Gross combined weight limitation.

So what is the magic number for weight that I must stay below if I don't want the hassle of log books, physical exam, CDL, etc. Is it 10,000 lbs.? Or more ? Vehicle GCWR is 15300 lbs.

This is gross combined weight of truck,trailer and tractor, and driver -right ?

If I'm close should I get the whole rig weighed before I start out?

Would like to have a reasonably pleasant voyage.

Federal rules state under 10000 cgvw. And in Illinois at least can't pull a trailer higher then 10000 gvw without a class A cdl. Also it isn't the weight of the load or vehicle and trailer it is on the vin tag as to what both are designed to carry

Do not lump CDL in with the others. It has its own rules that we will not go into because the rules start at 26,001 lbs. So no matter what you do not need a CDL.
Total weight has its own rules also but we will get to that later.

All the other rules; log book, insurance, physical exam, dot number, ect....start at 10,001 lbs for most trucks unless you are dealing with passengers or hazmat.

The out you MAY have is listed under rule §390.3(f)(3). This is a exemption from the rules for The occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise.
This gets very sticky because some try to read what they want to hear into the rule. I am a farmer so the rules do not apply because I am not a commercial truck line. This is not true and the rules do apply because a farm is a bussiness.
SO.... Are you a bussiness???????

Now lets deal with weight.
Gross combined weight means everything. Truck; trailer; load; driver; empty coke bottle in the bed of truck. You have to worry about weight even if you are not commercial. Anyone can get a weight ticket even though most non commercial trucks are not even inspected.
If you are close yo not only should weigh the total amount you should weigh each axle. Most places like CAT scales will do this for you if you park on the scale correctly because it is not just one big scale. It is really three scales that weigh each axle seperate.
The reason for this is you can be under gross but still be overweight by having to much on one axle. Your truck plate should also tell you what is the max for each axle and you can figure the trailer by your axle weight ratings. Some states like Ga even separate duel axles but this is usually not a problem unless you have a broken spring or such.

If you are afraid of a weigh station and what they can do to you, Take another road that does not have a scale. A little extra fuel can save a whole lot of headaches. Federal law says pulling trailer over 10000lbs, you need cdl, here in NDak they allow you to go 150 radus of home with out cdl for farm use.

No, you do not need a CDL at 15,300 as long as you are PRIVATE and: not hauling for pay, you own the cargo, the cargo is not going to be used in any sort of business. If you are in the construction business and you drive somewhere to bring a backhoe home, you're going to be considered COMMERCIAL and regulated accordingly.
You can tow a trailer over 10K anywhere legally without a CDL as long as the trailer and power unit have a GVWR OF 26k or less and you're not COMMERCIAL.

AG 48 I would load your tractor and I am assuming you must have to go around 25 mi and wash it and not worry about it.Make sure it is chained properly and I would not go on interstate .States differ but in Ia I would not worry too much and just have a pleasant trip.25 miles or so seems like quite a ways from town.Most farmers in our area have large power washers better than the 50cent ones.It cost $1.50 for 4 minutes and it only has 1000PSI.Our shop washer is 4500PSI and 4.5 gal per minute and I would let you use it for free.

AG48
From your post on the other thread I can see you really need to give us more/all the facts.
I assumed you were making a trip across state lines. There are many exemptions if you stay in your home state that you may be able to take advantage of.

under 10,000 gross dont have to stop at weight st ations ,under 26,000 gross no cdl needed. ...this means if you have the truck reg at 10,001 you must stop at all open weight st ations ........again all trucks under 10,000 gvw do not have to stop at any weight st ations ,even if you are comm plate under 10,000 do not have to stop at weight stattion

Sallystractor
"under 10,000 gross don't have to stop at weight stations" EXCEPT in states where you have to stop.
Rules may have changed recently, but for many years in Nebraska the signs read "All pickups with trailers enter station". Also Illinois signs used to read "All trucks over 4 tons enter station". They may have changed recently too.
In other words different states have different rules, pay attention to the sign you see.

Willie

MI does not require a CDL for personal trucks and equipment, no matter the size. I personally own a F700 that I use to transport my D4 with to my properties. I need nothing other than an operators license and not for hire on three sides of vehicle, trailer and equipment. And yes, I have talked to 2 DOT officers from different jurisdictions. And i do not need GVW plates, just what they call a private commercial plate that is based on vehicle weight. However, as soon as you get a DBA you must comply with commercial rules. Do not get private and personal confused. Private is for example: lowe's, home depot etc. Still required to follow CMV rules. Personal is just that. Why not just call your local state police and talk to a DOT officer?

Why not just call your local state police and talk to a DOT officer?

Click to expand...

The DOT officer you talk on the phone to doesn't interpret the laws the same as the one that pulled you over. He'll tell you it's OK on the phone, but you'll get a ticket from the guy on the road.

That is of course if you get any answers at all...

Dad wanted to buy a grain drill that was a 9-1/2' wide load. He wanted to do it legal-legal, so he called the NY State Police to see what was necessary. They had no idea. They could not answer any of his questions. They could not refer him to anyone who could answer his questions.