Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
Please keep in mind that I am not a "legal expert" and this is "my opinion" based on the way I interpret the Michigan code. It may (or may not) be the "legislative intention" as the code was written or amended....
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(x3h...me=mcl-257-721
Paragraph 257.721(3) is referencing "trailers using conventional hitches, pintle hitches and bumper attached hitches".
Paragraph 257.721(4) references "conventional fifth wheel hitches".
Paragraph 257.721(5)(a,b,c) establish legality for towing a second trailer <double towing/triple towing> behind a fifth wheel.
The definition of "fifth wheel" is established in Paragraph 257.721(3) and the last half of the last sentence in that paragraph states, "the safety chains or devices required under this subsection shall conform to the federal motor carrier safety regulations requirements contained in 49 CFR 393.70(d)(5)."
You can read the requirements for fifth wheel hitches and for "other forms of hitches" in 49CFR 393.70. In that reference, sub-paragraph (b)(3) provides specific instructions related to the "king pin". The next paragraph then establishes requirements for "full trailers". In that sub-paragraph (d) 1-8, safety chain requirements are addressed.
You can find 49CFR 393.70 here: https://www.customsmobile.com/regula..._section393.70
As I said, this is "my take" on the "scrambled egg mix" called the Michigan code. I'm no expert and can't say that I'm correct or that I'm not correct, just what I think the rules mandate. I have no "skin in the game" (so to speak) as I tow with a conventional fifth wheel hitch, not a "gooseneck or adapter style hitch" so I've not spent any extensive time researching what doesn't apply to my towing equipment. |
I have read those, a couple times actually, the parts that get me is a full trailer requires chains. A full trailer is a gravity box trailer for a lack of better references. It supports all its weight. It also says that any trailer that has tongue weight, defined as semi trailer does not require chains. I have always been told that if it connects with a pin like a standard fifth wheel hitch no chains. If it is on a ball then it requires chains. I just cannot find any supporting documentation.
Not meant as an argument just wish I could find something that agrees one way or the other. The federal
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retriev...se49.5.393_170
if you scroll down a bit it shows pics that incorporate all the definitions. It shows a travel trailer as a semi trailer because it applies weight to the tow vehicle.