Y'all have probably already heard about the trailering issues in NC as of late or have read posts on other sites.

Here is just one example of how you can be affected:

My rig is within the 102” until you measure my guide-on posts, from outside to outside, I am over just a little. So does this mean I have to get a wide load permit and follow the wide load permit rules? Should I just take my guide-on posts off? I have been towing this rig in NC since November of 2002 and have never had any issues. This is BS for sure. Think about all the pontoon folks out there going to lakes every weekend. MANY of them are over 102”. This is a BIG DEAL FOLKS!!

Everyone that tows a boat in NC needs to please take the time and click on the link below. This issue affects everyone that tows a boat either now or in the future. The link is a letter that you can send to your legislators with concerns about the boat towing issues in North Carolina. You do not have to be a NC resident to express your concern.

You don’t have to compose a letter it is done for you. All you have to do is fill out your name, address, e-mail, and security code that is on the screen. The letter will be sent to our legislators in Raleigh. Even if you tow a trailer that is not in question one day you might, so let your voice be heard. This issue is very fluid right now and changes can be and will be made we just have to let the people that make the changes know our position.

Thanks to those that worked to put this letter together and the code to send the letter.

Like you, I have been towing boats for years in NC, I don’t want my right to tow my boat when I need too taken away.

Click on the link below

NC Towing Issues Form Letter
.

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Thanks for posting.

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Give a man a fish, feed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish, he'll sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
http://ncnat.webs.com

Just checked the stats, 450 sent so far.

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I'm glad you and NC Sportsman's Magazine have made this public knowledge. I thought I was all legal in everything land or water until I started checking. I just never had thought anything about it. I have a Dodge Durango I pull my Tahoe with and come to find out from DMV my tag for an SUV only covers 4000 lbs. I had to pay $30 and get a weighted 8000 lb. tag. Guess that's better than the hassle and a fine, so thanks Hotspot.

olefisher,

What is also frustrating is that every law enforcement agency you direct questions to, gives you a different response.

A Durango should be classified as a SUV and your registration should show it as a passenger hauling vehicle. You can get that changed, several guys with Excursions got their's reclassified. You should not need weighted tags.

What does your registration have on it for vehicle classification?

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Good luck. But the 102" law is in every state. And even 18 wheeler have to stay at or below the 102" Law or buy a permit.
I know its a pain, But the law is there to keep people safe. Take some of the older bridges that would cause a wreck if 2 boats that were both over the 102" law were to meet in the middle at the same time? Lots of the older bridges only leaves 2 ft play on them. And say both trailers were an inch or so over. That could cause them to hit.
Just remember Federal roads the state will not be able to change. They may change the state Hwys .But the federal roads would still be a problem.
Again good luck with the issue.
Pete

Uhhhh hotspot....does that 102" go from fender to fender or what. Heck my beam is 92", so where do they measure?

olefiisher,

You must measure the widest spot of what you are towing whether it be the boat or the trailer.

The "weighted tags vs non-weighted tags" is a separate issue from the over width issue.

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Thanks for making this a sticky Mr. MOD!!

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Your welcome. I have been following this in NC Sportsman, and it's gonna get worse before it gets better.

__________________
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish, he'll sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
http://ncnat.webs.com