Buying a Hotshot Rig, recommendations?

The GVWR of the 3500 is not 31,000 lbs look inside door sticker will tell you the GVWR

 

Not to argue, but depending on make/model and setup. It can be that high.
I attached a copy of tow ratings for the 17 ram 3500.
That’s max load size with gooseneck setup

 

I misunderstood him, I thought he was saying the GVWR was 31,000. Sorry my bad.

 

If it were just regular tailgate pull. You’d be dreaming and destroy your truck real quick trying for 31k

 

Make sure you get a 3500 with the Aisin transmission.

Use this link when searching for trucks, just enter the vin in the URL field.

https://www.ramtrucks.com/webselfservice/BuildSheetServlet?vin=3C63RRGL7EG137843

 

Not that any of that matters, but the dude said he wanted a single rear wheel, (which is a bad idea)shown above with a max GCVWR 25,300lbs. & tow rating looks like 17k and some change. I had a '12 dodge & the factory GCVWR was only 21,000lbs. 3.73, 6 speed manual & would eat fancy gap, or Mont eagle at 60-65mph loaded up at 33-35k lbs gross..

Regardless none of that matters. The DOT does not care what Ram says it will tow. They care about how you have it tagged. What you do is put all the weight on the truck registration. 26,000 for you, then you get a token/permanent tag for the trailer. As I see it, as long as the truck and trailer GVWR as shown on the data tags adds up to 26,000lbs or less no IFTA is needed. That's part of the reason why you see people having the trailer manufacturer lower the weight ratings all the time. Usually up to a max of 30% below the axle ratings. You'll find the same tandem 7k axle PJ trailer rated at 15680lbs sometimes lowered to 12000lbs so a 14,000lb rated dually can pull it with no IFTA.. When plating the truck you ask for a 26,000lb tag at your local DMV. Then then tell them your "5th wheel coupled semi trailer" needs a permanent tag. Done..

I was set up like this on a regular FL tag & ran like that for about a year through about 30 state's and 7-8 level one inspections with not one single issue..

 

This^^^^^^^^
No need for IFTA if your gross combination weight registration is 26,000# or less.
I ran a set up like that for five years thru multiple states with inspections and there are no worries.

 

People are always asking however about this your response answers it along with the reasoning behind it. This only coming from experience.