I have an opportunity to move a 5th wheel about 100 miles, and have no idea how to charge. Am also wondering what I'm getting myself into should I have an "incident". Any thoughts? Thanks.

I'll post here to hopefully catch someone who knows more about this's attention.
Although I was pretty sure once you started doing this for hire, you need a new licence and insurance. I'd check myself with my insurance and local laws before i put my neck out though if i were you.

if you think you can make it safely do it.

Do you know the person you will be ahuling for well?

Do you know the person you will be ahuling for well?

No. I just responded to a local ad. The insurance issue has me worried. I was thinking about contacting my insurance carrier and simply tell them that I was moving a trailer for an aquaintance and see what they said. I have no intention if getting into the business; I just wanted to pick up a couple of extra bucks.

If you are getting paid you are commercial. If you got stopped you would have to show...commercial ins, dot #, med card, logs, basically just about everything a semi needs. As far as if an accident happens....hope you have big checkbook. My opinion, not worth the risk.

I wouldn't worry about being stopped and harrased, you could always say it's yours or a friends. With that being said, I wouldn't tow just anyone's trailer. If it was a friend's or family member's I'd say go for it and charge him fuel and maybe a few bucks.

If you don't know the person or condition of the trailer,:badidea: You are just asking for trouble.

Yeah...GREAT IDEA!!! Tell them that it is yours and than give them the registration when they ask for it and explain why sombody elses name is on YOUR registration along with the wrong address. Too big a risk for too small a return if you ask me. Should you get stopped they can and will impound your truck as well as the trailer for illegal hauling, fine you up to $10,000 and give you a free vacation at one of the Federal Facilities. Your personal insurance WILL NOT cover the trailer should you be involved in an accident. You can tell your ins co that it is your trailer but if something happens, is the rightfull owner going to back up your story? I dont think so. If it were me.....I.d pass!!!

I wouldn't bother, 100 miles? Just let someone else handle it. You would be fine with no issues, but what if?? Accident, flat tire, damage to the rv, pulled over, equipment not roadworthy (lights, brakes, tires etc). Why risk it for what would amount to MAYBE a couple hundred profit AS BEST or a couple hundred in fines or worse!

Tim

simelliot, I don't know what state you are in, but I don't remember it being illeagal to pull someone elses trailer. I know it is not wise to tow unfamilar trailers, but I haven't heard of anyone getting their truck and trailer (normal ones, not commercial stuff) impounded because the name on the trailer did not match the name on the tow truck, unless the plates come back as stolen. :rolleyes:

simelliot, I don't know what state you are in, but I don't remember it being illeagal to pull someone elses trailer. I know it is not wise to tow unfamilar trailers, but I haven't heard of anyone getting their truck and trailer (normal ones, not commercial stuff) impounded because the name on the trailer did not match the name on the tow truck, unless the plates come back as stolen. :rolleyes:


x2

Do it for the fuel money, $100+...

In todays sue happy world you guys are crazy to put yourself at risk for a couple hundred bucks.

if i can ask , how much would he pay you to move it?

In todays sue happy world you guys are crazy to put yourself at risk for a couple hundred bucks.X 2 :exactly:

The minute you accept money from a stranger to move the trailer, you automatically are doing it for business. At that moment, you become a commercial carrier subject to all the laws and regulations.

I doubt that a stranger is going to say that he's your old time buddy if you have an at-fault accident and his trailer is damaged.

All ya gotta do is ask for a donation!!! then your not for hire.. Simple and easy way to get around the "for hire"

All ya gotta do is ask for a donation!!! then your not for hire.. Simple and easy way to get around the "for hire"

Unless your a true non profit, a donation is still income. So you are still are commercial. If there is an accident, your still liable, your still the one to get sued, and lets see you get a judge to believe the donation bs.

I have an opportunity to move a 5th wheel about 100 miles, and have no idea how to charge. Am also wondering what I'm getting myself into should I have an "incident". Any thoughts? Thanks.

I would first call your insurer and tell him this is an in frequent type gig and see what he says.Then,I'd call your state police or DOT and tell them your story and where/what roads you're traveling.Just maybe there's some kind of temporary/limited type of permit{s} you can get.Can't hurt to check and you might be surprised.

I thought the going rate was a minimum of $3.00 per mile.

Unless your a true non profit, a donation is still income. So you are still are commercial. If there is an accident, your still liable, your still the one to get sued, and lets see you get a judge to believe the donation bs. :exactly:

In reality you don't have to make a profit at all. Even a non-profit entity has to meet all DOT regulations. All you need is some type of "Revenue". Even if you don't make a profit at all, you are still considered a commercial hauler.

I agree that a lot of these regulations SUCK, but I would not want to take that chance.:thumbsdow

I agree w/all the guys who say dont do it. not worth it.

If your that worried about it dont do it cuz chances are if your that worried sompthing will happen just my .02 cents from experience

i personally would not do it. one of my employees who has a take home truck used his truck on a weekend to haul a friend of his's 5th wheel camper to his cabin without my knowledge. well on the way to his cabin he rear ended a car and my name being on the side of the truck and him being an employee, it was my insurance company they went after. long story short. there's too many risks in doing it for a little amount. now i also agree with everyone saying dont. although its not very far, every mile is just an increased risk. just my opinion.