From what i understand you do need a CDL to drive a 5-ton, but not a 2 1/2-ton truck. The 2 1/2-ton Deuce trucks only weigh around 13,000# and are rated for a 5,000# payload, so they total out to 18,000# max, which is well under the 26,000# CDL limit. They also only have one fuel tank and are not full air braked, but air over hydraulic.
The five tons have dual fuel tanks and are over the weight limit too.
The only advantage to the 5-ton is the power steering. Personally to me, it is not a big deal and I like the multi-fuel motors better than the Cummins. That is why I started collecting these things anyway, because of that awesome motor that can run on anything.
Derek Taylor