So many mixed results

I get why it's overwhelming . It was like that with me at first also. Then one day it clicks and then suddenly it's very simple.

Gvwr is what the sticker on the truck/trailer says it could weigh when loaded.

Gvw is what it actually weighs on the scale "curb weight".

You need to be under 26,000 lbs on both weights to be legal non cdl.

Officers will look at the truck's sticker and the trailer sticker and add them up. If it adds up to over 26k and you don't have a cdl you get a ticket even if you are empty and don't even weigh 15k.

If the stickers add up to 26k or below and you are loaded and over 26k on the scale without a cdl you get 2 tickets. One for overweight and one for not being licensed to drive a combo vehicle over 26k.

I was told axle weights are less scrutinized and the tire ratings get looked at more. Haven't had that happen to me yet and I was scaled at 36,600 loaded at the weigh station which is about 3,500 lbs past Ram's factory gcvwr. Got a green light and left.

A cdl just makes life easier.

 

I am in Ohio my truck is 11,5000 my trailer is 14,000 I am registered at 26,000 it only need class c in Ohio to Operate.

 

It's not going to happen that fast.. You can't get your authority active unless you have insurance. You can't get insurance unless you have the truck & trailer.. It takes a min of 21 "business days" for the authority to go live.. Yes you could start the process with tough estimate of what you plan to use but they want vin numbers eventually or you can't proceed.

This is where I got the 10k lbs thing is it's law here in FL, I assumed it was the same everywhere.

 

This is a good example, why people do not understand. Without using examples taken from a text of the regulation. I am registered for 26,000 lbs. That means I can not weigh 26,001 lbs. Meaning weight of truck, trailer and laden weight. My truck’s GVWR is 11’500 lbs ( that does not mean it weighs 11,500 lbs ) ( GVWR is a number given by the manufacturer for the weight of the truck plus the laden weight) My Trailer’s GVWR is 14,000 lbs ( my Trailer weight is 6300 lbs) ( so 14,000 minus 6300 equals 7700 lbs ) So laden weight is 7700 lbs on the Trailer however the combination is 26,000 lbs and my truck weighs about 8700 lbs and GVWR of 11,500 lbs minus 8700 is 2800 lbs. So I can carry 10,500 lbs of laden weight. Now I can do this according to the regulations of the State of Ohio with a regular driver’s license.
I have been doing this since 2008 got a $1000 ticket in the state of Illinois for not having IFTA sticker. Mailed copies of all my registration and got it dismissed. Check your state because it probably is different.

 

You are right about that.

 

Yes, 26k and under is a regular class C license everywhere except california. In NY its called a class D. I didn't say in my post that you need a cdl to haul a 26k and under combination. I just posted the cdl requirements for any combo over 26k and the 10k lb trailer rule that a lot of people seem to be talking about. 10k trailer rule is for class B straight trucks only. Class C is any combination upto 26k. Class A is "unlimited".

 

Just just saying what I do where I do it and to check with your own state if you plan to run under 26. When I started I was leased to a guy who was registered under 26. So that is how I always ran. That has turned into a positive for me as when they have light weight stuff they think of me.