I CRACKED the CODE! CDL Understood 

I wonder if WVA has a flowchart like PA? If so, that would cover your bases for both states. Great justification for the F600. I’m glad you responded to the commenter trying to dispute the facts. Facts don’t lie! Look for a dump body that’s either galvanized or something rust resistant. In Ohio and PA I see many dump bodies rusted out long before the cab/chassis.

Good Saturday morning Morgan family! I hope you have a relaxing weekend!

Good morning Mike it’s definitely cool to see that you’re digging deep into the DOT cluster beep beep. All the things that they are telling you from my experience of 13 years of running hot shot is correct. Just be sure that you can put up a load worth putting on the trailer without being overweight on the scale, I know some guys who have gone the same route you have and they got pulled into the scale and they were told they were allowed to drive the truck and trailer in combination without a CDL but they’re not allowed to haul the trailers maximum payload capability without a CDL. Just make sure you ask those officers if you can load that trailer to its full capacity and make the most use out of it without a CDL because some of them conveniently neglect to tell you that.

Mike, you were spot on with your comment about getting pulled over. In 7 years of driving dump trucks pulling trailers (over 12k gvw), totally legal with all correct licenses, medical cards, etc in Central PA and Northern MD, never once got pulled over by State Police. I did, however, get pulled over about 2x per year by township or local police. As the trooper told you not all police fully understand the laws. I had several "discussions " during those stops regarding the laws. Happy to say never once ticketed. Once you start the discussion though be prepared to have everything checked - fire extinguisher, safety triangles, tie down points, etc. They will try to find something!

Thanks for you behind scenes research and followed by awesome explanation

You may want to check West Virginia laws as well. PA law is more lenient than federal law. Town I work for they bought an f600 gas and the payload is amazing I believe it’s 12400 payload. It’s a 4x4 dump w plow . With that being said , I suggest you consider a gas roll off F600 in a longer wheelbase , then grab a dump insert and a flat bed you’ll be able to haul your skid loader or mini on the F600 and put the logs on the trailer .The roll off gives you so many options ,with the high payload of a 600, and would allow you to swap bodies so fast .

Keep a copy of the flow chart in the vehicle. In To for locals and those confused by the regs.

I have farm tags on my trucks here in SC so every state is different. Have a great day be safe.

Mike, I had my CDL in the past, but after retiring I did not renew it. One other thing to remember is that "Not For Hire", for your own personal use, You do not need a CDL. You can drive a KW tractor to pull your trailer(s) if you are not hauling commercially.

The flow charts genius!! Regarding the truck being gas or diesel. I'm a diesel fan, but I just heard a couple days ago there's a world wide diesel shortage. Therfore it's driving up the cost of diesel. Gas however doesn't seem to be in short supply as the diesel. So you may look into that, and maybe that will change once the Middle East conflict ends.

My in law is a retired NC state trooper he even don't know the law concerning the cdl subject. He said he would call his motor carrier(feds) for advice. The flow chart says it all. Thanks Mike for the great video!

Keep an eye out for farm sales of feed bins. Every tote of sawdust can be a great wood pellet business. Easily stored in plastic totes until processing. The heat from the screw press hammer mill will heat that area as the pellets dry. Good luck filling the freezer.

Mike, I struggled with the same thing you are going through. I want to get my CDL but just don’t have the time with my current job. Here’s the wrench in the mix. In NC I contacted the highway patrol and the DMV headquarters and I tested for a non CDL class A which allows me to go over 26k GCWR, no air brakes, no semis. You just can’t exceed the GCWR for your tow vehicle and have to be registered up to the weight you carry. This might be an option in PA, something to at least ask about. I had to take the 50 question CDL written test and then did a road test in my dually with a dump trailer. It took me forever to get answers on this because very few people know regulations and laws.

Mike - I have really enjoyed the CDL conversation... I have a class A and I have 14k trailers that I pull behind my ram 3500 cab/chassis truck...(I think my truck is a 13k GVWR) some guys in Alabama will buy a 14k trailer and have it de-regulated to a 9950 GVWR weight rating so that it falls under the 26k total... That may be something for you to consider - better built trailer but under 26k total... The high sides on the dump truck may be cumbersome with a skid steer, especially loading those totes - I think I would opt for lower sides and longer bed - that will help with hauling 12 ft logs, etc...(you don't need much of a side when hauling crush and run - it is very heavy!!!) 😁😁😁😁😁😁 God bless, pastor mark

Great job today Mike, I always remember that our wonderful government can make the simplest of things complicated. I agree with you, do the best you can and move forward.

That was very helpful thanks Mike.

Mike, When I first graduated from college I wanted to see how the inside workings of a car dealership works. So, I joined, and after a month or two quit three different dealerships. They all were the same. Ford dealers. The bottom line is this the dealership doesn't make money on the new car sales, they make money on the trades. Think if it this way. Can a dealership take a chance on trading something for a slim margin, and then the transmission goes they lose money. The AVERAGE with dealerships on trade in margin is $6,000 and even more. So sell your truck privately. A little more information. When you walk into your Ford dealership, they teach us to ask up front if you have a trade in. Then they charge you full list price on the new vehicle. The discount they would normally give you gets added onto the trade in price they are giving you. So: 1) Sell your GM outright privately. 2) Go to the dealerships and ask the to give you a price on an outright purchase of the new vehicle. Tell them no trade.

Hey Mike, come down to Missouri there are three schools that I've heard of that have a three day program for a CDL. I personally haven't used them I got my CDL 35 years ago. Good luck with the hunt.

This was SO helpful!!! My 2009 F350 has a GVWR of 11,400 lbs. I have a Moritz dump trailer (from Bennett) with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs. GCVWR = 25,400 lbs. No CDL required 😁👍

You hit the nail on the head Mike. The book they give us to study is 3/8" thick, and the one they use to cite you with is 3" thick.

I enjoying seeing mike and Melissa living the dream. I’m envious.

Put a flatbed on it with stake bed sides so you can put ibc totes on the bed and tow the tractor behind if needed

Here in Texas it's fairly simple: if your trailer has dual tandem axles you need a CDL if you're for hire. If for private use it depends on the mood of the state trooper. I use farm tags on all of my trailers so it's a non-issue. I also have the old skool CDL from the 1970's. Can't drive for hire (diabetes) but can drive up to and including a Class 8 at 80K (or higher if permitted) weight within 150 miles of the zip code on my license.

Great explicit explanation of CDL conditions. You could be a technical writer. You took the information available and applied it to two scenarios. Well done. I am not a CDL driver. I work in IT and you said it in a way we all can understand. Oh and always love your scenery footage. Thank-you for that.

Hey Mike I’m here in western PA, actually a retired Trooper. Was going to through the same thing as you.

Mike You did figure out the CDL requirement however you will need a DOT number if your truck is over 10,000 lbs GVWR or if the combination of truck and trailer is over 17,000 and you are hauling material for pay then it is considered a commercial vehicle. There are several different rules for that as well. There is a Pennsylvania State Police web site for commercial vehicles that explains the DOT number crap as well. You're correct when you said that they want to make it so complicated that they will find something to make their next paycheck on. I love your channel and live about 10 miles from you near New Brighton. The F600 will definitely need a DOT #. Wish you the best. Mike H

Great simplified explanation.

Here in south central mn the rut is in swing too, I was loading firewood in a trailer and I rattled a nice buck in!

Seems like it's so state-dependent. One of my brothers had a ranch in OK. His vehicles, regardless of wt. and size were farm use and didn't even need a license plate. He moved to TN is completely different and now he has to license all his vehicles. They don't have a "farm" exclusion. So glad you've been able to figure out PA. That flow chart is a great tool!

Interesting thing is I found the same flow chart for New Hampshire the numbers are different it was in the state manual for studying for your cdl

In Texas we have a non CDL for farmers as long as they are within 150 air miles from farm. Our trailering can go to 20k GVWR. One could get by with a non CDL Class A for tractor over 26001 and trailer of 20k a long as it is not for hire. Agree it’s so confusing an I still can’t be sure I a right. Keep up the good work. Enjoy the content.

You could use a Sterling engine sponsor.

you might want to check on their definition of combination and towed

It is Saturday here and I spent the entire day out in a tree stand on our property. No deer today either. Bow season just about over. That is how it goes. I will be back at it Monday or Tuesday in rifle season and see how it goes weather permitting. Good luck...

finally an answer on where the dump truck is sort of cheers

Morning Morgans, Looking Great there Hunt Man!. I looked up GA CDL Flow Chart and it was pretty much the same as Penn. Hey go for the F 600 it will be a great truck. As far as driving to your Deer Stand AKA Mini Cabin you are spot on, Deer become accustomed to vehicle and don't pay much attention but you go walking it bothers the bejebbers out of them so you get to see the flag every time...John in Toccoa GA

Good stuff Mike, sounds like you figured it out and have the document to back it up. Good luck on tour hunt!

Hi Mike. What a nice wood stove you have for your shop. Makes me want to roast marshmallows lol. Great idea to not have to worry about the CDL . Much appreciated and blessings for you and your family from Kingston Ontario Canada

Thanks Mike good info

Love the deer stories!

U know heat rises need reverse celing fans to cycle air from that area back down to get full aspect of your stove heat.❤

I don’t haul any heavy equipment. It seems like the tail wagging the dog using the lighter truck and heavier trailer on their flowchart. Very interesting stuff. Thanks for your content.

I love the chart, found it a year ago or so. Nicely done explaining it to the "EXPERTS" that are full of 2 things, emotions and lack of facts!!

YOU GOT IT RIGHT! Everyone should check with there state as some may vary.

It is all over my head. .... but I am happy you got it figured out....now go get that buck !

DOT can pull a truck coming out of the factory doors brand new over and 'FIND' something to cite it for, if they are wrong in court, it's just a 'whoops' !!

Did some investigating on this CDL stuff. My brother has a class A and he was telling me what he can't do and likely fines if he violates the rules. He can drive truck rated for over 70,000 pounds down the raod not problem, but if he is caught pulling a trailer behind a dually that is rated for over 10k, he is in deep sheet. "Out of class" and over weight. The Out of class is a straight fine and the over weight fine is a dollar per pound. If Mike wants to haul his excavator on any trailer, he''s screwed if he gets caught. The trailer required to haul his excavator (12000 lbs. ?) or the track loader (10k?) will each require a trailer with (2) 10,000 lb axles. The trailer will be rated for about 20,000. A long way from 10k. $10,000 fine right there even with the trailer empty!

Cracked the Code‼...lol...Ive been tryin' for 5 years...Hope y'all are having a great weekend!

Great video, I would check with your State police people and ask them the scenario with F350 & 14k trailer for PRIVATE USE. I think the CDL is for Hire purpose or business. That might allow you to transport other equipment to West Virginia. Not 100% but that’s what I was told here in Michigan.

Good work. I love seeing folks that won't read the actual rules get owned by someone willing to do their research. Even police don't know all the rules.

The Buck stops right here... LOL

Laminate that flow chart, keep in truck glove compartment, so if ever pulled over, you can show trooper. Just a suggestion.

I looked at the Washington DOT's website. They have a similar flow chart that says the same thing as the one you showed from PA. In their guidance, there's also exemptions for certain farm activities, horse trailers and a few other things. Good to know if I ever wanted to get a big truck / trailer combo.

You need a tree stand down in the valley by your woodyard!

Here in Wis about 20 years ago I got pulled over by a county sheriff. I was driving an F-150 with Truck plates class A. He told me I need B class plates. The reason is what i can carry in the bed of the truck. The Sheriff was real nice. So I asked him what about a full size SUV like a Chevy Suburban, what if you folded down the seats and hauled lets say firewood. Plates on that are car plates. He agreed with me but said i don't make the rules i just follow them. Like you said it's all mixed up.

I like and watch all your videos but for some reason I really enjoyed this one more than usual. I did like the "NOPE". 😂

Your flow chart is correct. If your pickup is pulling a trailer over 10000lbs it now is classified as a truck tractor. Also then your pickup truck will have to have apportioned tags on it for the combonation it is pulling. Also you will be required to have fuel stickers and pay fuel taxes just like the semi-trucks do. Lots of luck figuring out the whole thing.

Thank you For taking us along to deer stand ❤ I was unable to deer hunt Mn this year 1st time ever due to medical reasons So thank you Gunny012 ❤❤

Glad to here you dont need a CDL lisence I dont need one here in Ohio. I think you will like that f600 better!. For the price on them smaller trucks I'd just go a little larger and you got a real ttruck.

Can you do a video on the medical card and DOT number?

One thing I left out and this is super important. You may ask yourself that it is not worthwhile to sell my truck outright and then buy the new one because then I would be missing out on not having to pay sales tax for the trade in portion. The answer to that is that dealers do what they call "Courtesy trades". So, when you find your buyer he comes with you to the dealership, and they handle all of the paperwork making it a trade in saving you the sales tax on the trade in portion. Some dealerships foolishly won't do it because they want to insist on stealing the trade. Many do though. It's a personal decision with each dealership. The question you have to ask yourself is do you want to deal with a dealership who doesn't have your best interest at heart? You could even advertise your GMC on the channel. That's what the dealership is going to do after they pay you a trade in price. They are going to advertise it and get full retail.

Hey Mike. I was just wondering. The DMV gives the driving test for the CDL, at least in my state. Could you not go to them and set up an appointment to take you driving test and get your CDL? Just a thought. Your state may require the class be taken. Mine doesn't.

With the payload on the F600 you could put your skid steer in the dump

Where did Hunter get his tee shirt from Waterville station 28? That’s not far away from my place.

Mike, a very minor comment on your deer sighting. Generally speaking, letting the machinery engines run won't spook the deer, in fact they may come closer. Until they sense you by movement or smell it's amazing how close they may come, Possibly for this reason in all or most states it's illegal to shoot game from a motor vihicle.

Mike, you don’t have to sit through a class or even attend a brick and mortar school. You can obtain your ELDT cert online and then take your skills test at any 3rd party test site. I just went through the whole process, got my class A with no restrictions. Everyone told me the same thing about school, not true.

SIEMPRE AL PENDIENTE DE TUS VIDEOS...SALU2 DESDE LA MEJOR CIUDAD PARA VIVIR SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE GUANAJUATO MÉXICO......

That flow chart is almost 10 years old im guessing from the name/date on the file I wouldnt be surprised if all the numbers have changed lol

Read the farming exceptions, it will really blow your mind. I don't have to wear a seat belt while on the road while doing any farming operation. I can drive an 18 wheeler with no cdl within so many miles of the farm as long as it's farming related. It's crazy!

I just got the same answers from DMV- the key is the GCWR only kicks in when you go to a 14k trailer. I am running my 14k behind my F250 which only has a 8.8k GVWR. Get a slightly smaller truck??

What you need is a diesel pusher motor home and a trailer big enough to haul the skidster and the digger both. No cdl, no logbook, no scales, just hammer down. If you do get stopped, you're doing some gold mining on your vacation!😂

Good job

Good morning friends from Southern, PA

Hope you got the cdl figured out looking forward to seeing the new truck on the channel did you get a 🦌 best of luck 👍👋🇨🇦

Lighter truck heavy trailer makes sense to warrant a cdl physics wise .. The handling of a heavy tow package can get tricky!!

Your right on no CDL, but you need a non-CDL Class A license if the trailer is GVWR over 10,000lbs in NC and most states. NC says the class for CDL is 3-7 weeks depending on the provider and costs $1500 or more including getting the actual license.

Hey Mike, you should also talk to a DOT cop from in West Virginia. Laws are supposed to be the same in all states, but they actually differ quite a bit

Late seeing this but yes, what you said is the federal CDL laws. And also, federal CDL laws only apply for business use. Not personal (however each state can require special licenses for personal use). 1) Ultimately you need a medical card if your truck has a GVWR of 10,001 pound and up. This is why Ford and GM for years had a derated option for SRW 3500s/350s of 10,000 pounds. Ford still did until this model year I think. GM dropped it for 2020 because they increased the 2500s above 10,001 so they made a 10,000 GVWR derate 2500. Anyways, 10,001 and up and you do need a medical card if it’s for your business. 2) 26,0001- GVWR requires a class B CDL. Anything under does not. However if the truck has air brakes then you will need a class B license to get the air brake endorsement. 3) the combination of 26,001-up GCWR as long as the trailer is over 10,000 GVWR does require a class A license. This is why most lighter duty trailers come in with a weird 9950 or something similar GVWR. This takes any grey area out of the is it 10,000 or 10,001 rating. It just says over 10,000. So you definitely need the medical card at the least. But you should be good on not needing any kind of CDL at your mentioned weights.

Added benefit to the diesel is the engine brake. Watch with the log and tractor hauling, loaded weight over 26000 could be a problem. The thing that annoys me the most is the retired office exec. that never drove anything other than a Prius can buy a motor coach with an enclosed trailer behind it and need nothing other than the license that he had for the Prius.

Eby aluminum dump body I use. I have used and abused them have held up amazing minor issue but after 20 years there great

Have you looked into insurance cost on a dump truck?

Flat bed with hoist has many options..

Good video. Question please. What type and brand of bow do you use? Thanks again.

Thanks for straightening me out on this CDL stuff! You are right it is very confusing. One point is that CDL is for when you are hauling for profit or hire. So, a person pulling a 15,000# travel trailer would not require a CDL.... right?

The definition of GCWR in the CDL requirements is a bit surreal because GVWR1+GVWR2 will be different from the actual GCWR due to the tongue weight of the trailer. You can probably get around the CDL requirements for heavier towing vehicles by flat towing another vehicle (that is not classified as a trailer), but probably not in all states. ps. You can buy a trailer that has a GVWR of around 16K by design, but is derated to 13.5K - then you're within 26K with your F350. If you overload it, the penalties for overloading (detectable only after weighing) are small compared to the penalties for not having a CDL.

Deer seem to like machinery. They must assume you can't shoot and drive at the same time.

Which ever way you decide to go, do yourself a favor and place a “not for hire” decal on it. In Md. if you have a truck and trailer in any combination with a company name on it, you must have a CDL. The other tidbit of information you did not mention is if you are using it for any kind of for profit you need a CDL. That came from Franklin County Pa.

Worth noting since I’m sure some people won’t pick up on it… your f350 with a 12k trailer would be perfectly legal. People will argue tooth and nail that regardless of combined weight, any trailer over 10k requires a CDL.

If your able its always best to just get it.

Here in Canada I often say "if you want any project to cost more, take longer, get screwed up get the government involved."

Well done thx for the explanation, we run f250 with a derated 14k trailer to 12 k . Trailer companies are happy to do it. You just get a new sticker and we are under the 2601. And that way you can move your 11000 pound skid loader and be legal. It’s all a game, we never have any issues

I went to the school and I got my CDL. Passing the medical DOT physical every 2 years is the real challenge. Not all doctors can do DOT physicals and they have to take time out of their schedule just to get qualified to give DOT physicals.The ones that can give you DOT physical are buddies with "sleep study" clinics. If you have a thick neck then they withhold the medical certificate until you go to Sleep Apnea Therapy regardless if you have sleep apnea or not. I am built like a Jack Daniels whiskey barrel. Guess who does not have sleep apnea but has to pay $700.00 and stay overnight at a sleep clinic every 2 years? +$150.00 for the DOT physical. I am healthy as a horse. I own a 1967 F600 in showroom new condition and a homemade well made heavy duty tandem trailer with electric brakes. I cannot even drive my truck to the gas station and back without getting my truck taken out of service and getting a big fat expensive ticket. Forget about going to the rock quarry or loading up with hay rolls.

Hey mike how you doing? When u get your buck will u process it your self? If so can u do a video on that. I love your channel and imfo you give us. Well informed thanks. From s.c.

Does the f600 have the 7.3 liter gas? If so, i would not get that engine. We have numerous trucks with that engine and having trouble go with diesel

Can't hunt early season maybe flintlock had rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder but seeing a lot of monster bucks on camera here in Monroe county Eastern Pennsylvania

How about keeping a laminated copy of that flowchart in your glovebox??!!

I expected that time lapse at the end to lead to a big buck lining himself up right in front of your side-by-side so you couldn't shoot it 😅

The deer are running like mad. saw a 12 point get hit by a car Thursday at 5:30 am totaled a Nissan leaf. killed a huge buck.

Same way in the state of Ohio

Get gasser. Change the oil regularly. Last forever. No headaches