New o/o need help finding first truck stuck at a crossroad

1st decide what type of work you really want to do. There really isn’t a jack of all trades truck. If you’re gonna be mostly on highway, then you need to decide raised roof condo, mid roof/ stand up, or flat top.

Manufacture doesn’t so much matter here you’re worried about height. A raised roof 13’ plus tall sleeper is great for dry vans and reefers, but could hinder you with flats and tanks.

If running tanks or flats, you may want raised 5th wheel legs.....that tall 5th wheel may mean a dry van or reefer is going to be over height.

then you go into wheelbase, set back axle, hood/no hood, etc...

have you decided what company you want to lease to? That is the main starting point. Then start whittling down the list until you have spec’d a truck.

 

For tankers remember that not all loading racks are tall enough. Roof and stacks heights are important details.

 

So many times friends have bought a truck for a gravy haul and part way thru the payment book some/thing happened, and the new lease on to co. they are going with does not match the truck and its like pulling a chute behind the truck up and down hills?

 

Most tanker co. want flat top or at tallest a mid. roof sleeper, plus they want lightest truck poss. like 9 speed, short wheel base, you may have to have pto. with pump and cooler or big air comp. or both, because load may pay by wt. hauled not mi.?

 

Mid roof, good turning radius, big enough sleeper, enough power. Lots of Volvo’s and Kw 680s or PB 386s to choose from. See what’s available at what prices, research engines available. Then go buy a Big Old Largecar that makes no Practical sense at all, except the most important thing, it’s what you really want. Be honest now. Lol.

 

Stay away from anything Def or dpf, south East doesn’t require it so don’t need it. Less headaches.

 

I can argue going new or old. Really depends upon the man, mission and money to a certain degree. I don't know your financial state but listed below is a freshly overhauled, non-def, flat-top W900 out of Missouri. Should be plenty of good stock out there. Truly can't go wrong with a W900. It is going to be your office, so make sure you get the one that does the trick for you.

https://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/33393559/1996-kenworth-w900