If you had to buy a truck right now, what would you look for?

[in2trux]

(07-30-2018 )DDB Wrote:  First post here but I’ve been lurking for about a month, trying to get up to speed. I’d like to get some feedback from current owner operators and/or mechanics.

I’ve been out of trucking since late 2009 when I was offered a job in another industry, one that runs counter to the economy. I was very fortunate to make a good living during the recession and the so called jobless recovery. However, now that the economy is booming this particular industry sucks, and I’ve got to find something else (my income this year will be less than half what it was from its peak in 2012).

I flatbedded before under my own authority and loved it, and am looking to do the same now. My budget is around $65k for the truck, and I’d like one with a max of about 400k miles. But I’m flexible on both of these. I’d like a condo and I’d love to find a truck with an APU already installed – not so much for idling comfort, though that’d be nice, but because it would mean that the truck hasn’t been idled much. My understanding is that idling is hard on these emissions trucks.

My #1 goal is to find the truck that will make the most money. My #2 and #3 goals are the same as #1. I’ve downloaded and read Rawze’ pdf book – btw thanks, Rawze, it is excellent information and I salute you for putting this out for free to help others. I have printed out parts of it to take with me when I look at trucks. But before I start that process I need to get things narrowed down a bit. If a salesman senses that you don’t know exactly what you want then he will try to sell you what he wants to get rid of.

Before I found this website I had basically written off anything with a Cummins in it due to the fuel pump and after treatment issues. But Rawze (and others here) have definitely opened my eyes to the benefits of the red engine. I like its open source nature and the ability to do your own maintenance on the emissions stuff (not to mention the demandate option and custom tuning). And, I discovered that one of the best Cummins shops in America is less than an hour from my house (Mr. Haggai). Plus, parts seems to be plentiful and relatively reasonable (probably due in part to the open source specs?). An International with a Cummins seems like the best value. Here’s links to a couple I’m considering (good prices but I think the dealer is kinda sketchy):

http://www.arrowtruck.com/Docs/search.de...kno=227352
http://www.arrowtruck.com/Docs/search.de...kno=226908

Freightliner/Detroit also seems like a solid choice but I’m a skittish about these $10,000 ‘one-box’ emissions systems. I previously drove a 2001 FL Century with a 12.7 Detroit (430 hp, 370 rears, 10 speed) and had no complaints but the fuel mileage was middling, about 6.0 and that was driving at 62. So I’m lukewarm on gliders, even if you could get one. There are some 2014 Columbia gliders not far from here with about 550k miles for $65k. That’s a lot of money for that many miles and my current understanding is that newer emission trucks, even without a demandate, get better mileage than a glider.

Paccar seems to get high marks for fuel mileage and durability, but low marks for parts, software and support. Volvo/Mack are the same, I think. Good products but dealers few and far between and parts proprietary and expensive.

The only thing I’m sure about is to not get a Maxx Force motor. Although, I’ve heard that some of these are going for less than $10k at auction. Seems like a hell of a deal, theoretically, for a donor truck that you could drop a rebuilt 871 into but there must be reasons why no one is doing this.

If I've gotten any of the above wrong, please let me know. All suggestions are welcome. Thanks

That's a loaded question!
You're in the right place to get straight,honest advice.

1. Get your finances in order, you're going to need it!

The FASTEST way to ruin your credit is to buy a truck. It will ALWAYS cost more than you planned! Want to find out how fast you can go through $25k in cash? Buy a truck.
That's AFTER the down payment, financing, taxes, IFTA registration, insurance premium.
Been there, done that.

Assume EVERY truck needs a complete overhaul, has been abused, needs a new clutch or transmisson UNLESS you get a FULL service and repair history. (Chicken teeth)

Every truck has warts, you just have to find them! Unfortunately the trade has shifted to throwaway or recyclable trucks that are shot by the time they reach the OEM warranty.


2. Have a Business plan.

This is a business! Know what lanes and commodity you're going to run pay. What the average revenue/mile is, be very sceptical! Seasonal demands can swing rates wildly, plus or minus $2-3k/ month in gross revenue. Supply and demand.

You can be the best driver and mechanic in the world but if you suck at business, FAIL.
You can be the best businessman in the world and suck at driving and mechanics, FAIL
Good at both = Success.

https://www.dat.com/freight-rates
Know your cost and profit/mile!
Learn to create Excel speadsheets

3. Buy what you want to own!

Are you going to be comfortable in it, working on it?
What is the parts availability?

The devil you know is better than the one you don't know!

If you want a truck that will run and give you a good ROI and time, think long and hard.

My best advice is to start with a platform that is tired but not broken, reman or overhaul engine, transmission and build it up. Reliability comes from constant attention.

The CM 871 is a great engine when done right.