Thinking of buying a truck, what options are important?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by RollinChaos, Mar 29, 2026.

  1. RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    So, I am thinking about buying a truck but had a few questions I don't see discussed often

    1) APU vs EPU vs Opti Idle. Looking around the truck stops it seems counterintuitive. That is trucks from big fleets seem to idle while smaller fleets or solo drivers have APUs. Why is that?

    2) Tank size - is there a sweet spot for bigger size / longer range vs extra weight? Probably depends on typical routes and fuel price variations along the route.
     
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  3. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    It’s been probably 10 years since I’ve had an apu, the were hot garbage then, but I’m going to give a carrier a Try when my new truck gets here,

    I hate stopping, and fueling so I ordered big tanks,
     
  4. RunningAces

    RunningAces Road Train Member

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    Make sure you can haul standard weight for whatever you're getting into. For example, 48k for flatbed loads.
     
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  5. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Why don’t you asked yourself first if you can afford the fuel ……..
     
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  6. RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    Yep I can afford the truck AND the fuel. Thanks for staying on topic
     
  7. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    If you're just pulling typical box, flat or steps get an ex-Walmart truck. They're maintained very well and equipped with APU's so minimal idling.
     
  8. BoostedTeg

    BoostedTeg Road Train Member

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    Instead of a apu I would do a mini split with a generator.
     
  9. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I know nothing about which APU.

    I would hate to have anything smaller than 150's on each side, but I'm driving the f'c out of my truck, and hate stopping.
     
  10. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Walmart's got dual 100's which sucks for long runs but honestly shouldn't be an issue running lanes east of the Miss river.
     
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  11. RollinChaos

    RollinChaos Light Load Member

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    Currently am based out Texas and run to IL, IN, AL, FL and everything in between. Fuel prices seem best in OK and LA but that obviously can vary.
     
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