Cummins Diesel Forum banner
Cancel

Length Limits on truck bed, flatbed, and no bed?

2621 Views 4 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  kendall03k, 
kendall03k
We're thinking about getting a new Crew Cab 5500 Ram, and would like the longer wheel base, except we're not sure about the legal length limits. I know we don't even stay under the limits now, but just don't want those 2'-3' longer wheelbase to hurt us more yet once we get more legal with things. Recently I heard that with a flatbed you had different length limits than with a regular truck bed, and then today I read somewhere yet that those two were in the same class and that you had to have no way of carrying cargo on the truck to be under the longer length limit. Can someone clarify this, and also, what are the length limits?

We often tow doubles, one 20' trailer behind another 20' trailer is the most common, but often get longer yet too. Mostly stay in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. The doubles aren't an issue, and so far haven't had any issues with being too long either, but just want to simplify a few things for the future now already when buying a new truck.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 3 of 5 Posts
kendall03k
Ok that's what I've been gathering.. so according to the Texas laws at least, the truck (with no bed) can be as long as you want basically, but there's a load length limit of two 28' 6" trailers or one 53' trailer and over hang of 3' and 4'. The main reason for the longer wheel base was to possibly be able to haul a little on the bed on some loads, but that apparently won't help us any (except better ride) without a bed if we want to be under the length limits.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
kendall03k
Well we've been pulled over and checked out numerous times and can't remember once them saying anything about being too long and I know it's been 20+20 and even longer which is longer than the single 40 footer, never said a thing about length, just the double endorsement on the CDL.

I never even thought about the single 40' being too long.. might actually just barely be.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 3 of 5 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Cummins Diesel Forum
A forum community dedicated to all things Cummins Diesel! Originally founded for owners and enthusiasts of Cummins powered Dodge pickups, the Cummins Forum has expanded to include ALL Cummins Engine applications! Come join the discussion about reviews, drivetrain swaps, turbos, modifications, classifieds, builds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
03-07 Performance Parts Discussion 03-07 Powertrain 2013-2018 General Discussion 98.5-02 Powertrain 98.5-02 Performance Parts Discussion
Top