Hot shot trailer ?

So basically you are just flatbedding with some limitations like most of us. I can only scale a 29k load on 26x102 dock high deck and if it is over 26k I need it 18' or less. I do OK but I miss a TON of work that is just out of my range. I am plated for 52k max.

 

Anyone pulling a gooseneck must pay attention to their brakes, bearings, and tires. If I had done that when I first started out I would have saved a lot of headaches. The goosenecks that are on the market now, are not made to pull as many miles as the hotshot carriers put on them in a year.

 

I used to run a single axle tractor with a tandem moving van plated at 60k. That might get you a couple more load options. Get stands to make the lower section the same height as the upper, so you can haul plastic pipe, or other long, light loads.
The hotshot market is usually for smaller trucks that can get into small loading/unloading sites.
Personally I think a T270/370 size truck would be about the best for hotshot. Heavier duty than a pickup, air brakes/air ride available, better drive train, and tires, and easier to maneuver than a class8.

 

You are thinking exactly the same as me. I was looking into the same ideas, just ended up going with a company job.
Maneuverability of the T270 should be better due to it being smaller, but I couldn't find any turning radius specs. Plus it is the same cab as the class8 trucks, so adding a sleeper would be simple. BUT, having to buy one and pay for all that when you already have a perfectly usable truck would be nuts.
I know I see guys running class8 S/A as hotshots, so it is doable.
I'd go with the dropdeck, the savings in tires and brakes should pay for it, plus if it doesn't work out it will be more saleable.
You need to look into the types of freight you will be hauling, and the rates. Are you going to lease on to someone, or go it on your own?
Good luck.

 

This is close to the route I'm trying. Been running a 1 ton Ram & 40' gooseneck for a few yrs now. Got a '93 fld120 48" bunk, factory single axle with 11.1L series 60. Took me longer than I was hoping to get road worthy, but should be on the road by Monday. I'll let you how it pans out.

Would like a 48' dropdeck but will run the mini float for the time being. Been loading as heavy as 17k lbs on deck, thinking it will handle 18-18,500lbs if distributed properly according to the builders' load rating..

What axle, & brake problems have y'all been having? Got 12k dexters & EoH disc. With regular maintenance no problems to speak of. Just the 10ply China bombs blowing but seemed to have solved that with 14ply all steel rubber..

 

Hi guys. Go buy you a Big Tex 40 feet with ramps. You can haul cars, tractors, general freight plus all those light loads. You can always add the top deck later. The Big Tex trailer are light but build strong. The Big Tex trailers are very easy to sell.

 

I'm not a fan of the deck over neck option. Adds about 500lbs directly to the drive, which also means about 500lbs less freight weight on the neck. This is an issue for me as most of the necks are only good for about 6k lbs to begin with. Also it's a wind catcher, & the deck height is what?, about 78" from the ground? I guess you may get some use out of it, but to many negatives for my operation.

Also with a 48' stepdeck, when the shipper or broker says 'no hotshots' for whatever stupid reason they have, you'll still be able to grab it with that step.. And it will most likely be air ride, another plus. I missed 2 loads this week, one for air ride, one for no hot shot even know it was a 11k boom lift of which I've already hauled a few up to 16k..