Which Truck to buy?

There is no such beast. All trucks are built up from components from the same suppliers, and last about the same length of time. If you are thinking about buying used trucks, you need to spend soem time learnign about trucks, so you can figure out how to spec one peoperly, and figure out which components have a less thn suitable reputation. For example, each engine builder has built a few models or hp ratings in the past that were not as long lived as others. You need to learn thi type of info and how to find them. You need to spend time learning how to evaluate a used truck if that is what you are planning to buy.

As far as Toyota or Honda'ish brands, despite what some drivers claim about their trucks, they are all pretty much the same and they way a used truck has been maintained and driven has a lot more to do with it's longevity than the brand name on the hood.

 

The most fuel effiecient one I could find is the one I'd buy. Sure that big ol shiney 379 pete sure looks nice but do you want to spend $10,000 more a year for fuel compared to the same drivetrain in a truck speced for fuel efficency?

 

I agree with MedMan completely on that one. I have stated my views on aero trucks vice classic styles before, and won;t go into them now, but the bottom line is I happen to believe that an O/O is as much in the business of moving air as he is in the business of moving freight. One mile per gallon is about 8-10,000 dollars right now, and speccing the wrong truck means that you pay that same amount over and over each yoar until you sell the truck.

 

If you can afford to own a truck at any time, now or in the future, and not worry about the fuel mileage that it gets, then it is merely an RV. If you run it as a business, then you will always be looking at the lowest cost of operation.

 

one thing to keep in mind. If you buy an aerodynamic truck,the resale or trade in isn't as good. if you buy a w900 kw,or pete 379 you really have a true truck,and true trucks are what its all about,they are the ones that you and every tom dick and harry and all of the ladies admire everywhere. They all turn into a true classic and if you sell or trade it,it still is solid and not looking like a piece of crap,sorry if I offended anyone,but a cool ride brings the dollars in later rather than sooner,keep it as long as you want and it will wear you out before it wears out.Its not for everybody but man and ladie what a ride.

 

Why would a driver want to buy a truck? Suddenly, with the stroke on a pen you're changing your life for ever.
If you are the sort of person that cares about how things are always done as well as possible, well maybe being your own boss is the way...
In 39 years I'm on my fifth truck. Many jobs as a driver seemed to just pay the bills when we were lucky. The first 4 trucks were disasters or maybe I finally realized that I was buying a job/ business, not an image. No 'hoods for me. As littlt polishing as possible too.
This truck has supported my family for nearly 11 years. I've just recent;y had the Series 60 rebuilt for the second time. (First time was really premature.) Its' a reasonably aero 378 Pete that gets an honest 6.5 mph which is money in my pocket each trip. The trailer is a 53' that works for my customers. I am pretty much a lucky dedicated driver these days which is as I LIKE IT. With new truck payment and trailers payments and insurance adding to an easy $3500.00 a month, an owner operator has got to want to run. Add fuel @ $.40 plus cents a mile and you've got to run whether you want to or not. Those days are behind me now thankfully. If you are up to the challenges, honest customers, a good used truck of your liking that you KNOW before you buy are only two of the secrets to succeeding in this business. A mate with a government job and benefits doesn't hurt either. Best of Luck is also needed.

 

With fuel prices what they are this is no longer true. Figure your big classic is costings you $10,000 a year more and you just keep it for 5 years that is $50,000. Are you going to tell me that at the end of 3 years your W900 will be worth $50,000 more than a aerodynamic one? Take a look at the T800's, they cost less and resale is good as a w900. Me I am cheap, I want to keep as much money in my pocket as I can.

 

thats all well and dandy,but if you buy a big 55o cat and haul light loads like air express,that motor will last alot longer than cummins,detroits and you will have alot more fun,keep your foot out of it and progressive shift that cat,with the right spec rears and you will do real good. Just ask some of these guys,of course you have to work,not hang around truck stops all day or night.