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Better For Hot Shot: 1 Ton or MDT?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by TBigLug, Apr 18, 2011.

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  1. Apr 18, 2011 #1
    TBigLug

    TBigLug Light Load Member

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    Nov 26, 2007
    Jackson, MI
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    The wife and I may be moving to TX in the next couple years to be nearer our daughter. I'd like to get into hauling hot shot down there. My big question is, which is better and why?

    Basically looking at a Chevy 3500 4x4 Duramax vs. say a Freightliner FL70 or M2. Fuel mileage would be about the same loaded but edged to the Duramax when empty but not sure by how much.
     
    TBigLug, Apr 18, 2011
    TBigLug, Apr 18, 2011
    #1
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  3. Apr 19, 2011 #2
    WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    What motor and transmission options for the M2? I've driven one hauling horse which had a C12 Cat and a 10 speed, and it was only turning about 1300 RPMs at 65.. I'm more than willing to bet it would better a one ton in fuel efficiency at that speed - in which case, the one ton would probably be turning 2200 - 2500 - loaded or empty.
     
    WitchingHour, Apr 19, 2011
    WitchingHour, Apr 19, 2011
    #2
  4. Apr 19, 2011 #3
    LBZ

    LBZ Road Train Member

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    Road to Nowhere
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    You would be better off waiting to see what exactly you are going to be moving. Until you know that, you will not know which horse to put in front.
     
    LBZ, Apr 19, 2011
    LBZ, Apr 19, 2011
    #3
  5. Apr 19, 2011 #4
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    That duralax may be a little disappointing...........
     
    123456, Apr 19, 2011
    123456, Apr 19, 2011
    #4
  7. Apr 19, 2011 #5
    Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Nov 2, 2009
    Northern California
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    C12 & a 10 speed is what we run in some of our Peterbilt 379s...lots and lots of power when tuned right. But again, I'd try & see what you are pulling. Those new Power Strokes are turning 400hp and 800ftlb of torque. Thats insane for a V8 in a pickup!

    Not sure about the dmax but they have to be right in there too. Nice thing with Ford is you can get the F450, with heavier springs, bigger rearend, and 10 bolt wheels all with a standard dually pickup bed from Ford. Which to me would be pretty nice, unless you needed a custom hauler/flatbed built.
     
    Flying Dutchman, Apr 19, 2011
    Flying Dutchman, Apr 19, 2011
    #5
  8. Apr 21, 2011 #6
    Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Better have deep pockets when you buy a Ford. They are the worst thing to use in hotshot. Their motors are junk since 7.3 was stopped.

    When it came time to replace my 2002, no way would I touch one of the new ones and went to a Dodge 5.9.
     
    Roadmedic, Apr 21, 2011
    Roadmedic, Apr 21, 2011
    #6
  9. Apr 22, 2011 #7
    TBigLug

    TBigLug Light Load Member

    91
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    Nov 26, 2007
    Jackson, MI
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    Not sure what I'd be hauling but for the sake of this theoretical comparison, we'll say it's a 30+ ft long 10-15K pound something or other on a 40' tandem dual flatbed gooseneck.

    Most of the M2's I see (and most MDT's for that matter) are running the C7 Cat and 6 sp. or auto. New ones are using the new 6.7 Cummins and some new auto (we just ordered a new one at work). Older rigs are running the 8.3 C, 3116? Cat and IH 466.
     
    TBigLug, Apr 22, 2011
    TBigLug, Apr 22, 2011
    #7
  10. Apr 22, 2011 #8
    Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    kittanning, PA
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    I would use a single axle tractor with with a 13 foot flat bed and a recess at the back for your gooseneck. The 3500s and 5500s are great, but with the 9 ton truck you can get more weight on the back of the truck and trailer, its going to have an easier time pulling the weight (heavier springs, breaks, etc) and heck anymore you can get the two for around the same price. The only downfall of a tractor over the 5500s I saw was that it wasnt extended cab...
     
    Logan76, Apr 22, 2011
    Logan76, Apr 22, 2011
    #8
  11. Apr 22, 2011 #9
    Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Northern California
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    I completely agree with the 7.3L....best motor they ever made. Those 5.9L Cummins are nothing to be ashamed of either
     
    Flying Dutchman, Apr 22, 2011
    Flying Dutchman, Apr 22, 2011
    #9
  12. May 3, 2011 #10
    BAYOU

    BAYOU Road Train Member

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    Sep 23, 2010
    Beaumont,Tx
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    You will never stay loaded with anything smaller than a 40ft
    a 30ft trailer is what i call a large stake bed the pay is $.50 a mile less most guys get 12-15,k axles we go up to 18,000lbs on a gooseneck

    I would'nt go with a one ton or less go 4500 or bigger and dont 4get will drive this truck 100,k miles a year so a older truck just wont last
     
    BAYOU, May 3, 2011
    BAYOU, May 3, 2011
    #10
    Svoray Thanks this.
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