DW-gray

Lompoc, CA

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There is a new web-base app that answers how much you can tow and it's for 5th wheel and conventional trailers. You can search for it here: http://bit.ly/1mMpwY3
Dave Gray
RV Safety Educator & Consultant
08 Dodge Ram 3500 4X4, Dually, 6.7L Diesel, 09 Heartland Cyclone 4012
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djtytrev630

La Porte

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TommySnake wrote:
How many of you that have a total of 26,001 lbs have a Class A license?
Texas states you must have a Class A if the item you are towing is greater than 10,000 and your combined GVWR is 26,001 lbs. Thoughts are welcome. How hard was the driving test.
CDL is administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
FMCSA defines minimum requirements that all states must meet when issuing CDL's
States are free to define more stringent CDL rules
FMCSA regulations only address commercial motor vehicles (CMV)
RV's used strictly for recreational and other non-commercial functions do not meet the FMCSA definition of a CMV
RV's are looked at differently than CDL's!
2012 Ram Long horn Laramie Mega cab
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Tumbleweed79

Kamiah, ID

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Though no one answered my question directly, I tried the app and it says that with a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 HD 6.6L LBZ, I can tow 1,700 lbs with a 5th wheel. I tried it three or four times.
Wow! I am WAAAYYY over that! ![wink [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif)
On the CDL question. I am not over 26,001, but I do already have a Class A CDL. I have had one for years as I used to drive commercially.
I can't answer the question about the Texas driving test, but as far as "driving" goes. If you are simply pulling a 5th wheel or trailer to do the test you will probably be all right. With some semis you have a more difficult time as the axles are further back increasing the "off tracking". It's been a while since I have taken the tests. It seems like I might have had the most difficult time with air brakes on the written, but can't rightly remember.
If you have towed trailers in your life then you will do alright. Find an empty lot and use caution cones to practice the maneuvers and you will do fine!
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DW-gray

Lompoc, CA

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Tumbleweed79 wrote: Though no one answered my question directly, I tried the app and it says that with a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 HD 6.6L LBZ, I can tow 1,700 lbs with a 5th wheel. I tried it three or four times.
Wow! I am WAAAYYY over that! ![wink [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif)
It looks the the GCWR for your truck is 22,000. What is the GVWR and your GVW and any additional weight?
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TommySnake

Killeen, Texas

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The Key number is, if your RV weights over 10K and your combine GVWR is 26,001 lbs. My Ford F350 Dualy weights 14,500 lbs, my RV weights 17,500. You do the math. The RV store still tells me I don't need a Class A even after I e-mailed them the message that was sent to me from Texas DPS. You got to love it. No wonder we get tickets out there.
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Tumbleweed79

Kamiah, ID

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DW-gray wrote: Tumbleweed79 wrote: Though no one answered my question directly, I tried the app and it says that with a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 HD 6.6L LBZ, I can tow 1,700 lbs with a 5th wheel. I tried it three or four times.
Wow! I am WAAAYYY over that! ![wink [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif)
It looks the the GCWR for your truck is 22,000. What is the GVWR and your GVW and any additional weight?
GVWR: 9,200 lbs., GVW: w/o passengers with full fuel (100 gal.) 8,180, 420 lbs. of passengers, Rear Axle: 4,000 lbs., Front Axle: 4,200 lbs.
I don't carry it full of fuel, but that was what I weighed it when I was pulling the Bumper pull. 70 gallons is about what I will fill it up when I hit a truck stop.
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Tumbleweed79

Kamiah, ID

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On the CDL question: I believe it was Texas, where I was traveling and a sign warned that every vehicle over 10k had to hit the Weigh Station. I did, went through the scales, thought the light flashed to go in, went in and the man asked me what he could do for me. I told him. He didn't even look up. He said, "You can go." I told him I thought I had to stop and he said I didn't. That is just one man...
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SmittysRV

SoCal - Torrance

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TommySnake wrote: The Key number is, if your RV weights over 10K and your combine GVWR is 26,001 lbs. My Ford F350 Dualy weights 14,500 lbs, my RV weights 17,500. You do the math. The RV store still tells me I don't need a Class A even after I e-mailed them the message that was sent to me from Texas DPS. You got to love it. No wonder we get tickets out there.
your F350 DRW is 14,500lbs? Seems pretty heavy, my F550 is right at 10, 000lbs. Maybe you are talking about GVWR of the truck???
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TommySnake

Killeen, Texas

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Sorry, That is correct, that is the value they go by GVWR.
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DW-gray

Lompoc, CA

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Tumbleweed79 wrote: DW-gray wrote: Tumbleweed79 wrote: Though no one answered my question directly, I tried the app and it says that with a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 HD 6.6L LBZ, I can tow 1,700 lbs with a 5th wheel. I tried it three or four times.
Wow! I am WAAAYYY over that! ![wink [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif)
It looks the the GCWR for your truck is 22,000. What is the GVWR and your GVW and any additional weight?
GVWR: 9,200 lbs., GVW: w/o passengers with full fuel (100 gal.) 8,180, 420 lbs. of passengers, Rear Axle: 4,000 lbs., Front Axle: 4,200 lbs.
I don't carry it full of fuel, but that was what I weighed it when I was pulling the Bumper pull. 70 gallons is about what I will fill it up when I hit a truck stop.
I ran your numbers: GCWR - 22000, GVWR - 9200, GVW - 8180, Passengers - 420
With 5th wheel checked, max 5th wheel tow: 2000
Without 5th wheel checked, max 5th wheel tow: 3000
How well does your truck tow the 5th wheel going up a 3-5% grade? I suspect the truck's GVWR and rear GAWR is well overloaded. I'm fascinated. Maybe we should continue this conversation via PM.
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