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Big Haul

Posted December 20 2008 08:39 PM by Ali Mansour
Filed under: Editorials, Ali Mansour

Future=18 Wheels?

How much do you haul? It seems like each year my trucks keep packing on the pounds and the weight of the load behind me continues to increase. I often wonder how much time it would take to get my CDL and just toss my trucks in a big rig and travel cross country from trail to trail. Sure it wouldn’t be the cheapest thing to do or the most sensible, but I bet it would be a ton of fun!

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Reader Comments:

1. As a CDL driver for the past 4 years, and a past police officer, I can tell you that in the state of Colorado at least you wouldn't need a CDL for a personal use vehicle. The only difference here is if the vehicle is rated over a certain GVWR you have to pay an extra road tax for it(26,001 lbs and up). But, since if would be a personal use vehicle you wouldn't need the CDL (unless you plaster the sides of the truck or trailer with business info). But I do have to admit that the 18 wheelers are a good time to drive! I have driven them on and offroad, and the best choice for your application would probably be a late 90's model Peterbuilt with a small to medium sleeper on it and then a flatbed on the back for a vehicle. You could also have the capability of attaching a trailer if you like (gooseneck or bumper pull) and it would be a sweet set-up. And as for fuel economy..... well..... the Peterbuilt I drove got around 9 mpg with 30,000 lbs on it's deck, and the Volvo I drove got around 10 mpg with a 53' flatbed loaded with 50,000 lbs. Not bad overall, better than my parent's GMC with a 454!!!!
Hope that helps you!
Matt Klouzek

turbosniper1 - Posted December 20 2008 09:56 PM

2. Hmm, four wheeler,eighteen wheeler...take off axle from army 6X6 and put under 18 wheeler and combine two worlds.detroit makes lockers for these.
ps. a feller down in New Mexico did a 6X6 army truck, imagine the looks as ya cruise along a large trail?

NaughtyDodge04 - Posted December 21 2008 11:50 AM

3. CDL would be cool, but you can't take traffic school with one... so I'll pass... lol

4WOR Web Editor - Posted December 22 2008 04:14 PM

4. I've got a cdl and I work/drive semi's for a living. It is fun, but for your case, (we are talking a little on the hypothetical side right?) Why not just try to get a hold of a International CXT? Depending on which one you get, you could still look @ getting a 33000lbs gvrw, as well as 4x4 (standard issue on some of them isn't it?).
If you could find a trail big enough for it, could you imagine that in combination with super single mt/s on the rear (probably need agri tires from a spray rig)? It'd only be better with a cat c12 (or bigger) with a 9,10, or 13 spd under the hood instead of the wimpy navistar and 6spd auto...

JoshJones02 - Posted December 23 2008 02:13 AM

5. Nice. Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Ali Mansour - Posted December 31 2008 08:16 AM

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