New and need some info please!!!!

If you're using it for as little as you plan, look for an older cheaper truck. Try to find something before 2003 with a Detroit Series 60. You can get almost get any truck with this engine prior to 2003. You can do some tuning to turn up the HP. Plus with the money you save, you can do the mods. Look on ebaymotors.com or truckpaper. Try to have a mechanic inspect before you buy. Good luck.

 

If your dad and you are running together I would consider a truck with bunk beds in them (condo). That makes your sleeping arrangements better. Examples, Peterbilt 387, Volvo 670 or 780, International Prostar or almost any Freightliner. There are a few long hood condo's around like a Freightliner Classic. Being a new driver, you'll find a 387 or 670 easier to drive as far as maneuverability, backing and turning. If you plan on staying in motels or one occupant than any truck would suit you fine. The Peterbilt 379 and International W900 are the Cadillac's. I like the 388's also.

You can look at getting a million miles plus out of an engine depending on maintenance. A 400,000 mile truck ought to last you a long time. Like they say it's either payments or parts. Most companies cycle their trucks at 4 years for top resale and the time for parts thing. Trucks average 120,000 a year so anything lower you are finding a lower mile truck.

2007 they started all the emission stuff on trucks. That's just added maintenance cost which many hate. But it's not like they break down everyday. Engines you'll hear different preferences. Mostly from personal experiences. I've drove them all and there is not a huge difference between the top three. I'd stay away from Volvo engines or Mercedes engines. A Cat, Detroit or Cummins is what you want. I prefer the Cummins ISX. I take it your loads will be pretty light so 485hp will do you just fine.

Being a new driver you'll find a 9 speed or straight 10 easier to shift. They even have automatics now if that's your preference. Experienced drivers prefer a manual.

I'm sure you'll get more input.

Driving more than 100 miles and across state lines you'll have to keep a logbook. Make sure you log off duty the preceding 7 days each time you get to rolling each season.

Besides learning the CDL manual you need to familiarize yourself with all the DOT FMCSA regulations. You can find them here.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguide.aspx?section_type=A

Pay close attention to 390, 392, 393 and 395. 395.8 will teach you how to log.

The same website will help you out with registration and licensing.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Maybe some of the owner operators can chime in with all the things you need.

 

dont forget ur 2290 heavy use tax. if possible check with ur home state and see if u can get just the states u will be passing thru on ur tag. it can be cheaper to go with just the states u will be driving in rather than a 48 state apportioned plate. no use in paying states that ur not goin to be goin thru.

 

Ever consider renting something since your only making a handful of trips?

 

Another good idea presented, lease a truck from Ryder. If you break down, they give you a spare, they take care of all your maintenance too.

 

OP ~ this is what you need to do -- a few hours of digging FMCSA / DOT regulations may clue you as to how involved it is, take the advice of Niel Stone, an ABC producer I spoke to several times and keep it down to a d/b/a { simple fictitious business name filing } and just stay as far and clear as you can of bulk-manual regulations, for dozen trips a year all the papers will totally swamp whatever you have in it, perhaps consider a smaller truck like an 18' van-body or something and just make multiple trips somehow, thinking you are going to haul bees for other beekeepers

you can rent a van-body from popular places that do truck rentals and get a feel for what is actually involved, dropping $426,175 only to find out what regulations are really like is not for the tame nor lame

>>>>-{ which you will be after doing what you say }-<<<<