The Perfect Dump Truck For Me? I'm on the Lookout

[@python3574]

Here in Alabama, all you need for a CDL is a note from your football coach stating you are in great health, intimate knowledge and training for how to properly secure a Rebel flag from a headache rack and a Roll Tide flag from a window mount, have no more than 3 instances on your record of an accident that started with; "Hey, ya'll watch this!", and a photo ID that does NOT include your cousin from when you took them to the Prom. You can rent a truck from Big Lou for the day of your test, but it's on you to fix all the air leaks and make sure at least 75% of the lugnuts are still on it. Simple as that.

[@randysavage8963]

Absolutely hilarious comment 🤣

[@stevewesley8187]

@@randysavage8963 and so full of crap .........

[@billycook2688]

Funny because it’s true!

[@harrykeel8557]

I can kinda identify with what you're saying.

[@Sword-Shield]

ROLL TIDE 😁💯👍🎯

[@joesalas7761]

Hi Mike, got my straight truck CDL back in 97. Employer ask for volunteers to get the license. My hand couldn’t go up faster. Next week I went to a beer distributor and was handed a list of the 20 questions & answers to the CDL A combination (tractor trailer) written test. Passed the written test then a company employee gave me the driving test. Passed , got my license. Two years later I spent 21 years driving for Georgia Pacific/ Bluelinx! Retired now, but kept my class A CDL! NEVER GIVE IT UP IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO!!!!

[@KevinHarvey-qw5mj]

You want to keep your CDL that's for sure I'm 70 and still have mine 15:53

[@gungadinn]

Morning Mike, You might want to look into tagging the new truck as a FARM vehicle. Most states have allowances that allow farmers to operate commercial vehicles for farm use without obtaining a CDL. There is a limitation of how may miles from home you are allowed to operate, but it does give you options. Your selling an agricultural product, firewood, so IMO, it's technically farm use. The other thing you might look at is the DOT requirements for marking of the vehicle with IFTA reporting requirements. I don't pretend to understand the current jumbo of transportation laws that changed thanks to Homeland Security. The guys that use to cut my parents lawn got busted by the Virginia State Police DOT enforcement group for driving out of classification. He was driving a 3500 GMC dually Duramax and a 9900 pound trailer.He had 2 Kubota zero turn mowers, a push mower a couple of leaf blowers and string trimmers. It all depends on the officer that stops you and what mood he's in.

[@coypatton3160]

Unfortunately, he is correct about the ticket depends upon the officer that stopped you. Not all have a clear understanding of the law. If fact I would guess that 75+% of road officers are going to only look at the 26,001lbs rule. When the rating on your truck and trailer exceed this they will right an overweigh limit ticket. Personal story on Farm plates from back in the mid to late 80’s. An Uncle sent me on a trip to pick up some equipment with a pickup and trailer that he had bought. I got pulled over by a local city cop in a small town. He insisted that the Farm plates only mounted on the front of the pick were improperly mounted and said he was being a mice guy and would not cite me if I moved them in his prescience. I knew this was a violation of the law and try to explain it and finally said I would only move them after he wrote me up. When I explained that I wanted the documentation that he required the plates moved for the next traffic stop, he got ticked. Fortunately for me a state patrol officer stopped and tried to figure out what was going on. State trooper laughed at the local guy, saying he would have put his city in a bad way for not knowing the law and sent me on my way. Mike would be ok with farm plates as the owner of the “farm” and the vehicle owner, but others without CDL driving the truck might have issues. Also check if hauling “farm” products and “owning” a “farm” would qualify-your local dmv office should be able to provide a list of what you have to show to get farm plates.

[@dougseaman8791]

I grew up on a farm on Long Island, NY and when you registered a vehicle to have a farm plate you had to list the roads that it would be driven on so you couldn't just drive it anywhere. This was many years ago so I don't know if anything has changed since then.

[@KevinHarvey-qw5mj]

Don't forget about the inspection sticker seen people put out of service for that you can do your own inspection go to truck stop and get the form and tag for side of truck 16:20

[@AllstarVentures]

In SC I was able to bypass the CDL process by putting a farm tag on my dump truck. It can only be used for farm work within a 50 mile radius( used to be 100 miles) but not limited to 26k, even pulling a trailer. Spot on Mike ! It’s absolutely a money grab. These companies with big trucks pay absurd amounts in taxes, fees and insurances to keep them on the road. Yet some 90 year old grandpa or even a 18 year old kid can drive 40+’ motor home or private bus with trailer around with no training or special requirements. Which I’m ok with keeping the “gubment” out of everything that we can keep them out of. But dang, just doesn’t make a lot of sense sometimes. Great video as always 👍🏼

[@jimmeeks206]

I taught school bus drivers for the local school district for several years up until a couple of years ago here in Arkansas. And you are right that things changed big time a couple of years ago. But think about what else changed then. Regualtory agencies were turned loose on the public, created a bunch of new regualtions, hired a whole bunch of new inspectors and have since made getting liscensed much more difficult. Problem is; they did not make the driving public any safer. Like many regualtions we have now, it's all about jobs for government agents..

[@robertclark2714]

Mike, I have a CDL and I am in my mid 60's. You must renew your medical certificate every two years. During the DOT physical they measure your neck circumference and assume that you have sleep apnea if you are "thick". They will not give you a medical certificate until you are evaluated and released by a sleep therapy clinic which requires you to stay overnight and is in the hundreds of dollars. Without the medical certificate, the CDL is useless. I do not have sleep apnea and my health is exceptional but I am built like Paul Bunyan. I still lift and stand telephone poles but they will not give me a medical certificate unless I spend $700.00 every two years. I have been to truck driving school and I have never had an accident.

[@thunderroad7289]

We run the 7.3 gas engine in our 550 dump and it works great had it going for over a year now

[@richardbrowne1679]

Good Morning Morgan Family 🌞- Have a Wonderful and Blessed Day 🤠: I just went through a CDL program at Highlands College in Butte, Montana this summer. It was $4k. The classroom portion was all online and you went to the college for the hands on and the driving portion, the class was 6 weeks and you used there truck and trailer for the road test. From what I know, you are correct on CDL requirements. PA has a pretty good flow chart for CDL requirements. The flow charts make interpretation of CDL requirements much easier for me. I’m sorry I didn’t go with an aluminum bed on my dump truck- Lighter weight, doesn’t rust, and mostly maintenance free. The other thing is as soon as you leave your state, your now involved in interstate trucking which changes the rules and regulations.

[@markgosser9578]

Hey Mike, in 1983 the Construction Company I worked for asked me if I’d be interested in getting a CDL…sure happy I said yes. I’m now 60 and retired but still move equipment a couple days a month for Construction Company’s. It’s nice side money and dam good money because it’s tuff getting your CDLs now. I move big forklifts, Backhoes and boom lifts. Will never let it expire.

[@jonallen9910]

Good morning Mike. I have worked in the truck upfitting industry for over 17 years. We put hyrail gear on F550’s for use on railroads. The end user switched to F750’s because they actually were more maneuverable. Turning radius of the F750’s are smaller than the F550’s. Obviously the chassis weight more due to construction materials. But you talked about delivery and I think you ought to check into the F750’s which have better transmissions than F650’s. Just asking you to check further. If they don’t fit your requirements then go with a F550. Thank you. Love your videos and look forward to each and every one.

[@hobiestamper6262]

I wonder if you could load the skidsteer in the dump bed and then haul the 10k trailer? Sounds sketchy but could be a loophole.

[@donaldpereira2652]

Honestly, Mike, it's more difficult now, but worth the effort in so many ways. Example...I live in Magalia, California...on November 8th, 2018, we got up, and came out on the porch for our morning coffee. Clear skies, except for a white cloud coming from the North East. Turned out to be the "Camp Fire ". Burned six communities, up here on the Ridge.

[@donaldpereira2652]

We were spared, but I wanted to do something to help.

[@donaldpereira2652]

12000 homes were burned to the foundation. 86 people were burned to death. Then the cleanup began. With a CDL, I hired on with a Dump Truck company, insisting that my wage be donated to the recovery efforts.

[@donaldpereira2652]

A Commercial Driver's License has more value than you might think...and all you gotta do is get a Physical every five years, when you renew.

[@dmhipkins]

Mike, since 2002, I have an F350 xl & F550 xl cab & chassis, with the switch-n-go hoist system. They are made in PA. This setup is highly flexible for moving equipment on the trucks, flat bed, overhead hoist for moving logs, roll-off dumpsters for delivering firewood, stone etc. The 7.3 gas, check on the lifters, I understand there is an issue with engine failures. Always get the 4x4 with the snowplow package and pto, up-fitter switches with electric brakes pre wired.

[@drewwagner7985]

I had the exact same thought and posted before looking at the other comments. Seems like the best of both worlds to me.

[@thunderroad7289]

Been running the 7.3 gas engine in our 550 with dump bed for over a year with zero engine problems

[@jakebredthauer5100]

​@@thunderroad7289 You mean it might run for a year?

[@wesleyoverturf1958]

Looking at PA Registrations, I would look into Farm Tags and the exemption on CDLs. Your firewood is a farm product.

[@joeyhammonds9940]

Heard about several people getting a semi with sleeper and changing out the 5th wheel to gooseneck or smaller 5th wheel. With the sleeper you can register it as a camper and no CDL required. You can get a nice Semi cheaper than most regular trucks these days.

[@peterh9927]

Hi Mike. I recommend ordering exactly what you want. Especially if you're keeping it for many years. I ordered a F600 84"ca gas 4x4 for delivering firewood and moving lumber. HD everything $60k. Definitely know your DOT rules.

[@stevecroy9396]

For hauling the big equipment look into a rollback tow truck. As long as the gvw is 26000 or less you won't need a CDL. I talked with an equipment salesman that did this so his drivers didn't have to have a CDL.

[@joshmiller8663]

You hit it on the head Mike. It's all about the money. I'm outside of New Castle and we are looking for drivers all the time. all the schools are worried about is the money. Some of the drivers that come to interview can't do an air brake test or drive it self. It's crazy.

[@adubbelde1]

When I was 19 in 69 I had to get what at that time was referred to as a "chauffers" license. Very simple written test. Over the years that was grandfathered into a Class A license. I kept it up for decades but finally decided not to pay the fees to keep it up. Today I wish I had.

[@davidmorse8432]

That's the way I got mine too. I was 18 in 69'. Still have valid CDL today but the medical is getting more difficult to pass. My grandfather was a dump truck driver and had a pin that he wore on his cap that was proof that he was a qualified "chauffer" and could drive a truck. He taught me many valuable things about truck driving as well as my Dad.

[@RKHarm24]

Me Too. I drove school busses while in college. Passed my Chauffeurs test in a school bus. This was in 1973 in Texas. I drove Texas deliveries OTR between Dallas and the Major cities in Texas on my Chauffeurs license. I later dropped it for a CDL, cheaper fees.

[@1amaker]

Mike, not trying to tell you what to do but I would look into a used medium duty truck like a f650. They are cheaper to buy and maintain. It would handle any of your loads much better and can get into the same if not more places. Also a split load body may be nice for two loads of firewood at one trip out.

[@jefflee4663]

Hey Mike, I work for a company near you and they have a couple ram 5500 dumps with 19500 gvw. A few years ago one of my coworkers got fined for pulling a trailer with that truck so it must really depend on the officer and his knowledge of the laws. I was always under the impression that you needed a cdl for anything over 26001 lbs. I got my cdl in 2009 and it was the same process that I did when I got my license at 16 only cost couple hundred bucks for the permit. I practiced driving trucks at work (on the clock) and then scheduled a driving test at the dmv and used a company truck to take the test. A lot sure has changed over the last few years regarding cdl.

[@keithprentice8298]

Hi Mike, I'm in Ontario Canada. I just renewed my AZ (a class with z air brake endorsement) not sure how it compares to the American CDL, but in Ontario it is full transport class tractor trailer weight (and below) . I got my License years ago. I took a course, but it was not required at the time, I think it was about 6 weeks, about 2 were "in class" and then scheduled in truck time over the following 4 weeks. I am glad I did, and Though I don't drive professionally (I did at the time I got my License) I have chosen to maintain it. I have to do a written test and medical every 3 years. We definitely have a driver shortage up here as well, and a getting the license sounds like its about as difficult. Last time I ordered Concrete the driver told me he was hot seating trucks, they had guys in the yard that would clean and load the trucks and when he got to the yard he just jumped out of the truck and into the next delivery. He said he liked it but his days felt more "rushed" (I wonder if the daily output at the plant is higher) for a time we also had garbage trucks with drivers who would not load truck so they were driving with laborer's because drivers didnt want to be "garbage man" (they moved to the robo trucks). In about 10 years nothing is going to move when all these guys retire.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Mike I had a similar problem in North Carolina and I got around it by putting my dump truck a F650 with a cat engine in the farm tag category. I use to drive for a living but gave up my CDL’s because of cataract and now after the surgery I can’t get my CDL but since I have my trucks tagged as farm trucks I can still drive them. Check you state for Farm Tag usage. I have two tractor trailer trucks tagged also. No CDL required for farm use. Now everything I do has to be for my farm but that’s ok with me.

[@jamesdees4604]

Same in Georgia, it’s calling a class B here.

[@jerrymcgonigal9810]

I would suggest you go to a Freightliner dealer and check pricing on a M2 cab and chassis. You will be able to specify front and rear axle weight. The length of the frame from the cab back can be varied for your bed length. They should also be able to get the bed installed as part of the deal. You will be able to specify many features of the truck so you can get exactly what you need.

[@thomasstrout1738]

You are better off being patient and ordering exactly what you want/need. Good luck Mike.

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

My daughter just bought a 2023 F450. She hit a deer that took out the grill, AC condenser and front bumper. Over $10,000 in damages and Ford does not have parts available to fix it.I hit a deer with my Ram 1500. It even bent the shaft on the power steering pump. It was only about $4000 to repair. I would definitely go with a Cummins diesel in your truck. My daughter had a '21 Ram 3500 and didn't have any problems. Then she got a '22 or '23 GMC 3500. First trip it blew the hose loose from the turbo. Parts were not available but a GMC mechanic was able to make it work. In 14 months, she had to limp home 5 times and had numerous other trips to the dealer to fix the CEL . Now she is trying a Ford F450.

[@karlschupp8552]

There is a tentative agreement reached yesterday between uaw and Ford! We are supposed to go back to work in the next day or two at Kentucky Truck Plant!!! Luv ya's from Kentucky!!!!

[@fredcory2686]

You may want to consider a few cab upgrades with the W Va property - While you may not do it often, there probably will be times you want to take it down there. You may want to look into the requirements for a CDL license in W Va.

[@achamber765]

CDL requirements are the same in all 50 states - it is a federal standard.

[@randywoodruff7167]

Hey, Mike I ran a wholesale branch here in WV and everything you stated about the CDL rules are the same as I understand them here. You also so correct on finding young men to work in this field.

[@michaelmullins1290]

If possible, and you can order exactly what you want. Or think you want. Do exactly that. No need to wish you had done something. Were gonna be here watching. Sorta helping you pay for it by watching every move you make. Can't wait to see what you decide on.

[@LifeofaCarnivore]

I love what you said about old blueFord 😂 Mike. A goose neck dump trailer with trucks you have are probably your cheapest option.

[@joshhall4309]

Mike, just got my class A back in June and all you really need is to find someone who is federally certified and a truck and trailer to practice that’s over 26k pounds. However i did have to road training. You have to have 60 hrs training, 52 hrs windshield time on 8hrs maneuvering. If you can find a person that will be able to help you without the actual schooling that costs thousands would be the way to go. Also you can test in any state since this is on a federal level now. But you need to get your permit first in your state of residence. My trainer was is a guy I work with. I didn’t pay the big money to go to driving school.

[@fleminj2pa]

Mike, we have an F-550 Powerstroke with a landscaper body, 11’ bed with high sides. It holds 1.5 cords, loose loaded. All we use it for is delivering firewood. I promise you our next truck will be a gas engine truck. These short hop trips delivering wood locally is not good for that diesel. It needs run hard and we don’t get the opportunity do that. We’ve had lots of issues with this engine. We had the body made by Super City. Good people and they did a nice job for a reasonable price.

[@gregorypazo6446]

Live in Virginia Beach, got my CDL A in 2011(not currently driving) at a local community college, which cost around $2400.12 years ago. I’ve ran into folks(farmers) who know their way around a class a tractor I.e. Pre-trip, pass the cdl test, had seat time for shifting a rig etc etc and went to DMV with a friends tractor and passed the test! I am unaware of any major changes to that process in the last couple years in Virginia. Good luck navigating that whole process.

[@Outdoorsinthecarolinas]

I was a CDL instructor at a school years back in SC , most all the large carriers required new drivers to have some type of training before they would hire them on. Think it was like 6K back then to attend a 4 week class, I still have my CDL as I drive a truck but the restrictions are getting crazier by the year

[@brotherbruce]

Check on line at City , County, and State auctions of used equipment. You can pick up small dump trucks that have years of life left in them that do not require a CDL.

[@davidhosmer1424]

ZORESCO has a bunch of branches. Evans City probably closest. Next would be Turtle Creek / Monroeville. Thanks for taking us along - take care

[@joesalas7761]

While you have to meet weight limits, as best as I know, the license is based on gross vehicle weight rating GVWR of truck and trailer! Even if both are empty, the GVWR is what determines the need for CDL class A for truck & trailer..

[@jenkins2162]

I hope you see this. I was an Ag Teacher for 12.5 year's. I wanted to get my bus driving license for driving the bus for competitions and other events because the county did not have enough bus drivers. This was in 2014. I had to get the CDL first through the testing which was difficult, then I had to spend 3 weeks training specifically on the bus training. You had to know and memorize every part of that bus from elbow to you know what. Thankfully I grew up around that stuff on the farm. In short there's no wonder there's a shortage of bus drivers. I'd recommend a four year degree in to begin with to prepare for the info needed.

[@grizz474]

I got my CDL a thousand years ago, when it was much like getting a regular drivers license. All I had to do was pass a written permit test then drive around with a class A licensed person. Then take the class A drivers test when I felt I was ready. Then I drove a semi for 44 yrs. I'm retired now and thought about not paying to renew my class A.....Then came to my senses and still maintain my class A.

[@justatim8143]

When I got my license back in 1974 or 1975 my cousin told me to put 1-8 on my license in Pa. as that is what he did and had his CDL on his license instead of 1 @ 8 like I did for car and motorcycle. He ended up able to drive anything on his license from 1 through 8. We live just south of you in New Kensington area.

[@jamiecorley1700]

Here in South Carolina you can go to the local DMV and buy a manual to study so that you can get your CDL. Getting your CDL would cover all bases.

[@roywaite5793]

Have you considered a dumping stake body? With solid stake panels it works great as a dump truck as well as removing the panels for a flat bed. Best of both worlds.

[@jaredspear8140]

Hey Mike, here in Oklahoma my son in law just went thru this “game”. He tried for months to get his CDL prior to new law. Back logs during Covid prevented him from ever being able to take his test even though he had his permit cdl. The school was 16 or 18 weekends I think. $6k and every Saturday and Sunday all day long. The “cdl school” was such a joke. Crammed as many people as they could in, massive turnover in instructors, instructors never on time, some times hours late. Crammed four people in a truck at a time. If there were too many people they would just leave them sitting at the yard but if they left then they got a non attendance stamp for the day. Could only miss a total of two days. If trucks were broke down(happened regularly because they had the cheapest worn out junk money could buy) then again, they’d sit at the “school”. Once completed the instructors at the school would do the driving test, pre-trip/post-trip test and it didn’t really matter what you did. As long as your attendance record was good, you had a good medical card, you received your cdl. All just a $$$$$ grab. My son in law knows the owner, who has nothing to do with the actual school. He’s normally at his lake house on his boat, fishing, riding his motorcycles etc. just our having fun, making tons of money, low overhead, etc etc. You get the point. 20-30 folks in a class at $6k a head $120k. Instructors are paid $18 hr and trucks aren’t worth $15-20k each! Run 3-4 classes simultaneously. I need to invest! Not saying they’re all that way, just his experience.

[@greentrucks1]

Mike, I have a 3 axle gooseneck dump with fold downsides; can haul my excavator with my one ton Ram and I can put 6 tons of gravel when I need some. I only travel local and avoid getting weighed, but I do have a CDL, but I don't put enough tonnage to handle more than 26001 gvw. You have the one ton truck; This is the lower cost option. Steel dump gooseneck 3 axle

[@KeithRowell-ix2qg]

I live in south west Missouri and just looked it to get your CDL.just have a drivers licenses pass a D.O.T medical exam. And do the written test.just retired in 2020 after 35 years and 3.8 million miles over the road.

[@mastinfowler8225]

I got my CDL back in the 70’s..Va DMV came to our business..we did classroom and then went outside did our checks on vehicles and went back on and took exam..I gave it up when U renewed my DL..I’m 77..it has made me extra money over the years..love your channel 👍

[@jerrybrock5335]

I've had my cdl for 40 years. You are right about the not needing it. I work for Barron County WI and they are already having problems hiring drivers. I told them they better treat us old drivers good before we are gone.

[@OneStepHomestead]

were you mentioned you'd want the sides to fold down I would look into that newer style of roll-off bodies.... set yourself up with a dump bed a flatbed and a dumpster to swap out as needed. You have a dump for gravel and a flat body ..... the dumpster you could have to leave at tree removal sites to collect firewood or such.

[@halfwayfarmsandoutdoors3550]

At work, I drive a F-550 flatbed to deliver parts to our mine sites with 19,500 GVWI don’t have to have a CDL but I do have to have a DOT physical and keep a logbook.

[@arthurhouston3]

La changed they all did trucks regulated by fed. Our Grandson drives Bluebell truck got his CDL right before change. The truck has air brakes and loaded goes over the limit.

[@donschaefer9442]

Yes. As of January 2022. You need to take the class. $5,000 minimum around here. NJ and Philly area. I squeaked by and got mine right before and only spent about $600.

[@mikemcmahan9850]

There are CDL written practice tests online. Take that a few times until you pass regularly, then go into the DMV and take their written. You’ll come with a CDL-P… permit. Then go rent a trailer over 12k gvw with your dump or anything overweight and go take the driving test. You’ll get a CDL without the air brake endorsement.

[@kb3byu]

Mike I live in PA and my employer paid for me to get my class B CDL back in 2005. Although I no longer do any CDL work I pay the difference when I renew my license every 4 years just so I don't have to take the test again.

[@johnolsen1192]

You are spot on I just went through all this bs

[@tomstarke4627]

Mike, 47 years in the metals business here, and if you want fold down sides, stay away from aluminum beds. Also the abrasion from dumping firewood and stone will wear out the aluminum bed. Steel all the way for durability and repair ability. Should also be quite a bit less expensive.

[@IrvinBoyce-r6w]

Mike in va. If you go to a cdl school and you are a state resident you get a grant . I have heard that the school is 5-6000.00 but you only have to pay 1500.00 with the grant. I was told by a dot officer that what you committed about weight was correct but they also said the capacity of the trailer like the trailer might only weigh 10,000lbs with it loaded but if it can haul 14,000 lbs you still need a cdl to pull it .

[@daviddeaton4250]

The perfect truck for you and anyone with a sawmill and firewood business is a flatbed dump. If you want to haul stone you can get the landscaping bed with fold down sides. You will probably get what you want. Good luck finding it! 😎

[@donberry8474]

Mike in Texas there is a license for hauling over 26,000 that is not a CDL. It is much easier to get. It is only good for hauling your own equipment. You can not haul for money. It is called a class A exempt. I would suspect your state has the same thing. There is a written test and you have to prove you can back a trailer. It is for farmers, large RVs and people like us that need to haul their own personal equipment. Hope this helps.

[@leokelly359]

got mine 25 years ago and I went with the big orange company for the training. stayed with them a yr (contract time) then I went on my own. kept my cdl even though I don't drive anymore.

[@Tcw2019]

It is the same in NH. That 10k rule works for landscapers as well. I just snuck in and got my class A before they did the new rules. I have a kx040 and was planning to get a f550 and need it for gross. I’d stick to towing with your pickup. A lot of guys get 16k trailers and f250’s to keep under class A. I really wanted a switch n go

[@indianaoutdoors4379]

I would still look at the F-600. Same size as the 550 but built a little heavier and 4-5 K pounds more of gvwr. Still under cdl. They handle great. It will give you more toung compacity if you are towing loaded.

[@richardeustice1010]

Hey Mike, southern Minnesota is in need of school bus drivers and semi- drivers , and in my area, school bus companies are covering the training and testing required for new employees, not as bad here in MN as what it sounds like in your neck of the woods, I think I spent a total of a hundred bucks out of pocket to get my CDL, and health card and behind the wheel testing! 👍🏻

[@chrissheathewoodguy]

Your going in the right dirrection.. The laws are the same here in Va.. 10,000 lb trailer max. I was able to drive my equipment around(875 bob cat and mid size track hoe) now once i got the larger equipment I hired a driver with a cdl. got a 15,000 deck over trailer.. I did the same thing. 550 single cab so i had the most payload available.

[@ns4wsm]

I agree on the fold down sides and aluminum bed. My buddy has one on a dodge ram one ton. Has a gooseneck hitch built in. Very convenient

[@bobcatbuilder2107]

in Alaska on the Kenai peninsula, there are 2 options for classes and getting a cdl. One school allows you to do all the book work and class room from your home and then once you pass the classes, you take the driving portion and learn how to drive, back up, and inspections. Then they give you the driving test. That all takes 5 days in a row for 8 hours a day. The other school takes 3 weeks. Both schools are months out to get into a class. I use a 1 ton truck dually with a gooseneck trailer to pull equipment that is around 10,000 pounds. I used to use a 14k trailer with a 12k truck. I wore that truck out and the new 1 ton dually are now over 13k and I upgraded trailer so now a cdl. I drove and 18 wheeler for a week so that I could go back to driving a one ton with gooseneck that I have been driving for 30 plus years with no accidents.

[@bob2973]

Mike you need to look at a 2 or 3 year old Chevy 6500 Topkick dump truck , That is exactly what you need and i bet it would be in your price range .

[@tomlorenzen4062]

Mike, I ordered 2023 f450 extended cab in January, picked up in July. 7.3 gas. $73,000 out the door, better price than lesser trucks on lots. Still too much, but 7.3 is fine. You will need a cdl in some states. Also, some states, chippers have no plate so you get away with the whole trailer thing. Also cdl depends on what plates you have on both, full or not.

[@charlesperry1051]

In Tennessee you still just have to take and pass the tests to get a CDL. No special training required. I do not have a CDL. The regs are little clearer in TN, they specifically say you need a CDL if your GCWR is 26001 lbs or greater AND the trailer is over 10000lbs. I plan to order my next truck. I tow a 2022 5th wheel RV with a 2011 F250 diesel. I plan to order a f450 4x4 diesel DRW to use as my tow vehicle. My truck is no longer my daily driver, so I can order a tow specific truck this time. The trucks on the lot are either work trucks with no options, or stupid high end optioned. I want an XLT with the options that make it tow better. Nothing fancy.

[@JohnLyons-m9s]

I did the CDL class in the fall of 2020. Went to night school from mid Sept to early Dec. I did it as a back up plan in case I lost my job due to COVID. $1,800 for the class and test at the local technical college. Well worth the cost. I don’t use the license but I still get calls from trucking companies about jobs.

[@martineastburn3679]

Wow. 10 years ago I knew some G.I.'s getting CDL and it was 2 weeks for a basic, additional time for Hazard and dangerous materials. I had a friend that got all tickets and could haul anything anywhere. And he now hauls printed papers from a printer to a newspaper in Just in time motion. Good guy.

[@joemcgarry6915]

The US must be taking a leaf out of the UK book when it comes to getting either a CPC or operators licence. As for towing it all comes down to GVW combine with permitted axle weight in the UK.

[@bobbycollins1963]

Mike get yourself a HDT put you in a porta potty, refrigerator and microwave and a power inverter and tag it as a RV with a (private RV not for hire) sign on it and pull what ever trailer you want and your excavator.

[@stevebyers9908]

I work for the City Of the Dalles Oregon and we have had four people get their CDL in the last year. We had to end up signing up to be trainers ourselves and paying to have someone to give the test about $250. We were told it would cost us $10,000 to get somebody trained and take the test. I enjoy your Contet. Thanks for all you do.

[@RobertWebbJr]

Good morning everyone. Mike, I’m curious if you’ve ever looked into interchangeable truck beds such as the Switch-N-Go system. A couple different bodies on the ground ready to go and your never limited with what you can do with your truck. Flatbed, contractor dump, a couple dumpsters and you’d have a system for just about anything. A little more costly to get into but the endless possibilities out weigh that when your creating cash flow.

[@crbourret]

I had my Class A CDL with all the endorsements for almost 30 years and had to give it up recently for health reasons. They don't make it easy to get or keep one nowadays and they wonder why there is a driver shortage.

[@Beermaker124]

A couple years ago I was looking to make a career change. Took vacation from my regular job and went to truck driving school. My state govt is encouraging people to get their CDL and giving out grants to pay for school. Not just grants for people under a certain income, grants for people getting a CDL. The local community college has a CDL program with either the normal Mon- thurs class schedule and a program on the weekends. Looks like it would benefit you to jump through the hoops to get that CDL.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Get a dump bed you want take your Ford you already have remove the bed and save it in case you want to sell the truck later and put the dump bed on that. Every state is different on that cdl issue. Most states in the south you can just go take the test and a small practical drive test like you have to do with a car. The classes are optional You can have a steel floor or plank floor with the rest aluminum I see it all the time.

[@kentontaylor8701]

In Kansas we can get a non commercial CDL class A. Have to take test and drive for them. Also can not cross state lines.

[@greganderson3676]

Crysteel Truck bodies had a variety of chassis available when I got my 550,the chassis was actually bought thru my local dealer but was on their lot ,I got the longer wheel base with an eleven foot box ,the fold-down sides are an absolute must have feature,I have also used the bed as a work bench out on a job sight several times

[@terrybenton4553]

Mike, the Zoresco 11' dump in aluminum weighs 800 lbs less than the steel. That is for fixed sides, not drop down. I ran 12' Galion steel with 18" drop down sides ( that's another variable - height of the sides and the gate, also do you want a coal chute on the gate) . I don't think hauling rock you'd be happy with aluminum. I hauled 100's of tons of 2A, 2B, and #3 and 4 rock over the years and the floor of my steel bodies were as flat as could be. 4-5 tons at a time. One thing about drop down sides - keep the hinges well greased! I'm not sure 800 lbs of weight saving with aluminum is worth the durabilty.

[@jimwiggins7032]

I ordered a new Mack MD6 with an aluminum dump body. Saved over 2000 pounds in weight vs. steel dump body. Truck is 25,999 gvwr Looking at getting a under 10,000 gvwr aluminum dump trailer to pull behind it. Completely avoids CDL.

[@sushiman3375]

Mike, check to see if your state supports the operation of trucks and trailers for “farm” use without the need of a CDL. Your local farm bureau may be a good resource. Also, quick research says Senate bills 725 and 736 in PA may give you what you need if you can classify yourself as a “tree farm” or other agricultural operation.

[@ACope655]

Feb. 7, 2021 the federal laws changed. Mandatory classroom courses and 120 or maybe hrours of behind the wheel training, I am not sure, are required. Plus your DOT physical of course. My son took his training through a local community college. An additional thought comes to mind also. As a CDL holder traffic fines are on a much higher plan. Get pulled over for an infraction and your fine could be much greater than if you only had a standard license; however, having said that it would also depend upon your vehicle class. Commercial or private. How you license the vehicle in Taxylvania would determine your class. I am an owner operator and this not something I think about much so I hope I have been of some help.

[@jolanni7]

Mike we are in Marxachusetts and this State is about as Nannny State as it gets. Last I heard, CDl is standardized throughout the country to Federal standards. Here, it is a fairly simple process, fill out an application for a learners permit and take a multiple choice question and answer on a computer. Questions can be tricky but not hard, any one with years of experience and common sense could pass without studying the book the state puts out. Next, fill out the license application and schedule a road test, if you pass, they issue a paper license on the spot. Permanent license to follow in the mail. Never heard of a mandatory class. Hoisting licenses are different and require continuing education classes every two years. Those classes can be done online and run about 60 bucks for each endorsement you hold on the license. Most operators hold 5 plus on their ticket. This could vary by state as it is not overseen by Fed DOT. One thing on the CDL, for it to be valid, you will need to pass a DOT physical and carry that card on your person with you license.

[@susansteen9252]

When I got my CDL, it was called a Class 1 license. Now it's a Class A. I got mine through BOCES in NY. Back then, I was mad that the cost had doubled from $45 to $90! That tells you how long ago it was! Now, according to FMCSA, if the combined weight of the truck and trailer is over 26,001 lbs or the towed trailer weight is over 10,000 lbs, then a CDL A is needed!

[@tonyseidita5766]

Mike, out here in the Poconos, there’s a guy that has a dump setup that he can interchange from a dump body to a flatbed. He sets them on the ground. Can interchange them.

[@peterbaillie4344]

A hook lift system on 650 or 750 would allow you to haul excavator or skid steer on the back of the truck. As far as the cdl requirements I just got my class b last year right before the requirements changed. You are correct about classroom time and cost

[@calebgotschall1788]

If you are interested in getting your CDL, and with the knowledge you already have, there is a place in southern WV that is approved and does Class A CDL in 5 days!

[@woofersd2383]

Mike as a 20 year veteran of driving dump truck. The absolute best sideboards are cut from Cotton wood. They will really bend a lot before they break. Call around to local gravel companies and see if they would have a use for that type of board. Your welcome, you will be as busy as you want to be, as long as you have the trees to cut.

[@paulkalff6408]

Mike! Another fine presentation...beautiful foliage! Here in the SFran Bay Area, there are many CDL folks who are Sikh. A dear friend from India tells me that many if not all of the older drivers were certified in India as operators of the larger vehicles. Many of these gents drive the shuttle loads from the Port of Oakland and other ports of debarkation for containers. Looking at the ownership info on the cabs, many own their own rigs....the tractors, anyway. There are also a fair number of lads of Hispanic heritage who drive semi's to and from Mexico with the tractors reg'd in both Mexico and California....it's pretty easy to pick out the tractors from Mexico due to the massive amount of tube steel protecting the front end. Based on observation, it appears that most of the loads from Mexico have Conventional Petes, good number of Kennys, and an occasional Mack, too. Thanks, again for inspiring us all! Prayers Are Answered Miracles Happen Dreams Come True.

[@warrior4-u]

Just had this discussion with couple coworkers yesterday, and confirmed the details with the Arkansas Highway Police (our DOT). In Arkansas, as long as you are not doing anything commercially (not getting paid), you don’t have to have a CDL no matter what the GVWR of your truck and trailer are. If what you are doing involves you getting paid in any way, CDL required if over 26,000 lbs GVWR.

[@wildbill23c]

Here in Idaho, you take the written test, get your permit, practice driving if you need to, then go take the driving (skills) test. No school required, but you still have to have the money, time, and access to a truck in order to do the practice and skills testing. I don't need a dump truck, but a dump trailer would sure be nice, but way too expensive for the couple times a year I need it...the rental place got rid of their heavy equipment side unfortunately, and trying to find someone in town that isn't a scammer to rent a trailer from isn't easy. There are other rental yards but I'd have to drive 45 minutes one way to get it, then drive 45 minutes back...so basically 2 hours of driving and paying for a trailer that I'm not using. Wish I had the money to buy some trailers to rent out LOL.

[@jasone679]

Mike, talk to Moore CDL driving academy up in New Wilmington, Pa. We sent a couple guys there recently to get their class A CDL. Much of the "class work" can be done online.

[@gslope1]

Tri-Star in Blairsville used to have a good selection on their lot. Haven't been past there in a long time. You could also check with Stephenson Equipment in Butler.

[@mikeboyd2337]

Good morning Mike, a dealership continues to pop up on my Facebook. I look at commercial trucks quite often and local to us as a dealer called Fairway Ford in Canfield, which is just west of the Ohio border. May consider giving them a look. Just look today they have some 73 super duty chassis.

[@rs2024-s4u]

I initially agreed with your decision about not Getting a CDL, however I after some thought and research I am Retired) would go ahead and take online school courses that are available in Florida, and most of these companies provide day rentals of equipment to take driving test when you are ready, meaning that I believe most of your requirements could be met at your home and at your pace, hence my change of position and this prevents two years from now saying you wished you had..... Best of Luck. Ray Stormont

[@katieleonard6391]

Kansas also requires a CDL school and it's around $5k for the basic class A cdl.

[@gregs9187]

Washington State here and a class for CDL has been required for as long as I can remember. 160 plus hours of a combination of class and hours of driving.

[@samkennedy841]

Check to see if you can register as a Farm. *You have plenty of acreage. Rules are relaxed for farmers. Often farmers don’t require CDLs

[@cramsburg9]

They will get you to this now a days , he makes 0 farming income . Unless you are hauling grain or livestock , you are asking for trouble .

[@markusb7488]

Gorgeous autumn colours! In Australia we have a 5-tiered system of licence ratings, depending on vehicle mass and towing combinations, where the lowest rating (single rigid dump-truck up to 8metric ton, towing up to 9mt) is relatively cheap and quick (

[@MrJake1851]

Yes, the USA has a similar licensing Regulations. To let you know that the Law makers in the USA are not in Cahoots with Driving Schools That many people trying to blame! It is because of UNQUALIFED and unlicensed Drivers and Illegal operating Transportation Companies that has made it difficult for New Drivers to become QUALIFIED Drivers. In the last 25 years of my Working years was involved with Vehicle Safety. Many Laws were created to assure that the HIGHWAYS WERE SAFE TO BE ON! If you could ONLY read of the MANY of FALTAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO UNQUALIFIED PEOPLE DRIVING!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Mike, If the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight is over 26,001, you will need at least a Class A license in PA. If that weight will be used for commercial purposes, then you will need a CDL license. You and your family stay safe.

[@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans]

No, only if the trailer is over 10,000lb gvw. In other words you can drive a 19,000 lb GVW truck with a 10,000 or less trailer and not need a CDL. I researched it, I even talked to State Police DOT trooper

[@DonDegidio]

@@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans Hi Mike, You don't need a CDL if all the equipment is for personal use. Only need a Class A license. I have a CDL because our family ran a trucking company for hire.

[@jasonhelms1849]

It would be hard for Mike to say it was personal use when he is sell firewood and it's all over youtube. He is make money.