The confounding 3/4 ton truck...
Let me start by saying I do not have, nor am I currently in the market for, a truck. So, I have no horse in this race! I am, however, genuinely curious in looking for 'reliably sourced' information ...
Forum Discussion
mkirsch wrote:
That's because no such thing exists.
You ask the manufacturer, and they're going to point to their published documentation. "Don't exceed the GVWR, GAWRs, or the GCVWR, period." Any consequences from exceeding those limits will not be defined in any way shape or form because that both leaves it open for interpretation to the manufacturers' benefit, and prevents someone from using the information against them.
You ask two people in DOT licensing or enforcement, and you will get three different answers about what is "legal" and what is not. That is if you get an answer at all. The only way to know if you're illegal is to get caught on the road and ticketed, and even then it is not definitive because the next officer may not issue a ticket for the same "violation."
All that's left are people's opinions, so that is what you get.
More than anything it is about COMFORT. When you are comfortable driving something, you are as safe as you can be on the road even if it exceeds one of the manufacturer's ratings by a few pounds.
^^This!
Some people need "Stop engine before replacing serpentine belt" warning stickers and some don't. Some need to be cautioned that coffee is hot and some don't. Some feel safe being within all limits and others feel safe being within axle ratings even if they are over GVWR. Who is wrong depends on which side you agree with, but neither are illegal as long as the truck is registered to tow/haul the weight it is towing.
