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Topic: Actual weight (Read 822 times) previous topic - next topic

Actual weight

When I imported my 96 U295 into Texas from Arizona, one of the requirements for registration was that I have the vehicle weighed and submit the weight cert during the registration process.  No problem, I weighed it at a Cat scale right after  I fueled on the way home, tanks were full and a significant amount of parts, pieces . tools, misc and passengers were aboard.  27,275 lbs. 

Fast forward a year or so.  Texas changes its registration fees for motorhomes radically, realizing there is an untapped, undertaxed resource in the form of brand new real Texans claiming Tx as their  domicile either for (ahem) love of the state or tax convenience.  What used to cost around $125.00 a year is now close to $400.00 a year once you bust the magic 26.5K lb figure.  A dollar a day for license plates, hmmm. 

So, I had it reweighed at the local scale, this time without all the extra "stuff" aboard but still at an operational weight.  25,100 lbs.  Weight certificate in hand, I applied for a corrected title and did receive it.  Before anyone calls foul, let me point out that the Tx rules are somewhat ambiguous, requiring that the actual vehicle weight be measured.  It does not require that the vehicle be loaded to gross cap.  Somewhat akin to the thousands of "3/4 ton" pickup trucks pulling 8K lb hay trailers. 

So, do I still need that class B license?

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Actual weight

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
So, I had it reweighed at the local scale, this time without all the extra "stuff" aboard but still at an operational weight.  25,100 lbs. 

So, do I still need that class B license?

Chuck

From TX DPS Driver's License Handbook

Class B Driver License
A Class B driver license permits a person to drive:
1. Any vehicle included in Class C;
2. A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more and any such
vehicle towing either a vehicle with a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 lbs. or a farm trailer with
a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.
etc.


So it's GVWR, not titled weight, that matters. 

If you already have a class B, don't downgrade.  There's no extra cost, although you do have to renew your license in person; you can't renew a class A or class B non-CDL by mail.

And a non-CDL class B allows you to drive a dump truck pleasure (just not for profit) ^.^d

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Actual weight

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Michelle –
And a non-CDL class B allows you to drive a dump truck pleasure (just not for profit) ^.^d

Michelle
The mention of driving dump trucks for pleasure rather than for profit always elicits a smile and chuckle in our household. In spite of the possibility, we have not added a dump truck to our fleet. :D
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Actual weight

Reply #3 –
A long nose Pete would get about the same mileage as f350 grocery getter. Splitting gears with a 13speed road ranger with air shifter....Yeehaw!
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Actual weight

Reply #4 –
Our Diesel mechanic down in Lufkin, TX has a daily driver that is a 750 hp souped up 77 Kenworth conventional cab tractor. He claims he gets 13 mpg around town.

I still think it would be a pain to park at the grocery store.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Actual weight

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Our Diesel mechanic down in Lufkin, TX has a daily driver that is a 750 hp souped up 77 Kenworth conventional cab tractor. He claims he gets 13 mpg around town.
Is that a full size tractor, or one of those chopped ones?  I'd call the 13 mpg about right if full sized.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Actual weight

Reply #6 –
It is a full sized conventional tractor. Really slick looking also.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback
 

Re: Actual weight

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
So, I had it reweighed at the local scale, this time without all the extra "stuff" aboard but still at an operational weight.  25,100 lbs.  Weight certificate in hand, I applied for a corrected title and did receive it.  Before anyone calls foul, let me point out that the Tx rules are somewhat ambiguous, requiring that the actual vehicle weight be measured.
Actually, that is kind of funny.  When I brought my current coach and presented the Tennessee title to NYS DMV, they looked up the weight in a little black book that they dug out of a cabinet there in the office.  They did ask if the model was a U225 and which floor plan it had. 
1994 U225
build #4514