Trailer rental for CDL testing?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by GCDMN., Oct 15, 2014.

  1. GCDMN.

    GCDMN. Light Load Member

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    Oct 15, 2014
    Minnesota
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    Im up in Minnesota and looking to get my Class A cdl and have my permit with combination and airbrake endorsements. My company has 3 trucks all Freightliners. 2 with sleepers and one day-cab so I plan on testing in the day-cab. I have a few hundred miles experience driving these and other than occasionally destroying the gearbox I am pretty comfortable in them. We haul golf carts so we run 53 foot custom built car hauler type trailers. I'm wondering if it would be possible for me to just rent a short 30 foot flatbed trailer and use our day-cab to test in. Anybody have any ideas where I should check to rent these? I have started checking into the rental but keep running into leases. I know of a couple local companys that provide vehicles you can test in but they cost close to 500 bucks give or take which I don't think is outrageous but love the idea of doing it as cheap as possible and still give myself the best opportunity to pass. I see a lot of the schools at the DMV testing and most seem to be small day-cabs and short trailers. How many of you took the test in a full size rig? I also have about 25k miles exp. driving a 1ton diesel pickup pulling a 50ft gooseneck trailer so other than the weight (over 26000lbs) I think i have a decent mindset for driving a 65 foot plus vehicle.
    Thanks
     
    V c2c Thanks this.
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  3. chris886

    chris886 Medium Load Member

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    I would advise against a shorter trailer. Test in what you learned in. Backing a 30 ft is a lot different than backing a 53 ft. Shorter trailers respend a lot more to slight mmovement. Test in what you learned in. I learned in and tested in a daycab with a 48 ft trailer.
     
  4. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    It doesn't matter if it's a 53' or a 40', they adjust the course depending on the length of the trailer. Also, unless you are trained on how to do your states pre-trip and skills test you will probably fail. Most states want it done their way or the highway.
     
  5. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    I would advise a shorter trailer. They react faster and you don't have to swing so wide when turning. If you've already got experience with the trailers you use then no need to use your trailer. On the other hand you might be better off using your trailer since you already have an idea how it reacts. Best of luck
     
  6. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    I'd advise against using a smaller trailer, unless you get a LOT of practice with it first. Shorter trailers are "twitchier" when backing, and harder to control.

    Stick with the trailer you know.
     
    gpsman Thanks this.
  7. GCDMN.

    GCDMN. Light Load Member

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    Oct 15, 2014
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    Thanks for all your input. I did not know the course would adjust depending on how long of trailer you used so that makes me feel more comfortable with what im already use to. But on the other hand the pre-trip inspection is actually what has me the most nervous. The companies that provide vehicles to test in give you a couple hour practice plus the pre-trip inspection training so its hard to not think of that and for $460 bucks it would be well spent. Guess I will concentrate the most on the pre-trip stuff. Think im giving up on the short trailer idea so down to the two options.
     
  8. chris886

    chris886 Medium Load Member

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    Are you in a hurry for the CDL. If not I would study the pretrip and airbrake tests and practice as much as you can in your company truck, then take the test. Hopefully you will pass, if not at least you will know exactly what to expect for the test and then you can decide if you need to spend the $460 before you try again.
     
  9. gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    Sooo... why do you seek to make a ridiculously easy test easier (/cheaper) than just using the available 53 footer?

    If you knew anything about operating oversize combination vehicles it seems you would know shorter trailers are harder to back, so I think you don't have an ice cube's chance of passing any road test/check ride with which I am familiar.
     
  10. GCDMN.

    GCDMN. Light Load Member

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    Oct 15, 2014
    Minnesota
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    Wow! Read the last post this morning and was trying all day to think of what cause gpsman so much angst over my statement. Was only describing the experience I currently have. However much or little that may be. Guess I will just chalk it up to his opinion. One thing he is rite about is my lack of experience operating a oversize combination vehicles hence my being in the newbie forum looking for advice about how to make my cdl license test as successful as possible. As far as passing the road test we will see. Hopefully some day I can approach gpsman's expertise behind the wheel. Thanks to all for helpful advice. The shorter trailer being not necessarily easier to drive is very nice to know. Currently studying the pre-trip inspection routine and looks like I will be taking the test in what I am use to.
     
  11. chris886

    chris886 Medium Load Member

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    Don't worry about GPS man, might be having a bad day, might be an *** hole.
     
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