Re: The Colorado BS thread
I had to attend another Risk Management course yesterday - this time for the DOT and I learned all about Towing & Trailer safety. Here's an interesting tidbit that I didn't know.
For everyone that tows a trailer with a rig on it, you might be interested to know how to calculate the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on your trailer. The manufacturer should always include a load capacity rating plate/stamp to the chassis of the trailer. This load capacity shows the Maximum Gross Payload that can be carried by that particular trailer. Most people (including myself) would see that number and think they can carry a payload up to that weight.
But that is incorrect...
The GVWR is calculated by taking the Maximum Gross Payload rating and subtracting the weight of the trailer itself from that number. The remainder is the actual amount that the trailer can legally carry for its payload.
An Example of this is:
A tandem-axle car hauler has a GVWR rating of 7,000lbs. The trailer itself weighs 3,000lbs, so the actual Maximum Payload that the trailer can handle is 4,000lbs - not 7,000lbs. Every manufacturer can calculate their GVWR differently so I would highly recommend that if you do a lot of hauling, for you to check with your manufacturer to see how their math is done.
So why is this important?
As our economy has been on a downturn, there has been a large increase in weight fines for people that are "overloading" their trailers. Authorities that, in the past, have looked the other direction are now becoming less lax in-order to build up their revenue. In my industry, we're seeing it a lot in Contractors that are being pulled over by CHP.
I would recommend that all of you get familiar with your Tongue Transfer laws for your region and make sure that you're not "overloading" your trailers. Additionally, if an accident were to occur involving an overloaded trailer, your insurance carrier may argue that the driver showed "Negligence" and deny the claim. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Be safe, guys...