Question about de-rating a trailer from 21k to 14,500.

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by 06RamHotshot, Aug 30, 2021.

  1. 06RamHotshot

    06RamHotshot Bobtail Member

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    Aug 30, 2021
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    So here is my issue I can’t figure out. I have a 2006 Ram 3500 dually with a gvwr of 11,500. I want to buy a new 40’ triple axle trailer that is going to be de-rated from 21k down to 14,500. My trucks actual weight with me in it all my crap and 2 full tanks of fuel is only 8280lbs. So to stay under Cdl, I subtract 8280lbs from 26000. Equals 17,720lbs. Then I take the weight of the trailer I want which is 6760lbs and subtract that from the 17,720lbs. That gives me 10,960 lbs left to put on my trailer?
    However it’s now only rated to haul 14,500 total including weight of the trailer so does that mean I can only add 7740 lbs? Or can I add 10,960lbs? Because I know the trailer will handle the 10,960lbs and I will be under 26000.
    SO would this be DOT legal to put 10,960lbs onto my 6,760lb trailer rated at 14,500? Totaling 17,720? I realize some of that weight will be onto my truck??

    Thanks for any advice it’s really hard for me to figure this out.
     
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  3. mslashbar

    mslashbar Medium Load Member

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    Jul 22, 2009
    elizabeth,co
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    Yeah you'll be able to put the 10960 on the trailer as long as the weight on the trailer axles is 14500 or less and your drive axle on the truck is not over what it's rated at and the total weight of truck trailer and load is 26000 or less
     
  4. 06RamHotshot

    06RamHotshot Bobtail Member

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    Aug 30, 2021
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    Ok
    Ok great! That is what I thought but I really wasn’t sure. Thanks!
     
  5. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Sep 10, 2010
    Flint, MI
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    DOT isn't stupid. They know how much vehicles weigh and how many you can haul. They can also weigh just the loaded trailer.
    In a nutshell you will probably get away with it most of the time, but if you load more than what the trailer is rated at you will got caught.

    That said @24kHotshot has done what you are trying to do and basically came to the concussion it's not worth it. Just get a tractor and trailer and do it right.
     
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