Is it time for a new truck?

[texasjohn]

I would go with the 1 ton....preserves your options for future jobs, and sounds like towing heavy loads is something you do now and will likely do in the future. If you go too light, it will preclude some jobs you might otherwise be able to tackle. And, to me, a dually is far better rear traction than a SRW.

 

[Rustyiron]

Your truck is 18 years old. Things break. I will go against the crowd and sayn keep and fix your truck, stay on top of maintanence and drive it. It's paid for, simple to work on, and cheap to work on. I would buy an older truck (diesel) and fix what was wrong and keep driving it. I want to be able to work on my own things and don't like all the computers and complexities of the newer vehicles. I will agree with what people have said about diesel not be what it used to be.

My tow rig is 20 years old I wouldn't want another truck

I'm with terry.
Another thing to think about with your business, is your equipment (truck) working for you, or are you working for your equipment? Get your old truck in good working order, you'll want to do that if you are going to sell it, then make up your mind. Chances are you might just re kindle the love with all the nagging bugs worked out. There's no guarantee that a new used or new new truck won't have these PITA troubles as well, they'll just come with a higher price tag. $30-40k buy's a lot of gas & repairs, and it sounds like you are not having any major component issues, just the little inexpensive items that are simply getting old.

 

[gilraine]

one other consideration is the k3500 is cheaper to keep running. there is nothing on that truck that can't be replaced with new for 3k dollars. new engine or transmission is about that.price out injectors or injector pumps on a newer diesel.

 

[doxford jim]

one other consideration is the k3500 is cheaper to keep running. there is nothing on that truck that can't be replaced with new for 3k dollars. new engine or transmission is about that.price out injectors or injector pumps on a newer diesel.

Not to mention all the other pollution stuff they have now added.

 

[cockeyedMFer]

You're not kidding, just talked to a guy that has an '07 diesel Ram with just 40k miles on it. He had to replace the cascade valve to the tune of $1100!
Out of warranty by several years, but well under the mileage limit.

ouch!!

 

[Degolyerent]

This is an older 12v 4wd I just picked up only 128,000 miles. It is all I need and has no pollution crap on it.

 

[cockeyedMFer]

Just wanted to update this thread. For the time being I solved my truck and CDL problems. Truck is running ok now and I even washed and detailed it, so it feels like new to me again. Still has some rear brake issues but I'll address that soon. Might even pay someone to do it for me. That would be a first.

On the CDL/trailer side, I lucked into a used 28' Haulmark. It has a 10k gvw but it built with a light 24'x8.5' box that still gives me over 6k lbs of cargo capacity. Interior is set up for work with generator plugs, breaker box, 110v lighting. One big plus, and the reason I pulled the trigger, is that it has a 48" wide side door. Most enclosed trailer doors are too narrow to load pallets of big stuff with a forklift, and the rear ramp doors can't handle a forklift.
And I'll probably never use it, but there's a cool roof rack/observation platform with ladder. Kids will love it!

This combination keeps me under the 26k cdl of course, but also avoids the 10,001lb medical card/DOT stuff.

Trailer eeds a good buffing and I'll repaint the wheels, etc.

Another idea I had was to install vertical e-track running up the walls to create adjustable/removable shelving.