Maine to Mass Highway Towing Restrictions??

Just purchased a small front end loader for my Ford 850 tractor. I am in Maine, and loader is in MA. Am planning on driving down with a
regular pickup truck with a trailer with a max load capacity of about 5,000 lbs. The loader weighs about 900 lbs. Can anyone tell me of
any highway restrictions in MA regarding this type of trailer? Max MPH I think is 55, and chains required on hitch, plus usual lights and
signals, but are these trailers restricted from certain highways, i.e Rt 95, 93 or 495? Also, does the loader have to be covered with a
tarp? Any help would really be appreciated. I have tried numerous web sites, but just can no find the info, even from the MASS DOT
website.
 
I?d give the Massachusetts department of transportation a call. For a load like that I can?t see any reason for restrictions . It won?t be wider or longer than the trailer will it ?
 


There are no special rules that apply. Many people don't know that their trailer is supposed to be inspected.Trailers in excess of 3,000 pounds must submit to a vehicle inspection and be registered with the state. However, most utility trailers for home use weigh far less than 3,000 pounds and as such don't require inspection or registration.

Brakes

Any trailer over 1,500 pounds, including utility trailers not required to pass a formal inspection, must have working brakes to travel on government roadways. Vehicles over 3,000 pounds must have brake lights.

Lights and reflectors

Utility trailers, regardless of weight, must have two red reflectors on the rear of the trailer. Also, to be driven at night, utility trailers must have an illuminated red right on the left tail end. If a license plate is required on the utility trailer, the plate must be illuminated with a white light visible at least 50 feet away.

Width

No vehicle in New Hampshire can exceed 102 inches in width, including utility trailers.

Inspection Period

If your utility trailer exceeds 3,000 pounds and requires an inspection, the inspection must be done annually, in the month of the owner's birthday. The utility trailer inspection must be held within 10 days of registering the vehicle.


You won't ned a tarp, however you will be responsible if a part falls from the loader and causes damage.
 
Thanks all, that was really useful info. I did email the MA DOT with my questions, and here is the answer that State Govt. Agency gave me. "You would need to contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA) for load securement rules and regulations. The local number for them is 781-425-3210 and press O for an Operator." That is a direct quote of their whole response to my question regarding what if any highways in MA have trailer towing restrictions, and do I need to tarp my load. I know we are not supposed to be political on this board, but I mean really, is this what MA taxpayers are getting for their money??? I would be lost without the help of you guys. Thanks again.
 
You?ll get bounced around a lot dealing with those guys but with a pickup and trailer for personal use I?d just load it and go . Strap the load properly and you?ll be fine the only loads I know of that requires a tarp is scrap metal or garbage that can blow off a trailer .
 
Back nearly 10 yrs ago had to drive to Conn. to pick up a John Deere 70. Some of the places I called were not really sure what I needed to be legal one response was it is really up to the police officer who I might encounter Wow! The final result was that if your truck/trailer setup looked shady expect to get stopped. I got my trailer inspected and enjoyed the trip down and back.
 
(quoted from post at 04:59:48 08/08/19) Back nearly 10 yrs ago had to drive to Conn. to pick up a John Deere 70. Some of the places I called were not really sure what I needed to be legal one response was it is really up to the police officer who I might encounter Wow! The final result was that if your truck/trailer setup looked shady expect to get stopped. I got my trailer inspected and enjoyed the trip down and back.

mdross don't call anyone. Read it for yourself on FMCSA.
 
The inspection deal would be only if your home state requires it. Just because NH or MA does, does not mean you have to if ME does not require it.
You would be hauling private for yourself so no need for a lot of the nonsense that motor carriers would be subject to. Just chain it down and go. Tie up the hoses if any with a tarp strap so they don't drag and on the road again.
 
(quoted from post at 03:56:01 10/30/19) The inspection deal would be only if your home state requires it. Just because NH or MA does, does not mean you have to if ME does not require it.
You would be hauling private for yourself so no need for a lot of the nonsense that motor carriers would be subject to. Just chain it down and go. Tie up the hoses if any with a tarp strap so they don't drag and on the road again.

Cat guy, Larry posted over two months ago that he made the trip with no problems. Even though one's home state may not require the inspection, the inspection requirements make a good guide for keeping anyone towing as well as others on the road safe and out of trouble.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top