Life of a Owner Operator

Been along run and thought I would share .
I started this run in Waco,TX and left for SLC,UT carrying aluminum rolls at 22k lbs for 2.20 a mile , arrived on time and everything was good. Checked in got a dock and as I was backing in something appeared from underneath the trailer , low and behold it was a brake shoe from my trailer . I was due for a load at 1300hrs in Draper so now I know this needs to be fixed in a hurry . Dude at the Flying J who I knew from previous tire changes and repair was able to get me new parts and install in less than 30 minutes and didnt up charge for parts . Awesome its gonna be alright .
Picked up in Draper @ 1300hrs loaded Coca cola products bound for Pueblo weighing 32k and going for 2.85 a mile . On time for drop and Checked in and got a dock right away , as I was backing up I noticed a trailer tire had blown . #### got unloaded made it to loves a couple miles away and got in line for a new tire , did a walk around and checked engine bay to find coolant leaking from radiator area . Fill reservoir and note the leak for later repair .
Following day head out for Denver picking up a load headed to Spanish Fork,UT @ 2k for 1.66 pm . Leaving denver stop at the TA top off reservoir and continue for a straight through drive to UT. Half way through the mountains I smell coolant and a spray come s from underneath hood . #### I know what that is , Truck stays cool I make it to Pilot in Fruita and dump coolant back in Truck . Truck is still running cool and I get to UT and unload goes as planned .Next morning look for coolant loss and refill as needed .
I have a 900 pickup in Ogden and Im headed to TX @ 20k and 2.16 pm , left ogden heading for Dallas and make it to Green River no problems and top off Reservoir . Next morning get on the road and head through Moab and make it down to Cortez , Radiator and Truck say no more and temps start to rise . Made it to Farmington and here I am over the weekend till Monday .
My plan was to get her to Dallas and have the truck worked on , I did have some other maintence items planned for repair and I was holding off until this trip . Im kicking myself thinking problem was not as bad but maybe some underlying issues with the radiator were happening and I didnt see it .

My thoughts of sharing this was hopefully some new guys see this and realize things can and will happen out here , be prepared and have funds put aside for repairs . Im glad I was near a reputable shop but my wallets bought to catch a beating , Been out here long enough to no better but sometimes a lesson reminder is whats needed . Good luck safe travels

 

Yeah , for sure . I have had pin hole leaks before in a radiato

Did the pre trip that morning , drum cracked into 2 pieces and the shoe came off . Brake shoes were in good condition , yeah I wish I caught it . Pulled the pieces out and got it fixed . Definitely not proud of it .

 

Not my proudest moment , had a leak before was able to get back no issues . Yeah a lesson learned for sure .

 

Yup lesson learned for sure .