Originally Posted by Brickman

Don't do a flease to own. I got starved out of mine this summer also.

Originally Posted by Hammer166

Did I miss something here? The last cabover carhaulers were the Lowliner 'shakers of the late ninetys. We're different then regular trucks in that our overall length is limited. The extra space behind the cab on a cabover isn't worth the hassles of the top front spot. And a buckboard rode better!

Oh, duh! Brain fart! Must be talking about all those enclosed rigs that PMG runs. Nowadays even the enclosed have switched to them little Sterlings. Let's ya get one more over the hood. Not to mention that nobody sells cabovers stateside any more. Used to be to able to order K100 KW's a few years back but not sure now.

Carhauling's not for everyone, ya have to have good spatial IQ. Tried to train some guys who were really good drivers, but didn't have it for carhauling. To be good at this you have to be able to 'see' your load before you start loading. And remember what weighs what. Also, with the stinger fifth wheel, our weight distribution works a little differently. We don't carry nearly as much on our fifth wheels as a semi does and what weight is there dramatically effects steer axle loads. Because of the length limits, stretching out for weight is not allowed. We can move a little weight around by sliding decks. But for the most part, you load it right or do it all over again.

The financial rewards are awesome, but so are the risks. Doesn't take much to do 2000 dollars of damage, and 2500 dollar deductible is common. My equipment cost over 4000 a month and good fuel mileage is a relative term for us. My current fuel cost is .91 per mile. But if you're cut out for it, the money's there. I'll gross somewhere over 400,000 this year and often clear in excess of 10,000 per month. And I'm home every weekend. Every one.

The reason most outfits running open equipment want so much experience is there is so much more to worry about. Your minimum turn radius changes with every load. Tree branches are not your friends. Dips in driveways can bite ya quick. You have to be quick-thinking. "do I need to stretch out to make this corner" and " can I clear that dip if I lift?" we can raise our suspension to give us a little more ground clearance. With all the overhang beyond the axles out back, putting one these in a tight spot is more than a challenge. You can't (well, I sure as hell won't) park in a spot where someone can back up to you. My overall length is 82 feet, even a Pete with a 53 is only 72 or 73. Kind of limits your parking choices. If you don't want damage you WILL check for dangling chains every stop. If you're hauling auction cars you will get your exercise. I know of plenty of sold lots that are a quarter mile from your truck. Walk ten out of there when it's 100 degrees. Have fun trying to find your cars when they've got a foot of snow on 'em. Even more fun when it's the wrong color on your gate pass. In the dark. And it's still snowing! Depending on how big your load is, load time is 1 to 2 hours. Not counting walking time. Of physical labor (climb, tighten chain, lift flipper, etc). I have calves of steel. Boots last a year at best, often six months.

But you couldn't get me back to moving freight, not with rope, chains, and a pair of handcuffs! Not even with Muleskinner's lizard chasin' stick

Originally Posted by Hammer166

Dirty-
you'll love your Star. I've had mine a year now, same setup as you have. My only complaint is about the Detroit, 100 less HP at cruise rpm than the 550 Cat I got out of. It's far from a dog, mind you, but it's no big Kitty!

And the versatility of the high rail is awesome for multi-pick/drop loads. Love being able to take suvs and trucks straight to headrack w/o touching top of trailer! It does load slower than quick loader, but I can easily load combos that'd leave the low-side guys quivering!

Originally Posted by Hammer166

BTW, I don't have the slide behind the cab, gotta drag jump skids! And no way to raise to reach under cars back there.