Getting Ready to Hit the Road with Magnum

Oh yeah, I know. I have actually already looked at about 15 or so trucks, and I am being quite picky. Also doing a lot of research on a particular year and model once I see something I like. When I finally do get a truck, it will be what I want, complete with an oil analysis.

Are you talking about Gav?

Absolutely. That might actually be possible on this go around. But you know what? Susan is very smart. You may have just given up your location.....

 

Well Thank you .... and I don't mind sharing with you at all. After all, this is sort of why I started this thread.....

Geez, where to start? I guess the best way to answer your questions is to give you my train of thought. And that in itself can be quite scary in many different aspects, but here goes....

Age is not as big an issue as one might think. Sure, there are things you need to be aware of, like dry-rot of rubber, cracked insulation on wires, and the sort, but if things are well maintained, they can last forever. These engines don't even get broken in good till they get at least 300,000 miles on them, and many well maintained ones will run a million and a half miles until they need any serious work.

Price is what you can afford. Know what you are going to be making (or at least a good guesstimate). If you don't know that, then you haven't done enough research to even consider becoming an Owner/Operator. For me, I am going to make sure I keep the payment under $1500 / month. That, coupled with fuel expectations, will put money in my pocket. It is not going to make me rich overnight, but it will certainly be more than I am making now. Also, while I am thinking about it, you will need to plan on creating a Rainy Day Fund. Put money back for repairs and slow times. If you ask around, most NEW owner operators that failed did not do this, and one major downfall destroyed them because they weren't ready for it.

First and foremost, I look at dependability. Fuel mileage is an issue, horsepower, weight, and serviceability (in other words, how much can I fix, and how much needs to go to a shop) are also important factors, but let's face it.... if you have a truck with a good reputation, chances are good that it won't leave you on the side of the road if you take care of it. So the chassis, engine, and transmission need to have a good rep.

I like the Cat 15, but the Cummins ISX has its merits too. Personally, either one would be fine with me. Eaton Fuller is right up there as far as transmissions go. The Super 10 has a history of problems, whereas the 18 speed gets great reviews. Another thing to consider is where you are going to be driving. And that will help you determine your engine and tranny. Me? If I plan on leaving NC, I am going to have to go through the mountains (unless I head due south to Florida). For me, I think a 470-500 horse engine will fit the bill nicely with either a 13 or 18 speed. But I have not ruled out an automatic. There is something to be said for an automatic when you are in traffic in Atlanta or Chicago.

Fuel mileage is definately another consideration that must be taken seriously. For the average, non-trucking driver, whether you get 20 mpg or 25 mpg, it is not really a big deal. It is however a HUGE deal when talking about big trucks. The average truck is going to get around 6 - 6.5 mpg. Some get 5, some get 7. It depends on a lot of things.... horsepower, the weight of your load, your transmission, and the terrain you are driving on.

Look at it this way.... a 4-wheeler, driving 20000 miles in a year, with a car that gets 20 mpg, will spend $2500 in fuel for that year. If they get 25 mpg, they will spend $2000 (based on $2.50/gallon). Now, in a big truck, if you get 7 mpg, and you drive 100,000 miles, you will spend $35,714 in fuel (again, based on $2.50 / gallon). If your truck gets 6 mpg (just 1 mpg less), you will spend $41,666 in fuel. So instead of a 500$ difference, you are looking at a $5000 difference. IF you got 5 mpg, you would be spending $50,000 in fuel..... another $8300 above 6 mpg. See what I mean?

Now as far as chassis reputation goes, it depends on who you ask. Some people are do and die Peterbilt, some Kenworth, some Freightliner, and the list goes on and on. Personally, I am torn between Pete's and Kenny's. I was originally sold on Volvo, mainly because of the storage space and the workstation, but the more I looked into, the more I realized that I really didnt need the workstation, and if I had too much storage, I would end up making the truck too heavy with all my "junk". I had also heard some things about Volvo (from a mechanical standpoint) that made me start doing more research on it. At the sake of protecting myself from getting sued for publicly voicing my concerns, I will refrain. But the information on EVERY kind of chassis is out there. Just look.

So, back to what do I want to buy. A dependable, good looking, functional, fairly powerful truck is the answer. My wishlist includes a refrigerator, dual air ride seats, double bunk (would prefer a fold out couch for the lower bed), an APU (but I can add that later), dual wardrobes (you can do many things with closets), and a considerable amount of storage in the driver's compartment. All the other goodies like TV, invertor, microwave, yada yada yada, I already have. And more than likely, I will put in my own stereo unless the one in there is a good'un (tunes are important on the road)

Right now, I drive a Pete 387. And I do like it, BUT there are others I like more. Pete 379, KW W900, KW T600, and Pete 386 are the top contenders right now. That may change, but not likely. Oh yeah.... price is a factor too ) I also posted the two most recent additions to the contention list below.

So you are asking about my arrangement with Magnum? They are all for me doing this and leasing on with them. In fact the Fleet Administrator is not only encouraging me to do it, but he has told me some things that might help smooth the transition and facilitate it happening. But I really can't go into that. In talking with him, and operations, I am quite comfortable with doing this. Then a year or so down the road, who knows? Maybe I'll still be there, maybe I'll move onto greener pastures, maybe I'll buy out Swift, Werner, JB Hunt and Schneider..... hehehehehe (now THAT is funny.... I don't care who you are..... hehehehehe)

But I am gonna do something, and I am getting all my ducks in a row so when the iron is hot, I can strike. Maybe tomorrow..... Maybe November. You can never tell with me hehehehehehh

Hope that answered your questions. Sorry to be so long winded, but there was really no other way to answer your questions. But if you have more, feel free to ask..... I'll get to you as soon as I get a chance.

WOOF!

 

Good point..... hadnt really looked at i that way, but you're absolutely right. Thanks Beau!