Hauling cars for a living

pl_silverado · 01-29-2008, 10:06 PM

Well, im debating on whether to get into it or not. Im not new to the game, i've ran a two car and single car trailer around locally for a friend of mine.

Im going to be finishing up school by summer, and need to figure out what to do with my time afterwards. Im graduating with a degree in Business Administration. I do prefer to work for myself though, and seeing as how i had diesel in my blood

im going to stay in the industry.

I was toying with the idea of getting a 3 or 4 car trailer, and either a 3500 DRW or C4500.

Either this trailer:
http://kaufmantrailers.com/catalog.p...d369e3ae3055e2

would an 18K gvw trailer be too much for a 3500 DRW?

or this one depending on if the truck can handle it or not.
http://kaufmantrailers.com/catalog.p...908a067dbcdc2c

Any tips? Any input from people that have experience is greatly appreciated. I have been doing some part time work dispatching loads and what not, so i know how to find loads.

I realize im going to need $ 1 Mil cargo coverage, aswell as a cdl, and dot #. Those will be no problem as long as theres work to do

BIGR · 01-30-2008, 12:47 AM

Before you jump head first into it big time, research the Federal Regulations on the FMCSA website. If you are hauling, making money and meet the criteria then you must comply just like an 18 wheeler does. Just something to chew on, not trying to scare you but alot of people get a quick and costly education out on the highway.

Diesel Power · 01-30-2008, 01:56 AM

I would send a PM to RickDLance. He knows all about that buisness.

Captain-A · 01-30-2008, 02:13 PM

If I were you, I would ask around the area you want to haul about how much work is available. Also figure out how much it will cost you to get started. Then look at what you need to make to make business work. For starters. I do this for a living. It is a costly start up. Good Luck whatever you decide!

pl_silverado · 01-30-2008, 07:14 PM

Well, im not very worried about finding work, theres plenty of loads available. I grew up in the automotive industry, so i know a lot of people around here that need cars moved.

Im just trying to figure out how much money id need to start up. That means deciding which trailer / truck and whatnot.

I dont think a 3500 DRW will be enough for either of the trailers i was considering. Im thinking of picking up a used F550 on ebay with the 7.3L Diesel.

Any recomendations on trucks / trailers. I love the dmax, but kodiaks are pretty high up there. I know i want one, but i think it'd be better to start off with something cheaper until work takes off.

AaronC11 · 01-31-2008, 12:12 AM

If you're just starting out and have a good amount of start up funds then get a GMC Top Kick or Dodge 4500/5500. The Dodge's are the cheapest medium duty truck. If you go with a medium duty truck definitely get the best 4 car hauler you can afford and fill it with 4 as often as you can. M&H trailers has a couple and wallymo. I like my take 3 trailer and with flip outs it can fit 4 cars at the expense of length vs height like a double decker. The thing I like about take 3 is I can order any part on the trailer from the factory. You'll have to look at em all and decide what will work for you.

A 1 ton dually can be registered legally for 35-36k GCWR with trailer. It can do the job but a bigger truck would be easier to start with. Bigger brakes, exhaust brake, bigger fuel tank, wheels/tires for weight capacity etc etc etc. Otherwise you'll end up modifying your 3500 to have the features of the 4500+ trucks but still not have the legal weight max of a 4500+ truck. My next truck will be a Top Kick.

FilmAt11 · 01-31-2008, 01:35 AM

I'm thinking there's an edge to a car hauler going where no one else wants to go. There's a truck that sat up in Bismarck ND for nearly 2 weeks with a $1665 price to move it 1,000 miles before someone picked it up. We can't all run CA to FL in the winter time can we?

2006LBZ · 01-31-2008, 11:32 AM

Just saw the thread, I'll jump in. I own a transport business, and we owed the exact 18k Kaufman trailer. A 3500DRW Duramax/Allison can pull it just fine, and with a good brake controller, can stop it also. I'll attach some photos... If you don't already know, that trailer weighs about 5900-6100 lbs, depending on trailer options. You can run with about 3 of anything and be at or under 20,000 lbs. The truck will handle it just fine, but I would recommend a kingpin fifth wheel connection in lieu of the goose ball.

If you do go with Kaufman, deal with David Smith. I've bought several of our trailers from him, and he will take good care of you.

As for the EZ Loader double decker, that trailer weighs over 9000 lbs empty. Loading 2 cars on it would put you at your truck's maximum. I would recommend a bigger truck for sure.

I have to go handle a tow call, will post some photos of our 2006 LBZ (thus my screen name) with the 18k Kaufman trailer when I return.

bspz28 · 01-31-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2006LBZ

Just saw the thread, I'll jump in. I own a transport business, and we owed the exact 18k Kaufman trailer. A 3500DRW Duramax/Allison can pull it just fine, and with a good brake controller, can stop it also. I'll attach some photos... If you don't already know, that trailer weighs about 5900-6100 lbs, depending on trailer options. You can run with about 3 of anything and be at or under 20,000 lbs. The truck will handle it just fine, but I would recommend a kingpin fifth wheel connection in lieu of the goose ball.

If you do go with Kaufman, deal with David Smith. I've bought several of our trailers from him, and he will take good care of you.

As for the EZ Loader double decker, that trailer weighs over 9000 lbs empty. Loading 2 cars on it would put you at your truck's maximum. I would recommend a bigger truck for sure.

I have to go handle a tow call, will post some photos of our 2006 LBZ (thus my screen name) with the 18k Kaufman trailer when I return.

Hey Chris Figure i'll help you out with some pic's of your set-up.

I also just got started in the business and it's not easy. I am running a 2 car kaufman as we speak and I am looking into a 3 car wedge.

cgreen · 01-31-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bspz28

Hey Chris Figure i'll help you out with some pic's of your set-up.

I also just got started in the business and it's not easy. I am running a 2 car kaufman as we speak and I am looking into a 3 car wedge.

I've seen that truck in Georgia before.

01-29-2008, 10:06 PM	#1
pl_silverado Diesel Technician Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: West Chester, PA Posts: 319 iTrader: (0)	Hauling cars for a living Well, im debating on whether to get into it or not. Im not new to the game, i've ran a two car and single car trailer around locally for a friend of mine. Im going to be finishing up school by summer, and need to figure out what to do with my time afterwards. Im graduating with a degree in Business Administration. I do prefer to work for myself though, and seeing as how i had diesel in my blood im going to stay in the industry. I was toying with the idea of getting a 3 or 4 car trailer, and either a 3500 DRW or C4500. Either this trailer: http://kaufmantrailers.com/catalog.p...d369e3ae3055e2 would an 18K gvw trailer be too much for a 3500 DRW? or this one depending on if the truck can handle it or not. http://kaufmantrailers.com/catalog.p...908a067dbcdc2c Any tips? Any input from people that have experience is greatly appreciated. I have been doing some part time work dispatching loads and what not, so i know how to find loads. I realize im going to need $ 1 Mil cargo coverage, aswell as a cdl, and dot #. Those will be no problem as long as theres work to do __________________ 2002 2500HD CCSB with a few toys on it Last edited by pl_silverado : 01-29-2008 at 10:07 PM.
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01-30-2008, 12:47 AM	#2
BIGR Diesel Specialist Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Rural USA Posts: 817 Garage: active iTrader: (1)	Before you jump head first into it big time, research the Federal Regulations on the FMCSA website. If you are hauling, making money and meet the criteria then you must comply just like an 18 wheeler does. Just something to chew on, not trying to scare you but alot of people get a quick and costly education out on the highway. __________________ 2006 Silverado LT1 2500HD CC S/B 4X4 LBZ Graystone Metallic / Dark Charcoal Interior Matching Century Royal Camper Shell GM Mudguards Nasta Step Bars Ranch Hand Legend Grill Guard Motor Is All Stock For Now
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01-30-2008, 01:56 AM	#3
Diesel Power Supporting Vendor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 11,614 Garage: active iTrader: (1)	I would send a PM to RickDLance. He knows all about that buisness. __________________ 2002 Chevy D/A Summit White CC/SB 4WD - "Conspiracy Theory" *TTS TUNED, AS IF THERE WAS EVER A QUESTION* Not-Quite-Stock Motor See Garage for Specs. Silver Flames from KC Customs That Add 100HP Best E.T. 11.3 @ 123 800+ HP #2 ONLY 900+ HP NOS 2003 Chevy D/A Summit White EC/LB Dually 2WD 160k Miles Tow Vehicle Tuned by IdahoRob EFI Live w/ DSP2, Banks Intercooler & Ram-Air Intake w/ Scoop, Autometer Boost & Pyro Gauges TTS Trans, Converterter, Fuel Pumps, Pickup & Exhaust, Pacbrake PBXR Exhaust Brake, Weatherguard Toolbox Pioneer AVIC-D3, Bluetooth, Backup Camera, Sirius Radio, B&W Turnover GN, Tranny Cooler, Astrostart, Line-X, TTT Mirrors All 4 With Nicktane Fuel Filter Kits 2003 VW Jetta GLS TDI - Mine SGII, Ventectomy, PD150 Intake & Race pipe, McNally Boost/EGT Gauge, Eurojet SMIC, DC Stage 4 Clutch, Elephant CCV, 5 Brake Light Mod 49.8MPG Average So Far 2000 VW Jetta GLS TDI - Hers Ventectomy, Wingnut SRP, Elephant CCV, DC Stage 3 Clutch, 18" RS4 Replicas
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01-30-2008, 02:13 PM	#4
Captain-A Diesel Technician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: New York Posts: 294 Garage: active iTrader: (0) Armed Forces Club Member	If I were you, I would ask around the area you want to haul about how much work is available. Also figure out how much it will cost you to get started. Then look at what you need to make to make business work. For starters. I do this for a living. It is a costly start up. Good Luck whatever you decide! __________________ 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Dmax , Banks CAI with super scoop, Just put on 06 extending mirrors, PPE Hot+2, SC V trans. boost stick, 60 gal. tolbox RDS combo. Undercover tonnuea cover. Reese tow beast hitch.A few other goodies. 02 Sloan Kwickload car trailer SOLD, 97 Pace enclosed 30' SOLD, 36ft appalation 2 car trailer. 2007 Pace 24' set for Race cars. 06 Hodges Custom 20' open car trailer.
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01-30-2008, 07:14 PM	#5
pl_silverado Diesel Technician Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: West Chester, PA Posts: 319 iTrader: (0)	Well, im not very worried about finding work, theres plenty of loads available. I grew up in the automotive industry, so i know a lot of people around here that need cars moved. Im just trying to figure out how much money id need to start up. That means deciding which trailer / truck and whatnot. I dont think a 3500 DRW will be enough for either of the trailers i was considering. Im thinking of picking up a used F550 on ebay with the 7.3L Diesel. Any recomendations on trucks / trailers. I love the dmax, but kodiaks are pretty high up there. I know i want one, but i think it'd be better to start off with something cheaper until work takes off. __________________ 2002 2500HD CCSB with a few toys on it
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01-31-2008, 12:12 AM	#6
AaronC11 Diesel Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 118 iTrader: (0)	If you're just starting out and have a good amount of start up funds then get a GMC Top Kick or Dodge 4500/5500. The Dodge's are the cheapest medium duty truck. If you go with a medium duty truck definitely get the best 4 car hauler you can afford and fill it with 4 as often as you can. M&H trailers has a couple and wallymo. I like my take 3 trailer and with flip outs it can fit 4 cars at the expense of length vs height like a double decker. The thing I like about take 3 is I can order any part on the trailer from the factory. You'll have to look at em all and decide what will work for you. A 1 ton dually can be registered legally for 35-36k GCWR with trailer. It can do the job but a bigger truck would be easier to start with. Bigger brakes, exhaust brake, bigger fuel tank, wheels/tires for weight capacity etc etc etc. Otherwise you'll end up modifying your 3500 to have the features of the 4500+ trucks but still not have the legal weight max of a 4500+ truck. My next truck will be a Top Kick. __________________ LMM Dually LTZ Black/Black: Stock airbox mod, MBRP Turbo Back, Quadzilla on Economy, Firestone airbags, B&W gooseneck hitch, towing a 53' Take 3 car hauler
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01-31-2008, 01:35 AM	#7
FilmAt11 Diesel Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 200 iTrader: (0)	I'm thinking there's an edge to a car hauler going where no one else wants to go. There's a truck that sat up in Bismarck ND for nearly 2 weeks with a $1665 price to move it 1,000 miles before someone picked it up. We can't all run CA to FL in the winter time can we?
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01-31-2008, 11:32 AM	#8
2006LBZ Diesel Specialist Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Youngstown, Ohio Posts: 757 Garage: active iTrader: (0)	Just saw the thread, I'll jump in. I own a transport business, and we owed the exact 18k Kaufman trailer. A 3500DRW Duramax/Allison can pull it just fine, and with a good brake controller, can stop it also. I'll attach some photos... If you don't already know, that trailer weighs about 5900-6100 lbs, depending on trailer options. You can run with about 3 of anything and be at or under 20,000 lbs. The truck will handle it just fine, but I would recommend a kingpin fifth wheel connection in lieu of the goose ball. If you do go with Kaufman, deal with David Smith. I've bought several of our trailers from him, and he will take good care of you. As for the EZ Loader double decker, that trailer weighs over 9000 lbs empty. Loading 2 cars on it would put you at your truck's maximum. I would recommend a bigger truck for sure. I have to go handle a tow call, will post some photos of our 2006 LBZ (thus my screen name) with the 18k Kaufman trailer when I return. __________________ 2009 F250 Crew 6.4 PSD 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 Conv.
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