TRUTH about GVWR, GCWR, & Towing with Super Duty Trucks
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
1) Any size load can be moved safely with only one limitation- SPEED
2) GVWR's & GCWR's can be legally exceeded, with additional requirements.
3) The FMCSA is the tier 1 regulator of heavy vehicles. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
4) To be legal over 26,000 pounts, interstate, you need a CDL.
5) It is possible to exceed legal limits and still be safe.
The most important factor to safely operating at any weight is SPEED.
For example: A OEM (stock) Super Duty can tow 100,000 pounds safely (not legally) at a very low speed.
GVWR's & GCWR's are set by manufacturers based on all equipment components, and limited by the weakest components.
Operators of loads exceeding legal weight limitations of equipment or roadways (bridges), have the option of obtaining over weight trip permits from each state's DOT office. The over weight office will help determine safe routes for the trip.
Ex: Mobile Home transporters do this regularly. The load is "nonreducable", the axles, wheels, tires, hitches, and suspension are all overloaded. Special permits are obtained.
The FMCSA does recognize modifications to increase vehicle GVWR & GCWR.
Some states will also regulate how modifications are to be accepted. Ie: from a licenced shop, some default directly to FMCSA with no additional requirements.
Example: A "Super Duty" truck is built from existing and fabricated materials. The "builder" will designate a GVWR for the vehicle at the time of titling. This will be the vehicle's legal maximum GVWR.
In the event of a traffic stop, state safety departments (DPS & DOT) may inspect and enforce all components of vehicles for their individual weight rating. Ie: Tires, Axles, Chassis, Drivetrain, Brakes, Hitches, Horse Power of engine, etc., and also GVWR, and GCWR.
The only way to "legally" exceed a vehicles GVWR or GCWR without special movement permits, is modification.
This is not, however, to say that the vehicle cannot be "safely" operated without meeting these requirements. Safety and Legality are two seperate, and distinct objectives.
Ex 1: An International 4900 is operated at 35,000 pounds gross weight. The equipment is designed and rated at this capacity, however, the vehicle is licenced for operation at 26,000 pounds GVW in order to avoid the FMCSA (interstate) CDL requirement for the operator. The vehicle can be safely, not legally operated at 35,000 pounds GVW.
Ex 2: A farmer licenses his F450 Super Duty for 35,000 pounds GVW. The manufacturers designated GVWR is 16,000 pounds. He pulls a load down a farm road to the market with 20,000 pounds GVW and 50,000 pounds GCW, truck and trailer. He is legally licensed to operate the vehicle, however the vehicle and it's components (OEM) are not rated for such operation, and as such he may be legally over weight and in violation.
NOTE: Many rural areas permit exceeding GVWR and GCWR providing they meet certain exceptions; Ie; farm roads, etc.
It is also important to note, whether permitted or not, an operator CAN operate an overweight vehicle SAFELY, in any circumstance, providing he is competent in the operation and capabilities of the vehicle, and careful in planning safe operation over the route chosen.
EXCESSIVESPEED IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING HEAVY VEHICLES.
Posted safe speeds for automobiles are not necessarily safe speeds for heavy or towing vehicles.
Last edited by JesusSaves : 01-04-2009 at 07:13 PM.
The fact that you are here reading this post about legal and safe weights demonstrates, in itself, that you are aware, and concerned about the abilities of the operation of your vehicle.
Some important factors are:
Drive slow. Practice the operation & handling of your vehicle in a safe and open place. Conduct maneuvers such as braking, accelerating, cornering and swerving at a safe location so that you will know how your vehicle handles in these situations. Do not allow anyone unqualified or unfarmiliar with your vehicle to operate it. Including your wife (notwithsanding exceptions of course!).
Modifications to suspension, engine, braking, hitches, axles, and frames are good ways to increase your GVWR and GCWR. Check online with your states DOT and FMCSA.DOT.GOV for requirements to obtain a higher legal GVWR and GCWR for your vehicle. Keep documentation on hand.
IN CONCLUSION:
Many Super Duty truck owners regularly operate their trucks safely while exceeding legal weight limitations. Do not be discouraged if you are one of them. Figure out which action is best for you. Super Duty trucks are very capable equipment and have enabled Americans nationwide to mobilize in ways exceeding that which has ever been possible. (horse & buggy)
KEEP IN MIND:
Interstate travel regularly involves passage through weigh stations. Equipment weight ratings may be enforced.
The average automobile operator today is an idiot, and has little business on the road, and may not be licensed, insured, or even a US citizen. Therefore, be aware, and ready yourself to steer clear and far behind such indivuduals. They may cost you your life.
Bear in mind, that it is possible to receive fines in excess of $1.00 per pound overweight for either the vehicle's rating, or the driver's licensing. While this is possible, it rarely occurs, and internet searches about a particular area will usually provide sufficient knowledge about the current enforcement in that state or area. Having your vehicle and trailer registered for the weight operated at, using proper tie downs and safety mechanisms, as well as observing the speed limit will usually avery any penalties during a normal traffic stop. Remember not to exceed axle, wheel, tire, or hitch & component ratings.
Most states and the FMCSA require an endorsment for non CDL drivers towing trailers in excess of 10,000 pounds or more than one trailer in the combination.
Hope this helps
HAPPY TRAILS!
Last edited by JesusSaves : 01-02-2009 at 02:39 AM.
1) Any size load can be moved safely with only one limitation- SPEED
Yup, speed is the one & only limitation you ever need to be concerned about when running heavy. Everything else is irrelevant.
__________________
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Douglas Campbell
November 5, 2008: The fat lady sang. Back to actually working for a living.
1986 Isuzu P'up, 177,673.8 miles. Hella headlights, (highly recommended) DOT C-2 back end. (also recommended) R-12 air conditioner converted to R-406a. 4.1:1 rear axle converted to 3.4:1.
9/22/2007, age 21: Still running well when reluctantly sent away for reincarnation due to rust.
Last edited by drcampbell : 01-05-2009 at 10:05 PM.
__________________ THANK YOU to all the heroes in our military and all the heroes at home who wait for their safe return. I am humbled by and grateful for your service and sacrifice.
'95 F250 ext cab long bed, PSD, 5 speed manual, two wheel drive, 3.55 gears, LUK clutch conversion, 450 lb homemade REAR BUMPER, homemade open element AIR FILTER, aluminum bed cap. With me in the cab (285#) and full of fuel weighs 6,580 lbs (steer 3420 drive 3160)
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