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Gvwr any lawyers out there?


pikeandchester

Question

Can anyone cite a Minnesota state statute that prohibits exceeding gross vehicle weight rating, non commercial? A couple years ago I started day dreaming of having a pickup with a truck camper that could pull a boat, but quickly gave up when pricing 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with low mileage. I assumed a 4 wheel drive half ton wouldn't cut it since almost every camper's weight would push it over the truck's GVWR which I simply assumed to be illegal. A quick search on line shows many half ton trucks with a camper, which got me to thinking, Is it actually illegal to exceed GVWR? Got into a conversation with a gentleman over on HSO about a similar matter (trailers) this morning  in which he claims to know of people being ticketed for this. I am absolutely not calling anybody a liar, he may well be right on, but I have been reading state statutes and doing google searches for a while and can't find anything saying this is illegal, plenty of information regarding axle weight limits. Just because someone else jumps off the proverbial cliff doesn't  mean I'm running off to the camper dealer. Just challenging my own assumption. Boy I'm ready for open water, way better ways to spend an afternoon ;)

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had 1/2 tons all my life.  had slide in campers and pulled 5th wheels.. never had an once of trouble, both from the law and using them!!!  yes I ordered the tow package I wanted back then too...    go for it!!

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

 I as well use a 1/2 ton with slide in 8' camper with no problem.  Weight is a lot less then a load of sheet rock or lumber. :)

 I install air lift on my trucks. That'll level the truck and improve handling with heavy loads. 

What the law will be looking at is the camper having a tie down system.

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It would seem that overloading the vehicle regularly will have a negative impact on the axle bearings, final drive, and brakes so I would expect extra repair costs.

Edited by BobT
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I do not know much,but heard police officers are ticketing people pulling trailers with 1/2 ton trucks that have skid loaders on them. If this is considered a danger I don't know how much different a camper would be.

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

 I remember when it was rare to see trucks on the road and most trailers were pulled by cars. Its a matter of the trailer having working brakes and most rigs had the equalizer hitch.  If someone got pinched pulling a trailer with a truck chances are there is more to it then what you've been told.    Braking power with a camper on my truck is a non issue and the truck takes the load with no problem.  Thats 1st hand experience and not something I read on the internet.   My camper is under 1000lbs or 4 medium fat guys in the back. With the air bags sits level even with the load leveler front suspension.   You could get stopped hauling an unsecured load to the dump as well as driving your pickup dragging its butt down the road.   I think I have a pretty good handle on how to safely haul and tow just about anything I'll come across.

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After  looking at all the camper forums this issue is like an episode of the X Files. I have spent more time than I care to admit looking into this. Looked at NHTSA website, 2017 Minnesota statutes as well as a great many camper forums and can’t find anything to support a claim that it is illegal to exceed GVWR. I make no claim to be a lawyer. I think I just have to put on the big boy underpants and make an informed decision. Aftermarket equipment such as rear air bags and stabilizer bar combined with a reasonable load and highway speed appear to be the keys.3D486734-15F9-454D-9147-6C370191BED8.jpeg.315495cfd69bc90ea96678e3be0e2c69.jpeg029500C5-EDD6-45CF-98B5-1E63659D97F0.thumb.png.dcd5ac8df3ab0f839c0ba407e0a25513.png This is about the closest to a Minnesota regulation that I can find. I honestly welcome anyone To provide a better answer

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