I am in the landscaping business (small), and I am considering getting in the hauling business. Cars, tractors, whatever pays. Below you can see what truck I presently have. If I were to move into the hauling business, which truck (4500,5500,ect.) would do the job? Thanks!

My advice to you is that go with a dually chev, ford, or dodge, because I use a 2004 chev, 4500 duramax to deliver travel trailers all over the united states in all types of terrain, and because of the weight and gearing my operating costs are about 20% more than a regular dually. Just thought you might like to know. Ran 84,000 miles last year with no problems. Good luck!
animal

animal;

What about the pulling power you have verses a dually? Is it not that much difference?

If you equipped a chev dually duramax with a 410 rear gear, you would have as much pulling power because they both have the same engines. If you are planning on delivering cars that's the type of truck I would buy because you're always going to be hauling that trailer around. The benefit of having a 4500 crew cab is you've got a nice big back seat that lays down to a bed and that saves on motel bills. Plus, you get a better field of vision due to sitting higher. The warranty is better also on the 4500.
Hopes this helps.

Thanks animal, that helps me understand the difference. I still like the looks of the CC 4500 but, I'm sure it is a big difference in price in the two also? Are you hauling for yourself or are you contracted out by a company? 84,000 miles in one year, man at that rate how often are you home?

Found one for sale for ya??
For sale: 2003 GMC C4500 Top Kick, 27,800 miles. Equipment: Duramax Diesel, 8’ bed, 8’ Tubular Bed Grab Rail, Factory Bed Liner, Dual Fuel Tanks, Automatic With Overdrive, Power Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System, Dual Rear Wheels, 22.5” Alcoa Wheels, Air Ride Suspension, Crew Cab, Fold Down Rear Seat, Gauge Cluster, Clock, Trip Odometer, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Cruise Control, Interval Wipers, Driver Side Air Bag, Driver Side Power Mirrors, Heated Outside Mirrors, Console, Center Arm Rest(s), Front Air Ride Bucket Seats, Carpeting, Cloth Upholstery, Custom Running Boards, Trailer Hitch, Flip Down Fifth Wheel, Custom Train Horn, Custom Front and Rear Bumpers, Remote Keyless Entry. Like New $59,000 Click here for pictures.. Call toll free (866) 684-2021 or email yacht4you@hotmail.com (7/11/04)

Here's the deal, I'm leased to Hoosier RV transport that's a great outfit, you can find them on the internet. The 84,000 that I piled up last year but I was home alot. A lot of these guys are running between 150,000 to 200k a year. Tey're presently paying 96 cents to 1.13 a mile loaded. You have a three quarter ton pick-up truck, and if it has a 8 ft. bed, you can use that to haul travel trailers and fifth wheels, because o lot of guys are doing it. The good thing about a 3/4 ton is you only have to keep a log while you are towing. Check out there website and see what you think. It's in Bristol Indiana. Let the good times roll, Animal

Animal;

Thanks for the info. I looked them up and sent them a email. Unfortunatley I have a short bed truck, 6.5 ft I think. Plus I'm in NC and that's a long way from Bristol Indiana! I'm going to search in NC and see if I can find a transport company and take your recommendations. Looks like they all want a long bed truck at the least.

Hi All,

I have found your posts informative. I'm a trucker on a 2 year hiatus to Afghanistan. When I get back in September, I want to get into the RV hauling business and have decided on a Chevy/GMC medium duty.

Would you be willing to give me some info on your setup, make of bed, 5th wheel etc. I really don't know much about it and am trying to learn from the net.

What should I expect to pay (cash). Do you have any opinion on who makes the best, Chariot, Monroe ETC. And what about taxes?

I'd appreciate any help or opinions.

Thanks, Bill Singleton

I have a chariot conversion, very satisfied with, payed $51,000 for it new in Lou, Ky. at bob hook chev. With air ride trailer saver fifth wheel, and the other hitch you'll need, it's going to cost you about another $2800 bucks. Happy trucking, let the good times roll, animal.