Chassis Cab and non-CDL

Looking to get started as a non-CDL Hotshot.

My plan is to take a RAM 3500 Chassis Cab, place a sleeper on it and run a 40' trailer via gooseneck. Combined GVWR will be 26,000 LB (truck is at 13,000 LB and trailer at 13,000 LB). I am concerned that the chassis cab may be viewed differently than a truck with a bed in some states (or maybe Federal). I want to make sure that a chassis cab (also considered an incomplete vehicle) can be driven by non-CDL in the lower 48 (assuming it runs under 26,000 LB in both ratings and actual weight of course).

Any other insight is welcome as well but running the chassis cab is the major concern. Don't want to buy something and find out I have made a mistake. The laws are very hard to either get or understand.

Thanks for your help.

 

This is the information I needed.

So, the difference is a chassis cab makes the truck and trailer a combination vehicle? Whereas, running with a bed makes it a truck and a trailer, 2 separate vehicles?

As for the sleep portion, I have cleared that with the manufacturer/installer. To answer to the other guy's question, I am under the impression sleeping in a crew cab is technically not DOT compliant. I do not want to spend money on hotels either way.

Apologies in advanced if any or all of this is wrong...the regulatory part is the roughest of this business...especially non-CDL.

Thanks for your help.

 

OK. For sure, the truck will be a 13,200 GVWR and the trailer will be 12,800 GVWR.

However, I have heard, off and on, that the 3500 being a chassis cab somehow reclassifies it and you have to have CDL even if under 26,000. Like the first reply eluded to, chassis cab with trailer is considered a combination vehicle and that may mean CDL. I am trying to find a definitive answer but I can not. Even if the answer is some states do and some states don't...then at least I would know what my options are.

Thanks for your reply!