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Trying to get these ducks in a row

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021.

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  1. Jun 28, 2021 #1
    GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

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    Hello all thanks for stopping by.
    I've done a bit of digging on here and haven't found exactly what I was looking for so going to ask some specific questions.

    1. From what I understand most of the big truck stops are freightliner parts dealers? So owning one as a O/O would mean parts "should" be easier to obtain? If so does that supply of parts extend to older models like Fld's and other pre emissions trucks?

    2. In my searches of pre 2004 frieghtliners there are usually a few different engines in the used trucks. Which of the late 90's early 2000's engines they used would be a good mix of reliable and easier to work on? I've seen some good talk about the series 60's.

    3. I've only ever been in 2015 and newer trucks, did the older trucks have something similar to a parksmart system for heat and a/c? Something like an espar for heat i get but would you have to idle for a/c?

    Any insight or experience on these or experience good/bad with the older frieghtliners would be a huge help

    I'm not expecting running my own show to be great everyday but if I can gather as much info as I can and plan for the worst. Pretty much looking at trucks planning on having the money set aside to rebuild or replace the engine and support myself during the down time right from the start.
     
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    #1
    Jarhed1964, Coffey and slow.rider Thank this.
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  3. Jun 28, 2021 #2
    slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    1. They're not really parts dealers, they're more like service points. They have to go pick up parts and they'll charge you about double what the dealer would, but it's usually better than going to a dealer for repair and waiting a week or whatever to get it looked at. Yes parts are easier to obtain for Detroits though.

    2. Series 60s are everywhere. And my understanding is the dd15 is similar except for the emissions stuff bolted on.

    3. Yes you typically idle for AC, but it doesn't trash pre-emissions engines to do so.
     
    slow.rider, Jun 28, 2021
    slow.rider, Jun 28, 2021
    #2
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  4. Jun 28, 2021 #3
    GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

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    Ok, so dealer is the go to for specific parts. I was never super impressed with the battery powered a/c system for parking anyways. Will just have to be mindful of where I can and can't idle
     
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    #3
    Rideandrepair and slow.rider Thank this.
  5. Jun 28, 2021 #4
    slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    People are saying the newer electric APU's are quite a bit better than few-year-old models. You can also get a diesel-powered APU installed to run off the truck's fuel tank.
     
    slow.rider, Jun 28, 2021
    slow.rider, Jun 28, 2021
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  7. Jun 28, 2021 #5
    slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    As far as parts, if you can plan ahead, the truck stop is usually the last place you want to buy parts. OEM dealers, indie parts dealers, or the internet will usually be way better. But if you're stuck on the highway or limp into a truck stop, sometimes paying the truck stop extra is the cheaper way to go, as it can get you back on the road making money sooner.

    Truck stops will usually install parts you bring in too. Sometimes I'll buy parts ahead of time and just carry them with me until next time I stop for some other repair or maintenance, and then say hey, toss this on there too, I'll pay the hourly. I've never had them complain. Knocks out 2 jobs in 1 stop. But I don't have a place to do my own wrenching, so that's the tradeoff - no mortgage or rent, but I pay someone else to do most of my repairs and maintenance.
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2021
    slow.rider, Jun 28, 2021
    slow.rider, Jun 28, 2021
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    Rideandrepair, Coffey, Vampire and 1 other person Thank this.
  8. Jun 28, 2021 #6
    GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

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    Id really like to do as much as I can myself. I'm pretty good with a wrench. I also know my limits and what I shouldn't attempt. Truck might not be winning awards at a show but it will be well maintained
     
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    #6
    Rideandrepair, Coffey, Vampire and 1 other person Thank this.
  9. Jun 28, 2021 #7
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Get yourself a newer truck, get one with a warranty and focus on driving and banking as much as you can.


    You run every day as if it going to be the greatest day you can make it.
     
    Ridgeline, Jun 28, 2021
    Ridgeline, Jun 28, 2021
    #7
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  10. Jun 28, 2021 #8
    GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

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    Id really like to avoid the payments on a new truck and work a bit less. I feel like having that payment floating over my head would bug me daily. I'm not going in with the goal of being rich if I can make the same money I make now and work a day less id be super happy with that.
     
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    #8
    Rideandrepair, Dino soar, Coffey and 1 other person Thank this.
  11. Jun 28, 2021 #9
    TheLoadOut

    TheLoadOut Road Train Member

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    There are options when it comes to cooling the interior without idling. Search through the site, lots of ideas to be found. I use a generator and a window a/c unit when it is absolutely necessary to stay comfortable without idling.
     
    TheLoadOut, Jun 28, 2021
    TheLoadOut, Jun 28, 2021
    #9
    Rideandrepair, Coffey, slow.rider and 1 other person Thank this.
  12. Jun 28, 2021 #10
    GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

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    I think I've seen a post about building a box and putting a little honda generator or something and using it like shore power to the cab. Pretty smart idea
     
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    GettingRolling, Jun 28, 2021
    #10
    Rideandrepair, Coffey and TheLoadOut Thank this.
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