buying a truck for the first time

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by pfcjking, Nov 12, 2014.

  1. pfcjking

    pfcjking Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2014
    Memphis, TN
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    This may sound odd, but I'm not a trucker, yet I am shopping for a truck. The company I work for fabricates structural steel, and we are thinking about buying a truck to haul some of our steel. Since i seem to have to most experience with trucks (my g-paw drove for 55 years), i ended up being elected to choose a truck. I need some advice from some mother truckers like yourselves to steer me to the best option. here are my requirements.

    $75,000 or less
    Less than 250,000 miles
    2010 or newer
    Must have a sleeper

    I have read enough to know to steer clear of the maxxforce. I think a cummins or a detroit is my best bet.

    Any advice?

    btw, I'm having a blast cruising truck paper and getting paid for it!

    Thanks
     
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  3. gunner76

    gunner76 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 11, 2010
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    I just don't see how you're going to find a truck in your price range that meets the mileage and year range. If you're not planning on running CA I'd get a pre DPF,DEF truck for the simplicity. Or buy a pre '04 truck and overhaul the engine with the money you save.
     
  4. Peterbiltt

    Peterbiltt Light Load Member

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    Aug 21, 2014
    Ontario Canada
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    a pete 386 with the isx
     
  5. macmanboomer

    macmanboomer Light Load Member

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    Oct 19, 2014
    TN
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    Figure out the specs of what you need first, then search for trucks that meet those needs. For example:

    type of trailer you'll be pulling,
    weight of loads,
    hauling area / terrain,
    etc.

    This will tell you if you need to look for 3 or 4 axle tractor, high hp & torque engine / trans, double frame, 10 13 or 18 speed trans, what gears to look for, etc, etc.

    A little research & planning could save a lot of headaches and money by buying the right truck.
     
  6. Peterbiltt

    Peterbiltt Light Load Member

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    Aug 21, 2014
    Ontario Canada
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    or u can get a westernstar with a dd15 or isx and yea expand your budget or miles. its gonna be really hard to come by a truck like that. pre emmisions will be best though
     
  7. bjytech

    bjytech Light Load Member

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    Nov 9, 2013
    Ohio
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    I second what macman is saying, figure out how the truck is going to be used, what terrain it will be running and all that. If you know anyone that does the same kind of hauling that you will be doing talk to them and see how their trucks are speced(HP, gearing, tire size, trans, etc) and how they like them.
     
  8. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    Dec 22, 2007
    East Central FL
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    Your best bet for flatbed operations is finding mid-roof truck with a head board for flatbed operations as you mention hauling steel. As others suggested, if you do not do California, buy an older truck and rebuild the engine. Then outfit her with new seats, new mattress, and head board and any necessary equipment required.

    KH
     
  9. pfcjking

    pfcjking Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2014
    Memphis, TN
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    To be frank, me neither. thru a couple meetings, the parameters have been tightened. the miles get lower, the age gets younger, etc.

    My boss is interested in gliders, but only after we experiment for a year with a used truck. i have yet to see a used glider for sale. at least not one i recognized.
     
  10. pfcjking

    pfcjking Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2014
    Memphis, TN
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    I'll be hauling 45,000 lbs of structural steel up and down I-81 through the valley in VA.

    48' flatbeds
     
  11. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Jul 6, 2009
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    stay away from isx from 04 to 09. turbos, egr's, coolers, oil leaks.

    2010 dd15 after 300k miles starting to break down. its what i drive now. fuel in coolant, dpf gone bad. now it's an injector.

    cat ascerts. no experience but lotsa hearing. earlier cats had undersized pistons. famous for breaking piston rings.

    better off buying old 2003 or older and rebuild. detroit 60 or cummins. that's just my $.02 and experience.
     
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