anyone run TAFC/TAD with dually and gooseneck, recomendations?

I have a TAFC operation and was thinking of purchasing a new 3500 diesel dually and a used all aluminum trailer with live in quarters to tow everything to the track. Last year I did the motorhome/ 32 foot trailer combo and I am thinking the dually and trailer might be a better choice for me. (basically the motorhome was borrowed and a motorhome that can tow my 18,000 lbs 32 foot bumper pull trailer isn't in the budget)

My question is does any one run a combo like this and if so what weights are you seeing on a all aluminum gooseneck trailer with a small living area with or without a slide out. I am looking at ones in the 48-53 foot range with 28-32 race car space. the rest to be a small bathroom/shower area, and somewhere to sit to look over the run data.

I figure the dually truck weights 7,500lbs the car and spare motor and spare parts weight 9k-10k lbs. My hope is to have the trailer be 8500lbs or less so that I am under the 26,000lbs and can avoid a CDL.

Also if it isn't possible to stay under the 26K how difficult/ expensive is it to get a CDL.

Also does anyone have a recommended brand for a all aluminum trailer. I am really only aware of featherlite.

Any recommendations or help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Aryan Rochon
Rocycle

 

Back in the day we towed a 48' gooseneck with funny car and golf car some spares living quarters in front no shower though and hit the highway at 23500. Was a steel trailer and extended cab ford dually.

 

awesome good info. thx a bunch

 

Just a clarification on the CDL requirements...
The 26001 lb threshold for the CDL is the combined total GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) - for the truck and trailer....
It does not matter what the weight is at the scale....actual weight could be under or grossly overloaded...CDL based on combined GVWR.....just look at the tag on your truck and trailer and it will state the GVWR...
Most duallies with a medium sized gooseneck trailer GVWR combined is above 26001...
Getting my CDL - what a pain! I don't know about other states but the DMV guy that I had was tough! I think it took 5 times before I passed everything....glad I got it...Just download the booklet and study....PM me with questions...

 

Something I ended up doing when I pulled a very similar combo (F350 dually with 48' steel LQ fifth wheel at 19,000# loaded weight/21,000# GVWR): I changed the registration of the trailer to an RV class. For Minnesota, the requirements to classify as RV were something like had to have plumbing, cooking, and electrical. Once those requirements were met, i could get an RV plate. The RV plate allowed the trailer weight to be exempt from commercial weight classes.

Pulled that for 7 years, never had an issue with getting pulled over/etc.

As for the F350 liking that much trailer behind it, that is a whole different story . . .

Either way: make sure you tow safely.

 

thanks again for the info very helpful

 

09 Cummins crew cab dually and 48' steel frame LQ gooseneck for me. Fully loaded with car, tools, golf cart, beer, ect. its around 24k. Truck doesn't enjoy it, but pulls with no problem.

Actual weight really doesn't matter in terms of CDL. Its all about the GVW. In which case, 99% of us would need CDL's. I'll leave it at that..

 

Just get your cdl your going to need it any time you get stopped I have a 53 that I pull with a 3500 Silverado 2010. The trailer is steel I’m grossing 36,000 when we pull out. That being said the truck and trailer have been set up well. Trailer has electric over hydrolic disc brakes It stops very well. But if your going to a big trailer get air ride put on the trailer That way your shit doesn’t get beat up behind the wheels The truck has air bags and a small tune. 70 hp I have been to Denver without a problem . BUT. You do have a big sign that says DOT. Come check me out

 

Will, I dont run one yet but thinking very seriously about one for my tagtrailer/Class A combo. Looks like a great deal to me. I would like to hear feedback also.

 

I have a chevy dually pulling a 42 ft trailer with my dragster. I have no problems, it can get a little cramped with my crew in it, but no problems. If I can chime in, and sorry it's a little off topic but it was mentioned here, and this topic is Pandora's box in the race world. As far as the CDL requirements go, (and it is different state to state) just because your combined gross weight is 26001 or over, you do not need a CDL (I know I know, watch all the arguments) I'm from Illinois, so this is what our law states. A CDL is just that, a vehicle that is used commercially. If the vehicle you are using is registered to a business, no matter what, if you are over 15000lbs you need at minimum of a class C CDL and that vehicle better meet all the DOT standards. If it is your personal vehicle, RV plate or not, it is your personal vehicle (The tricky part is where a cop can argue you won prize money, so it's now a commercial vehicle, and he would be right if he has proof you won money). Here is where I always loose people. You are never excused from the weight of the vehicle, RV plate or not, you still need a class A, B, or C license. Did I loose you yet? There is such a thing in many states, Illinois being one of them, a difference between CDL class A, B, C, and a non-CDL class A, B, C. The weight requirements are the same. Non-CDL classes are almost the same, but you are not required to keep a log book, and the air brake requirement is waved, and yes you have to take a written and driving test. So what does all of this mean. If you jump in your motor home with an RV plate on it, with or without your trailer, and your gross vehicle weight is over 15000 lbs, you are still illegal if you don't have the proper class on your drivers license, and you will get ticketed. I can't emphasis enough, every state is different and no matter what state you driving in, your license requirements falls back to the state the license was issued. I'm writing this because people get lost is RV plate thing. Most guys with normal trucks and trailers are over 15000 lbs, and are not aware of this. Your license designation is tied to the gross vehicle weight, and/or gross combined vehicle weight depending on your class designation, not the actual weight of the vehicle. Your license plates are what's tied to the actual vehicle weight. To make a long boring story short, getting a CDL is always the best way to be safe, but don't think you are legal because you are under 26000 lbs.