1T Pickup special rules and regulations?
Sorry if this is rehashing old info, but I haven't found a succinct summary. I'm about to pull the trigger on a new Chevy 3500 SRW diesel :). I've seen contradictory information on special consid...
Forum Discussion
So much for 'clear' answers...
I emailed and called MNDot, got a response that technically made some distinctions (including the 'definitive' definition of GVW was larger of what the vehicle actually weighed, or what was stamped on the doorpost; and that RVs were exempt as mentioned before - unless the pick-up GVW was more than 9000 in which case it didn't matter if pulling RV or not...).
After pushing for more clarity, she ultimately gave me a number for the MN Hwy Patrol who was responsible for enforcing these laws. A couple of calls and I received 'definitive' information again that I could drive on I35E as long as my trucks true weight was under 9000lb regardless of what the doorpost said.
Bottom line after reading these messages, and talking to a couple of officials, is that I don't believe there is a 'definitive' answer. I think everyone is 'making it up as they go along.' With that said, I also don't think this is high on anyone's radar and frankly spending time on personal 1T pick-ups, or RVs is not something anyone wants to do.
Therefore, MY plans (insert all caveats about YMMV etc) are:
1) Buy the Chevy 3500 and SMILE when I drive it!
2) Drive reasonably and respectfully not forcing officers to pay attention to me and look for reasons to pull me over
3) Drive my new pick-up like I would a car (obviously paying attention if there are real weight limit signs that do matter, ie - 2000lb axel weight restrictions on a bridge (I doubt I'll ever come across any of these))
4) Look for an opportunity to stop at a weigh station WHEN THEY ARE NOT BUSY to talk with them and let them tell me again that pick-ups pulling RVs just get in their way if they stop :)
5) Smile and apologize if I am actually pulled over for anything weight related and promise not to do it again
Thanks again for all of the responses and info, as with most things in life I believe "Relax and it will work out" applies here too.
Ron
I emailed and called MNDot, got a response that technically made some distinctions (including the 'definitive' definition of GVW was larger of what the vehicle actually weighed, or what was stamped on the doorpost; and that RVs were exempt as mentioned before - unless the pick-up GVW was more than 9000 in which case it didn't matter if pulling RV or not...).
After pushing for more clarity, she ultimately gave me a number for the MN Hwy Patrol who was responsible for enforcing these laws. A couple of calls and I received 'definitive' information again that I could drive on I35E as long as my trucks true weight was under 9000lb regardless of what the doorpost said.
Bottom line after reading these messages, and talking to a couple of officials, is that I don't believe there is a 'definitive' answer. I think everyone is 'making it up as they go along.' With that said, I also don't think this is high on anyone's radar and frankly spending time on personal 1T pick-ups, or RVs is not something anyone wants to do.
Therefore, MY plans (insert all caveats about YMMV etc) are:
1) Buy the Chevy 3500 and SMILE when I drive it!
2) Drive reasonably and respectfully not forcing officers to pay attention to me and look for reasons to pull me over
3) Drive my new pick-up like I would a car (obviously paying attention if there are real weight limit signs that do matter, ie - 2000lb axel weight restrictions on a bridge (I doubt I'll ever come across any of these))
4) Look for an opportunity to stop at a weigh station WHEN THEY ARE NOT BUSY to talk with them and let them tell me again that pick-ups pulling RVs just get in their way if they stop :)
5) Smile and apologize if I am actually pulled over for anything weight related and promise not to do it again
Thanks again for all of the responses and info, as with most things in life I believe "Relax and it will work out" applies here too.
Ron
