What Does it Mean to De-rate a Trailer?

If you’re in the market for a trailer, you may have come across the term “de-rating” during your research. While you may be feeling the urge to pull out your trucking encyclopedia and flip to the glossary, there’s no need – the team at Mid State trailers has you covered. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what tailor de-rating means, explaining the process and its practical implications for hot shotters and anyone else looking to purchase a trailer.

Understanding Trailer De-Rating

Before going any further, let’s define some acronyms.

The first one is GVWR, which stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the maximum weight a trailer can safely carry, according to the manufacturer, including its own weight. This rating is crucial, as exceeding it can lead to dangerous situations on the road and potential legal issues.

Next is GCWR, which stands for Gross Combined Weight Rating. The GCWR is the maximum combined weight of your vehicle, trailer, and cargo. Essentially, it is a GVWR, but for your entire rig.

Lastly, there’s CDL, which stands for Commercial Driver’s License. This is required for operating a vehicle over a certain GVWR, although this number will vary by state and by the number of axles a vehicle has.

De-rating a trailer involves lowering its stated GVWR, which begs the question: Why would anyone possibly want a lower weight rating? The answer is one of practicality and has everything to do with the way that automotive shipping vehicles are regulated in the United States. In the most basic terms, de-rating will, in specific states, allow you to legally tow a trailer even though it has the potential to carry more without – and this is the important part – having to have a CDL.. The following blog’s purpose is to explain to you why that can be significant to your towing endeavors, especially if you’re in a specialized business like hot shotting and you don’t have or want a CDL and all the headaches and regulations that go along with a Commercial Driver’s License.

The Practical Implications for Hot Shotters

Hot shotting, for those not familiar with the term, is a specialized and time-sensitive freight hauling service. Hot shot drivers often use pickup trucks with trailers to transport smaller loads quickly and efficiently. Such services are known for their versatility and ability to transport goods that may not fill an entire semi-truck.

Still, why de-rate? Well, imagine you have a Ford F250 Super-Duty with full tanks, equipment in the bed, and a couple of big-bodied guys in the front seats.  The truck alone could scoot upwards towards 10,000 pounds.  Add a trailer with an 18,000lb GVWR and you can theoretically carry a load that would exceed the magic 26,000lb GCWR that triggers the Federal CDL requirement.. Now, imagine that you’re pulled over by a local peace officer for a routine check and she sees that you’ve got a trailer capable of 18,000lbs and a truck that can tow a gooseneck trailer up to 22,000lbs, and YOU don’t have a CDL license. Do you think she might want to send you over to the scales and take a closer look? Who wants that hassle!

This is where trailer de-rating comes into play. By de-rating a trailer, you effectively reduce its GVWR to fit your GCWR, allowing you to legally tow it without needing a CDL. This can be a game-changer for hot shotters who need to stay flexible and responsive to their clients’ needs.

The De-Rating Process

Now that you understand the why, let’s delve into the how of trailer de-rating. Legal de-rating is done during the fabrication process, and here’s a basic overview of how it works:

1. Modifications: Generally, trailer de-rating involves no change to the structure of the trailer besides the GVWR rating on a trailer’s VIN label. In other words, the only difference between a trailer that has been de-rated and a trailer that has not is how it is classified by regulatory bodies. As stated, this can be significant depending on the buyer’s particular towing requirements and CDL status.
2. Re-Certification: After fabrication, the trailer undergoes a re-certification process. This involves a thorough inspection and testing to ensure that the trailer meets safety and performance standards with its new, lower GVWR.
3. Documentation: Once the trailer has been successfully de-rated and re-certified, it comes with documentation that reflects its new GVWR. This documentation is essential for legal purposes and should be kept on hand when towing the trailer.

Considerations Before De-Rating

Before you rush to have your new trailer de-rated, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Legal Requirements: De-rating a trailer doesn’t mean you can tow above the rated limit with a wink and a nod. Not only must you adhere to local, state, and federal regulations regarding trailer weight, size, and licensing requirements, but if you’re caught hauling over the trailer’s GVWR – well, we don’t need to tell you why that’s bad for business.
2. Payload Capacity: De-rating reduces the maximum weight your trailer can legally carry. Make sure the new GVWR aligns with your intended use and cargo requirements. It’s crucial not to overload your trailer, as it can lead to safety hazards and potential damage to your vehicle.
3. Resale Value: De-rating a trailer can affect its resale value. Some buyers may prefer trailers with higher GVWR for different applications. On the other hand, a de-rated trailer can actually bring a better re-sale price because other hotshotters are looking at the same considerations you did when purchasing the trailer.
4. Warranty Implications: Check with the manufacturer or dealer regarding any potential impacts on warranties. Modifying the trailer’s GVWR may void certain warranties, so it’s essential to be aware of this before proceeding.

When De-Rating Makes Sense

Now that you understand the process and considerations, let’s explore when de-rating a trailer might make sense for you:

1. Licensing Requirements: If you don’t want to obtain a CDL but need to tow a trailer with a higher GVWR than your current license allows, de-rating is a viable option.
2. Versatility: Hot shotters and individuals who require flexibility in their towing capabilities can benefit from de-rating. It allows you to adapt your trailer to various hauling needs without worrying about licensing constraints.
3. Cost Savings: De-rating might be a cost-effective solution compared to upgrading your vehicle or obtaining a commercial driver’s license, especially if your hauling needs are sporadic.
4. Compliance: Ensuring that your towing setup complies with legal requirements is essential. De-rating can help you stay on the right side of the law while still meeting your cargo requirements.

Conclusion

In the world of trailer towing, de-rating can offer a reasonable solution to hot shotters and individuals looking to maximize their towing capabilities without jumping through all the various regulatory hoops including (but not limited to) obtaining a CDL. It’s important to approach the process with a clear understanding of its implications and your specific needs.

Here at Mid State Trailers, it is our goal to meet your needs exactly where they are. No matter your towing requirements, our service providers will be happy to consult regarding your options, so that we can find the best choice for you.

Remember that safety should always be a top priority. Ensure that your towing setup, whether de-rated or not, complies with all applicable regulations and that you never exceed the manufacturer’s specified limits. The last thing you or your business needs is a hefty fine from the FMSCA, or worse, a potentially deadly accident. By understanding the ins and outs of trailer de-rating, you can make informed decisions that enhance your towing experience while staying within the bounds of the law.

Happy towing!