glider or new

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by browndogg1, Dec 15, 2017.

  1. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    I've heard some not so good things about Fitzgerald gliders with Detroits. A company by me has purchased a few and have had many problems with them. apparently Fitzgerald keeps blaming driver error to avoid warranty issues. Just repeating what I heard.
     
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  3. myrtleturtle

    myrtleturtle Bobtail Member

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    Dec 17, 2017
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    Got myself a Fitzgerald in April and haven’t looked back last truck I’m going to buy after 30 years of doing this and trying the latest and greatest I’m sticking with what works trusting it to get the job done means a lot
     
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  4. myrtleturtle

    myrtleturtle Bobtail Member

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    I have heard that but it seems to be the Detroit motor not the Fitzgerald Detroit there is a difference touch wood I’ve had no problems you may want to ask the question is there warranty through Fitzgerald or Detroit could be the problem just saying
     
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  5. m16ty

    m16ty Road Train Member

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    No question, I'd go with a glider. I've seen too many shops full of new trucks with emission/electrical related problems to want to buy new.
     
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  6. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    As a truck tech turned owner op. I bought a million mile truck. If it wasn't for my experience it would have broke me. Almost did break me. Just imagine everything will need attention. The glider would have been better option. But I couldn't afford one. Double edge sword. But it has worked out so far.
     
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  7. m16ty

    m16ty Road Train Member

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    I know of one outfit that bought 3 Fitz trucks. 2 of the Detroits had issues, they fixed them both under warranty after some haggling.

    If I were going to buy a new truck, I'd look hard at one of the Fitzgerald/Thompson Cat trucks. Fitzgerald supplies everything except the engine, Thompson Cat supplies the engine. I think it's about a $20K up charge to go with Cat but I think it's worth it in the long run.
     
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  8. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    The key with buying an older truck is getting one that was actually taken care of properly. Tho those are hard to find.
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2017
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  9. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    I know, worked on them for a living and really good. How ever I had a limited budget. But it worked out. All the knowledge I had, I still only had a 13k budget. Just trying to help others. I would do it again, if I had to.
     
  10. Dominion Transportation

    Dominion Transportation Light Load Member

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    Got a glider,2016 detroit reliabilt rebuild. Been in the shop for yearly overhead valve adjustment only. Enjoying passing by the dealer shops. Heard 2018 X15 was the motor to get though!
     
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  11. myrtleturtle

    myrtleturtle Bobtail Member

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    Dec 17, 2017
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    Heard the same thing but I don’t think I’ll be able to sell the idea to my wife mine going for it’s first overhead Wednesday
     
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