The short answer
Under Wisconsin law, a farm wagon, grain cart, farm trailer or manure trailer towed by a farm truck or motor truck is an implement of husbandry (Category C). WisDOT limits a two-vehicle combination to 100 ft and, in three-vehicle combinations drawn by a motor truck, the towed units must be empty (less than 20% full).
Higher IoH weight limits (up to 23,000 lb on a single axle and 92,000 lb gross, depending on axles and spacing) apply on state and U.S. highways but not on interstates, except the I-41 corridor. None of that raises your pickup's own tow rating, payload or GCWR.
What counts as an implement of husbandry
| Category | Examples (WisDOT) |
|---|---|
| A | Farm tractor |
| B | Self-propelled combine, forage harvester, sprayer; towed tillage, planting and harvesting equipment with its power unit |
| C | Farm wagon, grain cart, farm trailer, manure trailer, or a trailer towed by or towing another IoH |
Length and weight
| Item | WisDOT rule |
|---|---|
| Single vehicle length | 60 ft (no-fee permit may be required above) |
| Two-vehicle combination | 100 ft |
| Three-vehicle combination | 100 ft at 25 mph or less, or 70 ft above 25 mph; towed units behind a motor truck must be empty (<20% full) |
| Width/height | No limits, but lighting and marking rules apply; over 8 ft 6 in on interstates needs an oversize permit |
| Weight | Up to 23,000 lb per single axle and 92,000 lb gross per the IoH weight table; not on interstates except I-41 |
Trailering equipment
WisDOT allows IoH to be carried on trailers or semitrailers to or from farm destinations under the same weight and dimension limits as if operated, except on interstates; a no-fee permit is available if the combination exceeds them. On the truck side, the trailer's gross weight sets your brake requirement (3,000 lb or more needs brakes) and the truck's ratings set the rest. Check the CDL line too: do I need a CDL?
Before you pull equipment on the road
IoH road checklist
6 itemsYour ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.
The short answer
Spec a farm truck from its heaviest regular job: gooseneck or livestock trailer weight, bed or flatbed loads, and how many days a year it works. That usually points to a 2500 or 3500 with gooseneck prep, or a chassis cab with a flatbed.
Gas engines cost less up front and are simpler for short, frequent trips; diesels add torque and towing for long hauls and heavy trailers. Compare the exact truck's payload placard and tow rating.
Spec sheet to bring
Farm truck must-haves
7 itemsYour ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.
Sources: https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/silverado/2500hd-3500hd · https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-2500.html · https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-3500.html · https://www.ford.com/trucks/super-duty/ · https://pictures.dealer.com/o/ofhomewoodfordfd/ec73a23e43764379b46db0f95622e468. · https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/silverado/2500hd-3500hd · https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-2500.html · https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-3500.html
More questions
Do I need dual rear wheels?
Duallies raise payload and stability for heavy fifth-wheel and gooseneck loads. If your heaviest regular trailer and bed load fit a single-rear-wheel 3500's ratings, you may not need them.
Gas or diesel for the farm?
Diesel for heavy, long or frequent towing; gas for lower purchase cost and short trips. Compare the ratings and the price difference on the exact trucks.
Questions
Can I pull two wagons behind my pickup?
WisDOT allows three-vehicle IoH combinations up to 100 ft at 25 mph or less (70 ft above 25 mph), and towed units drawn by a motor truck must be empty, meaning less than 20% full.
Do IoH weight limits apply on the interstate?
No. WisDOT says the higher IoH weight limits are not allowed on interstate highways, except the I-41 corridor.
Do I need a permit?
A no-fee permit may be required if you exceed the IoH length or weight-table limits. Local governments can also post roads. Contact WisDOT's agricultural vehicle team: AgVehicles@dot.wi.gov, (608) 266-7320.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
