Sleeper

[sclyde]

I have a Dodge 3500 Quadcab and have removed the backseat and placed a mattress in there. Of course it doesn't have enough length or a restraint to be a legal sleeper berth. I haven't been bothered really with this setup, but I am wondering if anyone knows which states are easiest to get along with on this setup.

[Buster]

sclyde Its not really a state to state issue. It's illegal in every state. Some guys do it all the time and get away with it. There is always some DOT officer out there that is just looking to bust somebody's balls and you could just as easily be his next target. First off, if you plan on doing this (I don't recommend it) then never log sleeper time on your log. When you get stopped for an inspection, The DOT officer is going to see that you don't have a sleeper. Then he's going to see that your logging "off duty". He's going to ask you "do you have motel receipts?" Heres the game! You are not required to provide hotel receipts BUT its illegal to lie to him and say "Yes but I don't have them, I mailed them home this morning" or something to that affect. Any competent DOT officer is going to know your lying and start digging into everything. Do you really want that to happen? Some say that it is not illegal to sleep in your truck if you disconnect from the trailer. This may be true but again, your just inviting more trouble than its worth. Some say to park in Walmart and Home Depot parking lots. I disagree. I have been harassed by more cops there than in ANY truck stop! If you choose to sleep in your truck then you should be prepared to suffer the consequences for it. Good Luck

[Roadmedic]

The only state that recently has been a pain to me is Minnesota.

It has gotten so bad there, that if I am going to cross when they are open on westbound 94, I go around it.

They have picked at the fact that I told them I slept in a truck stop lounge. They want motel receipts.

They also question the drivers license if you wear glasses and not restricted to require them.

Many of the others, just try not to tell them you slept in the truck.

[haulin rv]

When I hauled rv's I had made a bed in the back of all my trucks and used it all the time. Slept where ever I stopped, rest areas, walmart, truck stops, etc....

I always logged off duty and never once was questioned, but again that was hauling rv's and that is a different world than cars and freight. Now I very seldom sleep in the truck since one I am home almost every night and two to be honest the comfort factor in the back of the truck sucks.

[Roadmedic]

When I hauled rv's I had made a bed in the back of all my trucks and used it all the time. Slept where ever I stopped, rest areas, walmart, truck stops, etc....

I always logged off duty and never once was questioned, but again that was hauling rv's and that is a different world than cars and freight. Now I very seldom sleep in the truck since one I am home almost every night and two to be honest the comfort factor in the back of the truck sucks.


They seemed to have gotten more interested in this in Minnesota recently.

[haulin rv]

I delivered a ton of trailers to the north side of Minneapolis, I rolled by;).

[ColoradoRVHauler]

They seemed to have gotten more interested in this in Minnesota recently.

Is there an easy way around? They mess with me too.. Not yet this year, but I know its gonna happen. Last time it was warm and I had a lil tent with me. That made him scratch his head. He didnt know what to say, so he let me go. lol

That sure doesnt work when its cold though.

Carey

[sclyde]

Has the DOT actually ever checked your in-cab sleeper and said what they think, or do you just use the tent?

Is there actually a written law, or is it just part of their fatigue thing about using off duty?

[ColoradoRVHauler]

They have checked what I copied, cant remember the name now. They said no. They have never checked mine.

I sleep real comfortable in mine after I gutted the doors.

Carey

[sclyde]

Woodhouse sleeper berth is doing exactly what you have and claim it is DOT compliant. They say that when they checked with the FMCSA for approval that they just told him the requirements and said that they don't actually give anything official approval. http://www.woodhouse.com/store/sleeper_berth.htm

[shstransport]

If you meet this then you have nothing to worry about:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?chunkKey=0901633480023939

My GMC would never meet these requirements at 74 inches it's not wide enough and the sleeper would have to be on the floor to meet the 24 inch rule all the way across if it was wide enough.

[Roadmedic]

Is there an easy way around? They mess with me too.. Not yet this year, but I know its gonna happen. Last time it was warm and I had a lil tent with me. That made him scratch his head. He didnt know what to say, so he let me go. lol

That sure doesnt work when its cold though.

Carey

West bound to exit 10 on 94. Go north to stop sign about 3 miles. Turn right, east on 12. Go about 2 miles. Turn north on 65. Go to CR E. Turn west.

Go to stop sign turn left at it. You basically stay on CR E. When you get to the small town there is a hill warning at a stop sign. Turn Right. Go to next stop sign turn left. It becomes 36 after the bridge. The bridge has a 13'2" limit on it.

Follow signs for 36. It joins 694.

Entire route, 5 miles longer and no idiot from the scale house.

[Roadmedic]

Woodhouse sleeper berth is doing exactly what you have and claim it is DOT compliant. They say that when they checked with the FMCSA for approval that they just told him the requirements and said that they don't actually give anything official approval. http://www.woodhouse.com/store/sleeper_berth.htm


It is not though.

They do not have documentation to support the claim. I bought my dodge there and have seen it up close.

[cat45]

West bound to exit 10 on 94. Go north to stop sign about 3 miles. Turn right, east on 12. Go about 2 miles. Turn north on 65. Go to CR E. Turn west.

Go to stop sign turn left at it. You basically stay on CR E. When you get to the small town there is a hill warning at a stop sign. Turn Right. Go to next stop sign turn left. It becomes 36 after the bridge. The bridge has a 13'2" limit on it.

Follow signs for 36. It joins 694.

Entire route, 5 miles longer and no idiot from the scale house.

just a heads up on that bridge over the st.croix river. it now has a 55' length limit on it. they actually do enforce this. another way is to stay on 94w and take the 1st exit after the bridge and go north on to co rd 95N that runs into bayport, right next to hwy 36. the dot has trucks patrolling that road once in awhile but your chances are better than going through the scale

[ColoradoRVHauler]

Thanks guys. I will look into this.

Got dot'd in fargo this morn... Got a sticker cool!

He said he would ask me where I slept, but didnt want a bunch of trucks parked in his scale today. lol I said cool, cause I dont sleep in the truck anyway. I told him look dude Im 6'4" do ya think I could sleep in my truck? He said well, they do it all the time. He winked at me and finished the inspection and put his purdy lil yellow sticker on my truck and said have a nice day.

In Beach, Nd. now. Man the wind is blowin. Sucks. Looks like after Circle, Mt it calms down. I always take 200 across mt. Cuts a few miles off. Just cant drive at night too much... Deer are just like the cows except they jump the fences. Hundreds of em, 250-300 pounders too. Dont want to hit one of those dudes.

See yall and if they catch ya, there is no sleeper that can be put into a pickup cab and be legal. Just smile purdy and keep the story straight. Its been working over 2 years now.

Carey

[ra57.2008]

Cary, How you doing out there? Good i hope. Hey got a question for you do you have log back? I talked to a NMDOT officer and asked him if i didn't have a dispatch then going back i would not have to log because i would be looking for for a load. And he told me long as i was not under dispatch i did not have to log. I know this is going open a bag of worms, just wondering if you log back.

Thanks Rick

[shstransport]

Cary, How you doing out there? Good i hope. Hey got a question for you do you have log back? I talked to a NMDOT officer and asked him if i didn't have a dispatch then going back i would not have to log because i would be looking for for a load. And he told me long as i was not under dispatch i did not have to log. I know this is going open a bag of worms, just wondering if you log back.

Thanks Rick

Catch 22 if you don't log you also don't get the deductions while you where driving, not a problem if your close to home but if your 2-3 days out I logged all time.

[Roadmedic]

just a heads up on that bridge over the st.croix river. it now has a 55' length limit on it. they actually do enforce this. another way is to stay on 94w and take the 1st exit after the bridge and go north on to co rd 95N that runs into bayport, right next to hwy 36. the dot has trucks patrolling that road once in awhile but your chances are better than going through the scale

I was over 59 foot. It was the max length. The locals did not pay any attention to me. I think they are more interested in the trucks. With an rv, we look innocent, even with signs on.

Now, as far as the exit just before the scale. You might get in trouble taking an exit when the flashing light indicates the scale is open. The exit for 95 north is just past the scale for commercial vehicles.

One of these days I will post what happened at the I94 scale the last time I went through and why I will go around.

[Roadmedic]

Thanks guys. I will look into this.

Got dot'd in fargo this morn... Got a sticker cool!

He said he would ask me where I slept, but didnt want a bunch of trucks parked in his scale today. lol I said cool, cause I dont sleep in the truck anyway. I told him look dude Im 6'4" do ya think I could sleep in my truck? He said well, they do it all the time. He winked at me and finished the inspection and put his purdy lil yellow sticker on my truck and said have a nice day.

In Beach, Nd. now. Man the wind is blowin. Sucks. Looks like after Circle, Mt it calms down. I always take 200 across mt. Cuts a few miles off. Just cant drive at night too much... Deer are just like the cows except they jump the fences. Hundreds of em, 250-300 pounders too. Dont want to hit one of those dudes.

See yall and if they catch ya, there is no sleeper that can be put into a pickup cab and be legal. Just smile purdy and keep the story straight. Its been working over 2 years now.

Carey

Life sucked yesterday on 2. We were shut down for a couple of hours at havre. Then several more after we finally made Shelby. The road north was closed at Milk River.

What a long day.

[Roadmedic]

Cary, How you doing out there? Good i hope. Hey got a question for you do you have log back? I talked to a NMDOT officer and asked him if i didn't have a dispatch then going back i would not have to log because i would be looking for for a load. And he told me long as i was not under dispatch i did not have to log. I know this is going open a bag of worms, just wondering if you log back.

Thanks Rick

Boy, have you got that right.

The law actually states that you must log in a commercial vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs or more. It covers most duallies. However, most do not pay attention to us.

At our company, going through the tolls on 1 40 in OK, the drivers were empty and dot pulled them over to check logs right after they paid the toll in the toll paying line. They also were NOT wearing signs either and not under dispatch.

Some of the states I am logging most of the way through. Others no problem.

I also feel that if the log is on another day where I emptied and they pull me over and there is no log for the day, the fine is much lower than a false log.

[ColoradoRVHauler]

Yes we have to log the return trip. I think most all rv hauling companies require that anymore.

I fudge lots when empty, so ne real biggie.

Man I had some bad wind on 13 and 200 till about Winnett. Prolly 40 plus. It wasnt gonna lay me over but was sure a fuel hog. Had some rogue winds that made me feel a bit light, but just slowed to 45 and hung in there.

In great falls, now. They got 6 inches of snow here. Roads are moist to dry, so maybe I made it thru the storm. Hopefully by this time tomorrow im on the ferry to Vc Island.

We have had guys get stopped to with no decals empty. I have found that since I just applied the decal to the door, I get respect and they dont screw with me as much. So I have my decals on all the time. They know all about us anyway, so why try and skirt em.. This way they know what Im up to.. Many cops wave at me when empty and I think its better to just let em know than try and pool the wool over on em.

Carey

[ra57.2008]

Cary, Whats the rate up to now? I'am working on getting my centry taged and insured now, Waiting for passport. And going to up grade back to class A, like a fool i let them go and now i thing i'll need them again. Easy enough to do at this time maybe not next year. My buddy drives for JET and wants me to sign on with them but they are real picky about log book, there and back. I don't mind but i do like to run back at least speed limit, they can only ave 64 mph, and out west you can do 70,75. not alot of differance but some when not hauling there units. You be safe out there and I hope to be talking with you soon.
Rick

[ColoradoRVHauler]

As of Monday 1.20 for medium sized trailers to Canada. I think US is 1.12. They were gonna give us another raise for fuel on tuesday, just guessing 2 cents more.

We log at 65, and are allowed to log off of a program like pc miler shortest route, so you can run like 740 and log 712 in 11 hrs.

So thats not too bad. These Vancouver Island trips are paid at 2380-2400 miles. I run em in 2305 to 2325 miles. I barely squeeze a round into 70 hours, 4600-4650 miles. Pretty much all I can do in 7 days anyway. Then I show a day off and turn another. Dont know how much longer they are gonna last, but I'll run em till they are done. Been bringin in 1550-1650 net to the truck for every week. Not bad money for a single haul. But I do have to be up with the sun and put a long day in everyday for this. Today I left Lewistown, Mt. and am now sitting here in Everett, Wa.

Gonna go and make reservations on the ferry for 10:15 am tomorrow here in just a second.

Most any company wants a log to appear legal to whoever looks at it. I get a dot inspection about every month out here. Ive had many inspectors look at my book, they are happy, things match pretty well. Im doin as good as about anybody does out here on the road.

Hope to go deliver and make it back here to everett, Wa. tomorrow. Maybe I will get over to ellensburg or moses lake, wa if things go real well.

Was hoping to hit some rain. But nope clear skys. My trailer is brown from montana and there sand they put down after snow. There was fresh snow from Lewistown to Lincoln, Mt. The roads were good though, but pretty much mud from sand.

Good Luck to you, and hope things work out for ya!
Carey

[ra57.2008]

Cary,

My buddy is desinated driver for Jet and his last trip into canada paid 1.46. But he has to pay for his permits and tolls.

They also pay a bonus of .10 mile after you reach 6k for all loaded miles.

Boy i sure didn't like washing the trailers, I would pay the $20.-25. for the dealers to wash them,less time and i could be running down the road, for the next load.

I here what your saying about up early, when i'am out on the road i run to make money so i use every available hour.

You be safe out there talk at you later.

Rick.

[cat45]

I was over 59 foot. It was the max length. The locals did not pay any attention to me. I think they are more interested in the trucks. With an rv, we look innocent, even with signs on.

Now, as far as the exit just before the scale. You might get in trouble taking an exit when the flashing light indicates the scale is open. The exit for 95 north is just past the scale for commercial vehicles.

One of these days I will post what happened at the I94 scale the last time I went through and why I will go around.

ya i know the 95n exit could be a problem, probly shouldn't have said anything about it. i used to drive that way to the andersen windows plant when i worked there. i live about 30mi ne of there so i just go around to the north when i have to go west

[ColoradoRVHauler]

Cary,

My buddy is desinated driver for Jet and his last trip into canada paid 1.46. But he has to pay for his permits and tolls.

They also pay a bonus of .10 mile after you reach 6k for all loaded miles.

Boy i sure didn't like washing the trailers, I would pay the $20.-25. for the dealers to wash them,less time and i could be running down the road, for the next load.

I here what your saying about up early, when i'am out on the road i run to make money so i use every available hour.

You be safe out there talk at you later.

Rick.

Yeah Ive heard how jet does it.

On this one I had to get a 105 dollar permit for BC. A 60 dollar permit for Idaho. We run Indy plates, but if not would have needed a permit for Wa. and Mt.

Here are my expenses for a Vancouver Island trip.
350-375 for ferry ride round trip. Thats all paid.
105 BC permit. Thats paid.
60 Idaho Permit. Paid.
20-30 wash. Paid.
10.75 Border fee. Paid
16.35 in tolls for Chicago. Paid.

Dont know what Jet Covers here. .26 cents is 624 bucks on 2400 miles. I made 1.23 on this trip because I shortened the miles. Last trip I made 1.24. Im able to shortcut many of our trips. We are paid mostly all interstates. If a guy is willin to take some 2 lanes, many of our trips can be shortend by 5% or so. Again, not every company does this.
This trip I spent 597.10 in expenses. Thats all paid back to me when I turn my trip in. I bet Jet wouldnt pay a cent of that. If I had to buy a Wa. and Mt. permit, I would have made more being paid 1.20 than 1.46.

In the end Ive found that most all companies pay within 10 cents of eachother. Talked to a Horizon driver yesterday and he was pulling a 30 foot toyhauler to Vancouver. Was getting paid 1.07 out of his yard in Wakarusa. Now thats low with our current fuel price. He got a card from me and said he will see me soon at Indy Transport, lol

I am able to easilly make up that extra .10 in bonuses other ways. Thats something I cant speak about unless you worked here. With Jet youd have to be a creative log book writer to be able to log more than 6k loaded with what I have seen with there log guy.

I know Canada based drivers get paid more. I feel thats fair. Things are expensive up there. Especially new pickups. Add 20k to the price we pay for a new dually. I dont see how they do it.

Carey

[haulin rv]

Can't say what Jet would pay but I can say that Classic would have paid the same stuff.

Anyway its nice to see you guys are busy and the industry had rebounded.

[haulin rv]

I know Canada based drivers get paid more. I feel thats fair. Things are expensive up there. Especially new pickups. Add 20k to the price we pay for a new dually. I dont see how they do it.

Carey

Its funny how things change in 2001-2002 I was getting new Ford duallies from an importer from Canada and we could sell them for 3-4k less than the local Ford store and make a nice profit. That really pissed them off. The truck always had less than 500 miles on them.

[ColoradoRVHauler]

I have seen new dodge duallies up there with 70k price tags. Man something must have went wrong.

I wouldnt say the industry has rebounded. The rv companies re-invented thereselves. Everyone wants the new models. If they dont sell these new models, we are right back to having nothing to do about june or so of this year. The factories just built new stuff and that sparked things. It could be worse than 2008 if this doesnt go right. Im not holding my breath. RV dealers are getting very full from what I see.

Most all of the factories came out with 4-6 new models and colors. Makes great since for them, we'll see if it pays off. Come summer we may all be out of work.

Yea the expenses that are covered are prolly coverered by everyone. But Jet hardly pays nothing, so in the end I bet they are making close to the same as we are.



Carey

[Roadmedic]

Many of the units we have pulled to Canada are already sold.

Dealer in Calgary, the display room had 4 sold units in it.

I hope it just keeps going. Still paying off expenses from the bad lean time.

[ColoradoRVHauler]

Many of the units we have pulled to Canada are already sold.

Dealer in Calgary, the display room had 4 sold units in it.

I hope it just keeps going. Still paying off expenses from the bad lean time.

Yeah Canada is kicking ass. The last 3 delivered to the island, the check in person actually ran out of the office and quickly done the check in. Had me out in 10 mins. They were very excited to get inventory.

The american dealers are the ones that are packing themselves full.

Thank God Canada is like we were in say 2005-6. They are in a big boom up there. Home prices are rising 10-20% yearly also.

Carey

[Roadmedic]

The Canadians seem to actually be selling the units compared to the states.

It seems they have financing available up there.