What's the best truck to buy

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by mojd81, Sep 14, 2014.

  1. mojd81

    mojd81 Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2014
    Marshfield, Missouri
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    So I'm getting to buy my own trucks and I'm needing some advise on what would be a good truck to buy. So I've been told to star away from the new and fancy trucks like Pete 379, KW w900l. Been told get find a used truck like a international prostar, freightliner Coronado, freightliner cascadia etc. so I'm looking for something that's comfortable, plenty of room for 2 people, smooth ride, good power but also one that gets good fuel mileage. I'll be pulling either a flatbed or step deck in the lower 48. I'm looking into either a 13 speed or an autoshift. And I could def use some advice on a good transmission/ratio to get? Thanks for everyone's help
     
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  3. icsheeple

    icsheeple Trailing the Herd

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    Are you running California?

    After researching the subject extensively on my end, I settled on a FLD Classic. Detroit 12.7, 13 speed, 2.83 rears. Chaparral interior, with owner op gauge package. Double bunk condo. So far, I really enjoy it.
     
  4. mojd81

    mojd81 Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2014
    Marshfield, Missouri
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    Well the company that I will be leasing onto runs California but it's not a necessity. They told me that for me to run California I would need a 2008 or newer truck. I was looking at a 2009 international ProStar premium with a 400 hp ISX Cummings AutoShift and 3.55 ratio but I have been told that that truck will not work for pulling a step deck trailer because of the low horsepower? I am having different drivers tell me that I need at least a 500+hp to be to pull a step deck.
     
  5. Lucar

    Lucar Road Train Member

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    Stay away from the auto transmissions unless the tranny is new all around.
    Too many electrical problems past 600k miles
    Expensive to fix and to get towed every time.
     
  6. mojd81

    mojd81 Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2014
    Marshfield, Missouri
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    I know automatics are bad but even the AutoShift and the Ultrashift are as well?
     
  7. Lucar

    Lucar Road Train Member

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    They're not bad, they're awesome. But due to the elements all electrical parts start failing past 600k miles.
    I got a 13 spd ultrashift in which I put over $4k already every time it "locks" I have to get towed, get new harness and maybe add a sensor to that. That right there plus shop labor is over $1500.
    -considering you're close to a shop that can work on them.
     
  8. mojd81

    mojd81 Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2014
    Marshfield, Missouri
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    Oh screw that lol
     
  9. nb629

    nb629 Light Load Member

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    YOU do not have to have big horsepower to pull a step or anything for that matter. There was a time when 400 hp would be king of the road.
     
  10. mojd81

    mojd81 Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2014
    Marshfield, Missouri
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    So 400hp would work just fine? Even thru hills?
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Look at some flatbed companies that sell their used trucks; at least they're already spec'd for flatbed.
    Melton Truck Lines shows some nice ones on their website & they're equipped with Tri-Pac APU's.
    Schneider shows some mid-roofs from their flatbed & tanker division.
    Oakley Transport has some Volvo's for sale.
     
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