I *might be interested in investing into a truck & flatbed.
1. Are there any tips when shopping for a truck you guys can give?
2. I hear that its better to go with something that doesnt have DPF. Is that true?
and finally
3. I keep coming back to the Freightliner Columbia. I see plenty of 2006ish ones for a good price. I like the, looks..and Ive driven a couple and I liked the way they felt. Just my personal opinion though. Is there a particular model or features that I would be wise to get since Im in the position to pick and choose what Im going to haul with, may as well get the good stuff from the start.
Thanks a lot yall. I really appreciate any input I can get.
Good first truck
Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by stone4779, Apr 26, 2013.
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I would stay away from the DEF. Pulling a flat bed, I would go with a mid roof or flat top. A mid roof would have sufficient headroom without the wind resistance. You can purchase a Freightliner for less than some other brands. Most are fleet trucks. I have had very good service from International. Both are relatively easy to work on and parts are readily available. I would stay away from Volvo. They make a good truck, but are not all that easy to work on the engines. If you like KW, a T600 or T800 should get decent fuel economy, but will usually cost more to purchase. One factor that I would check is the weight. Many flat bed loads are rated on the weight you carry. In other words, you are paid based upon the amount of weight you can scale, so keep an eye on what the truck weighs. A lot of flat bedders own Peterbilts. They don't make any more money than the Freightliner or International and most get lower mpg's with the Pete. I have owned both Peterbilt and International. There should be a wide selection of Internationals and Freightliners in the secondary market. Both are used in major fleets. I would check something such as a 9400i or Prostar, if you want an International, depending on the year model. I prefer CAT, but would caution you against buying a truck with any of the brand specific engines, such as Mercedes. Stick with Cummins, Detroit or CAT. They are easier to service and parts are easily available in most shops. If you go with a Freightliner, you could go with a Columbia or Century. I don't recall what year that Freightliner stopped making that model, but it was very popular. The Freightliner Classic is a nice truck, but may not get the fuel economy as the other two Freightliner models. The same with the 9900i, made by International. Think hard about where you plan on running. A 10 speed manual transmission works just fine with most applications. If you find a good deal on a 13 speed, you could also go with that as opposed to going with a 18 speed. You don't need the later and it will be heavier, more expensive to repair and is unnecessary, unless you plan on getting into heavy haul.
I would recommend that you look at a lot of different trucks. Find something that is comfortable for you. What I like may be different that what you may like. Don't get in a hurry. Doing so will usually cost you money. Never fall in love with any truck. Remember, a truck is merely a tool that drivers use to make money. It is no different that a mechanic and his tools. Well, you can look cool in a truck.
snowmojim, rickybobby and Branded One Thank this. -
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