Some numbers for new O/O

This, for those who don't know is a covered wagon. It is best for hauling coils. Big aluminum coils often come in contact with the tarp.

I had to break my down today, and it took 2 hours. Not so much just taking it apart and rolling up the tarp, but the fact is there is a lot of loose stuff. Aluminum felt pads, rubber mats, coil racks and ratchet straps. With the kit up, you hang the straps from the bows, and throw everything else up front. That's what took so long!

 

I hated running a covered wagon.... Hated it!!!! I was constantly setting it up and tearing it down.

 

That's why they're really only good for hauling coils. 1 panel out, 2 bows moved, and crank that baby down.

 

Back when i ran one when i still lived up north id do a lot of plate, bars, steel pipe, etc. It never bothered me breaking down one side completely, but freight like shingles where you need to access both sides of the trailer, screw that.

 

I hauled some rebar yesterday, and had to break the other side down so they could unload it. I wound up breaking the whole thing down because today I'm picking up totes.

 

All good info...hence, why I prefer a Conestoga, yes, there are limits with it too, but, it's much bigger inside, can take most loads.

My last one had 103.5" of inside height clearance. I could put 2 - 20' or 1 - 40' rail container inside and still close the curtains. This was made possible due to the fact it was a steel trailer with an apitong floor, the king pin went into the floor, not welded to the frame like an aluminum or even a combo does. But, I paid for tbis design in weight, my empty weight with my heavy W900 was over 37klbs! That was somewhat limiting.

My new one is supposed to have 102" inside height. It's going on a combo 48', so, frame is more tapered up by the King pin than on an all aluminum trailer.

We will see what my empty weight is. Right now, no Conestoga, full tanks, it's around 31klbs. So, probably over 32.5Klbs...I'm swapping dual wheels out on trailer for SS...I haven't convinced myself yet to do that on tractor. But, I'll carry a mounted spare plus all my gear, will probably put me back to the same empty weight.

Sorry I've taken this on a tangent.

 

Heres a idea i have wanted to try when i turn 18. Go to school for a diesel tech degree and cdl then save buy a truck that will need a rebuild in a year or two thus buying it cheaper then buy a flatbed because the pay in flatbed is better and the trailer is cheaper and i dont wana just swing doors. Then when it comes to do weekly or monthly repairs/maintance do it myself. A rebuild for a Cat (Engine i want trust me ive seen prices i would have a WS or Freightshaker and a 13 speed for at or below 30k) is only 3 or 4 grand for parts but when a mechanic does it theres thousands in labor i could save and that will add up then after a year or two a second rig do the same and work up to 5 rigs cause i dont wana be in an office all my life.

 

A lot of folks follow that path. It can be done, and having the ability to do a lot of your own work is very handy AND a good alternate source of income.

One thing I did not see mentioned though. You will require tools and some sort of storage & work area for the truck as you rebuild it. Do you have that under consideration as well?

 

I havnt started any of this yet i have 5 more years till i turn 18 lol but i learn and ask people what they think and yes i do have a plan for that i would build 1 of those 2 or 3 grand steel building ive seen em there done out of sheet metal and i would build that yes you can fit a truck inside on the commercial they fit a high rise mack in there so i figure i can fit a Mid Roof WS or high rise Classic xl in there plus engine work wise i might could do without a shop do it with a tarp and close the hood but i would much rather have a shop. Just stuff i have to think about. I figured out around how much i could make and save after taxes cost of living and i think i could save up 60 70 k in around 5 years IF the economy stays good and taxes dont go up. I am willing to work like a dog at first to have something to fall back on. I plan on livin at home till i can get enough to buy land (5 acres) and a shop and rig,that way my cost of livin is low. IM NOT GONNA BE A DEAD BEAT WITH NO JOB IN MOM AND DADS BASMENT LMAO all i need is a place to sleep and shower lol and i figure for the 12 hours a day i would be home i would be sleepin and such then back off to work plus at that point i can still have a life if i can go in at 7 and leave at 5 and yes i know i wont always be able to do that but ya know 70% of the time kinda thing. Also just to clarify i have been in a truck alot so im not just like hey that LOOKS fun,ive done it since i was 5 h ell ive racked up 50k in miles (yes i know thats nothin compared to most) and i have driven a truck on dirt roads (my father is a trucking school head instructor and he hauls milk on the week ends so i have a h ell of a teacher) sorry for the text wall

 

So around how much per year do you lose from fed and state taxes like percentage wise what percent do they take.