Buying a brand new truck need some pointers

I'm finally getting my ducks in a row to be an O/O. I have the LLC set up, plenty of money in the bank, getting my numbers, authority and insurance lined up. Several clients just waiting for the word that I'm ready to roll and enough work to keep me busy for the long run. Now getting a truck and trailer is next on my agenda.

If I want my truck to be spec most of the manufacturers have a 5 to 6 month wait. They're all busy since demand is up with the booming economy. Not wanting to wait 6 months for a truck, that leaves me with new trucks that dealers have on their lots, and I'm having trouble deciding. I'm going to also get a new reefer trailer, so weight will be an issue. I've driven plenty of Cascadia's and they're ok. I drove a new T680 KW for a year and loved it, but they're already a heavy truck, and putting a reefer on top of that will be a lot of weight and limit how much I can haul. I've also always had an APU wherever I worked, and they're nice but just one more thing to deal with getting serviced and breaking down on occasion. I hear the new idle management systems with the bunk heater and AC works well, but I also hear that the extra batteries for those systems can weigh as much or more than an APU. As far as what engine, how much HP, manual or auto transmission, gear ratio, that's all up in the air right now. I live in northern California and plan on mostly working the flat lands of California, but I also plan on taking loads up the Washington and perhaps to Denver. So I want the HP and gearing to handle hills. I would prefer a new Pete or KW, but I've heard the new Cascadia Evolution is really nice. Not really into getting a Volvo.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

I've never driven an auto before, but I figured my new gig would have me in more rush hour traffic, and that's about the only time they look appealing to me. I get a bad case of clutch leg starting and stopping for hours on end in traffic.

I plan on getting the full service with towing on whatever I buy. KW even offers a loaner truck if your down for more than 2 days, but of course that all costs extra.

 

Sales reps for Peterbilt and KW both told me 5 to 6 months for a spec truck. Glad they're doing well, but it sucks if you want a spec truck in a hurry.