LOOKING FOR A M925. Need advice!

[Triple C]

"As for the DOT pulling me over for hauling pallets of parts how could they tag me if I can prove I personally bought the material for personal use?"

I can't say they can or would, but if in fact you are operating a commerical enterprise, it is always best to do it right (in my opinion) because IF something goes wrong, like an accident, all the shortcuts in the world aren't going to save you. If you were to bang into someone who would bother to put a little effort into it and find out that you are commercial...... it could be real bad. Why should an insurance company cover you if you aren't being honest with them? I understand wanting the toy, I have one for the same reason but that doesn't change the fact that commercial insurance is commercial insurance and personal... well you get the idea. In the end, it's your business and your decison, however since you did ask we want to be honest and candid. I have seen a lot of guys over the years try and cut corners and it seldom works. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

 

[Stroker01]

"As for the DOT pulling me over for hauling pallets of parts how could they tag me if I can prove I personally bought the material for personal use?"

I can't say they can or would, but if in fact you are operating a commerical enterprise, it is always best to do it right (in my opinion) because IF something goes wrong, like an accident, all the shortcuts in the world aren't going to save you. If you were to bang into someone who would bother to put a little effort into it and find out that you are commercial...... it could be real bad. Why should an insurance company cover you if you aren't being honest with them? I understand wanting the toy, I have one for the same reason but that doesn't change the fact that commercial insurance is commercial insurance and personal... well you get the idea. In the end, it's your business and your decison, however since you did ask we want to be honest and candid. I have seen a lot of guys over the years try and cut corners and it seldom works. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

I appreciate your advice. My hang up with these technicalities is let say I decide to upgrade/invest in a 40ft gooseneck for my F-250 and I am hauling a full load of pallets for my business and I slam into the back of a Honda on the freeway. Would the same apply to my 3/4 ton personal vehicle? Do I now need to worry about commercial insurance for my personal vehicle? I know I don't need a CDL for my F-250?

I do not mean to be a pain but I am trying to learn here.opcorn:

 

[GHall]

I believe you will need a CDL with a gooseneck trailer... I can't remember the class of license. But either way I think everything (should) be commercial. Stop by the DMV and grab the handbook, It will explain everything. Just in my opinion, a gooseneck and a M925 are necessary. He who dies with the most toys wins...

 

[wreckerman893]

As for the DOT pulling me over for hauling pallets of parts how could they tag me if I can prove I personally bought the material for personal use?

They don't have to prove dicky doo on the side of the road......they write you the ticket and you explain your side to the judge. Even if the judge buys your argument you will still have to pay court costs.

I have either been in the Army or a Commercial Driver all of my adult life and I can tell you that the powers that be will do what they want and you will have to pay for the consequences of your actions.

Loading and unloading pallets out of that high bed is going to get real old real quick. I have a M927 and I need a step ladder to get up in the bed (super singles). If you want to do this at least get a low trailer to pull behind the 5 ton. There are several threads about putting a Reese type hitch on these beasts.

You want to have the best of two worlds.....buy a big cheap truck and use it for semi-commercial purposes. A lot of people on this forum, myself included, have done this. Some have gotten away with it and some have been slammed by the man. I use my truck to recover stuff for other members within a close radius of my place and make a few bucks doing it. I have never been stopped by the DOT but I live in a rural area and know where the DOT likes to work.

Good luck in your endeavors which ever way you go.

 

[porkysplace]

If the gooseneck has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and it is used commercially at all , you will need a CDL and medical card

 

[Stroker01]

Loading and unloading pallets out of that high bed is going to get real old real quick. I have a M927 and I need a step ladder to get up in the bed (super singles). If you want to do this at least get a low trailer to pull behind the 5 ton. There are several threads about putting a Reese type hitch on these beasts.

I am going from dock to dock and I have a forklift at my place. So currently my pain is going from the dock level to F-250/trailer height by hand.

 

[Triple C]

wreckerman893 "They don't have to prove dicky doo on the side of the road" Now that's funny! And true. the DOT guys are good folk but they have a job to do. I appreciate your wanting to learn too. Last year I ran into a young fella who had a lawn care business, the DOT had just gotten through with him and he had $1,400 in tickets. Everything from not having triangles in his truck, tickets for a variety of trailer issues and health card, etc. all because he had a "Sign" on the side of his pickup. Small business has a real issue these days with commercial insurance too, I wish you luck. Personally, I would buy the MV as a toy and deal with cargo issues some other way but whatever, good luck to you. Thanks for taking the time to ask.

 

[commandojeff]

Personal insurance wouldn't cover you when you are using it for your business. Might as well just not get insurance and wing it haha. Joking! That is a bad idea.

Just admit that you are making an excuse to buy a 5 ton . We all do it. My excuse was that I was going to quit dating girls and turn to guys (it was a joke of course). But it sure did convince my mom to let me get it. My dad was already on board haha. Not that I needed parental consent. We are all grownups. But it does help me quite a bit knowing they have my back in case it breaks down and I don't have cash to get it home.

 

[charlietango]

'a gooseneck and a M925 are necessary'

I agree. Go big or go home. Get a 1008 while your at it for small loads. Like I told that new guy in Canada, he has to buy a deuce to go with his M104 trailer. Its just a must.



on a serious note do yourself a favour and listen to the advice here. By all means get the truck and use it. You will definitely have the LCF (look cool factor) and you will enjoy working, even if your feeding your truck all your money. But do not make a mistake. Getting a CDL and proper insurance would be far cheaper than dealing with the latter if you were stopped, or worse in an accident. (especially if someone got hurt, you'd be pretty deep in the cheet)