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All these weights ?!?!

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by NCC-1701, Jan 30, 2014.

  1. Jan 30, 2014 #1
    NCC-1701

    NCC-1701 Bobtail Member

    8
    4
    Aug 8, 2013
    0
    Hello,

    I have a 2007 GMC 2500HD 4WD 6.6L SRW crew cab WT that came without a bed and therefore no sticker on the door. I put a flatbed on the back and haul a 30' dual tandem (10K each) goose neck hauling whatever. The best I can find is that the generic vehicle GVW is 9,200 and the trailer is listed at 7,000. Also, the best I could find is that the generic max tow capacity is 9,800. They must be kidding, that leaves me with a 2,800 load capacity on the trailer! I haven't had a load of feather beds yet. What I have had is 18,000+ of rebar or pipe/conduit. Not too often but I've done that and more and it pulls fine and more importantly, it stops well.

    The stock tires looked a little shaky even with lighter loads (~10K - ~12K) and I decided to go with 19.5'' load range 'H' (16 ply) tires all around on the truck. The wheel / tire combos are good for 4,500 each. I've had the trailer for a few years without many miles on it and those tires were getting dry rotted. Initially I was having a lot of trouble with them and always at the worst times of course - loaded on the road. God, I really hate standard 16'' trailer tires. So I went with all load range 'G' (14 ply). Not a single tire problem since the change over.

    So what's with this tow capacity number? Does anyone pay attention to that?

    And what's with the other number, GAW? As far as I can tell the standard rear axle is good for 10K.

    I didn't use the 'R' in any of these weights because without the sticker on the door, it's really not 'Rated' at anything.

    I guess my question is, who really cares as long as it's safe? I'd rather be behind me pulling 18K of pipe than be behind a K-1500 gasser pulling a 40' RV and swaying all over the road. I know someone is going to say 'It's the DOT that cares stupid.' and what I want to know is how can anyone tell without the ratings sticker on the door? (There is a sticker that says something to the effect that 'it doesn't have a weight rating sticker because this is an incomplete OEM truck.')

    So with all the upgrades: wheels, tires, helper springs, ..., what weight ratings do I need, or should I use, and what, if any, will the DOT use?

    Thanks,
     
    NCC-1701, Jan 30, 2014
    NCC-1701, Jan 30, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jan 30, 2014 #2
    Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

    4,090
    1,700
    Feb 13, 2012
    Philadelphia Pa
    0
    From what im reading, with the right trans and engine that year could tow up to 13,000, but less with out optimal config. Your s apears to be 9,800. My suggestion is get a much lighter trailer, but at 18,000 the trailer could be nothing and your still way over weight. At 18.000 pound load and 7000 pound trailer you are hauling more then double of what its rated. The 2014 only lets you tow 17,800 and that required the heavy duty trailer package. Even the new one cant do what you want. If you want to haul 18,000 pound on a 7k trailer, buy a real truck. Hauling it on that pick up is just stupid and incredibly unsafe. I dont care if you do have an upgraded suspension and tires. You still don't have enough braking power to safly stop that load going down hill. Your gross ont he 18k load is 34,200. You need air brakes and a CDL at that weight.
     
    Richter, Jan 30, 2014
    Richter, Jan 30, 2014
    #2
  4. Jan 30, 2014 #3
    skeeter11

    skeeter11 Bobtail Member

    10
    4
    Dec 16, 2013
    southeast louisiana
    0
    DOT notices. I had a GMC3500 w/ flatbed pulling a 28' gooseneck on two 7k axles, hauling scrap carpet (typical load 8k), which got inspected by DOT in Atlanta. The VIN sticker was gone from the trailer, which included the stated GVRW for the trailer (12k lbs). The only thing he could find with a weight rating on the trailer was the gooseneck insert itself which was rated at 30k, so he had to use that as the GVRW for the trailer itself. The driver I had in the truck wasn't CDL, which was fine for the truck and trailer at their true ratings, but since he used the 30k for the trailer he shut it down and wrote tickets.

    So yeah, they notice.
     
    skeeter11, Jan 30, 2014
    skeeter11, Jan 30, 2014
    #3
  5. Jan 30, 2014 #4
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    22,623
    120,362
    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
    0
    There is supposed to be a sticker on the door, all vehicles will have them coming out of the factory no matter what. The upfitter can put another sticker on the vehicle to lower the weight ratings legally but no matter what there is supposed to be a sticker there.
     
    Ridgeline, Jan 30, 2014
    Ridgeline, Jan 30, 2014
    #4
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