Getting started...

[ETS]

My wife and I are looking into the auto transport business and have a few questions.

On average, how many miles per week are you covering?

What is the average price per mile?

How is business doing right now?

How seasonal is it?

We're looking at a 2007 Ram 3500 2wd dually and a 3/4 wedge trailer. Is this a good starting set-up?

Thanks

:D

[Buster]

I'll take your questions in reverse order.

With the limited info you provided on the truck I'd say its probably OK. Remember you will be overweight with just about any 4 car load on a 1 ton dually.

Its not a lot seasonal although freight of ALL kinds slows down from the first of Dec. to around the first of April.

Business is slow on the west coast now although I have been told the east is going gangbusters! By slow I mean you are not able to pick and choose as much this year as in past years. There's still stuff moving.

The price per mile is so subjective that it pains me to try to answer this question. Where your located, is particularly hard to find even so-so rates. I generally try not to load any car for less than .50 per mile but sometimes there just isn't anything in that price range. As of this writing, there are only 53 cars going from Washington to the southwest and only 4 are paying .50 per mile or more and most are paying less than .35 per mile! Also remember not all miles are loaded (paid!). I figure 10% of all miles run are empty. To answer your question directly, the average is around .48 per mile per car.

On a slow week where I'm trying to run hard it may be as little as 1500 miles. On a good week where I'm trying to drag my feet and enjoy it, it could be as much as 4500 miles.

The pacific northwest is a particularly difficult spot to find good paying loads out of but fair paying loads going in are usually available. Good luck.

[ETS]

Thanks Buster. We're not very concerned about staying in/around Washington State, my Wife will be on the road with me to work the phone, computer and do the paper work. We are also looking into and considering LTL Freight. Any thoughts on that topic? The price per mile seems to be a bit higher for LTL. Also I just found out that the truck we were thinking about sold. Would it be worth it to bite the bullet and buy a new 4500 as a brand new O/O?

Thanks for your Time

:)

[Buster]

Go to the link below and READ,READ,READ!!! Also if your looking for a truck you might find one there. Call Gary, he's the one who runs that forum. I think he's taking on O/O's right now. Tell him Buster sent you.

http://ltlhotshot.myfreeforum.org/index.php

[ETS]

Oh yeah, I've been over there, and talked to Gary. Just trying to decide which way we want to go.

[ccoop769]

How bout both ways!!! lol

[Buster]

If you decide to go with Gary, its his way or no way.

[cosgo]

In my opinion, if you are going full time, with your wife by your side, youre making a huge mistake going with anything smaller than a class 7 truck. You just won't have enough room and comfort for the two of you, let alone the space it takes to dispatch from the truck.

[Buster]

For the most part Cosgo is right. I do have a h&w team friend(s) that have been doing this in a 1 ton for 2 years and are very happy and successful. It can be done but you must be VERY good friends!

[Buster]

I'm off for a round trip to Reno so I'll be back tomorrow.

[ETS]

For the most part Cosgo is right. I do have a h&w team friend(s) that have been doing this in a 1 ton for 2 years and are very happy and successful. It can be done but you must be VERY good friends!

Being VERY good friends is not a problem. We have what has been called a "unique relationship". We have no problem spending all of our time together in tight quarters. Buster, are those people on the board here, or do you have contact info for them so we could talk to them?

Thanks,
Sam

[Buster]

No - I'm sorry they are unavailable.

[ETS]

Dang, ok. Another question.

Would you guys recomend a 2wd or a 4wd?

:D

[ccoop769]

Man thats a tough question there. Every winter comes and im kicking myself in the ass when it snows

[Buster]

Ya Coop when it snows at your house you guys are jumping for joy because it only took you 2 hours to scrape up enough snow to make a 6" snowman!!!!lol

ETS, You could use 4x4 in the winter a little but it costs you way more than it makes you the rest of the year in fuel and maintenance and weight. I sometimes wish for it but mostly I'm happy without it.

[ETS]

Hmmmm.... Thanks guys. What about manual vs. automatic tranny? Going to look at 2 trucks tonight. One is an auto 2wd and the other is a 6 speed 4x4.


Thanks for the input.

:D

[smr500]

Automatic Aisin is AWESOME.....180k miles warranty from Dodge. Only available on the 4500/5500.

[ETS]

Both the trucks we're looking at are 2006 3500's. The 4x4 has 29,000 miles and the 2wd has 42,000 miles.

[ccoop769]

The 48 trans sucks, but when built up, there is nothing stronger. The 68 trans which comes in the 6.7 cummins 3500 is pretty stout too. Mine lasted about 230k miles. I believe I blew it up do to overheating to many times. If I would of thrown a cooler on it with a fan from the getco, I bet I would of got a mininum of 350k miles on it. My clutches were still good, I just blew the seals... I hear the manuel is alot better and cheaper, but ive been reading alot of horror storys latly on them, like this site for 1... Also, the 48 is gonna suck in the hills because you cant control what gear your in like the 68. Just my 2 cents

[ETS]

Links to the trucks...

http://www.sunsetchev.com/ou/sumner-chevrolet/console.do?page=p_inventory

http://www.sunsetchev.com/ou/sumner-chevrolet/console.do?page=p_inventory

Well I guess that didn't work very well......

[LBZ]

The best advice for starting is to NOT start. ;)

If you go with a 3500 get the 4wd. Never had an issue with mine & fuel mileage is a wash, particularly those couple of times that 2wd gets ya stuck. Tow trucks are what minimum $150 - $250 & you will always be stuck at the worst possible time.

Listen to what Cosgo said about a good solid single axle.

[haulin rv]

My 2 cents......
Since your starting from scratch I think buying anything less than a 4500 would be a uptake. You will be kicking yourself in a year. Myself I am not a fan of the current manual trans, and coming with a dual mass flywheel makes it even worse.

[ETS]

Good point LBZ! Haulin, what exactly don't you like about the manual?


:)

[waylanfan]

Seriously though, I personally like a manual transmission for a couple of reasons:

1.) If your driving in snow or on icy roads you can keep your RPM's in check vs. an automatic transmission which is key on driving on icy roads. Also, I noticed your from Washington which does get it's fair share of snow so 4x4 I think is a must. I've driven in snow and 4-wheel drives my whole life and wouldn't even consider driving a 2-wheel unless I lived and trasnported in a warm climate area.

2.) You get better gas mileage with a manual for the same reason mentioned above. Controlling your RPM's will lessen the fuel burnage (so long as your not putting the hammer down) going down the road.

As mentioned earlier, that dual mass is not as sturdy as it could be but you can always get the use out of it until you burn it up and then invest in a more reputable clutch like South Bend or Valair.

One more thing, Manuals are less expensive to maintain and cheaper to replace than a 48 or 68RFE.

Good luck!:D

[haulin rv]

Have priced the cost of a g56 reman? Cost of a clutch job??

With the new generations of auto's like the Aisin, and the Allison gm uses you have complete control over gear selection in manual mode too.

[cosgo]

For what its worth over the course of 200k I got the same if not better fuel mileage on my 4x4 Dodge vs. my 4x2 Dodge. I loved that thing!! I remember pulling hills in winter with a heavy gooseneck behind me, and appreciating the 4X4. Still, not the truck i'd go with if I was full timing it with a partner, but i figured id put my 2 cents in since the post went this way.

[ETS]

So maybe this is a dumb question, but I just don't know. What would be the benefit to getting a 5500 over a 3500? Is it worth the extra money as a beginner to go with the bigger truck? I see a lot of pics of guys on here pulling 4 cars with a 3500 which makes me wonder if a 5500 would be worth it. The reason I ask is that we may have a pretty good deal on a 2010 5500 Ram Quad Cab 84" CA, ST Pakage w/ a 6 speed. MSRP- $47k, our price, $37k. Or do we go with a used 3500 for $30k?

Thanks everybody!
Sam

:confused:

[waylanfan]

Well, I just know from experience of owning both auto and manuals that more money was put into the auto tranny for maintenance and repairs than a manual trans ever cost me. Now, I know the G56 is a Mercedes tranny so it might be a little on the pricey side if one had to rebuild the entire tranny but usually synchro rings or something like that is pretty cheap to repair. Plus I think the G56 is pretty bullet proof and reliable. The 48 auto will run a guy in the 3-3.5k range to rebuild which in my humble opionion is steep.

Your right though on the durability of the Aisin and allison being pretty bullet proof and reliable (especially the Aisin) but the trucks he was looking at buying didn't offer any of these so it's a moot point haggling over that. I think his options for tranny's for the trucks that he was looking at was the 48 and the NV4500. In that case, NV4500 hands down.

Your also right on the manual mode option for today's auto trannys being able to keep your RPM's in check but for me, there's just nothing like being able to grab the handle, push in the clutch and wind er down.

My 02 cents

[waylanfan]

Well, if you have a second vehicke for personal use then I would go with the 5500 for that price. You'll have alot more towing capability with your 5500 than the 1 ton dually but if thats going to be both your personal rig and towing rig for your business then I would go with the 1 ton.

[ccoop769]

Have to look at the weight thing too. My 3500 and wedge will only weigh in at about 13-14k. As I can see most 5500's and trailer weight in at 20k. But we have the same motor....... Granted yes my rear end is usually overloaded, but DOT has not once picked on me for that. But then again, ive never been picked on before for my sleeper and that just happened so...................... Many things to think about...............

[h2oskibumz]

I think Coop hit the biggest single thing on the head... 9350 lb rear axle on a 3500, 12500 on the 4500, and 13,500 on the 5500.

My Chevy has 8550 and it used to be overloaded on that axle a lot. I took the bed off and shaved 780 lbs (bed/tailgate/bumper) and that helped a lot.

Current load going to Texas from Chicago and St Louis: 2010 E350 High top Hotel shuttle bus, 2009 E250 regular top, 2001 Chevy Tracker, me and 125 gallons of fuel. All loaded backwards in order to keep the rear axle legal...

I'm legal on each axle and overall, but close on each individual axle... but its gonna be like a parachute!!! I can look at my scale ticket and post just how close later, but its in the truck and I'm home for a few more hours!!

Even with a 9350 capacity Dodge rear end I would have had to load some backwards (probrably could have turned the Tracker on the front around.) but with 12.5k or more, I could have loaded however I wanted.

Like Coop, I've never been bothered being overweight on the drives. Most of the guys in the scales are actually out there trying hard to keep things safe and they mostly have some common sense. Also, they mostly only care that your total gross is lower than your tagged. Still all it takes is one jerk having a bad day and wanting to make sure yours is worse...

Also having 84" or more cab to axle giving room for a real sleeper would be invaluable...

[LBZ]

I have had IN. DOT pop open my doors to see the tag for the rear axle & compare to the weight they stamped when I crossed the scales. Had three small Saturn SUV's on so no issue. But if I would have had four on regardless the one ton truck they would have been writing a ticket.

Have been told some states go by the tire ratings on the rear of the truck, though have personally never had that happen.

Coops set up sounds pretty lightweight & that is good, my one ton & 53' wedge were right at 16k. Truck Trailer were approxiamtely 8 & 8 with everything loaded on board. If you are dead set on a pick up style truck weight really is not an issue as you have a larger window to operate in.

Again though, look into a solid Class 7 single axle if you are going to have two people in the cab. Know a guy who bought a single axle Columbia out of Ryder that looks really nice for under $13,000.

[smr500]

My 5500, sleeper, tools, full of fuel and 4 car Take 3 comes in at 19,700 lbs. I am registered for 44k. I was at a scale in OK and they were checking rear axle ratings AND tire ratings. I would definitely recommend a bigger truck than a 1 ton. Comfort, weight ratings, and don't forget longevity. You will be putting a lot of wear and tear on your power unit.

[h2oskibumz]

Shane, they were checking your axle weights EMPTY or you finally got someone dumb enough <goofy redneck grin here> to give you that first load!!!???

If its the latter, congrats! Be sure they follow up w/ positive feedback.

Also, We might have some Chicago to KC stuff in the near future... Maybe you could help us w/ that and earn some positive Ratings from us...

[smr500]

No, it was on my way back EMPTY from getting my trailer in TX. They pulled me in but waved me through after weighing (there was no bypass lane). They had a hot shot in and were looking at the tire sidewalls. A hauler I was talking to at Take3 told me they always check his tire ratings in TX scales and told me to beware. I would gladly help out.

[ETS]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Well, we bought one yesterday! It might not be the "perfect" truck for the job but I think it will be a great start-up truck for us. We couldn't swing the 5500 right now (a few different reasons). The one we bought is a 2008 Ram 3500 2wd CC. Has a flatbed on it right now, 30k# gooseneck hitch and a 100 gallon auxiliary tank. Has the Aisin trans too, so the 3 yr 180k mile warranty, only has 38k miles on it right now! The truck had just been traded in a couple days ago so it had been through the shop but not detailed yet, but was still VERY clean, the guy really took care of it!

Thinking about selling the auxiliary tank for now for some extra start up $. Do you think we'll need to remove the flatbed for weight, or will it be ok for now?

Now to decide on a trailer. Wedge or 40' lowboy?


Thanks for all the help guys!!

Sam :D

[haulin rv]

Congrats!!

As far as trailer, that all depends on the direction you want to go as far as cars vs freight.

Now the the flat bed, I'd yank and throw on some Minimizer fenders. That would free up a bunch of weight on the rear axle.

[smr500]

Remember, with no bed you register as a tractor and can be over 65'. Lowboy would not work for hauling cars exclusively. Dorsey has a wedge for sale. It's on ebay with no reserve.

[cosgo]

A couple of things here....

Im getting annoyed at multiple people on here saying that they are always overweight on their rear axles, but its ok since most DOT dont check it. My 2 cents, GET A BIGGER TRUCK. There are weight ratings stamped on your truck for a reason. I dont want my family driving next to some overloaded truck going down a steep mountain pass hoping that it holds it all together. If you are overweight, then buy bigger equipment, or shift your load, or leave a piece off. Why are you putting yourself and others in danger? There are so many aspects that go into determining a trucks rear axle weight rating, frames, suspension, brakes, differentials, hubs, etc... any of those pieces could fail. Just because you can overload it, and it works, and the DOT arent smart enough to point it out to you, doesnt mean its ok.

Secondly, ETS.... hold onto that aux tank. you'll need it. the stock tank on that truck just wont get you anywhere once you are loaded.

[ETS]

Remember, with no bed you register as a tractor and can be over 65'. Lowboy would not work for hauling cars exclusively. Dorsey has a wedge for sale. It's on ebay with no reserve.

I see a lot of guys pulling a wedge with the bed on. I thought most of the wedge trailers were about 50 ft long? Wouldn't that put you over 65 ft?

[LBZ]

The law says that you can only be 65' total length with the bed on, remove bed & can go on out the same as a tractor. I left my bed on & was 70' long bumper to bumper & never had an issue, but it is all just luck & the officer doing the inspection.

WA. has a rule that your trailer can only be 53' & all the freight/cars have to be within that. A friend of mine got a ticket last year for a car over hanging off of the rear of the trailer. Not sure if WA. offers permits for this or what not, I do not run out that way.

[ETS]

Thanks guys!! I need all the help I can get! Is this a good trailer brand?
Good deal?

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/1724358501.html


:D

[haulin rv]

I'd sell you my 06 for less.

[cosgo]

Here's another good one, and i know for a fact that it can be had for about $4900... maybe less... I know the owner and he's desperate to sell..

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/1745617246.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bfs/1744237516.html

Both ads are same trailer

[Buster]

My friend has a 1996 Big Tex 50' with one set of rear flips for $4500. It's in Sacramento CA Woooppppsssss! It's a 99'

[ETS]

'96 seems kind of old. Is it in pretty good shape or need any work? Is it a 5er or a GN?

:D

[Buster]

Shes a work horse. It's accualy a 99'. It's a gooseneck and as far as I know it needs nothing. Could use some paint. He might even let it go for a little less. It's being worked as we speak. When I get more info I'll post it.

[ETS]

Thanks Buster! You can PM me the info if you'd like.


Sam - :D

[Buster]

Go to
www.littlemountaintransport.com
They are the husband and wife team I was telling you about. There are pics of the trailer there. Randy said to call him with any questions.

[ETS]

Thanks again Buster.

Hey haulin, does your trailer have the center channel for trailers? I'd really like to find one with it to keep our options open.

:)

[haulin rv]

No it does not.

[LBZ]

That channel is cheaper to add on at a separate shop anyway. Can get the ball towers at most any trailer mfg.

Besides, that way you can control the rake or the angle as it gets to the top. Most have to be altered from the factory otherwise low riding cars will bottom out on it.

[ETS]

Good to know LBZ, thanks!

[ETS]

If we were to find a trailer like this at a reasonable price, are they worth it?
Better than your average wedge, or not worth the extra $? I emailed the guy and he says it weighs about 6k pounds. Does that seem a little on the light side or about right? Again thanks for all the help guys!!! :D


http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/1749641254.html

[ccoop769]

If we were to find a trailer like this at a reasonable price, are they worth it?
Better than your average wedge, or not worth the extra $? I emailed the guy and he says it weighs about 6k pounds. Does that seem a little on the light side or about right? Again thanks for all the help guys!!! :D


http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/1749641254.html

I would say it prolly weighs less, my take weighs in at 6500 pounds. and thats all steel. I think buster had a aluminum trailer before.

[Buster]

I had one of these but mine was a 48'. Thats the ONLY reason I got rid of it. I could not always get 3 cars. A 50' would be GREAT especially if you could figure a way to put 2-3 foot flips on the front. Mine weighted 4500lbs. FREEKIN GREAT TRAILERS!!!!! You can also convert the room underneath into a sleeper.

[haulin rv]

I don't know if I could be comfortable in there, when I slept in rv' s I always put down the jacks and pulled the level on the 5 th wheel. It sure would suck if someone stole the rig and you were back there going for a ride.

[ETS]

LOL, that would be some funny stuff Haulin.... :eek:

[h2oskibumz]

Someone I know... OK OK, its me... keeps a blown fuse in the fuse box. I replace a key fuse that keeps my truck from starting with the blown one and put the good one back in the "spare' position.

Even with a key the truck will crank and crank, but never start. I only do this if I have an extremely valuable or theft prone load of cars, not junker auction or salvage stuff, but nice stuff.

There are several fuses that will kill them...

I don't think I could get comfortable in one of those trailer sleepers either... and isn't there something that says you have to have "access" to the truck.

[cosgo]

It is not a DOT legal slepper, but ive seen a couple of conversions done. I feel the same way, I would not be comfortable in there.

[Buster]

You could also convert it into professional Kennels and haul small animals. There is a LOT of money in this. A friend got paid $800 for taking a cat from Huston TX to Sacramento CA. I got $300 for a dog from Sacramento CA to Cheyenne WY.

[LBZ]

I could even spot ya guys a dog if ya can find someplace to transport it to... ;)

[ETS]

Some pics of the new truck... :D

http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo172/rallyneon/Roxy2.jpg
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo172/rallyneon/Roxy1.jpg
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo172/rallyneon/Roxy3.jpg
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo172/rallyneon/Tankhitch.jpg

[Buster]

ETS was that a short bed before the flatbed? If so, Be very careful of what trailer you tow behind it. If its a goose-neck then your probably OK. If its a wedge it might hit the cab in corners. Also you will want to consider removing the flatbed so you can register as a tractor rather than a truck. This will allow you to go longer than 65' overall.
Nice looking truck!! Tell us more about it.

[ETS]

Thanks Buster. It's a cab and Chassis, the flatbed measures 9', it's deceiving because the rear corners are angled. I'm thinking about removing the flatbed, but not sure if we're going to do it right away. If legal length is 65', how are all these guys running 50' wedge trailer's with 3500's and the box on? It's an '08 with 38k miles, got a pretty good deal on it! :D

[Buster]

They are not doing it legal!!! In some states they ignore it but in WA, FL, TX they will SLAM you. FL is a $1000 Fine for first offence.

[ETS]

Hmmmm. Anyone wanna buy a flatbed? :D

[h2oskibumz]

FL is a $1000 fine for a first offence, but you can at least get a blanket annual permit for FL for $20.

TX is also prone to nail you for over 65' and they don't offer a permit as far as I know.

[Buster]

Your right h20 but you have to KNOW that you need the permit. If you don't have it and you get caught (CHRIS!!!) you get to pay the fine AND buy the permit. I'm just looking out for our own.

[ccoop769]

LoL, hey now. I didnt know that either at the time. Trust me, I would of paid my 20 bucks to avoid that 1000 dollar fine!!!!!

[ETS]

FLatbed is now for sale if you know anyone that would be interested....

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/1756082328.html

:D

[sclyde]

I was told that you were exempted on the 65' if you run a fifth wheel, but do I also need to pull the bed? Ohio DOT told me that after they gave me a ticket for the trailer exceeding 53'. They also told me that if I hung off even 1" they would give me a ticket.

[Buster]

I've never heard of being exempt because of a fifth wheel.

[sclyde]

He told me that the trucker's lobbied for an exemption to allow them to have really big sleepers and still have a full length trailer. He also said that he felt the gooseneck ball stronger but, the law is for the fifth wheel.

[ETS]

So other than an air ride hitch, what is the 5th wheel hitch of choice? I've been looking at the Holland Binkley head and having a mounting plate made similar to the one Tony has pictured here http://www.autoexpeditor.com/showthread.php?t=41 Didn't realize that hardly anyone makes a 5th wheel for cab and chassis trucks.

[smr500]

The Holland/Binkley 32k is the one you want. Here is a few pics of mine. Based off of Tony's but modified a bit.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2v17l3c.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2nkosc3.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/f4merm.jpg

[ccoop769]

I was told that you were exempted on the 65' if you run a fifth wheel, but do I also need to pull the bed? Ohio DOT told me that after they gave me a ticket for the trailer exceeding 53'. They also told me that if I hung off even 1" they would give me a ticket.

I got that ticket before in ohio. Bastards, gosh i love my 47 foot trailer. 67 feet of cargo space, 47 feet long, shorter bridge compared to most others feels like im pulling a 25 TT. I think im in love.

[haulin rv]

Indiana has a 60ft rule, unless you are coupled by a fifth wheel. They never seem to enforce it, if they did how would all the 48 and 53 ft gooseneck trailers made in Elkhart get out or all the longer TT and park models? I know when I was hauling the Jayco park models I was over.

[Buster]

ETS did you buy that Featherlite you posted? Man I'd eat that up!! Solid deck for motorcycles and 3 wheelers, storage underneath for extra gear, lightweight, already has front flips......man o man!!!! On mine I drilled 3/4" holes in the side rails every 30" and installed 5/8" clevises for lots of tie downs. Had a warn 9500lb winch on the front and wheel roller trays for winching "no key" cars. I bolted down a small compressor and generator in the room and also had 1 extra ramp in there for loading 3 wheelers along with 2 spare tires, blocks, tire chains etc. Man o Man!!!

[ETS]

No, not yet Buster. It's a little more than we want to spend and we're not quit ready to buy yet. Hey, SMR, if you don't mind me asking, how much did the hitch and diamond plating cost to have done?

Thanks guys,
Sam

[NDanecker]

Does that hitch also have a 2 5/16 ball? Nice. Its a little back from center of the axle but still nice to have the option. I like it!

[smr500]

Yes it is. I know it it back a little but no where else to put it when running the 5th wheel. I very rarely use it but have it just in case.

[NDanecker]

Does it come with the hitch? Sounds like this one is custom made to your specs which explains why I've never seen the ball on other hitch plates.

I like the idea!!! Much better then trying to replace the head or add some adapter which is much weaker what you have, IMO. If it was a 3500 I'd be somewhat worried about placement but since its a 5500 I think you'll be ok. Plus like you said its not your main hitch - just as needed.

Nice! :cool:

[smr500]

The 5th wheel did not come with the hitch. You have to fab it up to whatever you have in mind