[TheForge] Leviathan...

[John Husvar]

On Wednesday, September 29, 2004, at 08:03 AM, Marc Godbout wrote:

> How about this - measure the pressure in the tires, then measure the
> square inches that the tire sits on the road. Add them up. PSI/sq-in
> should be somewhat close to the weight on each tire, shouldn't it?
>
> --Marc


http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/383.91.htm

It's based on the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) provided by the 
manufacturer. There's usually a tag somewhere on the vehicle that shows 
the GVWR.

26001 pounds GVWR is the break point, but some states extend it to any 
vehicle operated "for hire." The license issuing state's rules 
generally apply nationwide because of reciprocity.

Since Andy's not carrying anything for hire, he's probably going to be 
OK, but it's worth checking thoroughly.

There are numerous exceptions and qualifications, so it's probably 
worth reading the whole thing and consulting your DMV for the state 
laws, especially those relating to privately owned and operated 
vehicles for the owners' own use and not for hire. Some rules apply to 
them: Others do not.

When I was driving over the road, I drove for a private carrier and 
only hauled their stuff. All the rules that apply to common carriers 
applied to me and my rig.

That crazy old ex steel-hauler, John. (Spent a lifetime doing that for 
a few years when other work was lacking.) :)