Towing Laws
 

Here in the UK we can only run an all up car and trailer wieght of 7.5 tons.

I look at you're rigs. 4 to 5 ton boat and trailers behind a 1 - 2 ton truck.

Could someone tell me please, does the U.S Law permit that, or does everyone accept it as the done thing.

Steve

Re: Towing Laws
 

Well , I know it varies from state to state. Most have overall length and width laws too. I know I've been over the length with my buddies boat and 4 dr dually but never got stopped.

Re: Towing Laws
 

Yes. I'm pulling a 15,000lbs of boat and trailer behind a 6500lb truck.

Re: Towing Laws
 

Over 26000 lbs (13 tons) gross (total weight) requires commercial drivers license.
Maximum width without permit= 102 inches (8'-6").
Maximum overall length without permit= 65 feet.
Now realize I am going by what memory I have left. :drink: :drink:
Disclaimer: This info may also vary by state as well. :D

Re: Towing Laws
 

Legally, all states have a maximum width and length for towing. All are 8.5 feet wide with the exception of Florida which is 9' and I think there is one other state with 9'. Then one or two at 8 feet. The max length varies greatly from one state to another, however the length is usually pretty long and not an issue. As for overall weight, I haven't seen any restrictions. Here is a link that let's you look at each states laws. http://www.boatus.com/towing/towlaw.htm

Re: Towing Laws
 

In my state, you buy a truck license plate for the max total weight you want to be legal to pull, including the weight on the truck's axles. The individual roads or bridges may limit the total weight allowed on them, but usually it's not an issue for boat trailers.

Car license plates can legally pull any weight trailer they want with no maximum. Guess which type of license plate my Excursion has?

Re: Towing Laws
 

26,000# max combined gross vehicle weight in FL without a Commercial drivers license. It varies nationwide though.

Re: Towing Laws
 

Chart is correct...Don't pull with commercial plates unless it is your only option.The length adds up quickly also(quad cab dually,32'boat=61').Most troopers won't mess with you unless they are having a bad day though.

Re: Towing Laws
 

Steve: While most of our pickups here on OSO are called "1 tons" that is misleading today. At some point in the past it may have meant something about the weight the bed could contain, but today it simply means the strongest pickup before getting into commercial caliber truck frames.

Most of our "1 tons" actually weigh 3-4 tons, so in your example, the rolling weight of the boat, trailer, and truck is closer to 9 tons, and that's about what my 30' boat, steel trailer, and excursion weigh.

Re: Towing Laws
 

I pulling 24,500 lbs, 58 feet long 114 inches wide with a F350 Crew cab dually. Havn't been stopped yet and hope I don't hit anything. :eek: But I have had the man pull up along side a few times look at it and then drive off or give me a thumbs up.