Can $40,000 get you a decent truck?

$20,000 won't buy you all that much if you want to pull more than a van/reefer.

Remember, you want at least 100% of the value of the truck, in cash in the bank, available to you in case something catastrophic goes wrong, either to repair the truck you bought, or to buy a new one of the same value.

 

Don't tell my truck that, it may fall out laughing at you.

 

There are always exceptions to the rule.

 

It's just too stubborn to know when to quit.

 

Careful with those Texas trucks. A lot of them are single screw with a pusher axle. Doesn't work well when it snows.

 

I'd not buy one from Utah that's been dragging twin 48s around either.

 

Before I bought my truck, I talked to a lot of "old timers". They all told me to stay away from "disposable" trucks and to get something that's workable. I wound up with a '99 FLD with a series 60. Everything is easy to get to and work on.

Don't sweat the tools...Harbor Freight is your friend! I have a friend with a few trucks who refuses to spend over $10K on a truck. You can find inexpensive diamonds and high priced lemons. Just be sure to check everything over well and get an idea of what you want to work on before you buy.

 

Lots of prostars and lonestars for dirt cheap, for good reason. Beware of the maxxfoce.