Owning a 3/4 versus 1-ton Pickup Truck in Maine (Bath: 2014, insurance)

[Einhoernchen]

My wife and I are going to be relocating to Maine within the next couple years, but before that happens, I'm on the market for a new-to-me pickup truck. It would be a 2014-16 Ford F250 or F350 single rear wheel crew cab long bed with a 6.2 gas engine.

The truck will be used to bumper tow a 30' camper occasionally as well as haul building supplies and firewood, but only for personal use and never used commercially. I could "get by" with the F250 with a 10,000# GVWR, but an F350 adds much-welcomed additional legal capacity (around 11,400 GVWR) but that might open up a whole new can of worms as far as rules and regulations are concerned.

For Maine locals who are used to driving pickups, what are the ownership tradeoffs for a truck over 10,000 GVWR in Maine? Insurance differences? Inspection fuss? Fees? Restricted roads? Likelihood of getting a ticket if you drive past a weigh station when you're riding empty?

It seems that in some states, a 3/4 ton truck is far, far easier to live with due to red tape and fees, while in others, there is not much appreciable difference so a 1-ton is fine. What about Maine?

[Kiwiluver]

I drive my 2016 2500 3/4 ton diesel Silverado High County with a 24 foot trailer between NC and Maine regularly and have never stopped at a weigh station. It is registered in NC for 15000 GVW with 'weighted" tags. I only haul household items and and not making money, only spending ! I live in Maine at present 5 months a year so maintain registration in the cheapest place, North Carolina, that will change in 2 years.

P.S. The only weigh stations I have seen in Maine are on the turnpike

[Submariner]

I have a 8 ton Chevy 3600 dump truck. It has dual rear wheels.

I pay $405/year for insurance.

Inspections are $12.50

Make sure you get 'farm' plates on it.

I have never stopped at a weigh station. I live near one too [mile marker 198]

I am not aware of any red tape.

[LordSquidworth]

I can't say I've ever seen the weigh station outside Bath open.

[Einhoernchen]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Looks like its not really an issue in ME to be driving a vehicle >10k GVWR like it can be in other parts of the US (or Canada for that matter).

[dhanu86]

the additional towing ability will come in handy if u drive in the hills

[woxyroxme]

Weigh stations are for commercial haulers, driving a pick up truck isn't doing it like Pruitt used to do it.

[dubthang]

State Police: Commercial Vehicles: FAQ

Not everybody I know has been forced into commercial plates, but the above info is good to know.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by dubthang

State Police: Commercial Vehicles: FAQ

Not everybody I know has been forced into commercial plates, but the above info is good to know.

That is interesting. I do not have commercial plates.

[AustinB]

I've got a 3/4 ton, and have regular plates on it.