Those pick-up-truck-trying-to-be-semi things...

No luck needed. The law was recently changed to allow this.

 

That rules been changed iron and you can now book off "off duty" and use your back seat to "rest in" legally.

 

I don't quite get it why a used tractor is being compared to a brand new pickup?

 

Well, for the price of a new 1-ton (class 3) diesel pickup truck ($50-$65k) you could buy a low mileage, well maintained class 8 two or three axle tractor, with heavy duty everything, and as such, a way more durable platform than a class 3 pickup, not to mention, less dollars (per mile average) to maintain. The resale value would be much higher too. All that, and you get a real sleeper.

 

In Phx for $67K you can buy a used Prime Truck from Freightliner that has 550K to 650K miles. In a year of running you could start to have expensive repair expenses. You also have to register the truck for a higher weight to compensate for the heavier truck. You always have to buy fuel at the Truck Stops paying the higher per gallon rate. If I fail for some reason I have a 1 Ton truck in the driveway that is Paid Off instead of having a Class 8 with a $1500 a month payment. For most repairs and nickle and dime things it is cheaper to have the 1 ton. When I am empty I don't look like a Commercial vehicle and draw less scrutiny from DOT and Police. Hotels are way more comfortable than a sleeper anyways. And I was not making $1.70 a mile to the truck when I owned my own.
Ideally yes the larger truck would be great but then you are called a Flatbedder instead of a Hot Shot. I saw a used 08 Dodge Dually with 220K for $8900 all set up with tanks and ball. A 7 year old Class 8 truck is worth about he same and you have to find someone who is willing to buy a truck that most companies won't lease on because of age.
These are my reasons.

 

I get the price similarity, however it's like comparing a $20K new Civic with a used Explorer. 8 class costs twice as much and will probably last twice as long. I looked at used semi trucks on truckpaper and the ones for $50-60K have around 500-600kmi. I don't know if it's considered low mileage, but if I got one I probably would wanna sell it before 700-750kmi to avoid expensive repairs. When you get a brand new dually you should be able to drive it worry free for at least 100kmi. You might be right about the resale, however it might not be a huge difference. If you spend $60k on a used semi, how much is it worth in 2 years after you put 200k - $40k? Not to mention the money you lose on buying and selling. I have no idea what semi truck dealers' markup is. It seems like 95% for sale is by dealers. Also don't forget the lower % paid on 1-ton, which can be significant savings. How long tires will last on a 1-ton pulling 25,000lbs?

 

And more braking.

I got 9 mpg pulling my 2 car with my F350, I got 8 mpg pulling it with my Pete, now compare a 6.0 engine and a 14.6 liter and tell me which one was more efficient.

 

If you pay $67 K for a used Prime Truck, I've got some ocean front property in Iowa to sell you.

 

Are you saying that Prime truck has a lot of FNG stains on the driver's seat? LOL!

 

Guys in a pickup-car ( that's what I call them) who think they're truck drivers gave a lot to learn. It would take 4 or 5 of them to do the job of one of us. Many of them probably can't even pass muster on a CDL exam anyway.