What to do with a big, new dually - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

CoachAlan · 09-01-2004, 12:41 PM

A buddy of mine just bought a big huge Chevy dually. You know, the kind that can pull a mountain. He's interested in making it pay, maybe hauling trailers for people.

Does anybody here know how to get in to that racket? Do you necessarily have to have a CDL? What kind of money is in it? Any insights are greatly appreciated.

mb99usa · 09-01-2004, 12:48 PM

Needs to make sure he gets a good towing set-up. He'll probably want to tlook into what kind of insurance he'll want to cover (accidents, and the unexpected are bound to happen). Best idea would probably check the phone book and see if there are any similar operations in the area and visit one. Someone already in the business would be the best source of information available. An existing operator just far enough away that he wouldn't be stealing his business would more than likely help. Might also provide some referals.

Confederate · 09-01-2004, 01:44 PM

http://chevytruckworld.tenmagazines.com/forums/

I have been a member of Ten Magazines page for years now, even though I am on Fordtruckworld, this page is just as good for looking up info and asking questions about chevy trucks.

CoachAlan · 09-01-2004, 01:54 PM

Thanks mb99usa and thanks Confederate. I will definitely tell my buddy to sign up for that site. I noticed they even have a "Towing and Payload" forum.

Once again the TFP comes through like a champ. Keep the good advice coming!

mechanicman · 09-07-2004, 06:03 PM

Here in NM my there is a company called "Hotshots" which I think is all over the US. They basically set up loads for you to haul, and you use your own full size pickup and trailer (not semi's). I hear they pay pretty good, maybe you can google it.

Big Cholla · 09-12-2004, 04:58 PM

Usually to tow trailers commercially, one has to "lease in" to a firm that has the federal and state licenses. Contact those firms and see if they are interested in you and your pickup. They will give you the legal, physical and experience requirements. Big Duallys are usually limited to travel trailers, office trailers, flatbed trailers hauling trailers and/or pickup caps and horse trailers. An alternative is to work directly for a manufacturer of the trailers and haul exclusively for them. That always means lots of "dead heading". Some states allow 10 ft. wide trailers to be hauled by Duallys while most limit them to 8 ft. wide trailers. A relative of mine was in this business for years. The professionals have their Duallys custom built with special rear axles, transmissions and diesel engines. He told me to make any money at towing, one needs a co-driver, a small sleeper bunk and a big bladder.

09-01-2004, 12:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
CoachAlan Psycho Location: Las Vegas	What to do with a big, new dually A buddy of mine just bought a big huge Chevy dually. You know, the kind that can pull a mountain. He's interested in making it pay, maybe hauling trailers for people. Does anybody here know how to get in to that racket? Do you necessarily have to have a CDL? What kind of money is in it? Any insights are greatly appreciated. __________________ "If I cannot smoke cigars in heaven, I shall not go!" - Mark Twain

09-01-2004, 12:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
mb99usa Keep on rolling. It only hurts for a little while. Location: wherever I am	Needs to make sure he gets a good towing set-up. He'll probably want to tlook into what kind of insurance he'll want to cover (accidents, and the unexpected are bound to happen). Best idea would probably check the phone book and see if there are any similar operations in the area and visit one. Someone already in the business would be the best source of information available. An existing operator just far enough away that he wouldn't be stealing his business would more than likely help. Might also provide some referals. __________________ So, what's your point? It's not an attitude, it's a way of life.

09-01-2004, 01:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
CoachAlan Psycho Location: Las Vegas	Thanks mb99usa and thanks Confederate. I will definitely tell my buddy to sign up for that site. I noticed they even have a "Towing and Payload" forum. Once again the TFP comes through like a champ. Keep the good advice coming! __________________ "If I cannot smoke cigars in heaven, I shall not go!" - Mark Twain

09-01-2004, 01:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Confederate Death Leprechaun Location: College Station, TX	http://chevytruckworld.tenmagazines.com/forums/ I have been a member of Ten Magazines page for years now, even though I am on Fordtruckworld, this page is just as good for looking up info and asking questions about chevy trucks.

09-07-2004, 06:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
mechanicman Upright Location: Glendale, AZ	Here in NM my there is a company called "Hotshots" which I think is all over the US. They basically set up loads for you to haul, and you use your own full size pickup and trailer (not semi's). I hear they pay pretty good, maybe you can google it.

09-12-2004, 04:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
Big Cholla Upright Location: Las Vegas, Nevada	Usually to tow trailers commercially, one has to "lease in" to a firm that has the federal and state licenses. Contact those firms and see if they are interested in you and your pickup. They will give you the legal, physical and experience requirements. Big Duallys are usually limited to travel trailers, office trailers, flatbed trailers hauling trailers and/or pickup caps and horse trailers. An alternative is to work directly for a manufacturer of the trailers and haul exclusively for them. That always means lots of "dead heading". Some states allow 10 ft. wide trailers to be hauled by Duallys while most limit them to 8 ft. wide trailers. A relative of mine was in this business for years. The professionals have their Duallys custom built with special rear axles, transmissions and diesel engines. He told me to make any money at towing, one needs a co-driver, a small sleeper bunk and a big bladder.