Pulling a large trailer and not having a CDL

ridered3 · Apr 5, 2022

paradisepwoffrd said:
There are folks here that have done the same thing. The challenge seems to be getting insurance for them, that is reasonable.

I have heard the same thing about converting enclosed to RVs. Insurance coverage becomes more of a challenge, because it doesnt have the "official" RV stamp on it.

I figured there were some folks here that had done the semi conversion but knew Will lived in Tennessee so would possibly be a good contact for Roger.

I had no issues with insurance for my two enclosed trailers with living quarters. Both Titles even showed the RV nomenclature instead of Cargo Trailer nomenclature.

Dirt700 · Apr 5, 2022

I have the Peterbilt registered as a toter home, and my insurance agent said it's a farm truck, full coverage is $33 a month

ridered3 · Apr 5, 2022

Dirt700 said:
I have the Peterbilt registered as a toter home, and my insurance agent said it's a farm truck, full coverage is $33 a month

Breaking the bank there! Guessing Arkansas only required some paperwork to change the trucks registration over or did you have to add items to the truck for an inspection?

extremetownie · Apr 6, 2022

My Freightliner is insured as "non commercial" meaning farm truck at State Farm . $17.00 month.

ridered3 · Apr 6, 2022

extremetownie said:
My Freightliner is insured as "non commercial" meaning farm truck at State Farm . $17.00 month.

Also breaking the bank!

Purely out of my own curiosity, how is the truck registered?

Dirt700 · Apr 6, 2022

ridered3 said:
Breaking the bank there! Guessing Arkansas only required some paperwork to change the trucks registration over or did you have to add items to the truck for an inspection?

We don't do vehicle inspections here

ridered3 · Apr 6, 2022

Dirt700 said:
We don't do vehicle inspections here

Gotcha. I was asking if the semi had to get inspected by Highway Patrol etc to change over from Semi class to Toterhome class?

Read online about some states requiring an inspection to convert Semis to RV's and the truck had to have a cooking apparatus (microwave), running water (5 gallon bucket with hand pump for sprayer), and a toilet (composting or other but not necessarily one plumbed into a black tank).

Dirt700 · Apr 6, 2022

ridered3 said:
Gotcha. I was asking if the semi had to get inspected by Highway Patrol etc to change over from Semi class to Toterhome class?

Read online about some states requiring an inspection to convert Semis to RV's and the truck had to have a cooking apparatus (microwave), running water (5 gallon bucket with hand pump for sprayer), and a toilet (composting or other but not necessarily one plumbed into a black tank).

I didn't have to get it inspected, I just had to sign a form saying that I wouldn't be using it to make money

ridered3 · Apr 6, 2022

Dirt700 said:
I didn't have to get it inspected, I just had to sign a form saying that I wouldn't be using it to make money

Good to know there and was just curious. It's so interesting how different each state treats all sorts of things.

yankster · May 23, 2022

yankster said:
It has been. Less hp and torque and a smaller turbo for torque earlier. Was hoping the 4.30:1 gears would do more.

Update on the Silverado 4500. Finally got the chance to head south to wheel at Windrock, this being the first time I got to do some long-distant hauling loaded down. Being so disappointed in the pulling power last time I figured my only option was a HP Tuners tuned ECM from duramaxtuner.com, which is around $3200(!).
Seeing an ad from Stealth modules on myface reminded me I had installed their module on my 2016 LML with good results, so I ordered one for the L5P after their tech support told me it was compatible with the L5D. And what a difference! On the 2016 it seemed to pep it up a bit but not a huge difference, but on this one it was a major change. Hills that I was losing speed in 5th gear, I was gaining in 6th. Even the biggest hills on I-81 through Virginia I could downshift to 5th early and maintain 75 the whole way up. Averaged 9.4 mpg both ways with a 4900# buggy, a 2200# ranger with all the gear on a 24" gooseneck trailer. I'm very happy with the truck now, now just time to get that CDL...

Zjman · May 23, 2022

How's the Appalachian trailer ? I've been looking into them cause they have the best prices. They look to be made well and good quality.

yankster · May 23, 2022

Zjman said:
How's the Appalachian trailer ? I've been looking into them cause they have the best prices. They look to be made well and good quality.

I'd definitely recommend them. This one is four years old and no issues at all.

Zjman · May 23, 2022

yankster said:
Update on the Silverado 4500. Finally got the chance to head south to wheel at Windrock, this being the first time I got to do some long-distant hauling loaded down. Being so disappointed in the pulling power last time I figured my only option was a HP Tuners tuned ECM from duramaxtuner.com, which is around $3200(!).
Seeing an ad from Stealth modules on myface reminded me I had installed their module on my 2016 LML with good results, so I ordered one for the L5P after their tech support told me it was compatible with the L5D. And what a difference! On the 2016 it seemed to pep it up a bit but not a huge difference, but on this one it was a major change. Hills that I was losing speed in 5th gear, I was gaining in 6th. Even the biggest hills on I-81 through Virginia I could downshift to 5th early and maintain 75 the whole way up. Averaged 9.4 mpg both ways with a 4900# buggy, a 2200# ranger with all the gear on a 24" gooseneck trailer. I'm very happy with the truck now, now just time to get that CDL...

Also how did the stealth do on the pickup ? I've read mixed reviews about how they can damage the engine. My Superduty does great but who don't need more power

yankster · May 23, 2022

Zjman said:
Also how did the stealth do on the pickup ? I've read mixed reviews about how they can damage the engine. My Superduty does great but who don't need more power

I sold the 2016 to a guy that works for me and he's been pulling a 38" RV with it ever since with the module installed and no issues.