Largest hotshot truck you'd use/seen

Why not just hot shot with a school bus? Cut the roof off and voila. Easily build a sleeper on it.

 

We run a dodge 5500 with a 44 foot gooseneck and gross out at 43k.

 

A single axle will most likely not burn any more fuel loaded, and given its a easy job for it last a long time doing it. No disrespect (dodge makes a fine pickup) but how many miles will it last? 300k ? Buying a used single axle , you will be happy for a long time, if properly specked.

 

Roadmedic has a 07 Dodge that is pushing 1 million and it's still going. Take care of the truck and it will last.

 

It's not a matter of taking care of it, some things are just not designed for a particular application. Look at a worn out seat, or sloppy steering, etc. Everything has a specific duty style. So while it is possible to make it to a million miles, it will probably be pretty worn out. There are trucks and buses rolling now that still run and drive, but they are raggedy. You can do preventative maintenance, but that is only part of the equation. Lets not even forgot to take into consideration the emissions systems on the trucks of today.

 

I highly recommend a Single axle 330 or t300. You can get sleeper installed and still be under $20,000. Shop ebay and the truck papers. You can pick one up in good shape for $10,000 or $15,000. Get pre emission model if you want the least amount of problems.. I ran goose necks for about 3 years had 2007 dodge 2500, 2007 dodge 3500, and a 2008 dodge 5500. maint on these about put me out of business. $10,000 in maint on a new truck less than a year old... They are not made to last for the long haul... Same with the trailers... Plan on a new trailer every three to four years.... tires don't last either.... oil changes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles... most of the wear items like drive line and supinsion are non serviceable... If your serious about it get a class 6 or 7 truck... the western haulers work good also... Just go for The big boys toys( Peterbuilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack) No offense to ford or chevy even the dodges.... they are all great products but hauling 20k on a daily basis you need heavier duty.

 

I actually run my own business. Hotshot Daily... I use a 379 peterbuilt with 1.4mil on it and a 3 axle detach most of the time... also have 4 axel rollback and a single axle 330 pete... the lil pete and big pete are built a lot a like other than engine and hood...

 

Yes, worn out SEATS in those little trucks will get you every time. Get a class 8 & the seats do not wear out.

It has been written a thousand times about duallys that do have their fit in the market. Generally it is in the lower weight shorter distance stuff, up to each o/o to choose what fits their operation best.
But if you are looking at a larger or different truck, more than likely it is going to benefit you to skip straight over the medium duty. Have yet to see a used medium duty truck set up for miles.
Again, they have their specific market they are designed for. If you are climbing hills & have average runs in the 400-600 mile range you are not going to lose
much(if any) by going with a class 8. Maybe find one that has been singled out instead of a tandem axle? The motor/trans/gearing/brakes are set up for this already w/o any expense for converting them to fit
over the road applications. Well guess that depends if the seats are worn out though...