THE ULTIMATE HOTSHOT SETUP!!

Would you classify this as the ultimate hotshot setup?! As you guys know this is Ray's second setup and second F550 with a sleeper. Some changes were made such as air ride on the trailer as well as the overall color of the truck. Which one do you prefer? Let us know down in the comments!
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[@jlovetheflash5371]

Checkout Out Our All-In-One Dispatcher Training Course Here! flashdispatch.mykajabi.com/offers/eyBtjnNC/checkout

[@dereksmith1803]

I understand connecting the 2 tanks for increased range, but with the cost of fuel now, you might think about keeping them separate and running off road diesel in the small tank for the generator.

[@colinlawrence2186]

That is awesome thanks for taking the time out of your day to show us how it should be done with a little iceing on the cake 👍 Take care stay safe and may God bless you 🙋🏻‍♂️🇬🇧

[@walkerinmotionllc8618]

I need to check them out…thanks for info on sleeper

[@AbeEmersonJr]

Great video! Funny thing...the very FEW first seconds I said to myself, "This guy is from the Valley." The accent, the humor and the Costas! Then a little more than halfway thru he CONFIRMS it! Lol. This was awesome! Btw, I lived on SPI for about a decade...

[@rayramos1179]

I love SPI❤

[@hotshothauler]

I'm so glad to see y'all finally got her done. I talked with you at a truck stop somewhere out west for a while like 4 months or more ago about this. Also I'm definitely giving these guys that did your sleeper a call.

[@scubasteve7946]

Shocker Hitch ftw. Know the driver is experienced with goosenecks running that hitch. Saves your back and less equipment frame cracks also.

[@johnnyleon9218]

Thanks for sharing and your insights. Preciate ya.

[@carllattimore8227]

That's a bad ass truck set-up!

[@florestrucking6099]

Very Nice and Ready for what ever..lol

[@LuisFernandez-uc3vs]

Very nice!

[@MarsellusWallace2024]

I think i’d consider piping the small tank to the generator and running it on cheaper off road diesel

[@Dipperdap1]

Beautiful rig and thanks for the info and ideas.

[@MayorMcheese12]

Not a rig bro it's a pickup truck lol

[@ramsarmiento8472]

35 straps is overkill 😂 I've never needed more than 15 or 16. Marvelous setup still 👌

[@MrC867]

Ray, Awesome setup Thanks for the tour

[@jackblack7573]

Awesome video! Im an o/o of a ram 3500 and kaufman 3 car for the past 3 years and 440k miles :) Getting ready to buy a Ram 5500 and Sun Country 5 car hauler. I might need to get a single rear wheel semi cause my trailer can be total 35k with that sun country

[@michaelsorrentino9279]

If you have a CDL will be better off with a single-axle semi for safety reasons. Big brakes and real tires.And of course the real transmission. Plus you sit up higher and have a better view the the road.

[@anamargaretlowery2046]

Sweeet Set up!🙂

[@michae-l]

Beauty !

[@traderryan713]

I want to build a 2000 f550 for hot shot. A much weaker 7.3. But for a budget build truck to get started hopefully it could work a while without too much trouble. or at least $/trouble ratio good is fine.

[@phoenixarizona8441]

Basket for the tarps is a lawncare trailer Basket they work perfect if you need storage space on a trailer

[@upinsmokedre8376]

Awesome setup what size is that trailer if you don’t mind

[@drostly3220]

Do you have some sort of aftermarket engine/exhaust brake for the 550? Downhill management with heavy loads seems to be the big issue with the fords.. Good trailer brakes helps but that just means more brake change cycles.

[@brooksbullock8806]

Really want to like it but it just doesn't make sense.

[@robertgonzalez8419]

I have a question for you what would you charge to transport 2- 20 foot shipping containers combine grocery Weight around 24K from New Jersey to California 2905 miles appreciate any feedback.

[@timmartin6106]

Wish you would have showed the inside of the truck and the sleeper nice set up

[@jasonmccrow6696]

Thank you for saying that I’m just 5 minutes in an I was waiting now I don’t have to wait

[@vitrola38]

What would be the minimum length of the chassis to install a sleeper legally?

[@leonardboothe6798]

Cool.

[@brycekidder6921]

Hauling a Cram A Lot self contained compactor. My dad's a tech for that company and I own a company that installs equipment for those guys. Maybe we'll see if you haul out to Colorado for Cram A Lot or the other manufacturers

[@nathanurick8320]

This is a hard working hands on operator/owner that’s done it for years so why wouldn’t people take advice from him. As grownups we tend to know it all and refuse to learn from others.

[@talonpilot]

I see some things I like, I see some things I dont. I like all of the ‘conveniences’ thats hes added bt worry about the weight penalty. I know he spoke of his ‘reduced weight’ limit its still a concern for me. Even though he spoke of the Semi vs Hotshot option, I still think he’s shorting himself with that setup… that only lasts 6-12 months vs YEARS. With out showing the math here, Im not sure hes ahead. Good luck to him and if hes making money, more power to him. Capitalize on the market however you can. Thanks for the setup demo. Good luck either way.

[@Ceddih]

Nice setup. I have a question, since you been in the busy for a while. What’s the average life span of a hot shot truck

[@jlovetheflash5371]

I mean it mostly depends on what you are having to put up with, I would say about 250k miles is when I would want to sell.

[@joebrings5817]

Na run them till they low and swap a new motor for the fraction of the cost. Just keep cash in hand so when the time comes u can keep rebuilding the truck as needed

[@luisaumanzor21]

No disrespect but 33 yrs in the game and this is what your running?

[@joebrings5817]

@@luisaumanzor21 current truck 2020 , f350. 233k miles lol

[@scottwashington9891]

My current truck is a 2017 Ram 3500 with 440,000 miles.

[@ceja03]

There are some loads in which the straps will come loose and you have to stop and tighten them more! It has happened to me and my people I know!

[@firematt422]

I bet you could stay in a Super 8 365 days a year for less than all that costs, especially considering all the fuel and wear from the weight and wind.

[@genarotorres8196]

I saw him yesterday in Baytown tx

[@rodyjperez7659]

How did you get started?

[@bctowing178]

Cost of maintenance people...but anyone who doesn't pay won't understand it

[@jermainepittman-dm9vi]

Was this a cdl setup or non cdl

[@mike40v]

What brand of camera will he be using for his blind sides?

[@jlovetheflash5371]

I’ll have to ask!

[@adonisrosales1642]

Did he inquire for a f600 new model?

[@michaelallen2843]

Nice setup

[@romiewoodall399]

Diesel Is Thee Best 👌 👍...

[@hpowlman9114]

No way I seen this truck in Brookshire,PA I have a pic

[@TyeWills]

That have a CP4 in it?

[@12354535]

CDL not needed?

[@kbarnikow]

can you tell me who the fabricator is I like some of these ideas and I live in Laredo

[@jokerface730tvjoker2]

I hope this message finds you well. I'm Joel Martinez, with over 10 years of experience in call centers, excelling in customer service, sales, tech support, and order entry. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I'm eager to contribute to your team in the industrial hauling role. Looking forward to the opportunity!

[@fritzduval]

Good Job J......get out on the field more often. That guy is Hella serious about Hot Shot... I must admit that sleeper smokes Road Master!!! He should have went step deck. Oh and the red rims....yikes!!!!

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Stepdeck was the plan at first, but crazy wait times changed up a lot!

[@rayramos1179]

If I went step deck, I would not be able to have the auxiliary tanks…the next setup will have a step deck😉

[@fritzduval]

@@rayramos1179 I thought about that afterwards....maybe dedicate the upper step to your equipment? That would give you 43 feet of flat deck..

[@candkath]

Great video and set up. What a bunch of stupid comments though. Anybody can get a cdl if you meet all the requirments. Just because you do hot shot doesnt mean you cant get a cdl.

[@AacaL05]

That's a really nice setup but that's also a lot of weight.

[@christiantrujillo1271]

How much can you scale on that trailer.?

[@rayramos1179]

Not sure what you are asking…here you go. The trailer is rated at 25900 it weighs 12k but in combination I can legally carry 22k but I cap it 20k…

[@lifeontheroad_]

@@rayramos1179 by doing the math: 25900-12000=13900lbs. This is correct weight of load that can legally be hauled on trailer. If you disagree, then at least consider the legality aspect.

[@rayramos1179]

@@lifeontheroad_ you are pretty funny…that is not how you calculate how much weight I can carry…and legally I can weigh 47,000 legally…25900 on my trailer axles, 14700 on my drives and 7k on my steers…legally

[@jeffreycoon9634]

@@rayramos1179I’m curious about where you are getting those numbers from. The gvwr of your trailer is 25,900lbs but because you hook it to a F550 you can now gross 32,000lbs on that trailer because it automatically puts 6,100lbs of that 32k on the axles of your F550? Is that your way of thinking?

[@jeffreycoon9634]

What amazes me the most out of the dozens and dozens of videos like this on KZbin is the idiots in the comments saying “hotshot can’t get his CDL”. When y’all get a chance find someone that can read and have them explain to you what it says on the back of your CDL about gross combined WEIGHT. It doesn’t have a damn thing to do with the size of the truck.

[@franksmythe6969]

The one thing I don't understand is how are you putting 20k loads on that trailer? The trailer itself with all the gear you have on it must weigh about 12k. Subtract that from the 25.9k gvwr and yore left with 13.9k in allowable freight. Am I missing something?

[@jlovetheflash5371]

So the trailer is rated for 25,900LBS, when you weigh a truck and a trailer, you weigh it by the axles. The axles of the trailer can never exceed 25,900lbs combined when being weighed. Unloaded the trailer axles have about 8,500lbs on them. So you can put 17,400lbs directly on the trailer axles and be fine, most loads are going to be 20ft+, so some of that weight is going to distribute throughout the trailer and be registered on the rear axle of the truck. You can never overload what the tires/axles are rated for whether we are talking about the trailer axles, or the rear/front axle of the truck.

[@franksmythe6969]

@@jlovetheflash5371 OK. My understanding was that 25.9 k was the total weight Gatormade recommends the trailer be trailer and Freight combined.

[@franksmythe6969]

@@jlovetheflash5371 I am a company CDL driver looking to get in to hotshot so I'm just trying to understand how it all works. That's how I landed on your video.

[@jlovetheflash5371]

@@franksmythe6969 it goes off of rating of the axles and the tires.

[@CoyoteFTW]

Sounds like you learned everything on KZbin dude let me guess ram is the best

[@randywallace8446]

I just got rid of my gatormade trailer the frame is very strong with the wiring the brakes customer service all sucks I bought a romax very good very strong put together trailer all sealed wiring gatormade ran conduit with interior junction boxes vibrated apart will never buy a Gatorade again

[@oas9235]

If trailer rated for 25k and weighs 10k empty how you load more then 15 on it?

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Because it is about what axle the weight is registering on, on any 20k lbs loads we do, the weight is distributed on the trailer, and some of it will register on the drive axles of the truck.

[@craighahn3281]

Hate to tell you but that’s not how it works 25900 trailer can only weight 25900 because that is the stress rating for the trailer also in the paper work for the trailer it will tell you that max weight on trailer and I would bet it says 15,900 lbs

[@jlovetheflash5371]

@@craighahn3281 yes sir, that is exactly what I was explaining.

[@rayramos1179]

@@craighahn3281 my trailer never exceeds 25900 but I’m still able to load up to 22k…the 15900 is put there for manufacturer warranty purposes…nothing to do with DOT…by the way👍

[@mrgclark229]

@@jlovetheflash5371 oh I see. Can you do a video on how to distribute the weight properly. Because I was told that I could only do 15900 with my 25900 trailer

[@Frontpagefab]

With this size truck you are into a Class A cdl, so why not just run a Class 8?

[@jlovetheflash5371]

The video goes over that question in depth

[@Frontpagefab]

@@jlovetheflash5371 Cool, I was having trouble hearing through my laptop speakers. I'll grab some headphones and listen again.

[@kengriffith9289]

Do you have to have a CDL to drive hotshot set ups

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Any setup rated for over 26,001lbs you will need a CDL.

[@DeltaCo7175]

@@jlovetheflash5371 class a or b ?

[@Scott.16]

@@DeltaCo7175 A or B you will need a CDL.

[@DeltaCo7175]

@@Scott.16 over 26k lbs requires a class a ? what does your setup require A or B ? confused

[@yogiballa]

@@DeltaCo7175 look up the laws for your state bro it’s all online

[@PowerWash2022]

I got rid of my ram 4500 for a freightliner m2 106 sport chassis and I'll never go back to a pickup for Heavy hauling. Best upgrade I've ever done next I will be getting a aluminum trailer to replace the steel.

[@iandelmore8376]

Yeah but not making anything with diesel prices at 6.50

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Our diesel isn't priced at $6.50 a gallon

[@rayramos1179]

🤦‍♂️

[@yogiballa]

It’s 5 in fl

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

Got it in TX for 3.99 last week🤷‍♂️

[@sabgab]

I cannot find him on Instagram.............

[@rayramos1179]

Racehotshot

[@yogiballa]

Sorry, not sold on the benefit of this. It’s a personal preference for you that’s fine … but you can’t compare this to the productivity of a full size rig

[@rayramos1179]

Not trying too sell anyone on what I have…like you said, it’s an individual preference but we can compare the productivity of semi to my setup…where there is no comparison between the two is the the longevity of a semi versus the 550…but that was explained in the video.

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

There are loads I've picked up and delivered wondering why a hotshot didn't run it. Definitely they can get into and out of places my stretched 379 cannot. Those loads are the ones that pay, it's a truck load, but a class 8 can't maneuver within the business. You can make it in hotshot, if you know what your're doing, this is not Ray's 1st rodeo, in either class 8 or hotshot, even as a fleet owner in both. Bottom line is YOUR business model versus his. Apples and oranges🤷‍♂️rubber side down.

[@lovingsummertime5965]

Rates suck for 98% of hot shot truckers.

[@jlovetheflash5371]

We are very happy to be apart of the 2%

[@dmlandscapedesignllcatlant8093]

Still in business?..

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Yes sir

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

NICE RIG😎. Make your money and fuck the haters in the comments. When they can put food on the table, roof over the head and clothes on your back, then they can have a say. They don't, or won't understand the business model of hot shots, nor will they in THEIR automatic transmission trucks, with lane avoidance🤦‍♂️These are the guys that'll slap a chrome bumper on a 1990 Schneider freightliner century, just like putting lipstick on a pig🤣. Respect hand, keeping doing you. Those others are either steering wheel holders, or just taking and 1.10 per mile load off the DAT🤦‍♂️. I'll keep an eye out for you at the truck stops. Shadow's back quiet.

[@manwithnoname734]

The Diamond C step deck would set it off. But at that point why not just drive a big rig? At least with my 3500 I can disconnect and get around town or explore the mountains and you know, use it as a truck. This setup kind of defeats the purpose of hotshot to me.

[@rayramos1179]

Because it is more of a medium duty setup and not a hotshot setup…

[@manwithnoname734]

@@rayramos1179 Just because it has a sleeper on it doesn't make a difference, it's still a hotshot. The 3500 and 5500 have basically the same towing capacity anyways. I'm not hating on it, it's a nice set up, but for me with my style of driving/living on the road and being an avid runner, hiker, hunter, fishermen, it makes no sense. The best part of hauling is being able to explore the country on my days off. If I was happy sitting on my ass in a truckstop all the time and didn't want a big rig then that would be great.

[@rayramos1179]

@@manwithnoname734 do more research buddy…big difference between a 1 ton and a 1 3/4 ton truck. Plus I’m not trying to compare my truck to a semi…I’m a tall guy, so I need extra width to sleep comfortably…also I have had a sleeper on a small truck since 2003…this is not a new thing😉

[@manwithnoname734]

@@rayramos1179 yes there is a big difference, bigger axles, better brakes, 19.5s, stronger frame, lower gears, all of which help with the 5500 gvwr but not it's towing capacity, they are the same. If I wanted medium duty I'd go class 8 so I could haul more weight. I fabricated a 6'2" bed frame that bolts into the factory seat locations running along the passenger side and have a mini fridge, crocpot, airtop heater, tabletop, and lots of storage. No passenger seat though so I have to leave my girl behind but it's comfortable and works for me. And it sounds like your rig works for you which is awesome, but for me with my lifestyle and the remote mines/rigs I deliver to it just wouldn't work.

[@MayorMcheese12]

Every time I see someone with a truck like this I can't help but think they're just wannabe cdl drivers lol

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Bro you do know he has a CDL with tanker, and hazmat endorsements right?

[@rayramos1179]

I use to be a heavy hauler…I’m not pretending😉

[@yogiballa]

Yea seriously what’s the benefit here? Why not get a nicer truck?

[@MayorMcheese12]

@@jlovetheflash5371 then why would you skimp out on loads that are paying more and drive a pickup that can't tow as much. It just doesn't make sense.

[@MayorMcheese12]

@@jlovetheflash5371 please help me understand

[@Bigeddyb]

Just buy a semi?

[@nonameposter378]

i was thinking the same thing.

[@mparker635]

What you losing gas in a semi you make up with the larger load you'll have versus the small pickup saving gas yes but not a big load just get yourself a CDL it doesn't cost that much you you get it back in time

[@nonameposter378]

@M Parker I have a cdl this whole setup is stupid to me

[@rayramos1179]

Did you not watch the video…it is explained 🤦‍♂️

[@rayramos1179]

@@mparker635 I explain it in the video🤦‍♂️

[@wowTharabbi]

Why not buy a normal truck if your spending some serious $$?

[@jlovetheflash5371]

We go over that question in depth in the video

[@rayramos1179]

You are the third person that I have seen so far ask this question…it was answered in the video🤦‍♂️

[@fritzduval]

1st!

[@toppfade5892]

Tooo much bruh

[@talonpilot]

You say in the 5:10 section to do the tie down right….but then you put your straps on the OUTSIDE of the rub rail, totally defeating the purpose of why that is there. You seem like you’re trying to do the right thing but then make bonehead moves. C’mon man!

[@dolmite]

Looks miserable.

[@user-el8lc1mq9t]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@paulwilliams6531]

Want to b truck driver couldn't get ur c.d.l so u drive a hot shot

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Uhhh, you do understand that he has a CDL, and that you need a CDL for this rig?

[@rayramos1179]

I use to do heavy hauling and you need a CDL to drive this setup🤦‍♂️

[@dptp9lf]

TOO BAD IT'S A FORD after about 2 yrs. of electrical problems he'll sell it to some other poor ford loving sucker

[@paulwilliams6531]

U call that a rig it looks more like a Ford.. that is not a rig I'm a truck driver and I drive a rig

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Awww good for you dawg

[@rayramos1179]

You so called truck drivers make me laugh…I use to do heavy hauling with jeeps and boosters…3x3x3 with a 4 axle truck…I have done payloads up to 120 tons…i have also done loads over 100’ with extendable trailers…I think I have earned the right to be called a truck driver. By the way…a team of horses and a wagon were called a rig…it’s where the term comes from😉

[@davidbradbury6410]

I think they should ban all Hot Shots we don't need them the industry doesn't need them it's a bunch of amateurs running on the road out there and taking up spaces at the truck stop enough is enough

[@rayramos1179]

Amateur…I have been in trucking for 36 years and have done from heavy haul to specialized million dollar trucks (Schlumberger). I bet you a buffalo nickel you don’t even have a 1/4 of the experience I have. Look me up on LinkedIn😉

[@adam5o5]

I don't understood you hot shooters. I am constantly blowing by you guys on the highway so your not going any faster. Yall have to follow HOS rules, your trucks don't get much better fuel mileage can't haul is much yet they are still loading yall up. And to top it off you guys are putting sleepers on now. And an air compresser. Wtf is the big deal just get a semi

[@jlovetheflash5371]

And we are making more money than most semis, I don’t think anyone understands.

[@yogiballa]

@@jlovetheflash5371 no chance

[@jlovetheflash5371]

@@yogiballa believe what you want big man

[@rayramos1179]

Didn’t you watch the video🤷‍♂️ I tell you why I don’t own a semi🤦‍♂️

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

He can get into businesses you and I CAN'T. That's the money load. You drive past them all the time on the frontage, but don't notice them because it's not a big wally world distribution center you can straight back into the dock or a lumber yard. No his loads pay because class 8 drivers don't want them because of potential damage to their "rig" or it takes them out of their comfort zone marker lanes. It's a niche market, you keep slapping iron to it while it's hot.

[@jeffgreen9109]

Who makes the sleeper?

[@rayramos1179]

AA Sleepers in Fort Worth Tx

[@DrSamBeckett]

Cost?

[@Aspann85]

@jlovetheflash5371 Whats the wheelbase on this badboy??

[@josephadams7106]

Not to find fault with what you've done, but why? How much do you have invested into this setup, how much is your return on investment? Just how long do you think this will last? Would be better to go with a freightliner or international business class crew cab with air suspension and a true smaller truck. All that Mickey mouseing on a bit so reliable pick up truck that won't last 2or3years is not a wise move. These trucks are not built to last long under those conditions just look at the reviews any where online.

[@rayramos1179]

Damn…did you not watch the video🤦‍♂️

[@fishlips8336]

Hotshot 🤣 Can't get a CDL.

[@jlovetheflash5371]

Bro anybody who knows anything, would know you have to have a class A CDL to operate this setup, he also has Hazmat and Tanker.

[@yogiballa]

I agree. What is the benefit to this over a normal semi

[@rayramos1179]

You are either a funny guy or a very misinformed guy🤦‍♂️

[@IeeIee778]

Believe it or not this is how most truckers start

[@fishlips8336]

@@IeeIee778 There was no such thing when I started driving, but it's certainly a different world now.

[@FVKNMITCH]

Why not drive a real rig ? A pick up truck with a 5th wheel setup isnt the same.

[@jlovetheflash5371]

buddy if you understood our average rate per mile and our cost per mile, you would understand why he chooses to not drive a "real rig"

[@rayramos1179]

Did you not see the video🤦‍♂️