advice on new 5 ton

[goodguyzy]

seriously considering a five ton, looking at a m813a1. what do suggest?

 

[91W350]

Given your deuce supply a 813 would be super. If your 65 has a nice bed pick up an 818 and drop the fifth wheel.

 

[Derrickl112]

i think an m925a1 would be nice

 

[srodocker]

i like the 5 tons because you can just bolt on the hemmt wheels with the huge tires

 

[bbf]

i have the 813 the only problem is eveything big and weights 2 as much as a deuce parts

 

[srodocker]

and the cdl part

 

[73m819]

i have the 813 the only problem is eveything big and weights 2 as much as a deuce parts

Wrong about 5 times, will help get you deuce owners back in shape owning a 5t, you really have to work to fix your 5t

 

[joeM62]

You don't need CDL for the 813 as long as you are in the weight limit.

 

[wreckerman893]

I agree with Recovery 4X4 (Kenny)....every time I get the 5 ton urge again (I had a M816 wrecker) I go out in the back yard and pick up that 5 ton brake drum I keep back there....by the time I get it moved to the other side of the yard the urge has worn off.

 

[fasttruck]

5 Tons come out of the box with power steering, Dueces don't. As noted above parts are bigger, heavier and more expensive. Truck carrys more and pulls harder.

 

[MyothersanM1]

You don't need CDL for the 813 as long as you are in the weight limit.

813/813A1 are 30K+ GVWR. Remember the cut-off is 26K or less GVWR for CDL, however, each state interprets Fed DOT CDL requirements differently depending on truck use. With 5-Tons you should probably resign yourself to getting a CDL for safety and liability sake. Remember lawyers will find fault in anything. Don't give them any more fuel to throw on the proverbial fire if events were to go south one fine day. I got a CDL and have more peace of mind.

 

[goodguyzy]

thanks for great advice, the CDL is something i thought about but didnt think it was a "big" deal to get one.

 

[mckeeranger]

thanks for great advice, the CDL is something i thought about but didnt think it was a "big" deal to get one.

I don't know why the CDL is such a big deal. The only thing I can see that might get in the way, for some people, is passing the physical. Even then, the physical isn't that strict.

The CDL thing is a question that keeps coming up, for 5 tons, and for deuces. If you're not sure, go ahead and get one. They're not that hard to get.

IMO, even if your not going to get a CDL, get the book and read it. It's full of good advice for driving a heavy vehicle. It would especially be good for those that have never driven anything bigger than a pickup, and suddenly have the need to buy a deuce. ( We don't know anyone like that, do we? ) Just my 2 cents.

 

[998Junkie]

I don't know why the CDL is such a big deal. The only thing I can see that might get in the way, for some people, is passing the physical. Even then, the physical isn't that strict.

I didn't think it was going to be a big deal either...but I learned a lesson. 3 written tests and 3 parts to the driving test. I passed the first time but I noticed more then a few didn't.

 

[Robo McDuff]

CDL for your and especially my safety.

The CDL SHOULD be a big thing, HAS to be a BIIIGGGGGG thing. You are not giving the keys to a heavy truck to be driven profesionally to somebody because he/she has earned enough airmiles, do you?

The times where you can say "here are the keys, you will learn quick enough" are way way past their time, a thing of a far away past. People should really learn how to handle these vehicles before even coming close. Learn their potential and killing capacity; ever seen a truck smash into the back of slow moving or standing traffic?

You should learn theory and practice from professionally instructors until they are confinced you are safe enough to really drive solo on the road and really start learn how to drive.

With all respect, the Deuce leagally maybe just below the limit, but be honest, even that is a big thing to drive and can do a lot of damage. The discussion should not be if you need CDL for a 5-ton, it should be about that you don't need one for a Deuce.

And no, I don't like government intervention or too many rules, but when you go to a dentist, you want to have a good trained one, do you? You expect that dentist to have trained for it and keep updated about the latest. The same here. If I see a truck, I want to see a trained driver in it.

Around the last weekend in October, or the weekend closest to November 2, always is the most deadly weekend in the Czech Republic for road accident. Want to know why? It's memorial day, when a lot of especially older people go visit the cemeteries, put candles there, visit family afterwards. They actually do not make so much mistakes, it is that they are not used to drive in todays hectic traffic, they drive in their own world. The normal daily drivers on the road don't expect their eratic and slow reactions, and accidents happen very quickly.

Probably too many 5-ton and Deuce drivers come into this group. Without doubt experienced and concious drivers, but not daily used to driving a real truck. No offense, and by all means do drive, as much as you can, but get your CDL and take that part of driving also very serious. If nothing else, see it as part of investing in keeping your truck nice and in mint condition .

FYI, I posted this remark also seperately on the conversations forum, replies please post there, so this thread can stay on topic.

 

[jimk]

Driving big trucks is easy if you stay focused. Driving 25 years without an at fault accident is not. Driving in snow is fun but demanding. Driving loaded is a lot different than driving empty. Equipment failures tend to be more dramatic. The road test is easy if you know what you are doing. Years ago I aced both my class 1 and 3 road tests (same as A/B now) with virtually no truck driving experience and no training. 5t can legally tow 3 times what a 2-1/2 ton can. In NY you would need, depending on usage, either a CDL A or B, or a non CDL class A (tractor/truck trailer) or non-CDL Class B (straight truck over 26,000). The CDL costs 2-4 times more to maintain here than a regular auto license. Local weight limits may be an issue for some.

JimK (25y daily tractor trailer w/2M+ miles safe driving)

 

[jaxsof]

In MD, you can register at any weight you choose, you just better be sure you dont exceed your registered weight(GVWR)

My 813 tips the scales just shy of 22000lbs, with me and a load of fuel.

 

[Trango]

Speaking of how 5 ton parts are much heavier than deuce parts - I worked all day yesterday to make parts and mount the 5 ton front axle under my (soon to be) rolling chassis. Yes, I had hoists and jacks and stands and all I needed to do was to get the axle in place, without the weight of the differential flopping it over... and still I am sore like you wouldn't believe.

 

[cjtroutt]

wreckerman893 I to will remind my self to that affect still have to get over the memorys of 8 560lb tire on the M1070 HET and 40 tires on the M1000 trailer oo the ground and the tire Devits 1 on the het and 2 on m1000 trailer total tires 51 tires tires man o man. Life of PMCS HETS.

 

[MyothersanM1]

I didn't think it was going to be a big deal either...but I learned a lesson. 3 written tests and 3 parts to the driving test. I passed the first time but I noticed more then a few didn't.

Yep. The CA DMV inspectors are no joke. Mine was very courteous and professional. BUT, very meticulous to say the least. I did pass all the practicals, pre-trip inspection, skills and road test, with a first time "go". They are serious about it out here in CA. Three Axles+ and/or 26K+lbs GVWR you're going to need a CDL Class B minimum.