708-467-7181     16425 Van Dam Rd., South Holland, IL 60473

 

  Buying a used Class 8 truck or other commercial rig is a smart way for owner-operators to save a lot of money in the early days of their business. While newer models are great for mileage and compliance, they often carry the unfortunate downside of a six-figure price tag. Your truck is the most important investment you'll make in your business, so it's wise to talk to us with key considerations in mind. We advise to call our main office and our experts will be able to help you.

Some things to consider why looking for the used semi truck:

Transmission

Most operators learned to drive on a truck with a manual transmission. A manual transmission is more convenient for the driver, but there are automatic transmission semi trucks available. If you're in the small category of people who have learned on an automatic, you will want to stick with that kind of transmission.

If you opt for a manual transmission, there are more variables to consider. Find out how many speeds the transmission offers. The higher the speed, the more versatility you'll have when driving. If you're new to driving a semi truck, you may not want to choose a higher number of gears. The options afforded by the higher speed count is nice, but it can be difficult to operate if you're not used to a lower-speed transmission already. Also, unless you're hauling very heavy loads through the mountains, you probably won't need the higher speeds.

 

We got buyers for our used semi trucks from all over USA. Truckers that drive in Colorado might experience a difference when come to their truck safety rules.
The views in the Rocky Mountains can be breathtaking, but the conditions can be downright frightening during winter months.

That’s why the state of Colorado is bolstering its winter driving restrictions along the mountain stretch of Interstate 70 to create safer roadways for all travelers.

The law will be in full force for nine months starting September 1st, and affects both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive passenger vehicles. Previously the law was in effect only before and during actual winter weather.

Each September-May, these vehicles face a new requirement of having specialized winter tires or carrying traction devices while traveling along I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison. The law, also known as House Bill 1207, increases the minimum tread depth for tires on all vehicles from an eighth of an inch to three-sixteenths of an inch.

Drivers of vehicles without four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive can comply with the traction law by either having snow tires (with or without studs) or by using all-season tires with a mud/snow designation. Experts say the all-season tires are less effective on ice and slush. Owners of two-wheel-drive vehicles with standard tires can carry chains  when winter weather strikes.

 

Flooring
Flooring in the trailer is another important consideration. Aluminum flooring tends to result in a trailer that’s lighter, but wood flooring lets you secure loads to the planks and eventually replace the boards when they become worn. Aluminum flooring is also adequate for hauling sand, soft dirt, and gravel, but concrete blocks and debris will require steel flooring, which can increase the cost and weight of the trailer considerably.
Reefer Unit
If you’re looking for a used reefer trailer, pay particular attention to the age of the refrigeration components. Typically, sellers will be able to tell you the number of hours the refrigeration unit has been active. An average trailer of this type can rack up between 1,200 and 1,500 hours per year.