LML Over the road trucking, emissions and DOT

[dansdieselp]

Question is for the truckers that haul with their LMLs professionally. Father bought a LML and says he'd like to delete the emissions equipment to gain some mileage, but he claims DOT will fine him since he has to cross the scales. It never occurred to me so I figured I'd like to hear what others are doing. Is the DOT really that strict on checking that the DPF and Urea tank are still present and working or are you guys pulling them off? Thanks in advanced.

 

[lotsofmiles]

Not in an LML...

But I have been pulled around back for an inspection a couple times. Never more serious than check of all the lights and check of the chains and hook-up on trailer.

I did get pulled around back once and saw two officers on a dodge drw. One cop under the guys hood and another checking his trailer brakes or something on the axles.



If you look in the green book (forget what its called, but I have one in the truck) I dont remember seeing anything about dpfs or def or urea etc. IIRC the dot book just says the exhaust has to exit "here" and "away from cab" etc. Not real sure if its the DOT officers that enforce the DPF and exhaust juice laws or not. So, no help here, but free bump:thumb:

 

[dmaxfireman]

I would personally not mess with it. Driven around quite a bit. everything from 1500-3500 to straight job to semi. Its never fun going over the scales or getting pulled around back for the check over. It only takes one truck squad guy who woke up on the wrong side of the bed to ruin your day. They have that book, and I guaran-damn-tee there is something in that book that you are not conforming to in his eyes.

So simply enough I would just not take the chance. If its a dedicated work truck just leave it be.

 

[blacktruck]

Not the DOT...

The problem would be with the EPA in whatever jurisdiction he was in if he got checked. If he got a smog check then the troubles would start. Like the fireman said, if it's a worktruck then I wouldn't mess with that. I know some that have and just because they got by with it for awhile doesn't make it a good idea. I don't know if this is 100% correct as I am out of the country and have been for a couple of years but it used to be right. Better really check before you go pulling anything off. That stuff is the only reason I didn't trade my 07 LBZ Dmax off. No DPF on mine and I'm keeping it. Too many EPA driven rules on new vehicles today. I'm all for a clean environment but we have gone overboard on it.
Stay safe out there.
Ken

 

[04BlackSmoker]

Im sure like said, if you catch the wrong one on a wrong day they will always find sumthing and its usually not good.... If its there from factory keep it there, or do sum research with them first, or find out what the fines are if or when caught up with...