F350 Single cab With Sleeper

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Mr Bojangles, Oct 16, 2011.

  1. Mr Bojangles

    Mr Bojangles Bobtail Member

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    Oct 16, 2011
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    I have been thinking about starting a car hauling business for almost a year now. I want to go with a single cab f350 pulling a 3 car hauler trailer. I think it could be profitable if it were possible to mount a sleeper on the truck. That way I could avoid hotel expenses. Also, this would allow me to deduct a per diem rate over $50 for every day I log "sleeper berth" in my log book. Ok, here's the plan. I want to find a cab and chassis one ton with a long frame. I will then fabricate a sleeper that meets dot dimension requirements and mount it behind the cab. I will have to cut out part of the cab to provide an exit from the sleeper to the cab. Here's the problem. The exit from the sleeper into the drivers seat must be 18" high by 36" wide. If I take out the passenger's seat this will allow some room but I don't think it will allow a full 36" My question is this: If my exit falls a little short will dot give me fits? Will I get myself into trouble if my exit is 30" and not 36"? Thanks
     
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  3. TennMan

    TennMan Road Train Member

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    if your truck doesn't meet dot requirements you wont get your yearly inspection. i'd look into buying a 4 door and turning the rearseat into a bed
     
  4. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    That's not a legal sleeper, best advise, go buy a SA tractor and use it instead, fuel milage is almost the same and it will last alot longer than that dually will, plus, you have better brakes and you can probably pick it up for the same price as what you are looking at and doing the conversion.

    If you're looking at getting into the auto transport business, you'd better do some research first, the insurance is expensive, it's very cutthroat and every Tom, Dick and Harry with a dually thinks they can buy a trailer, jump in this business and make big money, sadly 7 out of 10 are wrong.
     
  5. Mr Bojangles

    Mr Bojangles Bobtail Member

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    Oct 16, 2011
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    I don't expect to make a lot of money this business. Also, I won't need to borrow any money to get into this business which eliminates a large chunk of the risk. I never jump into anything on impulse.

    Yes I have considered buying a small tractor so I could haul more than 3 cars but I think it will be a bouncy ride. Also, I want to make residential deliveries. I'm not sure that will be so easy with a larger truck, but maybe I'm wrong. But you should know better than me. What do you think?
     
  6. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Good advice . A Freightliner M2 or FL 70 would be a good choice , possibly an old expediter truck with the box removed and the frame shortened . These could be bought cheaper than putting a sleeper on a 1 ton . The additional weight of the sleeper has to be considered . The weight of a 3 car load would probably exceed the capacity of a 1 ton .
    It would also be a DOT inspection target . They love to pick on 1 tons . I see them behind the scales all the time .
     
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