Towing capacities kodiak v. 3500

[Hook_'em_Horns!]

Yes, it has been discussed before, with plenty of head-scratching.

The 26,000GCWR is obviously an attempt to keep the truck under CDL rules. This is further confused by the air over hydraulic braking system. Technically they are NOT air brakes which always requires a CDL. However, once you have an air system involved in the braking process, it sure gets confusing for the DOT inspectors and examiners. Its a grey area, and when interpreting grey, the law usually wins - or at least writes the ticket and lets the judge figure it out.

Go figure...

Common mistake on air. First, the truck GVWR or combination for GCWR must exceed 26k lbs, then the air brakes endorsement on CDL comes into play. Air (or assist) under 26,001 lbs is not an issue with an operators permit.

[Craig M]

I do not have a CDL book in front of me, but that is not the way I remember it. I thought a CDL was required for any vehicle that had air brakes!

[DmaxMaverick]

Air-over brakes are not classified as air brakes, according to federal regs. Individual states may amend the regulation, locally, but for federal commercial purposes, they are not. The air part of the "air over hydraulic brake system" is considered a brake booster system component. The air does not apply the brakes at the wheels, therefore does not qualify. Even commercial vehicles with a GCWR greater than 26,001# with air-over brakes don't require an air brake endorsement.

[Vern2]

Technically they are NOT air brakes which always requires a CDL.

Air brakes don't require a CDL.

Air-over brakes are not classified as air brakes, according to federal regs..........Even commercial vehicles with a GCWR greater than 26,001# with air-over brakes don't require an air brake endorsement.

Air over are considered air brakes according t the feds. And there is no such thing as an air brake endorsement on a CDL.

[Hook_'em_Horns!]

I do not have a CDL book in front of me, but that is not the way I remember it. I thought a CDL was required for any vehicle that had air brakes!

I referred back to the CDL .pdf and I misspoke a bit. Air brake knowledge is one of the tests and inclusive in CDL licensing, not an endorsement such as Haz-Mat. It is however offered as a item of restriction.

You can have a class A CDL for combinations without Air Brakes. Of course, any truck with true Air Brakes will naturally be in excess of 26K lbs. So, it is somewhat true that you need a CDL for Air.

I will check and take a look the next time I pick up a 4300 with air-ride and brakes (Nice Truck!), it may just be that they are air/hydraulics.

[murphyslaw]

I will check and take a look the next time I pick up a 4300 with air-ride and brakes (Nice Truck!), it may just be that they are air/hydraulics.

the last int. 4300 I drove had true airbrakes.

[Vern2]

for combinations without Air Brakes. Of course, any truck with true Air Brakes will naturally be in excess of 26K lbs. So, it is somewhat true that you need a CDL for Air.

That is not true at all. There are many trucks out there under 26k GVWR with "true" air brakes.