Cooler rack on the back (NJ Legalish qustion)

[Lbifisherman429]

Anyone know if there are any laws in NJ with how far a cooler rack can be off the back of the truck?

[Shutupandfish]

no more than 3 1/2' off the back

[Duane S]

I'm not from NJ, but in GA, an overhanging load must have flagging if it extends more than 4' during the day, and lights after dark.

 

With flagging and or lights, I don't think there is a limit. (within good reason, of course).

 

I know this because I once got a ticket in Macon, GA for transporting 20' pipes from one construction site to another in the rear of a full sized pickup. So it was hanging out about 12'. (I was only going about a mile with it, slowly and carefully, with 4 ways blinking, etc.) The load was well secured, so it wasn't going anywhere. The cop told me then that it would be O.K. with flagging. And he didn't let me leave the scene until I had it flagged. Fortunately, I was wearing a bright yellow t-shirt.

 

Why not give the DOT or NJ state police a call for an official answer? And then let us know.

 

As a practical matter, you'd want it as close as possible anyway.

 

You may want to check out the swing away mounts if you need tailgate clearance.

 

Duane S

Wilson, NC

[jigger]

In Mass. any thing that extends 4 feet or more need to be flagged,lighted or have reflectors. Also you may need to move your license plate to the back side of the rack. As it can be hidden by the cooler. Which they can write you up for not displaying your tags.

[stresst]

I transported my atv on a rear rack of my F350 for several seasons. And over the years I have gotten pulled over several time in NJ and nothing was ever said about the rack. Nite or day

 

What I know for a fact the can give you an obstructed plate ticket if your kid's bicycle is covering the plate. It all depends on the cop

[Flatout]

How's this, in addition, the license plate must be visible and have a lamp.

 

39:3-61.4. Overhang loads; placement and use of red lamps and flags

<A name={E36D}> (a) Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear 4 feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times when lighted lamps are required 2 red lamps, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear, 2 red reflectors visible from the rear and located so as to indicate maximum width, when the width of the overhang load is in excess of 50% of the width of the vehicle, otherwise one red lamp is required, and on each side one red lamp, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the side, located so as to indicate maximum overhang. There shall be displayed at all other times on any vehicle having a load which extends beyond its sides or more than 4 feet beyond its rear, red flags, not less than 18 inches square, marking the extremities of such loads, at each point where a lamp would otherwise be required by this section.

 

(b) During the times when lighted lamps are required, any vehicle transporting a load which projects beyond the sides thereof shall be equipped with additional lamps as follows:

 

(1) The foremost edge of the projecting load at its outermost extremity shall be marked with an amber lamp visible from the front and side;

 

(2) The rearmost edge of the projecting load at its outermost extremity shall be marked with a red lamp visible from the rear and side.

 

© Projecting load marker lamps shall conform to the requirements for clearance, side-marker and identification lamps.

 

L.1964, c. 136, s. 10.

[Lbifisherman429]

I was out this weekend. passed a good amount of cops and none of them flinched.

[Duane S]

I was out this weekend. passed a good amount of cops and none of them flinched.

 

 

So how far out was your cooler rack? Don't get too confident yet, it may have just been a good doughnut weekend.

 

Seriously, as long as your tail-lights, and brake-lights/signal lights are not obstructed, then you "probably" won't get hassled.

 

But, if they are even a "little" obstructed, then spend a few bucks to add lights to the back of the rack. It'll save you in the long run. And make us all safer.

 

Plus, if a hard noised cop comes up behind you, and you've made an attempt at lighting up your rear-end, he'll be more inclined to let it pass than if you have not.

 

Duane S

Wilson, NC

[Lbifisherman429]

I'll have to look.

 

in all reality the rack will be on the truck for about 20 days a year. its not like i will have it on there 24/7/365

 

 

how would i go about adding lights to it of it comes to that?

[surf fisher]

used trailer lights on mine,

just wire it like you would a trialer and use the plug that is on the truck.

easy on easy off, just plug and play.

[Lbifisherman429]

do you have pics?

 

how did you attach them

[norm]

How bout utilizing your trailer light plug.

[Lbifisherman429]

about 40" off the back. if i get hasseled i will change it but for now i am not going to worry about it untill i can wire something up

[CHIEF500]

How bout utilizing your trailer light plug.

 

 

Hey Norm how do you open the rear hatch with the rack on? I don't think it clears the longer tubes?

[norm]

No it doesnt. You would need to get a swing away for the hitch. But that depends on what you want. Some are ok with putting the window down, and of course the front of the truck is always an option.