The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Information wanted

I'm thinking about getting into a big truck. Something like an Astro or Titan (if one could be found), GMC 9500, something along these lines. It would have a Detroit Diesel for sure. I've never driven anything bigger than a C65 and I don't have a CDL. First, what do I need to do to become legal to drive one, and second, where can I look to find one? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

anything over 10.000 lbs gvw you have to have a cdl for. as far as looking for a truck, you can pick up a issue of truck trader of just look around for one you like.

I had a similar question a couple months ago. Got a lot of good advice from the forum.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...;Main=75479&Number=537580#Post537580

Anything over 26,000 GVW will require a CDL. Combined GVWs of truck and trailer over 26,000 require it also, as does any trailer with a gross over 10,000.

Check the post above for the full discussion.

To find a truck, if you're like me and don't like to travel too far along with the extra expense and efforts of getting the truck home, look in your local trader magazines. You also may want to check with some used big truck dealers, especially the ones out in the country. You would be surprised to what you might find in their back yards. You could also run a truck wanted ad in the local papers and online sites.

If you don't mind traveling, try TruckPaper.com and CommercialTruckTrader.com

I'll go surfing late at night now and then and sure enough, the truck I would love to have happens to be 2 or 3 thousand miles away.

Keep us posted.

Bill

Some of the old 70's trucks are still being used as farm trucks in the midwest. I have seen some runners go for scrap iron price because not many people have fond memories of the GM entries in the heavy field of that era and they are not feasible to use commercially. When you are looking for a specific truck, you just have to use patience. Here's a 9500 with a trailer. It doesn't state the engine. It may have a cummins because of the long hood, but then again it may have been the General to be the first one to offer a Cummins. http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/...mp;GUID=759A8AF9FF7C4BFFB4A5AFB973352594

That seems a bit unrealistic. Theres a lot of vehicles out there with over 10,000 gvw, including regular pickups. Our law states anything over 26,000 or anything with tandem axles.

It depends which state your in as to what type of license you'll need, a couple states don't ask for a CDL if the truck is plated historical, hist plates negate the weights there is no weight on most of them but again that differs from state to state, CA says you will have a CDL for anything over the 26,000 and or air, but Arizona says they don't need a CDL and other states will honor what your home state requires.

i dont know what i was thinkin lol. 10.000? im havin a stuck on stupid day

Thanks to all. If and when I get one, it will definitely be a truck for enjoyment. It won't be worked. I've loved the otr trucks for as long as I can remember. And Detroits are my favorite when it comes to sound. Nothing sounds better. I will look into this further. Thanks again.

Anything over 26,000 gvw or GCVW requires a CDL. You will also have to acquire and carry a medical certificate with the CDL. The certificate must be updated every two years. Rumor has it Recreational Vehicle drivers will soon have to pass a test and carry a RVDL. Supposedly gonna be based on length and weight.

So, if I'm reading this right, a semi tractor sans trailer would be under the 26001 lb minimum since they weigh approximately 15,000 to 17,000lbs, so no CDL?

Very few semi tractors will be under 26001 GVW. Most city delivery tractors have 21000-23000 lb rears and 9k-12k fronts so most are at least 30K rated. And the GVW has nothing to do with the tare weight of the truck, it indicates only it's rated GROSS carrying capacity. GCVW is the trucks GROSS rated combined, i.e., including the trailer, rated total carrying capacity.

It is a federal regulation that a CDL is required at 26001 GVW and above which trumps all state regulations. There is nothing in the federal statute about historical trucks so that is the sole domain of thge states as are many other driving priveledge regs.

that is wrong.

any trailer over 10,000lbs you will need a cdl, any truck is 26,000.

all the while if you deliver pizzia's you technicaly have to have a cdl.

like stated the actuall weight doesnt count.

you can however have it re-weighted if you dont plan on carrying any load or a trailer over 10k. you woul dhave to go to a cert scale and have it weighed then take that tag to dmv/bmv.

a 9500 would be at the very least a 34,000 if not a full 40,000 lbs rated rig, that means A/B class, if you want it for personal driving and not for hire[ making money for buisness on the books] tha you can get a non commercial cdl and you can drive it all day long, i dont know if non/comm requires a med card though.