4500/5500 series Gmc/Chevy

DK35vince · Dec 30, 2006

rutwad said:
What is the class "B" cdl?

Class B CDL is for straight truck over 26,000#. (example a single axle with over 26,000 GVW, a tri axle or tandom axle truck).

Robbie Hegwood · Dec 30, 2006

Hey Rutwad, Yes I think they just need adjusting. It's been eight months so they need it. If that doen't work like I want then a controller change will be next.

My trailer grosses at 19,040 lbs. with everything on it. Tractor, trailer, timberax, bucket, and harley rake. Since then I leave the rake at home unless I'm using it for sure. That puts me at 18,000 lbs most of the time.

Yes a class B is a straight truck over 26,000 lbs and usually air brakes. Each section of the test is seperate. Air brakes, general knlowlwdge, and so on. It would be best if you took as many as possible to save time. What truck are you taking for the driving test?

I found info on the erosion class and I get you the link. I have a good problem, no time right know to go take it. Oh yea still hanging on to the full time job. Atleast for a couple months more.

wroughtn_harv · Jan 3, 2007

On the original question. I have a 2003 C5500 with the 19,500 GVW, 108" cab to center of axle (CA). Even with that long wheelbase I can hang a U turn inside most one tons.

She has a hundred and three thousand miles on her as of yesterday. I did have an injector leak and the dealer replaced all eight. I understand the replacements are trouble free.

We love the truck.

I changed out the pads on the rear discs at seventy five thousand miles. The front disc pads still have some wear on them. The front tires have worn even and well with about fifty thousand miles each set (Michelin), the rears have pulled seventy thousand or so.

My glitches have been the injector along with some issues with the switches on the door locks and windows. The cure for that was being aware that some people will hold a switch down and it will stick and overheat. Bringing the switch back to neutral position makes everything okay.

She weighs fifteen thousand empty. I pull between nine and thirteen miles per gallon. Nine when we're towing the trailer with the tractor, thirteen when we're running just the truck at sixty. Going faster spins the motor tighter which uses more fuel. Running seventy will pull me ten or so.

rutwad · Jan 3, 2007

Robbie, I plan on taking the CDL test for class A in my one ton and trailer. I won't be able to get the air brake endorsement with it though.

I'm interested more in the class if you have info on it.

DieselPower · Jan 3, 2007

rutwad said:
Robbie, I plan on taking the CDL test for class A in my one ton and trailer. I won't be able to get the air brake endorsement with it though.

I'm interested more in the class if you have info on it.

Not sure how it is where you are but when I took my class A test you had to take it in a class A truck. Just like the B test, you have to do the road test in a B class truck. When I got my P endorsement to drive school bus's I had to take a school bus. I'm pretty sure you have to test in what you are testing for. The only test I have left to take is the Hazmat test and I will have all the endorsements. Not looking forward to the Hazmat test as it's alot of reg's to remember.

Robbie Hegwood · Jan 3, 2007

That's why I asked about the truck, i was under the same impression.
Rutwad as far as the class, I'm not sure exactly what you mean but at Coca-Cola they had a private instructor in the company and he was licensed to let people drive on the road to practice and to evaluate them. After that we studied the book you get from drivers license place and scedule a test drive. Let me know where this fits into what you've got going and I'll fill in. Robbie

DavesTractor · Jan 3, 2007

Robbie Hegwood said:
That's why I asked about the truck, i was under the same impression.
Rutwad as far as the class, I'm not sure exactly what you mean but at Coca-Cola they had a private instructor in the company and he was licensed to let people drive on the road to practice and to evaluate them. After that we studied the book you get from drivers license place and scedule a test drive. Let me know where this fits into what you've got going and I'll fill in. Robbie

In California you can take your CDL in your pickup and trailer, as long as the combination requires a CDL. You can't take your half-ton and a landscape trailer and expect to get a CDL. When I took mine it was with a 3/4 ton Dodge and a triple axle gooseneck. Of course the license states I can't drive a vehicle with air brakes, effectively limited the license as it should be.

Robbie Hegwood · Jan 3, 2007

Wroughtn Harv. I'm glad it's been a good truck for you. Is it a crew cab,king cab? What kind of body is on it? And last how much weight do you haul? The trailer, tractor, and the works.
Turning radius is not a huge concern for me, with a 28' trailer she's the limiting factor. I would like for this truck to be a dedicated work truck so it wouldn't have to be a fancy hauler bed. A regular flat bed would work, I would prefer a crew cab to haul the help. Thanks for responding. Robbie

rback33 · Jan 4, 2007

DieselPower said:
Not sure how it is where you are but when I took my class A test you had to take it in a class A truck. Just like the B test, you have to do the road test in a B class truck. When I got my P endorsement to drive school bus's I had to take a school bus. I'm pretty sure you have to test in what you are testing for. The only test I have left to take is the Hazmat test and I will have all the endorsements. Not looking forward to the Hazmat test as it's alot of reg's to remember.

I took a CDL class before I got mine as well. Like Dave said, you can show up with a 1 ton pick up and a gooseneck trailer and get a class A CDL. That does qualify as a commercial vehicle. The only requirements for Airbrakes was to take the written test if I remember correctly. However.. to get the P for passenger bus.... you do have to take the driving test with a BUS. The only endorsements I DON'T have on my license are the bus and motorcycle. I need to go back and get them both. I like to ride bikes and would like the option to sub for our school district as a bus driver. I already have the Class A with Hazmat/Tanker and Doubles/triples.... Don't need any of them anymore, but I keep them anyway. I help my custom cutter friends out when I can....

rutwad · Jan 4, 2007

Well, I did not specifically ask, but I figure if my truck and trailer requires a CDL, then I should be able to use it to take the test. But like I said, I will not be able to get the air brake endorsement since my truck does not have air brakes.

Will I need the DOT annual inpection done before I take my test?