You’re spot on! I’m a retired firefighter, and already had a class B drivers license. On the other hand, I bought a Camper fifth wheel that had a GVWR of 23,000 & a Ford F450 to pull it with. In my profession, I got to know a lot of DOT officers. They informed me I would need to get a class A non-CDL to be legal. They also informed me they typically do not pull over people in recreational vehicles, even though they may be illegal, unless they deemed them unsafe. They also informed me with a Class A non-CDL I would be legal up to 80,000 pounds as long as I didn’t tow commercially I was happy to hear that because I have since bought a Volvo VNL 670 that’s registered as a motorhome to pull my fifth wheel camper. It’s a little overkill, but it seems safer. Now having said all that. I started a brush hog business for something to do. Bought a small tractor and trailer, but had to derate the trailer in order to be legal. Makes no sense to me! But it is what it is I guess!! Thanks for the video!! Well explained. I would like to see a video explaining the Class A non- CDL.
I am in Nevada and I have a NON CDL. class A drivers license so that with my Volvo VNL 780( registered as a motorhome I can still pull my Jayco Designer 5th wheel trailer as long as I am not over 50 ft in length and under 80,000 lbs.
YUP, SAME HERE IN PA. SIDE NOTE: IF YOU DE-RATED THE TRL. "DO NOT GET CAUGHT OVER THAT NEW WEIGHT RATING!" YOU WILL OR COULD GET A TICKET FOR OVER WEIGHT, IF YOUR LOAD EXCEEDS THAT NEW NUMBER.
Weight and the the length of the trailer to non CDL only be 65 long total truck and trailer with a bed take bed off now it chassis be longs 80 you have a 12000 trailer tag and 14000 truck and be 26000 mom CDL the law need move to 30000 it 26000 non CDL in 59 so time to move truck and trailer today big
@@richardlay1492 absolutely 👍 had to get the non CDL class A even before getting my Volvo VNL 670. My combine GVWR with F450 and Camper exceeded 26,000
Texas has changed the law for what requires a CDL. It is now only vehicles that are used in commerce. You still need a class A license for a combination that is over 26,000 pounds and the trailer is over 10,000 pounds or a single vehicle that is over 26,000 pounds. The trick is that troopers look at the truck and trailer to get a guess if it requires a CDL. If the truck and trailer both have single tires on them, and the trailer has only two axles, they will guess it is not over 26,000 pounds. If it has duals on the trailer, they will guess it requires the CDL.
Problem is that Texas has a non-CDL licensing so just looking at the vehicle and trailer isn't always enough...if the truck is a commercial truck, then the Trooper can use that as a method, otherwise it's a tricky assumption.. www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/classes-driver-licenses
Great comments! It can be very confusing when trying to figure this stuff out, but after listening to you it's good to know there are others that need help . Thanks for a smile....
In my state, you can get a "farm license". You can have your vehicle certified as farm equipment and not have to have a CDL for travel up to 150 miles from your location. Or, if you're driving farm equipment for your local farmer, you can drive a semi without a CDL. Check your state on this type license.
That's in all 50 states, the farmer exemption. A cdl is only required to operate a class 8 truck and semi trailer if you're using it for commercial purposes.
@@davidpotter7484 Where I am, a farm registered truck has to follow a more of CDL laws, including weights, but no log books, and no CDL required. As far as slow speed farm equipment, have a red triangle and be safe.
I live in North Carolina and I had a CDL for nearly 30 years. I had to give up my CDLs because of diabetes. I went to the DOT and got my personal class A license. I can go over 2601 lbs as long the load is my personal property. I can haul for hire as long as my vehicle is licensed over 2600 lbs. Some states if a camper and tow vehicle is over 2601 lbs you have to have a class A private license as long the vehicles are in your name. I kept my class A license because I have a farm tractor weighs nearly 16000 lbs.
Maybe your state allows you to be paid for under 26,000lb loads BUT Fed FMCSA rules state that any driving for hire(being paid) requires a CDL, regardless of weight or anything else! FMCSA even requires a log book & adherence to the hours of service regs if driving any vehicle with D.O.T. numbers on it, even if it's a Geo Metro! Different CDLs & endorsements for doing different jobs. I had a Class A with HazMat, Multiples & Tanker endorsements, no human livestock endorsements for me! Not a babysitter!
Nevada also has an Agg only restriction on CDLs if that is your preference, but keep in mind that if you have a CDL and are hauling for money across state lines there are other things that are needed. Hauling within a state carries fewer restrictions. Of course the federal rules apply at all times. Thanks for the video, it was very informative.
As a retired CDL driver and heavy duty diesel mechanic is when getting a CDL and isn’t talked about is passing the DOT physical medical exam. If you’re young and healthy, no problem. If you’re older or have had medical issues all your life then you’ve got problems. Top of the hit parade is cardiovascular disease, diabetes, vision, high blood pressure, sleep apnea to start, there is a hole lot more. Then the doctor can issue a DOT card for 1 day up to 2 years then you need to go in for another physical and you must submit a copy of your current DOT card to the state DMV that issues your drivers license. Then on top of that when signing the paperwork to except the CDL license you automatically are held to .04 blood alcohol all the time until you decide to relinquish your CDL. Also you can’t do any illegal drugs. And in some states marijuana is legal but on the federal level it’s not and not legal to consume as a CDL holder. And at anytime you fail to pass your DOT medical you are out of business. In some respects passing and maintaining your DOT medical is way harder then passing your drivers test.
According to Nevada DMV, I would have needed a current physical card simply to keep my CDL, even though I wasn't driving for a carrier. I had no intention of getting back in a truck so I changed to a Class A endorsement. Another bullshit requirement of the CDL is NONE of the normal state DOT laws apply. One can't go to driving school to eliminate points from a ticket, .04 B.A.C. instead of .08, weed laws, etc. even when in one's private vehicle.
@ Yep right on. Way back in the day when I wasn’t driving for a few years I just didn’t renew my DOT kept my CDL. Then everything changed because a lot of Russian drivers where pulling shady shit out their . So the best way was for the government to clamp down was to require and maintain a DOT card all the time. Even if you’re not driving commercially you are held to .04 on blood alcohol. That was one read I kept my CDL because being a bachelor I’d eat out in taverns and bar n gills that pushed alcoholic drinks all the time but I always drank soft drinks and they’d kinda bitch about to me and I’d reply I’m a CDL driver and that put a end to that conversation PDQ.
Good information and you are correct. Fortunately, I do not do commercial work and I reside in a rural Great Plains state that is very much ag-oriented. So I do not have to be DOT/CDL compliant because I am a farmer using 1-ton trucks and 24- to 32-foot trailers for strictly ag purposes.
Finally, Someone with a correct explanation. I see the "none CDL" trailers for sale all the time. BTY, I tow a non CDL trailer from harbor freight with my Prius at times, cheaper than the truck.
Here in BC, Canada, you can only pull up to 4,600 kg (10141 lbs) gvwr with a standard class 5 license. You can upgrade your standard class 5 license with a heavy trailer endorsement or a house trailer endorsement if you have an RV heavier than 10,141 lbs GVWr. Then the sky is the limit until you get to air brakes and/or multiple axles on the tow vehicle, then you need a class 1 (semi truck) with an air brake endorsement.
On the back of my Maryland CDL, not only does it say about GVWR 26,001, but also if the trailer alone has a GVW of 10,001 pounds, also requires a CDL license.
One of our trucks got busted at the scales in Maryland by a DOT cop that must have just graduated from DOT school. Three trucks all placarded 24,000 GVWR but the first truck actually weighed 27,000. Red light. Here they come, blah blah blah, you need a CDL. Negative trooper, this is a non-CDL vehicle regardless of weight. Nope you're wrong, here's three tickets and go get some weight off that truck or you're not leaving here. So no winning with this guy so we got him under 26,000 and off we went. Fought the tickets and three weeks later boss got a letter from commander of commercial vehicle enforcement saying the officer was mistaken and we were 100% right and all tickets have been dismissed. So you've got to know these laws because many cops sure don't.
AND,,, you missed the "AND" in that sentence i think. You have to be over the 26,001 "AND" the towed vehicle/ trailer be over the 10,000 for a CDL. Not saying they wont make you get a higher class of DL but not a CDL ONLY because of the trailer over 10K
To start with I just want to say that I love the interaction you have on your channel. One thing I didn’t hear you say was the overall length of a truck and trailer. Not sure of the wording of the law but a pickup truck with a trailer can not be over 65 feet long. If the truck is considered a tractor it can be longer. By the way I have a class A CDL with tanker HAZMAT and double and triple endorsement
One important note, there are exceptions to the CDL requirements. Such as RV and Farm. I can legally exceed the 26,001 GCWR without having a CDL as long as I stay within the State and 150 miles (in a straight line) of the farm. So I can move farm equipment and animals, but each State is going to have different exemptions, and those exemptions do not cross State lines. It can make picking up new livestock, especially horses, a pain, because it limits the number of horses I can buy at a time, or I have to make multiple trips.
Same in Kentucky if no farm plates. If you have a farm you can put farm plates on it and there is not a thing D .O.T can do about it. Farm plates have no load limit. I pulled out of the field and drove right by a D.O.T officer weighting over 90,000 lbs with farm plates on the tractor and trailer only thing he could do to stop me is if I had a light out only thing he can get me for. In order to get farm plates you have to own 20 acres or more in Kentucky.
You need a Class A endorsement in most states for what you're doing & y'all better pray you never get pulled over by Fed D.O.T. You are highly illegal IF you even cross any highway that received Fed funds for construction & is a U.S. Rte or interstate weighing 90,000, regardless of "state law"! LOL
A CDL alcohol conviction is the kiss of death! I had a couple companies that refused to hire me because I had a bullshit "open container" violation for less than a half ounce of beer in the bottom of the bottle put back in the case instead of pitching the bottle on the side of the road or the creek bank before I went home from fishing! The prick even told me he knew I wasn't "under the influence"! One assh0le in Collinsville, OK even wrote a guy a ticket for "open container" for empty cans laying in the bed of his pickup! LOL
A trailer that is 10000 gvwr or less does not get added in the calculation for a combination vehicle. You can pull a 10000 gvwr trailer with a truck rated at 25500 pounds and still not need a cdl. This combination allows up to 35500 with no cdl. If the trailer is rated at 10,001 pounds or greater, then the calculation has to include the trailer capacity and the combination cannot exceed 26000 pounds. Also, don’t confuse cdl requirements with commercial vehicle requirements. If you exceed 10000 pounds and cross state lines for business, then you are a commercial vehicle and will require a medical card and other stuff even though you still wouldn’t need a cdl license.
The part that really sucks about having a CDL in TX is an infraction in my 2,800lb commuter car is treated the same as if I had been in my 80,000 company truck. I got run through the mill on that one...
yep, the state requires people who tow large RV's to get a non-cdl class A. I got one. I got a ticket on my motorcyle, the stupid prosecutor was telling me i couldn't take the driver course to get out.. he thought i had a regular CDL. he changed his tune when i sent him the traffic code..
Did pretty good job of explaining it. Could have explained the difference between interstate (Federal) and intrastate (state). The federal rating is 26,001, but state weights may be higher. Also has nothing to do with what you’re hauling, it only has to do with the combined weight rating of the trailer and the tow vehicle. Make it very clear you can get a ticket hauling an empty trailer if the combined weight rating of truck and trailer are more than 26,001, federal.
Really there are multiple things come into play to avoid a ticket. I've seen dot pull over 1/2 ton trucks loaded down ( and I mean loaded down) with firewood. If you are hauling heavy( over the axle ratings) you can get a ticket Same with tires. Running P rated tires on a pu then loading it down can get you a ticket. Check the weight rating of LT tires. They can have 2 or 3 ratings for same tire. Do your homework
Fed Regs require that a CDL is required, regardless of load or weight if one is being paid to drive! IF not for pay, then a Class A endorsement is required. A lof book must be kept & Fed Hours of Service adhered to even if one is driving a Geo Metro that has DOT numbers on it! Y'all better get a copy of the FMCSA Regs & reread them!
I've been trying to explain this to people for 5 years since I got caught. My dually is at 13025 and I was pulling a 14k dump trailer. I wound up selling all 3 of my 14k trailers and buying new 14k trailers derated from the factory to 12900. My deckover I ordered from PJ and they obviously knew why I needed it de-rated so they set the axles back 2 feet in order to throw more weight on the dually. So I actually don't lose much capacity if the load is distributed properly. One thing you didn't mention is that you can have a truck rated at 26k and still pull a 10k trailer without a CDL...
100% Certain your last statement is incorrect. It's still "Combined Weight". If the trailer and tow vehicle have a combined capacity exceeding 26,001lbs you MUST have a CDL. That was the entire point of this video. In your example if the truck is rated at 26k you cannot tow anything with a weight of more then 1lb. Meaning even if you are towing an empty, single axle, 8' trailer you NEED A CDL as the trailer empty weights more then 1lb.
You are 100% correct sir it is possible to operate a combination vehicle with a combined GVWR or 36000# without a CDL. I’m gonna put up a page out of the Alabama CDL manual that explains the requirements to have a CDL.
No you can't pull a 10,000 GVW trailer with a 26,000 truck unless you have a CDL or a Class A endorsement. 26,001 is the Total Combined GVW(NOT individual weights) according to the VIN tags & that's what D.O.T. goes by. Some states are more restrictive but they're not allowed to be less restrictive! A CDL IS required for driving anything for hire(even a Geo Metro) & a Class A endorsement for private over 26,000
I live in Texas and had my CDL for over 30 years. I kept it with the same thinking as you, didn’t want to let it go because of the requirements to get it back. When I renewed my license the last time the DPS office said I could suspend the cdl and get a class C. Then if I needed it again just reinstated it after physical, finger print, testing and fees. Don’t want to give out miss information but might be something to check into.
Also a 30 year CDL class A , tankers, air breaks and Hazmat liscense kind of guy, for a future reference to anybody who for some reason looking to drop the CDL you can opt to keep it but change it from interstate to intrastate and then (in - out- done). Probably 5 minutes total. I don't currently use my CDL but still have it, check into it. BTW, I'm also from Texas.
I feel like I am lucky in my state. I haul my tractor and bat wing bush hog between three of our family properties to mow them. I have to purchase a state issued tag due to the heavier weight (about 36,000lbs) but as far at CDL is concerned, the DOT in my state asked if I was being paid to mow these family properties. I am not and that's when they informed me what the C in CDL means. They said nothing about my use of my truck and trailer was commercial so they had no jurisdiction over my use of my truck and trailer. He said my state issued tag has to cover my weight but that's as far as it goes. I know my situation is unique and most guys that are hauling equipment of any type are using it commercially but here I am, as the DOT officer I met with said, the exception to the rule.
CDL means Commercial Driver's Licence, if you're not towing for money, You do not need a CDL. You do need a different class of license for heavy weight vehicles..... I have a non- comm class B for over 26K, but I drive personal vehicles, not for compensation. I could legally tow that trailer all day as long as it was my stuff on the back.
@@lloyd8720 Be careful with "Not For Hire." Not for hire doesn't always mean it's not commercial. All it means is that whatever that truck is doing, the owner does not hire it out to do that for anyone else. Take Pepsi for example. A lot of their trucks display "Not for Hire" on the side. All this means is you an I can not hire them and their truck to haul our drinks, it is not for hire. They only haul their own stuff, not other people or companies loads.
@misters2837 you need to research it my friend, that's exactly what it means. A commercial truck can be not for hire because they haul their own product. The truck is not hired out to haul product for anyone else.
@@justkeepingitreal7768 Well considering my FATHER-IN-LAW was a CVI (DOT Officer) for 3 Decades, it is *YOU* that needs to research! - Have a Good Day!
I have my CDL 40 years and even though I stopped driving commercially a little while ago I maintain the license just because I never know when I might need it for personal use.
If your not hauling commercially in Pennsylvania and combined weight is over 2,601 lb. you only need the A license. Some 5th wheel rv's are 22,000 gvwr.
It all varies by State. Here in California it is very strict. If the trailer GVWR is over 10,000 CDL is required. Doesn't matter what is pulling it or what you weigh.
Yes, except with farmers exemption that allows for 26,000 GCWR. In the code book, a tilt deck trailer is by definition an implement of husbandry (farm implement), there are other conditions that apply, read the details
Other states are gradually getting there, too. And it absolutely makes sense for over-10K to be automatic Class A license. Only an idiot would think that a 14K trailer is safer behind their older 11.4K truck 25.4K combo with a Class C than behind a 16K truck 30K combo with a Class A license. 😂 10K universal limit clarifies it for even the simplest of steering wheel holders to understand. 🤣
Thank you for a most excellent video. In California, if you have a utility trailer with a GVWR OF 10,002#, you need a Class A license. Welcome to the Golden State. Sign here, press hard, three copies.
Guess I’ve just been lucky my whole life. Even hauled my jeep on 30’ tandem dual up to Alaska and back in 2007. No issues, got pulled over in BC, they just looked at the load and let me go. Always haul my own stuff never commercially.
"Never commercially" is the qualifier. An endorsement might be required for weight but a CDL is only required if getting paid. Every state is different.
Just show them the flow chart that's in every commercial driving study book at the DMV in your state. I always show it to people when discussing this, it simplifies the conversation greatly and explains how its all about the combined gvwr of both units. (CGVWR) and any trailer over 9,999 gvwr or longer than 16 feet needs a class A. ( commercial or rec. class A )
Several years ago my company sold all our 3500s and bought older 1500HDs to account for the GVWR issues we were running into. A few mods to the suspensions and axles and we we've not looked back since for our "small load" drivers. Now personally when Im hauling projects for myself I do enjoy my farm tags as Tx DoT is still pretty much hands off for now.
i read through a bunch a comments - lotsa concern over the requirments and compliants almost about haveing to meet those requirements but no acknowment of the reponsiblity of towing 26000 pound or greater of weight and the consequences of when it can go wrong. Just got a cargo 7000 lb trailer and towed my first 900 miles being a newbie I wish there would be some kind of basic instruction for towing anything. theres no road test to tow less then 26000 but theres still plenty that can go wrong and its all over the net- broken frames hitches rolled trailers etc. plenty of videos about how to tow that travel trialer no detailed instruction on how to measure and load that specail 60/40 in a cargo trailer, just that spe,c maybe its just that simple but i had to get the wife to reload the trailer three times to get it right lucky me - So i pieced together all that info for a start and got there without rolling it. I am thankful you cdl drivers get the road test and all that instruction i think you are better for it.
This is really good information, but, those pesky exceptions. There is a class C CDL, it’s not at all for weight, it’s due to being in commerce. There is also the huge difference between a truck and a tractor, it you remove the bed on a pickup truck it is allowed to carry far more weight than if it has a bed due to being only able to haul freight on the trailer. A friend of mine does fireworks and has a CDL CLASS C, and get this, with hazmat endorsement! People think if some cop writes a ticket, it must be illegal, well cops and judges are wrong a whole lot, but many people just pay the fine, or accept a loss in court because they think the cop and judges know the law.
The Class endorsement has nothing to do with the HazMat endorsement. The Class limits the type vehicle one can drive & the weight. The HazMat is only for the HazMat that could be hauled in a Geo Metro with the correct placards! There are also endorsements for hauling multiple trailers, tankers & even human livestock! Better to remain silent & let people speculate rather than to speak & prove one's ignorance!
@ thanks for pointing out part of what I said, and I have every possible endorsement except for bus, doubles and triples, tank, hazmat, manual shift, air brakes, everything. Furthermore, if you have a regular license and go just for hazmat, it changes it into CDL. CDL is commercial, basically means you’re being paid to drive.
DOT looks at the sticker. If the sticker on the trailer says over 10,000 GVWR you need a class A CDL license it doesn't matter what the Gross combined weight is (exception for derating). You can get a CDL for over 26,000 and still not be legal to pull a trailer over 10,000 pounds. Lot of mistakes are made in this area. A lot of landscapers with their dump trailers are running dirty. Quick check of Fed DOT regs. will show you this. Thanks for posting.
A 22 ft with 2 6 lug brake axles would keep you under the 26k weight rule and still be fairly capable. This could be a consideration especially for 3/4 ton trucks.
He is right. There are exceptions but they are very strict. Axle rating determines GVW, why your hauling, farm use. Farm tags let you get away with hauling a backhoe as long as it is rperty of the farm and non commercial. A grey area is the same situation with personal use but your not getting away with that with DOT. If you work for a company and get caught hauling a backhoe, No CDL, no medical certificate, no log books not fuel tax certificate, no special tags for commercial use. and these all change state to state.
Appreciate the video and the pain today for upcoming drivers. I just turned 65, got my license at 15, got my cdl A at 17 with hazmat endorsement along with passenger bus, school bus requires a separate endorsement. Government has certainly made this an expensive career path.
All states are different when you are talking about licensing of the vehicle and the driver and combination thereof. For instance, in KY you can license a straight truck of 32000 lbs as a farm truck if you derive at least $500 of taxable income from farming and then pull a 10000 lb trailer behind it on a standard license. You are restricted to a 150 mile radius from the farm of origin and must be hauling your own product. If you are in KY and license as an RV you can have a full class 8 truck and go anywhere you want on a standard licence, but you must have a bed, toilet, and kitchen to classify as a RV. The point is that you have to do your own research on what you are doing to know what to license as and buy.
By the way, I know this as the company I worked with sent a employee in a company truck and trailer to deliver a backhoe to be worked on. Texas DOT got him and 15K worth of tickets to HIM NOT THE COMPANY. Texas DOT threw the book at him deliberately as the company had been warned. He was just caught in the middle.
Me and a friend of mine have been talking about this for a while. His combination is over and he’s got CDL but there’s another catch. His truck has a manual transmission . With that he’s got to have a manual endorsement! I said it before you are a wealth of knowledge buddy!
Yes of course, the first response was correct. And drivers when you add an endorsement in an automatic transmission make damn sure they dont downgrade your whole license to automatic transmission only. Louisiana DMV did that to me and took me an hour to get them to remove it. I walked in with an unrestricted Class A and was about to walk out with a restriction code 59 which meant automatic transmission only for the whole license! So watch them.
I was talking to a guy that sells hitches a while back on my day off. Told him I was thinking of getting a 1 ton and we were talking about the B&W hitch weight ratings. He said to be careful cause I was talking CDL numbers. I told him “don’t let the crocs and shorts fool you. I have a class A CDL” 😂
All the states I have ever dealt with, it is a truck with a GVRW of over 26000 lbs, OR any combination pulling a trailer over 10000 lbs. They are two different categories. When you combine the truck and trailer, you are dealing with Gross Combined Vehicle weight, not gross vehicle weight, that is looking at each vehicle separately. Great job discussing the de-rating, most never discuss it. Police look close when they see de-rated trucks or trailers, as most folks de=rate them to save registration fees.
Thanks for putting this vid together. Lots of other vids on this topic, but few are explained this clearly. The rules make no sense. I can legally pull a 12 ton super luxurious 5th wheel (just an example, I don’t actually own one) with my F-350 - without a CDL - but not my 5 ton tractor to the dealer for engine work. Seems like there should be an exception for simple farmers hauling their own equipment for their own purposes (not for commercial use in any way).
That’s a good point but what’s to say that I’m a simple guy hauling something for my own purposes (like to make a buck)? I mean (I’m in your camp but playing devils advocate) what’s the difference, because a farmer uses his tractor to make a buck.
We have a 5th wheel toy hauler and pull it with an F-350 crew cab dually, our gross combined weight is over 26,001 lbs. In Kansas I don't need a CDL but I do need a Class A driver's license.
Technically, you need a Class A endorsement to be legal pulling your camper, although some states ignore the Fed FMCSA Regs when it comes to "campers" I used to hang out with a bunch of rich MOFOs with Prevost / Marathon "campers", 45ft long, 50,000 lbs, air brakes, & no CDL required, Your situation is regulated by the state you live in.
Video content ideas: show axles; good bad, better. Various wheels and ratings. Building trailers. Flooring types; advantages and disadvantages. Get a floor creeper and show things underneath to look for; wiring; structure, rust/cracks, welds.
Great info, not a lot of people know this. Below is some info about the requirements in Illinois. Class D driver's license in Illinois allows the holder to operate the following vehicles: • Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 16,000 pounds or less • Any vehicle towing another vehicle, as long as the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is less than 26,001 pounds • Rental vehicles up to 26,000 pounds when transporting personal property or that of an immediate family member for non-business purposes within the state.
Not totally convince here in Alabama, I was told by the DMV, with a Farm Tag, CDL is exempt up to 30k lbs... I will not test this, but it was told to me by an Alabama official.
As for CA. Almost everything towable over 10,000 gvw of a trailer requires a cdl. There is also the cavoite of fifth wheel camper trailers, requires a Non-commercial cdl to tow with gvw over 10,000. Section 12804.12(a) CVC classifies a restricted Class A DL, also known as a noncommercial Class A DL, which allows the operation of a combination of vehicles consisting of a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR, or a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 15,000 pounds GVWR, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation. This license allows noncommercial (recreational) towing. Section 12804.9(b)(1)(A) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) classifies a Class A CDL and allows operation of a vehicle, or combination of vehicles, when a vehicle being towed has a GVWR or GVW of more than 10,000 pounds. This license is valid for both commercial and noncommercial (recreational) towing. Section 12804.9(b)(3)(G) CVC allows the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, regardless of trailer weight, with a Class C DL by farmers or ranchers and their employees; or instructors credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program exclusively in the conduct of not-for-hire agricultural operations. This statute allows towing by specified persons for agricultural operations exclusively and is not valid for towing recreational-use trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds.
State of texas and a few other states have Non-commercial CDLs you can get. This is something people are supposed to have RVing and pulling large campers.
@Ripper2524 most states do NOT require a special license to tow an RV (as long as it is your personal property for your use). My Minnesota class D license is specifically allowed to tow an RV of any rated weight. Tow the same setup for pay, and you have to have a class A CDL.
Correct, Many states have had the non CDL classes on the books since the 80's when they came out with the CDL, just not enforced until recently. Pa is one I can think of. They are now enforcing it, and making all kinds of unhappy campers. Other states allow recreational use without a CDL. But once you load up that new John Deer you just bought, it is not recreational, may be personal, but those states do not have the exemption for personal use, only recreational. There is so much misinformation out there that many states are not enforcing it yet. Just like having to pull in when the sign says ALL trucks and vehicles pulling trailers must enter weigh station. The hey day will soon be over.
Great information for intrastate driving. Crossing state lines the limit is 10,001 lbs. My 1995 one ton is rated for 10,000 lbs. The example 3/4 ton was rated 10,850 (I think) Why is that? When my truck was built, they rated them that way intentionally to address federal law, or cut the owner a break and sell trucks. Since then however, the manufacturers got into a rating war to show how stout and capable their trucks are. I forget who started it, I think Dodge. Going by the letter of the law, if you drove that example truck across state lines in a commercial scenario, loaded or empty, even without a trailer you needed a CDL. That is why big RV’s get away with their exorbitant weights without requiring CDL’s. While I have been a truck driver 33 years, and so it doesn’t matter what pick up I drive or where, the weight rating is one of the many reasons I am very disinclined to get rid of that one ton.
I wish you or someone would do a video on vehicle length that 40 foot trailer you were showing hooked up to a crew cab long bed pick up truck is over length. The maximum length in most states with a pick up truck is 65 feet, that also includes a flatbed or one of the western hauler style beds. I have a F450 pick up truck and a 40 foot gooseneck that I haul hotshot with my overall length is 66‘7“. I was forced to remove the bed and make my pick up now resemble a tractor. With a tractor you are allowed 75 feet overall length.
I run a 15' 4 door ram 5500 with a 9ft sevice body and a big front bumper. im 16" over with my 40'. 10" of which is the bumper. I had planned to cut the trailer down but as close as it is I said screw it but I dont tow it alot and rarely any distance that requires passing scales.
This is not what DOT told me back in 2003. As what DOT said, was that I needed a CDL if I exceeded the GVW rating of the vehicle I was towing with. In other words if I was rated to tow, 26,000 pounds with a Ford F-450 I had to stay under 26,000 pounds regardless of how long the trailer was and my load. So if I was 25,999 with trailer and load I was legal if my truck was rated for 26,000, but the second I hit 26,001 I had to have a CDL because I exceeded the weight rating of my truck. But that included the truck, trailer, load, me and any passengers in the truck. So if I had 1,000 pounds of weight in people, and another 1,000 in equipment, a 4,000 pound truck and 1,800 pound trailer that meant my load could be 18,199 pounds before I needed a CDL. But that is the way TDOT explained it to me.
de-rating the trailer is the way to go!! Most trailers today cannot handle the load they are rated for so you end up with cracked welds, tire blowouts, bearing issues... If you de-rate, you take the hit in how much you can carry but your trailer will always be ready to go...
I believe you’re correct sir. 26k should get you through every state and troopers can do math. Woops read the comments and checked the back and SC requires for trailers over 10k I think in most states you have to have an endorsement from a training professional to test for your CDL.
25 Ram srw 3500 diesel gvwr 11,800 if used for commerce most non cdl gvwr trailer is 14,200. If not commerce it doesn't matter, can tow big 5th wheel camper with non cdl semi depending on your state of residence.
In the 70s we only had to pass a 25 question test and be at least 18 years old to get a CDL. I wasn’t surprised when in the 80s everything changed IE multiple written tests, driving test, background check, drug testing, bi-yearly medical card exam.
Keeping a CDL when one has no intent to drive for a living is bullshit! The CDL eliminates several of one's rights with a regular D.L. A much better solution is to keep a Class A endorsement. It's my understanding that now, a current physical is required simply to have the CDL, even IF one is NOT employed driving for a living. Other disadvantages is not being allowed to attend "driving school" to prevent points on one's DMV record for a ticket or .04 B.A.C. for CDL instead of .08 for regular D.L.
@bradgriffith4231 you may think it is BS but I know to many driver who regret giving it up. You are right on one regard, at least keep an intra state class A
2013 ram 3/4 ton 10,000lbs gvwr. pulling a 28ft gooseneck horse trailer with 12,200 gvwr rating. Trailer has eight lug axles with 14ply tires. I had them balanced after your last video.
Interesting video. I'm not in the trucking business, but it sounds like for those trailers you mention with GVWR around 15,680 a person could pull with a 3/4 ton such as an F-250 with GVWR around 9,900 to 10,000 and be clean. To keep adequate payload capacity they might do best with a gas engine instead of diesel since diesel is a lot heavier.
Thanks for the information. There is alot of jailhouse information out there, just because you got away with something does not make it right. That being said, I have a very nice f450, I do not haul for a living or for any money, I wanted the capacity and peace of mind. Of course I screwed my self by not getting a f350 if I wanted to haul something heavy... Same on the trailer, I had wanted to get a good heavy duty trailer so I would have redundancy in capacity and again peace of mind. That means being safe I could haul less and be over weight just by having my preferred set up. I could have my great set up and haul legally a few thousand pounds. Unless it is an rv or uhaul... Go figure. I really think they, the gov that says they are our protector needs to take a look at this and maybe use the "is this for comercial " or not criteria. Getting a CDL to haul a load not for money a couple times a year seems over reach. Granted, safety inspections should be done... Last important thought, having a CDL does not mean you are a safe driver, look at the accidents with commercial drivers. I believe the right approach would be a class of drivers who do not commercially haul. Just my thoughts.
Most of the accidents from commercail drivers are caused by assholes in cars most of the time. Also by unquilified drivers thar SWIFT, American Express, JB Hunt, ETC put in their trucks after a very minimal amount of training, most of which is to pass the written exam! SWIFT= Sure Wished I Finished Training!
If your in Texas. CDL truck services in longview Tx. You have to get the permit first. I want to say with everything maybe $3200. It's only a 4 day school to teach the basics to get you through the inspection and driving. Oh and all the trucks are sycho transmissions so if you can drive a standard you can drive their trucks.
In Texas a commercial vehicle is one that is making money for the owner and / or the driver. So, over 26001 lbs, you need a CDL to drive. If it's an RV your driving, and its combined weight is over 26001 lbs, you will still need an exempt CDL, class A or B. These are easier to obtain though. I've had a CDL for 11 years but gave it up when I retired because you will still be held at a higher accountability if you violate any driving infraction.
My question is why would it be based on GVWR and not the actual weight of the vehicles+cargo? Much like personal utility trailers I know my crossover maxes out at 3000lb but I've had at least once the only thing U-Haul had when I needed to move a couple un-cut 4x8 sheets of material and the hardware store rental-truck was unavailable, I ended up with a 6000GVWR 6x12 trailer to strap down my couple pieces of 4x8 sheeting...but it was fine because I had like 100lb of cargo in a 2300lb empty-weight trailer still below the 3000lb rating of my tow vehicle. Stupidly overkill but if that's what is available to meet the need and the math works out...I'd have thought the same would apply to larger trailers that its the actual weight mattering, not the max possible capacity?
it's always fun giving the state a few hundred bucks for my license, not. I crammed for a week and took every test for every endorsement all at the same time. the dot officer was freaking out because I chose to take all of the test the same day. She was like well most people only take 1 test per day because they stand a better chance of passing. It was 100 questions per test. I told her I had to get to work ASAP and didn't have time to drag it out. I read the book 5 times back to back. I missed 1 question out of 5 test. The one I missed was not in the book and they claimed it was an unwritten law; yeah what the hell. I didn't go to driving school and the question I missed was only taught in school
I live in Wisconsin. Every state is different, but a Class B can do 26,001+ lb truck and up to a 10,000 lb trailer. For a trailer over 10,000 lb you'll need a cdl class A. I'm currently getting my class A license as I found out a class B is very limiting. Then there's air brakes, manual restrictions, tanker, hazmat, passenger. I'm getting my class A so I can literally use a F250 to pull a skid steer. I'll be able to drive a semi, but have zero desire to. I do think some states allow you to have a 16,000 lb trailer as long as your gross combined weight rating is under 26,000 lb.
I've been running a 11k trk and a 18k trl before I had my cdl. It's an old trl and I haul my tractor around. The trl only scales 13k but now I'm fully covered as I have my cdl for driving semi trk. My one ton just blew on way home from tractor show with trl doing 23k. Now I'm looking for dream trk and a gooseneck to replace pointless so I can get a smallish camper to double tow. But gotta lot of measuring and research for right combo😊
A "non CDL" trailer is any "combination vehicle" (truck & trailer) that has a trailer weighing less than 10,000lbs when loaded. Anything over that and you now need a....... CDL A.
Just some clarification in some states if you are over 26001 you need a difference drivers license but its not a CDL if you are not for hire. Texas is one its a Class A Not too bad and a good idea as you need to prove you can drive a truck and trailer without hitting things :)
Excellent infor as always from you. Lots of numbers rolling in my head now. So if a NON-CDL trailer is less than 10,000 GVWR and you have a 11,000 GVWR truck, that leaves you with only 5,000 of payload. How can you haul anything but a lawnmower with these crazy laws we have? the trailer would have to be in the 7,000 GVWR range with the 11k truck would get you up in the range of some “smaller” size equipment. Am I getting the math right here, because I don’t want the hustle of going for a CDL and all the BS that goes along with keeping it but looking for something that can haul more than a lawn mower to my property. Thanks for your info as always.
If its your lawnmower, your truck, and your trailer, you don't need a CDL....now, if you were driving the same truck, pulling the same trailer, and hauling the lawnmower for your neighbor you need a CDL, you also need a commercial registration/license for your truck, it also means you need commercial insurance for the vehicle as well.
Payload is NOT what is left over after subtracting the GVWR of both truck and trailer. Payload (of the trailer) is determined by the GVWR of the trailer minus its own weight. If you have a 14K GVWR on a trailer, and it weighs 5K on a scale, then the payload is 9K. Combining the final weight of the trailer loaded with 9K payload, it weighs 14K, and if the truck GVWR is 10K, 10K plus 14K is less than 26K, HOWEVER, some states do not let you pull a trailer over 10K GVWR without a CDL. Also, you better not exceed the capacity of the 14K trailer, and also the rear axle of the tow vehicle. For example if the tongue weight of the 14K trailer is 1500, and the axle is (GAWR) is 5K, you could theoretically haul 3500 in the truck bed (5K-1500=3500). You also better not have more weight on any tires on the truck or trailer over their weight rating. The only sure way to be under CDL is most all states is to have a trailer GVWR
@@LisaMedeiros-tr2lz Jeez, thank you for that info and talk about confusing to say the least. I guess that 14k truck is the constant so the 10k trailer is the critical factor. What does a typical 10k GVWR weigh on average for say a 20ft equipment hauler? That may not be an answerable question with more than an “ it depends on the trailer brand”. I’m slowly getting it but that axle weight is throwing me for a loop too. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.
You had mentioned there is a different with a red or black trailer and it's preferable to get a Black trailer so you don't get pulled over as a non-cdl. Now can you please explain that to me? I have a CDL I drive a Class A I've hauled explosives hazardous materials everything but nuclear. I'm considering and doing Hotshot and getting myself a 550 or 650. Now I am seeing a lot of trailers that are non CDL which is why I'm watching your video but you just mentioned red over black so if you don't mention this in the video if you could please comment I'd like to learn from that.
My take away is that there is no such thing as a "CDL trailer". It's a combination weight that determines whether or not a DRIVER needs a CDL. Using the information you've provided what you're really looking at is if the trailer requires a DOT inspection or not. If it's a DOT trailer, more than likely, the driver needs a CDL. A non-DOT trailer, generally the driver will not. But there's exceptions and grey areas that would require math. Overall I liked the video and look forward to seeing more from y'all.
Ive read most of these replies and you are the first one that says it right. Even the video was misleading. I can use my truck and any trailer as long as both and cargo do not exceed the weight limit of my license (length of both does though). Even with a CDL the length of both units is restricted depending on set up though.
So this is going to be a tedious question so I apologize in advance, but these CDL requirements..do they apply to everyone or only if you're using the rig for commerce? So to clarify what I mean, if I own a truck and trailer and use it to haul my farm equipment around from this little plot to that little plot to cut/rake/bale hay or plant corn etc, do I need a CDL for that if the load adds up to more than 26K+1 lbs?
Read the FMCSA Reg book! A Class A endorsement allows you to drive anything regardless of weight or configuration IF you're not gettin paid. A CDL is required for everything IF you're getting paid. IF the vehicle has D.O.T. numbers, a log book is required as well as adhering to the hours of service Regs even if it's a Geo Metro. Farm Regs are set by each state but the Fed Regs are NOT superceded by state Regs. State Regs can be whatever each state wants them to be as long as they are not less restricitve than Fed Regs. Farms fall into a gray area depending on the state but if you own the farm, you're not "For Hire" when hauling your own equipment or products.
I lived the video. It would be better to give your recommendation of the best combination to get max non cdl classification. I haul a lot of junk and want the max non cdl gooseneck to haul most junk. Maybe you can design a trailer for this. I think it would be a best seller
If you are stopped at a weight station and your truck and trailer are under 26K on paper and you have a trailer that has been de-rated and now overloaded above 26K total you are only liable for a weight ticket not a CDL ticket. A CDL only comes in to play for the amount of weight the tow vehicle and trailer combination can carry.
Only liable for a ticket because of weight if you are over the tire rating. The GVWR is a recommended weight by the manufacturer and DOT will not enforce that. Big trucks go over the GVWR all the time on a permit so can't be so bad if a permit make it's right.
Great thing about Texas, if you have anything Ag related loaded, The troopers tend to leave you alone. If they notice your only doing 60-65 on highway that are 60-80 it's another reason they leave you alone.
Not quite true. Federal law states that IF the trailer that you are pulling IN COMMERCIAL service has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or over you are required to have a class A CDL to pull that trailer reguardless of what you are pulling it with. That is why you see a lot of trailers with a GVWR rating of 9900, 9950, 9995 pounds to get under the requirement to have a class A CDL. The other gotcha is in some states that you are pulling a trailer that has a GVWR of 10,001 or more in NON commercial service they will require you to have a DOT medical certificate. My trailers are about split over 10K and under 10K. I have a CDL that I got in the mid 80's and a current medical so it is not a problem for me. If you are stopped and you are NOT in commercial service you need to keep hammering that point to the person that stopped you. They may try to say that is BS but what you do upfront, if they do not let you go, will effect what happens in court. If you own the truck, trailer, and the junk that is on it, and you are not selling the junk or using it for a commercial job, then you have different rights than a commercial operator. The person that stopped you job is to give you a ticket if they can or even think that they can for the revenue that it brings in. If they are wrong in court that is not their problem on the hope that you will just pay the fine and move on.
I'm towing with a 2002 Ford F350 crew Super Duty, SRW 4X4. Badass tuned 7.3. Low milage. What say you? I do have my CDLA, but it's on hold with no medical card on purpose
This is a great video and I appreciate the information , but,... I'm getting ready to purchase my first "big" trailer and want to make sure I am understanding this correctly. My truck ('24 Silverado 3/4 ton) has a GVWR of 10,850 lbs, and a GCWR of 26,000 lbs and an SAE J2807 Conventional TWR of 16,000 lbs. If I get a bumper-pull trailer with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs and don't exceed the 10,340 lbs load capacity..... then I should be good WITHOUT a CDL... correct??
IF the VIN tag "Combined GVW" of both units is 26,001lb, you need a CDL if you're getting paid or a Class A endorsement if not. Some states now require a Class A, a CDL, or possibly a Class J endorsement for any trailer over 10,000 regardless or combined GVW & most have a similar requirement for over 26,000. Fed D.O.T. requires a Class A for non-paying over 26,000. The internet "experts" aren't really a GR8 place to get accuracy, especially since laws differ substantially from state to state. His example with a trailer GVW of 22,000 was over simplified since there is nothing one could pull it with that wouldn't make it require more than a simple driver's license.
You’re spot on! I’m a retired firefighter, and already had a class B drivers license. On the other hand, I bought a Camper fifth wheel that had a GVWR of 23,000 & a Ford F450 to pull it with. In my profession, I got to know a lot of DOT officers. They informed me I would need to get a class A non-CDL to be legal. They also informed me they typically do not pull over people in recreational vehicles, even though they may be illegal, unless they deemed them unsafe. They also informed me with a Class A non-CDL I would be legal up to 80,000 pounds as long as I didn’t tow commercially I was happy to hear that because I have since bought a Volvo VNL 670 that’s registered as a motorhome to pull my fifth wheel camper. It’s a little overkill, but it seems safer. Now having said all that. I started a brush hog business for something to do. Bought a small tractor and trailer, but had to derate the trailer in order to be legal. Makes no sense to me! But it is what it is I guess!! Thanks for the video!! Well explained. I would like to see a video explaining the Class A non- CDL.
I am in Nevada and I have a NON CDL. class A drivers license so that with my Volvo VNL 780( registered as a motorhome I can still pull my Jayco Designer 5th wheel trailer as long as I am not over 50 ft in length and under 80,000 lbs.
YUP, SAME HERE IN PA. SIDE NOTE: IF YOU DE-RATED THE TRL. "DO NOT GET CAUGHT OVER THAT NEW WEIGHT RATING!" YOU WILL OR COULD GET A TICKET FOR OVER WEIGHT, IF YOUR LOAD EXCEEDS THAT NEW NUMBER.
The laws are very stupid.
Weight and the the length of the trailer to non CDL only be 65 long total truck and trailer with a bed take bed off now it chassis be longs 80 you have a 12000 trailer tag and 14000 truck and be 26000 mom CDL the law need move to 30000 it 26000 non CDL in 59 so time to move truck and trailer today big
@@richardlay1492 absolutely 👍 had to get the non CDL class A even before getting my Volvo VNL 670. My combine GVWR with F450 and Camper exceeded 26,000
You are the only person that has actually explained this issue the best...
I'm going to get my cdl so I can put my truck to work
It will cost about 10 k to get it
The insurance is outrageous right now. No way to make break even unless you are full time as a CDL.
@@straighthonest I found a cdl school in my small town that charges 5k
Could you make it a camper. Then no CDL
Texas has changed the law for what requires a CDL. It is now only vehicles that are used in commerce. You still need a class A license for a combination that is over 26,000 pounds and the trailer is over 10,000 pounds or a single vehicle that is over 26,000 pounds.
The trick is that troopers look at the truck and trailer to get a guess if it requires a CDL. If the truck and trailer both have single tires on them, and the trailer has only two axles, they will guess it is not over 26,000 pounds. If it has duals on the trailer, they will guess it requires the CDL.
Problem is that Texas has a non-CDL licensing so just looking at the vehicle and trailer isn't always enough...if the truck is a commercial truck, then the Trooper can use that as a method, otherwise it's a tricky assumption.. www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/classes-driver-licenses
@Stephan_Rothstein they don't get to guess according to the law but you will have to fight it in court if they do.
@@Stephan_Rothstein No, class B is still a single vehicle over 26k, not class A... add a trailer that's gross over 10k and class A is then required...
Great comments! It can be very confusing when trying to figure this stuff out, but after listening to you it's good to know there are others that need help . Thanks for a smile....
In my state, you can get a "farm license". You can have your vehicle certified as farm equipment and not have to have a CDL for travel up to 150 miles from your location. Or, if you're driving farm equipment for your local farmer, you can drive a semi without a CDL. Check your state on this type license.
That's in all 50 states, the farmer exemption. A cdl is only required to operate a class 8 truck and semi trailer if you're using it for commercial purposes.
@@davidpotter7484 Where I am, a farm registered truck has to follow a more of CDL laws, including weights, but no log books, and no CDL required. As far as slow speed farm equipment, have a red triangle and be safe.
That is the best explanation of it that I have ever heard yet
I live in North Carolina and I had a CDL for nearly 30 years. I had to give up my CDLs because of diabetes. I went to the DOT and got my personal class A license. I can go over 2601 lbs as long the load is my personal property. I can haul for hire as long as my vehicle is licensed over 2600 lbs.
Some states if a camper and tow vehicle is over 2601 lbs you have to have a class A private license as long the vehicles are in your name.
I kept my class A license because I have a farm tractor weighs nearly 16000 lbs.
I have a non-commercial CDL in PA... only because I'm done with driving commercially, but I can tow anything I want to for personal use!
I believe you meant 26001lbs.
Maybe your state allows you to be paid for under 26,000lb loads BUT Fed FMCSA rules state that any driving for hire(being paid) requires a CDL, regardless of weight or anything else! FMCSA even requires a log book & adherence to the hours of service regs if driving any vehicle with D.O.T. numbers on it, even if it's a Geo Metro! Different CDLs & endorsements for doing different jobs. I had a Class A with HazMat, Multiples & Tanker endorsements, no human livestock endorsements for me! Not a babysitter!
Nevada also has an Agg only restriction on CDLs if that is your preference, but keep in mind that if you have a CDL and are hauling for money across state lines there are other things that are needed. Hauling within a state carries fewer restrictions. Of course the federal rules apply at all times. Thanks for the video, it was very informative.
Nevada also has a Class J endorsement for all trailers over 10,000 & a Class A for non-commercial
As a retired CDL driver and heavy duty diesel mechanic is when getting a CDL and isn’t talked about is passing the DOT physical medical exam. If you’re young and healthy, no problem. If you’re older or have had medical issues all your life then you’ve got problems. Top of the hit parade is cardiovascular disease, diabetes, vision, high blood pressure, sleep apnea to start, there is a hole lot more. Then the doctor can issue a DOT card for 1 day up to 2 years then you need to go in for another physical and you must submit a copy of your current DOT card to the state DMV that issues your drivers license. Then on top of that when signing the paperwork to except the CDL license you automatically are held to .04 blood alcohol all the time until you decide to relinquish your CDL. Also you can’t do any illegal drugs. And in some states marijuana is legal but on the federal level it’s not and not legal to consume as a CDL holder. And at anytime you fail to pass your DOT medical you are out of business. In some respects passing and maintaining your DOT medical is way harder then passing your drivers test.
According to Nevada DMV, I would have needed a current physical card simply to keep my CDL, even though I wasn't driving for a carrier. I had no intention of getting back in a truck so I changed to a Class A endorsement. Another bullshit requirement of the CDL is NONE of the normal state DOT laws apply. One can't go to driving school to eliminate points from a ticket, .04 B.A.C. instead of .08, weed laws, etc. even when in one's private vehicle.
@ Yep right on. Way back in the day when I wasn’t driving for a few years I just didn’t renew my DOT kept my CDL. Then everything changed because a lot of Russian drivers where pulling shady shit out their . So the best way was for the government to clamp down was to require and maintain a DOT card all the time. Even if you’re not driving commercially you are held to .04 on blood alcohol. That was one read I kept my CDL because being a bachelor I’d eat out in taverns and bar n gills that pushed alcoholic drinks all the time but I always drank soft drinks and they’d kinda bitch about to me and I’d reply I’m a CDL driver and that put a end to that conversation PDQ.
Good information and you are correct. Fortunately, I do not do commercial work and I reside in a rural Great Plains state that is very much ag-oriented. So I do not have to be DOT/CDL compliant because I am a farmer using 1-ton trucks and 24- to 32-foot trailers for strictly ag purposes.
Finally, Someone with a correct explanation. I see the "none CDL" trailers for sale all the time.
BTY, I tow a non CDL trailer from harbor freight with my Prius at times, cheaper than the truck.
Here in BC, Canada, you can only pull up to 4,600 kg (10141 lbs) gvwr with a standard class 5 license. You can upgrade your standard class 5 license with a heavy trailer endorsement or a house trailer endorsement if you have an RV heavier than 10,141 lbs GVWr. Then the sky is the limit until you get to air brakes and/or multiple axles on the tow vehicle, then you need a class 1 (semi truck) with an air brake endorsement.
Single Axle limits in BC are 9100kg (20062lbs) maximum without oversize permits
On the back of my Maryland CDL, not only does it say about GVWR 26,001, but also if the trailer alone has a GVW of 10,001 pounds, also requires a CDL license.
same thing in NYS
One of our trucks got busted at the scales in Maryland by a DOT cop that must have just graduated from DOT school. Three trucks all placarded 24,000 GVWR but the first truck actually weighed 27,000. Red light. Here they come, blah blah blah, you need a CDL. Negative trooper, this is a non-CDL vehicle regardless of weight. Nope you're wrong, here's three tickets and go get some weight off that truck or you're not leaving here. So no winning with this guy so we got him under 26,000 and off we went. Fought the tickets and three weeks later boss got a letter from commander of commercial vehicle enforcement saying the officer was mistaken and we were 100% right and all tickets have been dismissed. So you've got to know these laws because many cops sure don't.
AND,,, you missed the "AND" in that sentence i think. You have to be over the 26,001 "AND" the towed vehicle/ trailer be over the 10,000 for a CDL. Not saying they wont make you get a higher class of DL but not a CDL ONLY because of the trailer over 10K
Same in ohio
NJ : Class A- Combination vehicles with GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more provided towed vehicle is 10,001 lbs. or more
To start with I just want to say that I love the interaction you have on your channel. One thing I didn’t hear you say was the overall length of a truck and trailer. Not sure of the wording of the law but a pickup truck with a trailer can not be over 65 feet long. If the truck is considered a tractor it can be longer. By the way I have a class A CDL with tanker HAZMAT and double and triple endorsement
One important note, there are exceptions to the CDL requirements. Such as RV and Farm.
I can legally exceed the 26,001 GCWR without having a CDL as long as I stay within the State and 150 miles (in a straight line) of the farm.
So I can move farm equipment and animals, but each State is going to have different exemptions, and those exemptions do not cross State lines. It can make picking up new livestock, especially horses, a pain, because it limits the number of horses I can buy at a time, or I have to make multiple trips.
Same in Kentucky if no farm plates. If you have a farm you can put farm plates on it and there is not a thing D .O.T can do about it. Farm plates have no load limit. I pulled out of the field and drove right by a D.O.T officer weighting over 90,000 lbs with farm plates on the tractor and trailer only thing he could do to stop me is if I had a light out only thing he can get me for. In order to get
farm plates you have to own 20 acres or more in Kentucky.
You need a Class A endorsement in most states for what you're doing & y'all better pray you never get pulled over by Fed D.O.T. You are highly illegal IF you even cross any highway that received Fed funds for construction & is a U.S. Rte or interstate weighing 90,000, regardless of "state law"! LOL
KY has different weight farm tags. 26,000 38,000 etc; Cops rarely even think about messing with any farm tags though.
I believe the bridge laws can still get you.
Traffic School stated that a CDL license alcohol conviction carries a 10-year record? Excellent content.
A CDL alcohol conviction is the kiss of death! I had a couple companies that refused to hire me because I had a bullshit "open container" violation for less than a half ounce of beer in the bottom of the bottle put back in the case instead of pitching the bottle on the side of the road or the creek bank before I went home from fishing! The prick even told me he knew I wasn't "under the influence"! One assh0le in Collinsville, OK even wrote a guy a ticket for "open container" for empty cans laying in the bed of his pickup! LOL
A trailer that is 10000 gvwr or less does not get added in the calculation for a combination vehicle. You can pull a 10000 gvwr trailer with a truck rated at 25500 pounds and still not need a cdl. This combination allows up to 35500 with no cdl. If the trailer is rated at 10,001 pounds or greater, then the calculation has to include the trailer capacity and the combination cannot exceed 26000 pounds. Also, don’t confuse cdl requirements with commercial vehicle requirements. If you exceed 10000 pounds and cross state lines for business, then you are a commercial vehicle and will require a medical card and other stuff even though you still wouldn’t need a cdl license.
The part that really sucks about having a CDL in TX is an infraction in my 2,800lb commuter car is treated the same as if I had been in my 80,000 company truck. I got run through the mill on that one...
Same here in North Carolina
Same in oklahoma
That's what he was talking about being held to higher standards when you have a CDL. 0.04 BAC limit (last I knew), etc.
yep, the state requires people who tow large RV's to get a non-cdl class A. I got one. I got a ticket on my motorcyle, the stupid prosecutor was telling me i couldn't take the driver course to get out.. he thought i had a regular CDL. he changed his tune when i sent him the traffic code..
Same in Kansas. Tickets and legal limits go up to "professional" prices even in private vehicles. And the cdl waves any right to a diversion.
Man you did a great job of explaining this.
You have to be a lawyer to pull a trailer with a pickup these days
Unless you have a CDL
Or just understand basic math.
Did pretty good job of explaining it. Could have explained the difference between interstate (Federal) and intrastate (state).
The federal rating is 26,001, but state weights may be higher.
Also has nothing to do with what you’re hauling, it only has to do with the combined weight rating of the trailer and the tow vehicle.
Make it very clear you can get a ticket hauling an empty trailer if the combined weight rating of truck and trailer are more than 26,001, federal.
it is gvwr or gross weight exceed 26001 pounds so it is possible to receive a ticket with a empty trailer.
Yep I’ve seen that before
I know Ford's can be ordered with a derate gvwr of 10k just for this situation.pay extra but the vin tag will say GVWR 10k.
Really there are multiple things come into play to avoid a ticket. I've seen dot pull over 1/2 ton trucks loaded down ( and I mean loaded down) with firewood. If you are hauling heavy( over the axle ratings) you can get a ticket Same with tires. Running P rated tires on a pu then loading it down can get you a ticket. Check the weight rating of LT tires. They can have 2 or 3 ratings for same tire. Do your homework
Fed Regs require that a CDL is required, regardless of load or weight if one is being paid to drive! IF not for pay, then a Class A endorsement is required. A lof book must be kept & Fed Hours of Service adhered to even if one is driving a Geo Metro that has DOT numbers on it! Y'all better get a copy of the FMCSA Regs & reread them!
I've been trying to explain this to people for 5 years since I got caught. My dually is at 13025 and I was pulling a 14k dump trailer. I wound up selling all 3 of my 14k trailers and buying new 14k trailers derated from the factory to 12900. My deckover I ordered from PJ and they obviously knew why I needed it de-rated so they set the axles back 2 feet in order to throw more weight on the dually. So I actually don't lose much capacity if the load is distributed properly. One thing you didn't mention is that you can have a truck rated at 26k and still pull a 10k trailer without a CDL...
100% Certain your last statement is incorrect. It's still "Combined Weight". If the trailer and tow vehicle have a combined capacity exceeding 26,001lbs you MUST have a CDL. That was the entire point of this video. In your example if the truck is rated at 26k you cannot tow anything with a weight of more then 1lb. Meaning even if you are towing an empty, single axle, 8' trailer you NEED A CDL as the trailer empty weights more then 1lb.
You are 100% correct sir it is possible to operate a combination vehicle with a combined GVWR or 36000# without a CDL. I’m gonna put up a page out of the Alabama CDL manual that explains the requirements to have a CDL.
Also if the unit is being used for personal use a CDL is not required.
No you can't pull a 10,000 GVW trailer with a 26,000 truck unless you have a CDL or a Class A endorsement. 26,001 is the Total Combined GVW(NOT individual weights) according to the VIN tags & that's what D.O.T. goes by. Some states are more restrictive but they're not allowed to be less restrictive! A CDL IS required for driving anything for hire(even a Geo Metro) & a Class A endorsement for private over 26,000
th-cam.com/users/shorts4pGHIhP0iCM?si=ZDq-FR9DblhqS7LX
Thank you for all of this information. I just recently bought myself a 1ton.
I live in Texas and had my CDL for over 30 years. I kept it with the same thinking as you, didn’t want to let it go because of the requirements to get it back. When I renewed my license the last time the DPS office said I could suspend the cdl and get a class C. Then if I needed it again just reinstated it after physical, finger print, testing and fees. Don’t want to give out miss information but might be something to check into.
Also a 30 year CDL class A , tankers, air breaks and Hazmat liscense kind of guy, for a future reference to anybody who for some reason looking to drop the CDL you can opt to keep it but change it from interstate to intrastate and then (in - out- done). Probably 5 minutes total. I don't currently use my CDL but still have it, check into it. BTW, I'm also from Texas.
I feel like I am lucky in my state. I haul my tractor and bat wing bush hog between three of our family properties to mow them. I have to purchase a state issued tag due to the heavier weight (about 36,000lbs) but as far at CDL is concerned, the DOT in my state asked if I was being paid to mow these family properties. I am not and that's when they informed me what the C in CDL means. They said nothing about my use of my truck and trailer was commercial so they had no jurisdiction over my use of my truck and trailer. He said my state issued tag has to cover my weight but that's as far as it goes. I know my situation is unique and most guys that are hauling equipment of any type are using it commercially but here I am, as the DOT officer I met with said, the exception to the rule.
CDL means Commercial Driver's Licence, if you're not towing for money, You do not need a CDL. You do need a different class of license for heavy weight vehicles..... I have a non- comm class B for over 26K, but I drive personal vehicles, not for compensation. I could legally tow that trailer all day as long as it was my stuff on the back.
Correct...Not for hire 👍
@@lloyd8720 Be careful with "Not For Hire." Not for hire doesn't always mean it's not commercial. All it means is that whatever that truck is doing, the owner does not hire it out to do that for anyone else. Take Pepsi for example. A lot of their trucks display "Not for Hire" on the side. All this means is you an I can not hire them and their truck to haul our drinks, it is not for hire. They only haul their own stuff, not other people or companies loads.
@@justkeepingitreal7768 That's not what "Not For Hire" means...LOL - Tell me you nothing about commercial vehicles, without actually saying so.
@misters2837 you need to research it my friend, that's exactly what it means. A commercial truck can be not for hire because they haul their own product. The truck is not hired out to haul product for anyone else.
@@justkeepingitreal7768 Well considering my FATHER-IN-LAW was a CVI (DOT Officer) for 3 Decades, it is *YOU* that needs to research! - Have a Good Day!
I have my CDL 40 years and even though I stopped driving commercially a little while ago I maintain the license just because I never know when I might need it for personal use.
same here i got my commercial in 82 rolled over to cdl, retired but kept cdl in case i need to trailer equip etc
If your not hauling commercially in Pennsylvania and combined weight is over 2,601 lb. you only need the A license. Some 5th wheel rv's are 22,000 gvwr.
The answer is NEVER if you're not getting paid to drive. A Class A is fine for private non-paying loads.
It all varies by State. Here in California it is very strict. If the trailer GVWR is over 10,000 CDL is required. Doesn't matter what is pulling it or what you weigh.
Yes, except with farmers exemption that allows for 26,000 GCWR. In the code book, a tilt deck trailer is by definition an implement of husbandry (farm implement), there are other conditions that apply, read the details
Other states are gradually getting there, too. And it absolutely makes sense for over-10K to be automatic Class A license. Only an idiot would think that a 14K trailer is safer behind their older 11.4K truck 25.4K combo with a Class C than behind a 16K truck 30K combo with a Class A license. 😂 10K universal limit clarifies it for even the simplest of steering wheel holders to understand. 🤣
Thank you for a most excellent video. In California, if you have a utility trailer with a GVWR OF 10,002#, you need a Class A license. Welcome to the Golden State. Sign here, press hard, three copies.
Guess I’ve just been lucky my whole life. Even hauled my jeep on 30’ tandem dual up to Alaska and back in 2007. No issues, got pulled over in BC, they just looked at the load and let me go. Always haul my own stuff never commercially.
"Never commercially" is the qualifier. An endorsement might be required for weight but a CDL is only required if getting paid. Every state is different.
You definitely dropped a lot of gems and a lot of good science in this video❤ and you definitely know what you were talking about💯%
So many people get this wrong. Great video.
Just show them the flow chart that's in every commercial driving study book at the DMV in your state. I always show it to people when discussing this, it simplifies the conversation greatly and explains how its all about the combined gvwr of both units. (CGVWR) and any trailer over 9,999 gvwr or longer than 16 feet needs a class A. ( commercial or rec. class A )
Several years ago my company sold all our 3500s and bought older 1500HDs to account for the GVWR issues we were running into. A few mods to the suspensions and axles and we we've not looked back since for our "small load" drivers.
Now personally when Im hauling projects for myself I do enjoy my farm tags as Tx DoT is still pretty much hands off for now.
i read through a bunch a comments - lotsa concern over the requirments and compliants almost about haveing to meet those requirements but no acknowment of the reponsiblity of towing 26000 pound or greater of weight and the consequences of when it can go wrong. Just got a cargo 7000 lb trailer and towed my first 900 miles being a newbie I wish there would be some kind of basic instruction for towing anything. theres no road test to tow less then 26000 but theres still plenty that can go wrong and its all over the net- broken frames hitches rolled trailers etc. plenty of videos about how to tow that travel trialer no detailed instruction on how to measure and load that specail 60/40 in a cargo trailer, just that spe,c maybe its just that simple but i had to get the wife to reload the trailer three times to get it right lucky me - So i pieced together all that info for a start and got there without rolling it. I am thankful you cdl drivers get the road test and all that instruction i think you are better for it.
This is really good information, but, those pesky exceptions. There is a class C CDL, it’s not at all for weight, it’s due to being in commerce. There is also the huge difference between a truck and a tractor, it you remove the bed on a pickup truck it is allowed to carry far more weight than if it has a bed due to being only able to haul freight on the trailer. A friend of mine does fireworks and has a CDL CLASS C, and get this, with hazmat endorsement! People think if some cop writes a ticket, it must be illegal, well cops and judges are wrong a whole lot, but many people just pay the fine, or accept a loss in court because they think the cop and judges know the law.
The Class endorsement has nothing to do with the HazMat endorsement. The Class limits the type vehicle one can drive & the weight. The HazMat is only for the HazMat that could be hauled in a Geo Metro with the correct placards! There are also endorsements for hauling multiple trailers, tankers & even human livestock! Better to remain silent & let people speculate rather than to speak & prove one's ignorance!
@ thanks for pointing out part of what I said, and I have every possible endorsement except for bus, doubles and triples, tank, hazmat, manual shift, air brakes, everything. Furthermore, if you have a regular license and go just for hazmat, it changes it into CDL. CDL is commercial, basically means you’re being paid to drive.
Depends on the nature of the move. Interstate commerce or not. Plus the combined GVWR of the power unit and the trailer loaded or empty.
DOT looks at the sticker. If the sticker on the trailer says over 10,000 GVWR you need a class A CDL license it doesn't matter what the Gross combined weight is (exception for derating). You can get a CDL for over 26,000 and still not be legal to pull a trailer over 10,000 pounds. Lot of mistakes are made in this area. A lot of landscapers with their dump trailers are running dirty. Quick check of Fed DOT regs. will show you this. Thanks for posting.
A 22 ft with 2 6 lug brake axles would keep you under the 26k weight rule and still be fairly capable. This could be a consideration especially for 3/4 ton trucks.
He is right. There are exceptions but they are very strict. Axle rating determines GVW, why your hauling, farm use. Farm tags let you get away with hauling a backhoe as long as it is rperty of the farm and non commercial. A grey area is the same situation with personal use but your not getting away with that with DOT.
If you work for a company and get caught hauling a backhoe, No CDL, no medical certificate, no log books not fuel tax certificate, no special tags for commercial use. and these all change state to state.
Appreciate the video and the pain today for upcoming drivers. I just turned 65, got my license at 15, got my cdl A at 17 with hazmat endorsement along with passenger bus, school bus requires a separate endorsement. Government has certainly made this an expensive career path.
All states are different when you are talking about licensing of the vehicle and the driver and combination thereof. For instance, in KY you can license a straight truck of 32000 lbs as a farm truck if you derive at least $500 of taxable income from farming and then pull a 10000 lb trailer behind it on a standard license. You are restricted to a 150 mile radius from the farm of origin and must be hauling your own product. If you are in KY and license as an RV you can have a full class 8 truck and go anywhere you want on a standard licence, but you must have a bed, toilet, and kitchen to classify as a RV. The point is that you have to do your own research on what you are doing to know what to license as and buy.
By the way, I know this as the company I worked with sent a employee in a company truck and trailer to deliver a backhoe to be worked on. Texas DOT got him and 15K worth of tickets to HIM NOT THE COMPANY. Texas DOT threw the book at him deliberately as the company had been warned. He was just caught in the middle.
I have a older one ton Ford with a GVWR of 11,999 and my trailer has a GVWR of 14,000, just under the limit.
this is a good video for 90% of those who MIGHT get caught and did not know who WILL know when they sign the ticket..... 🤠
Me and a friend of mine have been talking about this for a while. His combination is over and he’s got CDL but there’s another catch. His truck has a manual transmission . With that he’s got to have a manual endorsement! I said it before you are a wealth of knowledge buddy!
Sorry but there is no such thing as a manual endorsement. There is a restriction if he took his test on an auto.
@@MrThisIsMeToo Yeah, yeah, yeah... 😂
@@MrThisIsMeToo restriction
Yes of course, the first response was correct. And drivers when you add an endorsement in an automatic transmission make damn sure they dont downgrade your whole license to automatic transmission only. Louisiana DMV did that to me and took me an hour to get them to remove it. I walked in with an unrestricted Class A and was about to walk out with a restriction code 59 which meant automatic transmission only for the whole license! So watch them.
@@ProleDaddyagreed
I was talking to a guy that sells hitches a while back on my day off. Told him I was thinking of getting a 1 ton and we were talking about the B&W hitch weight ratings. He said to be careful cause I was talking CDL numbers. I told him “don’t let the crocs and shorts fool you. I have a class A CDL” 😂
I Washington State, a 105k GVWR can be registered as an RV, ergo no CDL required.
All the states I have ever dealt with, it is a truck with a GVRW of over 26000 lbs, OR any combination pulling a trailer over 10000 lbs. They are two different categories. When you combine the truck and trailer, you are dealing with Gross Combined Vehicle weight, not gross vehicle weight, that is looking at each vehicle separately. Great job discussing the de-rating, most never discuss it. Police look close when they see de-rated trucks or trailers, as most folks de=rate them to save registration fees.
Any "Combined vehicle GVW weight of over 26,000 lbs", or in some states now, a trailer over 10,000 GVW
Thanks for putting this vid together. Lots of other vids on this topic, but few are explained this clearly. The rules make no sense. I can legally pull a 12 ton super luxurious 5th wheel (just an example, I don’t actually own one) with my F-350 - without a CDL - but not my 5 ton tractor to the dealer for engine work. Seems like there should be an exception for simple farmers hauling their own equipment for their own purposes (not for commercial use in any way).
John Deere doesn’t lobby like Winnebago, hence the loophole
That’s a good point but what’s to say that I’m a simple guy hauling something for my own purposes (like to make a buck)? I mean (I’m in your camp but playing devils advocate) what’s the difference, because a farmer uses his tractor to make a buck.
We have a 5th wheel toy hauler and pull it with an F-350 crew cab dually, our gross combined weight is over 26,001 lbs. In Kansas I don't need a CDL but I do need a Class A driver's license.
Technically, you need a Class A endorsement to be legal pulling your camper, although some states ignore the Fed FMCSA Regs when it comes to "campers" I used to hang out with a bunch of rich MOFOs with Prevost / Marathon "campers", 45ft long, 50,000 lbs, air brakes, & no CDL required, Your situation is regulated by the state you live in.
33 years over the road here, you are 100% right. Now that said....
Video content ideas: show axles; good bad, better. Various wheels and ratings. Building trailers. Flooring types; advantages and disadvantages. Get a floor creeper and show things underneath to look for; wiring; structure, rust/cracks, welds.
Great info, not a lot of people know this. Below is some info about the requirements in Illinois.
Class D driver's license in Illinois allows the holder to operate the following vehicles:
• Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 16,000 pounds or less
• Any vehicle towing another vehicle, as long as the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is less than 26,001 pounds
• Rental vehicles up to 26,000 pounds when transporting personal property or that of an immediate family member for non-business purposes within the state.
Not totally convince here in Alabama, I was told by the DMV, with a Farm Tag, CDL is exempt up to 30k lbs... I will not test this, but it was told to me by an Alabama official.
As for CA. Almost everything towable over 10,000 gvw of a trailer requires a cdl. There is also the cavoite of fifth wheel camper trailers, requires a Non-commercial cdl to tow with gvw over 10,000.
Section 12804.12(a) CVC classifies a restricted Class A DL, also known as a noncommercial Class A DL, which allows the operation of a combination of vehicles consisting of a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR, or a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 15,000 pounds GVWR, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation. This license allows noncommercial (recreational) towing.
Section 12804.9(b)(1)(A) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) classifies a Class A CDL and allows operation of a vehicle, or combination of vehicles, when a vehicle being towed has a GVWR or GVW of more than 10,000 pounds. This license is valid for both commercial and noncommercial (recreational) towing. Section 12804.9(b)(3)(G) CVC allows the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, regardless of trailer weight, with a Class C DL by farmers or ranchers and their employees; or instructors credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program exclusively in the conduct of not-for-hire agricultural operations. This statute allows towing by specified persons for agricultural operations exclusively and is not valid for towing recreational-use trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds.
Right on! You said it perfectly I agree 100 percent. I worked commercial enforcement for 30 in Ca.
State of texas and a few other states have Non-commercial CDLs you can get. This is something people are supposed to have RVing and pulling large campers.
How do you get a non- comercial cgl
@Ripper2524 most states do NOT require a special license to tow an RV (as long as it is your personal property for your use). My Minnesota class D license is specifically allowed to tow an RV of any rated weight. Tow the same setup for pay, and you have to have a class A CDL.
Correct, Many states have had the non CDL classes on the books since the 80's when they came out with the CDL, just not enforced until recently. Pa is one I can think of. They are now enforcing it, and making all kinds of unhappy campers. Other states allow recreational use without a CDL. But once you load up that new John Deer you just bought, it is not recreational, may be personal, but those states do not have the exemption for personal use, only recreational. There is so much misinformation out there that many states are not enforcing it yet. Just like having to pull in when the sign says ALL trucks and vehicles pulling trailers must enter weigh station. The hey day will soon be over.
Great job, you have so much information. Where is your shop located?
Great information for intrastate driving. Crossing state lines the limit is 10,001 lbs. My 1995 one ton is rated for 10,000 lbs. The example 3/4 ton was rated 10,850 (I think) Why is that? When my truck was built, they rated them that way intentionally to address federal law, or cut the owner a break and sell trucks. Since then however, the manufacturers got into a rating war to show how stout and capable their trucks are. I forget who started it, I think Dodge. Going by the letter of the law, if you drove that example truck across state lines in a commercial scenario, loaded or empty, even without a trailer you needed a CDL. That is why big RV’s get away with their exorbitant weights without requiring CDL’s. While I have been a truck driver 33 years, and so it doesn’t matter what pick up I drive or where, the weight rating is one of the many reasons I am very disinclined to get rid of that one ton.
I wish you or someone would do a video on vehicle length that 40 foot trailer you were showing hooked up to a crew cab long bed pick up truck is over length. The maximum length in most states with a pick up truck is 65 feet, that also includes a flatbed or one of the western hauler style beds. I have a F450 pick up truck and a 40 foot gooseneck that I haul hotshot with my overall length is 66‘7“. I was forced to remove the bed and make my pick up now resemble a tractor. With a tractor you are allowed 75 feet overall length.
I run a 15' 4 door ram 5500 with a 9ft sevice body and a big front bumper. im 16" over with my 40'. 10" of which is the bumper. I had planned to cut the trailer down but as close as it is I said screw it but I dont tow it alot and rarely any distance that requires passing scales.
This is not what DOT told me back in 2003. As what DOT said, was that I needed a CDL if I exceeded the GVW rating of the vehicle I was towing with. In other words if I was rated to tow, 26,000 pounds with a Ford F-450 I had to stay under 26,000 pounds regardless of how long the trailer was and my load. So if I was 25,999 with trailer and load I was legal if my truck was rated for 26,000, but the second I hit 26,001 I had to have a CDL because I exceeded the weight rating of my truck. But that included the truck, trailer, load, me and any passengers in the truck. So if I had 1,000 pounds of weight in people, and another 1,000 in equipment, a 4,000 pound truck and 1,800 pound trailer that meant my load could be 18,199 pounds before I needed a CDL. But that is the way TDOT explained it to me.
de-rating the trailer is the way to go!! Most trailers today cannot handle the load they are rated for so you end up with cracked welds, tire blowouts, bearing issues... If you de-rate, you take the hit in how much you can carry but your trailer will always be ready to go...
I believe you’re correct sir. 26k should get you through every state and troopers can do math.
Woops read the comments and checked the back and SC requires for trailers over 10k
I think in most states you have to have an endorsement from a training professional to test for your CDL.
25 Ram srw 3500 diesel gvwr 11,800 if used for commerce most non cdl gvwr trailer is 14,200.
If not commerce it doesn't matter, can tow big 5th wheel camper with non cdl semi depending on your state of residence.
In the 70s we only had to pass a 25 question test and be at least 18 years old to get a CDL. I wasn’t surprised when in the 80s everything changed IE multiple written tests, driving test, background check, drug testing, bi-yearly medical card exam.
I liked the red trailer comment. That alone was worth the like & comment.
I found this video very educational it all makes sense the math tells it good video
Awesome video very informative thank you
Your absolutely right if you have a cdl keep it. I would hate to get one now, 53 yrs ago all I 😊had to do is a written test.
Keeping a CDL when one has no intent to drive for a living is bullshit! The CDL eliminates several of one's rights with a regular D.L. A much better solution is to keep a Class A endorsement. It's my understanding that now, a current physical is required simply to have the CDL, even IF one is NOT employed driving for a living. Other disadvantages is not being allowed to attend "driving school" to prevent points on one's DMV record for a ticket or .04 B.A.C. for CDL instead of .08 for regular D.L.
@bradgriffith4231 you may think it is BS but I know to many driver who regret giving it up. You are right on one regard, at least keep an intra state class A
2013 ram 3/4 ton 10,000lbs gvwr. pulling a 28ft gooseneck horse trailer with 12,200 gvwr rating. Trailer has eight lug axles with 14ply tires. I had them balanced after your last video.
Interesting video. I'm not in the trucking business, but it sounds like for those trailers you mention with GVWR around 15,680 a person could pull with a 3/4 ton such as an F-250 with GVWR around 9,900 to 10,000 and be clean. To keep adequate payload capacity they might do best with a gas engine instead of diesel since diesel is a lot heavier.
Thanks for the information. There is alot of jailhouse information out there, just because you got away with something does not make it right. That being said, I have a very nice f450, I do not haul for a living or for any money, I wanted the capacity and peace of mind. Of course I screwed my self by not getting a f350 if I wanted to haul something heavy... Same on the trailer, I had wanted to get a good heavy duty trailer so I would have redundancy in capacity and again peace of mind. That means being safe I could haul less and be over weight just by having my preferred set up. I could have my great set up and haul legally a few thousand pounds. Unless it is an rv or uhaul... Go figure. I really think they, the gov that says they are our protector needs to take a look at this and maybe use the "is this for comercial " or not criteria. Getting a CDL to haul a load not for money a couple times a year seems over reach. Granted, safety inspections should be done... Last important thought, having a CDL does not mean you are a safe driver, look at the accidents with commercial drivers. I believe the right approach would be a class of drivers who do not commercially haul. Just my thoughts.
Most of the accidents from commercail drivers are caused by assholes in cars most of the time. Also by unquilified drivers thar SWIFT, American Express, JB Hunt, ETC put in their trucks after a very minimal amount of training, most of which is to pass the written exam! SWIFT= Sure Wished I Finished Training!
Nebraska, GVWR of 10K requires commercial or type endorsement. Next is the GCVR of the combination.
If your in Texas. CDL truck services in longview Tx. You have to get the permit first. I want to say with everything maybe $3200. It's only a 4 day school to teach the basics to get you through the inspection and driving. Oh and all the trucks are sycho transmissions so if you can drive a standard you can drive their trucks.
In Texas a commercial vehicle is one that is making money for the owner and / or the driver. So, over 26001 lbs, you need a CDL to drive. If it's an RV your driving, and its combined weight is over 26001 lbs, you will still need an exempt CDL, class A or B. These are easier to obtain though.
I've had a CDL for 11 years but gave it up when I retired because you will still be held at a higher accountability if you violate any driving infraction.
My question is why would it be based on GVWR and not the actual weight of the vehicles+cargo? Much like personal utility trailers I know my crossover maxes out at 3000lb but I've had at least once the only thing U-Haul had when I needed to move a couple un-cut 4x8 sheets of material and the hardware store rental-truck was unavailable, I ended up with a 6000GVWR 6x12 trailer to strap down my couple pieces of 4x8 sheeting...but it was fine because I had like 100lb of cargo in a 2300lb empty-weight trailer still below the 3000lb rating of my tow vehicle. Stupidly overkill but if that's what is available to meet the need and the math works out...I'd have thought the same would apply to larger trailers that its the actual weight mattering, not the max possible capacity?
it's always fun giving the state a few hundred bucks for my license, not. I crammed for a week and took every test for every endorsement all at the same time. the dot officer was freaking out because I chose to take all of the test the same day. She was like well most people only take 1 test per day because they stand a better chance of passing. It was 100 questions per test. I told her I had to get to work ASAP and didn't have time to drag it out. I read the book 5 times back to back. I missed 1 question out of 5 test. The one I missed was not in the book and they claimed it was an unwritten law; yeah what the hell. I didn't go to driving school and the question I missed was only taught in school
I tow with a 1/2 ton with a one ton rear axle 7000 lbs gross limit that lets me haul right at 15000 lbs
I live in Wisconsin. Every state is different, but a Class B can do 26,001+ lb truck and up to a 10,000 lb trailer. For a trailer over 10,000 lb you'll need a cdl class A.
I'm currently getting my class A license as I found out a class B is very limiting.
Then there's air brakes, manual restrictions, tanker, hazmat, passenger.
I'm getting my class A so I can literally use a F250 to pull a skid steer. I'll be able to drive a semi, but have zero desire to.
I do think some states allow you to have a 16,000 lb trailer as long as your gross combined weight rating is under 26,000 lb.
I've been running a 11k trk and a 18k trl before I had my cdl. It's an old trl and I haul my tractor around. The trl only scales 13k but now I'm fully covered as I have my cdl for driving semi trk. My one ton just blew on way home from tractor show with trl doing 23k. Now I'm looking for dream trk and a gooseneck to replace pointless so I can get a smallish camper to double tow. But gotta lot of measuring and research for right combo😊
In my state if the truck, trailer and the load on the trailer are 26,001 pounds or more you're required to have a CDL license.
I did this crazy math last year. Found me with a 3/4 ton truck. And a custom trailer equipment trailer with a
g v w of 9999 !!!!!
Where in Texas, if any, can I take a triple-axle goose neck trailer to get inspected and derated so I don’t get in trouble for not having a CDL?
I grandfathered in when I got my CDL. It was originally called a chauffeur license. I took the written test but didn’t have to drive
A "non CDL" trailer is any "combination vehicle" (truck & trailer) that has a trailer weighing less than 10,000lbs when loaded. Anything over that and you now need a....... CDL A.
I'm also in texas, where is your shop ?
Just some clarification in some states if you are over 26001 you need a difference drivers license but its not a CDL if you are not for hire. Texas is one its a Class A Not too bad and a good idea as you need to prove you can drive a truck and trailer without hitting things :)
Excellent infor as always from you. Lots of numbers rolling in my head now. So if a NON-CDL trailer is less than 10,000 GVWR and you have a 11,000 GVWR truck, that leaves you with only 5,000 of payload. How can you haul anything but a lawnmower with these crazy laws we have? the trailer would have to be in the 7,000 GVWR range with the 11k truck would get you up in the range of some “smaller” size equipment. Am I getting the math right here, because I don’t want the hustle of going for a CDL and all the BS that goes along with keeping it but looking for something that can haul more than a lawn mower to my property. Thanks for your info as always.
If its your lawnmower, your truck, and your trailer, you don't need a CDL....now, if you were driving the same truck, pulling the same trailer, and hauling the lawnmower for your neighbor you need a CDL, you also need a commercial registration/license for your truck, it also means you need commercial insurance for the vehicle as well.
Payload is NOT what is left over after subtracting the GVWR of both truck and trailer. Payload (of the trailer) is determined by the GVWR of the trailer minus its own weight. If you have a 14K GVWR on a trailer, and it weighs 5K on a scale, then the payload is 9K. Combining the final weight of the trailer loaded with 9K payload, it weighs 14K, and if the truck GVWR is 10K, 10K plus 14K is less than 26K, HOWEVER, some states do not let you pull a trailer over 10K GVWR without a CDL. Also, you better not exceed the capacity of the 14K trailer, and also the rear axle of the tow vehicle. For example if the tongue weight of the 14K trailer is 1500, and the axle is (GAWR) is 5K, you could theoretically haul 3500 in the truck bed (5K-1500=3500). You also better not have more weight on any tires on the truck or trailer over their weight rating. The only sure way to be under CDL is most all states is to have a trailer GVWR
@@LisaMedeiros-tr2lz Jeez, thank you for that info and talk about confusing to say the least. I guess that 14k truck is the constant so the 10k trailer is the critical factor. What does a typical 10k GVWR weigh on average for say a 20ft equipment hauler? That may not be an answerable question with more than an “ it depends on the trailer brand”.
I’m slowly getting it but that axle weight is throwing me for a loop too.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.
What about car haulers, like a 3 car wedge, i have a 3500 planing on getting my cdl soon, most I see is 25,999 is nation wide
Im a retired cdl holder with a cdl. I have a pickup 5th wheel camper then I add my boat. Its about the same math with a few changes.
You had mentioned there is a different with a red or black trailer and it's preferable to get a Black trailer so you don't get pulled over as a non-cdl. Now can you please explain that to me? I have a CDL I drive a Class A I've hauled explosives hazardous materials everything but nuclear. I'm considering and doing Hotshot and getting myself a 550 or 650. Now I am seeing a lot of trailers that are non CDL which is why I'm watching your video but you just mentioned red over black so if you don't mention this in the video if you could please comment I'd like to learn from that.
My take away is that there is no such thing as a "CDL trailer". It's a combination weight that determines whether or not a DRIVER needs a CDL.
Using the information you've provided what you're really looking at is if the trailer requires a DOT inspection or not. If it's a DOT trailer, more than likely, the driver needs a CDL. A non-DOT trailer, generally the driver will not.
But there's exceptions and grey areas that would require math.
Overall I liked the video and look forward to seeing more from y'all.
BINGO! You’re exactly right. Outside of very small utility trailers, there really is no such thing as a “CDL trailer” or “non CDL” trailer.
Ive read most of these replies and you are the first one that says it right. Even the video was misleading. I can use my truck and any trailer as long as both and cargo do not exceed the weight limit of my license (length of both does though). Even with a CDL the length of both units is restricted depending on set up though.
Is there a waiver when its considered farm or agriculture?
So this is going to be a tedious question so I apologize in advance, but these CDL requirements..do they apply to everyone or only if you're using the rig for commerce? So to clarify what I mean, if I own a truck and trailer and use it to haul my farm equipment around from this little plot to that little plot to cut/rake/bale hay or plant corn etc, do I need a CDL for that if the load adds up to more than 26K+1 lbs?
It's only PA
Read the FMCSA Reg book! A Class A endorsement allows you to drive anything regardless of weight or configuration IF you're not gettin paid. A CDL is required for everything IF you're getting paid. IF the vehicle has D.O.T. numbers, a log book is required as well as adhering to the hours of service Regs even if it's a Geo Metro. Farm Regs are set by each state but the Fed Regs are NOT superceded by state Regs. State Regs can be whatever each state wants them to be as long as they are not less restricitve than Fed Regs. Farms fall into a gray area depending on the state but if you own the farm, you're not "For Hire" when hauling your own equipment or products.
I lived the video. It would be better to give your recommendation of the best combination to get max non cdl classification. I haul a lot of junk and want the max non cdl gooseneck to haul most junk. Maybe you can design a trailer for this. I think it would be a best seller
If you are stopped at a weight station and your truck and trailer are under 26K on paper and you have a trailer that has been de-rated and now overloaded above 26K total you are only liable for a weight ticket not a CDL ticket. A CDL only comes in to play for the amount of weight the tow vehicle and trailer combination can carry.
Only liable for a ticket because of weight if you are over the tire rating. The GVWR is a recommended weight by the manufacturer and DOT will not enforce that. Big trucks go over the GVWR all the time on a permit so can't be so bad if a permit make it's right.
@@boogieman3165
If you mean licensed weight then I agree with you.
Great thing about Texas, if you have anything Ag related loaded, The troopers tend to leave you alone. If they notice your only doing 60-65 on highway that are 60-80 it's another reason they leave you alone.
Not quite true. Federal law states that IF the trailer that you are pulling IN COMMERCIAL service has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or over you are required to have a class A CDL to pull that trailer reguardless of what you are pulling it with. That is why you see a lot of trailers with a GVWR rating of 9900, 9950, 9995 pounds to get under the requirement to have a class A CDL. The other gotcha is in some states that you are pulling a trailer that has a GVWR of 10,001 or more in NON commercial service they will require you to have a DOT medical certificate.
My trailers are about split over 10K and under 10K. I have a CDL that I got in the mid 80's and a current medical so it is not a problem for me. If you are stopped and you are NOT in commercial service you need to keep hammering that point to the person that stopped you. They may try to say that is BS but what you do upfront, if they do not let you go, will effect what happens in court. If you own the truck, trailer, and the junk that is on it, and you are not selling the junk or using it for a commercial job, then you have different rights than a commercial operator.
The person that stopped you job is to give you a ticket if they can or even think that they can for the revenue that it brings in. If they are wrong in court that is not their problem on the hope that you will just pay the fine and move on.
I'm towing with a 2002 Ford F350 crew Super Duty, SRW 4X4. Badass tuned 7.3. Low milage. What say you? I do have my CDLA, but it's on hold with no medical card on purpose
This is a great video and I appreciate the information , but,... I'm getting ready to purchase my first "big" trailer and want to make sure I am understanding this correctly. My truck ('24 Silverado 3/4 ton) has a GVWR of 10,850 lbs, and a GCWR of 26,000 lbs and an SAE J2807 Conventional TWR of 16,000 lbs. If I get a bumper-pull trailer with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs and don't exceed the 10,340 lbs load capacity..... then I should be good WITHOUT a CDL... correct??
IF the VIN tag "Combined GVW" of both units is 26,001lb, you need a CDL if you're getting paid or a Class A endorsement if not. Some states now require a Class A, a CDL, or possibly a Class J endorsement for any trailer over 10,000 regardless or combined GVW & most have a similar requirement for over 26,000. Fed D.O.T. requires a Class A for non-paying over 26,000. The internet "experts" aren't really a GR8 place to get accuracy, especially since laws differ substantially from state to state. His example with a trailer GVW of 22,000 was over simplified since there is nothing one could pull it with that wouldn't make it require more than a simple driver's license.