When is it time to trade?

I do oil analysis but have not done dyno. Oil doesn't show anything out of the ordinary.

I absolutely keep track of maintenance costs but, as I mentioned, there really haven't been any to date aside from pm's and a couple of steer tires. I did replace a squeaky idler pulley, installed new shocks, and had to put in a headlight assembly that Bambi killed but that is pretty much it.

I guess the reason I'm beginning to think about trading is to plan ahead for that time, not necessarily because I intend to do it this week. I want to ask now so I'll know then.

Also, I have had pretty good success in life by emulating successful people.

In that regard, I find that very few of the megas (arguably the most successful carriers) keep their tractors past 400k. If they are all replacing equipment at about that time, there is probably a reason for it.

What that reason is, I can't say. Probably a combination of increased maintenance, decreased resale value, warranty expiration, etc.

Still, if they're doing it then it can only be in order to maximize profit since that is all they care about. Since I kinda like profits too I was thinking about when to trade up.

I think this is probably the best plan for us. Run one more year to just shy of 500k and then trade.

Thanks everyone for the input!