Hi guys,

Quick questions. I own a twin axle (3,500#lbs each) car hauler that I use to move my skid steer around town with. However, I am thinking about going out of state to purchase a new used one. The weight of the one I want to buy is about 5,500lbs so I think between the weight of the trailer and the skid steer I should be within the parameters of the trailer (give or take a few pounds).

If I am moving my own equipment, do I need to pull into weigh stations? Also, I have four combination nylon/chain straps I plan to use for a four-point tie down (straps have holding power of 10,000 lbs, lifting capacity of 3,000lbs). Are these straps appropriate to use? I will use one more chain to go across the bucket since I believe that is required as well. Anything else I should be thinking about? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, in advance.

Dennis

Dennis, if the skid steer is used for commercial work, then technically yes you are a commercial vehicle and must be registered as such, have inspections, carry flags and fire extinguishers, have proper DOT lighting, brakes on both trailer axles, proper break away set up. Have a current Dot medical card, (CDL not required under 26k) and run a log book, I'm sure I missed a few. That is the law, but in your case I wouldn't worry about it at all, depends on what state you are going to and what kind of mood the troopers are in. I've hauled a bunch commercially without jumping through the hoops and gotten away with it 99% of the time. One time I got pulled over in Iowa and he read me the riot act. In the end he only kicked me outta service for 8 hours and gave me a stern warning. Your straps will be fine, no need for chain over bucket if it is attached to skid steer. Weight wise you are right at the limit, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

My advice is go ahead and do it, don't stop at any scales, and if you get stopped tell em you use the thing on your farm or something. DO NOT admit to using the skid steer to make money with. Play the "I didn't know" aproach.

Hope that helps!!!

I agree with the above. You will most likely be left alone. Another concern is the amount of weight your truck is registered to. In Texas, they take the registered weight of the truck PLUS the registered weight of the trailer. It is not that way in every state. Just something else to check up on.