how much does your local truck dealers matter in your buying decision

I'll ask about this. I did want some time off but really don't need a week or more. I couldn't believe the stack of work orders they had sitting there. I think part of the problem here, and probably up in North Dakota as well, is that it's hard to find and keep any decent techs because there is just so much work and they are constantly getting poached by others with a better offer.

 

If you get a blank stare it might be time to call OOIDA and see if they can come through on the advert.

 

Now that's funny. You and I both know there's no KW service counter on the planet that's going to move faster by flashing an ooida card at them. I found that spending the night in the driver's lounge without a bath, getting something to eat with lots of garlic the night before, then hanging out at the service desk wafting my breath, armpit, and feet stench around is more of a sure thing.

 

Twice a year I do a thorough inspection and fix everything that needs fixing plus what looks like it might need fixing soon(preventive measures). I start by slowly building a list, as I think of things, of what I need to do and order the parts a couple weeks ahead of the time period I plan to shutdown and catch up on the truck repairs. This maintenance condensing process eleminates a lot of downtime and breakdowns while I'm busy. I do these workovers, or shutdowns, during the slower times of year. The big workover is in January or Febuary, when it's freezing weather and the freight is slow, and the other is done in August when it's real hot weather and I'm getting burnt out from running hard from March to August. So it really doesn't matter what the parts house hours will be. As for oil and fuel filters and regular maintenance. Just buy 2 or 3 of what you need and keep it on hand. Don't just buy filters for one PM, buy 3. I do the same thing when I grocery shop. I buy one for now and 2 more for when I run out. Stick it in the pantry.