This should be a sticky here
Calculating Towing Capacity Payload Tow rating Etc. Really good explanation with an example and graphics. VIDEO
Forum Discussion
I've been pulled over here in Wa st OVER my sidwall ratings on my tires. NEVER have I been given an over weight ticket! We get 500 lbs per inch width of tire, up to 20K lbs per axel, per the federal Bridge Laws. Also as long as I have enough paid for tonnage for the vehicle and trailer weight! If California actually does enforce what was written, the Feds could reduce or take away any Federal funds for maintenance or building of new roads.
I am not saying we should all run down the road over the manufacture engineered spec. That is not what the local LEO is enforcing. It is the POINT load the road can handle, per an engineer spec. That is the engineer spec that is enforced. You can four tires, frame, brakes etc that can handle 100,000 lbs. But if those tires doe not spread/bridge the load per the FBL's, you will get an over weight ticket, and will not be able to move your rig until you meet some specs!
The video does give a good example of how you should load, etc per the manufacture warranty limits! If you tow or haul over that door specs, this is where you may, could, will get into issues if something breaks.
Legally, at least where I am, the door sticker means squat!
At the end of the day tho, even if you meet the FBL rules, and your rig is deemed unsafe by the officer, then trust me, they WILL have you off the road, and it will hurt your wallet WAY the heck worst than being overweight. Being over weight is NOT a moving violation. But brakes that can not stop you within the stated field test standards, WILL net you a moving violation, a red tag at the side of the road, not to move under its own power, until brakes are fixed, or it is moved via a flat bed truck, low boy etc to a repair shop. Then it has to be inspected at repair shop by LEO before you can move your rig down the road.........
Marty
I am not saying we should all run down the road over the manufacture engineered spec. That is not what the local LEO is enforcing. It is the POINT load the road can handle, per an engineer spec. That is the engineer spec that is enforced. You can four tires, frame, brakes etc that can handle 100,000 lbs. But if those tires doe not spread/bridge the load per the FBL's, you will get an over weight ticket, and will not be able to move your rig until you meet some specs!
The video does give a good example of how you should load, etc per the manufacture warranty limits! If you tow or haul over that door specs, this is where you may, could, will get into issues if something breaks.
Legally, at least where I am, the door sticker means squat!
At the end of the day tho, even if you meet the FBL rules, and your rig is deemed unsafe by the officer, then trust me, they WILL have you off the road, and it will hurt your wallet WAY the heck worst than being overweight. Being over weight is NOT a moving violation. But brakes that can not stop you within the stated field test standards, WILL net you a moving violation, a red tag at the side of the road, not to move under its own power, until brakes are fixed, or it is moved via a flat bed truck, low boy etc to a repair shop. Then it has to be inspected at repair shop by LEO before you can move your rig down the road.........
Marty
