Box truck for personal use - CDL?

[kazetsukai]

Would something like this need a CDL for non-commercial purposes? (NH). The current owner intended to use it for "hauling tools" but his workers didn't have CDLs.




I know its not a skoolie but I'm not sure where else to reach out.

[banman]

No. The "workers" needed CDL's because anything business = commercial use.

Your owning that for personal use is no different than your renting a Uhaul for personal use -- no cdl required.

[cadillackid]

some states require a class B for anything GVWR over 26,000 lbs..I know in ohio its whether you use it for commerce (business or even non-profit 501C3) .. you need to check with your state.

[banman]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

some states require a class B for anything GVWR over 26,000 lbs..I know in ohio its whether you use it for commerce (business or even non-profit 501C3) .. you need to check with your state.

Agreed.
Truck in the pic didn't look that big to me -- not exactly science I know...

[Sehnsucht]

Agree with above. If your intention is entirely NOT for any type of business related purpose then get it licensed as a personal use truck and no CDL required. It doesn't even look like it's very tall box so probably have pretty easy access to places the average box truck couldn't go.

[kazetsukai]

Thanks for the feedback. Now on to my use case....
In my build thread I mentioned that my CL bought combo unit didn't work, so I replaced the space for it with a standing fridge. I was thinking of buying a trailer that I could put laundry machines, my tools, and my motorcycle into. Then I saw this thing.



It seems nimble, has some aggressive tires and good clearance for sure. Should be able to go where the bus or a trailer could not go. Thoughts? Any drawbacks to this over a trailer?

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by kazetsukai

Any drawbacks to this over a trailer?

You can't tow it so you'd need a second driver?

[Native]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

You can't tow it so you'd need a second driver?

Yeah, that was my thought. I suppose you *could* modify it to be a toad ... but why? It would be a very heavy toad especially once filled.


It would look good behind his rig though.

[kazetsukai]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

You can't tow it so you'd need a second driver?

Gee, we kind of resigned ourselves to this already. We need some kind of secondary vehicle. I have a tow dolly that I could use to pull our Transit connect, but I've got to choose either the dolly or a trailer behind the bus, or our truck. I want to sell the truck if I can...



Bike only - I don't think we're ready to live with just my motorcycle quite yet. Especially around here during winter. I've gotten used to running errands with it- getting chicken feed and groceries and whatnot but it just isn't usable for half the year.


This guy could pull the Transit _and be_ the "trailer" space I'm looking for (bike / laundry / tools)...


Thanks again, I'll update once I finish my research and make a decision.

[banman]

Originally Posted by kazetsukai

Gee, we kind of resigned ourselves to this already. We need some kind of secondary vehicle. I have a tow dolly that I could use to pull our Transit connect, but I've got to choose either the dolly or a trailer behind the bus, or our truck. I want to sell the truck if I can...



Bike only - I don't think we're ready to live with just my motorcycle quite yet. Especially around here during winter. I've gotten used to running errands with it- getting chicken feed and groceries and whatnot but it just isn't usable for half the year.


This guy could pull the Transit _and be_ the "trailer" space I'm looking for (bike / laundry / tools)...


Thanks again, I'll update once I finish my research and make a decision.

If the box truck is left filled with motorcycle, hooked up washer/dryer, and a workshop -- everytime you move take the truck to get groceries you've got to unhook your systems, and make sure everything is secured. That seems like a huge pita to me...

[BlackJohn]

Originally Posted by kazetsukai

Thanks for the feedback. Now on to my use case....
In my build thread I mentioned that my CL bought combo unit didn't work, so I replaced the space for it with a standing fridge. I was thinking of buying a trailer that I could put laundry machines, my tools, and my motorcycle into. Then I saw this thing.



It seems nimble, has some aggressive tires and good clearance for sure. Should be able to go where the bus or a trailer could not go. Thoughts? Any drawbacks to this over a trailer?

Are you certain of ground clearance, fuel tank support look low as do all the stuff on the front bumper. That ain't no off- roader imho. Any idea of the drivetrain? The low box height would deter me.


John

[kazetsukai]

Originally Posted by banman

If the box truck is left filled with motorcycle, hooked up washer/dryer, and a workshop -- everytime you move take the truck to get groceries you've got to unhook your systems, and make sure everything is secured. That seems like a huge pita to me...

Here's my thinking-
Motorcycle- in a wheel chock, strapped down. By default.



Washer/dryer "hooked up" - self isolated water system, not even a water inlet. Just jugs and a pump. Maybe a grey tank under the cabin for waste. This will be strapped down 24/7, see no reason to disconnect it or not secure it.


I currently have a free Tesla pack and inverter... probably could get away with having a self-contained power system with panels up top for it. Alternatively I find another pack to pair it up with, move it into the bus, and run 30A service to an inlet somewhere on the box?



Tools: Not really going to be a "workshop", just storage for all the rarely used stuff and laundry. Everything in buckets/tubs, secured by default, by design.


Good stuff to think about when designing the interior of either a trailer or truck like this.

[kazetsukai]

Originally Posted by BlackJohn

Are you certain of ground clearance, fuel tank support look low as do all the stuff on the front bumper. That ain't no off- roader imho. Any idea of the drivetrain? The low box height would deter me.

Uh, I'm not expecting a rock crawler, I'm talking that there may be places a trailer couldn't go that this could go. Certainly there are limits to that, but ground clearance is way higher than any enclosed trailer I've seen. The stuff on the front bumper is really close to the front tire- I'm looking at the center between front and rear axles when I'm talking about clearances.


Low box height: Yeah, not being able to stand might be a problem. I think it boils down to whether I think I can get the bike in comfortably or not. Not a small bike- 2017 Kawasaki Concours 14. Laundry I could put at the very end of the box so one could load from outside, or cut out holes in the side to that effect. Idk, lots of options there. Question is, more pain than gain?


Hmm. More stuff to think about.

[kazetsukai]

Triple post but here's another thing to consider- Looking like a $2800 deal.


The shortest shortie out there might be a better option if I can load the bike.... ugh. Do I really want to go bus hunting right now again?

[banman]

Assumed you already had a bus...

When I lived in my 14' camper my G20 Van was a very welcome mobile closet, but not my daily driver.

With a separate trailer of any type -- since you mentioned weather not conducive to using the motorbike -- you'll have to keep the water system from freezing if the washer is outside the living area bus...

[mmoore6856]

if its licenced as a commercial truck then yes. make sure you licence it as non commercial then you are ok. be sure and identify it as "not for hire"

[kazetsukai]

I may have found a shorty that's less legal trouble. Going to check it out tomorrow.

[vintageracer]

Some states it can make a difference if the truck has hydraulic or air brakes given the vehicle GVWR.

Check your state regs to be sure.

[dozr62]

If it’s registered as a vehicle under 26,000 pounds and does not have air brakes and you don’t have any names on the truck you don’t need a CDL.?but I’m pretty sure most of those delivery truck have air brakes or air over hydraulic and you would need a class B CDL with air brake endorsements

[kazetsukai]

FYI I did end up going the shorty route, pics on my build page.