Owning your own rig is the first step to starting your owner-operator career. There are many benefits to having your own semi truck, but there are also risks involved. If a new rig is too rich for your blood, find out how you can still launch your dream career with a used semi truck. With the right inspections and additional parts, you can enjoy a used big rig that’s ready for any route throughout the country.

What Do You Need From Your Big Rig?

This is the most important question to answer when shopping for used rigs. It’s essential to understand the specs required for your owner-operator vehicle. If you’re planning on hauling large or unique loads, be sure your used truck has the power it needs. Powering up mountain passes, taking on heavy city traffic and other obstacles should all be considered as well before you make a purchase.

Take a look at your semi truck exterior. Is the used truck missing a tool box, fenders or lights? These accessories are easy to purchase and install, but you should factor this in when making an offer on a used rig. These accessories are easy to install and surprisingly affordable, so don’t let a few cosmetic issues stop you from purchasing a dependable semi truck at a great price.

What To Look For In Your Used Truck

Just like any vehicle, a used truck is only as good as its maintenance routine. If possible, try to obtain maintenance records for the truck. Here are some key maintenance steps to look for:

• Oil changes
• Maintenance and repairs by a certified mechanic
• Proper tire tread
• Engine history
• Full inspections of transmission, drive train, suspension and wiring
• Mileage

You can perform these steps yourself, but it’s important to know whether these steps happened throughout the lifetime of your truck. A semi truck that’s run for hundreds of thousands of miles without proper maintenance can have serious mechanical issues.

Check the mileage of your used rig, but remember that a semi truck has a much longer mileage lifespan than a car or truck. Expect an engine rebuild around 700,000 miles, but a lower mileage can mean it still has years of use left. Ask about the history of the particular engine in the truck, as it may have already had a rebuild service.

A semi truck typically needs an oil change every 25,000 miles. This is far longer than a car, but just as crucial. Running on old oil can severely damage your truck’s engine. Keep checking your engine oil and consider changing it more frequently depending on the types of routes you’re taking.

Buying a Semi Truck

Explore used trucks in your area today to see how you can make your owner-operator dreams come true. Small maintenance issues and damaged parts is normal for used vehicles, so be sure to shop for reliable replacement parts to restore your used semi. Shop online to have a semi truck exhaust, fenders, interior accessories and other truck parts delivered right to your home or garage.

Don’t let ice and snow get the best of our truck. Upgrade your winter traction capabilities with leading non-slip traction devices today. Compare leading products, from the unique AutoSock to dependable tire chains, to find the best device for your rig and your route. Keep your rig on the road and head safely in the right direction with the use of professional traction devices.

AutoSocks for Semi Trucks

An AutoSock is a modern upgrade to chains that gives you the grip you need. Unlike chains, AutoSocks are designed to improve traction through water management features. The fabric fits snugly around your tire and eliminates the water film between the road and your tire.

Use AutoSocks as a lightweight, self-centering alternative to heavy chains. This item is reusable and approved for speeds up to 20 miles per hour. You can safely use them even if your truck has electronic safety systems. Just like chains, AutoSocks aren’t meant for use on dry pavement, but they provide a more lightweight alternative to chains in the event of heavy snowfall or icy roads.

Tire Chains

The classic non-slip traction option is a good set of tire chains. Rough and ready for any winter situation, tire chains are a great way to improve your traction in unpredictable situations. Simply place chains over your tires and connect them for a firm fit. Some chains require tightening, but most modern sets fit your tires without the use of tightening devices.

The rugged exterior of tire chains gives your wheels extra grip when they need it most. As a anti-skidding and non-slip device, tire chains work well in snowy and icy conditions with all types of vehicles. Here are some features to look for when choosing the right pair of tire chains:

• Tensioning style
• Release features
• Clearance
• Thickness
• Pattern
• Material

Some features, like the clearance and size of chains, depend on your vehicle and tire size. Other features, like the pattern and thickness of tire chains, depend on driving conditions and your budget. Explore all your options and use product specifications and ratings to find the best option for your vehicle.

Alternative Traction Devices

Explore all your traction device options before settling on the ideal option for your driving situation. Chains and AutoSocks come in many different sizes and patterns. There are also helpful accessories available to make installing your traction devices easier.

A Spider Bungee helps you connect your traction device easily and simply. Pull the chain tight from each direction with durable rubber and six metal hooks. As long as you choose a Spider Bungee that fits the size of your tires and tire chains, you’ll enjoy convenient installation and dependable tension across your tire chains.

Explore AutoSocks, tire chains and other traction devices online. When you shop for traction devices online, you can easily sort and filter items based on cost, style and other features. When you find the ideal option for your truck, have your items shipped directly to your home or garage. Load up your traction devices and prepare for any weather conditions.

You may have noticed that a lot of truck drivers have Peterbilt trucks. Even more notably, they love their trucks and keep buying from the brand. This may leave you wondering why people love these trucks so much. It can be hard to understand if you’ve never driven one. These are 10 reasons people keep returning to Peterbilt.

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As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time in your truck cab. It only makes sense to make your semi truck interior as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. You may have gotten some awesome chrome Peterbilt exhaust stacks. Why not give the inside of your truck the same treatment? These are a few ideas about how to make the most of your cab.

Continue reading How To Upgrade Your Semi Truck’s Interior →

Working as a trucker can be a rewarding experience. It is a chance to enjoy the freedom of the road while seeing more of the country. However, being a trucker isn’t always an easy job. One way to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience is to be prepared before you head out on the road. Below are 10 things a truck driver needs on every trip.

Continue reading 10 Products Every Trucker Needs on the Road →

The winter is coming and that means snow, ice and salt on the roads. These hazards, especially the salt, can wreak havoc on your chrome. Many truck drivers have been disappointed to realize that driving in the winter caused their chrome wheels to lose their luster. Fortunately, there are some chrome wheel protection options you can use.

Continue reading How to Protect Your Chrome in the Winter →

It is time for freezing temperatures, snow, ice and blustery weather. The winter can be beautiful and fun. However, it is also a challenging season for truck drivers. Fortunately, a little preparation can help you stay safe and comfortable during the winter. Below are five of the best products for winter truck driving that you should invest in this year.

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With the winter comes snow, ice, reduced visibility and dangerous drivers. As a truck driver, you need to be ready to protect your truck and yourself on the road. A few changes to your driving and a little preparation can help ensure you have a safe winter trucking season. Below are some of the most helpful winter driving tips for truck drivers.

Continue reading Truckers Guide for Winter Safety →

What are good gifts for truck drivers? Now, that is the ultimate question. Truckers are notoriously difficult people to shop for because we rarely want a lot. We are simple people. However, for the loved one who is bound and determined to get their favorite truck driver something special, there are a few options that are sure to light up any driver’s holiday.

Continue reading Truckers Gift Guide: Best Products Every Trucker Will Enjoy →