My goal is to stay off or below the radar as much as possible. It's going to be pretty obvious with a GN trailer for starters. F450 axles invite a closer look and I want the "4wd" capability. F450's generally don't offer that unless you want a very expensive custom build. I have TX plates on my '92. my official residence is in TX. I've pulled a Uhaul trailer in kali and never gotten a second look from a DOT. Everybody thinks you're moving in/out of the state so that's no biggie with a Uhaul. With a privately owned GN, that will be a whole new can of worms. Lastly, I intend to look like I am running under the 40 ft OAL rule. that is why the SC rather than a CC. Ford at that time never made a F350 dually 4x4 SC. But that is a little known fact unless you are a resident ford nut.
Yeiks, you have a 40 ft overall length limit??? I'd be boned with anything I haul out there I'm 48 ft with my 5er and 49 ft with my gooseneck carhauler.
As far as rebadging the 450, ever thought of getting some fancy simulators with the extended nut covers that stick out a bit over teh actual hardware so you could slip a set that look like 8 lug simulators all around?
Either that or tell CA to take a flying leap, if you have residency in TX, register your business in TX and register the vehicles there, then all you have to to is keep track of mileage and report fuel tax to CA as a commercial vehicle from out of state doing business on federal highways.