weigh stations

[portlandtug25]

Hello All,
Does anyone know if, when towing our Rangers in the state of Washington (i.e., Portland to Olympia), we have to stop at I-5 weigh stations if they are open? The best info I can find is " trucks over 10,000 lbs GVW " must stop. Does that mean in our case truck + trailer combination or what? My best guess is that the pick-up trailer and 25' boat combination would be about 14,000#, but just the pick--up or trailer+ boat alone would be well under . What constitutes a "truck"?

Thanks!

 

[knotflying]

I assume all roads are the same. I have never stopped at a weigh station. I think if you are trailering an R-29 you may have to because of the wide load issue.

 

[portlandtug25]

According to AAA's digest of state laws, every state is different. Some specify commercial vehicles, some say commercial and specialty vehicles, some trucks and trailers. Washington just says " trucks over 10,000# GVW."

 

[baz]

To play it safe why not stop at the first weigh station and ask for their advice. That should give you the current WA state ruling on this issue. At least, this is what I would do. 🙂

 

[Todd]

In NY and adjoining states where I am most familiar, and federal DOT regulations, it is the combined weight, that is your total, weight that determines you must stop.

Let them know that it is your private truck, that you own the boat and trailer, and you are not under hire and they will usually just send you on your way. Most of the stuff they are looking for only applies to commercial vehicles.

The most they have ever done when pulling my boat is a quick walk around to see things look ok.

 

[knotflying]

Also make sure your breakaway switch when pulled activates the brakes. Irish Mist, when trailering his R-29 to Florida said that the weigh station in Georgia checked it. For safety purposes it should be functional. I check mine regularly and once discovered that the switch was inoperative. So it pays to check it.
And by the way, if our boats are 8'-6" then wouldn't the trailer guide posts technically make us a wide load because the are on the outside of the 8'-6". A friend of mine trailering his C-Dory cross country actually had a cop stop him and measure his width.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We've trailered Kismet from Seattle to Portland twice and have never stopped at a weigh station and I've never seen another boat/trailer and truck in one.

Jim

 

[Lenny and Louise]

I just got off the telephone with a very nice lady at the Vancouver District Headquarters, Washington State Patrol. She told me that if the boat is not used for commercial purposes and is not being towed for a fee, there is no requirement to stop at weigh stations. (In Washington.)

 

[Spacetrucker]

If your boat is more then 102 " inch wide then yes and my have to have a wide load maker on it. With my 31 ranger I have a wide load sing on back and have a lic/ permit for wash, or, Cali, az, Canada, I'd, Ut, colo,. And can run day time light only. You can go on line to us dot and get all the info you need and where to get them.

 

[portlandtug25]

Thanks Lenny, just the information I was looking for!

 

[Todd]

From my own experience, If you do not stop at the weigh station and just blow on by you may be chased down by an officer stationed just for that purpose, to catch trucks that don't stop. When he/she finds out that you did not have to legally stop, they hate to be wrong, you may get a longer delay and tougher inspection than if you had just pulled through, told them you were private, and were sent on your way. Much safer than trying to pull my 29 to the side of the road and worrying about traffic and possibly getting stuck by a soft shoulder.

 

[daviduphoff]

Last weekend while headed up north on Saturday from Portland we all go to stop at on of the weigh stations for an invasive species inspection. I think the line was about 6 boats deep. That being said make sure you bilge is empty even if it takes a towel to get all the water out if you are traveling I-5 between Portland and Seattle.

I tow with a F350 Dually that happens to be white. It looks like it could be a commercial vehicle. I bought some magnetic signs on ebay that are about 4" X 24" and say "NOT FOR HIRE" on them and I have not been bothered.

When I drive from north from Portland with my Truck, Camper, and a Boat behind me there there is one weigh station that alerts me to pull over with flashing signs. There must be some sort of sensors in the traffic lanes and the mass of vehicle and boat combination must set it off. I have never stopped and have not had any problems.