Z06LMB

I had a near 19 ft. Open Trailer I used for picking up cars I bought here and there. I confess I never was that great at maneuvering that trailer behind a crew cab long bed truck getting in close to the cars. I sold the trailer and just hired a flatbed when needed.
Now I'm thinking I would like to get my own flatbed truck (used).
For average cars and light duty pickups what is the minimum length bed?

Winch capacity?

What size truck? Engine? Truck years? Special opporations?

The older trucks seem really cheap, many can be had for less than $10,000, are they a money pit and a bad decision waiting to happen?

Anybody have experience to share?

Thank you, Rich

Eppieguy

The line I love to use is "You get what you pay for". Any flatbed under 10k is going to be a money pit unless you're really good with a wrench. These trucks for the most part are beat hard and put away wet if you know what I mean. I used to drive tow trucks / flatbeds and typically garages don't get rid of them until they turn in to a money pit. You're better off renting a U-Haul auto trailer when you need one, a whole lot cheaper and easier.

IMXCITD

yeah...I would spend more and get something nicer or just get the truck you want and get another trailer. Try to cut on the price and it will probably hurt you after the fact.

Z06LMB

I was afraid I would get this answer and I know your advice is right on . . . . . . .

But hoping for specifically what to look for or to avoid.

dmaxx3500

you will need a ''CDL'' ,more insurance,com lic plates every year[$1,000-3,000],and do you really want to haul your own cars,just figure in $200-300 per car for transport

your are going to spend $30-$40k to buy a truck you can drive hassle free for 2-4 years

that buys a lot of transport time

64drvr

What if the truck is rated and tagged under 26,001 pounds?

Eppieguy

In NJ you don't need a CDL to drive a standard size flatbed or tow truck, I did it for many years. Only the bigger trucks with Air Brakes do you need a CDL.

Z06LMB

I guess what I was truly thinking about was this:
For ocaisional and lightweight local usage - like 5 to 8 times per year and sometimes near 1700 miles one way (to and from a mid-west car auction) maybe once or twice a year. Could Io get away with a GM 3500 with a tilt bed and winch?
So, if that is the case all I'm really dealing with is trials and headaches of whatever regular pickups go through, but the unknown part for me is the bed and it's mechanical components.
Every once in a while I'll see a flatbed for let's say, $6500 and wonder if I could get some good use out of it if the truck itself has a good frame and the body is pretty straight with minimal rust. A bad motor is relatively easy and cheap to replace as is a lot of OE pickup parts, it's the bed and mechanicals that leave me in the dark on what to check, what to be concerned about.

Patsgarage

Before I bought my car trailer I want through the same thought process, as I used to work for a towing company and really loved the F-350 rollback that I drove. Could you buy an older flatbed for under $10k ? Sure, but not one that I would feel comfortable driving the distances that you are talking about. I hate to say it, but you would be much better off with a medium/heavy duty pickup and a trailer.

redvetracr

I have one word for you..."insurance" and on a commercial vehicle that sounds expensive.

IMXCITD

so....specifically I would go get a clean 2500/3500 duramax or clean F250/350/450 powerstroke. Find one w some miles on it but clean and well kept. Get a used dovetail or tilt trailer and set it up like you want (winch, tool box, spare tire, etc) and you will be good to go. I would consider a 1 ton and drw and it will make for a better towing experience.