Getting my ducks in a row ...

[Buffalobwana]

... To drop the hammer on a 923A2. When I see the one I want, I want to be ready to bid knowing that I know sort of what I'm getting myself into.

Guys, I have no idea what I am doing. So, I'll take advice on what to do and look for. What to prepare for, etc.

First, anyone know if I need A CDL to operate it in TX?
Is there a benefit to registration because I am a rancher and would probably register it as a farm vehicle? (There is a chance I won't, long story, but probably will.)
How do I deal with GP after the auction? (I just bought a trailer from them so I will have a bit of experience with them. I'm sure a 5 ton will be quite different.)
I see guys talking about an EUC. What is that?

What questions do I need to be asking that I don't even know to ask? That's the tough part! What I don't know is what concerns me!

Thanks for for the help.

 

[Buffalobwana]

Oh, also, I will likely want to hire someone to look at the truck beforehand. Seeing as how I don't even know where it is, are there guys around most bases who are willing to check one out before auction?

Do do they allow this? GP that is.

Thanks.

 

[mcmullag]

I was able to be around a friend's deuce before I got one and then be around his M923a2 before I got one. It really helps.
After owning two M923a2's I can look at the pics on govplanet and kinda pic out good ones, they seem good about taking pics underneath the truck too.
TX rules on CDL http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/cdl-faqs.php

 

[Buffalobwana]

I was able to be around a friend's deuce before I got one and then be around his M923a2 before I got one. It really helps.
After owning two M923a2's I can look at the pics on govplanet and kinda pic out good ones, they seem good about taking pics underneath the truck too.
TX rules on CDL http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/cdl-faqs.php

Thanks for the link. I seemed to remember the 150 mile rule for Farm Ranch exemption.

"The only exceptions to this are:

• Farmers operating a vehicle for agricultural purposes 150 air miles from his or her farm.
• Operators of emergency vehicles, such as a fire truck or ambulance, in emergency situations.
• Military personal who are operating military vehicles.
• Drivers of some recreational vehicles, such as an RV."

Ok, so here is a question. Get a van 923A2 and turn it into an RV. In theory, this works. In reality I'm sure there may be some insurmountable hurdles getting the registration changed.

Luckily, I have a ranch so as long as I don't venture too far, I can at least operate it for a little while under the farm exemption while the I get the CDL.

I dont imagine a CDL is too difficult to obtain, just curious about the time needed to get it done.

 

[Buffalobwana]

I did sort of pick the 923a2 out of the air on a little info I got here and there. I like the turbo Cummins, gas mileage, they look cool as all get out, but are there other trucks that I am missing out on simply because I don't know much about the 5 Ton market.

Im kind of open to suggestion here.

Also so anyone have a solid 923A2 for sale?