Taking the plunge. My journey as an O/O.

And the movable fifth wheel will also allow my truck to be leased to either Schneider Select, or Landstar. One or both of those companies require a adjustable 5th wheel.

 

Also note. I am doing this during home time, so there is no downtime or hotel costs that I would not be paying anyhow, until after the 22nd.

That is one of the ways I avoid losing income to repairs. If it doesn't stop the truck, repairs and maintenance are done during home time, once every six weeks.

I have been told that it might take up to a week for the slide mechanism and control bits to arrive, so it might roll a couple days past the 22nd for the installation. That'll be real lost time cost after the 22nd, yes, but should not be more than a couple days, and it might be ready on the 22nd. Doubtful, but possible.

 

There are/were four non-maintenance expenses I am looking at, and only three in the short term.

1. The fifth wheel changeover to adjustable.

2. I will need a post-rebuild valve adjustment in a couple months.

3. I need to make room for an APU. Will be removing both the steps and the chain rack from the chassis, then replacing it with a combination storage and step on the driver side of the truck.

4. APU installation.

I will be doing them in that order, barring issues that force me to change my plans.

The APU will happen after the truck note is paid.

I will be able to move to another company easier, at my own pace, with the 5th wheel replacement.

There is a method to my madness.

 

You may be correct. However, as I mentioned elsewhere, an adjustable 5th wheel is required equipment for some of the companies that allow leased-on o/o drivers to pull from their load boards.

I want the adjustable 5th wheel, but wants alone do not define my decision.

It's rare in life that what you want and what you need happen to coincide.