Dealership prices for class-8s

[Tennesseahawk]

I won't go into any dealership names here, because most are guilty.

These "class-8" experts sell these trucks for $50-70k. Here's what I see in these trucks:

Trade-ins with 450-550k miles. Stretch the frame, throw a box on it.

We all agree it'll take around $12-20k for a reputable place to stretch a frame and install a new box. So what's the deal with charging us around $40,000 for a truck with half its life gone?

I'm guessing they're making 75% profit because they can "finance" it for us, and leave the decision making to them. When actually, we could have it done for thousands less, if we did it ourselves.

Well, I was going to use the Century as an example. But looking it up on truckpaper, all I found for a price from the experts is "call". Love that word! Let's me know to ignore the bozos. LOL

I'm going to hypothetically put a truck together here. Please correct me if something seems wrong. I'm going to start with a typical class-8 expediter tractor - a 2001 Century 120. 430 Detroit, Autoshift, 70" twin bunk, various milages and prices (but for the sake of arguement, we'll go with the highest price equalling the lowest milage). $34,500 for 375k miles. Granted, the place selling this truck is in Idaho, but for s&g, we can find this truck anywhere at one time or another. Deals ARE out there.

Ok... got a truck for 34,500. We can stretch it for 20,000. I'm figuring 15,000 for the stretch and box, plus another 5,000 for e-track, dollies, microwave, inverter, fridge, new radio, and any other extras. I think that would cover it generously. Again, if I'm wrong, let me know.

$54,500 for your new truck. Not bad, concidering you're paying as much as a truck with almost 200k more miles on it at a dealer.

The reason these trucks are flying off the lot is because ppl think they're worth it. But if you think about it, you can find a good truck at a bargain price, and have your own expert build it for you. And you'll save some bux!

 

[Pappy]

No doubt, do it yourself is the best way to go. I would like to reccommend a company in Greenville,S.C. that does it all from stretching frames,adding boxes lift gates etc. Do'nt know about sleepers though. They do quality work and at what I consider more than reasonable prices.

Jerry Long
Long Trailer and Body Service
864-277-7555

Pappy

 

[davekc]

We have built many trucks from the ground up and haven't done these types of conversions.
Many go into these builds or conversions and they turn into a disaster.
As to whether they are over priced depends on how you are looking at them. On face value they have a considerable mark up.
For the customer, you are paying as you mentioned, for financing, likely some type of warranty and the biggest item. Time.
Doing it yourself, buying and shopping a truck for a stretch can be time intensive.
Financing a truck and a seperate conversion also has its own set of challenges. Many financial institutions have little interest in providing financing on a box conversion on a already mortgaged tractor.
If you financed it, you are likley paying interest and principle on a truck through the time it is being converted. That could translate into several weeks or months depending on who is doing it.
As folks start to investigate these costs and risks, that is what drives the sales of these types of trucks.
Alot of things to review before going the do-it-yourself route.







Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Very true, Dave. I thought about the time and financing factor after I posted. That is definitely something to consider.

However, the original jist of the post remains the same. If you have the time and money, and have someone (who knows what they're doing) to put the truck together the way YOU want it, building your own is a better option. I'm not talking about super-hotrod ego machines that need the Army Corps of Engineers to figure it out. I'm talking regular class-8s, where there isn't any head scratching involved in putting it together, because it's standard operating procedure.

Another thing is... these dealerships won't let you pick a tractor for them to stretch. You go with what they have.

 

[davekc]

Some will let you pick, but some come with major challenges. Most notably is front axle weight. Wrong engine because of weight, all the way to moving fuel tanks back ect.
You are correct in that there are substancial savings if one can overcome all of the obstacles.




Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[LDB]

One big factor you don't have in your equation is lost revenues while pursuing the do it yourself avenue. I would plan on losing 3 to 4 weeks of revenue generating road time while taking care of all the things you'll have to take care of to do it yourself. When you add that in and compare to walking into the dealer and doing paperwork to drive away in a ready to roll truck the difference shrinks considerably. I'm not saying do it yourself is a bad idea because it gives you more control and better q.c. of the job but it does cause significant lost revenues in the process and that must be calculated into the final cost.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
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