A big part of the battle
You know in being a new owner OP; I am comming to the conclusion that a big part of my success will be on who I choose to repair my work truck.I started with Detroit and Freightliner (I fiqured to go to the engine builder and truck maker). However after being $400 lighter, I am disapointed with their performance and think I am better to find a small mom n pop operation close to hime.
Well I had freightliner look for an air leak out on the road, n after $200 they couldnt find one and asked do I want to spend more trying to find it....an obvious he11 no! Out 200 for nothing. I went to Detroit for a Dyno and check for a water leak, they said the leak was at the elbow arm n they wouldnt touch it cuz it was a freightliner issue.....out $200 again, but at least I had a dyno report. Lot of $ tho for Info. I cant help but think I am way better off with a smaller operation who I can get more accountabilty out of and been combing my area for references to a good independant diesel shop in my area and have two to check out today. |
Or better yet, do what I do, and do ALL of the work yourself.
I've been to several dozen repair shops, and every single one has screwed up somewhere where I wouldn't have. You save money, and your truck is more reliable. |
ok, well how about this. I'm not a mechanic. I don't know much about how to fix cars, and even less with trucks. Help us out. I know it would be better if we were able to fix our own issues, but a lot of new trucks involve factory components and computers that I and probably many drivers don't have. Where are we supposed to learn all this?
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Or, you can just make sure you charge a rate that's high enough that you can afford to get your truck repaired where ever you like.
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One good thing tho, I am kinda happy with these Menendez Bros repair so far, they didnt find the water leak i have somewhere, but they only charged me $30..n they did tighten some hoses the said. A big difference from Freightliner that charged me $200 n said they couldnt find it. (Geesh I think they try to run your bill up!) Hmmm 30 or 200......which am I happier with? Like I saaid I just want what I pay for that seems a fair price for results. What bothers me about semis thee seems so little control over quality of repair people. When I worked in automotive repair it seemed like there was everyone n their brother willing to help a distruat auto owner....no recourse tho for semi-drivers |
I think the hardest thing is that even if you are a car mechanic, big trucks take big tools. I have a complete set of everything in my garage,...from hand tools to a TIG welder, but when I got my truck I had to go out and get a new air compressor (175 psi) and a whole host of new impact tools.
Now That I have done that I can tackle about anything that is not computer related. I know that these tools do little on the road, but at least when I'm home I can fix what I can. A few months ago I saw a computer diagnostic program and plug in for a laptop that operates a DD 60. I am going to keep an eye out for that again, that way I can just plug it in and figure out what The computer problems are. It never ends, but the challenge is fun!! |
Re: A big part of the battle
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We use an old guy that got laid off from another shop. He does all the work that doesn't require a heavy equipment mechanic. And there's alot of that. Ever go to the dealer at night to see who works those off shifts? Kids. Do you get a cheaper rate? No. |
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It can take a while to find a mechanic or shop that you like and can trust. Find other O/O's or small fleet owner's in your area and find out who they use. Also do not be afraid to seek out another truck manufacturer shop to do your work.
I have a friend who owned a Pete for years, but the Pete shop near his home was worthless and ended up taking it to the International dealer who ended up being cheaper and did good work. Just thought I would throw that in to illustrate the point. No matter where you go, the place is only as good as the people who work there. |
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Something goes wrong on your truck, say for example a brake pot. Go to the truck service center, and ask them how to change it. Ask lots of questions. |
Re: A big part of the battle
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Yep. They can milk you dry. Haul tankers with milk so you can save cash and pay with milk. :lol: |
Pepe, I had a trailer repaired by a mom and pop shop near Truck Town a year or so ago. I thought they were very fair, especially compared to any of the truck dealers in the area. I think they charge $50/hr. If I remember correctly, they do repair work on trucks and trailers.
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Not so easy when your on the road though and something breaks down. I had my alternator go in the middle of nowhere and it was $350 to replace. If I was at home I could have done it for $125 myself.
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There are some things which can be done with a few basic tools. A pair of pliers, screwdriver and adjustable wrench can take care of most minor problems. I keep a set of Craftsman tools with me. I have known of a couple of owners who kept a spare alternator with them. I usually keep extra belts and fuel filters. Most everything else can be purchased on the road. It is difficult to take everything with you.
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i keep a spare hose of every size & all spare belts too. plus carry 8 gal of water. & about 200 lbs of tools. when your home it is a good idea to go over your truck every week & look at everything & replace anything that looks like it may need it & put the old peice in side pocket for spare. i also carry old hoses & cut them to fit over existing hoses & air lines to keep them from rubbing a hole in them. g- man probably does this. or know's what i'm talking about. i recently had a alternator put on at a fly j in lowell in. cost me $350.00 could of done at home for lot less, but i was not at home, but i look at it this way.. if i was at home that means i'm not making any money. the fact that i was on way back from a load made $1000 going up & now headed back home with another $1000 reload.. hey it's the price i pay to make money & keep rolling. plus breakdowns dont happen often. or they shouldnt. if for axample you replace a 2ft air line from brake chamber... get about 3 ft extra with all the extra brass fittings. that way if you brake a line later you will have the hose & fittings to replace yourself. for that size anyway.
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Well??????????? What the heck is going on or are you so busy hauling stuff you can't get online?
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I do have a hose over my air line to prevent it from rubbing against the cat walk. I usually keep spare lights with me as well as electrical tape, fittings or connectors and duct tape. Unless it is something major, I can usually get myself going in a short time. I don't see the need to wait for 3 hours to replace a light which I can do my self in 10 minutes or less. Most truck stops and garages have minimum charges. I would say that most of our problems will be electrical on the road. Corrosion will take it's toll on the lights and wiring. I also keep a spare tire with me. It is much less expensive to have my own spare if I blow a tire than having to buy a tire on the road. If you keep up your maintenance, you will probably still have more problems with lights or wiring and tires than any other thing. When I pulled a car hauler, I ALWAYS kept spare fittings, hydraulic hoses and fluid with me to make repairs. I won't pay a garage to do something that I can do myself. Several years ago, I was in Tulsa. I broke a belt. At the time I didn't have a spare. The truck stop had the part but charged me about twice what I could have bought it for at a parts store. I put it on myself. That probably saved me at least $50.00 in labor costs and I was back on the road in about 20 minutes or so. I do as much as possible at home. I have a local place where I will have some things checked. It is best to find problems early to avoid breakdowns while on the road. You won't stop breakdowns completely, but can minimize them with proper maintenance. |
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