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

Then you should be alright for a long time, there is no need to think about new truck.

 

I swear that if you do the math how many miles do you have to run to net 1300$. hauling parts and tools around for years without needing them is money in the bank it's an investment that will pay off at 100 to 1 I run regional I have parts and tools that on every truck sometimes all that is needed is an air line quick connector or a vice gripe to stop an air leak.
A parking lot is great place it's better than the dirt pad I work on may I suggest you carry a small cloth tarp and or a rolled up piece of carpet 3x5 store it between trailer frame rails in a trash bag.
when you have time off doing your 34 start reading and learning how to fix things watch you tube videos on repairing different things and take an interest in what makes a truck tick. things you should learn is how 12 volt systems work things like a relay, solenoid, starter solenoid, started,alternator, battery and testing and jumping around said bad part.If you have no desire to learn about how to fix a truck then buy new and trade it when the cost of down time, lost income and labor and parts get close to a payment then you should also consider depreciation and how that effects net income.
about 50% of all business fail within 5 years I think trucking failure rate is higher. As an owner operator you are the only employee and you had better want to know when your doing things wrong there is just nobody that is going to yell at you when you screw up like a boss would, nobody cares except in your case you have opened up to all of us and a few are willing to take the time to help most just read the story's and think yea been there and been screwed just like Bob.
I think this may have been mentioned before there is a guy that runs cheap freight and makes great money and does all his own repair work gets 9 MPG and he has been banned hear try rawze.com

 

Everyone’s been taken by a Shop. I sure have. Sometimes it works out better than expected, and is well worth it. That’s the problem, you never know. Depending on where you’re at, and the circumstances you’re in at the time. Shops vary on charges, some use flat book rates, some put you on the clock. Usually depends on the job. It once cost me $1000, 20 yrs ago, for new heater hoses, and shut off valves. Truck was already in the shop, for body work, at a great price, thought it was a good idea, to just get it done. Last time I did that!! Now I do them myself. My current Truck, steel bunk heater lines rusted out, they want $1200 for the new lines. I ran hose all the way. One 25’ box, does the whole Truck. Heater hose has gotten expensive, I plan on running 3/4” flexible soft copper lines, next time since I have 2 pieces laying around, so I can just change the ends, and not have to crawl underneath in the future. No matter, it’s always a learning experience. One way or another.

 

Some shops don't look too inviting but they are not there to screw you. For instance, I was very satisfied by the work done by the shop behind TA in Santa Rosa, NM - it was years ago, I hope that guy is still in business. He fixed all the devastation done by a tire blow out on the trailer: air bag, slack adjuster, air leveling valve... and the bill was not as bad as it would have. had I gone to the TA shop. Another example was a shop in Carthage, MO - forgot their name - they towed the truck and rebuilt the rear end for under 3.5k in one day, which was not bad regarding circumstances - the shop surroundings at first glance were not too sexy either.
What I mean is that at times it is better to try to find a shop that can still do some work and won't charge you mercilessly.
The mega carriers are sending their drivers to dealerships. But we often need to fuel and fix things in places that you don't wait in a room with AC and comfy sofa.
If there is a minor issue, I would always try, provided it does not compromise safety, go back and fix it good at home.

 

I just left Santa Rosa this morning. That shop is still open behind the TA.

 

indeed. good batteries aren't cheap

 

should be able to get a solid 3+ years even with all the miles you run

 

Imo its smart to trade it in at that mileage so you can obtain a good return on it for your next truck. New is always better when running the highways. Depending on where you drive and especially on 7% or 8% grade hills you never want breakdowns.

 

Emissions will be his biggest problem....... a one box or something similar...... for a quick 10K

 

I believe he already got that done also