What I LIKE & HATE about my 2020 BigTex trailer - NON CDL hot shot

[@calsam4112]

Your attitude towards everything is seriously the best! Better of the content and information on here!!

[@bigjim2260]

Hey Alex, that explanation of the scarcity of 12' partials as opposed to 20' partials was very, very enlightening, bud. Thanks-- that's another excellent video.

[@CR-wc7zp]

Great job on this video, Alex!👏 You are the King of non-CDL hotshots! Thanks for the outstanding explanation of GCWR on your rig😎.

[@LaLaLucky7777]

This guy is so detailed, I love it.

[@jakeyoung3136]

I mounted an additional tool box about the tool box on my 14gn. I made brackets and it went together super easy. definitely a must have with the trailer.

[@jakeyoung3136]

I just started non cdl hot shorting this week, always been a dream of mine and your videos helped out a lot. Thank you.

[@RobGADV]

It's not that they're trying to cut weight; they're trying to cut COST. :)

[@erikb8877]

Exactly. It’s like when bottled water companies advertise they are saving the planet by making a bottle that uses 50% less plastic. Nixxa Please, they’re only trying to save money by putting water in what is basically a bag with a screw top at this point.

[@thomasvincent9027]

@@erikb8877 actually when a bottle water company say they saving the company money by using 50% less plastic their actually saying that they are using recycled plastic.

[@my11badkids78]

So when we gonna get the HotShot Lot Lizard Documentary? 😂😂🤔🤔 We need to see all aspects of the trucking life!

[@edgarrivas5791]

The equalizer bolt is an easy fix if you are looking for a zerk fitting. We do that all the time for propane swing arm brackets for our forklifts when the swing arm gets rough to swing. If you can drill and tap, you can install a zerk anywhere you need one. If you want a zerk in that area, you can either drill through the bolt if you need to and tap thread for the zerk. Or, go underneath your trailer and drill one in the area of concern. Then you tap and apply zerk. Done! I like your videos, you always seem happy and make people think your job is cheerful. 😆 while other hotshot truckers are pissed off all the time at brokers are customers. 😆 ...not saying names.

[@tsi87supr60]

I used to build trailers years ago. Along with ships, power & cement plants. Knowing the materials to build trailers with. A trailer can be extremely over engineered with a low trailer weight with a higher cap weight and great build quality.

[@tiptowing]

Pure motivation.... I feel like I’m on the road with u every video

[@FR8GUYHotShotAdventures]

I think they should put the blinker in for you. It’s my understanding they aren’t supposed to by policy sell you something that isn’t road legal.

[@rustyshackleford2242]

Alex you truly are a wealth of knowledge in your field. Really enjoy your video's.

[@markellwyatt8447]

Nice trailer. MSG hasn't contacted me about my trailer. Thanks for your videos, they are very helpful.

[@jth1699]

Hey Alex - just down the road from the Big Tex manufacturing place over on highway 19 in Emory Texas is a trailer manufacture called Kerney Trailers - very well built and engineered - with a competitive price. I'm here in Texas too and I called all over when I first moved here looking for a trailer - and was quite surprised to find the best deal right in my back yard even though Big Tex wasn't 20 miles away. They are just south of Emory Texas on highway 19... I have some kibfolks that used to be a welder at Big Tex and he quit there because of the substandard work they let get out the door... so if I was you I'd get a sharp pointed pick and probe all the really important welds to make sure the weld is actually there. You could be probing into black silicon painted black instead of a weld.... good luck guy - keep us posted

[@tnducknut4372]

JT H don’t see any 40’ like this one?

[@KWOKGB]

Maaan ! You truly the best on KZbin about hotshot business

[@happypappy6371]

The length of the truck and trailer does not make the requiement for apportioned tags. Weight does that and running interstate. Any vehicle with a GCVWR of 26,001 or more, running interstate requires the apportioned tag. The side marker or turn signal. The only thing I can find in 49 CFR 393.11 about side markers is: Side marker lamp intermediate At or near the midpoint between the front and rear side marker lamps, if the length of the vehicle is more than 9,144 mm (30 feet). I don't find anything requiring turn signals on the side. The smaller tool box and legs set in, were more likely to cut cost than weight. But with that, as you said, you lost space in the tool box and with the narrower leg stance, you also lost stability.

[@stevenjones618]

But I think if you are not registered as a truck and over 65ft you have to be registered as a semi truck. Is how I see it. So let's say you get a st plate on trailer for 18 dollars you must get a plate for up to 26k on power unit. And if you are over 65 ft you must be a semi truck..

[@happypappy6371]

@@stevenjones618 The determination of truck or tractor ( semi ) is---if the vehicle can carry cargo on itself--box truck, pick-up, flat bed, it is considered a truck. If it is open frame, unable to carry cargo, it is considered a tractor. Then the length depends on if it is a truck or tractor.

[@OHIOMANUSMC]

All trailers over 30 feet long must have intermediate side lights to make other drivers aware of the extended length. These yellow lights must be placed in the middle of each side of the trailer and be at least 15 inches high.Mar 2, 2018

[@VelvetElvis8]

I thought you were a Ford Man!! Lol here you are driving a RAM! Love my RAM.

[@johnmazza9432]

Great tip about why to avoid oil bath axels.

[@cadillac8927]

Yeah that middle tool box looks kind of small mine was kind of small but I just had the bottom cut out of the toolbox and I extended it and made it deeper and had it re-welded back

[@drm44876366]

You answered my question about Big Tex trailers. Thank You.

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

I'm digging the trailer you got...thank you for the review and updates on it. It seriously helps!

[@hkmp5kpdw]

Another thumbs up for a great custom video of a custom trailer!

[@tylermacconnell217]

I have a 14GN as well, and I hate that the middle light doesn’t blink. Mine is a 25+5. Otherwise, been a very good trailer.

[@mikerosenberger3809]

You are killing it, making me wanna give the company the boot and get hooked up.......keep up great work. BTW what is your overall length? Some states run with a 65' length limit.

[@jason7231]

I love your videos bro. Such a good attitude about everything.

[@allenlong3939]

Also that is why they rate trailer with 5200 lb axles at 9990 to stay under cdl requirements instead of 10,400.

[@curtisstewart9594]

Good presentation Alex. And without the blue non TP mug (8{]

[@godspeedtransport5981]

Good advice. Like the new trailer. And don’t you miss wearing shorts already? Only bad thing about cold weather.

[@jonh7480]

I'm almost certain, but that center light does not have to be a blinker. I drive big trucks and most trailers have blinkers, but it is an insurance savings and not a requirement. I may have misread the FMCSR, however I don't think I did.

[@jonh7480]

Please correct if I'm wrong.

[@nunojab2008]

I got busted for not having a blinker on my 24’ trailer in Texas

[@bartman8876]

Well made video and now I'm going to get the 40ft thanks for pointing that out

[@AJ-nh8ik]

Great video TP. Will we get another video on how you feel about the trailer after about 15k miles and how things are holding up with it? Or even at beginning of year after you done ran it for a few months?

[@TowPiglet]

Yes definitely

[@colinlawrence2186]

One more awesome video really great content stay safe out there and God bless you and keep you safe 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧

[@cedricwoodard2788]

I figured that you ignored my inbox for this reason, a video was coming... Thx man i was about to get a 16gn 40 footer... Im gonna get the same 1 u got.. also add a tool box to the side like i did on my 25+5 Big Tex..

[@RaoulThomas007]

Viewers should send Alex photos of their side boxes!

[@PFeal]

What about diamond c? Seem to get a lot of good reviews. Review a shocker hitch if you can get a sponsored one.

[@PFeal]

@@moblack5883 I just looked at a 30ft hydraulic tail dually for $15k and a 40ft with ramps tandem is about the same price.

[@jjnewlifeim]

PFeal and his trailer is about 10k+ , it’s a difference

[@joespappa]

Recently bought the Big Tex 22 gn Heavy duty. Picked it up from the factory in Mt. Pleasant. Before I got home the welds welds on the bottom of the tool box broke loose from the I beams. Because of the thin metal tool box and the thick beam. Didn't really want to re weld it. Made a couple of brackets drilled some holes and bolted them on the frame and box. Worked much better. Sucked I had to do that on a brand new trailer. This is sad. Because at one time. If you had a Big Tex. You had the BEST. Just another example how getting bigger. Does not make a company Better.

[@steved9397]

It's because they are now owned by pj

[@vanlifenomadfirekeeper]

Id put two black aluminium boxes underneath just in front of the front trailor tires.

[@Grampa-el3kz]

Should be less troublesome than your previous trailer. Nothing is ever perfect. At least that is my experience. Best of luck to you.

[@dixiemae5042]

Good review 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ronhardy9818]

Question about adding D-rings to a trailer. I wanted to ask if i add D-rings to the outside edges to a trailer by welding them, does that interfere with the freight being loaded? They would be inside the rub rails (PJ Trailers). I am looking to add more tie down options to secure a load and keep it inside the tub rails. Thank you.

[@jjnewlifeim]

Alex, that equalizer wet bolt with grease options it’s about 10$ each .. and I know you can change it in less than hour .. i know from my experience.. this week i changed both equalizers and 1 leaf spring in 2h my 2018 trailer had the same like yours, my friend has 2017 it has grease bolts, just depends who built them))))

[@kmoreno120]

jjnewlifeim where can I buy them ? I have a 25+5 which I bought recently would love to change them ASAP greatly appreciate the help guys !!!!

[@jjnewlifeim]

Hijinio moreno online you can buy everything from this site, but usually you can find at some RV, trailers dealerships www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/TruRyde/TRFA71063.html

[@tylervonlossberg6012]

Hey Alex I can get you semi sponsored by my dads trailer shop with maintenance. FYI he used to be a Big Tex dealer

[@joecrackdadon8954]

@towpiglet With the 40 ft trailer and the 20 ft dually, how close to the 65 ft are you with the gooseneck?

[@michaeltillotson7044]

hey whats up alex???? you da man!!! like watchin your vids!!! trucks + traveling are cool imho!! so question for ya, why not go with an aluminium trailer???????? might be a video for you to touch on the subject.

[@buickdude69]

Thanks for reinstalling the chrome inserts on your rear wheels. Looks sssoooooooooo much better. :)

[@fountaininnerfairview428]

Can’t help myself but every time I see your TP hat I’m thinking toilet paper. Can’t help myself but it’s 2021 and the shortage is real ;)))

[@clarkgriswold2480]

Very informative FAQ's. Thanks.

[@teamncoffroad6291]

Got a question!! Everyone talking about taking cheap freight!! Ist $1 a mile taking cheap loads?? How does this help the rates? I understand partials!! Thanks for your help!

[@TowPiglet]

For LTL not really

[@timmytheimpaler]

Do they even make 53' flatbeds for your application? If I do this, I'll want max space to put a slide-in camper on the front by the GN. Yes, I have a CDL.

[@SierraKilo6]

Did you have that trailer custom made? I’m having trouble finding a 40’ 14gn

[@priscidesantiago2169]

I'll keep in mind whatever you say to keep in mind.

[@tjvandenheuvel1]

I was amazed you do not prefer tandem dually with oil bath axles. Curious, I have a 53' gooseneck boat trailer with triple axle dexter 8k's for 24K total...............so would you prefer my set up except I"m sure you don't want 3 axles?

[@anitahoover7478]

Alex why not have a trailer with 3 axles I was always told anything trailer over 26 foot should have 3 axles and have grease backed axles instead of oil bath hubs

[@riverfamily7173]

Big Tex is cool about sending derated stickers? Any more details on that?

[@joeladame3974]

Why on big tex website it says this specific trailer has a GVWR of 15900? That would make this set a CDL set up

[@maseratilife1316]

Lol rerated it Hahaha. Same here. But to answer your statement the more time you spend picking up the extra partial and extra time dropping the extra partial and making more money is the same time I save loading a full load everyday bro. If you make a grand a day its a good living. That's something to lookout for on the other hand I dont really do cross country, only east coast. And last but not least a friend made 11/800 this week with a 53 sd in 6 days. Minus 1/800 fuel. Puts things into perspective ! Good vid non the less. We just got diffrent strategies. !

[@Nuuks67]

Hey Alex, I am in sales at a very nice trailer dealer in Ohio, ( not sure i'm allowed to post the name ) so I won't. But, I watched your video's because we deal in BigTex, PJ, Trailerman, and a few others. A few nights ago, I was watching your video when purchasing your 40' BiGTex and you're right it is NOT in the dealer book. The very next day I had 2 customers back to back from different states come in and both asked for a 40' BigTex... my exact words were... did you just watch Tow Piglets video just like I did? LOL... they both said yes! SO, while you're not sponsored by them, you are creating a buzz and assisting me in possible sales. We do carry all the backing plates, hangers or springs you would need if you're ever down in western Ohio ! I'm not sure how to leave my info for you in case of a break down and you need some parts. ONE question ... I'm sure with being all over the USA, you have certain dealers, or parts stores that you can rely on per state, or per area. Have you ever thought about doing a video on a list like that, or other lists that would make it easier for a newby? If you'd like our company name just let me know. Thanks, Kevin

[@godspeedparadeteam]

Have you ever done a video with the trailer mods you mentioned?

[@carlosalvarenga810]

Very Nice! Great Info Best wishes From NJ

[@bokosdieselgarage]

This might be the next trailer I’m buying. Does it come with pull out ramps like the 36ft ones?

[@TowPiglet]

Yes it does

[@manuelavila655]

Hey Alex I don’t know if you ever mentioned this but everything your saying about CDL does not apply here in California. If a trailer is stamped over 10k you need a CDL no matter if your under 26k combined

[@TowPiglet]

That's correct, I've made several California videos and you folks are the exception 👍🏻

[@davidhollman34]

Do you avoid California? Are there any other states you don't go to ?

[@billhockenberry4968]

Manuel Avila California is always the exception

[@RubenSanchez-mq4if]

Thank you Mr tow piglet,looking into trailers and really appreciate the advice,I got a big question....we're getting ready to open doors on our own company.do you have any advise as far as starting out brokers?I'm looking to go cross country..Any names I can research would be greatly appreciated,,you and you're family have a blessed holiday season...again thankyou

[@1sdmesser]

Thanks for great videos. Why is it so important to be non-CDL? What changes if combination weight rating is 260001+ besides needing class A?

[@charliemich8037]

Great, great video Alex. Thank you!!

[@bgdavid228]

22gn-20+5 doesn't have it i notice when i have items at the front it kinda rocks left to right no welds have cracked yet.. but i worry about the twisting motion sometimes...it also does the wheel thing...even with dual axle dual wheels... the marker light on ours is a blinker.. don't have a greese fitting in our bolt.. been running it hard 4 years no problems yet

[@stephenwyett3187]

Same with a 25+5, flex’s going across a field or rough spot,

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

No matter how nice a trailer is that old phase" it's just a trailer" seem to come to play does matter who makes it. I never have seen a trailer that was fully painted always at least a crack or crevice that was not covered.

[@pdionne03901]

You and I passed on a long passing lane a couple months ago. I'm looking to get on board with another groupas the one I'm with has some minor issues. I run a Big tex 25+5 and have been putting about 20000 miles a month on my truck. I'M LOOKING AT INCREASING MY WEIGHT RATING AND GOING cdl, SO PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME.

[@allenlong3939]

The trailer is still over cdl requirements.

[@billhockenberry4968]

Allen Long no it isn’t. He is absolutely correct. Look at the back of your drivers license.

[@allenlong3939]

Read fmcsa 393.91. If you are towing a trailer rated for 10,001 or more cdl is required.

[@billhockenberry4968]

Allen Long you aren’t reading it correctly.... it’s actually section 383.91 not 393.91. Cdl class A license is required for combinations where the combination gross rating is greater than 26,0001 lbs AND trailer exceeds 10,001 lbs. The reason the AND is important is because if the trailer gvwr is 10,000 lbs or less you only need a class b cdl up to 80,000 lbs cgvwr

[@allenlong3939]

Also his trailer is rated for 12,000 correct? Not 10,000.

[@billhockenberry4968]

Allen Long yes but the total gross is 26,000 trailer weight only matters at 26,001 or higher

[@tiptowing]

I don’t think Alex even get upset lol

[@Drewdayz2419]

He doesn't need a blinker it doesn't have to blink

[@johnrodriguez9018]

I’m getting in to hot shot but I don’t know what length of trailer is enough? 25+5 ,30+5, 40ft?

[@kjenkins8648]

Top notch as usuall!

[@kfo444]

I didnt know that you can request a certain GVWR sticker on your trailer if you buy brand new! Genius

[@nunojab2008]

KFO also can do it on a new truck at the dealership

[@GalileonPrime]

@@nunojab2008 Only if custom ordered from the factory, GVWR is coded into the VIN.

[@jordanaguirre2540]

I seriously dont understand the weight issue. If with the trailer and truck you just weight 25000 pounds then how can you haul without being overweight??? How much can you legally haul??

[@elmonto7754]

Why haven’t you gotten the new long term rental?? You gotta have the mileage by now!?

[@MrPjcrews]

T.P. Did you get a New Red Truck? I know you were over 50,000 miles. I also thought you were getting a Ford 550 or something like that.

[@jacobduncan8875]

So..you can buy a 15000 something weight capacity trailer and simply slap a lesser sticker on it and then legally tow it? That's like an overweight person who doesn't think they are overweight. That makes them skinny right?

[@andrewmartinez6991]

Parts for 8,000 lb axles are about 4 weeks out . I know from experience.

[@TowPiglet]

Ouch that sucks, are you still waiting? What happened?

[@ezmoney3699]

@@TowPigletJust a thought.l Always have replacement bearings and race for at least one hub and one spring, it's maybe 50 extra pounds and you can do the work yourself if you had to.But I switch out springs and equalizers after 100,000 miles. Usually the same time i replace back plates and pack the bearings also winterize all electrical connections AKA lightbulb plugs with Electro Grease. Spring and Fall when the temps are around 60 to 70 degrees makes it more enjoyable to do it at your house at your leisure than on the road with a load on. If you do it all at one time it makes it a lot easier than doing a little bit here in a little bit there. Peace and Be safe

[@Jdmkidseg]

Good video my mane.! 🏗😂👍

[@cliffbeckwith4019]

I need to move a sea can on my trailer and wad wondering how long of rachet straps do I need to secure a 20' sea can? Thanks

[@cosmealvarez6651]

Hey Alex when we gonna see your truck come out the body shop ?

[@TowPiglet]

I'm a month or so it should be done

[@robertt4239]

You are awesome! Did I miss a video? I thought you were going to turn that truck in.

[@TowPiglet]

Tomorrow I'm getting the new truck

[@davidhollman34]

What's the mileage on the truck when you got a new one ?

[@yoyoyoda1783]

Get yr CDL...it's not hard so if yr over no sweat 👍....but apportion plate is a must....down fall😥

[@happypappy6371]

Apportioned plates are not a downfall. You are just tagging the truck for what ever weight you are going to run at. No different than tagging it for 26 K.

[@DDoggiee_YT]

I have a few questions. As for the truck. Is the Enterprise tag the one you use or do you have to get a different tag, do you pay road tax?

[@robertsoza2292]

What's your overall length with the bigtex and the dodge drw?

[@johnanderson6041]

Just curious. With the amount of time and energy you put into this line of work, why do you not get your CDL? It opens up much more opportunity.

[@davidhollman34]

I would think because of the regulations. Like HOS and medical card . He would loose 10 hr of drive time per day and if his blood pressure isn't at correct levels he can't drive .

[@johnanderson6041]

@@davidhollman34 he's got an ELD and medical card anyway.

[@happypappy6371]

@@davidhollman34 The requirements are the same for having a CDL or non-CDL. How would he loose 10 hours of drive time? He can only drive 11 hours per day.

[@daleskelton8963]

Personally I think there is to much overhang from axle to end of trailer

[@sludo56]

What? Not a 22GN?

[@joeysharp7786]

when buying trailers you need a company that builds a trailer for hotshot work .like I said before there are more trailer manufactors then girls in vega,s . but maybe two that build them right.

[@TowPiglet]

That’s a funny analogy and you’re absolutely right, I’m open to recommendations

[@matthewsumter2099]

Alex i need help finding loads to hotshot because I started my own hotshoting non cdl company and I need finding customers to hotshot for

[@RaoulThomas007]

Truckstop.com, DAT or hire Alex’s Dispatcher!

[@Mrburger-um8by]

Non cdl ...does that mean you don't half to have a cdl to pull certain freight ...what about a llc numbers and all that...

[@C10Build]

You got a new trailer, but when are you getting a new truck from Enterprise?

[@TowPiglet]

Tomorrow 🤫

[@C10Build]

@@TowPiglet okay I won't mention it. 🤣

[@Deadshot_mkz]

Excited for you on your new truck!

[@gambit6431]

@@TowPiglet how long was the wait? How long is the wait to get a truck fro. Faye?

[@TowPiglet]

Right now really long

[@steved9397]

Big Tex is PJ same company now

[@rebelfromva]

How much should I expect to pay for this trailer setup

[@EnglishAdventures]

Hey bro, love the videos and your enthusiasm. One obstacle that I am facing here in FL is that they say that also with non-CDL you can only tow up to 10,000# (trailer included), so here it seems that non-CDL can't be profitable here. Do you have any insight to offer? We are new to the game and looking for options. Thanks bro and God bless!

[@EnglishAdventures]

@Tommy Whitmore Yes sir, it's because I'm not a driver for my business. Otherwise I definitely would have. I just don't understand why his videos are talking about how much money you can make doing non-CDL when the towing limit is 10,000#.....with a 40" gooseneck that leaves about 1000-1500#....I was planning to drive hot shot to get some of our cash flow started while my business partner does 18 wheelers but since I'd have to get my CDL either way we're sticking to 18 wheelers.

[@Drewdayz2419]

26001 lbs its a federal law not by state.

[@EnglishAdventures]

Andrew Simmons gotcha thanks for the reply!

[@michaelkeagy8096]

Alex does trailer have aluminum wheels

[@garyburbank8895]

Alex can a Hotshot carry a Courier Load and can a Courier carry a Hotshot Load ? Just asking Because Im a Courier i hauling small and medium size loads i only deliver Local

[@radron48619]

Where are your wheels and lugs?

[@DrMumbaiWD]

How about a poop deck on the goose neck?