Truck Driving Jobs

Steel Horse Cowboy · #11 01-21-2011, 06:28 PM

I agree with Repete..... I would keep the truck because you know what it can do, how it runs and whats been repaired. Shouldn't be any unwanted surprises as you may get with a used truck. I have come to that point as well with mine, I have fixed everything on it basically and can't see trading it in on a used truck that I don't know.

If you do go for an OTR truck, it all depends on what you want to do. I would suggest a smaller sleeper just because in the future you may want to go back to logging and the lighter weight would help, but being gone for 2 weeks in a 36" sleeper is tought too (I know, I've been doing it for a year now) but it's not bad. If you work like I do, the only time in the sleeper is using it for that SLEEPING. i have no TV and no fridge/microwave as I drive, sleep, drive then go home. If you are going to be OTr for some time, then a 63" pete or 72" KW would be fine, and a 86" is great but HEAVY!!!!

As far as gearing, I'd go for 3.55's that way you can do heavy work and OTR and still manage well on your MPG and not be running the engine on HIGH rpm's.

Being where you are, have you looked into running containers by chance? I know a few guys who run out of Nashville and Atlanta and go home everyday and they live in Birmingham. Just a thought.

Maniac · #12 01-21-2011, 10:22 PM

Call 4 state trucks they stretched a buddy of mines KW (just like yours) and it was around 6 grand, they used a take off 60" sleeper from another KW and painted it to match, you can't tell it was a day cab.

4 State Trucks- Home of the Chrome Shop Mafia Big Rig Accessories, Bumpers, Exhaust, Seats, Fenders, LED Lights and Stainless Tool Boxes for your Semi Truck

tracer · #13 01-21-2011, 11:33 PM

Anyone knows if it's possible to stretch a stepdeck trailer? I'd like to add 5 more feet at the lower deck, and I know they'd need to move the axles in the process - from the current 61" spread to 121".

Maniac · #14 01-21-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Anyone knows if it's possible to stretch a stepdeck trailer? I'd like to add 5 more feet at the lower deck, and I know they'd need to move the axles in the process - from the current 61" spread to 121".

It can be stretched, but it has to be added to the rear and then the axles moved back, you CANNOT stretch a flat in the middle safely.

Resale value to a stretched flat would be nonexistent, no one will want it.

Better off trading

tracer · #15 01-22-2011, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maniac

Resale value to a stretched flat would be nonexistent, no one will want it.

Why do you think noone wil want it?

Luzon · #16 01-22-2011, 10:16 AM

You must have some reason for wanting to go OTR after working local but my first thought is why not lease on with a local fuel company. No stretching or anything needed for that. Hazmat and tanker endorcements are easy to get (assuming a clean background for the hazmat). Maybe check around for some local freight jobs? Just a thought as I said.

Maniac · #17 01-22-2011, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracer

Why do you think noone wil want it?

Because a lot of buyers would rather buy a 53 than buy a "patchwork" stretch, not that longer trailers are that hard to come by,now is it?

I'm originally a certified welder, I have all welding certs except underwater, I would have no problem doing the stretch,or living with it, not all buyers/truckers would agree with me.

Just a bad decision in my opinion, much like some of the others you've made lately

freebrd · #18 01-22-2011, 12:29 PM

You dont speak your mind do you maniac! Lol! It was good for a smile this morning.

Maniac · #19 01-22-2011, 12:31 PM

Call em like I see em......

Red Clay Rambler · #20 01-22-2011, 12:40 PM

Papa Rick,

There is a large shop in the Atlanta area called Forest Park Tractor Trailer Service. They are acquaintances of mine and have done truck paint/body work for me in the past. They do frame stretching, mount the sleeper, paint, etc. They have a website and also a page on Facebook I believe. You could call or email them with your idea, send them photos of your truck. They have always been open to discuss whatever I wanted to do, even unusual jobs. The owner's wife was a co-worker of mine in the past, very nice folks. That would be close enough to you to "drop by" and check on progress, etc. 404-361-8785 website-http://www.fptts.com/index.html

Look around on their website, you will see what I mean about the various types of work they do.