Towing wreck - overloaded hitch
Please people follow the rules and don't run over loaded. First article I've seen like this. Surprised it does not happen as often as this. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/2960844-181/chp-hitch-...
Forum Discussion
TXiceman wrote:Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Manufactures ratings (door sticker) has no legal ramifications. It is strictly for warrantee.
And did you get this from an attorney or is it your opinion?
Ken
I can only relate personal experience!
My Carry-On light utility trailer is rated by the manufacturer at, IIRC, 2900 lbs (brakes are not legally required). GVWR. I think the State licensed it for 4000 GVW.
My old Dodge CTD 3500 was licensed by the State for 14K GVW. I don't remember what Dodge said the GVWR was.
My Dodge 1500 is licensed by the state for 8000 GVW.
The flatbed car hauler I used to have was rated by the manufacturer at 7000 GVWR, but the State registered it at 8K GVW.
I have no idea what kind of ratings are used where YOU live, but here the REGISTERED GVW is the only number that is legally important!
The fact remains, at any given time there are literally thousands of vehicles on the roads around the world that are TECHNICALLY overloaded, but LEGALLY under the REGISTERED GVW, and, as I often say, "Nothing bent, nothing broke, nobody was injured or died!"
Over the past 10 years, I have heard of two trailer breakaways involving a fatality. BOTH of them were related to improper hitching AND improper safety chains AND improper braking (as in NO breakaway system as required by law!)
