TRUCKS!

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011.

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  1. Jul 4, 2011 #1
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    OK So i'm looking for a truck.....Not trying to rush into anything but when I find a good Deal i will most likely jump on it....



    SO here's the million dollar question.............Am I asking for trouble if i buy a 2000-2006 379 with 600,000-1,000,000 miles on it?

    I'm not one of those guys that absolutly HAS to have a hood (although I really want one) but it being my first truck, i just need something relieble as possible that i can make money with.....

    I've looked at FL Classics, Century's, Columbia's, 386 Petes, 379's, W9's, T660's.

    I have a small list of requirements:

    1. 13 or 18 spd
    2. I prefer I cummins (for fuel economy), I will take a CAT, or a Detroit IF its at least 515hp but it better be in a NICE truck (i HATE detroits)
    3. NO FLAT TOPS, I'll take a midroof though
    4. At LEAST a 63" sleeper i'd prefer a 70" though



    I have found ALLOT of 379's 2000-2005's with allot of miles on them from $22,000-$40,000

    I really like the 386 pete, but they are all EXSPENSIVE and most have 10 speeds, flat tops, or detroits:biggrin_2557:


    I'm haveing the same problem with the Century.....I have one now and i could live with it, as long as its makeing me money, but i do not want a POS detroit and a 10 spd in it lol



    HELP!:biggrin_25511:


    Should I bust into my Retirement to get a better truck?






    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jul 4, 2011 #2
    Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    There's a good discussion in the "What would an experienced o/o buy?" thread that covers a lot of these questions in it and has been a solid debate with a lot of good points raised.


    That being said, have you spent much time around/in the hoods? I started out in a T2000 and then a ProStar and then bought my old 359 daycab for what I'm doing now. To be totally honest the 359 was a bit claustraphobic for me for quite a while after getting used to the aero trucks and I feel like the visibility is somewhat compromised in these trucks.

    I would say spend as much time in and around as many trucks as you possibly can and figure out what meets as many as your desires as possible. When it comes right down to it you're the one who needs to be in the truck all the time for it to make some money. I know you've been in the game a little while now so you've just got to figure if you're willing to make that 1+ mpg sacrifice for what the hood brings to the table and then also able to make the kind of money that you want to be making.

    Good luck on this endeavor!
     
    Wildcat74, Jul 4, 2011
    Wildcat74, Jul 4, 2011
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  4. Jul 4, 2011 #3
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    I've been driving almost 4 years now, and most of my local exp was in a 2001 Peterbilt 379 EXHD, so i'm familar with them and really like them. a 70" sleeper is a 70" sleeper your talking about the cab, which i like the narrow cab, because i cannnot put my arm up on the door in a aero truck.

    My plan is after spending a little time in out FB devision to get my own authority and pull a step deck, so the aerodynamic loss with hood isnt a big deal.


    I was a mechanic before is stared driving, so a hood being easyer to work on, would save me allot of money being able to do most of my own work....




    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
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  5. Jul 4, 2011 #4
    Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    Then you know a bit more than I thought you did about the hoods, that's good. I know from a brief previous conversation that you run hard and have no problems staying out on the road so that definitely works in your favor. It seems like everyone who wants to be an o/o has to have something else going for them besides just being a trucker to be successful in the game and the fact that you can work on your own stuff is going to be huge for you.

    Seems to m that you've been around all of this stuff long enough and are mechanically inclined enough to know what you're doing. The only further advice I can give you is to just get what fits your needs beat right now in a price range you're comfortable with, your first truck doesn't need to be your last. If you're able to get into the game with something comfortable you'll e better educated in what exactly you can make work as time goes on and you can fill some of the wants you have with the next truck.
     
    Wildcat74, Jul 4, 2011
    Wildcat74, Jul 4, 2011
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  7. Jul 4, 2011 #5
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    lol thats my problem ANYTHING will work, I just debateing weather or not to risk buying an old pete or somthing, or a much newer century. They are both about the same price.


    Theres a beautiful 1984 Peterbilt 359 for sale for $15k not far from where i live.



    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
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  8. Jul 4, 2011 #6
    Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

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    For pulling a flatbed or step deck I think you are going to want a flat top.

    Punching a big hole in the wind with a condo is going to use more fuel and fuel is your biggest expense.
     
    Bent Wrench, Jul 4, 2011
    Bent Wrench, Jul 4, 2011
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    BigJohn54, American-Trucker and BigBadBill Thank this.
  9. Jul 4, 2011 #7
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    thats why i said i'll go with a Mid Roof, I will NOT spend months at a time in a flattop sleeper :biggrin_25512: No thanks, it'll be well worth the extra money for fuel to be able to stand up lol.

    I really like the 70" midroof pete has with the windows on both side, i'd be happy with that. I dont need a full stand up sleeper.




    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
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  10. Jul 4, 2011 #8
    Trudger

    Trudger Light Load Member

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    I'd go with what you want. Make your "I want" list and don't just "settle." You're gonna be living in that thing, it might as well be what you'd want your second home to be for ya. I'm just saying....:biggrin_255:
     
    Trudger, Jul 4, 2011
    Trudger, Jul 4, 2011
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  11. Jul 4, 2011 #9
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    well if i were rich i would, but i need to start somewhere. I'm trying to start a biz not going on vacation lol.

    I'm going to try and get as close to what i want as i can, but if i can get a good deal on something else i'll have to go with it. The profit margin in trucking is narrow enough.




    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
    American-Trucker, Jul 4, 2011
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  12. Jul 4, 2011 #10
    Trudger

    Trudger Light Load Member

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    have ya been checking the Truck Paper?
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2011
    Trudger, Jul 4, 2011
    Trudger, Jul 4, 2011
    #10
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