What would you do?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Natural, Jan 2, 2018.

  1. Natural

    Natural Bobtail Member

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    Hypothetically if you were going to become an Owner Operator what truck would you suggest leasing and what engine? I will be doing a lot of long hauling from NY all the way to CA. I was thinking about picking up a 2017-2018 Volvo VNL 760 with a Volvo engine. I read from an older thread that Volvo wiring is difficult to deal with. Is that true with the newer Volvo trucks? I realize that I cannot avoid maintenance to a full degree, but what Truck would give me the least amount of problems for its value in your own opinion?

    I realize that leasing might be a bad idea. But, I don't have the money to buy outright. At least I'll be covered for 500,000 miles for the DEF system, etc. I'll have enough broker requests to make a decent amount though.

    Input or suggestions are appreciated. Pros | Cons
     
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  3. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Do not idle the engine.
    Get one with a APU or at least a Webasto heater.
    Ask about extended warranties.
     
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  4. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    This question is always asked. Did you use the search box above? You will find more answers than you think. You probably skipped where it tells you to use the search box before starting a new thread that has already been started
     
  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I would not lease a truck nor would I buy a Volvo.
     
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  6. nightgunner

    nightgunner Road Train Member

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    If you do not have the money going into it you're setting yourself up for failure. All the warranties in the world will not help you if your truck is down for 7 to 10 days for major repair and you have no money to pay the bills.
     
  7. Justrucking2

    Justrucking2 Road Train Member

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    Warranty work goes to the end of the line, as it is not a profitable side of the repair shop. Shops up here in Michigan, if I call, I would bet that they are at least three weeks out. And Volvo, they have banking hours, and when you need them, there is rarely a shop available. And yes, I have owned three or was it four Volvos? I would not own another, much less lease one.

    Find a 2010 ProStar or Freightliner with a Cummins CM-871 with a fresh in frame and rid it of the EPA mandate. Rawze.com

    The reason for the International or Freightliner is the dealer network and parts availability. I have a ProStar with a CM-871, once the EPA stuff is eliminated it is a very good truck. The rest of the normal stuff can be repaired going down the road. And there is a wealth of information out here in regards to keeping a ProStar up and running without breaking the bank. The emissions on all of these trucks is the real problem and the main issue that keeps one from being profitable in the long run.

    Just make sure you have the proper gearing for what you want to do, and keep your foot out of it. Fuel is our biggest expense out here, drive like granny and pocket that money. ;-)
     
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  8. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Welcome aboard, Natural. This question comes up a lot, and everybody thinks, go with the cheapie Volvo. I've been out of the loop for a while, but I hear "Volvo" stories all the time here. I was a Big Cam Cummins guy most of my career, but today, I'd go with a Kenworth and a Cat or Detroit motor, no less than 500hp. Been a proven combination for years. Kenworth a nicer truck, better dealers, and a shred of resale value. I've driven trucks with Detroit motors, that had 850,000 miles, and never opened up.
     
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  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Hypothetically, do you have the $160 U's for that nice 780?
    Even if you have 50 or 60 to put down on it, you're probably not going to get financed with 0 experience and a new CDL ( yes that is something they look hard at, how long have you had your CDL ).

    Did you know Volvo is the highest average cost of ownership?

    A brand new 780 is the same price as a loaded new W900?

    Your insurance might be $20K on that truck?

    Go to Penske's Web site, and start looking at used trucks. They list all maintenance. You can start to see for yourself what breaks commonly in what trucks.

    Which truck is best? Well the one that works silly.
     
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  10. USA Trucker

    USA Trucker Light Load Member

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    Find an old Pete 379 with a cat c15.

    Best O/O truck ever built.

    I have 1,350,000 miles on mine and have yet to do an inframe. KNOCK on wood. LOL

    Of course I have done tons of work on other components that will need to be done on any truck.

    Used trucks REQUIRE work. Learn how to do all of it yourself. Truck repair shops are a quick way into going broke.
     
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  11. Majestic 670

    Majestic 670 Heavy Load Member

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    Volvo to me is a nice ride... But they are a very expensive truck in terms of maintenance look on truckpaper for used Volvo trucks and you’ll find them to be priced on the low side. I like Volvo but if I’m buying I would have to go with resale. Aero trucks are plentiful that’s why they don’t hold value. I owned a Volvo once and it was an okay unit I just had an electrical sensor issue here and there but I got out of it also Volvo tend to just fall apart.
     
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