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Buying A Used Semi-Truck: What To Do After The Purchase

1 May 2017 by Dennis Fletcher

Whether you're an owner-operator in search of a great deal or a fleet manager looking to stretch those operating dollars, buying a used semi-truck can be a smart choice. There's a lot that goes into buying the right semi-truck for your trucking needs, but there's also plenty to be done once you've brought your big rig home. Read on to learn more

Take It Out for Another Test Drive

Chances are you already took your semi-truck out for a brief spin before you bought it, so why give it another test drive after the purchase? While the first test drive was to make sure the semi-truck was in good shape, taking another, longer test drive will give you plenty of time to get comfortable with the truck before it's time to do any actual work with it.

During this period, you can become more familiar with the controls, adjust various settings for your own comfort, and get a good feel of how the truck drives under ordinary conditions. A second test drive also gives you a chance to look and listen out for any potential issues that should be fixed before making any long-haul runs.

Give the Exterior and Interior a Good Cleaning

It's always a good idea to give your semi-truck a little TLC after you've brought it home. The amount of exterior and interior cleaning you'll need to do depends on where you bought your semi-truck. If you bought it from a reputable dealership, then chances are their cleaning and detailing team has already gone over it with a fine-tooth comb, leaving you with a relatively spotless truck that's ready to roll.

Private owners can be hit or miss when it comes to pre-sale cleaning and detailing. Some owners may have their trucks thoroughly detailed prior to a sale, while others may prefer to sell their trucks as-is. If you bought your truck from a wholesaler or auction house, then you may have your work cut out for you.

Plan for Additional Maintenance

After adding a few thousand miles to your used semi-truck, you may start running into minor maintenance issues. The engine may need a tune-up to resolve minor power and fuel economy issues, or you may need a new set of tires for your steering or drive axles. Expenses like these can put an unexpected hole in your budget if you're not prepared.

After purchasing your used semi-truck, you should figure out how much your maintenance expenses are likely to be and set aside that amount just in case. You should also create a schedule for addressing essential and optional maintenance items and follow that schedule as closely as possible. This way, you'll be able to dodge unexpected maintenance expenses that could wreak financial havoc when you least expect it.

Plan Your Customizations

Customizing your semi-truck not only gives it a unique flair, but it can also provide that extra bit of comfort and functionality. Whether you decide to install a new mini-fridge, add an auxiliary power unit, bolt on a larger sleeper or make modifications to the engine and exhaust system, you'll want to plan for these customizations as soon you get the keys to your truck.

Don't Forget About Registration and Inspection

In the excitement of bringing your used semi-truck home, it's easy to forget about having your truck inspected and registered. The good news is that most jurisdictions will give you a little time to register your truck and pay the required fees and taxes. If you're purchasing a truck from out of state, you may need to obtain a temporary permit to travel through that state on your way home.

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