F-650, what size bed?

[EastSideBuzz]

Ever feel like pounding your head into a wall? Happens to me all the time!

So I am just getting big enough that I need the truck and this is very good info. Sorry that people feel like they are going over and over it again and again.

But, I am trying to keep under the CDL. But, lets say I had to do the CDL what do we recon it costs to get and maintain each year. Can you get it without having to goto truck drivers school? Sorry for being naive.

[Barry]

Just for fun lets throw in the the farm exemption!!

I thought you were going to say, "Just for fun lets throw Keith under the bus", but then I see he hasn't posted in this thread!

[dbest]

Stop at your local DMV or whatever you have and ask for the CDL test study guide, read it, and make sure you can pass all the sample questions. Then go back in and take the written part. Next you have to schedule a road test with vehicle that compares to what your going to be driving (they can tell you where). They can also answer alot of your questions. getting your CDL is only the start of all the fun. The truck will need a host things depending on where you plan on going and how heavy it is. Once you get past the scary parts its not a bad way to go.

[sqkcrk]

If you have a CDL, don't you have to have an annual drug test? And submit an annual physical exam report?

[beeware10]

mark on your way north stop at a truck stop and pick up a federal reg rules book (green) there is a sect that applies to beekeepers. we do not have to have physicals or drug tests or a test for a employee. It is in there in black and white. we are still in pa at their state bee meeting. If I was home I could give the section number to look up. about time for you to get home. see ya next weekend.

[sqkcrk]

Still almost a week left in the Sunny South. Having fun w/ Chuck and Co.

[HarryVanderpool]

Intercontenental Truck Body.
DON"T BUY A HEAVY, HEAVY STEEL BED!!
Less fixed weight on your truck means MORE payload.
Here is a great example on an F-550:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...owersTruck.jpg

I have the same bed on my F-450. Perfect!

[HONEYDEW]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...owersTruck.jpg

I have the same bed on my F-450. Perfect!

Sure....post a pic of Sowers truck but not one of your hot rod....

[dbest]

If you have a CDL, don't you have to have an annual drug test? And submit an annual physical exam report?

That's only if your a trucking company. That falls under the ICCMC rules. The physical is every 3 years and cost about $50. It takes 15 minutes at any walk in clinic. You just carry it in your wallet and give it when asked by an officer. Its far easier than standing by the road attempting to educate a person who's brain has already reached its capacity.

[dbest]

mark on your way north stop at a truck stop and pick up a federal reg rules book (green) there is a sect that applies to beekeepers. we do not have to have physicals or drug tests or a test for a employee. It is in there in black and white. we are still in pa at their state bee meeting. If I was home I could give the section number to look up. about time for you to get home. see ya next weekend.

Its section 391.1 under general exemptions. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...yword=apiarian

[jim lyon]

Intercontenental Truck Body.
DON"T BUY A HEAVY, HEAVY STEEL BED!!
Less fixed weight on your truck means MORE payload.

Here is one I had custom made, even has aluminum tool boxes on drivers side. The builder estimated it is about 1300 lbs. lighter than a steel one of the same size.
http://s470.photobucket.com/albums/r...t=IMG_0008.jpg

[HarryVanderpool]

WOW! Nice job and cool picture!
Not to get off topic but I was noticing your trailer.
Very well engineered and light weight.
The guys that build trailers around here have one solution to every problem; throw more steel at it.
They all weigh probably 3 times what yours does.

[dbest]

Looks like one of Deans.
http://www.hummerbee.com/trailers.html

[jim lyon]

Looks like one of Deans.
http://www.hummerbee.com/trailers.html

Yeah we really like it. It was. The first load of nucs that we hauled with the truck and couldn't resist snapping a pic with my phone. Shhhhhh don't let Keith know that I went with another Hummer instead of one of those lousy overbuilt Swingers.

[Jim 134]

LOL here we go again. Just for fun lets throw in the the farm exemption!!
Nick

No farm exemption on a CDL I know of for being out of class and overweight.


BEE HAPPY Jim 134

[LT]

Great pics and set up Jim. What size bed? Thx

[sqkcrk]

So Craig,
Did you decide what size and type of bed you are going to put on your truck? If you are going to use it alot, I would suggest you add tool boxes.

I have two on one side and one one the drivers' side, w/ a small one for smokers also on the drivers side. I like having them set back close to the frame of the truck. It's a little inconvenient if you can't bend and reach real well, but you are less apt to catch a stump or tree and being able to drive ones loader right tight up against the truck, and not hit the tool box, is nice.

My Smoker Box is 12"X18" I believe. I can stand 3 smokers in it. I plug them between yds.

[WG Bee Farm]

I am Curious; how much weight do you allow for 4-hives dbl brood box and their pallet. I have not heard any one mention this data, yet; unless I missed it.

[dbest]

I figure 115 lbs per hive going to CA and 125 coming home.

[EastSideBuzz]

Anyone seen a scale you can put a 4 way pallet on to test weight? One that we could afford.?