The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Time for a new set of shoes, well, time for a deduction.

8 Michelin X line energy D in 24.5 LP
2 “. X line energy Z. “ “

$5k - saved $1k with LCAPP discount. Paid out of maintenance escrow account with LS. I started putting in 3% a while back just for tires.

$75 each on the 10 used settled the labor, balancing all 10, and valve stems.

Finally sprang for some quick connect flags - but needed a flat surface to mount on, so had to go to the chrome shop and buy a 20” box end front bumper. $750 including the lights.

Finished with the current work project - have to see what develops.

 

I used the BS 710's on the T2000 for price reason at the time - and again with the 95 Pete 379 due to unavailability at the time. This time around the Michelin was available for the drives so I went with that.

What I noticed about the 710's was that when they were about half worn, when light or empty - hydroplaning became an issue. I had 2 instances of them losing traction that scared the cash out of my pockets to spring for a new set. Didn't happen very often, but just once is enough to ruin your year. I've always run the Michelin XZA3+ on steers - these are now called X-line energy Z.

Due to the lack of "Give a darn" by tire employees - I returned to have them re-balance the steers, due to a light shimmy in the steering wheel. This now has me doubting they balanced the drives correctly - after all , when you pay for a service, why would you expect the job to be done correctly. Had they let me stand by and watch, there probably wouldn't have been an issue, but the young punk wanted to pull the "No customers on the floor" authority feel good trick, so he got to endure the boss doing the job again right before closing time.

One of the first expenses I quantified before even buying a truck was tires. I priced a set, estimated miles for wear, and came up with a cents per mile figure. After a couple of years I elected to have LS escrow 3% of lineal for this expense alone - though it's not possible to accurately match % of revenue to tire wear, it's ensured there's more than enough to buy tires when needed.

I've always maintained that by buying virgin rubber, and changing out well in advance of minimum tire wear, checking inflation regularly - that you should have minimal blowouts and tire issues. So far I've been correct.

Off to play around with a bumper, I guess.

 

All positions - trailer included.

 

Another ‘put it together’ chrome shop job.



Break out the wiring tools . .



Might look good - after a return trip to the “We just sell parts” Mafia.



Some poor quality control . . .





Seems they forgot to suggest bottom brackets - and the license plate flip won’t work in a million engineers years.

I’ve come to despise that place. Customer service is miles away from the real world of what and whom they cater to.