Movin' on Up! --- Adding a Class 8 Tractor...

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by LilRig, Oct 22, 2015.

  1. LilRig

    LilRig Bobtail Member

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    Oct 22, 2015
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    My wife and I have a successful one-truck hotshot business. We've been asked, on several occasions by our clients, if we have a "regular size truck" too. Because of this, we'd like to increase our fleet by adding a class 8 tractor. With the exception of driving a loaner to do our class A CDL road tests, we know next to nothing about the bigger trucks.

    Has anyone made the jump up to a bigger truck, or those who use to drive the big ones and now hotshot? Looking for some advice on a good "starter" truck. We don't need the Cadillac of big rigs, but we'd like to avoid the Yugos, too. What's a good "all around" engine size for fuel efficiency and tackling the frequent hills and occasional mountains of I-80 and I-15? Should we look at a 13 or start with a 10 speed? What about axle ratios? We're not planning on regularly running max. weight. I'm guessing we'll typically run 12,000 - 36,000 loads, with the occasional 48,000. We do trek into California now and then, so we'll need a 2007 or newer to be CARB compliant. We'd also go with a sleeper, to cut down on hotel expenses. We prefer the longer transports (more highway miles, less sitting around waiting [detention] time). I'm guessing we'll team the tractor with a stepdeck for maximizing load opportunities.

    Reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs are the primary focus for our first big rig. In reading, it seems Cummins and Volvo are the engines, as nearly all the manufacturers (except International) are using Cummins. Which, I'm guessing equates to more service center options when the need arises, meaning more competition and ability to shop around a bit for repair costs. Any pointers, cautions, or words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated.

    Casey
     
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  3. supersnackbar

    supersnackbar Road Train Member

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    Under no circumstances should you buy anything with the International logo on it...especially the International with the Maxxforce engine badge...that is unless you like hopping from one repair shop to another. I have been assigned 4 over the last 4 years and I am quitting my current company because of the constant repair issues and breakdowns. And they have nothing but Prostars in their fleet. I have driven mostly Freightliners in my 20+ years. If both of you are going to be in the cab, an older Freightliner has a good bit of room for 2 people and their stuff. If you want something new, or recently new, the KW T680 has a lot of drivers saying it's one of the most comfy trucks and one of the best trucks they've driven.

    As far as engine size...the 14.1 Series 60 Detroit in the older Freightliners did fine. Most manufacturers are hovering around the 12-13 liter area. If you are in the mountains a good bit, a 13 speed, if you are mixed between mountains and the plains of the mid-west, a 10 speed works...I prefer the 13, but if you are buying used, a 13 in the model truck you want might take some looking. They're out there, but many of the lot models are 10 speed because the mega-carriers out there trading them in spec them that way because many of their drivers wouldn't know how to drive a 13
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2015
  4. HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    what the hell is a class 8 truck
     
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  5. mountaingote

    mountaingote Road Train Member

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    What a dumb question
     
    dog-c, truckon and lots of character Thank this.
  6. HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    Yeah
     
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  7. lots of character

    lots of character Road Train Member

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    I only completed class 7...
     
    truckon Thanks this.
  8. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    What kind of terrain do you plan on running in? Is CARB compliance required? Looking for new or older used trucks?

    If you plan on doing some occaisional off highway loads, 4 way lockers would definitely be beneficial. Brand-wise, pretty much anything except a Cornfield Corvette should do just fine.
     
  9. truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    I think they answered those questions in their first post.
     
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  10. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Whoops! Totally skimmed over that part lol.
     
    lots of character and truckon Thank this.
  11. sliver

    sliver Light Load Member

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    You need a 2008 or newer engine to be carb compliant with the dpf. Or a older truck with dpf installed
     
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