Owner Operators: Spec the Truck You Need

A very important step for the new owner operator or any owner operator, is getting the right truck for the job, whether you're buying your first rig or your 10th!
It's vital to spec out the truck that will do the job. Dave offers some tips and advice for getting the truck that you need and want, when ordering a new truck.
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[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

I never realized how bad ass your truck actually is

[@XGiveMeLibertyX]

Lime green is exactly the color I would want if I decided to buy my own truck, but your comment really made me think ;) LOL!

[@svresilience7658]

Thank you for taking your time to to educate new drivers. Your guidance are highly appreciated

[@chuckcollier8305]

screw the new trucks. KW W900L/PETE 379 1999 and older CAT POWER

[@TheBeardedGorilla89]

actually 2007 or older. just before the damn worthless EGRs go put on trucks, just to the single turbo conversion on the Cats and all good to go. but yeah stick with W900s and 379s with the good old Kitty Cat

[@69virgin1966]

Great video Dave. Very good information on buying your own truck. I have to say though this was the longest video I've seen on your channel. So far. Thanks for sharing

[@protonhead1]

Very wise words and good advice. The seat is sometimes overlooked,But it is of great importance for your body and circulatory health.

[@oddball76Gaming]

You truckers have a lot to think about and learn when you buy your own truck. It's very scary as if you mess it up your in a mess.

[@tbdieseltrucking]

@PeterbiltSteve Steve Carbone...Rush Tulsa

[@danielneuenschwander7381]

Your videos are always informative. I have thought about buying a truck after about a year of driving, but trying to spec a pre-owned truck can be tough. Your breakdown of what to look for and for what you really need bottom line, was truly appreciated. Keep up the great videos & work. All the best.

[@vaman5274]

Thanks for shearing your thoughts.

[@CourtneyEdmonds]

Fantastic advice. I'm speccing a truck for my coal hauling operation . It's for our best driver, so we want to make him happy and let him be involved in the spec process without it costing more than reasonable. Cheers!

[@SmartTrucking]

Excellent idea! Dave

[@organbuilder272]

That is a lot of very interesting advice and wisdom. You have made some telling points in your dissertation. Experience is the best teacher.

[@weathforjr]

Really like the channel when it's technical and tactical. Not so much when it's moral and high handed. Good video. Thank you.

[@barrylaite8821]

Awesome info Dave. Thanks and safe travels. 👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir! Drive safe. Dave

[@frankirwin1445]

All good points to consider from a experienced Driver. Good Job Driver.

[@EddiTaru]

Very very good tips. Agree with you 100%

[@georgeof78]

When I spec a truck the first spec is a flat top Peterbilt then go from there. Got to look classy while you work. I started out with a used short hood Pete that is almost baseline. No Unibilt cab and sleeper, and low horsepower. Pretty much no bells and whistles. But came into this industry on a chance and am doing really good for myself. Got lots of benefits great paycheck and putting money back towards a better truck in the future. The experience has definitely taught me what I want spec'd for my next truck. A few more ponies, a few more extra gears and some comfortable seats with air ride cab and sleeper.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sounds good to me. I think for all the money you spend and all the time you spend in it, you should like what you drive. Makes the work more enjoyable. Dave

[@aaron___6014]

Very nice to see a respectful thread of comments. thanks everyone

[@jjscustomfabrications8234]

Good advice Dave. Good videos. All of them. If I can add to that regarding sales: there are two types of salesmen. A) the type that sells. B) the type that helps you buy. Find one that helps you buy.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good advice! Dave

[@DM-tf6mk]

Always love the videos. Great information..

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@israelsanchez5731]

I don't drive anymore, however I still enjoy watching your videos, very interesting . Keep up the great job.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Israel, appreciate it!

[@joselcabrerajrjc2483]

Thank you for this informative video

[@jeffreysmith7591]

Thanks..means allot.

[@TimKennedy1]

I like the new content coming out. The shot was a bit out of the frame today. looking forward to see what's coming next.

[@sstevocamaro]

Dave’s the man!

[@connorsmith713]

Peterbilt has a pretty good certified pre owned program to get a good, safe, used truck from a peterbilt dealership for a fraction of the price.

[@jsj297]

That's what I'm talking aboot!

[@peterkantor2561]

I picked up my brand new truck 2017 . january . Cost $169000. I put down $30000. I just payed off 2 weeks ago . Only way you can do that if you work for your self.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good job Peter! Dave

[@sisutrucks]

my combination truck weigh 23.000 as tractor and 30.000 when changes to dump truck. thats not bad for a 6x4 euro volvo with hub reduction drives. used several years to think how i wanted that truck. even made up a different design to how the feets for the body builds attach for better looks. its soon three years and only have 50.000 miles on it, but i haul a lot of tons over the year :) id you want to buy a truck you really need to know what you want, and remember you go to work to make money. not to look cool ;)

[@fab8672]

Great advise from a reputable man .

[@DirtyDeerock]

As alway Dave, great advice. I'm about to leave for my 6th season in NWT, I'm training a few new hires for their first season. Could you do a video for new drivers and what they should do too prepare for winter as far as gear and driver comforts? I've come to notice that every winter I come across dozens of drivers who leave home without the appropriate gear and even without proper preparations for their truck. Always good to get tips from a seasoned pro. Thanks Dave

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for writing in! I will do a video on prepping for winter driving! Good idea. Thanks and drive safe. Dave

[@Graveltrucking]

Who would want to become a O/O this day in age lol, If I was to buy a truck it would be train spec'ed even thou you may never pull a 63,500 gross its always an option. The only ditch sniffer truck I would buy is a T800 may be a 4900SB. Two of my truck driver friends spec Petes just like yours they pull tandem and triaxle vans and flats.

[@tbdieseltrucking]

Northeast heavy haul...389..550ISX (2050 torque),20918B, 3.73, 13.2/46 axles with 77" suspension insert, 260 wb, 58 flattop, 10 3/4 rails, FW35 fifth wheel, 24.5 tall, 150/110 (split)tank, Platinum interior..spent the time, and custom ordered this one. Spot on with the seat Dave...using Sears Atlas 80 in this one. O/O hauling end dump (104,000)five axle, and flatbed..spread axle. Thanks for a great video.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! That's a hell of a truck you've got there! Nice job. Dave

[@tbdieseltrucking]

10-4...Thank you!!

[@kennethstensrud214]

Good channel Thank's.....

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@joshreed7908]

id like to know why large company owns freightliner Cascadias? the company my father owns (reed trucking Milton,de) we have all international prostars that's also cause we pick our drivers carefully lol

[@FutureTruckerDennis]

May I suggest a video on used trucks vs new emissions trucks vs new glider kits. What is your take on the profitability of each option vs the resale value of each? I think this would make a great video and its certainly something I would like to hear your opinion on. Safe travels driver!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Good video topic, I'll see what I can come up with. Dave

[@richardshort4587]

Dennis Knop: Glider Kits are illegal in Canada unless you are putting in a fully emissions engine no Cummins N14 for example. If the cab of the truck is a 2016 let's say then the truck has to be specked out as a 2016. Canada sucks in lots of ways compared to the states. As always we are the second cousin.

[@Zeviander]

Um, I am pretty sure they are perfectly legal. My company not only runs them (in US and Canada), but is in the process of building a brand new one. 389 Glider with a CAT under the hood. Could you list the law or regulation stating that they are illegal? They are certainly illegal in California if they have a pre-emission motor, but I've only heard rumours of lawmakers wanting to make them illegal.

[@rockheadrocks]

Not true. Importing US gliders to Canada is not permitted. Whether or not building a glider with a pre emissions engine is legal varies from province to province.

[@6nzpurrs]

I smoke in a 1990 379 3406b cat nice choice I think

[@vicmed6088]

thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.what kind of info do you know for us California trucks with dpf filters.are they gonna be trashed by 2020?

[@SmartTrucking]

I haven't heard one way or the other. Certainly there's a large group in favour of trashing it. Someone told me Europe got rid of them but I'm not sure that's true. Dave

[@abrahamisaiah3]

hello sir great videos I really enjoy them!!I just have a quick question im specking trucks out and I came across a 2013 Peterbilt conventional 326 with a 15 litter cummins would that be a good choice to purchase?? I don't trust sales men and would like to get your professional opinion from trucker to trucker! if you don't mind

[@waynesworld2086]

My opinion dave an 80thousand gross/45thousand payload give or take I been around 125gal tanks,13spd tranny,500hp+ with 336gears tall rubber or 323 low pro & driver inside options I add myself lol now comp ride no but 280in wheelbase comfy for me

[@StefanBacon]

When my contract is done at Roehl I'm going to specify auction yard rusty blue on a 1996 Fuso FE517 tipper to celebrate.

[@Zmbiekiller-gn3sc]

one guy asked can a day cab be modified with a sleeper,don't do it a day cab will beat you to death they are made for local not comfort I drove one I quit it they arnt good for long haul

[@AJDeere]

I like dark green hows that?

[@theonetheonly5785]

Spec for fuel economy get a 350 cummins

[@Mike-ei9ip]

Does full-service lease or purchase make more sense today?

[@rogervoss4877]

If you want your dream truck, have the dream job lined up to match. Otherwise your choices should consider ones better matched to the real work. Watch out for 'gotchas' you may not even think of - particularly in used trucks. My first truck was set up for double drop, step deck, flatbed, in that order - high 5th wheel could NOT pull the average van trailer. Just a couple inches can make a BIG difference! (not the versatility mentioned here)

[@williamspence1294]

Making the wise decision will save a mountain of trouble later on

[@hrkharry]

Hi Dave, first of all I like your videos very informative lots to learn from your experience. I am from Alberta hauling fuel tanker. I am specing my first truck for 63500kg. I am going for Kenworth. Any suggestions for W900orT800. Thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

I think you'd find that the T800 will be easier to scale and get a little better fuel mileage. Kenworth rates the T8 as their most reliable truck. Dave

[@hrkharry]

Smart-Trucking.com Yeah that is absolutely true , but the thing is with all specs W900 is 5K expensive than T800s. That is the reason I am considering W900. Thanks for reminding me about tare weight, I will compare both weights.

[@martygt3357]

what rear gear do you have? I know that you are partial to an 18 speed. what is your MPG for highway with 40k load?

[@wanderingfido]

So. Would a general purpose be a slope-nose Pete 475hp DD 3.55 DGR 24.5" drives and steers? I need to try this out in ATS.

[@suspenceee]

Greetings from my current 30 minute break in Ohio! You mention the reputation of salesmen. I am native to Kansas City, Missouri which I thought was very ironic that you mention one man in particular. His name is Clint Moore? Is that correct?

[@SmartTrucking]

I'd have to watch that video to be sure that I'd mentioned him, but I do know who Clint Moore is. Has a good reputation in our industry for speccing trucks. Dave

[@haad4731]

I do not recommend to any owner operator to take your truck for any service to a dealer. Instead take it one of the local shops close to your house. I live in Texas and I take my truck to my local shop owned by Spanish. They charge way lower. I’ve never charged per hour labor. Always flat rate.

[@paulnewstead2780]

as an owner operator what is your biggest concern with the industry now. would be interested in seeing your answer via a vlogs. thanks.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good question, I guess I'd have to say the rates. Dave

[@charlesdyer2376]

That PETE would look a lot better with a loaded trailer behind it goin down the pike.

[@SmartTrucking]

I know you're right! Dave

[@LS98G]

I just wanted to ask if you have about 4 years driving local tanker trucks, and you wanted to become an owner operator driving dry van, over the road cross country with no experience out side the state. Also, you switching to a different Hauling job.

[@SmartTrucking]

If you have tanker experience of any sort you'll have no trouble switching to whatever you want.I think you'll like the long haul work. Dave

[@donholmesly8630]

At 60 years old new driver should I by new or old truck

[@samo8204]

I hope you'll answer these questions (IF you can) I'm going to be purchasing a 2019 389 in January. On a 280" wheelbase with the 78" standup double bunk where should I expect that to fall on the scale? I'm shooting for 20K EVEN (Or less) WITH a Tri-pac installed. Also, in your opinion, is 280" too long?

[@SmartTrucking]

Nice ride! I expect you'll weigh right around where you're shooting for depending on the engine and driveline you choose. I really like the 280 wheelbase, that's what mine is. Not so long that it's a problem in tight spots and it's easy to get weight up on the steers without loosing swing-dip clearance. Dave

[@samo8204]

Smart-Trucking.com Thank you Dave.

[@EvilStepTwin]

Does anyone remember the term "Glide Kit" Do they offer consumers choice anymore?

[@SmartTrucking]

Gliders are still very popular. If I were buying a new truck that's what I would do. Dave

[@bradcarroll3719]

But if you get twice the horsepower you can go twice as fast, and haul twice the loads. Right? I actually had an idiot dirt bike salesman who truly believed a 250 was twice as fast as the 125, and the 500 was twice as fast as the 250. lol Needless to say I made sure I had someone else finish the sale, because I didnt want him getting any commission I was paying. If you are that ignorant, you cant learn the job quick enough. You are in the wrong field. Thank you for your videos Dave.

[@mahera7375]

you right man .. looking to buy Volo 670 tractor from dealer but actually still not sure about the Specifications for the right one I'm gonna pull reefer or dry van 40000 lb or less fund tractor Volo 670 D13 2014 hp425 engine size 12.8L cc ratio 2.47 axel 6.4 mileage 455 I think the tires size 22 ishif gear please can you tell me your advice about this one ? appreciate

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, you're asking the wrong guy, I know squat about Volvos. Sorry. Dave

[@rogervoss4877]

40k or less load is specialty hauling, even when pulling a Reefer shippers want more capacity.

[@joshsuperduty1270]

Hey Dave are the Bulldogs good as new ? How are Macks ?

[@SmartTrucking]

You know, I never hear anything about Macks anymore. I think they still do alot of dump truck and construction work. I never see them on the interstates any more though. Dave

[@joshsuperduty1270]

Dave would you buy Mack trucks

[@kikomore1444]

Waooo!!! That much for a USED truck...thats crazy

[@Shredder656]

What truck should I get for hauling flatbed operations ?

[@SmartTrucking]

That's a huge question, but I would find a good KW or Pete dealer near you and go see them. I like the long hoods with paccar or detroit power.

[@jamessalazar8755]

08 pete 389 ,550 cat with 355 rears nice paint and redone sleeper picking it wednesday for 40,000 what do you think.thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

I think you did real well and that you have excellent taste in trucks! Dave

[@fredg8199]

With so little information on what you are pulling we can not know. But I love Cat, always have. So fast forward to today, how did you make out?

[@kalvinlabuik3366]

Yeah super 40 rears with 3:77 or 3:73 ratio a 13spd is good enough I pulled lost of loads with just a 13spd idealy 18spd is nice range for in field work and super b's

[@Dodge0359A]

On the subject of speccing a truck out, please cover the pros/cons of having additional axles (i.e. a lift/drop axle) on a truck? What's different about having extra axles when it comes to scaling out the truck?

[@SmartTrucking]

Adding another axle, especially a lift axle is a real deal these days. Various parts of the country have different regulations on them.They also add considerable weight to the truck to the point that in some states they do you no good for extra payload. Check the various states you'll be operating in to see if the extra axle or axles will help you or hurt you. Dave

[@Dodge0359A]

Smart-Trucking.com Thank you for your time & info!

[@leonardburns1780]

good job done thanx ehhh

[@richardshort4587]

No one seems willing to offer advice though on used truck mileage as to what is acceptable or what to stay clear of. So many Pete's and Kens with mileage close to or over 1 million miles the others between 500K to 700K more advice please. Also which is better, 13, 18 speed or auto 😖 ugh hate that last word.

[@SmartTrucking]

Couldn't pick a magic number for mileage if I had to. I've only ever bought two used trucks in my time and I only bought them because I personally knew the owners and how those trucks had been cared for. Otherwise I don't recommend buying used. In my eyes both 13 and 18 speeds are equally good and I don't like automatics. Dave

[@donholmesly8630]

Whatcha you all the time

[@roncreach753]

You speak of tires. So what would be a good tire wheel spec. Can you do a video on that? Maybe include the difference between 38k vs 40k pound axles

[@poseidon5003]

Low horsepower, high torque, 12 or 13 speed, 3.08 axle ratio.

[@jasonlisonbee]

Can a day cab be modified to be a comfortable sleeper?

[@SmartTrucking]

You bet. Find the bunk you want,stretch the frame if you need to,mount the bunk after cutting a hole in the back of the cab. Kits are available to trim around the hole and seal the space in between. Dave

[@jasonlisonbee]

Not what I had in mind, but probably more realistic. I was thinking of just using the space already there. Reasoning is to make it as comfortable as possible while keeping the turning radius as small and the overall truck as light as possible. Thanks.

[@jasonlisonbee]

I've seen a photo of a day cab with what looks like storage or a sleeper atop the roof. The text described it as a sleeper. Other than legal restrictions (of which I'm not aware), all I need is the ability to comfortably lay down and keep cool or warm, depending on climate.

[@UnionPacificFan]

I totally disagree with the idea that you should spec the ENTIRE truck for resale. Its your truck, make it yours. If you want a kitchy cool color like lime green or a red orange or yellow with blue flames, so be it. If a prespective buyer doesn't like it to hell with him. Tell him to move on. You have to put the hours in the saddle and if you want to stare at your long, orange hood all day then you should have an orange truck.

[@madbear3512]

Wouldn't a huge truck be use for anything. 80 tons or much much less. And wouldn't a classic truck say 84 and down. Of course it deaznt have heating ac but you can put it in there. Plus it has huge resale value.

[@donholmesly8630]

Am 60 years old wanting to get in to trucking at my age yes or no. Retire ring from a grate 32 year job have about 50.000 to invest for truck want a Pet or Ken to drive what you tho it’s on this

[@AlanAlan-pb9vl]

Learn first at some one's else expense. So drive others. Learn from your mistakes. Learn online mechanics etc. Go to trade shows ( online now during covid). Learn about after market equip. You could make your underspeced engine by making it hybred. Sell your truck to the used market. Which is a farm/ gravel so is that Alisin torwue convertor truck really too much. Real sale is huge for that type of truck. Hint after market determines what the mfg eventually puts out initially as special spec options. 1 403 830 4124 we now build customized equip. X farmer x trucker with yes x wife too. Call us ( wife is now Philipino "a") we both do digitial online global marketing. Yes u too can do this in y "down time, y reset. Start p/t so u have something later. 2nd income etc retirement . What's y plan B?

[@luissalazar2021]

Good job, but please give me numbers

[@dennismckown8810]

yuck internationals, well to each his own

[@pitpao]

I just want a truck that will take me as far away from trump as possible... I guess I need an amphibious truck.

[@SmartTrucking]

I always wanted to try road trains in Australia. Give it some thought. Dave

[@pitpao]

Australia is an amazingly gorgeous and unique place. We did 10,000kms there in a car. But they drive on the other side of the road. People cautioned me to ride as a passenger when I got back for awhile. They were right. I turned into the wrong lane twice before my brain reset itself. (in a car.) If you haven't been to Australia, go. The highways are very well built, the scenery is unique and constantly changing. But go the speed limit! No joke 60 means 60, not 70 like it does here in Canada. You're allowed 3kms over the speed limit and there is photo radar everywhere. and 3 strikes you're out. The benefit is that you have enough time to talk to someone and learn their life story as you pass them.

[@BigRandyR]

v a Just remember to take all the other snowflakes with you when you go..

[@pitpao]

Why exactly did you write this?

[@BigRandyR]

v a Pretty self explanatory