Been lurking for 4 years...decided to post. Think I’m going to buy..

Ok, I have never posted. I’ve been lurking on the board for 4 years reading all the negative remarks on a L/P. Did a lot of research and saved $15k for a down with $10k reserves. I found a truck, 2010 VNL with a D16. Payment will be $1,740 a month for 39 months. Got a 350k mile warranty on engine. Just had its overhaul done at a cost of $32k. Truck has 600k on it. Tranny, and other major running parts, 2 year/250k warranty with a $300 deductible and no fee to diagnose. Virgin rubber...yada yada. I know I’m good for at least 3 years...without a major expense. I do have an exit strategy for the truck...and no it’s not wrecking it or having it stolen. I live in Cali and the ARB will want it in 2023. Truck has 120inch ARI on it. Weight is 22k.

who would you lease to? I have 2 years dry, 2 years flat/step. I don’t like to tarp, but like the Conestoga trailers. I have 6 months refer and will NOT do that ever again! I would like flat/step without throwing tarps every day. I’ll throw them 2 or 3 times a month....

next, I’ve read a lot about the D16 being a pig and mechanical issues. Mine is the 500hp with ishift. So, do I pass on that engine or do I go for it...?

 

Yeah, I know, injectors and turbo, but they are covered under the warranty with Labor. Fuel...yes...fuel...what are the dry Van rate right now? I haven’t renewed my DAT membership and Truckload give such BS rates. When I did my math, I was basing my rate on 2.20 a mile for dry. I estimated 6.7 per mile. If I step deck it, I was planning on 5.25 to 5.5 per mile at a rate of 2.90 per mile...

the truck has a 3.36 rear end. Also, I can’t do new. Credit not that great and I don’t get the warranty with a 17or 18 with 450k miles. I can only get a 36 month term on those. Plus the ARI makes it nice for a shower, head and room. Another plus is the ARB buyout right now for an 07 is 60k, last year an 06 was 55k. It has been going up 2.5k to 5k a year. I have to own it for at least 24 months, then I get the voucher for a new truck, take the sleeper off an net another 10-12k. Yes, I am worried about fuel killing me. Especially if rates keep dropping.

 

One other item, a friend of mine will let me buy his 55t RGN on terms that I can afford. With the D16 and 48k rears, I can heavy haul up to 105 gross pretty easily with limited permit costs or even go as high as 125k gross.