cab and chasis with utility body re-classified for scales

[mike_kellie]

I found this today because my travels took me by a Ca. weigh scale that had 5 officers (3 motorcycles, 2 trucks) ready to pull over vehicles not entering the scales. Pulled over the side of the road were 2-3 trucks with contractor boxes. They looked to be your typical 3500 series with utility beds and maybe lumber racks. I happened to be in the VW as it's being turned into the dealership tonight! My 5500 will be a daily driver for a couple months and I'll probably creep into a scale soon to see what might be required for a personal vehicle. I'm registered for 19K with stickers on both doors. They were all-out enforcing today!

DO THESE VEHICLES HAVE TO STOP AT THE SCALES?

PICKUP -- It depends on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), unladen weight, and bed of the truck.

GVWR under 11,500 pounds, unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length -- NO.
GVWR 11,500 pounds or more, unladen weight 8,001 pounds or more, or not equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length -- YES.

Discussion: According to CVC Section 471, pickups are a motor truck by definition, which is required to stop at the scales per CVC Section 2813. However, all California weigh stations have signs stating: "No Pickups." So, if a vehicle meet the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471, it is not required to stop at the scales because of the signs stating: "No Pickups." If the pickup has a GVWR of 11,500 pounds or more, an unladen weight 8,001 pounds, not equipped with an open-box type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length, or the pickup bed has been removed and a utility body or flat bed has been mounted, then it no longer meets the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471; it is then a "motor truck" under CVC Section 410 and required to stop at the weigh stations.

PICKUP WITH CAMPER SHELL -- NO (May have to stop under certain conditions. Contact California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Section for verification (916-843-3400))

Discussion: It can also display passenger vehicle plates, as long as the cargo in the bed is not being hauled for compensation.

PICKUP WITH CAB / CREW CAB WITH BOX-TYPE BED -- YES

Discussion: The utility or box bed has to enter weigh stations.

[zcookiemonstar]

HMS Beagle wrote:

I have researched this extensively and have all the relevant CVC sections at my fingertips. CC with utility bodies have always had to stop at scales, it has just been weakly enforced. The problem with the newer pickups exceeding 11,500 GVWR is new, and the CVC hasn't caught up with it.

How is this new? My truck is a 2003 and GVWR is 12000#

[zcookiemonstar]

Kayteg1 wrote:
Yeah, go to AZ, they will charge you "entrance fee" even if you are in the state for 20 miles, like driving I15

Who charges you this "fee" California or Arizona? I have driven into Arizona and I never had to pay a fee.

[zcookiemonstar]

I have never stopped at a California weigh station or driven a truck of any kind in California. I don't understand what the big deal is about stopping other than the time.

[toedtoes]

It looks to me like a pickup with a truck camper. I don't think it would even be noticed that you have that utility body as you drive by at 55mph or more.

[Lantley]

mike/kellie wrote:
Without the camper, the truck would need to stop at scales. I will try to confirm this week. I went to our local CHP and of the 3 officers that looked at my truck, all said they were not strong in commercial enforcement and unsure.

I agree in MD if the GVW is over 12K it would be required to stop

[mike_kellie]

Without the camper, the truck would need to stop at scales. I will try to confirm this week. I went to our local CHP and of the 3 officers that looked at my truck, all said they were not strong in commercial enforcement and unsure.

[mike_kellie]

toedtoes wrote:
If you have a utility body on it, then you're not carrying a truck camper on it

Actually there is more interest in utility bodies being made for both truck campers and 5th wheels. They are lower profile and designed for different types of storage. That's why I commented that with the camper on, I think I can bypass without a problem in that it completes the build, it's private (no commerce) and totally recreational. Some entrances to scales even post No rvs.

[toedtoes]

I don't really see the problem. Yes, a big pickup may meet the legal requirements due to weight, but unless you are upfitting it with a utility body, CHP is going to see a pickup.

If you have a utility body on it, then you're not carrying a truck camper on it. Outside of Australia, the two look nothing alike. If you've got a utility body on it, then you're not towing a fifth wheel. So, the only question would be if you're towing a travel trailer with your utility body. I suspect they wouldn't look at you weird for driving by a weigh station while towing your trailer.

Of course, if you're worried because you've been driving your commercial truck and not stopping at weigh stations, then I guess you ought to buck up and be an adult about it and start stopping at the stations as required.

[Lantley]

As long as you are legally RV you meet the RV classification Do Not have to stop.
There are HDT class 8 trucks that a legally registered as an RV that don't stop.
There are 10K pick ups towing landscape trailers that must stop.
It is the RV designation that allows one to keep going.
If you are not an RV you may often be required to stop in a larger vehicle

[finsruskw]

After 40 years on the road in a class 8, It's my firm belief that most of this DOT scale BS is all in the name of $afety,
if you get my drift here.

[2oldman]

finsruskw wrote:
Just do it in a car and not anything that resembles a commercial truck.

If that's what you believe then I guess you better stick with it.

[finsruskw]

Lots to see, yes
Lots of great places to visit, yes
Just do it in a car and not anything that resembles a commercial truck.
Especially one that is involved in interstate commerse.

[Kayteg1]

2oldman wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
I just love those comments "I don't want to live in California" from people who have never been there for longer than a week.

I've spent a lot of time Snowbirding in CA and I love the place. I have no bone to pick with anything about it.

2 things that made me move from CA to Vegas is
1. living in wooded CA are I had winter joint pains.
2. the million CA house made for me goes much farther in NV and I am not a gambler.
Some find it amazing that San Diego is posting weather forecast in 4 different climatic zones.
Where else you can see it?

[2oldman]

Kayteg1 wrote:
I just love those comments "I don't want to live in California" from people who have never been there for longer than a week.

I've spent a lot of time Snowbirding in CA and I love the place. I have no bone to pick with anything about it.

[zb39]

I knew Kali was messed up but thats crazy. A personal pick up that is not being used to make money has to stop at a scale. I don't care what kind of bed is on it. NUTS!!