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If your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeds 3000 pounds, it will need an annual inspection. To avoid the need for brakes and a yearly inspection, manufacturers purposefully rate most single-axle trailers at 2990 pounds, even though their axles are rated for 3500 pounds. 

If you purchase a single-axle trailer equipped with brakes, you can opt for a GVWR of either 2990 or 3500 pounds. Trailers are inspected at most auto inspection facilities. Trailers that exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds must be inspected by a mechanic certified with “Code 3” credentials. Find a detailed description of the Pennsylvania trailer inspection code here.

We issue you a 60-day Pennsylvania temporary tag that allows you to tow your gooseneck trailer home and use it for a short period of time until you can get a tag from your DMV. We provide all the paperwork your DMV will need to register the trailer in your home state.

Paperwork includes the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) for new trailers, title for used or previously titled trailers, and a Bill of Sale. This paperwork is your only proof of ownership before registering the trailer in your home state. Take care not to misplace it.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) refers to the total weight capacity of a trailer, including the empty weight of the trailer and its maximum load. Payload refers to the amount of weight that a trailer may carry. Payload is the difference between the trailer’s GVWR and its empty weight.

Yes, in a lot of cases if the gooseneck trailer has a GVWR of 25,000lbs or above.

1. Gooseneck Trailers under 10,000 pounds GVW rarely require a CDL unless towed by a 4500 series truck or larger. 
2. Gooseneck Trailers over 10,000 pounds GVW are registered in combination with the towing vehicle. If the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating = sum of truck and trailer’s individual GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the truck/trailer exceeds 26,000 pounds, you need a CDL. 

The Pennsylvania CDL fact sheet states that a CDL is required for “a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating.” Many drivers assume that any trailer over 10,000 pounds requires a CDL, but this is not always true.

1. A 9900-pound GVWR trailer would need to be pulled by a truck with a GVWR over 16,010 pounds GVWR to have a GCWR over 26,000 pounds and require a CDL. This would likely be a 4500 or 5500 series truck. If your towing vehicle is under 16,010 pounds GVWR, you should not need a CDL. Check the door jamb of the vehicle for GVWR.
2. If you are trying to stay under 26,000 pounds GCWR to avoid a CDL and want to buy a 14,000-pound gooseneck trailer, a 3/4-ton 2500 series truck or a 1-ton single-wheel 3500 series truck often works best as a towing vehicle. Most late-model 1-ton dually trucks have a GVWR of 13,000-14,000 pounds. Adding a 14,000-pound trailer would push the GCWR to 27,000-28,000 pounds.
3. NOTE: IF THE TRAILER IS BEING USED FOR BUSINESS USE AND THE TRUCK AND TRAILER WILL EXCEED 17000 pounds (IN STATE) OR 10,000 pounds (OUT OF STATE), YOU WILL NEED A DOT NUMBER AND A MEDICAL CARD. If you need a DOT #, you may also need a UCR registration (if you go out of state for business use).

This flowchart from the Pennsylvania State Police demonstrates which drivers need a CDL and when.