Where can I rent a truck to pick up our 5th wheel trailer?

laknox wrote:

Phil Hendrix wrote:
We are purchasing a used/new to us 5th wheel but my 3/4 ton truck is not going to be enough truck to pull the trailer. The trailer is 40' and weighs approx. 14,000 pounds. Previous owner pulled the trailer with a F350.

I was wanting to rent a truck to go pick the trailer up and bring to our home where we will park it till I can do some repair work on it. We are in northern Illinois and the trailer is currently in South Carolina.

Any suggestions where I could rent a truck?

Thanks,
Phil

Phil, I've never seen a pickup for rent with a GN or FW hitch available. You'd likely have to go to a Class 8 to find a rental, then have a CDL to drive it. Like the others have said, find someone to haul it for you or check the unloaded weight of the trailer and use your current truck. I know I probably would, and I have less payload than you do. Take it easy and stop often.

Lyle

The Ryder, etc. HDT (Class 8 tractor) rental (and CDL) is not a viable option!..:(

1. A commercial hitch is non-articulating. Might work OK for the trip, however it may "tweak" the trailer frame.
Most MDT & HDT owners use air ride hitches intended for RVs.
(Won't be available on a rental tractor)

2. Properly licensed, you are driving a *Commercial* tractor, subject to Commercial rules and regs - both State & Fed.
Stop at scales and either convince the LEO's you are not for hire, towing a private RV etc. - and/or pay some serious fines.

A NON-Commercial Class A - won't work either.
You rented a commercial tractor from a commercial operation.

The best option is what others have suggested:
Find an RV delivery ("hotshot") driver. (Or use your truck)
Most 5th wheel deliveries originate in Indiana (LOTS of 5th mfgrs there), and head out to the various states.

A paying return trip is a *bonus* for the drivers..;)

Thoroughly check (replace as necessary) tires & wheel bearings before departure.


.

Phil:

Do you have family in Oklahoma?


I have seen semi's cabs for rent if you have a CDL. They are very pricey, and your standard insurance WILL NOT cover it. (without an add on)

Try Penske (spelling)

As mentioned before, you may be better off looking on Craigslist for a hauler (I have posted and hauled people in my area) or making a post asking for such.

Chandalen wrote:
Phil:

I have seen semi's cabs for rent if you have a CDL. They are very pricey, and your standard insurance WILL NOT cover it. (without an add on)

Try Penske (spelling)

Of course there are "Semis" (Class 8 Tractors) for rent from lots of
rental agencies - everywhere. EXPENSIVE!

OP: Adding to my previous - "NO Bueno!" post - *if* you have a CDL, check with each state's DOT you will pass through *before* you would even consider it.

For good suggestions/opinions - ask on the Escapees MDT and HDT forums. Towing 40' 5ths is routine.

.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions/advice. I had a suspicion finding a truck to rent might be difficult. I do have a class A CDL but don't really want to use a semi and open that can of worms. And because of the CDL I sure don't want to find myself illegally towing. I will keep investigating my options...see what makes the most sense.

I would really love to go get it myself but just concerned about some of the hills at the beginning part of the return trip and not interested in doing damage to my truck or risking a safe trip. I was told the trailer does have a GVWR of 15,600....but yet to confirm that....as well as the empty weight. And I have yet to purchase the hitch but do plan to get one so I can move the trailer around locally until we are in a position to upgrade the truck.

Again, thanks for the feedback....Phil

My neighbor is a rv transporter. PM me if you would like his contact info.

I used this guy through Uship. Give David at 513 317 8526 a call as he delivers new campers and is always looking for back hauls. SC back to IL would work out well for someone like this.

Transporter would love you.

Those guys/gals are making one-way hauls, most out of Indiana. A paying backhaul would be much appreciated. Do NOT be afraid to negotiate. If they can get fuel paid, it would be better then no load at all. It is a dog eat dog one way business.

Transporters even have a FaceBook page: CLICKY

As a retired professional RV Transporter who was licensed and insured, I say stay AWAY from USHIP. Most of those guys operate illegally and are NOT licensed or insured. They have the T.V. show Shipping Wars.

There are many LEGAL RV Transporters out there, just ask your RV dealer. When you find a driver, ask him for his DOT numbers and if he carries insurance.

You might be surprised at the number of 3/4 ton trucks pulling rigs as big as yours on the highway. They think they're safe.