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Listening to your presentation, it sounds like you are advising what someone should buy as a second or third truck in an established business. If I were just starting out, I'd scour the ads for a good cheap truck. I would buy something with the intent of keeping it a year or two before upgrading into something newer. I would also go for a pre-emission tractor without all the electronic junk, including the "safety" gadgets like auto braking and lane departure warning. Side radar for the blind spot is useful but having the brakes slam on when you aren't expecting them is outright dangerous. I have a 2007 truck on my radar. It has a Cat 13 and a 10-speed. It looks like it's new inside and out. AND I can own it for under $13,000 and pay cash for it. So if I pull the trigger, I'd be in my own truck on the cheap. I could drive it for a year or two and decide whether to keep it, get something else, or have it as a spare. 2290 is the same for one or two trucks. I'd put a 13-speed in it because I like keeping the engine in its torque curve...dropping a full gear doesn't always keep you there. I could use the C-13 for a core on a C-15 if I wanted to go big block. I've already run the flag for four decades. I happen to like being home every night and here in the Carolinas, there are plenty of opportunities to be home every night and gross $5,000 or more a week (plus FSC) running 400 miles a day, half of them empty. One guy runs an ad for $7,000 a week for 2500 miles. You could make more if you want to stay gone and live in the truck. My advice to a beginner or first-time owner operator: Buy something you can afford, even if you have to rebuild major components. Figure the rebuild into your purchase price. I have a $30,000 budget. I'd spend $12,500 for the truck and still have $17,500 in my maintenance account. New tires and brakes would cost about $6,000. Chicken lights and chrome are pretty but it's not always a beauty contest, especially when starting out. I like money so I'd stay away from dealers and find a smaller shop for regular maintenance. They will work with you once they get to know you and your prompt payments. Perhaps work you in when there is a waiting list elsewhere. Be smart, it's a business. One other thing. You can save about 30% by buying a truck in Canada because of the exchange rate. And most dealers will deliver it to you in the US with all the documentation you'll need to license it in your state and be EPA compliant.
I've been driving x15s as a company driver for around a year now, I've only ever had 1 issue with the engine. I think it's hammered out the issues of the isx
Seriously, if I lived near you, you'd be my "go to" shop. That being said, I did manage to find a great shop near me that shoots straight and has competitive pricing. My first (and only so far) truck is a 2017 T680 with a Cummins. I am glad I went that route because I at least have options outside of dealerships to get troubleshooting done. Definitely somethings to consider when purchasing. I love my T680 and would definitely buy one again.
@@droc5289 oh.... fleet owned. Large company stay away. small company probably good to go. small companies usually takes better care of their assets because, they are so dependant upon them.
Different shops specialize in specific engines. I called Haggai in Georgia to see if they work on Caterpillar engines. They told me they are an ISX shop. I live in the Charlotte area but would limp one down there for decent service.
I first saw your videos when I was looking for information about Landstar. I've been a company driver since '95 and I want to become an owner operator. Your videos have been and continue to be the best place to get information so that I can get started. Thank you!
Seen the comment about the clutch not releasing. I drove a Ford 8000 many years ago that kept breaking off the clutch fingers . About every 10000 km we needed a new clutch so we often drove for 2 or 3 days without having a clutch that would release. They finally found the problem the bell housing was missing a brushing on one side so cross shaft was not straight and the release was running on an angle. That was after they replaced 5 or 6 clutch.
I have a MX13 paccar just got back on the road after 4 weeks waiting for a part that was on National backorder. The Ccv/ oil separator. Good video keep up the good work.
Company driver here been driving freightliners internationals for 8 years but past 2 years been Pete 579 Cummings. I love the ride power comfort compare to freightliner. Breakdown wise i feel like it varies from truck to truck. If i go independent deff Pete or kenworth
I'll say this drive past a peckar,freight shaker or inter trash inal dealer and there are always trucks sitting outside the shop. But I most often don't see any trucks waiting for repairs outside a vulva dealer.
@ssingh8166 dealer shoo lots don't lie not to mention if you have issue with a freightliner any ta or petro is an authorized service/repair center same with international and loves. But a lot of places won't even touch a volvo, and they are still not piling up at dealer service shops
Cummings parts prices are out of hand. Just had to change out my turbo and actuator. Total parts were 10k. Ridiculous I'll run the old truck with the cat c15 and park the new one
I am a company driver and I've driven comfortably as old trucks and comparable amount of miles on freightliners international Volvo and now Kenworth. I'm in I want to say it's a 2023 or 2022 Kenworth t680 and honestly I would trade it in and a heartbeat, for the international that I had Was the international LT. It had it their sheriff works like all of these trucks do none of them are perfect but overall I've actually had more down time issues out of this truck and more issues with the HVAC system especially when it's hot out and the air conditioning doesn't want to kick on. The automatic raising and lowering seat like I get out my truck to get out and look and mess around with whatever I got and mess around with and I get back in the seat and then I got to wait a few seconds for the air to build back up and put the seat back where I had it. Not to mention the warranty work this damn truck has had. And then for no reason I'm driving down the driving down the highway in Birmingham Alabama literally in the middle of the road something happened to my air and my transmission and I'm literally stuck in the middle of the road I didn't drive over anything I didn't drive anywhere I wasn't supposed to I didn't drive it anywhere I wasn't supposed to just all the sudden it just stopped working and of course that fancy little air ride seat then wants to sinks all the way to the ground when it loses air pressure so yeah bro I would never buy a Kenworth. As much as people like to talk shit on them I've had the best experience over my 4 1/2 years driving truck with nine different companies and damn it give me a damn Freightliner Cascadia. Media Western Star I haven't had too much experience with those guys yet but from my understanding they're basically like maybe fancier versions or some shit of the Freightliner Cascadia bro you can keep these damn Kenworth trucks
The worst thing I hated about having the paccar mx-13 ....I was stuck going to the dealership because of software nobody was able to really read or understand the codes and or perform regens or recalibrations ... Then there was the wiring harness problem to the scr system and other phantom problems I was in and out of the dealership every 2 months or so with $10,000+ bills it just got too much and I got rid of the truck...
Yea... I feel you, man. These trucks with Paccars in them are completely fkin useless. I've got the exact same issue with my current 2019 T680. Except instead of every 2 months or so, it's been a monthly thing for me for the past 3 months. I'm a day cab driver. It's had to be towed back to the dealership 3 times so far within the last 5,000 miles. You are SO correct about the phantom electrical issues too. Getting derated over the dumbest shit. I got derated over an "adaptive cruise control fault". I pulled over, turned the vehicle off, turned it back on, and it was gone and never came back. I also had a transmission fault when I tried to put it into manual shifting mode for a hill. It told me to stop driving to prevent transmission damage. Derated and pulled over on the hill... shut the truck off, turned it back on, problem gone. Roughly 4 other examples but you get the point! Paccars are nutless crap engines.
I just picked up a 2003 Kenworth T2000 with a cat C12 and 10 speed. Interior is in perfect shape, motor is new, new clutch and radiator. Cash 11k drove it home 600 miles. Got around 10mpg empty. Not sure what to do with it yet. Just found out insurance has doubled.
Kenworth T680 alllll day longgg. Steering wheel only turns 3 quarters, might pinch steer tires on curbs during tight turns but atleast you won't hit your head when ya stand up. And stay away from freightliner and international so ya don't hit ya head when ya open the doors, (on the mirrors)
I owned three trucks last year. Just sold two of them. I kept the one I have been driving. 99 FLD with 12.7 60 Series Detroit and 13 speed Eaton. It was the oldest but the one that costed me the least to operate. God willing, it will be the only truck to owns and drive until I drop.Should I tell more?
Funny just watch one of your videos and you said freightliner. Pacar doesn’t back up their product. Been in all but Mack Volvo but out of Freight Pete Ken. Kinda lean more towards freight liner now.
I love Peterbilt 579 mid roof. I feel like it's the best over all truck. But the paccar motor is garbage and cummins ix15 is hard to find. And they dont last more than 600k miles. Any suggestions? What motor is better?
How many trucks have u owned....and u recommend kw and pete but spent the bulk of conversation talking about cummins...so I'd say either a kw or Pete w a Cummins? And what's your opinion of caterpillar
I'm getting a great deal and a well maintained Freightliner. The owner does flatbed and wants to do more heavy hauling so he wants more horse power. The truck has a DD13 engine in it. A few pple has been saying to stay away from that engine. What's your thought? Plz and thanks. Bless.
You need a bigger motor like the D15 or D16 to heavy haul. The bigger motors will make more torque lower in the rpm’s which you need. Also a truck with a DD13 likely will have a front axle with a max weight of 12,000 not 12,500 to 13,000 which is needed. Also the rear axle gearing will not be for pulling but more for efficiency with a DD13 truck
@@anthonydickinson9293 I will be doing refer. The owner now does flat and wants to carry heavier load so that's why he is selling. 70k for truck and refer.
I hear they are more expensive to work on. You would think that that isn't the case because it is a smaller engine. But the higher expenses come from the packaging. A larger portion of the engine is inside of the cab compared to the DD15, and thus harder to reach.
Hey boss man. I’ve had my license over 2 years. I’m looking forward to buy my first truck. Where can I get the best prices on a truck? So I can get started on my own. And where can I get the loads? I live south of Houston Texas. Any advice and recommendations I really appreciate it. My plan is to do just local. Thank you
Wait, are you saying that Cummins and Kenworth parts are more available and cheaper than Freighliner ? I have DD13 engine and parts are cheap. Although I’m not familiar with the pricing with other brands. I bought my water pump from Amazon for 312$ how much it cost for Cummins?
Western Stars are part of Daimler which is Freightliner. Most specs and characteristics should be about the same. I think you are limited to Detroit or Cummins power.
Thanks for great content but I was wondering how you would compare a Western Star to a KW or a Pete. I'm only asking because I don't recall you talking or making a video about the Western Star
Hey Ryan I just purchased a 2015 international Prostar with a cummins what are your thoughts on this truck like maintenance. The truck only has 312,xxx miles and my turbo actuator is bad.
I just bought a KW with a Cummins ISX15. I’m having trouble getting the speed governor adjusted. I can’t go over 65, Can you help or anybody feel free to help. Thanks!
Despite their tireless work, truck drivers do not receive overtime pay for overtime hours. As a result, the trucking industry faces an extremely high turnover rate as truckers cannot keep up with the thankless demands of their work. We all stand to benefit when truckers are paid what they’re owed.”
Ryan, you said you like older trucks (2014's or older). Why not pre-emissions 07 or older? Personally, im looking for an old Pete/KW with a Cummings (i agree 100% with that combo) but torn btw that and an old Detroit 60 Freightliner seeing as I hear from old timers that they are near bullet proof... easy to work on if they should break and everyone makes parts for them still. What do you think ?
I like the pre emission truck if it is easy to find a good one. This video is for majority of new owner operators who might not be able to find the good older pre emission truck, they have the pre 2014 emission trucks to consider.
This video is about the best semi trucks beginner should consider to purchase. Money wasn’t a subject. I am sure there are videos to talk to how to get financing. I understand your consider. We are not a channel for financing advice.
@@truckingandfixing I mean don't get me wrong I'd love to have a kenworth with a cummins it's a dream truck for many including myself. Its just so expensive.
Pete is shape , good , classic truck. But depending what you're doing, they're a glorified highway Princess. Remind me of the "Harley" drivers of the trucking world
I only will buy detroits right now so no kenworths for me . A company I used to work for was bankrupted buy fuel thirsty kws that blew their engines every 250000 miles easier to work on maybe but it didn’t matter fuel costs and maintenance put them under .
Hey just a quick question I'm currently looking to purchase a 2017 kenworth t680 with a paccar engine 446,000 miles and 12,000 engine hours... I've noticed it has a check engine light and a possible oil leak... Now the dealership says its from the fuel pump which they should have completed before I take delivery.... im planning on taking in for a pre-purchase inspection to insure nothing wrong with it... im I making a good decision buying this truck with this many miles???
I have had kenworth and peterbilts I would never buy another kenworth I would just as soon have a freightliner or western star as a kenworth and wouldn't buy any truck peterbilt or kenworth with a paccar motor
Sorry but I'm gonna have to disagree. I drove a 2014 cascadia and it broke down twice in two years. One time it was the air compressor and the last time it was the one box. I made good money because I was hardly ever in a shop. But now I'm in a Kenworth and i can't keep this truck out of the shop since day one. In 10 months i have had, front end work because of so much vibration, a cam replaced, turbo came loose, 4 air valves at 4 different times go bad, two rear air bags go bad, wheels sensor is bad on it which I have no cruise control at the moment and the trans mission is acting up. All these issues in 10 months. This Kenworth has been the biggest pos i have driven. Can't wait to get rid of it. Sorry to contradict your expertise but this has been my experience with a Kenworth. I am now officially traumatized by this truck. 😂
I understand the analogy of Mercury and Lincoln to Kenworth and Peterbilt, but you should have said Ford and Lincoln. Mercury has been a dead company for at least ten years.
Solid info! Cummins is legendary! Drove a VNL with a Cummins in it as a company driver back in 2010 (long time ago). Pulled 44k up the grades strong with no issue, always got me home never left me stranded.
I drove a 386 Pete with a deleted 450 Paccar engine and a 13-speed. That truck would do the j.o.b. But I think being able to split gears was important, not having to drop a full gear.
