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I do not see how using the commercial 5th wheel would make a difference. Nearly any gooseneck trailer is already in CDL range anyway.
Just make sure you do your own research for the license you will need and what your insurance will allow you to do. The collector insurance companies restrict use a lot.... pleading ignorance won't help when they say you aren't covered due to what you were doing.
Good luck
Tad
Tad -- Good points. To clarify, I was referring to the plates at that point. At least here in MD (may be the same in other states), apparently the new rule is that road tractors (defined as such by having a 5th wheel) are now ineligible for antique plates no matter what year they are or intended use. The loophole *might* be to just remove the 5th wheel and install a g/n hitch instead. A friend in Virginia has the exact same truck I do and he got VA antique plates by removing the 5th wheel, adding a small flatbed. Why couldn't you also add g/n hitch? Technically, it's a flatbed (and eligible for an antique plate).
Weight, of course, is an entirely different matter and there's no getting around it we have yet found in the research.
The advice to call the state DMV/DOT/MVA is good, but we've found here in Maryland that even at the commercial licensing division, the answer you get varies widely from individual to individual, and even with the same person from day to day. So I'm wondering if they even know themselves? If you roll across the scales and get stopped for inspection, but you have a well-restored or maintained vehicle with no faults, antique tags, proper insurance, you're under 26k and you're hauling your own stuff ... what will they really be able to say -- "Have a nice day?"
AS a note: I put on my Stovebolt Editor hat and spoke about this issue with the ATHS leadership at South Bend and they are working on it with SEMA to try and get some clarification on the laws/regs for antique commercial vehicles. Until then, it's probably going to be a grey area as Crenwelge says -- with no clear or uniform guidance. If anyone does try to get some advice from their DOT, see if you can get it in writing -- especially if it's in our favor.
Good discussion. Keep it going.
John
