truck drivers... have question
01-14-2008, 10:41 AM
#1
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truck drivers... have question
two questions actually.
to start, this is a 16' Box truck, 1993 GMC Top Kick (Gas). under 25,000 GVW
i have the proper license (cheaufers) for this truck and just had it DOT inspected.
1) do i have to stop at weigh stations? what is the cutoff for them?
2) do i have to keep the DOT paperwork in the truck or just on file at the office?
and here'* the fun one...
what is the proper way to shift a 5 speed un-sycronized split trans? i think i have it figured out but i want to know for sure so i don't kill it.
thanks for helping out a
to start, this is a 16' Box truck, 1993 GMC Top Kick (Gas). under 25,000 GVW
i have the proper license (cheaufers) for this truck and just had it DOT inspected.
1) do i have to stop at weigh stations? what is the cutoff for them?
2) do i have to keep the DOT paperwork in the truck or just on file at the office?
and here'* the fun one...
what is the proper way to shift a 5 speed un-sycronized split trans? i think i have it figured out but i want to know for sure so i don't kill it.
thanks for helping out a
01-14-2008, 12:16 PM
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I agree with Petra in that Gonneville is your best bet. When ever I drove one I believe I was asked if it had air brakes and no I never had to stop at weight scales. It was when I was in a 24 ft. that I was supposed to stop. As for shifting, if I remember correctly I double clutched if I wasn' t sure.
01-14-2008, 01:06 PM
#4
Why not call out to the head Secretary of State office in Lansing? 
I'm sure each state has different rules. What applies for Gonneville in the states he travels within may not be the case for Michigan.
I'm sure each state has different rules. What applies for Gonneville in the states he travels within may not be the case for Michigan.
01-16-2008, 06:56 PM
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OK, as far as the weigh station thing goes, your GVW will determine whether you have to stop at weigh stations. Basically GVW is the maximum gross weight your truck is rated to carry. That would be cargo+vehicle weight. If that is under the weight specified on the signs, go ahead and cruise on by. If it'* more, you have to stop.
As far as shifting goes, the best way to do it is to start off double clutching and rev-matching for a few days. After you get he hang of that, you can start working on drifting, which is when you just shift without the clutch after getting rolling.
But this is a 16 footer, gas truck with an UN-synchronized trans? That is kind of odd. Most trucks that size would use a syncroed trans, or even an automatic. Are you sure it'* unsynchronized, or are the synchros F'ed up?
As far as shifting goes, the best way to do it is to start off double clutching and rev-matching for a few days. After you get he hang of that, you can start working on drifting, which is when you just shift without the clutch after getting rolling.
But this is a 16 footer, gas truck with an UN-synchronized trans? That is kind of odd. Most trucks that size would use a syncroed trans, or even an automatic. Are you sure it'* unsynchronized, or are the synchros F'ed up?
01-16-2008, 07:07 PM
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Re: truck drivers... have question
Originally Posted by Darrel
two questions actually.
to start, this is a 16' Box truck, 1993 GMC Top Kick (Gas). under 25,000 GVW
i have the proper license (cheaufers) for this truck and just had it DOT inspected.
1) do i have to stop at weigh stations? what is the cutoff for them?
2) do i have to keep the DOT paperwork in the truck or just on file at the office?
and here'* the fun one...
what is the proper way to shift a 5 speed un-sycronized split trans? i think i have it figured out but i want to know for sure so i don't kill it.
thanks for helping out a
to start, this is a 16' Box truck, 1993 GMC Top Kick (Gas). under 25,000 GVW
i have the proper license (cheaufers) for this truck and just had it DOT inspected.
1) do i have to stop at weigh stations? what is the cutoff for them?
2) do i have to keep the DOT paperwork in the truck or just on file at the office?
and here'* the fun one...
what is the proper way to shift a 5 speed un-sycronized split trans? i think i have it figured out but i want to know for sure so i don't kill it.
thanks for helping out a
Check your local laws, but yes, you must have DOT paperwork. You also must display DOT numbers on the outside of the truck. You also MUST have a emergency kit in the truck with things like flares, road triangles, etc. I found all this out after another driver got pulled over. Then when I left with the truck the same inspector nailed me.
Word of warning, DO NOT EVER!!! exced your weight limit. If you do you can't move the truck untill it'* propper. And you'll get a fine.
01-16-2008, 07:10 PM
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Thanks for the tips guys
and i'm pretty sure its un-syncro'd. the manual says so anyhow. it it is syncro'd then they SUCK!
i don't think i'll have to worry about being over weight, we only make plastic parts and most are of the "low density" varity... i think the most weight i'll ship is MAYBE 1000 lbs.
i'll have to snap some pics of this beast of a rig... its pathetic.
and i'm pretty sure its un-syncro'd. the manual says so anyhow. it it is syncro'd then they SUCK!
i don't think i'll have to worry about being over weight, we only make plastic parts and most are of the "low density" varity... i think the most weight i'll ship is MAYBE 1000 lbs.
i'll have to snap some pics of this beast of a rig... its pathetic.
01-16-2008, 08:13 PM
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You know, Danthurs is right. It'* a commercial vehicle, it does have to stop at all weigh stations regardless of weight. For whatever reason, I was thinking of private/not for hire trucks and RVs.
BTW, paperwork you will need includes:
Registration(duh)
DOT inspection papers and sticker(depending on state)
IFTA papers(International Fuel Tax Agreement)
IFTA sticker
Highway use paperwork/sticker(depending on state)
Insurance paperwork
BTW, paperwork you will need includes:
Registration(duh)
DOT inspection papers and sticker(depending on state)
IFTA papers(International Fuel Tax Agreement)
IFTA sticker
Highway use paperwork/sticker(depending on state)
Insurance paperwork
01-16-2008, 08:26 PM
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now "not for hire"...
its a company truck but we only ship our goods, nothing for anyone else. they even put "Not for hire" on the side of the truck.
So i suppose that would mean I wouldn't have to stop then...
there is a lot of paperwork into driving trucks. I had no idea!
its a company truck but we only ship our goods, nothing for anyone else. they even put "Not for hire" on the side of the truck.
So i suppose that would mean I wouldn't have to stop then...
there is a lot of paperwork into driving trucks. I had no idea!