Advice Needed for New Truck

im glad its working out for you.

Im hear to tell you a driver can tear up a heavy haul truck in the oilfields just as fast as any otr spec truck. iv seen guys rip rear ends and drive shafts motor mounts ect outta heavy haul trucks while the guy in his volvo keeps on Rollin without issue. I go in and out of locations grossing over 100k lbs every day yes im driving a heavy haul spec'd truck but iv done the same job in a 450hp otr company spec'd Volvo with a 10 speed as well. the heavy haul truck is easyer and more enjoyable to drive big hp and 18 speed's make it easier to get the job done. iv never taken out a drive shaft a rear end or had any major failure on any truck iv driven in the oil field but yet i know of one guy that took out 3 rear ends busted a drive shaft and took out the motor mounts in a heavy haul spec'd peterbiult all in 6 months time.

Im not knocking your decision in any way to go with a heavy haul truck and am glad its working out for you, but as you said you make good money 7 months a year, what happens when you take your hunting season off and come back and theirs no work, and you still owe 80k on your truck. iv seen it happen to people. what happens when the supply of truck catches up to demand and everyone starts cutting rates, that is happening in nd right now. just some food for thought. everyone's situation is different and you need to make the best decision based on your situation. and it looks like you did examine your situation before making the purchase. look forward to seeing the pics of your new ride.

wish you the best of luck in your endeavor

 

Nice truck!

 

First of all good luck with new adventure, if you want tosee the most reliable truck ever made and still pretty much widely used aroundthe world then look no further than this :
1979 MB 260HP it worth more than more than 100k$ in ME & Africa and much more than a used 2007 Volvo or Mercedes

Simple .very basic and easy to maintain. And super ugly butdoes the job every time.

 

Here's how I'd spec a truck for that, Definately would be a glider kit or something close used.

*Pete 389 or KW W900
*6NZ CAT set around 550 horse, aw hell turn it on up to 600 or 700 and roll a little coal!
*18 speed or maybe get fancy and get a 6 and a 4 setup
*Pete Air Trac or Hendrickson Primaax (heavy duty 4 bag suspension, I like the air trac I've built a truck with it and it's real easy to build the truck.) at 46K with DUAL LOCKERS!
*Heavy front axle I think 16k or 18k to run 315/80R22.5 front tires, a little more floatation than your 11r24.5's but not a big old hunkin super single.
*Drop axle in case you ever got into pullin a belly or side dump, I also see alot of bull haulers running drop axles these days.
*I'd get what I've heard called a 'Logger style' front bumper with a clevis style tow hook, won't get tore up when you sink in the soft stuff and easy to hook up to a dozer or loader when you get stuck, or even better get a big old hunkin lightweight aluminum Alliarc or Herd bumper for all them poor little deer and antelope you'll be runnin through out in the oil patch.
*at least a mid rise or stand up sleeper. I'll be the first guy to say how cool and ###### flattop sleepers look, but I (6'4") wouldn't want to live out of one for long.
* wouldn't get a double frame, rather a good heavy 3/8 or 5/16 truck frame
*make sure you get a good air dryer and make sure and change the filter regularly, I would seriously consider an alcohol evaporator
*I'd seriousley also consider a toolbox especially if you're a O/O and keeping it stocked with little parts and tools (electrical kit and supplies, spare lights, socket and wrench sets, screwdriver set, cordless impact comes in handy, pliers, strap wrench, the list goes on) and also have enough room left over on your frame to also hang a tire chain rack.
*at least couple hundred chicken lights on the truck and trailer so on those cold nights when you're waiting to get unloaded or what have ya, you can admire your truck's amber glow


I'm sure I've forgotten a few things but that's pretty much the truck I'd want if I was going to the oil patch, that or a used more affordable one that was similarly spec'ed.