Profile For Sid

Nice independent truck stops are great even for cagers! I've been to a few good rest areas as well with either great scenery or just some interesting local history.

I'm debating buying this Peterbilt which is titled in Texas and the owner's job moved to Canada so, he was in the process of getting it registered there when COVID derailed things. The truck in Canada right now and passed Canada's commercial inspection but, was is NOT registered there. The Texas title is still in force. He has maintained it at Peterbilt dealerships so, verification of mechanical condition should be pretty easy and it is reported that everything is 'current' and in good condition.

As a motorhome, am I apt to run into issues with needing to run scales even though it is non-commercial? What other gotcha's should I be aware of. As a teenager, I ran my father's Semi with a Timpte Supergrain Wagon during wheat harvest so, I'm not a total novice, but that was ~30 years ago with farm tags and a "kid" at the wheel. Looking back on things, I seriously question my father having me drive an overloaded (~98K lbs) truck to town. When he wanted me to drive to Port near Tulsa, I balked thinking it was a bad idea for my drive ~300 miles round trip and in heavy city traffic.

I'm assuming something the tires is more of an age-out issue than normal wear and tear since there isn't much weight on them. Oil changes are likely a huge expense relative to my tractors. It is on airbags, so I'm assuming the ride will be reasonable but, I don't know about not using it at all with heavy loads to 'activate' everything that needs to function without constant maintenance.

The engine is turned up to a pretty high spec. Running light, I'm unsure what this means in terms of fuel use and whether turning down the fuel on the motor to something more reasonable IMHO like ~350hp would make any difference. It has a 10-speed automatic transmission so, other than bragging rights, it is unclear why anyone would want that much hp on a 'motorhome'.

The picture isn't loading but, it looks like a standard white Peterbilt semi with the tall sleeper with the window in it, with a single aluminum fender over both rear duals. I don't see any trailer connection so, I would likely add a ramp system for a small car or SUV.

TIA, Sid

p.s. My other option is the more standard Pickup with a travel trailer. The initial purchase price for the trailer is actually more than the truck but, the truck needs insurance and isn't as nice a 'living space'. However, it is unique and if I get one of those "rolling mansion" trailers when I fully retire, this truck would outperform even a Ford F-450 or Dodge Ram 5500. The trade-off is that it will be cumbersome in most tourist areas and not much fun in urban traffic (worse than a pickup with a reasonable travel trailer).

Ashley, whether you think things are your fault or not, whether 'we' are being fair or not, your past and the records associated with it are what they are.

I would be fearful of seeing you in the lane next to me in a small 4-door sedan based on what you have posted. I can't imagine seeing you in an 80,000# truck doing a speed governed ~60MPH. Fair or not, your record is what it is.

Now, what employer is going to risk an expensive truck and potential lawsuits for you to pursue a career that takes you away from a good stable 'desk job'? A good paying 'boring' desk job would be something many of us would appreciate after being away from friends and family for major chunks of our and their lives.

I wish you the best in getting your life on a better path but, seriously question whether a career in the cab of a truck is a step in the right direction.

Thanks Old School! I read on or two of those yesterday but, rereading them was certainly helpful after reading these posts.

With the elogs, no cheating without consequences. Got it!

Comments regarding attitude at shippers really strikes home. In other jobs, it was obvious the people who where a "pain the #$#" or just plain unpleasant to be around always had a difficult time versus the pleasant people who just did their job smiling along the way, reaping the rewards whether it was going to lunch on time or getting a 'coffee' break others missed.

You do have better 'sight lines' out in the open for 'situational awareness'. You can't avoid what you can't see.

I'm glad to see your success story. A lot of times, posts like yours never get any follow up so we never know what happened, good or bad.

After all your service, I'm glad to see things are headed in the right direction for you.

If the parking area is that open, sure. Otherwise, no.

I'm not really understanding what you mean by "on duty hour limits".

But I will say with elogs there is NO cheating.

My father drove from California to Oklahoma City non-stop several times and then waited for his log books to catch up.

I'm thinking about being out of legal hours of 'drive time' and being an hour away. Do I take a mandatory rest period and miss a drop and then start over the next day with a 1 hour drive and unload or, chance it and unload late in the day, rest overnight and move on to my next pick up point.

I'd be concerned about crime first and secondly about being confronted about messing with a trailer, possibly criminal activity, etc.

Is it really too much effort to walk to the end of the row where you have good visibility and the chance to be seen by everyone else?

The ones I used in the past that were sewed on didn't shift on me.

Driving gloves work pretty well too!