A flat bed makes your truck illegal? Pros&Cons of a flatbed truck

[@georgvonsauer2618]

You are correct! Flatbeds are user friendly...very adaptable...easier to load and off load...plus more options for tying down a load...

[@jimalbright5938]

Not always depending on who built your flat bed my boss has a flat bed with not one tie down point on it But he built it out of free scrap And he doesn't tie anything down anyways He drove around for a month with an excavator bucket on it I drove around the blocket fell off

[@kadmow]

@@jimalbright5938 (no need to explain that some people just haven't got it together. lol - tie your loads down. (BTW a steel bed can always get anything welded to it as needed - tiedown points, cargo dogs, etc...) )

[@stephenbrown571]

Only in California can you find such BS. Any where else it’s still just a truck. Unless you’re actually using it as a commercial vehicle.

[@VBELTandSON]

The way it should be

[@LaLaLucky7777]

In California a good Beer farts are illegal! FJB

[@dillonduty8084]

in louisiana a lot of regular insurances won't cover a flatbed or utility bed you have to go to a commercial insurance company but they found a work around to where they will insure it as non commercial so you don't have to get all the dot numbers or anything

[@bass-n-truth-inthestix9083]

I too was thinking along the same lines when I left my comment lol. Then I read yours like "I'll be damned I'm not alone".

[@jnk26]

In Ontario Canada if you remove the factory bed. The truck need to have a commercial inspection. Also if you want to tow longer than 45ft, you have to have a tractor(no bed flat or factory)

[@leemckee1272]

Backup view: I recommend a Garmin portable GPS paired with a Garmin wireless backup camera double-sided taped onto a magnet. Place it just over the hitch and get it right first time every time. Move it between every vehicle. I use one daily.

[@VBELTandSON]

Send a link thanks

[@chargermopar]

I know someone who lives in this county where code enforcement will fine you 500 dollars if you put a flat bed on your pickup. We cut a standard bed and made it go over a flat bed. The sides and tailgate can be removed and the flatbed is usable.

[@kingtut5923]

Where are you from?

[@robertlong6642]

In Texas, I registered my f-550 with a flatbed as my personal vehicle, with gvwr of 18000 lbs. normal pickup plates, insurance went through progressive commercial side but notated as “ personal use only “

[@Peterbilt359]

I do the same in Utah. I have a 550,450,350 and 2 dodge 3500s. We have very little DOT issues. They recommend I get magnetic sign with name on it. So if moving skid steer to job then I'm legal.

[@Brandon68plus1]

Everyone runs 4500 & 5500s with flatbeds in Texas for personal trucks. Gotta love our state!

[@reidcrosby6241]

Just be careful, if you are in an accident and they can in ANY way determine it was NOT a personal load then your cooked.

[@robertlong6642]

@@reidcrosby6241 they have to prove that you are transporting the load for hire, ie money. As long as you receive no compensation for it, is considered personal use

[@stevebell4906]

@@robertlong6642 Ah yes another sea lawyer...Never waste money on a real lawyer...

[@stevecarlisle3323]

Its all based on GVW, defined at time of manufacture, and displayed inside the door pillar. If you buy a truck with 10000 lbs GVW, and the cab and chassis wieghts 7500 lbs, and you install a nice steel work box/deck on it, that wieghs 1000lbs, you can legally haul 1500lbs

[@TheMoparGarage]

All great points. For whatever reason I just love the way a normal pickup bed looks vs a flatbed, despite its usability shortcomings.

[@finck9226]

1st gen Cummins really was a beauty of a truck I too am torn on taking the bed off.

[@lawrencelenerd3988]

The functionality of the flatbed makes it attractive imo

[@brotherjohn7762]

Depends on what state you’re in, and if you have your truck in your personal name and not in your business name. You can pull a trailer or put a flatbed on it and never get stopped by DOT. Unless they see you with a flatbed and you do not have your safety chains hooked up.

[@duncandmcgrath6290]

DOT can stop anyone

[@warrenpuckett4203]

In MI if was registered as pickup it remains a pickup. Had a county mounty ticket me for that. Because the sign said no trucks. The judge agreed with me. The title said pick up. But if it has those amber running lights running lights on top of the cab. You need a chauffeur or Class B if you are employed and driving. That is a truck in MI. Pickup bed or not. Still a private owner using for non commercial use it is a pickup. Won't work with a f-450 or equivalent that way.

[@brotherjohn7762]

@@warrenpuckett4203 I have heard that some of the northern laws are kind of silly. That sucks!

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

CA CHP is hit or miss. Most are cool and know that I’m not a commercial hauler with my 25 year old dodge dually, but some like to hassle me due to the flatbed

[@Bhartrampf]

@@warrenpuckett4203 interesting, as some half and three quarter ton trucks came with clearance lights from the factory and in the eighties, some of us installed them for the cool factor on short bed half tons also.

[@datguy8371]

The math is easy to explain. There is really no such thing as a 3/4 or 1 ton truck these days. The 2500 and 3500 labels used to roughly mean that, but makers have been competitive and customers always want "more" out of their trucks. The real capacity is calculated from GVWR now. Most 2500 class trucks are going to be in the 10,000 lbs GVWR range, and most 3500s are typically upwards of 12,000 lbs. The 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 labels are just legacy now.

[@DAR10162]

I'm not sure about single rear wheel that might be what you're talking about and if you are I apologize but every new "3500/350/1 Ton" truck that I can think of dual rear wheel has a GVWR between 16,000 pounds and 18,000 lb and a GCVWR OF 26,000 lb on the money because Federal regulations state that you cannot go any higher with your rated capacity then 26,000 lb before it becomes a commercial motor vehicle some exemptions apply such as motorhomes/rvs

[@bags4930]

@@DAR10162 Exactly. Once you hit 26,001 you are CDL. At least in my state and most around me.

[@DAR10162]

@@bags4930 it's a federal ruling not a state level thing

[@baddog9320]

in truth we call trucks by the wrong weight category. F100, c10, means 1000 lbs F150, C15, 1500 means 1500 lbs. C20 means 2000 lbs ( 1 ton) c25 F250 2500 means 2500 lbs ( 1 and a quarter ton) c30 means 3000 f350 c35, 3500 means 3500 lbs / 1& 3/4 ton C65 means 6500 lbs I left some out but you see the trend This is why the Army called Cuvee as follows blazer which is a c15 , a 3/4 ton and a pickup that was a c25, one and a quarter ton. Most people have not made this connection. But it real. Those are the haul capacity set my the manufacturer. Now don't get me wrong. I hate 6 lug 2500. They lack the braking a "3/4 ton" should have. And why I still call them half tons. Just because you can put 1 and a half ton in a " half ton" that doesn't mean it's a 1 ton and can safety haul it. I'm guilty I've done it. And I've also blown through a stop sign and totaled a car. Because I did it. And didn't have the brake power. If not for the car I put the engine on the fender. I wouldn't of stopped. It just wasn't stopping. too much hill, and too much weight. Add to this I was on the wrong street even. Which I found out when the cops came to write up the accident. lol. I was glad to turn around and go to the correct street. For those wondering. My truck broke part of the pipe bumper and recieved a minor scratch on the side. it was unreal comparing the damage. Now for more Twilight zone. The car driver pulled into the intersection and turned off his car. Refused to move as I laid on the horn. I did not know this until over a year later. He must of told the cops this. So it was demand both parties paid their damage. I was not cited. Even through I told the officer that my brakes didn't stop me and I ran the stop sign. ( BTW for those interested it was a 4 way stop) Very strange. But I learned to never haul more then ones stopping power. oh the truck was a c15 shortbed step side pulling a trailer with a AMC eagle on it. There was more but that was the blunt of weight. going down a steep hill. If I was more experienced a lower gear would have also helped. The man driving the car died 2 years after. No injuries in accident noted. His insurance paid for his car. Mine wanted me to get a new bumper and paint. I welded the pipe back on and spray painted the damage.

[@midget9629]

@@bags4930 don't forget the commercial limits as well. Technically speaking you can't pull more than 10,000lbs on a trailer without a cdl. It's very easy to go over the 10k and still be under 26.

[@tikitorch3117]

Regular beds have their advantages though. You don’t have to tie absolutely everything down. Especially for people that don’t really tow much. Plus regular beds can provide more protection to some extent especially when hauling things that are fragile. It’s completely up to what the owner uses the truck for.

[@dumpstermaster104]

Really depends on what state your in, many states you can legally make homemade flatbeds entirely out of wood.

[@CA-fn1wg]

Have a 08 dodge 5500 with a 12 ft flatbed on it never even bothered by law enforcement with. Even at cattle actions at stockyards with a livestock trailer on it and the state boys wanting to check every ones fuel tanks 😁 my old 2500 gmc with the gas 6.0 state boy checked that fuel tank 😅 for off road fuel said the fuel smelled funny told him really cause its gasoline never seen a deisel with spark plugs regards form wisconsin

[@VBELTandSON]

Hahahah that’s awesome

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Don't Detroits have spark plugs?

[@85square]

agreed, factory boxes are pretty much worse for any situation

[@rctopfueler2841]

my 65 elcamino 230 3 on tree manual all regularly hauled 1600lb with no issues

[@johnossendorf9979]

I used to regularly put 2k pounds sometimes more on my 86 2wd 4 cylinder 4 speed manual Toyota, as I recall it was rated for 1600 pounds. You could feel it bounce off the axel when you hit a bump but as long as you kept it at the speed limit it climbed hills and stopped on the way down just fine.

[@travisgrimm]

Oh... you're 'that guy'.

[@johnossendorf9979]

@@travisgrimm ✅

[@mortimersnerdishere]

This is why I've kept my Class A active even though I'm not a truck driver anymore,

[@highoctain113]

We have a small fleet of trucks here on the farm and each one is built ( I build them myself ) with a specific job set intended. Our dually, flatbed because she's meant for towing the stock trailer, dump, and flat trailers, she's the tow pig. Then we have a couple short beds, one is our short run truck, if we run out to get a small load of feed, groceries, auto parts, the general smaller load items, this is the one we use, although wifey cut a gate to short and destroyed the bed, so when I get around to it, it will get a flatbed paired with removable rails... Then our other shortbed is kinda the toy, it's the one we play with, the hot rod. It doesn't really fit it's role because our kids are older and it's the 3rd gen 4 door so the back seat is a bit small, considering how I have it set up as my general day to day working rig that doesn't leave much room back there for them. Once I get the durilac project finished, this truck will be my daily work horse and the back seat will be loaded with my work gear for around the farm, spare roll of fence wire and tools, my rifle, mini welder, bucket of chains, basically the items I use every day but can't leave in the bed. Every truck is different because every one is intended to do a different set of jobs.

[@Dieselfan1997]

Honestly you make some good points I love bolth looks and bolth have there place but it's hard to beat a flatbed if you need to haul stuff on the bed get taller racks lmao and there's so much customization with a flatbed for the owners use and application

[@MintyasTruckFarms]

When you tow a camper with a squared flat bed you have to worry about the corners of the bed hitting the camper (learned the hard and ripped the front doors off my fifth wheel) not a problem if the corners of the bed are bobbed like most modern flatbeds just an FYI.

[@VBELTandSON]

Ouch not good

[@rctjacksonville]

The laws you site are different in every state. The Fed DOT does have ton rules regarding the use of vehicles use in a commercial use, but personal use falls under states. Your right about weight of the vehicle, but a new F350 Dually bed is Aluminum so it only weighs less than 200 lbs. If your pulling a long trailer, it's length can become an issue. A bed means 65ft is the limit I'm most states and 55ft in CA, NY and a few others. Flatbed are still considered a pick up not a power until. If you remove the bed and don't add the flatbed, it's a power unit and length laws go away. I am With you on the flatbed, I love them.

[@JohnDoeYouAre]

Thank you fore explaining more reasons why have a 2500 with single wheel vs 3500 with duals. It annoys me when a 2500 can do the same as 3500 single wheel with just 2 less leaf springs. Fords, or Dodge Rams I see over Chevy’s especially with long beds.

[@geraldkoth654]

When I was shopping 11 years ago, SD Truck Springs had 37 spring packs that fit my 07.5 2500 Megacab. I put on some soft springs and Helwig airbags, adjustability for ride and load. My dear departed wife had different desires for ride from hour to hour. No problem with in cab high flow regulator. Gen 3 trucks had all but the rear spring pack the same for 2500 or 3500. So spring it up any way you want.

[@danielgodfrey4415]

I dive an 18 wheeler for a living. I tell everyone USE WHAT YOU HAVE. I'm a fairly young guy (28) so the age cockyness is no excuse. It takes one slipup to learn.

[@averyw.3939]

Agreed, I've heard that some guys will give you grief for using the rear window on a daycab, but it's there for a reason.

[@jonniessink1]

What he also forgot to say or didn't know at the time. California conciders all p/u a "commercial" vehicles. If I remember correctly on both my dads 99' f-150 and my 86" f-250 on the title or "pink" slip it's labeled as a commercial vehicle, even though they never were used for business purposes. Probably just another way to get more money out of the tax payer w/o them knowing. For example my 86' f-250 registration cost me almost $300 every year, now that I live on Oklahoma it only cost me around $35.

[@VBELTandSON]

Pretty much everything is a dang commercial use

[@duckwacker8720]

You'd have to be pretty stupid to license anything in Commifornia. If you're a business just have your corporate office in Montana and license everything there. You can also get permanent registration in Montana.

[@VBELTandSON]

@@duckwacker8720 no matter what you do. Someone dumber than you will call you stupid

[@dminter1234]

I just moved from California with my 2006 c4500 and my dodge ram 1500, both states required me to register both those vehicles as commercial. My 4500 has an rv hauler bed, (flat bed) and the 1500 has a standard bed. I dont haul commercial, but use my 4500 to haul my 31ft fifth wheel. My 4500 has a gvwr of 17500 and gcvwr of 26,000. In California I had to declare a max weight for registration purposes and mine was 260000lbs. They charge more for more sticker weight. In Arizona I didnt have declare the max weight at all. My 4500 scales in at 11000lbs.

[@Wbfuhn]

I'd consider converting an old truck into a camper truck for the purpose of having a place to sleep with a bit more comfort and modern features while also being an office. I have a 99 F150 XLT and I registered it for the minimum of 6k lbs. I want to add a camper but not one already assembled. I want to build one, which will be lighter, but it has to do something specific. It has to compress to a canopy flush with the top and expand to a camper. But I want to go beyond. I want to add batteries, outlets, technology, something to be both an office and comfortable when camping. I learned the hard way trying to sleep in the extended cab. I'm 5'7" and the truck is less than 5' wide inside.

[@benreid7567]

In Australia you either have a style side or flat bed. Contractors use big tool box trays. No-one cares as long as you dont go over the scales heavy.

[@vicpetrishak1077]

Beds with exterior stake pockets with rub rails are better beds for a variety of tie downs . Sideboards give a lot of extra hauling advantage .

[@VBELTandSON]

This rig has built in stake pockets. Is that good?

[@northjerseykevin3915]

Great video. I have a standard pickup but I love the look of flatbeds. I wish I could justify getting one. Thanks for the video

[@GRid-yk2ru]

I had an identical truck to your fuel mule. Took a load of shingles to the landfill in the box (can't do that with a flatbed. Lol). It scaled 9700lbs loaded and 7200lbs empty. I was amazed how heavy it was empty! I think the flat bed or stock bed each have there place, all depends on the majority of what it will be used for. It would be nice to have a choice of trucks like in your fleet. 😉

[@nicholashollow9410]

You can get stake pocket sides for a flat bed. They even make tool box sides that work and lock into stake pockets. You can have a bed that's 8x8 installed of 5x8 and you can even get a dump kit so you don't have to hand unload it.

[@kadmow]

- in Australia nearly all flatbeds come from the factory (or custom builder) with hinged sides, they are easy to take off, but define a ~1ft deep tub when up. - additional gates etc are available per use case, no limits to what can be done, just take care as it is easy to load in excess of GVM.

[@georgeenriquez612]

Flatbed everything for the win😎 I’m in the same boat as you with having too many trucks but I like having the variety to fit bill every different day.

[@VBELTandSON]

That’s how’s it’s done haha

[@georgeenriquez612]

@@VBELTandSON 10/4 haha

[@richardharvey8939]

I agree with everything you said. Especially backing up do what it takes. One thing I would like to add is I added a flat bed to single wheel 3/4 . I ended up adding aftermarket husky 3300 lb per side leaf springs to make up for added flat bed weight. My oem springs were originally rated for 2025 lbs per side. Now my truck handles the weight and trailers better than it did stock with stock bed as a surprise benefit it now rides better than stock. My truck weighs 8200 lbs prior to new leaves. If changing leaves I got 7+1 packs to replace the 4+1 originals . More leaves equal better ride quality .

[@rennen71]

In California that doesn't matter though. Your truck is rated for the door sticker or registration weight, whichever is lower. Helpers don't count towards your total weight, just make the truck carry better.

[@richardharvey8939]

@@rennen71 in Texas I can get the weight limit increased but I am not I just wanted a safer better tow rig. That’s what I was wanting to share. I have also changed to 4.56 gears due to larger tires and upgraded brakes also.

[@mikedebear]

Do it right- get an F550 or 5500 class truck if you work with it. DOT numbers aren't a big deal to have, and you'll get way more use out of the truck. I went with the 550 chassis just so I don't have to worry about running out of capacity for a job. If you're in a wreck and they scale your rig as being overweight your insurance is gone.

[@VBELTandSON]

I said that in this video:)

[@mikedebear]

@@VBELTandSON Apparently I'm blessed with the attention span of a goldfish 🤣. Keep up the solid content!

[@garythomas2137]

In Texas under 26,001 lbs truck trailer and load no DOT. Truck and trailer data plates , and license registration cannot be rated for more than 26,001. Intrastate only, crossing state line weight drops to 10,001

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Wait really? So I can't legally haul my Jeeps from Texas to Moab without getting a stupid Class A license?? Trailer is rated for 14k, with two Jeeps on it the total weight of the trailer would be 12-13k, truck is probably 7k by itself... maybe more.

[@shedmover5714]

@@TehButterflyEffect I believe the difference is, commercial.

[@elihujohnson9234]

Great explanation. You got to give some style points to the flat bed trucks on the comparison!! A question I was thinking about before this video is a lot of guys here in North Carolina will run the service beds to do all of their fuel hauling and normal stuff I see you do with your non 5500 trucks have you kicked the idea of one of those around ever?

[@ryantanaka1433]

Just below Sacramento. I ran a flatbed on my 01 f350 dually for 2yrs. Only issue I ever had was passing the Cordelia scales but everyone has issues with that place.

[@dbag222]

What happened when you passed the scales?

[@ryantanaka1433]

I never stop but we got stopped right after cordiela from a dot truck. Told us that we have to stop at scales with a modified bed. Didn't tell us we had to have the credentials though, which I thought was weird. Dot office in Sacramento told me to just avoid that scale haha.

[@dbag222]

@Rene' D when you put a flat bed on your pick up it turns it into a “motor truck” or some other terminology the dmv uses. Pickups only refer to factor bed trucks.

[@dbag222]

@@ryantanaka1433 weird, I want to flatbed my 95 dually but I really don’t want to be hassled with dmv or get the weight stickers for my truck. I wonder if they would leave me alone because it’s so old lol

[@ryantanaka1433]

Honestly, I drove my 01 DRW with the flatbed for 2yrs and passed plenty of scales with it loaded down and never had an issue. I probably passed Cordelia 30 times without an issue. I definitely wouldn't do it to my 19 F450.

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

Chp hassles me for blowing scales in my PICKUP, that I happened to put a flatbed on the back of. It’s a 98 dodge 3500. I literally point at the door badge and that usually settles

[@Peterbilt359]

Here's the problem once you let the DOT in they own you. Keep a log book, fill it out every day for the rest of your life and only work 11 hours a day. I've got a 550,450,350 and 2 dodge 3500 all are in my personal name, none have company name on door. I drive right by scales and never stop. The sign says commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. I'm not commercial, I'm a guy who likes to own flatbed. They recommend to me to get magnet signs and when moving a mini ex or skid to a job then put them on. That was good advice from a lieutenant in Utah highway patrol.

[@davidcaskey4669]

You can work 14 but only drive 11

[@acs66562]

I run a 3500 flatbed dually in California and CHP has pulled me over in the past and I just tell them I have horses and cows. They leave me alone

[@baddog9320]

I've never had a DOT problem with my flatbed and thats in 5 states. The ONLY time I've had DOT pull over a pick up I was in. It was a 1968 F250 fleetside pulling a small trailer. Personally I think they were bored, as they were on their way to a DOT convention. They measured the width of the trailer I was pulling. Because they though it was too wide. The axle was off a mobile home. And I had made a car dolly out of it. Well part of it broke. The part the wheels go on. I was pulling it to my families property when they pulled me over. Now take in mind. it broke in Arizonia and when they pulled me over it was in east Missouri and 30 miles from the property I was going to. 1500 miles mostly interstate. And I get pulled over on a state hwy by a group of DOT in a van going to a DOT convention about 80 miles away Oh yeah the law reads the width has to be under 96 inches. It was 90 inches across. And they held me up for 45 minutes. As they smoked and walked around.

[@Flatbed2316]

I have three-quarter ton and 3500 Dooley with a flatbed live in Illinois. 3500 needs annual inspection. Three-quarter ton does not unless you are pulling trailer that requires inspection. As long as you’re not for hire. Neither truck needs a DOT numbers or company name. Insurance stays the same. Your insurance will change of course if you are using your trucks for a business. That’s a whole different situation.

[@2ndtwo1]

It has to do with the combined GVRW. Any combination over 26000 lbs requires DOT numbers. So a 1 ton dually has a GVRW around 13k only leaving a maximum 13k trailer GVRW. You can drive any combination under that 26K. Just a truck that has a GVRW of 26000 lbs it doesn't need a CDL or non-CDL class A or B depending on the class of vehicle.

[@VBELTandSON]

I’m not worried I have my cdl

[@jdgatliff]

Federal requires USDOT for 10,001lbs AND engaged in interstate commerce. Most states require intrastate commercial vehicles to obtain a US DOT number over 10,001lbs

[@kentcorbett5436]

If you had the fold down sides to make it not look like a DOT magnet but still have the functionality of a flatbed might help

[@VBELTandSON]

It has the fold down sides… 😌

[@lharchmage6908]

Some states pickups are required to have combination plates meaning personal and work

[@phatboizbackyardkustomz9006]

Been running flatbed 4x4 duallies here in Florida for years as a daily driver, never had a problem with the DOT. Have had a problem with the zoning dept. for having a commercial vehicle in the neiborhood (yes you can have a dually pickup but not a flatbed because they deem that a commercial vehicle even though it's a daily driver not commercially used) other than that no problem. I like the flatbeds cause you can just throw stuff on it with out beating it up, a little spray paint and she is new again. Now I do have a A license But have never been targeted by the DOT for not having a business name or numbers. And as you said add that fuel tank even on a pickup bed you are opening up whole can of worms in another direction especially if you have red fuel in it, couple friends of mine have experienced having their fuel dipped in the truck to make sure they were not running non road taxed fuel in the truck.

[@gungadinn]

You must have a Karen complaining. I got cited last week for too many trailers on my acre property. 2 have state issued tags, 2 have FARM TAGS. Can't legally tarp or car cover them, only inside a garage.

[@phatboizbackyardkustomz9006]

Have to keep mine in the backyard behind a privacy fence.

[@gungadinn]

@@phatboizbackyardkustomz9006 I'm about to become "THAT" guy and FOIA the registration all boats and trailers registered in my county. Pictures of boats sitting under covers or tarps, then complain like a DAREN. I know I'll get to the right person in quick succession. The thing is that I applied for a permit to build my shop and they pulled up an aerial photo of the property and clearly saw the trailers. What changed, or who complained?

[@phatboizbackyardkustomz9006]

I feel for you brother In my county about 20 years ago they started issuing permits from the county to keep certain size boats RVs and trailers in a residential area Go figure. Then if they were to big you could put em' in the back yard behind a privacy fence as long as they didn't stick up to high where someone could see em'.

[@BJSmith-ll3uw]

Location, location, location. In the Midwest there is no problem with flatbeds. Put farm tags on it ( in Kansas) and no problems with weight restrictions or dot.

[@midget9629]

The reality is dot needs to bump up its weight limits. Half ton pickups nowadays are rated to tow high enough a cdl is technically required. Now granted you are not going to get stopped for it but it's insane how much better trucks are today than when cdls became a thing. And the fact they require them for driving a pickup is beyond insane.

[@Ramdodge582]

when you go flatbed you never go back🤣

[@jordanmeija7384]

Thanks👍...i got an f250 superduty and just bought a cm flatbed to put on it...i cant wait ...

[@kdw75]

I clicked on this thinking you must be insanse, then as soon as I saw California I realized you were probably right. My '99 SRW 3500 weighed 7,000 from the factory and had an 8800# GVW, but the rear Dana 80 axle is rated for 12k pounds. I use it to pull my cat D4 on a gooseneck. Just running around town. I would love to have a flatbed, but don't think they look as nice and would miss having the tall sides for holding boxes.

[@tt600pch]

I have a 99 2500 Dodge Cummins truck. If anything more happens to it, I will maybe flatbed it. So far a Bobcat skid steer t-bone behind the cab and a small tree collision were both fixable via hydraulic jack and blocking. My kid had a Toyota with a flatbed for a while. Easy access on and off were about it. Hauling firewood took making tall side racks same if was bed. He preferred a stock bed after having to ratchet strap every thing on it even with the side boards a foot high. Best thing was when I used a line machine to load a whole bull moose he killed. Flatbed worked great that day! Kinda depends on where one lives. I'm content with my state even with the influx of tourists that never leave until after a good winter.

[@joshgreen2164]

If you can't back it up don't drag it. Gotta be California or new york one of the examerica states in Kentucky its a truck ive seen s-10 2 car ramp beds.

[@VBELTandSON]

🤓

[@2ndtwo1]

Also most new 3/4 ton trucks only have a max CGVRW of less than 20k Which puts you into DOT overweight if your trailer has a GVRW of over 9k.

[@markbrandon7756]

You have to register in Calif as an RV just the way you would a 3 axle truck with a condo…. Other than that any truck 6000 gvw and over not a pickup bed is required to go they scales as a CMV.

[@FredCooper-en1sd]

Like Brother john say below, depends on the state. In my state a truck up to a full class 6 26,001 GVW, meaning non-CDL could be run without any DOT BS as long as It did not have a business name on it and was not "Used in the pursuance of a business". So if I was ever stopped just tell the cop I was moving my own property, which technically I was since I was delivering new farm equipment that I owned until final payment COD. I drove a 24' 25,000lb F700 ramp truck that way for 15 years.

[@here_to_watch2115]

You need dot numbers for 10k plus, regardless of the flat bed. I went through the insurance issue when registering mine for a business I was forming. 6k-18k a year depending on what I did with it.

[@VBELTandSON]

That’s if you’re making money with the truck

[@stevemoore5053]

I have a 2500 '22 flatbed for my business, love that truck, have no problem with it ! Thanks for the video. I think the same way about the flatbed also. Don't know if I'll go back to a box again.

[@ericl5973]

I assume that 10,000lbs with a flatbed is a California issue. Most states are 26,001lbs before a CDL is required. DRW is definitely a lot more stable and I noticed that when I converted to SRW.

[@bunsguns8222]

CDL and commercial vehicles are not one and the same.

[@MannyAguilarJr]

My Texas CDL back of license " Class: A-Comb veh w/ GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs provided towed veh ≥ 10,001 lbs". So both numbers matter in every state.

[@dheehdu]

I talked to the dot cop here in ri and asked about trucks and he said under 10 they can't touch over 10 can only deal with if for hire but of you for say have a 550 lettered up and numbered and you take it on vacation you are not under regulation and don't have to stop at scales you might get stopped and asked but they can't do anything

[@BuckInchuteranch1]

Wasn’t there also something about the side rails on flat beds? If it’s removable your a “commercial flatbed” and that’s why most companies started hinging the rails.

[@VBELTandSON]

Yeah I had heard the same thing aswell makes sense

[@Hitman-ds1ei]

Yeah we had that stupid GVM, GCM, Tare numbers rule here in Australia for many years but eventually it got axed in favour of intelligence, most out Lighter vehicle tray or flat tops are fabricated in Aluminium with flip down sides

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Yeah but you guys also have those little mini trucks that really don't haul anything. Yet you have idiots still trying to haul 5000lb loads with them. We have it here in the US too, so don't think I'm badmouthing you.

[@anttiroppola4414]

And rope rails. Rope rails do not seem to be a thing in USA Canada? Closest thing seems to be a rail for ratchet straps on full sized trucks and trailers.

[@thomasbarclay9083]

When you add a trailer you go by cgvwr. It doesn’t need numbers until you cross 26001 lbs

[@VBELTandSON]

In your state maybe

[@thomasbarclay9083]

@@VBELTandSON that federal dot law. Also if running a single wheel one ton check your weight rating on your tires.

[@VBELTandSON]

@@thomasbarclay9083 Cali has more laws on top of that.

[@charlesmckinley29]

As soon as the trailer hits 10,001 pounds you need a Class A license.

[@Just4FunFishing]

I love having the second guy for spotting thank you for saying that bro 😊

[@Crazyreseller]

The words decal on your door… “NOT FOR HIRE” will keep DOT at bay. Just be careful what you do with it. Unless you ARE using it commercially, get legal.

[@charlesmckinley29]

In Pennsylvania you have to get a “Reconstructed Title” if you take a regular bed off and put a flat bed on.

[@reidcrosby6241]

Perhaps, BUT ran flatbeds for years without doing that

[@charlesmckinley29]

@@reidcrosby6241 hope you don’t have it in the shop when your inspection mechanic is getting audited. He will get fined if his sticker is in the window.

[@anthonypoquette8018]

Flat beds you also can't run a fifth wheel as the bottom of the bed sits (atleast on my cm bed on my 2500hd) 6in taller I would have had to do a gooseneck retro fit on the camper

[@geegelle3204]

Thank you clarifying the flat bed/truck bed issue. Now since my original truck bed was destroyed, should I risk putting at flat bed as a replacement?

[@mortimersnerdishere]

Flatbed everything!!

[@TehButterflyEffect]

It only makes sense if you never haul loose loads or things you want locked down. I run a folding hard cover that locks, so I can put stuff in the back of the truck and still run errands. A flatbed would be pretty useful to me in some cases, but not in all cases. There are more downsides to a flatbed than there are to a standard bed.

[@shawnsecleter2453]

I like a flatbed for hauling a fifth wheel camper you can see so much better than having one with a bed then you got to put the tailgate down put the tailgate back up hook everything back up wire wise and everything else then it's a big pain in the ass

[@zackjordan2396]

My bone stock 97 12 valve extended cab long bed 4x4 weighs 7300 and the 24 valve extended cab shortbed 4x4 weighed 7800

[@VBELTandSON]

That’s weird. I’ve weighed a completely empty 97 12 valve extra cab long bed. Was only 6500

[@internet_internet]

@@VBELTandSON4x4 vs 2wd weight.

[@VBELTandSON]

@@internet_internet mine 4x4

[@2020HotShotTruckingLLC]

When you dually swap a truck, DOT can use the rating of the truck you effectively converted it to. So that 9900 can turn into 14000.

[@99unclebob]

i here what your saying about the DOT, that doesn't work, those trucks have different brakes on them , the 14000 has the brake system of a 4500 model truck, that is what i found out when i worked for GM in the Fleet/Lease Division here in Canada which they were getting issues for British Columbia truck owners which is the same kind of road conditions as California, in the end California has too many regulations when it comes to this, just for the reason like Sam here likes the practicality of a flatbed vs box , no one should be penalized for a preference and be made to get CDL insurance/stickers and license, that is just a money grab and the DOT know people will pay it , no one wants the hassle fo fighting it or they just put the box back on the truck, flatbeds make more sense and are tougher and outlast a box by 10 yrs 👍 this all could have changed my time with GM was 20 yrs ago

[@2020HotShotTruckingLLC]

@@99unclebob I don't think you understood what I was trying to say. If you upgrade a truck's suspension to give it the weight capability of say a 3500, DOT can use the GVWR of a 3500 to determine if you need a DOT number or CDL. My daily driver was a utility body SRW (sinec converted it to a short bed 4X4) and my hotshot truck is a flatbed. I love both for the functionality. Here in Georgia, a flatbed is a DOT magnet also...

[@gungadinn]

@@2020HotShotTruckingLLC DOT can't enforce a higher GVWR than the placard weight the manufacturer certified the vehicle to . I can put 12K Meritor axles under my truck. Ford isn't going to cut a new sticker, neigher will Meritor. It goes off the vehicle manufacturers sticker. This is a partial reasoning why people get trailers custom build with 7 or 8K axles, yet only get the trailer stickered to 9900.

[@2020HotShotTruckingLLC]

@@gungadinn Yes, you can derate your trailer, but cannot exceed that rating even if the axles can handle more. If you dually swap a 2500, you cannot then use it the same as a 3500. So if your 2500 had a GVWR of 9000 Lbs. and your trailer is rated for 17000 Lbs. and you are trying to run it as a non-CDL setup, DOT can still pop you if your steer and drive axles weigh more than the 9000 Lbs. And this is directly from the FMCSA website: Question 4: If a vehicle with a manufacturer’s GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds has been structurally modified to carry a heavier load, may an enforcement officer use the higher actual gross weight of the vehicle, instead of the GVWR, to determine the applicability of the FMCSRs? Guidance: Yes. The motor carrier’s intent to increase the weight rating is shown by the structural modifications. When the vehicle is used to perform functions normally performed by a vehicle with a higher GVWR, § 390.33 allows an enforcement officer to treat the actual gross weight as the GVWR of the modified vehicle.

[@gungadinn]

@@2020HotShotTruckingLLC I'm not operating as a Hot Shot, just a guy that owns and rents construction equipment. I had a Class A license until I moved and the new state didn't offer a non-CDL license. I'd love to see the calculations that a DOT officer uses and his degree that will allow him to deem that this 3/4 ton chaises with a 9900 GVW is now OK to operate at 14,000 lbs. I'm an aerospace guy, now retired. Any time I operated outside the manufactures configuration, I need to run a series of calculations and still submit to the OEM for concurrence. IMO, DOT has opened themselves up to major liability in the event of an accident involving up rating the chassis. In my case on having the trailer built with 7-8K axles and only having it certified for 9K is of convenience, and knowing that in the event that I do overload the trailer, the running gear isn't going to be weak link..

[@bobbyjfarms3681]

I've been running around all over the central valley with 2nd gen flatbeds and my class 4 ford with an IMT crane body and I've only been stopped by dot once fortunately

[@stephenmathews1629]

A video on the 3500 and the new 5500 towing the camper would be interesting flatbed and regular bed differences.

[@rennen71]

Neither of them will care with that toy hauler. 5500 will just have insanely more clearance and have to go through scales, because reasons, at least while in CA

[@VBELTandSON]

Not for hire sticker fixes that issue

[@Valkyrie1911]

No different than being able to buy a 3500 and pull a 15k 5th wheel without a CDL, but that same 3500 with a 15k tilt deck requires one (even if you aren't for hire). As with 99% of government regulations, they make no sense. They've also made getting a CDL a complete PITA for anyone not trying to get a job driving trucks.

[@charlesmckinley29]

Legally you are required to have a “non-commercial” class A license to pull the camper. The PA creeper cops went to a special class on campers and motorhomes.

[@1perveysage]

Here in Wy it is roughly run what you brung. You can see side by sides and snowmobils on the streets. We have no inspections or epa bs.

[@VBELTandSON]

Yup I lived there for while nice summers. Rough winters tho hah

[@vdubpowered]

I have a 2017 titan xd regular cab that I want to build a flatbed for so I can haul my Street Glide, my brother’s Street 750 and our 21ft camper all at the same time. My tow capacity is around 12k and everything together (both bikes and camper) would be way under 12k so the truck will be able to haul everything easily

[@unclefester4626]

I have a 2004 chevy trailblazer. They harass me every time i renew the plates. They repeatedly ask if its being used for business.... I hate repeating myself. The third time i have to say no I'm pretty hot by that point. I noticed on the registration it says UT instead of SUV. I hate the government....😡

[@lodwill4007]

My uncle’s out early in the morning. Pulled over. Checking his big macho fuel tank . And he’s a bizz. And my illegal load. With regular. Bed. No tabs on trailer. Goes right threw at noon. Lol it pisses him off. But I’m busy till 9 pm. Lol

[@waywithwords3632]

The tonnage is an archaic term when describing truck sizes and payloads. I've read before somewhere that it was a made up term by auto manufacturers, so soldiers coming home after WW2 could get a truck and be used to what the tonnage meant to them after being around the 2 ton, 3 ton, and 5 ton trucks. Some people will argue and say it's all arbitrary and to not use the terms anymore. Personally, I just go by all F150s/1500s as ½ ton; F250s/2500s as ¾ ton, and F350s/3500 as 1 ton. Anything bigger like the F450s, I just refer to them as 10 lugs.

[@DDM502001]

A Flatbed does NOT automatically make a Commercial Vehicle. It is a replacement Bed where the Truck GVWR nor the GCWR are Unchanged. DOT can demand all they wish but the law reads based on the above ratings.

[@machscga6238]

Don't try and figure out the whole 1 ton, 3/4 ton 1/2 ton designation with math. Unless you are buying a 1940s or 1950s truck. Its now class 1, 2, 3, 4, ect ,ect. When you called a 1 ton from the 1950s a 1 ton it was what payload it could haul. Today when you call it a 1 ton truck a 1 ton it's all marketing, the term hasn't been math accurate in 75 or more years.

[@twayland6186]

Took my f250 to the scale the other day and found out I only have 700lbs of extra weight to add. I only have a ranch hand front and rear bumper, winch, plastic bedliner and a camper shell.

[@mikewhitaker2880]

you pointed out the reason why they do what they do on flatbeds... it's all about money, money from tickets, money from licenses, money from insurance, money from converting... need more be said.... THEY know a flatbed has many advantages over a normal truck bed... and THEY know money can be made because of it.... keep truckin man....

[@katiejameson]

Yeah, it all depends on the state. First of all, my 2020 Ram 2500 has an 11k GVW and I've owned many dually trucks, last was an 01 Ram 3500 and no need for anything commercial. In Massachusetts, a dually, whether personally owned or not has to be registered as commercial due to having 6 tires but that's it. No DOT numbers, no DOT inspection because it has nothing to do with a business. But today, a 3/4 has an 11k gvw so that 10k gvw thing is BS

[@2ndtwo1]

Just don't put a trailer behind it more than 14900 GVRW otherwise you are operating without a CDL under Federal Statute and subject to all class A laws and regulations.

[@sprucegoose1016]

Man I can't wait to get my flat deck 😎 So much more versatile.

[@gungadinn]

I've got a Ford E-350 SRW van with a handi-cap lift in the mid passenger door. When I take trash to the dump, (4 bags of cat litter and two bags of household trash, the van crosses the scales at 8800 pounds. The vehicle weight that the DMV uses for empty weight is 3700 pounds. Where the 5,100 pounds came from I haven't a clue, (there's no way the lift weighs 3,000 pounds much less 5100) but she's a heavy girl

[@smol_yote]

Put a flatbed on a unibody truck like a Baja or a Ridgeline or Avalanche

[@kenuber4014]

Here in Nevada, when you put a flat bed on, well your truck becomes a "Commercial Unit" and the insurance goes over the moon. They have been pulling over all the Cowgirls and writing them tickets, because the are not registered right.

[@braxtonwiggins6576]

Not sure how California works but in Alabama we have Farm Tags that pretty much exempt you from a lot of dot issues in the state. I’ve talked to multiple dot officers and they said if it has a farm tag that don’t waste their time . You don’t even have to tag your trailers if it’s for “Farm Use”.

[@VBELTandSON]

Sure you’d need to show you actually farm?

[@braxtonwiggins6576]

@@VBELTandSON not really. Just ask for a farm tag at the local tag office. I’ve never been asked to provide any proof.

[@BuildingWithRane]

Farm plates limit you to 150 miles as the crow flies if I remember right.

[@braxtonwiggins6576]

@@BuildingWithRane . You are correct but as long as your in state you don’t get bothered . Out of state is another thing.

[@bhays05]

Plenty of paperwork to fill out in Texas for a farm tag and Dot will Jack with you.

[@justincooper5189]

Super singles. They give you more stability through width, without the extra tires that make it a dually.

[@VBELTandSON]

I’d prefer a dually

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Depends on the state.

[@treyhart6861]

For us city folk, those flatbeds are not exactly aerodynamic... Im curious, what kind of MPG and wind noise difference is there with a flatbed vs factory box?

[@VBELTandSON]

No noise and better mileage 👍🏻

[@TehButterflyEffect]

No difference in mileage. If there's a difference it'd be slightly lower, as regular beds are pretty aerodynamic. Look up the wind tunnel testing.

[@VBELTandSON]

@@TehButterflyEffect a “flat” bed is flat lol no drag

[@TehButterflyEffect]

@@VBELTandSON A standard bed creates an air bubble behind the cab and is more aerodynamic than a flatbed. You can look up the testing data.

[@VBELTandSON]

@@TehButterflyEffect literally something i never cared to think about. Guarantee the difference in mileage would be as minimal as having another person in the rig. I’ve never seen a difference between the two.

[@justinowens9323]

I did not know all this about flat beds I got a 92 7.3 idi single cab 350 flat bed dually swapped for looks they used a wheel spacer to bolt the dually rims on it stock single wheel set up and rims in front. And yeah I look out the back window mirrors and look out the door sometimes when backing up cut grass for a living so I know all about running over irrigation heads 😂

[@alexispellitteri7297]

For the way my family is we need pickup beds because we need to get gravel more than most

[@VBELTandSON]

You need a dump trailer

[@Hillsidelanscapemanagement]

I'll say it again, I don't know how you can live there. Also, do you have a well on your property? If so, explain what's coming to your viewers. Thanks again for the awesome content you put out

[@jsjunkremoval]

Legally you should be able to flatbed any short or long bed truck in California without needing DOT numbers and weight stickers as long as the “flatbed” has sides. This is why a lot of flatbed manufactures started just attaching sides to their beds that fold down. The GVWR has to be over 11,500 pounds and have a bed over 9 feet long. Some CA DOT cops don’t understand this and think any truck with a flatbed has to have stickers. There is more to it but this is the basics. You shouldn’t have an issue flat-bedding your 2500 or 3500 single rear wheel truck and be legal. Pickup (CVC §471)-A pickup is a motor truck with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 11,500 pounds, an unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and equipped with an open box-type bed less than nine feet in length. California Code of Regulations, Title 13 §150.04 further defines pickup trucks:

[@VBELTandSON]

Yup that’s pretty much what I said. 2500 and 3500 single wheel units can flat bed without a problem. All duallies are rated more than your giving number and would need to possibly add dot stickers and all that mess

[@jsjunkremoval]

@@VBELTandSON it’s absolutely ridiculous. But now according to CHP Motor Carrier unit ANY combo with a GVWR over 10k used “commercial” needs DOT and CA numbers. So literally every landscaper with a 1/2 ton truck and until it’s trailer and up.

[@rennen71]

We're just a bit south of you guys in placerville, I played the back and forth whether I would just put flares on or not when I dually swapped but ended up getting a flatbed with a lift gate for less than it would cost to get the mega cab flares and paint them. So I guess outlaw life it is since the truck is 9k empty and rated for 9900 like yours is. Also, is you still have the simulators from the wheels you originally put on your 3rd gen dually swap, I'd be interested in them.

[@HurtenAlbertan]

Good lord I am glad I live in alberta where the government couldn’t care less what you do with your truck

[@VBELTandSON]

Haha you can’t do anything else tho.😂😂

[@HurtenAlbertan]

@@VBELTandSON Wdym? I live in the most beautiful place in North America there’s tons of shit to do once you leave the cities

[@VBELTandSON]

Legally?

[@HurtenAlbertan]

@@VBELTandSON yes...

[@VBELTandSON]

@@HurtenAlbertan not what the headlines are saying.

[@robertmatthews2776]

Thanks Sam. I do LOVE ALL THIS. GOD BLESS YOU...

[@rickdunn7585]

Until you’ve had both types it’s hard to compare but having owned both I prefer the flat bed I can haul both of my four wheelers 450 canam and a 300 artic cat I built side racks that I use as my ramps my bed is 8’plus wide and just under 10’ long I’d never have a factory box again

[@Kriss_L]

My 2012 F-250 has a 10k pound GVWR/19k pound GCWR. I did not realize how much the ratings had increased with the new trucks.

[@Kriss_L]

@Rene' D You have been able to get normal trucks that were over 10k, but they were 1 ton duallies. My first F-350 was SRW and only rated to 9.9k.

[@1985wvufan]

Ok on the farm the flatbed is the only way. That is exactly it, single wheel just under 10,000lb. Works really good, pulls as much as I need, most of the time. But it works with everything I need for what I need.

[@drkies]

I've got an f250 srw and just got tags for 24k total weight.