Plan to purchase a 2008 4500 4X4 188" WB and upfit with Flatbed, Storage Boxes, Gooseneck and Fifthwheel Hitch.

Plan to pull 9000# Horse Trailer fully loaded for pleasure rides and camping.
Plan to pull 18,000# Toy House fully loaded for pleasure rides and camping.
Will also commute to work in truck.

Do I need a DOT sticker and all the stuff that goes with it, like pulling into scales?

 

Yes I believe you will.You will need a dot weight sticker and a ca number.Yes you will have to pull into the scales.

 

the DOT sticker will be required for interstate travel. if the truck is for personal use only you can obtain a CA number for personal use only $35. if you use it for business or showing your horses it you will have to have a commercial CA number at $120.00 plus a terminal inspection fee of $375, if i remember it correctly, for one vehicle (your terminal can be your home).
Any interstate run you can purchase a one time permit for $40 or pay a monthly fee for a full time DOT sticker. you will have to have the CA number on the side of your vehicle and a name and phone number, even if it is personal use. the 4500 and 5500 are considered by CA as commercial vehicles. you will have to stop at all weigh stations and check points, unless waved off.

In CA i personally would nerver buy a 4500 or 5500 for personal use. it cost if for commercial use over $900 a year to register.

be sure and register your vehicle for the full 26k the state will send you a sticker with the weight. or you will get nailed big time for being over you registerd limits.

good luck, move to texas.