[TheForge] Military truck capacity--EGRESS/more on long haul trucking (OT)

[Ries Niemi]

On Sunday, May 15, 2005, at 04:48 PM, Justin Fellenz wrote:

> Hey,
>
> I know some of you are pretty familiar with the military trucks of the
> past few dozen years. I'm going to be moving across the country,
> finally realizing the dream of moving back out west, back out to the
> country. I'm thinking of getting a 40' sea container. I doubt I have
> more than say 30,000 lb of stuff, including the shop. Tare on the
> chassis and the container is about 14,000 lb. The chassis is a 5th
> wheel setup. THe question is, would a deace and a half paul it? I'm
> thinking no, but it would be nice if it would because a deace tractor
> qwould be a good all terrain work truck. If not, how about a 5-ton?
> They're still cheap and while they suck fuel they're super cool.
> Specially with a hiab...
>
> Anyway. I'm trying not to just dump unrecoverable money into the move.
> We're going from DC to western canada.
>
> Thoughts, anyone?
> Thanks
>
> JRF
>
>

Its gonna be a whole lot cheaper, and less hassle, just to pay somebody 
else to move it.
Buy a regular 40' container, no chassis. Fill it up. Then get a trucker 
to ship it for you.
My guess is you are talking around 2 to 3 grand max to get it shipped. 
Gas alone on an old military truck could get to that much.
If you actually try to drive a truck with a 40' trailer across the 
country, you need a CDL, insurance, a current medical card, and your 
truck is gonna have to pass all relevant laws regarding safety, weight, 
etc, for every state you cross.
A commercial driver is a pro, with a well maintained, insured truck, 
and its gonna save you money to use one.
One breakdown in West Overshoe South Dakota will inevitably cost you 
more than the whole freight bill. And the part that will break will be 
something no NAPA store stocks.
And military trucks are notorious for miserable mileage- the government 
didnt care. 5mpg is good for a lot of those vehicles.

If what you want is to buy a big truck, buy one. Just do it after you 
move, get it locally.

ries