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DOT & State Nuances of a 4500-5500?.

3_tons
Explorer III
Explorer III
I don’t see Class A’s having to pull into the scales, but have noticed a few heavier than 14k GVWR ‘pickups’ with a DOT number posted on front doors... Oregon is even considering smog checks on visiting diesels over 14k GVWR, to include Class A pushers (though one might think they might already have other more pressing problems that need tending to - lol)... Being that campers are getting heavier nowadays, just curious about the DOT and various State ‘Ramifications’ of going to a heavier class truck...

3 tons
29 REPLIES 29

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
On page 2 You have Jim's reply quoting government sites and showing that you should have DOT number in Montana.

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
Kayteg1 wrote:
Aren't commercial plates just it?
Again, just becouse you get away with it, doesn't mean it is leagal.


What on earth are you talking about?
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

jimh406
Explorer III
Explorer III
Kayteg1 wrote:
Aren't commercial plates just it?
Again, just becouse you get away with it, doesn't mean it is leagal.


No.

Just because you think it’s illegal doesn’t mean it is.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Aren't commercial plates just it?
Again, just becouse you get away with it, doesn't mean it is leagal.

Bedlam
Moderator
Moderator
I have owned my Ram 5500 for 6.5 years and 60k miles now and have not had to stop at weigh stations or display DOT numbers. Mine is exclusively for personal use and carries an RV which gives me the exclusion from many commercial restrictions in my state, but I still have to purchase commercial plates and insurance due to the weight ratings.

Host Mammoth 11.5 on Ram 5500 HD

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
The truth is that the laws are out there and with fuel prices making slower driving - cops seek alternative revenue.
My 1999 F450 was originally registered at its net 9000 lb weight.
Took about 10 years till CA start chasing those errors and I got "fix it ticket" what forced me to pay $500 annual weight fee.
So just becouse you've been getting away with ignoring the law for last 20 years, it doesn't mean it will continue so.
Just hear interesting story from California mechanic. He had customer who wanted his diesel sedan cleaned from all the modern emission systems and replaces exhaust with straight pipes. The car was smoking when floored, so mechanic advised the customer to be easy on the throttle.
Obviously the showoff had to do his things and it was only matter of time when cops pulled him over.
1st and 2nd time he got "fix it" tickets, who he paid without fixing.
The 3rd time was the charm - he spend 2 weeks in jail.

jimh406
Explorer III
Explorer III
mkirsch wrote:
Except, a TC is not an RV. It is a "truck with cargo."


Not in WA. They require titles and plates.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
Every time I go by a weigh station here in Wa. State, the overhead sensor tells me to pull in. I just blow on by with my travel trailer.
Never been pursued or had my setup checked by LE.

mkirsch
Nomad II
Nomad II
Except, a TC is not an RV. It is a "truck with cargo."

Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.

jimh406
Explorer III
Explorer III
If you are talking I-90 near Spokane, I roll on by each time. So far, nobody has tried to chase me down. I think it must be an automatic weight meter that says to pull off. WA specifically says RVs are exempt.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
mr_andyj wrote:


If your vehicle looks like an RV, windows, AC things on the side and roof, then you can just pass the weigh station unless there are specific signs telling you, an RV, to pull in.


With new technology, the check stations do have sensors who pick up certain vehicles and roadside display will tell you if you can keep driving, or do you have to pull thru the station.
I think it was in Washington state, where my TC was directed to the check. I drove slowly via the scales and got all green lights.
But beware that if you tow a trailer - checking the break-away brake system is favorite

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
mr_andyj wrote:
If a vehicle is owned by a business, not an individual, then it is a commercial vehicle where I live and you must go through the weigh station, even for a Honda Accord, DOT numbers on the side or not, doesn't matter.

I drove quite a bit in Georgia and did not see any weight stations?
Check the maps and seems you guys have 8 stations in whole state and all of them are placed on secondary roads, so driving main roads I could never see them. I can only wonder what is the purpose?
In California you will not be able to enter any bigger city without crossing DOT station and quite often they set temporary stations even on farmers roads.
Do they put different lettering on plates for private and commercial use?

mr_andyj
Explorer
Explorer
If a vehicle is owned by a business, not an individual, then it is a commercial vehicle where I live and you must go through the weigh station, even for a Honda Accord, DOT numbers on the side or not, doesn't matter. If you get pulled over and cop knows you skipped the weigh station then he might just be getting more revenue from you... (you get an $800 ticket for not stopping).

If your vehicle looks like an RV, windows, AC things on the side and roof, then you can just pass the weigh station unless there are specific signs telling you, an RV, to pull in. I have not driven every state, but I have never stopped my cube van through a weigh station.

mike_kellie
Explorer II
Explorer II
"Various states". I guess the OP?
2015 Host Mammoth triple slide w/ TorkLift Fastguns
2015 Ram 5500 SLT cab & chassis with Douglass 9' utility body