This was more or less ignored in most states for a long time as long as you were licensed for more than the gross combined weight and were not obviously unsafe. I am sure liability reared it's ugly head at some point and now even though you bought the plate and paid for the weight, if you're over the manufacturer's rating, you get a ticket. That's IF the officer checks it. On the other hand if you get into an accident, even though it's no fault of your own, if you're loaded over some lawyer will get fat sucking your pockets dry. Bastids.
I wish my GCW wasn't listed. Legal weight isn't much higher with a trailer. Since its on my door tag I can't haul any weight in my truck while pulling my trailer and excavator.
Yair . . .
A little off topic but I have to ask . . . . .
Since the US system is geared around high horse power "pickups" towing trailers why don't these vehicles have a compressor, tank and trailer controls at least as an option . . . the manufacturers no doubt would get on board with proper brakes on trailers.
I believe trucks over here that run six to seven litre engines probably will have a combined mass rating around 45000 to 50000 pounds and some in that class may even run full air . . . this last statement is just a guess on my part and some local folks may set me straight . . . I'm too slack to do my own research. (big grin)
The point I make is that air brakes are not rocket science and if I had a big honking five hundred horse power dually I think it would be reassuring to have a trailer braked with air.
I am in no way trying to knock pickups or be controversial . . . it is just a question from an old bloke who hates electric brakes.
I have towed what we call "caravans" all my life and, I have to say, I was more comfortable with my well maintained what we call "over run" brakes than I have ever been with current crop of electrics . . . I would shudder to pull the loads you folks pull as part of your every day work with electric brakes.
Cheers.