Help me build my first new truck as an owner operator!

Why a t2000?

 

As far as an engine is concerned, you will only have 2 choices. Cat or Cummins in a T2000. I would look at the ISX 530 engine.

 

T2000 are Kenworth trucks with the sloped nose. Similar to a Century class Freightliner.

Duh! Disregard. I read the question wrong. I know a couple of drivers who prefer the T2000 for its turning radius, weight, and fuel economy. I like to argue that a Freightliner Classic gets better fuel mileage, but that would be a different thread.

 

I find everything you stated to be quite the opposite.

I've driven both, the Freightliner turns tighter and weighs less IMO. And the T2 gets better fuel economy.

Back to the thread. I would pick a 500 plus HP regardless of brand. Not Detroit though.

Namely because of the needed HP in the grades. I would also try to get one of the newer Twin Turbo High Torque engines. These things pull like no tomorrow. And are much easier to get better fuel economy out of.

 

Go with the Cummins ISX, way better than the new CAT Acerts. The 530hp are good but we have a 600hp and they pull hard!

 

You got that right: I used to drive a VNL with a 400hp ISX, and that baby would pull great.

If I were getting a truck, I'd get either a T600 (or 660 if I could swing a new truck payment) or Volvo VNL 670 (maybe a 780), ISX either 530 or 565, and back it with a fuller 13. Then drive it intelligently and get some good fuel mileage.

 

Make sure you have enough for the down payment, plus about 5 payments saved. This will help protect you from carriers that cut your miles for no reason. You also want a maintenance fund in case the tranny grenades or an injector drops. These things may be under warranty, but you still should have some sort of reserve just in case.

 

If it was my first experience as a O/O I would not even think of buying new....
I would be looking for a used truck becuase there are tons of unknowns that needs to be learned... Having a "new truck" payment just makes things harder to make ends meet... A decent used truck should last you at least 2-3 years with minimal maintenance cost along with a much lower payment.... remember just cause you buy new does not mean it will not be in the shop with issues.....

And far as the engine is concerned I would need to know exactly what you plan on doing with the truck.... OTR 48 state? local? regional? if regional what region?

 

Jo's right, plus you would have much higher depreciation with a new rig. Depreciation is an expense that you must call an expense. It's not something you ignore. You have to call it what it is--a cost. And if you want to minimize costs, go with with a 2005 model with about 250-300K on it.