Buying a used glider

Yes I agree

 

I would buy the glider. Google the maintenance schedule on the dpf systems on say a Cummins. Then price out a few of those parts.

I’m driving a 2019 Pete 579 with 60,000 miles on it. It has spent a week in the shop for you guessed it dpf/emission sensors.

All machines break no matter the brand.
But dpf is problems a glider will never had.

I owned a Cummins with a dpf and I spent most weekends working on it instead of spending time with my family. I was glad to get rid of it.

 

Having owned both emission trucks and now a glider I feel I can offer a little wisdom.
My first emission truck was a 2011 Crapcadia (I say that with love) and it was a nightmare. It continuously regenned and got 4-5 mpg. It never ran right and Detroit said "it's all in spec" and did nothing. Then there was the "samcab" electronic issues.. I sold it and got out by the skin of my teeth.

2nd emission truck was a 2013 Volvo 780 d13 I shift. Smoothist, quietest, most driver friendly truck on the road. Also bought it brand new. I had a great local dealer who took care of a couple electronic issues that nagged on for a bit but other than, 1 piston cooler sensor harness and 1 leaky fuel tank, it was a great truck. But after seeing several friends have their newer trucks go south just after the 4 year 800,000 km warranty wore out and cost $$$$$$ I sold it at 730k with warranty intact and got GREAT resale value for it.
I am on my last truck and wanted something simpler so I bought a used Schneider glider. It was a crap shoot as you can't take it anywhere or have any tests done on it so I made an educated decision. I got a 2012 Columbia with low mileage and did spend some on it the first year but.... this is the cheapest truck for parts and service hands down, you can get it serviced anywhere so your not required to pay dealer rates, and parts are plentiful. New and used.
My cost per mile for maintenance is the lowest my accountant has ever seen it.
There is not a big used glider market up here in Canada so I had slim pickins.
If I was in the US I would have had a Coronado.
I would tho do these things.

1. Only buy a glider that was powered from Detroit, engine Installed from the factory.
2. Dyno and blow by test before purchase by DETROIT or CAT depending on engine.
3. Lots of history from previous owner.

I wouldnt worry about somebody selling early. Lots of reasons why, just do your home work. You have lots to pick from. I would not have an emission truck now without buying new and always having warranty, and every 3.5 years, rinse and repeat..... too risky.
Good luck, take your time, ask LOTS of questions here,lots of great people here that will help you.

 

If you can find a newer glider with a pre 2000 engine then that is a bonus- newer truck perks but no ELDs. Those trucks have maintained their value or even risen in value. I know because I own one and I have been approached to sell it for more than I paid 2 years ago.

Also depends on what your business is going to be. Glider works better for some applications over others. In the oilfield we idle more than we drive in a lot of cases. I know large companies in the oilfield who started out with new trucks and all the engine exhaust scam that are now going to gliders because they are tired of all the breakdowns and high expense of maintaining those trucks. Large companies do not have the option to do a delete and if the truck is new and under warranty you can't do that anyway.

 

I'm on my first glider not Fitzgerald junk either 450,000 miles year long avg 8.38 mpg. I could take what I learned on this one and my next truck Will be the best ever ! Just don't know how much longer I want to truck 33 winters already!

 

I'll make you a deal you can't refuse. Only slightly used.

 

Even California compliant

 

HERE'S THE ANSWER FOR CALIFORNIA
I emailed CARB because I was sick of all the BS on here.... and here's their response.


"Tankerbloke
Tue, Feb 26, 11:48 AM (11 days ago)
to 8666diesel CARB

Good Morning,

I have a 2018 Freightliner Coronado with a pre-emission 1998 Detroit 60 Series engine. I am based in Texas.
I'm trying to find out if I am able to legally come in and out of California. There are so many comments and stories online it seems almost impossible to find the truth. I don't want to break the Law so I am asking you for a definitive answer.
Thanks in advance for your advice.

Tankerbloke
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARB 8666Diesel
Thu, Mar 7, 4:04 PM (2 days ago)
to me

Hello,



Thank you for your email to 8666Diesel.



A 1998 vehicles that is over 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) would need to have a particulate matter filter installed before entering California and may operate until 1/1/2020 where it would need a 2010+ engine or newer installed. Below is a link to the Regulation Requirements: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/images/tbcompliance_schedule.jpg



You may also qualify for the 2019 Low Use Exemption which would allow you to operate 1,000 miles or less per year in California. The last option you may qualify for is the 3-Day Pass. A Three Day Pass is a temporary permit that allows a fleet owner to operate one vehicle per calendar year in California that does not meet the emission reduction requirements of the Truck and Bus regulation. The three day period begins at 12:00 AM on the date specified on the form and ends 72 hours later. There are no mileage limits for a vehicle operating during the three day period specified in the approved Three Day Pass.



You may also find more information here : Truck & Bus | TruckStop



If you have further questions or concerns, please call 1-866-6Diesel (1-866-634-3735), email us, or visit www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop



Thank you for your email.



Samir

Mobile Source Compliance & Outreach Staff

California Air Resources Board