Feasibility of pulling for profit with a tow built 2500.

[NIsaacs]

I don't believe for a second that there is a 40 ft trailer built that has a GVWR of 12k.

Note my edit on that. He used to run 14k's but found they were problematic so he went to 8k axles.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Here in Texas, and probably in every state, you can take a CDL-A driving test with a pickup and trailer that have a GCWR over 26,000.

This...... is a key bit of info I was not aware of and need to look into for NC-DOT. I was under the impression that I would have to provide my own class 8 for a CDL A skills test or use a company truck which would most likely entail taking their course and signing on my services for a specified time.

If I could take a CDL A skills test with my pickup and a borrowed trailer that would give me alot more flexibility and options in choosing to sign with an OTR company (excluding experience requirements, permit periods etc).

 

[GAmes]

Note my edit on that. He used to run 14k's but found they were problematic so he went to 8k axles.

I'm puzzled. What do 8k axles have to do with a CDL-A requirement? He de-rated a 40 ft trailer to 12k? I have a problem believing that.

The trailer and it's cargo that I brought to you was well within the 1997 Dodge 3500 manufacturer's tow ratings. The weight police would have you believe I was legal in towing it. I was not. IIRC the GVWR of that trailer is 16,000 pounds. The GVWR of my truck is 10,500 pounds. That adds up to a GCWR of 26,500 pounds, 500 pounds over the requirement (in every state) for a CDL-A. If this guy is driving a pickup with a GVWR of 14,000 the trailer has to have a GVWR of no more than 12,000 pounds to not require a CDL-A. There isn't an LEO in the country who would believe his 40 ft trailer only has a GVWR of 12,000. By itself, empty, it has to be in the 6000 pound range.

 

[bcbender]

I don't believe for a second that there is a 40 ft trailer built that has a GVWR of 12k.

My 30' Kaufman single wheel is 15k.. so with the truck and GVWR of the trailer, I have to run 24k tags in NC to be legal (EVEN EMPTY).. This is the reason I did not buy a tandem dual trailer.. I like em!, but I cannot legally to the EMPTY trailer in NC with out a CDL lic. In NC the GCVWR dictates you Lic needs, so if you have a combination over 26001... you need a CDL even if the actual weight is much less. Even in the engineering field Im in, we can no longer drive our work RAM with a trailer anywhere but Intra-state, as it puts it over 10001 lbs which our corporation is now requiring a DOT number and CMV lic for. Not worth the hassle for me so I hire Inter-state loads out.

 

[GAmes]

In NC the GCVWR dictates you Lic needs, so if you have a combination over 26001... you need a CDL even if the actual weight is much less.

That is the requirement in every state that doesn't offer a non-commercial class A license. TX and PA are the only states I am aware of that offer non-commercial class A drivers licenses for combos over 26,000 GCWR.

 

[bcbender]

yeah... I was just surprised that I cannot tow a trailer that is rated for more than 17k with my 9k truck even though it is not loaded more than that. I wanted to get a Tandem Dual from my dad that was rated for 22.5k but legally I cannot tow it empty here.

 

[AEdelheit]

This...... is a key bit of info I was not aware of and need to look into for NC-DOT. I was under the impression that I would have to provide my own class 8 for a CDL A skills test or use a company truck which would most likely entail taking their course and signing on my services for a specified time.

If I could take a CDL A skills test with my pickup and a borrowed trailer that would give me alot more flexibility and options in choosing to sign with an OTR company (excluding experience requirements, permit periods etc).

I got my CDL in CA and if you take it in an automatic you are restricted to automatics, if the truck does not have air brakes then you don't get the air brake endorsement and so on, it may be best to find an air brake equipped manual truck just to get as much usability out of your CDL but don't know how other states compare.

 

[bcbender]

That is why I never got mine... I had all the permits, but could never line up a truck for the test... Fast-forward 30y now I no longer have the interest.. but for the occasional trip or two.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

may be best to find an air brake equipped manual truck just to get as much usability out of your CDL

Fair point, I need to call or talk to DMV in person about the specifics or endorsements.

 

[NIsaacs]

I'm puzzled. What do 8k axles have to do with a CDL-A requirement? He de-rated a 40 ft trailer to 12k? I have a problem believing that.

The trailer and it's cargo that I brought to you was well within the 1997 Dodge 3500 manufacturer's tow ratings. The weight police would have you believe I was legal in towing it. I was not. IIRC the GVWR of that trailer is 16,000 pounds. The GVWR of my truck is 10,500 pounds. That adds up to a GCWR of 26,500 pounds, 500 pounds over the requirement (in every state) for a CDL-A. If this guy is driving a pickup with a GVWR of 14,000 the trailer has to have a GVWR of no more than 12,000 pounds to not require a CDL-A. There isn't an LEO in the country who would believe his 40 ft trailer only has a GVWR of 12,000. By itself, empty, it has to be in the 6000 pound range.

I could have de-rated my 22k PJ dump to 16k. The dealer forgot so I went with it. The manufactures will de-rate a new trailer, one time. Some day I may regret it. With a 14k truck and 12k trailer he can gross 26k as long as he don't go over the 12k on the trailer. He is about 16k tare so 10k net. The 8k axles were only a durability thing, nothing about CDL. He also runs 40' flat beds no beavertail/ramps, they add about 500lbs so it is a no no for him. I think he has one, because trailers are so hard to find.

 

[GAmes]

With a 14k truck and 12k trailer he can gross 26k as long as he don't go over the 12k on the trailer. He is about 16k tare so 10k net.

Not exactly. It stands to reason that if he has a 12,000 lb GVWR the trailer is registered for 12,000. Being that it weighs about 6000 pounds that leaves him with a 6000 lb payload on the trailer. The other 4000 would have to be in the bed of the truck. Why drag around a 40 footer when a 20 footer would do it?

In the video I watched he stated that he is limited to 26,000 pounds. It was obvious he was referring to actual weight, not GCWR. I'm basing my distrust of anything he says on that.

 

[NIsaacs]

Why drag around a 40 footer when a 20 footer would do it?

It is about volume, a 20 footer wont haul (2) 20' loads or one 40' load such as a container or three 13' loads. No mater what you think about him or my interpretation of him, he really is a serious hauler and goes coast to coast daily. Will he survive in this really competitive world, that remains to be seen. But he is a 5 year veteran so he must be satisfying the DOT. He ain't hiding off highway like I am

 

[NIsaacs]

Another thing, he runs 40' tarps on all his trucks. Have you ever tarped a 40' funky load? I can't even lift a rolled up 40' tarp. When I hauled palatized fire wood pellets, 8 ton loads, I had a custom tarp made. 8' wide x 16' long with a 4' drop. That's all I wanted to handle and was a lot of work at that size. He is a natural at it, it is an art.

 

[NIsaacs]

To the OP. I see no reason you can't start with a 2500. An '03 2500 is basically the same as an '03 3500 SRW. I tow with 2500's. Flatbeds can be a lot of work. Such as hauling hay, most is hand loaded. Backing up to a ready made, new RV is tempting. No cost to buy and always a new unit. Or like Greg, he hauls new Gatormade trailers, all stacked by the factory, not much labor and no trailer expense.

Just some of my tie downs. I also carry (4) chains and binders and (4) 2" x 27' ratchet straps and (4) 2" x 12' ratchet straps. A 12 volt winch is nice. These are 4" x 30' with portable 4" winches.

 

[bcbender]

I can't even lift a rolled up 40' tarp.

Did those running sheetrock out of AZ --> CA on 40' drop decks..... We would stare at the clouds and pray for no rain but drag those heavy bsrtds out when needed!

 

[bcbender]

I think we are getting off topic a little for the OP,

I for one would hesitate to jump out and try to make $$ right now with my personal truck (mine is new, but I had a really nice / well kept 04 3500 similar to the OP). Right now CDL driving is in demand, and worth looking into, but I think he was asking what the feasibility of using "his truck" was, and that's been answered to some degree. I see there are plenty of guys running up and down roads that are very likely skirting DOT regs and over loading trailers but "what can I really do about that." Good luck on your endeavor sir!, If I was 20y younger I would jump on a CDL and see what I could find with someone else doing the veh maintenance, etc,,, Like I said they "WANT" drivers right now.. which is way different than it was in the early 90's when I was looking into it in CA.

Ima settle for monkeying with my toys and focus on retirement! (hopefully soon )

 

[gsbrockman]

I'm puzzled. What do 8k axles have to do with a CDL-A requirement? He de-rated a 40 ft trailer to 12k? I have a problem believing that.

If you want to see something comical.....look at this de-rated 35+5 with 8k axles and 17.5’s. Was de-rated to 12k....so it could be pulled by a 14k dually pickup....trailer weighs in at 8,780 lbs.....cargo capacity is a whopping 3,220 lbs.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Going forward I'm beginning to think getting a CDL A and driving for a company during this hiring boom would be the better and easier route.

Lease on as an RV transport is an option only if I can find a decent company willing to work with an older truck.

Lease on Hot shot with a flat bed is an option dependent on finding a company to work with, getting a trailer and keeping it under 26K non CDL. My GCWR is 20K. Loads would need to be on the light side. Trailer would have to be tagged and titled in NC and I'd have to get a weighted tag up to 20K

Lease on Power only is in the same boat as the latter, except I would need to carry every hitch possible.

My own authority is out of the question after a quick progressive commercial truck policy online quote for my truck and a hypothetical 06 goose neck flat bed. Bare minimum is bodily injury alone and when understating my trucks value to $101.00s I'm around 4K annual. If im smoking the same brew as most Dodge owners on marketplace are accused or proved of : 35K, its goes up from 5-6K and this isn't covering loads.... The gentleman I was put in contact with who had 10yrs experience RV hauling mentioned insurance rates in NC for commercial drivers were dirt poor.

Dump trailers could be an option intrastate, but I would still be needing business insurance to be taken seriously, not to mention building my own business model and customer base from the ground up. I'll have to read up on weather it could be an under table venture. Most likely not....

Another venture I've been kicking around in my head would be road side assistance and recovery operation. I've already been doing it as a good gesture on whims. I've got more than enough skill with my automotive industry background and expensive hobby, I've got majority of the tools, and I've got a truck. Though it'd have to be a formal business venture as I wouldn't be taken seriously without it and I'd be opening up myself to get bent over without insurance. Even lower overhead to start and I'm nearly set up for it excluding going through the motions of forming an LLC as an independent contractor.

I'm frustrated with all the hoops needing to be jumped through with towing. I've a new respect for small business owners.

I'll grab a CDL manual and ask the DMV about the fine details when I get my truck back together.

 

[Tuesdak]

When the Pandemic hit Tow Truck Operators lost a lot of their work as no one was driving. Less wrecks and less breakdowns to the point insurance companies had to issue small refunds on policies. I would suggest hiring on and learning the ropes. Although drama: "Highway Through Hell" gives you some idea of the dangers of the job. The show itself has made some drivers more careful around places they are working.

 

[GAmes]

If you want to see something comical.....look at this de-rated 35+5 with 8k axles and 17.5’s. Was de-rated to 12k....so it could be pulled by a 14k dually pickup....trailer weighs in at 8,780 lbs.....cargo capacity is a whopping 3,220 lbs.

My point exactly. What is the point of dragging around 40 ft of trailer if you can't carry any real weight?