Question for the old hats

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by WrightTrucker33, Sep 22, 2021.

  1. WrightTrucker33

    WrightTrucker33 Light Load Member

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    Hey TTR family have a quick question. Been speaking with my trucking mentor and thinking about branching out to being an O/O than eventually gaining my own authority. I’m still in the cash accumulation stage (company Tanker) so this is planning but.. Is it smart to start with a pre-emissions truck? Eyeing a freightliner 97 with the N14 for 13K, I’m sure I can get him to about 11. But even if I do what will my mpgs be. With high insurance and the rest of the struggles with your authority will a diesel chugger be a unnecessary extra hurdle? Also mentor was telling me about HM it cost for a company to convert my truck to ELD. Last question I promise do you think I’ll have issues getting leased on. Sorry to bombard y’all just trying to line up my ducks before I start shooting.
     
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  3. Chieftains

    Chieftains Medium Load Member

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    N14 is as best as it gets. Reliable. Strong. Good Mpg. Was avg 7+ with a Fld120.
    Easy truck to work on as well
     
  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    No more than any other.

    Not near the hurdle that a post emissions used truck will give you. Absolutely the least of your worries.

    Depends on the situation.
     
  5. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    And yes, the N14 is a cheap to repair, reliable engine. Not the best fuel economy, but not bad.

    Obviously 24 years of wear, trucks gonna need work.
     
  6. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    If I were to do it over again I'd save enough to pay cash for an older truck, elog exempt but still elog accessible and then have enough cash to put $30-40k into it to bring it into good shape. Wouldn't really care much about fuel mileage. But I don't worry about max fuel mileage anyway.

    Most companies, unless they are small, won't lease you on unless your truck accepts elogs and some might balk at the age of the truck.
     
  7. RunningAces

    RunningAces Road Train Member

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    Well, I've been down for nearly two weeks now because an emission related sensor went bad on my truck and paccar sucks. So yeah, pre emissions sounds pretty darn good.
     
  8. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Why would you run an ELD in a pre ELD truck? Other than company required. Still lots of companies that will let you run paper
     
  9. shooter19802003

    shooter19802003 Road Train Member

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    I'm biased as all get out. Just saying it up front.

    You couldn't pay me enough to own a new truck. You couldn't pay me enough to own an emissions truck. If you are fairly handy, atleast you can work on a pre emissions truck. Plus...no elog. Those things are the devil! If I were you, while you are fixing it to get it road ready, get your authority and steer your own ship! You will be much happier in the long run.
     
    clausland, Last Call, Steptank and 2 others Thank this.
  10. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    Many places want ELD. Also, it adds resale value because it opens it up to people that actually want to run an ELD.
     
  11. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    As for the elog/eld, I guess it depends on the system they use. Where I work, they use ‘Big Road’. All that’s required is a small transponder that taps into the OBD plug, load the app onto your phone, and your good to go. They even have an adapter for plugging into OBD1
     
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