Northern Lite 610 for 1/2 Ton PU

[M1SF1T]

Can you site any sources for this information?

Here you go. This is from Ministry of Transport in BC... maybe beware if anyone is planning on visiting BC or driving through to Alaska with an overloaded rig.

Q. What are the penalties for driving a
vehicle loaded above its GVWR?

A. If a vehicle, with a GVWR of 5,500 kilograms (kgs), or less, that is manufactured before January 1, 2001 is loaded in excess of its GVWR and enforcement officer deems it to be unsafe, the driver of that vehicle may be given a Notice and Order. Most light trucks and RVs have a GVWR of less than 5,500 kgs. If a vehicle with a GVWR of more than 5,500 kgs, regardless of the date it is manufactured, is loaded in excess of its GVWR, the driver of that vehicle may be given a violation ticket. Driving a vehicle loaded above its GVWR creates a potential safety hazard because the vehicle’s frame, suspension, brakes and tires are not designed for weights above the rating the manufacturer has set.

Q What will be the penalty for driving an
overloaded vehicle that has a GVWR of
5,500 kgs, or less, if that vehicle is
manufactured after January 1, 2001?

A. The driver of any vehicle manufactured after
January 1, 2001, which is loaded above its
GVWR, may receive a violation ticket. The
GVWR is the standard for determining if a vehicle is overweight.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.cvse.ca/references_publications/pdf/MV3231(082003)GVWR.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjRsMDf7PaKAxXZJDQIHVZSOQwQFnoECCoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3IWqoApKYTUH3JIw6anPrc

 

[M1SF1T]

Actually, someone asked for a source... I thought they were interested.

I'm not sure what you're referring to otherwise in your post... what's your problem?

 

[rruff]

You may have done an analysis based on your expertise but most people are guessing and most people are clueless.

Oh, I've definitely done my share of guessing! Most people are clueless for sure... and this is what the low GVWR for 1/2 tons is based on. Dufus Jones puts a 5,000 lb camper on his Tacoma and kills 5 people and a cute puppy, and tries to blame Toyota. Toyota says "not our problem".

I was going to say "Tundra" but I actually met someone who was probably hauling that much on a Tundra with only airbags, and he said "it rides and handles fine".

In case you wonder about braking... at least on mine I can light up the ABS in a panic stop, so I know the braking is adequate. I'm not an idiot, so I don't drag my brakes and burn them up on long descents.

Where I live (BC) it is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act to operate a vehicle over GAWR or GVWR.

Not in the US. You can get a ticket for unsafe load, but this is a visual determination from the cop. They aren't looking for GVWR violators, but riding on the bumpstops would be one thing that might get their attention...

Vehicles are certified at GVWR. People can be assured that their vehicle systems will perform as intended. You start overloading on gut feeling, where's does it end?

Actually 1/2 tons aren't certified by anyone though the manufacturer can be on the hook for warranty and liability... and the higher capacity trucks only have to pass a bogus test.

Basically, your 60 year old rusted out antique dump truck is perfectly legal to drive around with a load. My Dad had one of these. I drove it on the highway and hauled gravel and grain when I was 16. This is the responsibility of the driver and no one else.

Consider for a moment the number of perfectly legal geriatric drivers of 40k lb RVs who only need a common drivers license. These take 2x as long to stop as an overloaded 1/2 ton...

But... if we really wanted to get rid of unsafe vehicles on the highways, we should start with 18 wheelers. Not gonna happen.

 

[M1SF1T]

No problem. I just found post risible at the time. I meant no harm.

Part of the quote was


If we are counting States, a District, Provinces and Territories then that's - I believe - 64 jurisdictions and you've provided an example of 1.
I wouldn't characterise that as "if not most". But that's me. No doubt there are other jurisdictions elsewhere on the planet where it does indeed apply.

The topic of GVWR and legality has been covered numerous times here, sometimes heatedly. Survey says ... not illegal ... no one (private) ... ever charged ... insurance will cover you... etc. (what about BC you say. No one here cares, say/said I, is all).

As for Oz, I simply used that as an example. There have been a number of foreigners who's posts on here have gone down like a lead balloon. For eg, a few days ago an Australian posts a considered observation and in return gets that old chestnut, "that's rich coming from a former penal colony" sort of reply.

Bit further back an Australian posted about regulations and in return gets a, "Australian rules don't apply in the US", type of reply.

It's an American site after all, I feel confident the vast majority of posters and probably readers are in America. Perhaps the percentage was different in the past but that's how I see it now.

So yes, BC. I acknowledge and agree. Thank you.

The question is, relevance to the readership.

You brought up a good point - travel to AK. During covid restriction, despite the border being "closed", CBSA or Canadian Immigration could not stop Americans from transiting thru from the lower 48 to AK. I can imagine there is some kind of guaranteed right to access.

As to rules for Canadians, are they applied to Americans when in Canada ? On a practical level, esp regarding private vehicular travel, I'm not so sure.

I guess we'll know more about who follows the rules between the two parties in the coming weeks...

However, for those Americans who might be concerned (?), I'll note that there is an alternative, route thru AB, and NWT to avoid most of BC.


Finally, congrats on your NL purchase ! You probably know they are well regarded in the Industry and by consumers. Plus, Made in Canada.

Stand up Canada ! Good for you.

Enjoy your camper !

Risible indeed.