Forum weight police

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by German Shepherd Guy

I hope it does get fixed, or some sort of towing school comes out much like motor cycle endorsement classes that are offered by enthusiasts to help ones pass their exams.




First, Great OP. Interesting how it morphs.


As a motorcyclist who has done several cross country trips on my Triumph I think Fishsizzle is on to something. In my state (Colorado) we have to have an endorsement on our Lic. to operate a motorcycle legally. That means passing a specific test and completing a safety class. Would that kind of approach be useful in towing? I have had personal experience with more than one group of towers who are totally incapable of backing up. We (in Colorado) do not assume that just because you can drive a car you can operate a motorcycle safely, is it really any different when it comes to towing large RV's?


Not that I want even more bureaucracy but it is an idea.


When it goes back to John's original post, I personally like the approach of counseling vs telling how it is.
But that is just the way I take lessons better.



This is a great site and a great resource for self learning the art of RVing.




Plus, I really like the little cartoon characters i can add in to my post

I really to say it, but I agree, there is no reason not to have an endorsement for towing! One should be able to demonstrate they can drive, Hitch, Tow, back the trailer they are getting an endorsement for.
There would be a learners permit, good for 30 to 60 days, so purchaser can practice, this would not require an endorsed driver with them.
They would need to pass a written and driving exam, written would deal with towing rules and weights, and tire specs.

Many would say more big brother, but in reality it would be more education. In addition the driver would know the towing laws at least in their state.

[66joej]

Originally Posted by Number 4

The job of a sales reps is to sell the truck or trailer and the "sales job" can be exactly what sounds like. Then you have commercials where they drop a heavy pallet of something into a truck bed (whang bounce bounce... no damage there!) and even show a truck pulling a trailer up a spiral inclined ramp with huge flames spouting on the left and right all the way up... remember that one? It's no surprise that many buyers "buy into" the lofty claims of tough trucks and later get down to the actual math of what it's truly capable of. A dose of skepticism can be very helpful, not only with TT and TV purchases but also with Nigerian princes willing to pay big money to process some oddball transaction.

I know this is a serious thread but is that Nigerian Prince thing really a scam?

[HitFactor]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

...there is no reason not to have an endorsement for towing! One should be able to demonstrate they can drive, Hitch, Tow, back the trailer they are getting an endorsement for.

There would be a learners permit, good for 30 to 60 days, so purchaser can practice, this would not require an endorsed driver with them.

They would need to pass a written and driving exam, written would deal with towing rules and weights, and tire specs....

No thanks. I dont think anyone has thought this through. Education, administration, enforcement, and corrections are not free.

[Northofu1]

Originally Posted by Number 4

The job of a sales reps is to sell the truck or trailer and the "sales job" can be exactly what sounds like. Then you have commercials where they drop a heavy pallet of something into a truck bed (whang bounce bounce... no damage there!) and even show a truck pulling a trailer up a spiral inclined ramp with huge flames spouting on the left and right all the way up... remember that one? It's no surprise that many buyers "buy into" the lofty claims of tough trucks and later get down to the actual math of what it's truly capable of. A dose of skepticism can be very helpful, not only with TT and TV purchases but also with Nigerian princes willing to pay big money to process some oddball transaction.

LOL too true

[jsmith948]

Be careful what you ask for. All of these "there out to be a law" folks like to tell everyone else how to behave - until the regulations they so vehemently espoused are applied to or focused on them. Then it's "over regulation".
I drove over the road in semi's for over 30 years and I can tell you that you don't ever want to subject yourself to more rules and regulations.
For example: A senior citizen is involved in an accident. The "do gooders" call for new regulations requiring that "older folks" be tested annually to prove they are capable of driving. Sounds reasonable...until you get to be 70+ years of age and the younger folks are looking at you like you are the problem.
The same applies to RVs.

[CWtheMan]

An interpretation by NHTSA. Over and over again they say not to exceed GVWR.

https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/08-003469drn-rev.htm


An excerpt: The UVW and the GVWR used to determine the RVs load carrying capacity must reflect the weights and design of the motor home or RV trailer as configured for delivery to the dealer/service facility.

Note: The UVW is the official - dry weight - of the trailer when it left the factory. It's unused load capacity - difference between GVW & GVWR - is its cargo carrying capacity.

[Frank G]

I'm not sure this combination would pass inspection, where's the door sticker?

Friday's Cabin Fever Humor

[66joej]

Originally Posted by Frank G

I'm not sure this combination would pass inspection, where's the door sticker?

Friday's Cabin Fever Humor

Looks like a for sale sign on the Metropolitan. I think the owner is looking to upgrade to a larger TV.

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by 66joej

Looks like a for sale sign on the Metropolitan. I think the owner is looking to upgrade to a larger TV.

I think he has a Pacer or Gremlin in mind. Should be fine if he can find biased ply tires for it.

[66joej]

Originally Posted by hankpage

I think he has a Pacer or Gremlin in mind. Should be fine if he can find biased ply tires for it.

Hank. Pacer/Gremlin that is just mean.

[Fishsizzle]

Originally Posted by 66joej

Hank. Pacer/Gremlin that is just mean.

Read this a few months back.


http://www.trucktrend.com/features/1...-1977-gremlin/

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by 66joej

Hank. Pacer/Gremlin that is just mean.

Not meant to be mean .... My first car was a Rambler American and before I even took it home I had a hitch put on at U-Haul. Camping then was a utility trailer filled with tents and camping gear, a few dollars of gas at 26¢ a gal. and drinking around a campfire from the free glasses you got with the gas. I still think I have some of those "Put a tiger in your tank" glasses around somewhere.

[xrated]

Originally Posted by hankpage

Not meant to be mean .... My first car was a Rambler American and before I even took it home I had a hitch put on at U-Haul. Camping then was a utility trailer filled with tents and camping gear, a few dollars of gas at 26¢ a gal. and drinking around a campfire from the free glasses you got with the gas. I still think I have some of those "Put a tiger in your tank" glasses around somewhere.

I learned how to drive, a three on the tree in a 1960 Rambler American...my Dad's work car. My brother totalled it though, so the fun didn't last too long!

[DocP]

Originally Posted by hankpage

Not meant to be mean .... My first car was a Rambler American and before I even took it home I had a hitch put on at U-Haul. Camping then was a utility trailer filled with tents and camping gear, a few dollars of gas at 26¢ a gal. and drinking around a campfire from the free glasses you got with the gas. I still think I have some of those "Put a tiger in your tank" glasses around somewhere.

Thanks for the memory. The minute I read that, the gas station "Esso" came to mind. Back in 1963, as a 9-year old, I remember getting a little furry tiger tail on a string from Esso that my dad hung out of our gas tank.

[chuckster57]

And we got glasses from Shell. Had to buy $10.00 in gas and as I remember it meant mom had to drive the ‘64 dodge wagon (the brown bomb) on fumes to get that much.

[daveinaz]

Ah, yes. I remember those tiger tails and glass collections from the gas station too!! Back when the attendant filled your tank, and before cars had carpet, would take out his little hand held wisk broom and sweep out your floorboards --- AND check your oil and clean your windshield...

<sigh>

[66joej]

Originally Posted by daveinaz

Ah, yes. I remember those tiger tails and glass collections from the gas station too!! Back when the attendant filled your tank, and before cars had carpet, would take out his little hand held wisk broom and sweep out your floorboards --- AND check your oil and clean your windshield...

<sigh>

and smile and happy to do it. Ah the simple life!

[travelin texans]

My SIL had Gremlin, was hard to get by unnoticed with anything in a small town driving the ugliest car, only one of it's kind in town.

[hguilford]

Well put, John. This site is entertaining, if nothing else (see China Bombs). Although I am new to this site I've owned 4 5th wheels and have nearly 30 years experience and I am no where near an expert. I read most all new posts to see if I can offer any practical advice, and if others have adequately answered a question or concern I keep my mouth shut.

[LarrySharon]

All I know is that I DO NOT have this weight thing completely down. All I know is what I drive and what I tow. I DO NOT give advice on this subject. Too many variables. Happy and safe RV'ing.