2000 ford ranger 4.0 V6 weight?

[rogerranger222]

2000 ford ranger 4.0 V6 automatic, has a mini backseat but only two doors. will be completely emptied before weighing.

DMV has been charging me $75 a year for registration just because it's a truck they assume it's over 3,500 lbs. They said I need to get it weighed on a certified scale.
According to this, mine is 3,599 lbs.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2000-2/2000-ford-ranger-specifications/

Here's DMV saying if it's older than 2 years and under 3,500 lbs, it's $46.50 registration
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Vehicle/Fees.htm


A scrap metal yard said they'll give me an official weight for $5. then I guess I bring that paper to DMV to get the discount. I'll ask them if this discount is transferable if I sell the truck and if I have to do this process every year or if the discount will be automatic.

Anyone know if that weight is accurate in the first link so I don't waste my time and it be over 3,500lbs?

One thing though is I have a cap on the bed which I don't know the weight of but basically I think it's aluminum and it has full windows on the side and back. It's a standard size (not the really tall) cap. It could very well be over 200lbs and push me over the limit. I never took it off because it will probably ruin the gasket and need replacing but might be worth it to pay $30 registration each year. thanks.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Run it through the yard for $5.00 and see where you stand. Go with an empty tank [and a 5 gallon can of gas, remove before weighing], and remove the cap if you're close.

 

[enjr44]

Don't know about NJ. Last time I had to go through that was in CA and it was good for the life of the truck. I stripped it of anything I didn't need to keep it running. Spare, hub caps, jack, no gas, everything. Needed to get it under 4000, got it down to 3990 for the certificate.