I've been researching ways to supplement my income with my truck. I'm retiring this year, after almost three decades in the trenches as a residential remodeler.
A friend of mine was in the trailer business for years, and is looking to sell a 36' flat bed (only a year old) with an 18,000 GVWR. It has two brake axles and one floating axle. He had a 3/16" steel deck added after he bought it so that he could trailer other things besides cars. A couple of weeks ago he hauled two new Lincoln Navigators across country and, with both loaded, still had 3' to spare for extra gear at the back of the trailer.
I'm looking for input from any fellow TDR members who've spent time hauling cars for a living. What is this life like? Is it a good way to make money, or is the wear-and-tear on the truck (and life on the road) too much of a hassle, for too little cash return? I've heard stories about haulers who take antique cars (from auctions) coast to coast, and make as much as $1500 per car, per trip. The cars (obviously) have to be covered (arrive in perfect condition) and the person doing the hauling has to have PLENTY of insurance -- both liability and accident/theft. I carried a two million dollar "umbrella" policy for years, and it wasn't cheap.
With the cost of fuel approaching $2. 00 per gallon nationwide, (it's not going to get cheaper this winter) that has to be a big factor in "profitability" calculations, too. I love to drive my truck and am perfectly happy logging long hours on the open road, but have no idea what this would be like, day in and day out. I was thinking of doing maybe three or four medium-to-long trips per month -- leaving myself a week off to recover. I don't want to "burn-out" from too many hours on the road. Again, this would be a way to supplement a retirement income.
Any stories, advice, warnings, humorous anecdotes, ways to save money, pitfalls to avoid, etc. , would be greatly appreciated.
I'm going to look at the trailer on Sunday, cash in hand. So, "speak now, or forever hold your peace!"
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97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake, Optima, "Red-top" batteries. Northwest Custom mudflaps, front/rear, and stainless rocker panels.
A friend of mine was in the trailer business for years, and is looking to sell a 36' flat bed (only a year old) with an 18,000 GVWR. It has two brake axles and one floating axle. He had a 3/16" steel deck added after he bought it so that he could trailer other things besides cars. A couple of weeks ago he hauled two new Lincoln Navigators across country and, with both loaded, still had 3' to spare for extra gear at the back of the trailer.
I'm looking for input from any fellow TDR members who've spent time hauling cars for a living. What is this life like? Is it a good way to make money, or is the wear-and-tear on the truck (and life on the road) too much of a hassle, for too little cash return? I've heard stories about haulers who take antique cars (from auctions) coast to coast, and make as much as $1500 per car, per trip. The cars (obviously) have to be covered (arrive in perfect condition) and the person doing the hauling has to have PLENTY of insurance -- both liability and accident/theft. I carried a two million dollar "umbrella" policy for years, and it wasn't cheap.
With the cost of fuel approaching $2. 00 per gallon nationwide, (it's not going to get cheaper this winter) that has to be a big factor in "profitability" calculations, too. I love to drive my truck and am perfectly happy logging long hours on the open road, but have no idea what this would be like, day in and day out. I was thinking of doing maybe three or four medium-to-long trips per month -- leaving myself a week off to recover. I don't want to "burn-out" from too many hours on the road. Again, this would be a way to supplement a retirement income.
Any stories, advice, warnings, humorous anecdotes, ways to save money, pitfalls to avoid, etc. , would be greatly appreciated.
I'm going to look at the trailer on Sunday, cash in hand. So, "speak now, or forever hold your peace!"



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97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake, Optima, "Red-top" batteries. Northwest Custom mudflaps, front/rear, and stainless rocker panels.