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 Veteran
Posts: 262
 
| So we have a 1 ton GMC and plan to drive a 5th wheel weekender 3 horse slant fully loaded and we've been told we need a CDL by truck drivers. Is this true? Does everyone that drives this type of rig need a CDL?? I didn't figure to many people do so I'm not sure if we should? |
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
| I drive your exact set up. 2016 dodge dually with a 3 horse sundowner LQ weekender. I think it has a 5-6' short wall. When I bought my truck I had some form to fill out that I had to declare the weight of my trailer and it had to be less than 10k pounds. So no CDL |
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Veteran
Posts: 262
| I wonder if we can do the same form? Was it under 10,000 empty? |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 336
Location: Missouri | Canchsr5 - 2017-04-12 10:37 PM
So we have a 1 ton GMC and plan to drive a 5th wheel weekender 3 horse slant fully loaded and we've been told we need a CDL by truck drivers. Is this true? Does everyone that drives this type of rig need a CDL?? I didn't figure to many people do so I'm not sure if we should?
I drive a 1 ton with 3h Sundowner. 6' shortfall/LQ. Check your state laws as they vary! I don't have to in Missouri and neighboring states honor our requirements BUT some neighboring states I would have to.
It also depends on the purpose of hauling in many states. Rodeos and shows are considered profitable..bahahaha...so a CDL is required for commercial hauling. Trail riding or going to see aunt Bessie isn't for-profit so it can be exempted based on that criteria.
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Veteran
Posts: 227
Location: Heart of Texas | In texas "Individuals are required to have a CDL if they operate a motor vehicle: With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds, Which transports quantities of hazardous materials that requires warning placards (signs), or. Designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.". You should be quite fine. |
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  Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
 
Location: CTX | jewishprincess - 2017-04-13 9:30 AM In texas "Individuals are required to have a CDL if they operate a motor vehicle: With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds, Which transports quantities of hazardous materials that requires warning placards (signs), or. Designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.". You should be quite fine.
Also, there is an exemption for farmers:
A vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer, used to transport agricultural products, machinery or supplies within 150 miles of the individual’s farm
so if you have a farm trailer tag you are fine.
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | We have a '16 one ton Chevy and haul a 3 horse LQ 9' short wall. We don't have a CDL. |
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| You do not have to have one for private use under 26,000 pounds. So if you ever get stopped you are going trail riding or to the vet, got it? Where it gets sticky is the operating for commerce, and some states and local officials now want to include rodeos and jackpots as commerce. I have zero stickers on my truck and trailer....no pics of barrel racers, no rodeo association stickers and I pull a smaller 3 horse and have always flew under the radar, even though I DO have a CDL and DOT number for my business. They do not want you to call barrel racing a business on taxes most times but then want to classify it as one when it comes to these tickets.
The DOT number opens a whole 'nother can of worms. If you get one, you have now opened yourself up to random or targeted audits, where you will have to produce all the paper work showing DOT physicals and enrollment in a random drug testing program. Possibly even logs for all year and must keep all records for I believe 7 years.
You can stop by most any truck stop and get a copy of the green Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations Pocketbook. You will want to note and highlight Sections 390.5 and 390.3(f)(3) which is the definition of a Motor Carrier and the Exceptions therein. I keep a copy in my glove box just in case. The only time I have ever had to use it is to tell a friend who got a ticket where to find it. She got a copy and sent a letter with copy to the court and the ticket was dismissed.
You can also take the above Regulations into the Secretary of State in case they insist on you getting a CDL. Get THEM to prove why you have to have it.
BIG CAUTION. Each state tends to have their own definition of enforcement and locals are even more prone to write tickets because they think they can. Your effectiveness in defending yourself is most likely at the mercy of that particular court.
Again, if one ever gets stopped you are going to or coming from trail riding or visiting a relative or something. If they catch you coming out of a barrel race, you just stopped to see a friend. You still may get a ticket but admit nothing....you will stand a better chance in court. Also, once you get a CDL if you are ever involved in an accident it will be YOUR fault unless proven otherwise, you are supposed to know better and be better trained.
Disclaimer: none of the above is real legal advice, I don't want to get my hiney in trouble. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| To add to the points made above, getting a CDL changes the way you have to think about driving. Like Rodeoveteran said, if you get one, every accident is now your fault. My husband is a truck driver and anytime he gets a ticket (he has a lead foot when not driving the semi), we are paying a lawyer to keep it off his record. The legal limit is also lower, I think .03 compared to .08 here in Missouri. So my advice is to not get a CDL unless you absolutely have to! |
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
Location: southeast Texas | What rodeoveteran said ^^^
if in doubt what you weigh, take your rig to the big truck scales. IMHO I doubt very seriously you are over weight. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 516
| We have a 1 ton with a 4 horse and 11' short wall LQ with no CDL. Our state for CDLs is a 26k lb limit, but the trailer also has RV plates so not sure if that changes anything. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1257
Location: Colorado plains standing on a goat head! | roxieannie - 2017-04-13 11:23 AM What rodeoveteran said ^^^
if in doubt what you weigh, take your rig to the big truck scales. IMHO I doubt very seriously you are over weight.
It should go off the GVW of both vehicles, not scale weight. That is where the 26,000 and 26,001 weights come in GVW of both vehicles combined for Federal law. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1520
Location: Illinois | I went to my local DMV and asked, gave them the weights of the total rig. Mine is just barely under the 26,000lb limit at 25,500. I was told I didn't need a CDL unless I was considered "For Hire." Going to a show and winning money, even on your own horse, classifies you as "for hire" here. However the chances of you actually being stopped and questioned is slim. They told me not to worry about it so I haven't. It definitely varies in each state so I would just go to your local license facility or call a CDL school in your area and ask them, they can give you the accurate information. CDL's kind of suck here because like someone said you are always at fault, no matter what vehicle you drive and here the legal drinking limit is .0000 so you can't even drive after one drink or you lose your CDL. Again, each state is different though |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | It definitely varies in each state. In Louisiana, you can drive an 18 wheeler (or a shiny new Class A motor home) with only a basic driver's license. No training necessary, lol. As long as it's your personal vehicle and you're not making money with it. |
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