DOCSLIB.ORG

Tow Like a Pro Perfect Match

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tow Like a Pro Perfect Match 2020 TOW GUIDE - Cover.indd 11/12/19 11:11 AM - 1 - (Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) TOW RATINGS FOR MORE THAN 1,000 NEW VEHICLES A SUPPLEMENT TO PairingPerfect Trailers Match and Fifth-Wheels with the Right Tow Vehicles BestTow Practices Like for a Towing Pro Safely SPONSORED BY 2 COACHMAN_FR_TG.indd 11/11/19 3:58 PM - 2 - (Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) followthe leader. Leader to the Great Outdoors. Since 1964, Coachmen RV has led generations of RV enthusiasts to the great outdoors with reliable RVs that are both stylish and boast practical innovations. Visit your local dealer to experience the Coachmen diff erence! Coachmen... a brand you can trust. 800-353-7383 | www.coachmenrv.com 2020TrailerLifeTowGuideSponsorshipAds.indd 1 10/23/2019 10:02:52 AM RTS_2020 TOW GUIDE - Contents.indd 11/12/19 1:02 PM - 3 - (Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) CONTENTS 5 Perfect Match Practical tips for choosing the right tow vehicle and trailer for safe and enjoyable towing experiences 12 How to Use This Guide 13 2020 Tow Ratings Trailer Life’s 27th-annual towing guide consolidates manufacturer-assigned weight limits in a single resource 26 Trailer Hitching and Towing Basics Understanding towing equipment and features, as well as practicing proven driving techniques, leads to stress-free travels 30 Fifth-Wheel Hitching and Towing Basics Fifth-wheel trailers hitch up and handle differently than travel trailers. Here’s what to know before you tow ADVERTISING SPONSORS Vice President National Sales B&W Trailer Hitches Terry Thompson, [email protected] www.bwtrailerhitches.com Blue Ox EDITORIAL Advertising Manager www.blueox.com Publisher Ann Emerson Katey Purgatorio, [email protected] Coachmen Editor Valerie Law www.coachmenrv.com Managing Editor Donya Carlson Advertising Representatives Geico Technical Editor Chris Dougherty Lou Cicirelli, [email protected] www.geico.com Contributing Editor Chris Hemer Scott Oakes, [email protected] Progress Manufacturing Consulting Editor Jeff Johnston www.progressmfg.com Production Director Bob Dawson Sue Seidlitz, [email protected] Kim Whitaker, [email protected] Redarc Electronics Production Manager Kath Cunningham www.redarcelectronics.com Marketing Manager Lorisa Pierson Publisher Emeritus Bob Livingston TRAILER LIFE 2750 Park View Court, Suite 240 © 2020 Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. Trailer Life is a registered trademark CREATIVE Oxnard, California 93036 of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. Art Director Rick Damien 805-667-4100, [email protected] Unauthorized use of any of Good Sam’s COVER AND CONTENTS PHOTOS: SHAWN SPENCE Photographer Shawn Spence www.trailerlife.com, youtube.com/trailerlifediytv trademarks is expressly prohibited. TRAILER LIFE 2020 TOWING GUIDE | 3 4 REDARC_TG.indd 11/11/19 3:58 PM - 4 - (Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) ® Elite RTS_2020 TOW GUIDE - Matching Trailer and Tow Vehicle.indd 11/12/19 11:13 AM - 5 - (Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) TOWING 2020 Perfect Match How to choose hether you’re That depends on multiple fac- entering the RV life- tors. RVers shopping for a trailer the right tow Wstyle or are a seasoned can be broken down into three vehicle and veteran, choosing a new — or basic categories: Those who have trailer for safe new to you — trailer and tow ve- a tow vehicle but not a trailer, hicle can be a challenge. There those who are interested in or and enjoyable are so many choices out there in own a trailer and are looking for towing travel trailers and fi fth-wheels, the right vehicle to tow it with, and experiences and in tow vehicles ranging from those who don’t have a tow ve- small SUVs that can tow 3,500 hicle or a trailer yet. Let’s break pounds to diesel-powered heavy- those down. duty trucks that can pull literally 10 times that. So what’s the best You Have a Tow Vehicle way to pair the right truck and If you already own a vehicle that’s PHOTOS: SHAWN SPENCE, BRUCE W. SMITH, MANUFACTURERS trailer for your needs? suitable for towing, the odds are TRAILER LIFE 2020 TOWING GUIDE | 5 RTS_2020 TOW GUIDE - Matching Trailer and Tow Vehicle.indd 11/12/19 11:14 AM - 6 - (Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) TOWING 2020 you’d like to match it with a trailer rather than bels, and especially the yellow CCC label as your choosing an all-new tow vehicle. If that’s the guide. If the trailer’s GVWR is within the vehicle’s case, the fi rst step is to determine the vehicle’s maximum tow rating, you can be confi dent that tow rating, based on equipment and options. If you’ll be in compliance as long as you don’t you bought the vehicle new, you probably know overload the trailer. Remember that fuel weight how it is equipped; if not, or you bought the vehi- is included in the CCC calculation, but water (in cle used, your local dealer should be able to help the freshwater tank and the water heater) is determine its tow rating based on the vehicle considered cargo. The label should tell you the identifi cation number (VIN). weight of the water the unit can carry, but if not, You may also be able to enter the VIN num- simply add the capacity of the freshwater tank ber in an online search and fi nd out how it is and water heater, and multiply the sum by 8.33 equipped. Owner’s manuals are also available (pounds per gallon). for free online, and older vehicle tow ratings can The other consideration is the tow vehicle’s be researched by visiting the Trailer Life web- payload rating (GVWR minus vehicle curb weight), site, www.trailerlife.com, and downloading a which is the maximum allowable weight for both free copy of the annual Guide to Towing for your cargo and passengers. The payload capacity of vehicle’s model year. the vehicle can be found on the Tire and Loading These guides break down each vehicle by all Information decal inside the doorjamb or edge the equipment that affects a tow rating so you of the driver’s door, or in the vehicle owner’s can fi nd the exact rating for any given vehicle. An manual. The owner’s manual may not have owner’s manual will not always contain this kind specifi cs for each vehicle confi guration, so it’s of specifi c detail, although it may list the maxi- always best to take the tow vehicle to a public mum tow rating available for the vehicle. scale to learn its true weight. Once you’ve established the tow rating, you Consider that a travel trailer places around can begin shopping for a trailer. Whether you’re 10 percent of its weight on the vehicle’s hitch, looking at travel trailers or fi fth-wheels, the while a fi fth-wheel will put around 20 percent most important consideration is how much it of its weight in the bed of the truck (pin weight). weighs. All trailers should have labels that dis- Calculate that fi gure (based on potential load- play the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and ing, water-tank size/placement, LP-gas and the cargo carrying capacity (CCC). Since it’s highly battery weights), including passengers and unlikely that you’ll be able to weigh the trailer typical cargo, and make sure the payload before purchase, your best bet is to use the la- rating isn’t exceeded. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING AT TRAVEL TRAILERS OR FIFTH-WHEELS, THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IS HOW MUCH IT WEIGHS. 6 | TRAILER LIFE 2020 TOWING GUIDE RTS_2020 TOW GUIDE - Matching Trailer and Tow Vehicle.indd 11/12/19 11:14 AM - 7 - (Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION SEATING CAPACITY TOTAL: 5 FRONT: 2 REAR: 3 Payload capacity can be found on the The combined weight of occupants Tire and Loading : 385 kg or 850 lbs. Information label and cargo should never exceed on the driver’s TIRE SIZE COLD TIRE PRESSURE doorjamb. SEE OWNER’S FRONT 235/45R18 94V 235 KPA, 34 PSI MANUAL FOR REAR 235/45R18 94V 235 KPA, 34 PSI ADDITIONAL SPARE NONE NONE INFORMATION The gross axle weight rating (GAWR), the maxi- rating, payload, GAWR or GVWR of the tow vehicle, mum weight the axle is designed to carry, must you’re good to go. also be considered when matching a tow vehicle to the trailer. Keeping tabs on the rear-axle You’ve Found Your Dream Trailer weight and payload is important, and adding a lot Oh, how we can get carried away walking of heavy cargo in the back of the tow vehicle can through the rows of gleaming trailers at a deal- create rear-axle overloading. A couple of motor- er’s lot or an RV show! You went in thinking of a cycles, tools and a generator, in addition to the simple travel trailer, and before you knew it, you trailer’s hitch weight and passengers, could put were standing before a 35-foot fi fth-wheel with the truck in an overweight condition. three slideouts and full-body paint, ready to sign With a fi fth-wheel, GAWR and payload ratings some paperwork. Hold on just a second. Aside are a greater concern, especially with larger from considering your budget (and your mar- fi fth-wheels, simply because more weight is riage), it’s important to think about what kind shouldered by the truck. When towing a travel of vehicle you’ll need to tow that dream RV. trailer, hitch weight can be effectively reduced Purchasing the trailer fi rst gives you the with the use of a weight-distributing hitch.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Guide to Towing
    Guide To Towing WARNING: READ and FOLLOW all of these instructions and safety messages before operating the trailer. DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT or SERIOUS INJURY to you, your passengers, and others on the road may result if you do not follow these instructions. Make sure all drivers read and understand all these instructions. IMPORTANT TRAILER TOWING INFORMATION PREVENT WHIPPING by properly loading the trailer. Load 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer box. Loading heavier in the rear will cause the tow vehicle and trailer “combination” to begin WHIPPING, which is violent and uncontrollable sway. SIDE to SIDE MOTION (SWAY) THAT BEGINS as you reach a certain speed, will likely become WHIPPING at higher speeds. If you notice sway beginning SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY by letting off the gas pedal. Then stop to reload the trailer heavier in the front as soon as possible. IF WHIPPING or SWAY OCCURS, DO NOT steer, DO NOT apply your brakes, and NEVER speed up. Let off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position. If a WHEEL GOES off the paved roadway, DO NOT steer sharply and DO NOT brake. Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 mph. Then steer gradually back onto the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic. LOADING YOUR COMBINATION NEVER exceed the trailer’s maximum gross weight, which is posted inside the trailer. Never exceed a lower allowed gross weight and allowed cargo weight as listed on your rental contract. NEVER overload your tow vehicle. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), which are posted on a label inside the driver’s door opening.
    [Show full text]
  • TR Body Styles-Category Codes
    T & R BODY STYLES / CATEGORY CODES Revised 09/21/2018 Passenger Code Mobile Homes Code Ambulance AM Special SP Modular Building MB Convertible CV Station Wagon * SW includes SW Mobile Home MH body style for a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). Convertible 2 Dr 2DCV Station Wagon 2 Dr 2DSW Office Trailer OT Convertible 3 Dr 3DCV Station Wagon 3 Dr 3DSW Park Model Trailer PT Convertible 4 Dr 4DCV Station Wagon 4 Dr 4DSW Trailers Code Convertible 5 Dr 5DCV Station Wagon 5 Dr 5DSW Van Trailer VNTL Coupe CP Van 1/2 Ton 12VN Dump Trailer DPTL Dune Buggy DBUG Van 3/4 Ton 34VN Livestock Trailer LS Hardtop HT Trucks Code Logging Trailer LP Hardtop 2 Dr 2DHT Armored Truck AR Travel Trailer TV Hardtop 3 Dr 3DHT Auto Carrier AC Utility Trailer UT Hardtop 4 Dr 4DHT Beverage Rack BR Tank Trailer TNTL Hardtop 5 Dr 5DHT Bus BS Motorcycles Code Hatchback HB Cab & Chassis CB All Terrain Cycle ATC Hatchback 2 Dr 2DHB Concrete or Transit Mixer CM All Terrain Vehicle ATV Hatchback 3 Dr 3DHB Crane CR Golf Cart GC Hatchback 4 Dr 4DHB Drilling Truck DRTK MC with Unique Modifications MCSP Hatchback 5 Dr 5DHB Dump Truck DP Moped MP Hearse HR Fire Truck FT Motorcycle MC Jeep JP Flatbed or Platform FB Neighborhood Electric Vehicle NEV Liftback LB Garbage or Refuse GG Wheel Chair/ Motorcycle Vehicle WCMC Liftback 2 Dr 2DLB Glass Rack GR Liftback 3 Dr 3DLB Grain GN Liftback 4 Dr 4DLB Hopper HO Liftback 5 Dr 5DLB Lunch Wagon LW Limousine LM Open Seed Truck OS Motorized Home MHA Panel PN Motorized Home MHB Pickup 1 Ton 1TPU Motorized Home MHC Refrigerated Van RF Pickup PU
    [Show full text]
  • Maximum Allowable RV Lengths
    Maximum Allowable RV Lengths State Equipment and Road Use Law Summaries (The identified term is that used by each state when applying length criteria to RVs.) State/Cite Motorhome Travel 5th Wheel RV Number Comments Trailers Comb. in RV Length Comb. Alabama 45' 40' 40' NS1 NS “Fifth wheel trailer” is not separately defined Ala.Code 1975 § 32-9-20 Motorhome Vehicle Vehicle under maximum length provisions. “Trailer” is not separately defined from “Vehicle”. Alaska 45' NS NS 75 NS Alaska length regulations for "trailers" only 17 AAC 25.012 Vehicle address commercial, cargo-carrying towed vehicles. Arizona 45' 40' 40' 65' 3 “Fifth wheel trailer” is not separately defined A.R.S. § 28-1095, RV* Vehicle Vehicle under maximum length provisions. § 33-2102 “Trailer” is not separately defined from “Vehicle”. Three-unit RV combinations permitted if all of the following are met: (a) middle unit is fifth-wheel equipped with brakes and has a weight equal to or greater than rear unit; (b) rear units over 3,000 pounds gross weight must be equipped with brakes; (c) total combined gross weight of towed units does not exceed manufacturer's stated gross vehicle weight of towing unit. RV definition includes all types of RVs (TT, FT, TC, and MH). *RV means motorhome only for length exception. Includes front and rear bumpers. Arkansas NS NS NS NS 3 40' for trucks. A.C.A. § 27-35-208 45' for buses Excludes safety devices provided by federal regulations. 1 Not specified. Chart is not intended as legal advice and does not provide all regulations on the subject.
    [Show full text]
  • Guideline for Multi-Combination Vehicles in Queensland Form Number 1 Version 10 Is Now Repealed
    Guideline for Multi-combination Vehicles Road Trains B-doubles B-triples AB-triples BAB-quads ABB-quads in Queensland Form Number 1 Version 11 July 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION CONTENT PAGE 1 Statutory authority........................................................................................................... 2 2 Date of commencement .................................................................................................. 2 3 Application....................................................................................................................... 2 4 Operational....................................................................................................................... 4 4.1 Approved routes ................................................................................................. 4 4.2 Speed limits ....................................................................................................... 4 4.3 Travel restrictions ............................................................................................... 5 4.4 Towing a converter dolly...................................................................................... 5 4.5 Carrying unloaded trailers and dollies.................................................................... 5 4.6 General operating information .............................................................................. 6 4.7 Breaking down combinations ............................................................................... 6 5 Dimensions .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • These Vehicles Were Previously Not Considered “Commercial” for Parking Purposes
    Is the vehicle “Commercial”? Per 82-5-7, a Commercial Vehicle is any of the following: Any solid waste collection vehicle Tractor / Trailer combination or apart Dump Truck Concrete Mixer Truck Towing or Recovery Vehicle 12,000 lbs GVW or greater Heavy Construction Equipment Trailer or other vehicle which food or beverages are stored or sold Trailer used to transport landscaping or lawn equipment Contract Carrier or Limousine**1 Vehicle over 21 feet in length including appurtenances**2 Vehicle over eight feet in height including appurtenances**2 Vehicle over 102 inches in width**2 Vehicle with gross weight of 12,000 pounds or more**2 Vehicle carrying commercial freight in plain view Any trailer or semi trailer attached or not to another vehicle**3 Exceptions: **1 One vehicle per single family dwelling unit is permitted (house, apartment, condo, etc) The vehicle must be registered in Virginia to the address (dual registration is OK (DC and VA, etc)) **2 Vehicles used by a public service company as defined in 56.1, or others working on their behalf are allowed. Vehicles providing cable television services, such as Cox Cable 56.2- 2108.1 are also allowed. School buses used on a current and regular basis to pick up students are permitted. Properly placarded private vehicles used to transport disabled persons are permitted. Moving vehicles such as a U-haul truck are permitted within 48 hours of the execution of the leasing contract. Vehicles used in the provision of propane gas service are also permitted **3 Vehicles designed to be used as a camper or boat trailer or a single axle utility trailer are permitted, as long as the roadway has not been designated as part of a Community Parking District, 82-5B-7.
    [Show full text]
  • Farm Machinery and Equipment
    Kathleen Sebelius, Governor Joan Wagnon, Secretary www.ksrevenue.org ________________________________________________________________ MEMORANDUM TO: Kansas County Appraisers FROM: Roger Hamm, Personal Property Supervisor DATE: April 16, 2007 SUBJECT: Farm Machinery and Equipment Recently, there have been questions concerning what types of trailers qualify for exemption as farm machinery and equipment. In an attempt to provide some guidance, we reviewed several Board of Tax Appeals orders and the following is based on that review. County appraisers have the authority to exempt farm machinery and equipment without a Board of Tax Appeals order. K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 79-213(l)(1). However, if in doubt as to whether specific machinery and equipment qualifies, a county appraiser should place the property on the tax rolls and assist the owner in applying for exemption with the Board of Tax Appeals. Directive 92-025. Board of Tax Appeals Decisions The Board of Tax Appeals in recent farm machinery and equipment exemption cases involving semi-trailers concluded that grain, livestock and flatbed semi-trailers were farm trailers designed and used primarily as farm equipment if used in a farming or ranching operation. See photos 1-5 for examples of these types of trailers. However, note that the Board found in another case that a dry freight van semi-trailer was not designed as farm equipment even though used for hay storage and therefore does not qualify for exemption. See photo 6. In other recent Board decisions, bumper pull and gooseneck grain trailers, flatbed trailers, stock trailers, and horse trailers with or without dressing room/storage areas were found to be farm machinery and equipment if they are used primarily in a farming or ranching operation.
    [Show full text]
  • Truck Size and Length Limits
    Truck Size and Length Limits Width of Vehicle / Load • 8 Feet 6 inches. Height of Vehicle/Load • 14 Feet 0 inches. Front Overhang • 4 Feet 0 inches. • Measure from the front bumper of the power unit to the front of the load. Rear Overhang – Solo Vehicle • 3/4 Wheelbase. • Measure from the center of the last axle of the vehicle to the end of the load. Rear Overhang – Combination of Vehicles • 1/3 Wheelbase. • Measured from the center of the last axle to the end of the load, as long as: The load length does not exceed 40 feet. The trailer length does not exceed 40 feet. The overall length (including rear overhang) does not exceed 60 feet. • Otherwise, 5 feet is allowed off the back of the trailer, as long as any overall length limits for a given combination and highway are not exceeded. Load Length • 40 Feet. • Load length over 40 feet is permitted if the load does not extend beyond the rear of the semitrailer by more than five feet. • Loads over 40 feet cannot extend forward of the rear of the truck cab. ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division 1 Revised February 2020 Single (Solo) Truck Unit Length • 40 feet. Length of Truck Combinations Including Load • 60 Feet. • See exceptions below. Truck Tractor and Stinger Steered Pole Trailer • 65 Feet. ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division 2 Revised February 2020 Exceptions to Truck Combination Limits Truck Tractor and Semitrailer Length – Group 1 Highways Only • 60 Feet overall with a maximum 53 foot semitrailer. • Group Map 1 is available at any CCD permit office.
    [Show full text]
  • Truck and Trailer Equipment Guide Truck and Trailer Equipment Guide
    truck and trailer equipment guide truck and trailer equipment guide introduction Every shipment is different, and the trailers needed to transport your freight have different specifications, capacities, and measurables to ensure your freight is transported properly. As a third party logistics (3PL) company, we work with many reputable carriers that use many different types of equipment designed to move your freight. In this white paper, we provide an overview of some of the more commonly used trailers, provide measurements, and visual examples of the equipment. This white paper is intended to provide you with a better idea and visual of what your freight is traveling on and the advantages/uses of each trailer type 2 truck and trailer equipment guide dry van 53' 52 45,000 110" LBS. 26 50" 102" wide Jumping on the highway and driving for a minute or Common Options two will almost guarantee a dry van trailer sighting. As the most common freight trailer, any sort of Heated Roll Up Doors non-hazardous freight requiring limited protection from the elements would use a dry van trailer. Wood Floors Swing Doors These trailers are typically loaded and unloaded eTrack Food Grade through the rear doors, require elevated access for forklifts, and can hold 26 single stacked pallets or Liftgate Plate Trailer 52 double stacked. Since dry vans are so common, Vented Trailers there is a high availability of this equipment. 3 truck and trailer equipment guide refrigerated 53' 52 44,000 110" LBS. 26 50" 102" wide Often referred to as “reefers,” refrigerated trailers Common Options carry freight that has specific temperature requirements.
    [Show full text]
  • Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Training for Professional Truck Drivers
    STAY ALIVE WHEN YOU DRIVE Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Training for Professional Truck Drivers Presented by Operation Lifesaver PROVIDED IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY TRUCK DRIVER’S GUIDE Table of Contents Professional Truck Driver’s Guide INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1 Target Audience Operation Lifesaver Goal of Training U.S. Rail Incident Statistics Video Notes SIX STEPS FOR TRUCK DRIVER SAFETY ............................................................. 2 Crossing a Highway-Rail Grade Crossing REVIEW PROCEDURES AT HIGHWAY-RAIL CROSSINGS .......................... 3 Five Safety Procedures Before Resuming Travel SIGNS AND SIGNALS AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS ...............4-5 Passive Signs at Railroad Crossings Signs in Advance of Railroad Crossings Active Signal Devices at Railroad Crossings SPECIAL PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 6 Police Officer or Flagman at the Crossing Planning a Safe Route Storage (Containment) Areas Watch Your Truck’s Overhang Hazmat Vehicles Plan Ahead to Avoid an Emergency REAL INCIDENTS – LESSONS LEARNED ................................................................... 7 Bourbonnais, IL Portage, IN San Francisco, CA Crescent, IA Brighton, IL COMMERCIAL DRIVER DISQUALIFICATIONS ........................................................ 8 Specific Regulations Safety Statistics PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER SAFETY QUIZ ...................................................
    [Show full text]
  • RMI Transformational Truck Study 080708
    ! ! ! !Transformational Trucks: Determining the Energy Efficiency Limits of a Class-8 Tractor-Trailer ! !! ! Michael Ogburn Laurie Ramroth Amory B. Lovins ! Rocky Mountain Institute ! ! !!July 2008 2 Abstract!...................................................................................................................................3 Introduction.............................................................................................................................! 4 Step 1: Improving Platform Efficiency of a Class 8 Long-Haul Tractor-Trailer................! 6 Design for Reduced Weight and Increased Cubic Capacity "..............................................8 Aerodynamics..................................................................................................................." 10 Transformational Tractor-Trailer Path.........................................................................! 12 Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires"...........................................................................................17 Powertrain"........................................................................................................................ 17 Conclusions, Step 1.........................................................................................................." 18 Step 2: Increased Use of Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs).........................................! 19 Assumptions, Step 2........................................................................................................." 21 Analysis, Step
    [Show full text]
  • Faqs on Trailer Caravans
    FAQs on Trailer Caravans What is a trailer caravan? It is a light trailer which is considered a special purpose vehicle with a design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg. Do trailer caravans require type approval? A trailer caravan is considered to be a special purpose vehicle which is a vehicle ‘having specific technical features in order to perform a function which requires special arrangements and/or equipment’. For further details on obtaining type approval for brand new unregistered vehicles only contact National Standards Authority of Ireland NSAI. Do trailer caravans require testing? No. There is no roadworthiness testing required on light trailer caravans under 3,500 kg. However Irish road traffic laws place an onus on the owner and driver of such a vehicle to ensure it is maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times and does not present a danger to any road user. Do trailer caravans require registration? No. What licence is required for towing a light trailer caravan? See link to licence categories or contact Driver Licensing Section at 1890 40 60 40. What size caravan can I tow? You will need to refer to your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer or authorised distributor. Each vehicle has its own towing capacity or limit. For further information see the following: • RSA booklet on Towing Light Trailers • FAQs on Calculating the Towing Capacity of a Vehicle here. I am buying a trailer caravan. Where can I find information on requirements etc? Motor caravans are defined as special purpose vehicles and a trailer caravan with a design gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg or less is classified as a special purpose light trailer.
    [Show full text]
  • Maximum Legal Truck Loadings and Dimensions
    Michigan Department Page 1 of 5 of Transportation MAXIMUM LEGAL TRUCK LOADINGS AND T-1 (04/19) DIMENSIONS Regulations pertaining to the operation of trucks and trailers according to Act 300 P.A. of 1949, as amended. NOTE: When restricted loadings are in effect, the normal maximum axle weights allowable on rigid pavements shall be reduced 25% and the maximum wheel load shall not exceed 525 pounds per inch width of tire. When restricted loadings are in effect, the normal maximum axle weights allowable on flexible pavements shall be reduced 35% and the maximum wheel load shall not exceed 450 pounds per inch width of tire. MAXIMUM OVERALL DIMENSIONS Height ................................................................................................................................................................. 13 feet, 6 inches Length of combination of truck-tractor and semitrailer with or without load .............................................................. No limitation (Provided semitrailer lengths do not exceed limits for non-designated and designated highways) Length of any other vehicle with or without load (excluding impact absorbing bumpers) .................................................. .40 feet Length of pickup truck and semitrailer designed for recreational living purposes, and additional trailer or semitrailer. .. 65 feet (If driver possess a Commercial Driver's License the length can be 75 feet) Length of semitrailers longer than 50 feet shall operate on designated highways only. Length of semitrailers and trailers shall be measured from the front vertical plane of the foremost transverse load supporting structure to the rearmost transverse load supporting structure. Length shall not include safety and energy conservation devices including, but not limited to, impact absorbing bumpers, rear view mirrors, turn signal lamps, marker lamps, steps and hand holds for entry and egress, flexible fender extensions, mud flaps or splash and suppressant devices, load induced tire bulge, refrigeration or heating units, or air compressors.
    [Show full text]