The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Youch skateboardman!! I know the pain that's a hair more than I spent on my platinum it was around $28,000+/-. You obviously had a lot more replaced while they were at it than just the standard inframe. My inframe cost more than the truck was worth but it was my chosen tool to do a job so it had to be done. Of the choices I had at the time it was the least costly, except for saying #### it I quit. Been a little over 3 years now. Feels like a minor hiccup. Did you opt for a 4th year on warranty? I did, paid some extra for it, but think it was money thrown away. We will just have to see though. To be honest I would rather NOT have to use the warranty. No break down is a good one.

 

Jeez,I'm going to go back to working on trucks again,now that I'm retired from driving if they're charging that for overhauls.I owned old Cummins inlines my whole life,and overhauled everyone,numerous times in the past 40 years,not a tough job.I know things are a lot more expensive nowadays,but I could inframe overhaul my old NTC 350 I had for 19 years for around 1500. dollars in parts,that price didn't change much either.Liner sets with pistons were less than 600.for all 6.Exchange heads were around 200. a piece,needed 3.Injectors were cheap,gaskets around a 100. plus oil and filters.Price would go up if I needed counterbore repairs or deck resurfaced,but Cummins would come to my shop and do it if needed,fairly reasonable.Times have changed,but for the better?

 

Had a special on, the 4th year was free

 

This was worth every bit of the time it took to read! Thanks

 

Awesome thread. Read DYs, now yours. Thanks for all the info to everyone!

 

I don't know about dummies, I think you're pretty smart. Will sure help in a year when I decide to jump in too. Hopefully the pool in Canuckistan is warm...

 

I've been throwing the idea around of ditching the van for open deck, so I read your thread all over again. What a good read.

I've been researching the securement package I need. Also been on Searchtempest.com looking at complete used packages from those retiring or updating. I'm hoping a complete and decent set will pop up going into winter.

I'd love to see a list of yours or others complete securement inventory. I've been looking for a Merritt box as well. Keeping the elements off the equipment and increased security seems like the best way to go versus the open headache racks.

The right trailer is a whole other monster I'm still tackling. 53 foot combo spread looks like a good route. What are your thoughts about it versus a step deck?

 

How come I didn't know about this ##### thread!!!!!!!

 

16 4 inch straps plus a few spares.
10 2 inch ratchet straps.
2 portable 4 inch winches
8 20 ft grade 70 5/16 chain
4 16ft grade 43 3/8 chain
8 snap binders
4 ratchet binders
12 coil racks
10 or so pieces of rubber matting
8 beveled 4x4 dunnage
4 16x24 tarps
1 12x12 smoke tarp
LOTS of edge protectors of all shapes and sizes, steel and plastic
Enough felt to pad an entire load to save tarps from tears/punctures