Over Tow limit- What Happens ?????

[MnTom]

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

There are no states that use the vehicle mfg gross weight or GVWR for how much load a truck can carry legally.

Actually, Minnesota does.
Mn Statute 169.81 Subd.3c. reads in part:
Subd. 3c.Recreational vehicle combination.

Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a recreational vehicle combination may be operated without a permit if:
(1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;
However, I have not seen or heard of anyone getting checked or even stopped for this potential violation.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

There are no states that use the vehicle mfg gross weight or GVWR for how much load a truck can carry legally. The vehicles axle ratings/tires make that determination.

In my jurisdiction that is sort of true - with a caveat.

In order to license a truck the owner must determine the capacity he wishes to license the truck for. The higher the weights the higher the fee.

At the time of licensing they must prove that the vehicle they are licensing has the capacity to carry the load. At that time the GVWR, axle ratings and tire size are checked to make sure the vehicle complies.

When the truck hits the scales the officer looks at the license and already knows the manufacturers GVWR is reflected in the licensed weight. They then check tires to make sure the tires are adequate (which trucker would change to smaller??) and the axles are not overloaded and the truck is within licensed weight.

[JIMNLIN]

Actually, Minnesota does.
Mn Statute 169.81 Subd.3c. reads in part:
Subd. 3c.Recreational vehicle combination.

No where in the code does it use the wording vehicle mfg GVWR but rather ::1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;...

The code is for a towing combination and weight of the tow vehicle vs the towed vehicles.

[MnTom]

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

No where in the code does it use the wording vehicle mfg GVWR but rather ::1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;...

The code is for a towing combination and weight of the tow vehicle vs the towed vehicles.

No, it specifically says the TOWING RATING must be equal to or greater than the CGVW. Who sets the CGVW? The manufacturer. Therefore the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating is what the state uses.

[JIMNLIN]

Originally Posted by MnTom

No, it specifically says the TOWING RATING must be equal to or greater than the CGVW. Who sets the CGVW? The manufacturer. Therefore the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating is what the state uses.

The code says; ..." the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;"
Your reading something that simply isn't there.
The 169.81 code says nothing about weights but rather lengths and heights of a vehicle.

As far as GCWR its not on a vehicle any where which is one reason states don't use the mfg GCWR.

[glennwest]

Ever heard of springs breaking or collapsing; Of axle bearings failing from over axle weight?

[dynacopas]

GCVW isn't as crucial as the axle weight is.....9 times out 10 when you are weighed for whatever reason the axle weight will be the determining factor. I have ask several DOT guys and they say the same thing....There biggest factor when looking at weight is the axle. Think about scale weights, steer, drive, trailer axle weights.