Haul truck for 39,000 GCVW

[Compact1]

What would you guys recommend for a haul truck that would occasionally pull 39,000 lbs. gross combined vehicle weight? I will regularly travel with 27,000 lbs. GCVW. I've been shopping around and know what dealers recommend...I'm wanting to compare with your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[LoneCowboy]

a class 8 truck

and clearly, you're going to need a CDL, USDOT #, etc, etc, etc

 

[schmism]

FL70 (with extra text hear because for some stupid reason i can just post an answer of FL70 as thats to short for a response which is really stupid)

Class 7 (GVW 26,001-33,000 lbs)

 

[LoneCowboy]

So, I have to tell you, that I looked into the FL70 sized solution

But there's almost no point.
You can get a class 8 for the same money (sometimes less) and never have to worry about total weight or axle weight or anything.

Fuel mileage is similar, you still need a CDL, you still need air brakes. What's the point?

Even a class 8 single axle (so called city truck) is a better option IMHO. Same money, heavier duty truck.

 

[tlbuser]

What would you guys recommend for a haul truck that would occasionally pull 39,000 lbs. gross combined vehicle weight? I will regularly travel with 27,000 lbs. GCVW. I've been shopping around and know what dealers recommend...I'm wanting to compare with your thoughts. Thanks.

Kinda also depends on how and what your moving and type of trailer you now have. A rollback unit, rolloff unit or day cab may fit the bill nicely.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Need more info!

If a straight truck fits your needs then the most economical in terms of fuel consumption and operating cost would be a tandem axle with the second axle being a lift as opposed to a screw.

 

[DieselPower]

I would have to agree that at the higher end of the weight you listed I would probably be looking at a single axle tractor myself. Something like a Freightliner FL-112. You could go with a twin screw but a nice day cab single axle would probably be better, less tires and brakes to maintain along with lower insurance.

The big question is what do you plan on hauling? You might not need a super heavy truck to pull a trailer. As was already mentioned a rollback may fit your bill better and in the end be more convenient. We kind of need a little more info on what it will be used for to make a good suggestion.

 

[Compact1]

Good points mentioned by everyone and I appologize for the lack of information. I knew what I was talking about...why didn't you

I will be pulling a 32' gooseneck trailer loaded with two skid steer loaders, two cutterheads, a root rake, fuel, tools, etc. My best guestimations put the GCVW around 39,000 lbs. - allowing for a 9,000 lb. haul truck. As I previously mentioned, I would normally haul around 27,000 lbs. with the occasional load of 39,000 lbs.

If I can't afford the proper truck then I'll be forced to take two truck/trailer combinations.

 

[Harold_J]

..I will be pulling a 32' gooseneck trailer loaded with two skid steer loaders, two cutterheads, a root rake, fuel, tools, etc. My best guestimations put the GCVW around 39,000 lbs. - allowing for a 9,000 lb. haul truck. As I previously mentioned, I would normally haul around 27,000 lbs. with the occasional load of 39,000 lbs.

If I can't afford the proper truck then I'll be forced to take two truck/trailer combinations.

If I read this correctly you're estimating the weight of the trailer and its load to usually be around 18,000 lbs but occasionally the trailer plus load will be 30,000 lbs. Is that correct?

Pulling the 18,000 lbs is no problem, you could do that with a dually pickup. But you are taking a big jump when you add another 12K lbs. Even F550's and C5500's only go up to 30,000-33,000 GCWR maximum, and the most they are rated to tow is around 24K.

For the heavily loaded trailer you will need a medium duty truck like an F600, C6500 or Freighliner 102. You don't have to go over 26K GVWR truck to pull that size trailer. I don't know why some were recommending Class 8's and tandems, it sounds like overkill.

Is your gooseneck really a 30K rated trailer? What trucks have the dealers recommended and what were you thinking you'd like to use?

 

[LoneCowboy]

Again, you are way out of pickup league. Yes, it might or might not work, for a while, but you are going to kill that pickup.
And you need a CDL no matter what.

Single axle class 8 with air brakes pulling a trailer (gooseneck, 5th wheel, whatever) with air brakes. (air brakes are so much better it's not even funny)

Won't even be an issue, the length will the be the same, many smaller city trucks turn much better than a pickup and after a 100k miles they aren't even broken in, the pickup is toast.