Owner Operator Specs?

I don't have exhaust temp ... but I do have voltage.

 

The plethora of gauges in a better-spec'd truck isn't just for show, or measuring the length of anatomical features. It's your insight into how the truck is operating. Exhaust gas temp on a diesel can be an indicator of how hard the engine is working and if it's working correctly. Manifold pressure can tell you if the turbo is functional, and give you a tip toward a boost leak or tuning issue. Axle temps can rise above normal operating range if there is something wrong or the gear oil is low. A functional voltmeter/ammeter can tell you what's going on with your alternator and batteries.

Yeah, I know...a lot of newer trucks hide all that data in the electronic dash or console somewhere, but it's preferable in my opinion to have it on display while in operation. After some time in your truck, you learn where all those gauges are during normal operation, and when something is off, it tends to catch your eye. Early warning of issues and being able to preemptively handle them is a big part in running a successful operation.

 

In my experience smaller or medium size companies. Either let ya loose, just call in once a day. Or the owner is nervous Nelly and is up your ### tighter than tight. Because it is his name on the side of the door. But with e-logs soon being in all or trucks. Either way big med or small soon the company will no where, what, and when at all times.

 

NO!!! (Don't no how long you been driving but. Personally if I had more than a years experience. I wouldn't allow anybody to treat me like that. Big or small) Your cdl is valuable, don't be a job hopper. But don't be a doormay either.

 

Used moving vans dot Com. Is a site used by bedbuggers. Craigslist, e-bay, Transadvantage. You can probably tell I'm a vanline guy.
(Keep in mind, i don't no how old or how much your willing to pay) trucker to trucker . Check individual dealers, like loan mountain, or even arrow. Do a Google owner op spec trucks for sale. You have access to the net USE IT

 

Specs refer to the guts of a tractor. This gearing, that ratio, this transmission, that engine etc etc etc. There are thousands of possibilities leading to millions of potential builds should you consider a tractor built to order.

When I purchased my FLD Midroof in 94, it was 400 CAT roughly, 9 speed rockwell, around a 3.70 rears so that the midwest will be adequate but really steep hills will be taxing. It's made for maintaining 70 in the rolling hills. It was unlimited in speed and fuel delivery all the way to 2300. Very little computer technology back then. It was a air breathing engine which made music when everything is in the sweet spot otherwise it will sit there and fumigate the yard coughing while warming up. Tires were 24 inch rubber. Slidable 5th wheel and a headache rack for flatbedding if that is a option. It's not much of a truck but it was my truck for a short time. It did have the early generation ABS on it but tests in a paved lot showed it rather stubborn and would not kick in. On gravel it would.

Today's trucks have thousands of options way beyond your standard 13 slice bakers dozen loaf of bread company rig. I think all company rigs come out of the same boring specs. Some of which don't make sense... as cheaply as possible to the tight fisted money grubbing greedy... er.. dispatchers and so on... one example was a 350 cummins big cam engine, mated to a TALL road ranger 10. I think the ratio was around 2.5 or less back there. Meaning every time you are fighting to get into high range, and finally reach 6th a tiny slope knocks you back into 5th or 4th gear to start all over again at 18 mph....

In short a badly spec'ed truck will cause you no end of tears and pain...