Does any of this seem reasonable? Cost to run a 3500...

No, that's the tare weight of the trailer. I wanted to know what the GVW rating was.

 

I bought a 20' Load Max 16k GVWR and love it around the city. However it's time to replace my 2008 F350 srw for a new truck.
I love the SRW but being as I can see I will probably buy some more different type Hot Shot trailers I'm finding it hard to decide on going the dually route, if I do then should I go for a 350, 450 or 550 in your opinion?

Hope business is good!

 

It all depends on your load weights. If you need heavier than a 3500 I'd go with a Class 7 single axle sleeper or a Freightliner M2. A 5500 will beat you to death and you'll get poor service on the road. Larger trucks don't get hassled half as much at scales.

 

FWIW, with 10k on my trailer, I get 12.5 on flat ground driving 55 mph. When I drove through the mountains of TN a few months ago, I got 15.5 mpg pulling 12k. No, that was not a type-o. In my (limited) experience, if you don't use cruise control, keep your foot steady on 55, don't give it any more pedal going up hill, you'll see a dramatic increase in fuel mileage.

We calculate our operating costs based on 8 mpg. I almost always beat that by 1.5 mpg. There have been a couple of times when I got 6.5 and 7.5. I just finished a load from Erwin TN to Duluth MN. Three fuel stops (I have a 34 gal tank), all over 14 mpg driving 55 mpg.

Much Success!
Bill

 

Mileage will be affected by wind speed and direction.

It will be affected by wind drag of the product on the back. If lower than the truck, mileage increases. If no side to get hit by wind, it will get better.

 

Don't forget air density, altitude, tire pressure...

 

My insurance took a nose-dive this year. Typically It had been ~$2500/yr. This year it's down to $1600. I'm mostly local, within 100 mile radius and only 50K/yr. Agent said ins. company decided to give those of us with only one power unit a break.

Great West Insurance.

 

I'm new to hotshot service. Building a business plan now. I would appreciate that spreadsheet for costs. Thanks for all you do for others. I will try to do the same. Please email anything else you think I would need for start up. Email: jrathelm77@yahoo.com

 

I'm considering getting into this as well. What do you guys think about starting with a 3500 Dually and an enclosed 2-car trailer. I was thinking it (the trailer) should help avoid damage claims.

 

#Silverado-01 Would you please email a copy of that spreadsheet to me as well? I'll greatly appreciate it! Email: otokron@aim.com

Thank you!