BEST used truck for car hauling?

Discussion in 'Car Hauler and Auto Carrier Trucking Forum' started by PhillyDrives215, Jun 1, 2021.

  1. PhillyDrives215

    PhillyDrives215 Bobtail Member

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    hey everyone! so long time lurker first time poster here I'm ready to pull the trigger on my new business endeavor! i just have a few questions.

    so my situation I've had my CDL for a little over 2 years a friend of mine who graduated the same day as me has started a trucking company and has been running successfully for the past year and is willing to let me lease on to his company and run under his authority which is going to save me a ton on insurance down payments, and your typical startup cost of a trucking company.

    I'm ready to buy my truck and trailer this week! I'm looking to buy a used Semi with a 4-5 car trailer 6 at most. which truck and trailer would you all recommend?

    ive got my eyes on this 2016 Peterbilt 579 with the Paccar 455 engine and a 2018 sun country 5 car trailer. truck has about 455,000 miles and they are asking $63,000 what are your opinions or recommendations on this set up or a better one? i really appreciate any help or advice given!
     
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  3. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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  4. PhillyDrives215

    PhillyDrives215 Bobtail Member

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  5. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    I’m sure it’d depend, if it’s your bank, but nowadays they probably would if you can prove you will pay
     
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  6. PhillyDrives215

    PhillyDrives215 Bobtail Member

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    Thank you!! I’m going to give it a shot!
     
  7. mnmover

    mnmover Road Train Member

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    Boydstun makes a good unit. The older ones get weak in the front of the trailer and then the hitch starts angling up. The cross pieces under the hitch rust out and must be replaced. Same thing with the rear of the trailer, although the newer ones have a support horizontal under the axles that help support the rear section. If there are cracks in the side rails above the trailer tires, it needs work. Also the Boydstun is difficult to stack large vehicles as the front top middle deck will not go low enough. I changed the cylinders to the 3 stage ones and then the deck goes lower.
     
  8. mnmover

    mnmover Road Train Member

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    I also moved the upright post behind the first cylinder ahead next to the cylinder so I could open a door and get out when loading and unloading.
     
  9. Tropsnart

    Tropsnart Road Train Member

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    I hope you have a good mechanic lined up if you buy a million mile car hauler. I'm not saying you can't make money with a setup like that but it might wear you down between the downtime and cost of repairs. In my opinion, you'd be buying someone else's problems. There is plenty of opportunity to make great money in car hauling if your equipment is up to the task. I'm no mechanic, so for my situation new is the only way to go.
     
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  10. BigBob410

    BigBob410 Road Train Member

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    And with old equipment you should be well versed in hydraulic line repair!! It gets costly calling someone every time a hydraulic line pops. And “PIN THOSE DECKS”!!!! A hydraulic fails and a roof gets smooshed is a quick way to be back on here looking for a job! Good luck!
     
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  11. Banker

    Banker Road Train Member

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    Bob I have never piloted a plane, but I have flown many times. It doesn’t look that hard so I am thinking about starting an expedited auto transport business. C154949C-2EA9-4948-BD25-88FDDCB3AE78.png Can I count on you as a silent investor and maybe some help loading the first few?
     
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