Originally Posted by RickG

Like I said , you are putting nothing aside for truck replacement . You put on over 60,000 miles in less than 5 months . !50 ,000 miles a year and you'll wear a truck out in a couple of years and have no money to replace it .

Originally Posted by GAmes

What?? You must be thinking of the Duramax. You ain't one of those troll fellers I've heard about are you? I've almost hit the half million mile mark on mine. I'm not afraid to take it anywhere, in any kind of weather. Because of my upgrades I expect the engine to start crapping out at about 750k. The rest of the truck is sound and replacing a part every now and then is way cheaper than buying a new truck. But for what it's worth, I have banked enough to buy a used 05 for cash and have also bought my wife a new Caddy (cash), so it can be done. Too bad you have such a negative attitude.

Originally Posted by RickG

I'm talking about your truck . Already has over 475,000 on it so it will be worn out if run steady for a couple of years . You didn't buy that Cadillac with money from RV hauling . Too bad people listen to BS'ers like you and get victimized by RV transport companies . Someone that was really hauling would have 475,000 on their truck in 3 years not 10 years like your 97 does . You're just one of those paid tourists I hear about that enable transport companies to get away with paying their cheap rates .

Originally Posted by GAmes

The low mileage is becauseI've been doing it for 3 1/2 years, not 10. 355,00 miles still makes me a part timer compared to some drivers though. I know it won't last forever, and an 05 or 06 will be it's replacement. Remember that post about no mortgage and no kids at home? I have other bills so the Caddy was totally transport money. Also, not much touristing to do when you drive basically the same freeways over and over. You are the perfect example of why it isn't for everyone, but don't bash me, I enjoy the job.

Originally Posted by badme

But you did say that you took off to japan to see the grand kids. So can we assume that you are getting some type of pension? This would make life much easier than having to haul for all of your income.

Originally Posted by diesel_deuce

Hi folks...I own a small moving company , and needed a break. It's physically very hard. So, I looked for another way to use my truck. After several months of research, I outfitted my truck to minimize expenses with the hope of hauling RVs. According to my reading, if you are not a cost-control expert you will not make it in this biz. I accounted for fuel, backhauls, deadhead miles, food, etcetera, and the numbers weren't encouraging. Since beginning pay (I leased with Horizon) is $1.04-$1.15 per mile, I did the following, hoping my large capital outlays would pay off over the miles.

-removed back seats, folded down rear platform and ordered a custom made 100% latex foam (the good stuff) mattress made for it. $500. Got a really good sleeping bag from Cabela's, $100, rated for -15 below. Basically I turned the back into a sleeper even though it's not DOT legal, it works very well and I'll log off duty not sleeper berth, or log trucker lounge, ect..yes, it's legal to sleep in a trucker lounge. Eeew. I also insulated the back of the cab where the seats were with custom foam and carpet, $50.

-removed center console and installed low amperage fridge/freezer, $600. I made a platform of plywood covered with automotive carpet and bolted it to the console mounts, then mounted everything to that to avoid drilling in my truck.

- deep cycle battery system to power freezer, computer, etc: $650. Inludes 2000 watt inverter and charging controller.

- B&W turnover ball 5th wheel and gooseneck combo hitch, $1300 including install. (ow)

- Bully dog chip, $450, increases MPG from 18 to 26 unloaded and from 10 to 17 loaded. YEAH! Save on fuel.

Basically I will buy groceries at Wal-mart or somwhere and put them in the fridge, and sleep in the truck. No eating out or motels. I'll use my Flying J card to buy fuel (flying J is usually cheapest) and get free showers for buying fuel.

-Do my oil changes myself, using Royal Purple synthetic, every 7k miles.

So, these are the cost control measures I've got in place. Can anyone suggest any other things I should do to ensure success? There are people doing this and making it, even though there seems to be so many who fail and then grump about it. Has anyone had any success? If so, please offer advice!!

Originally Posted by masterphreak

This is something I have been thinking about doing. It would be nice to get away from the desk for awhile and see some of the country. I'd have to drive at least 1500-2000 miles a week to make it. I think I could be ready by summer time to get started. I love reading threads like this, alway nice to get tips and advice from those who have been there and done it.