I know this is months behind for a reply, computer time is tight for me and I have lots to research. I also tried to do a ‘multi-quote’ reply for this, but not sure how that works, maybe I need more posts?? I did do a search and got the Sham-wow-guy. Guess I’m not to good with search either? Anyway I invented my own way, I hope it’s easy to follow.
Quote:
Originally Posted by golfhobo
Tim Burr asked:
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Tim Burr wrote:>Can I buy a big truck and drive it around without a class A license?
GolfHobo wrote:>>Such a simple question... with such convoluted answers. I think YES basically, but there is more to it.
Yes I agree. I think I’ll need to work on a better plan. For one thing I’ll need be able to test drive, plus I need a little time learning what ‘normal is’ during the road test. Possibility I may need to be able to drive any truck to a shop for a check-out. So a class A may be in order
I think I may check with some schools about a class to get a non-commercial Class-A.
>>This should lower the cost... but, WHAT do you (seem) to care about the cost?
I knew I would give that impression, but that is NOT the situation. Right now I have a job and can afford to consider doing this, mainly as a learning experience we can learn from if/when we need to. OTR is something we think we would like to do together, and we would like to be proficient as we can be.
>I’m thinking a 13 speed with sleeper.
>>I totally agree! I've been driving a 13spd the last year, and there is NO comparison with a 10 spd.
>>As for the sleeper... get one! Get a BIG one! With a wife on board... get a CONDO sleeper,
Oh-boy the fun stuff.
It seems the 10 speed is adequate, but the people who run the 13 speed like that better. I like options, and may as well try and learn what I can. Here is a question, is it easier to go from 13 to 10 speed, or visa-versa, or not really an issue?
I once had a 4x4 with 10 speeds, I could only use 5 at any time, but it did have the perfect gear at any speed for any need. I also like moving levers. Ha Ha
Sleeper stuff. The condo sounds neat, but not sure a newbie should do that as it sounds lie it limit’s the trucks loads. As for my idea of having a learning truck, I think I could look at a day cab, remove the 5th wheel and add a sleeper. I guess if I did have a Class A I could get a trailer and have myself a party platform. Ha Ha and who knows I could haul my stuff around. Would that be ’redneck rich’ if I got a flat bed trailer and put a travel trailer on it then parker my 4x on the remaining flatbed?
OK back to earth.
>>For the smoothest ride... I would buy a "tandem drive" tractor with a medium wheelbase.
That makes sense, besides if I did get a good truck I may need to be able to use it when I got my CDL.
>>I think your reasoning is sound. You won't get a "NEW rig" for 50k... but, you can get a good used one for that. I >>wouldn't spend that much though.
Yes less is better and I have not considered a ‘new‘ truck. There is a lot of talk about buying a truck “that fit’s the loads you handle” and I won’t know what that will be for a long time. I guess I should buy cheap with the plan to upgrade when I do this as a job.
>>. You buy such a truck and get used to driving it, and you won't NEED "CDL" school. >>You can rent (or borrow) a trailor, and after LOTS of practice, you could take the test without going to school.
I sure like hearing that. One thing my truck driving career research has taught me is ‘there is a lot more basic knowledge’. And the ‘detailed knowledge’ is almost limitless, you guys should be paid more.
>>The only "comfort level" I see you would have to work on is you and your wife living in such cramped quarters.
Yes we talk about that, especially when we look at trucks with sleeper on the hiway.
>I see 2007’s as low as $30K, and I think that’s as old as I should go.
>>I might disagree. I was issued a 2006 brand new in 2007. It had 50 miles on it. My >>company went bankrupt when it >>had probably less than 200k on it. That's a YOUNG truck! That truck (or one like it) might still be out there! [LOTS of >>companies folded that year!] I've seen 2004 or 5 Columbia's (with condo sleeper) for about 18k or less. XL Classics >>were going for at least 35k, and the sleeper is no bigger!
Thanks I will keep that in mind when looking. I would like to find something with 200-400K miles.
>>I really don't know all the particulars... but, some crazy EPA regs took place in 2007 and it affected performance of >>some trucks. The others here can fill you in on the specifics of that... but, I'd seriously consider buying the LAST truck >>made before those changes.
Yes, I heard that too. I have seen some stuff about hauling stuff on the west coast and there is some limits to what year trucks can haul where. Of course I see some old looking trucks running around So Cal every day.
>>I personally feel it is a brilliant idea! You already mentioned on another thread that you and the wife were considering >>team driving for a few years before retirement. If you change your minds, as you say.... you could sell the truck (probably for what you paid for it if you buy cheap like I suggested.)
That music to my ears, thanks for saying that. I’m 100% for going with your suggestion and buy a good truck at a Good Price. That’s a lot easier to type than do.
>>If you decide to pursue a short career, you would already HAVE a "power unit" that >>you could lease on for good pay and minimum effort (after you convert to a >>COMMERCIAL license.)
That’s kinda the plan I had in mind. Of course I see some issues with finding trucking companies that would hire a driver who never carried a load.
>>I will tell you THIS: Driving around in a bobtail truck is NOT going to be as comfortable of a "ride" as if you were pulling >>some kind of trailor... and a heavy load.
I didn’t know that until someone pointed out the safety issues (stopping) too. My wife been driving around in a K5 blazer the last 20 years and really likes the vehicle. I know that not a bobtail semi, but she could as easily be driving a 20 year old Lexus if we where old softies . Ha Ha
>>I'll let that sink in a bit... then, I have more comments on your next post.
It’s finally sank in some. I had to some research after reading your post, which lead to more research. Also I don’t spend a lot of time online, so sorry about the slow reply. We picked up a copy of Sailor on a Concrete Sea, and been reading that, kinda dry, boring, and real depressing about trucking careers.
Thanks GH for your detailed reply.