I'm not even sure if I used the right terminology there. My dad sells smokers that you tow behind your truck...like 5-7 feet wide. We live in GA, and the guy that makes them live in TX. I have been meeting the guy in Louisiana and then piggy back two back to GA.

We have thought about a 3-car hauler trailer so we would be able to two 5 or so, maybe 6, depends on how we load them.

My question is, will I be required to stop at a weigh station or acquire a different class drivers liscense? The loads shouldn't exceed 26k gross. I am not real familiar with the laws on this matter. What problems will I run into with the DOT if I do this, if any?

If somebody has a website as to where I could get more info, that would also be great.

Thanks,
Matt

Do a search for a thread about the DOT. IIRC, the gist of it was that if you're making money, it's commercial load. The context of that thread was making a few bucks off of rock crawling competitions, but I'd think the logic would apply to your situation, as well.

Mark

thats the way i understand it too, if your being paid or making money on the product technicaly it would be DOT/CDL. in the scales i used to get stoped at they had a poster of a toy pickup and a semi and it was aimed at just that.

you do need to research this, you may not need a a/b class or airbrake stuff but you can get c class cdls.

however, i drove a c class flat bed lumber truck, was stopped many time and they never said anything about me not having a c class cdl.

edit: you may also need to DOT register your truck and or hauler trailer

however, i drove a c class flat bed lumber truck, was stopped many time and they never said anything about me not having a c class cdl.
If the truck only had two axles and GVWR was less than 26,000 lbs. then a Class C was fine. Just depends.

You need to check the laws in your state. Also, there is way more to it then just getting a CDL if you are considered a commercial hauler.

GA DMV says you need a class A license to tow any trailer (rv exempt) with a GVWR over 10k if the combo exceedes 26k.

you need DOT #'s to run interstate commerce and are required to maintain a driver's log.

Depending on trailer capacity & actual weight will determine the requirement of a CDL.


Class A

Truck tractor-semi trailer combination in which the combination weight exceeds 26,001 pounds and trailing unit exceeds 10,000 pounds and vehicles in Class B and C. Applicants must possess a Class C license before obtaining a Class A and be at least 18 years of age.

A single driver's license, with a combination of classifications, will be issued to qualified persons who wish to drive various types of vehicles.

Applicants for a driver's license in Classes A or B (non-commercial) must submit a DS form #36 (Affidavit showing minimum driving experience of 3 months and/or 3,000 miles in type of vehicle for class of license being applied for.)

Class B

Single vehicles weighing 26,001 or more pounds; may tow a trailing unit of less than 10,000 pounds; and motor vehicles included within Class C. Applicants must possess a Class C license prior to obtaining a Class B license and be at least 18 years of age.

Class C

Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not in excess of 26,000 pounds, any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not in excess of 10,000 pounds, any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 10,000 pounds, provided that the combination of vehicles has a gross combined vehicle weight rating not in excess of 26,000 pounds, and any self-propelled or towed vehicle that is equipped to serve as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel purposes and is used solely as a family or personal conveyance.

Class D

Provisional license for Class C vehicles. May not operate between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. During six-month period immediately following issuance of such license any Class D license holder shall not drive when any passenger in the vehicle is not a member of driver's immediate family. For the duration of the Class D, license holders shall not drive when more than three passengers in the vehicle are less than 21 years of age. (Members of the driver’s immediate family do not count).

Class M

Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles are included in this class. An applicant must be at least 16 years of age in order to get a Class M license, but is not required to possess a Class C license before applying for this license.

Mopeds

A moped is any motor driven cycle with an engine not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters (3.05 cubic inches) that can propel the cycle at a speed not to exceed 30 miles per hour (MPH) and does not require clutching or shifting.

Mopeds are exempt from the provisions relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.
%

Rules to operate mopeds on Georgia roads and highways:

1. Must be 15 years of age and have in their possession a valid driver’s license, instructional permit or limited permit.
2. Must wear protective headgear (motorcycle helmet).
3. 3. No tag is required.
4. Every person operating a moped upon a roadway must obey the same traffic laws governing drivers of motor vehicles.
5. May not use limited access highways or other roadways where the minimum speed limit is above 35 mph.

Instructional Permit Requirements
( Learner's Permit )
Class C: Instructional Permit

Applicant must be at least 15 years old and be able to pass the eye and knowledge test. When driving, there must be a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with him or her at all times. The permit is valid for 24 months. Parental consent is required for applicants under 18 years of age.
Class M: Instructional Permit

The applicant must be at least 16 years of age and have parental consent if under 18. Applicant must pass an eye and knowledge test. The permit is valid for 6 months and will allow the applicant to operate motorcycles and motor-driven cycles with the following restrictions: no passengers, no expressways, daylight hours only, and/or certain other applicable restrictions.
Class A and B Instructional Permits

The applicant must be 18 years old, already possess a Class C license, and must pass visual acuity and knowledge tests.



Last Updated On: 6/30/2005

So, i've done a little research. What I have come up with is that I need a class C CDL as long as the trailer does not exceed 10,000lbs or GVWR less than 26,000. THen need to DOT register the truck/trailer...

this seems like it could be a little much for what we are looking to do...damn. Guess I might try and find some other options.

hate to bring up a dead post, but figured it was better than creating a repost of something.

anyways, my question is, i have a f350 that i will be using to haul my jerky and supplies to various fairs and festivals, but I also want to tow my rig and my co workers rig with me so we can wheel in between festivals.

total weight will be around 23,000 we figured on the high side. the issue is that our load that we are towing is not commercial at all. totally personal. however, in the bed of the truck will be all the jerky and supplies for the commercial enterprise.

will this mixing of business and pleasure require me to get a CDL? If so, glad i never got stopped with my excursion towing my jeep and jerky.

thanks!

So, i've done a little research. What I have come up with is that I need a class C CDL as long as the trailer does not exceed 10,000lbs or GVWR less than 26,000. THen need to DOT register the truck/trailer...

this seems like it could be a little much for what we are looking to do...damn. Guess I might try and find some other options.

Why don't you get an enclosed trailer long enough to haul your rig and 3 or 4 pits on other occasions. You are just taking them to a cookoff, right :homer:

You are not hauling for hire and are not making money off the transportation. I have a CDL and used to have a trucking company and you do not want to go that route. The insurance and authority to run across states will kill you.

couldnt you just put a sticker on the side of your truck that says

NOT FOR HIRE

?

hate to bring up a dead post, but figured it was better than creating a repost of something.

anyways, my question is, i have a f350 that i will be using to haul my jerky and supplies to various fairs and festivals, but I also want to tow my rig and my co workers rig with me so we can wheel in between festivals.

total weight will be around 23,000 we figured on the high side. the issue is that our load that we are towing is not commercial at all. totally personal. however, in the bed of the truck will be all the jerky and supplies for the commercial enterprise.

will this mixing of business and pleasure require me to get a CDL? If so, glad i never got stopped with my excursion towing my jeep and jerky.

thanks!
while it is over 10k it is not for hire/pay. you fall under the same rules as any large 5th wheel/travel trailer.

Class C

Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not in excess of 26,000 pounds, any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not in excess of 10,000 pounds, any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 10,000 pounds, provided that the combination of vehicles has a gross combined vehicle weight rating not in excess of 26,000 pounds, and any self-propelled or towed vehicle that is equipped to serve as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel purposes and is used solely as a family or personal conveyance.



how ever technicaly have the jerky would reqiure you to have a cdl, but you will never get hassled for it.

Check it out...I have a CDL and work for one of the largest company's in the US and I do the DOT compliance for my area...If the load is "for profit" than it is a "Comercial load".

Now with that I'll give you the best advise you will get all year.... DON"T go comercial ! Just load them 5-6-7 whatever and cruz right on by all the check points.

IF ( and thats a BIG IF ) you do get stoped it's all you have to say is that you and 6 or 7 friends all chiped in and all bought a smoker ( or whatever ). The Officer has no way of proving that that is not the truth no matter how many times he see's you pass with the same load. He CAN NOT write you a ticket simply because he "thinks' you are comercial.

If you go comercial you are opening a HUGE bag of worms.....Insurance, cdl lic. ( that comes with manitory physicals and pee tests ) DOT regulated numbers, fuel permits for every state you haul in......BLA BLA BLA!!!!! ALL this comes with HUGE fees.

Doing what you are talking about is not a issue, just obay the law don't do anything stupid on the road and pass the stations right on by...


couldnt you just put a sticker on the side of your truck that says

NOT FOR HIRE

?


NO NO NO don't do this, don't do anything! doing this and you will give them a reason at a double take..... Don't do anything just load your trailer and drive.

anyways, my question is, i have a f350 that i will be using to haul my jerky and supplies to various fairs and festivals, but I also want to tow my rig and my co workers rig with me so we can wheel in between festivals.

total weight will be around 23,000 we figured on the high side. the issue is that our load that we are towing is not commercial at all. totally personal. however, in the bed of the truck will be all the jerky and supplies for the commercial enterprise.

will this mixing of business and pleasure require me to get a CDL? If so, glad i never got stopped with my excursion towing my jeep and jerky.

thanks!


You are the same as the guy above...It's not a problem, haul away and dont look back...


The LEAST you tell anybody the better.. If you get in a situation where you HAVE to answer there questions about this or that than you have other issues....

So I'm planning on pulling a 32' open deck car trailer to KOH from PA. Do I need a CDL for that? Just mine and a couple buddies' rigs/quads. I'm assuming the trailer will be over 10k, but the combo shouldn't be over 26k.

Thoughts?

So I'm planning on pulling a 32' open deck car trailer to KOH from PA. Do I need a CDL for that? Just mine and a couple buddies' rigs/quads. I'm assuming the trailer will be over 10k, but the combo shouldn't be over 26k.

Thoughts?

There's several discussions on this already, but the jist of it is - remove anything that could remotely look commercial if that applies to any rig or trailer you're bringing (racing numbers, sponsor stickers, etc)

If you're legal to haul in your state and within the Federal Regs you should be fine, but may get stopped and have to prove it to the officer. the (max) speed limit in CA is 55 with any trailer and stay in the right lane except to pass, but you can't exceed 55 when passing either. On interstate highways you may use the second lane from the right unless posted not to, only if there are 2 or more lanes to your left, excluding HOV and carpool lanes. (usually it's posted "trucks ok" when you can use the other lane, but not always)


to the OP -
as a general rule, anytime one of the following applies, its commercial or at least requires a different class of license.

-you make money on the hauling service, or the product you are hauling is for sale
-you exceed 10K rating on the trailer (not weight, but GVRW)
-the vehicle has a 26,001 or greater rating (again, GVWR, not actual weight)

:usa:

Got some good advice from a friend.
You are on VACATION !!!!!
You are going wheeling, you are on vacation !!!!
No competition, no prize money, no sponsors (DON'T put any sponsor decals on the outside of the trailer or tow rig).
"Officer, I am on vacation"
Even better if you have no planned destination,,,, I will stop and go wheeling wherever it looks like fun, I am on vacation.
Same with your Jerky, you are on VACATION! I really like jerky, and I eat lots of jerky on vacation.

Got some good advice from a friend.
You are on VACATION !!!!!
You are going wheeling, you are on vacation !!!!
No competition, no prize money, no sponsors (DON'T put any sponsor decals on the outside of the trailer or tow rig).
"Officer, I am on vacation"
Even better if you have no planned destination,,,, I will stop and go wheeling wherever it looks like fun, I am on vacation.
Same with your Jerky, you are on VACATION! I really like jerky, and I eat lots of jerky on vacation.

does your friend wear a helmet?

cause unless you get pulled by a cop that does and isn't on a motorcycle, you're not going to have much luck.


:usa:

Got some good advice from a friend.
You are on VACATION !!!!!
You are going wheeling, you are on vacation !!!!
No competition, no prize money, no sponsors (DON'T put any sponsor decals on the outside of the trailer or tow rig).
"Officer, I am on vacation"
Even better if you have no planned destination,,,, I will stop and go wheeling wherever it looks like fun, I am on vacation.
Same with your Jerky, you are on VACATION! I really like jerky, and I eat lots of jerky on vacation.

Say this!

(DON'T put any sponsor decals on the outside of the trailer or tow rig).


Don't sweat this because....I AM ON VACATION ! I AM NOT GOING TO A EVENT ! I AM ON VACATION ! again I will repeat what I said earlier "The LEAST you tell anybody the better...

Newmexicocrawler & Harold gave you the best advice you could ask for. It's a whole nother world with CDL's. Trust me. Had them for 37 years and gave them up when I retired. Even if you are driving your automobile with a CDL some laws are much more stringent. Like DUI's, but I know you wheel'en bunch don't drink much. Zero tolerance on that one. Just blow them scales by, and any other crap out there. They really don't want you in there anyway! Of course those bastards in Commiefornia don't think they are part of the Union and work under a different set of laws.

So I'm planning on pulling a 32' open deck car trailer to KOH from PA. Do I need a CDL for that? Just mine and a couple buddies' rigs/quads. I'm assuming the trailer will be over 10k, but the combo shouldn't be over 26k.

Thoughts?

theres alot of confusion over this... due to the way the law is written. according to FEDERAL law,your trailer can be over 10,000 as long as the whole thing isnt over 26,000.

this is from the ohio bmv website,and is exactly the same as federal law:
Any combination of vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of ten thousand pounds

"provided" is the word that throws it off. basically its saying that if your trailer is greater than 10k,the whole combination of vehicles must be under 26k. you can actually tow a 9k GVWR trailer with a 25k GVWR truck and have a GCVWR of 34k and not need a CDL,according to federal and most state laws.

however,alot of nazi communist states have imposed laws over and above this,like the over 10k trailer,and alot of states have "noncomercial CDLs" so youll need to check local laws in all states your traveling thru. being compliant in your state of origin may get you some sympathy 3 states over,but not neccessarily. depends on the cops mood.

IIRC,youre fine in PA,and if youre passing thru ohio,youre fine here too. youre also ok in ky,and in. :) at least as far as weight goes when towing your own junk for fun. as has been said... if the load is "for proffit" or there is prize $$ involved its a different story.

theres alot of confusion over this....

Yes and it generally has something to do with what you're posting. :shaking:

Yes and it generally has something to do with what you're posting. :shaking:

and why is that exactly?

theres alot of confusion over this... due to the way the law is written. according to FEDERAL law,your trailer can be over 10,000 as long as the whole thing isnt over 26,000.

this is from the ohio bmv website,and is exactly the same as federal law:
Any combination of vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of ten thousand pounds

"provided" is the word that throws it off. basically its saying that if your trailer is greater than 10k,the whole combination of vehicles must be under 26k. you can actually tow a 9k GVWR trailer with a 25k GVWR truck and have a GCVWR of 34k and not need a CDL,according to federal and most state laws.

however,alot of nazi communist states have imposed laws over and above this,like the over 10k trailer,and alot of states have "noncomercial CDLs" so youll need to check local laws in all states your traveling thru. being compliant in your state of origin may get you some sympathy 3 states over,but not neccessarily. depends on the cops mood.

IIRC,youre fine in PA,and if youre passing thru ohio,youre fine here too. youre also ok in ky,and in. at least as far as weight goes when towing your own junk for fun. as has been said... if the load is "for proffit" or there is prize $$ involved its a different story.

There's three miutes of my life I'll never get back after reading this....... This WILL NOT be an issue if they STAY OFF THE SCALES, and why would they stay off the scales? because THEY ARE ON VACATION!!!!

Here's 30 seconds of reading and this is all you need to know....Pass the scales and if you are stopped for some reason....you are on vacation!!!!

aww,im sorry. i know it takes a long time to read 5 little paragraphs on a computer screen when theres no one around to help you with the big words :flipoff2:

i never suggested that you stop at scales. blaze right on by them suckers unless you are pulled over and forced into one. obey speed limits and look safe and dont give them a reason to pull you over.

however,if for some reason you are pulled over and forced to go to scale,you really do need a helmet if you think "being on vacation" is going to keep you from an overweight ticket and having to leave your junk at a weight station till you find someone with a CDL to come pick it up.

at least i gave some factual information,jackass. :shaking:

Did I leave out the part about my KW being registered as a MOTORHOME?
I don't need a stinking CDL.
I don't give a good god damn how much it fucking weighs.
How much do them diesel pushers grandpa and grandma weigh? And they have NEVER had a CDL, and can't drive their finger up their ass, but they can wheel one of them Prevosts or what the fuck ever down the road?? Toting their caddy behind, and most the time they forget the damn thing is back there.
Don't see them 60,000 lb motherfuckers getting stopped.
My KW is the same thing now.
Same with a dually with a camper and a shit load of jerky. We're going to the fair, we are on vacation.
How the hell are they going to force me to get someone with a CDL to drive away my MOTORHOME????
I'll just have them flag down the next 90 year old senile bastard in a Prevost and have him drive it off the scale property. Yea right.

yes they do, its called a non comercail cdl. wtf do you think they call the big ones class A motorhomes?

Bullshit!
They were called class A WAY before CDL's. The designation of the motorhome has NOTHING to do with any required liscense.
Makes a nice story for the coffee shop however. Almost sounds like you know what you are talking about.
You can buy the biggest baddest prevost and drive it off the lot with an operators liscense. The littelest, cheapest know nothing liscense on the planet.
If Jose' or hose B needs the test read to them so they can dribe their pee cup, and they can pass, they can go climb in Ma and Pa Kettles Prevost, and they can sneak how ever many of their friends and family fit. Don't even need no passenger endorsement. (in that case, mainly because if they get stopped they'll all run and no one will be able to count how many was in there to begin with).
The sad thing is, none of this helps the OP with his question.
I'm done.

doing it and legaly doing it are 2 different things.

wtf does the sales lot care if you have the right class license?

you dont need a passanger endorsement if its NOT FOR HIRE.

you do need a non commercail class A or airbrake endorsement to LEGALY drive a big motor home.

thank god youre done, keep spreading bs like that and youll make the whole place stink.

Did I leave out the part about my KW being registered as a MOTORHOME?
I don't need a stinking CDL.
I don't give a good god damn how much it fucking weighs.


then you are stupid. if you are hauling your own junk you still need to stay under 26k,and in some states youll need to stay under 10k with the trailer. to a cop you still look like a KW hauling a load,wich is going to cause second looks. just becasue youre tow rig is a motorhome doesnt mean you get to ignore weight limitations. towing with RVs is still somewhat of a grey area but i wouldnt rely on that to keep you out of an overweight fine.

if you are you using your "motorhome" to haul something that fits the other requirements(making a profit on,going to an event with prize money) and thus for comercial purposes then you are opening a whole nother can of worms.

good luck with that. :rolleyes:

then you are stupid. if you are hauling your own junk you still need to stay under 26k

No you do not.

just becasue youre tow rig is a motorhome doesnt mean you get to ignore weight limitations.


What weight limitations?

towing with RVs is still somewhat of a grey area but i wouldnt rely on that to keep you out of an overweight fine.

What gray area? Explain this please.

to a cop you still look like a KW hauling a load,wich is going to cause second looks.

I don't give a chit what a cop ~thinks~. I'm not going to change what I'm permitted to do based upon what someone ~thinks~, or doesn't know their own job.

Jesus Christ... Nightcrawlers you always come here posting about all these FEDERAL laws regarding recreational towing... And you keep posting Ohio licensing requirements. No one gives a fuck about Ohio but you.

Unless you are a commercial motor carrier you are not within the scope of the FMCSA. Beyond that each state sets it's own licensing requirements for use (commercial / non-commerical) and weight class.

My class D license in OK lets me drive anything I want as long as it is registered for recreational/personal use "regardless of weight" (their words).... So what if I went telling everyone and their god-damned brother in Ohio that they didn't need any special license or endorsement for heavy weight? I might be wrong. What if I told someone in TX the same thing? I know I would be wrong there, because they do have a non-commercial class A for recreational towing at higher weights.

In OK, I can go down the road ALL day long with my trailer at 28,200 registered weight... And I don't pee in a cup or stop at scales. I wave as I go by.

Every single time one of these stupid threads comes up, you manage to post in it. And you are wrong considering you post as if Ohio rules are THE rules and you continually state FEDERAL laws that do not apply. Do us all a favor and stop posting in them.

however,if for some reason you are pulled over and forced to go to scale,you really do need a helmet if you think "being on vacation" is going to keep you from an overweight ticket and having to leave your junk at a weight station till you find someone with a CDL to come pick it up.

at least i gave some factual information,jackass. :shaking:

please define "overweight"


as I've read and been told. It's over 20,000 pounds on any single axle.

yes they do, its called a non comercail cdl. wtf do you think they call the big ones class A motorhomes?

Being he is from Iowa, I don't think they offer a non-com Class A. I know MN doesn't. As long as he has it properly registered as an RV, he should be good. Not all states are like Commiefornia.

No you do not.

where can your truck and trailer be over 26,000 lbs and you do not need a CDL?

What weight limitations?

see above-ober 26k with no CDL


What gray area? Explain this please.

last time i looked(tho ill admit its been a couple of years) there were not mentions in federal law about wether or not your motor home had to conform to the 26k rule or not. however california now has special classes and laws concerning motorhomes,so i wouldnt rely on the fact that just because your tow rig is a motor home that you can tow 50,000 lbs on a trailer.

IMO thats the same ignorance as thinking that writing "not for hire" or telling the cop that "youre on vacation" is going to keep you out of some kind of ticket,also.


I don't give a chit what a cop ~thinks~. I'm not going to change what I'm permitted to do based upon what someone ~thinks~, or doesn't know their own job.
i never suggested that you do,and i never suggested that laws are open to cops interpretation. it is a sad fact of life that if you piss them off they may study you more closely for things that are wrong and ticket-able. i personally prefer to have my ducks in a row and stay under the radar. in other words,have the correct liscence,know my weights,look safe and obey all traffic laws.

Jesus Christ... Nightcrawlers you always come here posting about all these FEDERAL laws regarding recreational towing...
sorry it just pisses me off when people interpret the law wrong-its one of my biggest pet peeves. all things start with federal law,so you need to conform to that before even worring about the states in which you live and travel. fact is that most states,like ohio,do NOT impose anything above and beyond. i never claim that what i say is good everywhere-i always say to check local laws.

And you keep posting Ohio licensing requirements. No one gives a fuck about Ohio but you

post i quoted,the guy was coming from PA and going west(i thot) so he may care about ohio,in,and ky. wich is why i quoted him and quoted ohio law. i did not do it to intentionally piss you poff.


please define "overweight"


as I've read and been told. It's over 20,000 pounds on any single axle.

when i said "overweight" in the thread above,i was refering to the 26,000 that you need to be under in order to not need a CDL.

Holy jeezus he really is as dense as I feared.

:shaking:

I'll type this slowly, so it will be easier to understand....

T-h-e 26K w-e-i-g-h-t a-l-o-n-e d-o-e-s N-O-T m-e-a-n y-o-u n-e-e-d a C-D-L i-n a-l-l c-a-s-e-s/s-t-a-t-e-s...

Repeat that statment over and over to yourself... It'll feel good to be right for once.

where can your truck and trailer be over 26,000 lbs and you do not need a CDL?

Oklahoma.

The rig in my sig...

12,200 GVWR truck
16,000 GTWR trailer

I go down the road at a registered 28,200 lbs.... Because it is for personal, recreational use... Not commerce.

....sorry it just pisses me off when people interpret the law wrong-its one of my biggest pet peeves....

irony :laughing:

where can your truck and trailer be over 26,000 lbs and you do not need a CDL?



In MN for Personal Use I could legally have a Truck of 26k and a trailer at 10K or less. This would be a combo of 36K. Otherwise the combonation has to be 26k or less.

I can in GA.
With a class A NON-comm I can have a Pete and trailer for personal use

i'm sorry guys all of this internet expert chatter is killing me. what i would suggest is to contact the D.O.T and find out for sure. yes there are many "GRAY" area's. i keep a dot man on speed dial and he has told me many interesting things. One thing he has stated is the best you can do you are still gonna be in trouble. they can and will get you if they want.

Lets put this to rest ok. the dot can get you if you are a farmer and go across state lines to get a tractor that is commercial transport because you get paid from your tractor. granted are they really gonna do this? but they can if they want to. if you look legal keep tow rig clean everything strapped properly and of course don't have signage on side of truck you should be ok. look legal act legal and of course you should try to be that way.

as far as the way your truck is weighted for cdl. ok ill use my truck as an example. i have a cc long bed dually chevrolet taged for 25,999 with a 35 ft tandem dual gooseneck taged i think for 12,500 by the letter of the law with the length of combination and spread of my axles i am not required to have a cdl to drive it. But the dot can give me lots and lots of grief about it. but that will give them time to look over and try to find other things.

dont even tell someone that you are getting gas money for doing something for someone that means you are doing it for hire.

but the main thing is be safe and secure and be as legal as possible. and the dot man told me the more respect and courtesy you show the better. if your an ass they will wear you out on tickets.

When you see all those class 8 big rigs with "not for hire" that means they are hauling their own manufctured products between different company facilities. They follow all the laws concerning CDL's, weights, fuel taxes, etc. They just aren't permitted to haul for hire. To put that lettering on a private vehicle is a waste of space and stupid.
I beleive I would listen to Harold. He lives in both worlds. Which I did untill retiring. Oregon started this non-CDL bullshit years ago. I guessing cuz that's where "Beaver" motor homes are/were built. Big bastards.

I travel across the country often with my dually and a 30' gooseneck. I never pull into the scales (because I think I dont have to..) but this last trip coming back on I-40 through New Mexico, a trooper ran me down after I had passed the scales and wrote me a $300 ticket. He started at $750 and we eneded up at $300.

I brought back a few small trailers (8-12') from Alabama just so I wasnt empty. I told him I use them on my own personal farm. He didnt buy it-- wrote me the ticket and told me "you can tell it to the judge". Of course it wasnt worth going back in 30 days to see the judge to argue about $300. But I was pissed that I had to pay the ticket.

Now I am thinking about what I should do next time I go through there..... stop in the scales and pay the small permit fee to pass, or blow by and take my chances (I had been by there 20 before without a problem)

BTW- The trooper was a real prick. I got the impression that I was going to get fined no matter what because of the fact that he came after me. He didnt want to go back empty handed.

So, the officer CAN write you a tickey if he feels like it. At least in NM.

I had almost forgot about my ticket.....:flipoff2:thanks for reminding me-- now I am pissed again!:flipoff2:

(ps- I still havent been able to sell those POS trailers:mad3:):D

http://coreygilmore.com/uploads/2007/08/beating_a_dead_horse.jpg