imbilljr
SDD Junior Member
I have a classic car business and I currently use a 99 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4X4 Diesel Dually to pull my 53' 4 car ramp trailer coast to coast. I am concerned that when loaded I am overweight. I don't want to have to unload cars at some Colorado weigh station and leave them there as well as pay a stiff fine. The specifics are as follows: The F-350 has a tag in the door jam that reads GVWR 11,500 and the rear axle is around 8500lbs. The trailer is rated for 20,000. I can't find a rating for a CGVWR on this truck. The last trip I made from MN to Nashville I scaled at 28,820 and there was 10920 on my rear axle and 12920 on the trailer axles. According to the door tag I was overloaded on the rear axle but was I o.k. on CGVWR? I haven't been able to get a straight answer from the people I have asked incl. the local D.O.T. inspector.
One person said to just add the Truck door tag and the trailer tag together and that is what I can tow legaly keeping in mind rear axle rating.
The D.O.T. guy said they mainly focus on tire rating and if my tires are rated for the weight on the axles i will be o.k.
I am confused. Do I need a heavier truck or just make sure my axle isn't overloaded. (which will probably mean i need a heavier truck.)
Here is the kicker on my delima. On the return trip from Nashville I was loaded with a 59 lincoln convert. a 63 lincoln convert. and a 57 chevy 4 door wagon. I tipped the scales at just under 33,000lbs. Again, I wasn't over the 20K on the trailer but I was definately over everything the truck had to offer.
I am convinced I need a bigger truck but which one. Will an 05 F450 do the job? Or do I need to step up to an 08 F-450? What should I consider for engines? I have heard the 6.0 is junk and I'm not sure the 6.4 has enough use to know yet. I need to do something fairly soon so I would appreciate anyones advice.
One person said to just add the Truck door tag and the trailer tag together and that is what I can tow legaly keeping in mind rear axle rating.
The D.O.T. guy said they mainly focus on tire rating and if my tires are rated for the weight on the axles i will be o.k.
I am confused. Do I need a heavier truck or just make sure my axle isn't overloaded. (which will probably mean i need a heavier truck.)
Here is the kicker on my delima. On the return trip from Nashville I was loaded with a 59 lincoln convert. a 63 lincoln convert. and a 57 chevy 4 door wagon. I tipped the scales at just under 33,000lbs. Again, I wasn't over the 20K on the trailer but I was definately over everything the truck had to offer.
I am convinced I need a bigger truck but which one. Will an 05 F450 do the job? Or do I need to step up to an 08 F-450? What should I consider for engines? I have heard the 6.0 is junk and I'm not sure the 6.4 has enough use to know yet. I need to do something fairly soon so I would appreciate anyones advice.
