Phil
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P & J EXPRESS "CARS ONLY"
Thanks Brad, I didnt know anything was going on on this forum  Here are some pics of my new Sun Country 53' Wedge. Its way too much work for the truck, but a new one is in the near future. Its been a great truck though, I have seriously put that poor truck through HELL.
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LBZ
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You may have to keep that truck around for memorabilia!
I just went back and saw your full load post of your truck & 45' deck from a year ago when you were moving freight a post or two down and the writing was on the wall then...you had three cars in that photo. 
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bth9461
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So Phil what type of truck you going to. Looks like that trailer is too much for a Dually out West especially. I thought I was working mine hard.
Have you weighed the drive axle with a full load on. The tri-axle must help some?
Brian
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Tom Cobb
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That's quite a load Phil.
Glad to see back on here. Visit often and stay awhile. No rocking chairs allowed except for us retired folks. 
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Phil
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I am looking at a 5500 Dodge, my rear axle is pretty consistant at about 10500, about 1000 lbs over weight. The 5500 rear axle rating is like 13k or something. Im still shopping.
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bth9461
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I have a load of Ashphalt Patching trailers again, My MPG will be under 9. i think a medium duty or S/A could match that MPG on hvy loads. I think Medium duty is a much better starting point if you run 30k+, some wouild say if your over 26k. If I was to buy new again it would be a new Medium duty Chevy ( for me).
Still thinking Class 7+ used though for what I want, I really like the Idea of a 20-23k drive axel, then converting my trailer to a step deck.
Your trailer looks real nice, has it been working well?
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LBZ
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Phil went to look at GM's 45-55 series & I think he said they had a door tag stating not to exceed 26k gcw. It was in the photo's of one that was for sale on ebay. I have always driven GM stuff, but that would be enough to steer me away from one. Maybe that will change once the buyout is complete? Which has anyone heard if they are going to change much?
I know way off topic...
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Tom Cobb
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There is a long story about that 26K GCWR. It has to do with an agreement to avoid paying federal excise tax on the 4500 and 5500. That truck is capable of much more than that.
I have actually posted it on here if I recall and I know I have on the site that I have been banned from.
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bth9461
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That concerned me too, but I nthink TC is right and Melvin has not had any trouble with his. I test drove one once and it is no PU with hvy springs like Ford or Dodge. I would rather trust GM's frame/body, but I am a GM guy. The 5500 dodge would be better than any 1 ton for a 53' wedge. I thinkj GM screwed up by dumping the Medium Duties, They were just making a name for themselves.
Brian
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Tom Cobb
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I am not sure that GM is not manufacturing the truck still. I think the deal was a marketing sell. We will have to wait and see how this goes.
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Phil
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You can tell by looking at the Chevy 5500 that it is capable of much more than 26k. And Brian the Dodge is not just a 1 ton with beefed up springs. Go to look at one in person. If you look at the truck you will notice the rear axle is like the GM, very beefy, and the brakes are up there also. I dont even think that I could lift one of the calipers off the rear axle to change the brakes. The Dodge is also very capable. HOWEVER, the chevy does have the 26K GCVW stamped right on the door and the Dodge does not. You guys know as well as I do that when they come out to get your axle ratings off your door tag, they will have the gcw to check also to get you shut down. I know the tensile strength of the GM frame is almost double that of the Dodge, but in our line of work, do you really need 100k psi on the frame? Sure its a good selling feature, but I have never hurt the frame on my 3500. I think in a dump truck or tow truck its an advantage, but not pulling a trailer with 6k tounge weight. I dont know what direction I am going, to be honest with you, who ever gets my financing done first will probably be the truck under my trailer.
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bth9461
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I am sure the 5500 Dodge will pull a 3/4 car no problem. I just like the GM's, but I am a GM guy. Though I would consider the Dodge also.
Have you thought about getting a Aero Dynamic S/A saw won pulling a nice 6/7 car trailer yesterday with 7 on. I see you moving up, think about it 3 more cars and a Sleeper, you will be retired and fishing with TC an TG before you know it.
Brian
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Tom Cobb
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I can't find time to fish. I might as well work. 
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LBZ
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How is the trailer hauling business Phil? Were you and Rick able to work together on that deal going back to AZ?
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Phil
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The trailers went pretty good. My track and ball towers needs a little modification, but over all it was good.
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Tom Cobb
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How much did that load weight? What did it pay?
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Phil
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The trailers weighed 10K total, and it payed $2.46 a mile.
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