After struggling to figure out what I needed to do with my car, I could tell that there were some things that needed to be fixed as soon as possible. For starters, the car just wasn't running well, and I was really frustrated about what it meant for my family. I began working with a mechanic to sort things out, and within hours we had a better idea of what the problem was. We began using a little bit of money each time we got paid to manage the car, and within months, we had a better car that we knew would start when we turned the key. Read more about cars on this blog.
When you're dealing with a limited budget, buying a used semi is often the best move you can make. You can save substantially if you get a truck that has already seen some use. That being said, even used semis can cost a rather eye-watering amount, and you have to make some fairly unpleasant decisions when deciding what you can get and which of your preferred features has to go. Finding the most versatile truck that you can keep for a while instead of trading in or selling because you've found you need different features is your best option.
What Changes Will You Make to Your Schedule in the Next Year?
It's natural to base your list of features you need on how you're driving now. For example, if you're driving short-haul routes in a limited area, a day cab that has no sleeper compartment sounds fine. It's smaller and lighter, and it's easier to maneuver (or relatively easier; you're still in a semi). But if you're not sure you'll still be doing short hauls indefinitely, or if you are already thinking of being a long-haul driver in the next couple of years, getting that sleeper cab now may be better. It will cost more than a day cab for comparable models, but it saves you the trouble of shopping for another truck if you do change your driving assignments.
If you think you've got a good chance of making long-haul trips and are looking at sleeper cabs, you may want to look for cabs that are nearly empty, especially if you buy an older truck. For older trucks, you're likely going to have to replace everything anyway—the mattress, any electronics, and so on. For newer trucks, you could have to make more upgrades by the time you start using the sleeper portion of the cab. There's no sense in getting a used sleeper that's fully kitted out if in two years you'll have to upgrade power, for example.
How Much Power Does the Cab Have for Personal Use?
And that's another issue to look at: power for personal use. While appliances themselves are using less power, people are using more appliances, many of which have initial draws of electricity that are higher than the usual in-use wattage. In other words, an appliance may need 1 watt to run, but 10 watts for the initial startup. That initial burst lasts only a few seconds, but it can be enough to stress out an electrical system.
So, you need a cab that either has the power you think you'll need and then some—always add more to your estimates—or that you know needs a full overhaul, and you can install your preferred inverter. If you can't afford a used semi with an up-to-date power supply, look for a semi you can upgrade easily.
You're going to find a lot of variation when you start looking at used semitrucks for sale. Take your time and try to project forward so your truck is as cost-efficient as possible now.
Share28 June 2019
