HotShot for another Army guy

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by GearWarrant, Apr 21, 2014.

  1. GearWarrant

    GearWarrant Medium Load Member

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    Mar 20, 2014
    North Vernon, IN
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    Had a 98.5 3500 before. The tranny couldn't handle the RV (automatic) and it needed a new transfer case and other work. It was more cost effective to replace it. But, I already have a good F450 sitting in the drive way. It pulled that RV up Mount Eagle at 26k at 55mph. OTH, fuel mileage sucks.
     
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  3. aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Sunny Tampa Florida
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    My 95 has a auto but has been rebuilt far over factory, weak link in the transfer case transmission, engine is not stock but not rolling coal either. Have not had a peep of problems but do not pull anything more than 8k or less loads, average weight is 6k and make far better money with light loads.
     
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  4. GearWarrant

    GearWarrant Medium Load Member

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    Mar 20, 2014
    North Vernon, IN
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    I was looking at 10k+ for repairs and didn't feel it was in my best interest to continue putting $$ into it. I had already dumped 10K into already and didn't want to double that figure.
     
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  5. GearWarrant

    GearWarrant Medium Load Member

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    Mar 20, 2014
    North Vernon, IN
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    Anyone have anything to say other than get a different truck? How about how YOU got started? I know that perhaps my truck isn't the ideal hotshot truck, but it is what I have and I am not sure it would be good financially to replace it with a Dodge. My thinking is, if I get a Dodge, I would still want a 4500 rather than a 3500. And I am not up to speed on what engines and transmissions are in the current trucks.

    I have kids out in Cali too, so it might be good to run out there now and then.
     
  6. aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Sunny Tampa Florida
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    I was driving over the road long before doing the little truck gig, all depends on what you want to haul, how far and how heavy. Being in the heartland you are somewhat centered in the lanes I look at, also do you want to 5th wheel tow or bumper tow? There is plenty of small hauls that pay well and I opted to go directly to a few places, keeping the business monetary compensation rather than giving it to a broker.

    For my personal decision on a truck was to keep away from all the electronics and stay with a mechanical, no matter what brand I kept with a Cummins but know many others running different brands and types.
     
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  7. GearWarrant

    GearWarrant Medium Load Member

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    Mar 20, 2014
    North Vernon, IN
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    I am set up to pull a gooseneck, bumper, or a 5th wheel. I would actually prefer a gooseneck with a dove flat. I agree on all the electronic stuff though. Hard to get away from that now a days. How did you break into the "little truck gig" aiwiron? You do have a day or two on the road more than me. :)
     
  8. aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Sunny Tampa Florida
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    Kept getting request to help out a few people deliver new trailers in my area, few boat moves and campers also. I had done it before as to help friends but after doing the math going small was more cost effective and a greater return of investment doing it myself and not going via a broker, if I had to go to a freight broker or a middle man I would not do it.
     
  9. mrcars

    mrcars Bobtail Member

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    Dec 30, 2009
    Brooklyn, NY
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    Just curious what engine you havein that Ford. If it's a 6.0 or 6.4, you would be better off selling it and getting something else. You could probably break even by buying an older , better condition 7.3 or 5.9 Dodge or even an older big truck or med duty.

    Mitch
    M.R. Cars
     
  10. GearWarrant

    GearWarrant Medium Load Member

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    Mar 20, 2014
    North Vernon, IN
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    It is a 6.4. The truck is in supreme condition so I could get top $$ if I did get rid of it. Kelly BB said it was worth 41K. Not sure if that is right though, seems high to me.
     
  11. Foxcover

    Foxcover Medium Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2011
    Dallas, TX
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    Even to this day you won't find a dodge that can legally gross or scale what your 2008 F450 can!
    The 6.0 was a ticking time bomb but the 6.4 is far better. IMHO it's what suits your work and taste better. The ford (up to 2010) enginewise is an uncertainty, the cummins engine in the dodge all years up to 2011 will be more realiable but the rest of the truck including transmission (auto or stick) is weak and will nickel & dime you to death if you are truly working it for the job these size trucks were really intended to do.
    If you can do a DPF delete on the 6.4 you will have a strong high mileage fuel efficient engine, otherwise keep the DPF filter cleaned and you shouldn't have any issues.
     
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