Is shortening a semi frame a big deal?

Seems to me your new truck is just like a car, and can drive it anywhere without permits or logs, until you put DOT numbers on it. And, I have read that "not for hire" stickers/signage is meaningless.

 

In Florida, a resident can purchase a class 8 tractor and use it as a daily driver going to the grocery store, work, etc. No CDL or log needed. They can also use it to pull their camper or horse trailer etc. across country as long as they are not doing it for profit. A regular car tag works for this purpose. Is it registered as a commercial vehicle yet? Does it have temp tags? That would make a difference. The rules may be different in the state you reside.

 

I think the potential ROI is higher with the big truck since it will last upwards of twice as long. And it will be a hell of a lot more comfortable out on the road all week. Trying to live out of a little truck for more than a night or two at a time is not super fun. Been there done that hauling campers. Trying to stay cool in the summer wont be much better unless it has the Freightliner smartpark deal but if it has a bunk heater those are nice. If I had to take a 34 hr restart out on the road I'd get a hotel room for the second night. If you ask you can sometimes get them to let you check in early and get a nice afternoon and evening away from the truck.

I see those BTC's have lost half their value in 2 months. I remain unconvinced they have any intrinsic investment value and as a day to day currency none of the cryptos have really given any of the fiat currencies anything to worry about. They're too volatile.

 

No idea about the transmission but Campbell Freightliner off the Cranbury exit in NJ might be able to help.

Good luck with Shipshe. Those guys are backed up pretty far on work last time I talked to them. You might be in for a wait on that. Could always just pull your trailer with it for now. Plenty of go-power and weight capacity now! Looks like it has the LED headlamps too?

Bunk heater requires some annual maintenance in the fall to stay tip-top but can't beat it for saving fuel/DPF and staying warm. And a standup sleeper with toys like inverters, fridges, microwaves it's like you checked into the Plaza hotel compared to sleeping on the back seat of a dually.

 

Looks good. As to singling out the front drive it shouldn’t be a problem as long as the tires are rated for the weight. So if you’re gonna be at 34k on the tandem the front should be theoretically 17k so you’d need tires to support up to 9k apiece which is kinda hard to find in a normal skinny size.

 

I like the 2 tone paint. Looks minty clean. How many speeds is the trans?