Mike H
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RV, Trailer TransportHello, I have been reading through the posts on here for awhile and finally thought I would jump in. Recently the RV transporters/ tow away trailers caught my attention and was wondering how hard it was to get started in that. I found a few RV companies on the internet that lease trucks. Does anyone have any reccomendations and is it worthwhile to even think about doing this? Also, if I would decide to pull trailers on my own, without leasing, what type of authority is involved? Would I need the same authority, insurance as if I was hauling freight with a truck and my own trailer? Thanks.
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Tom Cobb
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Yes Mike, you need everything just like the big trucks and freight. Difference is if you stay under 26K you don't need apportioned plates and IFTA sticker.
On transporting, if you live in the IN area leasing on would give you a way to get a feel for the business without having to do all the authorities and etc. You won't make a lot of money but depending on who you sign on with and back haul loads and how you keep expenses down you might get by for a while.
Best way though is to get your own authority and a flatbed gooseneck trailer and haul freight and cars. The subject of trailers is talked about much in here as well as the ins and outs of the LTL freight business.
Tell us more about your situation, where you live, equipment you have, etc. Do you have at least $10K laid aside to operate on if you started up your own company?
Talk to us.
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Mike H
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Thanks for the reply. I am located in southeast PA, about 1.5hrs from Harrisburg, Phila, & Baltimore MD. Currently have a full time job for a company selling used tractors, equip, and parts. I have a '01 F350 flatbed and a 24 ft gooseneck flatbed lowboy trailer. I have delivered tractors and equipment in the past; Also did some hay hauling. Just local stuff, 80 miles or less. Found out driving is more fun than taking parts calls. Had an insurance company tell me one time I am "ag exempt" but realize from reading the posts on here that is wrong. Would like to haul equipment, freight rather than cars. Looking to stay under 26,000gvw. I bought a single axle IH truck(fixer upper) a few years ago to go heavier. Spent some money on that project then decided I didn't like that direction anymore. Don't have $10k in cash laying around but could get close. I have read online how great RV transporting is; just a little cautious about signing a lease and being controlled by someone else. If I get stuck without a backhaul, downtime costs money. Leaning toward getting my own authority at this point. Does anyone recommend any good insurance companies? Sorry this got kind of long.
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HossLanier
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I tried rv transporting, 95% was DHing back. Killed me. I like to have lost house and truck, not to mention all the other little bills. Check out the RV's companys Reputation. I am not saying that the one I worked for was bad, I just didn't understand how big a pocket I must have.
I was just told, "get a credit card and pay for your fuel that way". NOPE!!!!
I am however looking at driving again. I think that driving bug bit me really hard. I love to drive on vacations and everything, always have. Just never knew you could make a good living doing it if done correctly.
I will be driving as some point next year I think.
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bth9461
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What kind of trucking are you looking to do? There are many choices in this field. You can make it with a good plan, it will be easier to plan after the election.
Brian
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HossLanier
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Honestly I am open for just about anything. Biggest issue is a trailer for now. I have about 5 companies that say I can pull for them when I get my own authorities and insurance. I have 2 companies less than 5 miles from our house. One is about 60miles east and the other is over 200miles northwest.
I would like to get a name, make up cards and pass them out and get my face out there. I have worked in GM/Toyota dealerships for over 24yrs now. I know tons of people in the used and new car business. My problem there is I don't want just a car hauler. Wedge to me is OUT of the question because I want to haul cargo also. take3trailer has a step-deck that gives you that option. Very exspensive though.
Anyone in the Louisiana area that hauls?
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Tom Cobb
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I know a man out of MS that is hauling. I will see if I can get him to get on here again. He is a member but just don't come around often.
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bth9461
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That Take 3 step deck is a nice trailer, but one thing I don't like about fixed beaver tails is all the tail dragging you do. If you can get at least 15" of ground clearance it helps. Plus the rear slant is likely to only be useful for vehicles. If you use a dually you won't be able to put much weight up there.
Think about a Medium duty chevy/dodge 5500 or FL60/70/80. My trailer has a Hydraulic Beaver Tail so loading Vehicles or freight is easy. Really look at what type of trailer is needed by the projected customer base.
Brian
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