Trucks & Trailers - Wide load signs?

Trailering my Parker 2520 which has a 9'6" beam and is a wide load.

Getting all the permits from NJ to Fla

How do you attach the wdie load sign to your truck without messing up your truck?

I think rope or bungees will end up scratching the finish.

Capt Brian

I have seen netting type signs strapped through the grill and the rear sign mounted to the output shafts on the outdrives.

Like this:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/uscargocontrol/22687-oversized-load-sign-7-x18-vinyl-mesh_1_175.jpg (http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Flatbed-Trailer-Products/Safety-Flags-Oversize-Banners/Oversize-Load-Banner-7x18)

I just made the trip from NJ to Florida with my boat (I have another post on the subject). My length is 30 feet and beam is 9'6" also. Trust me there is no need for signage. Quite frankly, from the road its hard to distinguish an 8'6" beam from a 9'6" one. Its not like you are trailering a pre-fab home.

I passed numerous Highway Patrol officers and weigh stations. No one took a second look at my boat. Just observe all traffic laws and watch your speed and you will be fine.

I usually trailer my 33' Hydra sport witch has a 10'-4" beam without permitting.. you shouldn't have a problem trailering without a permit or oversize load sign until you get up to the boats with a 12' beam if then.

The problem as I understand it from reading other posts is that if you do not have wide load permits and /or signs and have an accident your screwed.

That is even if the accident is not your fault!


Is this urban ledgend or fact?

The problem as I understand it from reading other posts is that if you do not have wide load permits and /or signs and have an accident your screwed.

That is even if the accident is not your fault!


Is this urban ledgend or fact?

This is a state to state issue. You can find out what the requirments are when you get the permits for that state.

I usually trailer my 33' Hydra sport witch has a 10'-4" beam without permitting.. you shouldn't have a problem trailering without a permit or oversize load sign until you get up to the boats with a 12' beam if then.

You shouldn't give advice like that, because a 10'4 beam is permit required in all states.Any thing over 102 inches in most states and that depends on the route.Your state is 102 in wide and !3.6 high on non interstate and 14ft high on interstates.

The problem as I understand it from reading other posts is that if you do not have wide load permits and /or signs and have an accident your screwed.

That is even if the accident is not your fault!


Is this urban ledgend or fact?

I'm sure there is validity to that argument but the bigger issue will be if you are hauling a load that is beyond the capacity of your tow vehicle. That is the first thing that will be questioned in an accident. This is a growing problem on the roads and some jurisdictions are starting to crack down.

:I'm sure there is validity to that argument but the bigger issue will be if you are hauling a load that is beyond the capacity of your tow vehicle. That is the first thing that will be questioned in an accident. This is a growing problem on the roads and some jurisdictions are starting to crack down.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Sometimes I get really frustrated reading answers to questions. This guy asked a specific question. He already has his permits requested. . He wanted some advice on how to mount the signs. He didn't ask if he could get avoid using them. It would be nice to answer the specific question. You may have gotten away with not using the signs but he might not. "But officer, my pals at THT assured me no one would notice!" "That's ok sir, just sign here"!

I have seen netting type signs strapped through the grill and the rear sign mounted to the output shafts on the outdrives.

Like this:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/uscargocontrol/22687-oversized-load-sign-7-x18-vinyl-mesh_1_175.jpg (http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Flatbed-Trailer-Products/Safety-Flags-Oversize-Banners/Oversize-Load-Banner-7x18)

I use signs like this. For the front I stretch it across my bumper and tie off the ends. Then I put a bungee around it in the middle just to make sure it doesn't slip down. For the rear of the boat I use the same size sign and strap it across the back of the boat and tie off to cleats.

Don't tow without permits or over your capacity. If you're in an accident you will regret it especially if it's your fault.

This was taken from the South Carolina DOT guidelines for movement of oversize and overweight vehicles and loads:

"Signs or Banners: On all loads and mobile homes 12 feet wide or wider the permittee shall provide signs on the front and rear of the load reading WIDE LOAD or OVERSIZE LOAD with letters 12 inches high and at least 1 1/2 inches wide".

Some states only require signage if it is deemed a "Superload" or "Overhang Load" where the contents will extend beyond the lane markers.

I have been driving up and down the east coast for more than 30 years (not hauling, just driving). I have never seen a a trailer with a 25 foot boat display wide load banners. However, that does not mean it is correct. You may, however, get a rise from some of the Big Rig truckers as they move up on your bumper doing 80+:grin: Need to get used to that quickly;)

You will also only be permitted to drive during daytime hours only.

25ft boat will be fine without permits. Only cops that can ticket you for no permits or overwidth are DOT state officers, and they are rare to see. I towed 11ft beam from Sleepy Hollow NY to Miami without any signs or permits.

I have seen netting type signs strapped through the grill and the rear sign mounted to the output shafts on the outdrives.

Like this:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/uscargocontrol/22687-oversized-load-sign-7-x18-vinyl-mesh_1_175.jpg (http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Flatbed-Trailer-Products/Safety-Flags-Oversize-Banners/Oversize-Load-Banner-7x18)
Thanks for the inf on the net type sigh! Trying to fasten mine to the front of my truck is always a pain. I just ordered one on line.

Now, I am not one to jump on my soap box very often but being an old man hear it comes. What ever happened to following the laws? Oh that one wasn't meant for me, I have never been stopped. not enough police so don't worry, and on and on. Then even worst telling others that it is fine to do the same! Then somebody get their boat broken into and loose a rod or two and they want to hang the guy that broke that law. I just don't get it any more!! If you don't get caught seems to be the new way of this country and I hope you can see what it is doing to us.

Now, I am not one to jump on my soap box very often but being an old man hear it comes. What ever happened to following the laws? Oh that one wasn't meant for me, I have never been stopped. not enough police so don't worry, and on and on. Then even worst telling others that it is fine to do the same! Then somebody get their boat broken into and loose a rod or two and they want to hang the guy that broke that law. I just don't get it any more!! If you don't get caught seems to be the new way of this country and I hope you can see what it is doing to us.

Here, here!!! :thumbsup:

Follow the law and tell the truth. It isn't always the easiest way, but it creates the fewest worries.

Check out this setup...http://www.thehulltruth.com/trucks-trailers/215923-overwidth-flags-banners.html

I had my sign tied on the back of the boat, across the engines. The sign did slip a little down the tilted engines, so I used duct tape to tape the top to tpart of the engines. The cornmers of the sign I bought had eyelets and plastic ropes about 2.5 feet long so you could tie down the edges. Hope that helps. You could easily read the sign. It looked like hell but I was legal.

Don't listen to the idiots that suggest going without permits. That is Russian Roulet. Penny wise and dollar foolish. More states are looking for revenue to pay their bloated pensions, and an accident2 miles from my girl friend's house on Route 8 in Gibsonia/Allison Park, PA forced these townships and states to get tough on towing. Basically a guy (drunk) hitched up a big wood chipper and towed it down route 8 without chains. It got loose and killed a family of 5 or 6 with 2 adults and kids. It was horrible.

I had my sign tied on the back of the boat, across the engines. The sign did slip a little down the tilted engines, so I used duct tape to tape the top to tpart of the engines. The cornmers of the sign I bought had eyelets and plastic ropes about 2.5 feet long so you could tie down the edges. Hope that helps. You could easily read the sign. It looked like hell but I was legal.

Don't listen to the idiots that suggest going without permits. That is Russian Roulet. Penny wise and dollar foolish. More states are looking for revenue to pay their bloated pensions, and an accident2 miles from my girl friend's house on Route 8 in Gibsonia/Allison Park, PA forced these townships and states to get tough on towing. Basically a guy (drunk) hitched up a big wood chipper and towed it down route 8 without chains. It got loose and killed a family of 5 or 6 with 2 adults and kids. It was horrible.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: