Driver’s License in Classes E or F (non-commercial) must submit a Form DDS-36 (Affidavit showing minimum driving experience of 3 months and/or 3,000 miles in type of vehicle for class of driver’s license being applied for.)

Class F (formerly Non-Commercial Class B)**   
Single vehicles weighing 26,001 or more pounds; and the unit being towed is less than 10,000 pounds; and motor vehicles included within Class C. Applicants must possess a Class C driver’s license prior to obtaining a Class B driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.  Applicants for a Driver’s License in Classes E or F (non-commercial) must submit a Form DDS-36 (Affidavit showing minimum driving experience of 3 months and/or 3,000 miles in type of vehicle for class of driver’s license being applied for.)

[bjeep]

Your real problem will be the 12' 6" height rule. Unless you plan on having a car on the front of the trailer.

[DOUG]

That is not what the state of Ga says on multiple sites.

http://www.test-guide.com/georgia-ga-cdl-license-handbook-examination-prep-and-requirements.html

The license required is based on the rating, not the load.

[DOUG]

I found the GA case I referred to earlier.

Williams was charged with violating OCGA § 40-5-146(a) by operating a combination (articulated) commercial motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of the power unit (tractor) and the towed unit (trailer) of 26,001 or more pounds, without having been issued a “class A” commercial driver's license required for operation of the vehicle. As provided in OCGA § 40-5-146(a), “no person may operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the person has been issued and is in immediate possession of a commercial driver's license valid for the vehicle he or she is driving.”

A “commercial motor vehicle” is defined under OCGA § 40-5-142(7)(A) as “a motor vehicle designed or used to transport passengers or property ․ f the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds or such lesser rating as determined by federal regulation.” Under OCGA § 40-5-150(b)(1), a “class A” commercial driver's license is required to operate a commercial motor vehicle consisting of “[a]ny combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.” Under OCGA § 40-5-142(17),

- See more at: http://caselaw.findlaw.com/ga-court-of-appeals/1520847.html#sthash.7byMo0KC.dpuf

[Big Dave]

Seems extreme.  I could see if he had it loaded with 26k+. But I guess they claim intent.

[Scott F.]

I wasn't thinking so much about license troubles or DOT enforcement. Obtaining the correct license would be easy. I was thinking how hard it would be as a defendant when Ken Nugent shows up to represent his client that you rear ended while over the manufacturers combined weight rating or tow rating of the vehicle. 

Wonder if deep down in the auto policy declarations somewhere there is a clause that will relieve your insurance company from liability if you are operating a vehicle over the manufacturers limit.  Not sure how all the "hotshots" get away with this, as a I see a lot with 3500/350 trucks if they are in a medium duty chassis truck. The ratings have shot up a lot lately but the 10-15 year old 1 ton truck ratings are really low compared to today. 

Of course hauling 4 Hondas at 3K a piece really won't put you over weight.