Thinking about hotshoting. READY TO PULL THE TRIGGER! Looking for a bit more advice.

Hey guys, any tid bit of advice and or comments would be greatly appreciated. For the past year and a half i have been working in the line trade as an apprentice lineman. The work is great and the money is amazing. However i can see this trade taking a tole on my body, hence my reasons for considering a different line of work

Ive looked into the insurances, ifta numbers, irp plates, UCR, DoT numbers, MC numbers, and business licenses (please feel free to add anything ive missed as far as legalities).

I recently bought a 2013 3500 Dodge Ram (SRW). The trucks intended use at the time of purchasing was not hotshoting. Its GVWR is 12600 lbs. 5th wheel towing capacity is 18600 lbs. Now this brings me to my first question. Will i be able to start up my business with this piece of equipment (keeping in mind this truck is NOT a dually)? The math that i have done says that is i pull a 40' big tex (22.5k weight rating and weighing in at 7800 lbs) i will only be able to load the trailer with 10,800 pound. What are the typical weights pulled by hotshot truckers?

Please ladies and gentleman any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Zach

 

i agree that i need a dually in order to make it in this line of work, however, are there companies out there that are frequently in need of hauling loads 10k pounds and under? Perhaps "spacier" loads versus heavier loads? I plan on purchasing a dually when i can afford it but as of right now i want to save the coin i have for start up capital. Im just throwing out ideas fellas I appreciate any feed back.