dangerous trailer loading

[b_b]

Even fuel? I didn't think so.

all fluids that are required for the vehicle to operate.

 

[mk378]

the boys loading the supplies have no technical knowledge

Indeed, and if the store did try to train them on proper trailer loading, that would increase the store's potential liability.

It solely is up to the vehicle driver to be sure it is safely loaded before entering a public highway.

 

[ls1mike]

all fluids that are required for the vehicle to operate.

You are correct, but it is not included. Like people weight. You have to add those which lowers your payload.

As far as the loading here. They always talk about max weight of towing. Rarely do they mention payload and that is important.

 

[4WD]

They don't cover damage, but if the driver of the overloaded truck was involved in an accident, I wonder if the lumber yard would be attached in a lawsuit for negligence?

Thought I was good with a cast net until I saw a lawyer throw one

 

[mk378]

"Curb weight" includes a full fuel tank but no people or cargo. "Empty weight" is without fuel, which is relevant only for shipping purposes. If you find a published "curb" or "empty" weight it needs to be for exactly your truck model and options. Weighing the actual truck is probably the only way to be sure.

 

[64bawagon]

Around here that load would have likely been on a trailer with no brakes or working lights.

 

[gfh77665]

At least he did it in a RAM. That way Stellantis/RAM/even Dodge will be blamed when it goes bad.

 

[redhat]

That’s a big ooofff.

Situations like this is where I like my twin axle dump. Never felt unsafe with 3-4k in it. Trailer weights 2k so I’m about at max GVWR.

But loading and having a twin axle makes all the difference. Never did it make anything squat bad.

 

[AZjeff]

We complain when trucks drive around empty and complain when they're really used as trucks. No win.

J/K there should be a point where the business employee should be able to say no.

I've seen 1/2 ton trucks with a full wrapped pallet of wood stove pellets in the bed. 2000 lbs makes them squat pretty good.

 

[BrendanC]

We complain when trucks drive around empty and complain when they're really used as trucks. No win.

J/K there should be a point where the business employee should be able to say no.

I've seen 1/2 ton trucks with a full wrapped pallet of wood stove pellets in the bed. 2000 lbs makes them squat pretty good.

meanwhile forty 50lb sacks of deer corn hardly make my 02 2500hd sit on its overloads. 10lbs in the air bags and it’s back to normal ride height.

 

[DuckRyder]

Hmm…

It’s sounding not so clear cut,

Maybe trailer problem maybe loading problem…maybe truck problem…

 

[oil pan 4]

Modern half tons are grocery getters.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

Around here that would be in the pickup bed of a rusted out 20 year old Ford F-250 with broken bed mounts and cab mounts and with a bent frame riding on the bumpstops....

Throw in a broken tail light, a couple bald tires and one that is losing air and you are now ready for the workforce!

 

[The motor guy]

I was at Menards yesterday picking up some stuff in the materials yard.

I witnessed a person get a pallet of concrete bags (77 bags; I overheard the conversation). That would be approximately 6100 lbs of product assuming 80lbs/bag.

What is disturbing is that he had the employee load it on a small trailer, and it was placed forward of the wheels such that much of the weight transfer was also being applied to the hitch. He was driving a newer Ram 1500, which had no weight distributing hitch, and it was scary! I watched as it was loaded ...
- the "gap" in the front wheel fender arch nearly doubled from 4" to 8"; indicating that the front wheels were seriously unloaded
- the rear end sagged so badly that the hitch was only about 4-5" off the ground; meaning the rear was grossly overloaded
- I could see the force actually caused the hitch to deflect in a downward rotation; the frame of truck and hitch were giving way too much
- I seriously doubt that the trailer was rated for such a large load
People like this really put the public at risk; it's just unsafe from every angle.

Just because you have a "truck", it may not be enough truck for the job at hand.
Please - Don't be that guy.

Was it a tandem axle? Typically, they're 3500 pound axles so it would be at the max for sure, but not really overloaded

 

[D60]

I personally witnessed this at our Home Depot. I took the pic. In hindsight I shoulda called CSP but honestly, I doubt they would have even responded.

 

[D60]

Was it a tandem axle? Typically, they're 3500 pound axles so it would be at the max for sure, but not really overloaded

Virtually ANY trailer with tandem 3500s is going to weigh at least 1500#. REALLY short SUPER CUSTOM builds excepted.

So 7000 less 1500 means technically 5500# payload available. But yeah, 6100 in concrete wouldn't be that overloaded.

People regularly buy the least expensive car hauler they can get which is always 16' with tandem 3500s, then severely overload them with fullsize trucks. To that end, it's impressive the amount of abuse 3500# axles will take. NOW, 15" STs are a different story......

 

[The motor guy]

Virtually ANY trailer with tandem 3500s is going to weigh at least 1500#. REALLY short SUPER CUSTOM builds excepted.

So 7000 less 1500 means technically 5500# payload available. But yeah, 6100 in concrete wouldn't be that overloaded.

People regularly buy the least expensive car hauler they can get which is always 16' with tandem 3500s, then severely overload them with fullsize trucks. To that end, it's impressive the amount of abuse 3500# axles will take. NOW, 15" STs are a different story......

Don't forget not all that weight is on the tires. Probably 500 lbs on the hitch

 

[Pablo]

I personally witnessed this at our Home Depot. I took the pic. In hindsight I shoulda called CSP but honestly, I doubt they would have even responded. View attachment 245104

Hey Chet, did you set the parking brake?

 

[Dave Hess]

fair, atleast here in houston you’re lucky if the guy operating speaks english. probably doesn’t have a state issued ID either or proof of employment.

Very sad but not uncommon….

 

[Donald]

We complain when trucks drive around empty and complain when they're really used as trucks. No win.

J/K there should be a point where the business employee should be able to say no.

I've seen 1/2 ton trucks with a full wrapped pallet of wood stove pellets in the bed. 2000 lbs makes them squat pretty good.

I worked at Lowe's for hobby money and helped load with a forklift or narrow reach lift many vehicles. Most were loaded fine.

I remember being asked to help load pavers into a guy's trunk. We brought a pallet up to the car and moved the pavers from the pallet to trunk. After loading some I made sure my feet were behind (not under) the car.

Another lady wanted me to load a cast iron boiler in her minivan. I suggested the MOD handle that one.

Typically they would know they were overloaded and would say they only had to go a short distance.

I suggested to the manager they list on stickers next to pavers and similar what a full pallet weighs.