Weight Police!

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by Tom S.

What brought this up was a member on one of the boards I moderate made a claim that he tows 30,000 pounds all the time with a GMC 2500 and it's perfectly OK. He and another member claim that no one ever checks RV's so it's no big deal. If you want to read what this [s]moron[/s] err member has posted, you can find it here: http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76-...b-duramax.html

Very big liability issue if you get involved in an accident.

[hunts800]

We live in Calif and gave been towing all over this State, as well as many others throughout the U.S., and Canada. Have never heard of anyone being pulled over for a weight check. Must have passed a 1000 CHP officers and my only worry is my speed and following truck lane restrictions.

[Phil P]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06


Very big liability issue if you get involved in an accident.

And in most states if it is a fatal accident you would be subject to a felony charge of man slaughter or vehicular homicide.

Phil P

[Artemus Gordon]

An individual stated we become commercial when towing someone else's RV. I checked on that with CHP before a friend of mine's truck blew a head gasket two weeks ago. The qualifying factor was "for hire"! I was told, I could infact tow his vehicle with him in the truck, as long as did not accept any payment.

I am required to stop at all Ca weight scales when not towing, as are all F450s if following the letter of the law. Gave me a good excuse to ask the question before I picked my friends rig. CHP were very helpful.

[Phil P]

You are not a commercial vehicle if you meet the following definition.

Private use vehicle

Any vehicle owned or leased by the operator for the owner / operators personal use and all items carried there on are for the owner / operators personal use.

Local authority can expand this to refine the definition but cannot reduce the definition in any way.

There are reams of case law available in the law libraries that uphold this definition.

Phil P

[HamRad]

quote:Originally posted by Artemus Gordon

snip.....

I am required to stop at all Ca weight scales when not towing, as are all F450s if following the letter of the law. Gave me a good excuse to ask the question before I picked my friends rig. CHP were very helpful.

What? Is this based just on your weight? I thought only COMMERCIAL folks had to stop. I never stop whether pulling or not. So far no problems. But you have me worried. Dennis

[NCFischers]

I agree with Bullroc, It's the stopping that's a whole lot more important.

[DonandBonnie]

I probably should clarify my earlier statement. Yes, you can pull 30,000 lbs. with a Dodge 2500. No, you cannot pull it safely, nor is it a prudent decision to do so. I also agree that stopping is the prime issue with pulling that much weight.

Heck, under the right conditions I could pull a 130 ton loaded rail car with my F350. Am I going to get it moving at highway speeds? Not unless we are moving down hill. Am I going to get it stopped? Not unless we are going uphill.

[mhs4771]

Wasn't that a Toyota that pulled the Space Shuttle??

[DQDick]

Yup and folks have been buying Toyota's to pull inappropriate loads ever since.

[bethandkevin]

I talked to local and state level Commercial Enforcement officers last year on this subject(Genesee County, surrounding townships and State of Michigan). Virtually all that I talked to told me they are not overly concerned with RV's. Why? Because they are not commercial vehicles. That said, all agreed that if the tow vehicle has a DOT number on the side, that vehicle is commercial and subject to stop and inspection. Many also stated the obvious; That if you are shining squirrels while towing your RV, you are likely to get pulled over. Not because you are commercial, because you are being stupid(not my word). Also, if you are blowing by traffic while pulling an RV, you are likely to get pulled over. (This is starting to sound like a Jeff Foxworthy routine.) Bottom line with all that I talked to is common sense prevails. Also noted was the fact that all officers are individuals and may see things differently. That said, I'll try to stay on the side of common sense.

[Artemus Gordon]

quote:Originally posted by HamRad

What? Is this based just on your weight? I thought only COMMERCIAL folks had to stop. I never stop whether pulling or not. So far no problems. But you have me worried. Dennis

Yes we had a lengthy thread on subject a while back. In Ca the F450 by virtue of its weight is no longer a "pickup" by definition. My first ticket was in my 2003 F450, after passing Cottonwood Ca Truck Scales. I fought and lost. For my new 2014 F450, I broke down and got my Permits and CA #s. Paid the nearly $800.00 weight fees. The law while complicated, exempts me from stopping if towing my RV, strange but true! Now realize, not all CHP officers enforce or even care. That said, I have been pulled over twice for not stopping, last time, I told them I was refueling, trailer at nearby park, let me off! . I have joked about putting F350 emblems on truck. Note: I have visited CHP offices in Sac and Redding to argue this point. Second note: many institutions including some insurance companies, lending institutions including B of A will not finance F450s as recreational vehicles. Not starting argument here, just sharing my experience! Note: when I do stop at scales I get waved passed " go figure"?

[DQDick]

There is no explanation for what governments entities do. California already keeps me out since two of my three guns aren't legal there. We visit, but the rig and the truck stay in AZ when we do.

[richfaa]

They won't let the bird in without a ton of papers.

[8.1al]

I forgot what the topic is

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

I forgot what the topic is

Yeah, let's get back to the original topic: Has anyone ever been pulled over in any state besides California for a weight check? I'm also interested in hearing from our neighbors in the north - any Canadian provinces doing weight checks?

[Artemus Gordon]

Tom at risk of getting off topic. I don't think being "pulled over" is the issue. It's "State Law" and liability consequences. I am sure Highway Patrol Officers, do not find pulling over RVs, as exciting or productive in their day to day activities. I believe it comes down to very obvious, grossly overloaded situations. I think it would be nearly impossible to find many MOC members, other than those who have commented, that Officers would give a second look. To say this group is educated is an understatement. Now go to one of the public RV threads and you will find them! Short of being caught towing your Montana with a 1979 Ford Currier, most get away with being overweight! Just my opinion...