QuestionI know you said 2 dually for the lowboy type trailer but what do you think of this one? Maybe if everything works out then I will outgrow something like this fast and can upgrade, I have seen this style on the road being worked..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130065752940&fromM
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Hello just like everyone else I am looking to start a new career.. I just bought a 06 Ford F350 6.0, 4 door DRW. I live in the Daytona Beach area. I do not currently have a CDL but will soon. I have been reading your replies a lot of helpful info you are giving. Thank you.
I want to get into the best type of trailer. I want to haul cars but at the same time I don't want to turn away work if it comes my way.
People are telling me a Low boy is the best trailer to start with. Should I get one with a dove tail so I can load cars and other wheeled equiptment?
What length should I get? 40, 43 or 45'
Should I get one with 3 single wheel axles or with 2 dually axles?
I have used pull behind 1 and 2 car trailers will I have any trouble driving a gooseneck?
If you think of anything else please let me know.
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Hi Joe.
It really depends on who your target customer is. I know you don't want to turn away work, but it's hard to be "all things to all people" so to speak. If you think the majority of your work will be cars, I would get a three or four car, 53' wedge trailer. Then just focus on hauling cars. In Florida, there are plenty of dealers down here that could use your services and you'll always be busy.
The other nice thing about just pulling cars is that you will have a lot more loads with one pick-up and one delivery. A dealer like Carmax will give you four cars to load at an auction and deliver to their location. It's fast, easy and you know they are going to pay.
If you wanted to go with a lowboy, then I would focus on hauling equipment. More specifically dealers, construction companies, etc. I try to steer away from individuals because it's harder to get paid. What you'll need to research is the weight of the trailer your looking at and the weight of your loads. Your truck should be able to tow around 19,000 lbs. Lowboys are traditionally a lot heavier than car haulers (and more expensive). You might be only able to haul one piece of equipment on it and keep it under 19,000 (or whatever your towing capacity is). Keep this mind when pricing your services!
Also, check with you insurance company. What are their rates for liability/cargo insurance in hauling cars vs. heavy equipment. It's always good to know your cost BEFORE buying the equipment.
The length of the trailer, again, depends on the weight issue. I would go for the longest, and lightest trailer possible. This will enable you to haul more. If you go with a lowboy, you want 2 dually axles. If you get just a car hauler (like a wedge), the 3 single wheel axles are fine.
Bottom line with the trailer, which one is going to make me more money? Crunch some numbers, know that the heavier the load, the harder it is on your truck and the more fuel you'll burn. Is it easier to haul cars or heavy equipment? What do you primarily want to haul? How is the load availability? Take all this into consideration. Buy a trailer that your comfortable with in your business plan, not one that a friend likes!
With longer trailers, you have to be real alert driving around town and turning. That will be the hardest part. Now, you have to size up the parking lot before you pull in. Beyond that, I prefer longer trailers because they ride better going down the road. You'll pick it up quick, like anything, it just takes practice.
One thing I would look into is some type of chip or portable tuning device. I know a couple of guys who bought DiabloSport flash programmers with F-350 Diesels and have gotten more hp and torque. You can research them at www.diablosport.com. I would price check around. I'm no DiabloSport expert or salesman and I know that there are a few companies who offer them. It won't void your warranty either.
Good luck and welcome to trucking!
Bob Stephens
AnswerJoe,
That trailer looks to be fairly decent. Two things I don't like about it are the ramps and how the wheels sit higher than the deck. Not huge issues, but if have to haul a sports car (i.e. Corvette) those ramps may be too much at an angle. Low height vehicles may bottom out where the ramp meets the trailer. The easy fix is to carry long wood planks with you as opposed to building new ramps.
Then, as far as the wheels and the deck are concerned, it will be hard to get out of that said sports car if the door will hit the trailer fender. Or if you haul a tractor and the bucket is 2" wider than your deck, now it will have to rest on the fenders. Minor issues that you can resolve. If it was me, I would go to a welder and tell him to make that driver side fender removable. It will cost you a couple hundred, but it will make your life easier in the long run.
You may also have him weld some sort of deck on the front of the trailer so you can mount a winch. Keep in mind that it can't be too big so your truck hits it when turning, but a winch is almost a must in my book. You'll eventually run across non-running vehicles that owners want shipped and this will help.
Good luck!
Bob Stephens
