Pickup rental?

[Tdavid]

I've got a challenge on my hands. I want to get my non-com Class A license in PA, but my current pickup has a max GCWR of 23,500lbs. From what I've learned you need to take the test in a rig combo that can legally exceed 26,001lbs GCWR.

I ran my current truck and 5er over the scales, and I'm within all my permissible weights (pin, rear axle, GCWR), with a GCW of 22,800, but my GCWR would be 28,150 as per the stickers.

So I technically need a non-com Class A license.

I have a Reese Goose Box hitch on my 5er, set to match the frame receiver as per the install instructions (which also resulted in a perfectly level trailer on my truck). I see a place near me that rents flat bed Ram 3500 Aisin pickups with goose neck balls. Can I rent one of those to take my test? Not sure the geometry difference between pickup bed and flat bed.

[gkainz]

I have no idea and can't help, but my suspicious mind immediately went to the catch 22 situation of "need to rent something > 26,001lbs GCWR to take the test to get the license, but they won't rent to you until you have the license"?
Good luck!

[Tdavid]

valhalla360 wrote:
Do they go off of actual weight or rated weight?

All licensing, as far as I know, is based on rated weight. When you get pulled over, they don't direct you to the closest scale to check the actual weights, they just look at your stickers on the vehicles for rated weights.

valhalla360 wrote:
Also you list two GCVWR figures. Which one is correct?
- my current pickup has a max GCWR of 23,500lbs
- my GCWR would be 28,150 as per the stickers.

Both are correct.

23,500 is permissible max weight combined as per my owner's manual. 2004 GMC 3500 diesel dually. Not to exceed 23,500 combined truck and trailer, so my max rated weight (GCWR) is 23,500 as printed.

However, adding up the truck GVWR of 11,400 and the trailer GVWR of 16,750, as printed on their stickers, and you get 28,150, which bumps me into Class A range (GCWR of 26,001+).

valhalla360 wrote:

Where did you get your info? I get that just showing up and being wrong may be a hassle but if it's off the web site, maybe try calling and explaining your situation. They may say it's not a problem or they may have alternatives you could try.

I got my info from those who have taken the test. The officer will check the manual of the tow vehicle.

valhalla360 wrote:

You might try one of the truck rental companies (Penskie or the like). Does the licensee specially call out 5th wheel? If you had a big moving van with sufficent rating would that do the trick?

Then I would have to find a tow behind trailer with sufficient GVWR to get me over 26,001 lbs GCWR, a whole other challenge in itself. A single vehicle with a 26,001+ GVWR will only get me a Class B license.

[valhalla360]

Do they go off of actual weight or rated weight?

Also you list two GCVWR figures. Which one is correct?
- my current pickup has a max GCWR of 23,500lbs
- my GCWR would be 28,150 as per the stickers.

Where did you get your info? I get that just showing up and being wrong may be a hassle but if it's off the web site, maybe try calling and explaining your situation. They may say it's not a problem or they may have alternatives you could try.

You might try one of the truck rental companies (Penskie or the like). Does the licensee specially call out 5th wheel? If you had a big moving van with sufficent rating would that do the trick?

[Lwiddis]

I’d go with AZ’s suggestion.

[Tdavid]

There's a lot of maneuvering to do that. Long wait time to schedule the test, have to bring a CDL/non-com license holder with me, I keep my 5er an hour away from me, etc.

[azdryheat]

I'd just take what you have to the test and see if they care.