Top 6 Tips for Spec’ing Your New Truck

Choosing the wrong truck specifications can lead to unnecessary upgrades or improper transmission. These errors can cost time and money for your trucking operation. While there is often pressure to choose the most affordable truck option, either to meet budget constraints or to avoid the requirements of a larger truck, it can often be a short-sighted strategy. A lower-priced truck that is not optimally configured will face increased maintenance costs, longer downtimes, shorter life­spans, and increased liability in the long run. In order to determine what equipment is needed and what can be removed, it is crucial to understand how your truck will be used. Here are some tips to help when spec’ing your next truck: 
 

Go with the professionals

The process of spec’ing a heavy-duty truck is a difficult task and, for most, is beyond their capabilities. Seeking a professional before buying or customizing your truck will help pick the best specifications required for your job applications. Be sure they can address any government regulations that may affect how your truck will be built and how much it can safely haul. Getting referrals from other drivers in your industry can also be beneficial and assist in your decision-making process. 
 

Detail Your Job Requirements 

Let your sales representative know the application for the equipment you wish to buy and provide as much information about the type of work you’ll be doing. This information is vital to determine the engine size and type, transmission, suspension, tire size, various ratios and countless other truck spec’s needed for your particular kind of work.
 

Pick a Reliable Dealership

Ensure there is a dependable dealer or repair shop where you reside for warranty work, maintenance, truck parts and other repairs for the brand of truck you’re going to buy. 
 

Plan Ahead

Failing to plan ahead can cost you a premium and result in downtime. Instead, give yourself plenty of time to custom-build your truck and have it delivered for when you need it. Some trucks require 6 - 8 months to be built and received by the dealer, depending on the applications. With the recent COVID concerns, these timelines have been extended. Prepare for longer than normal wait times because of the current global delays. 
 

Spec your Custom Truck for Versatility

You never know what the future holds, so keep yourself in the market by building a truck that is well suited for more than one type of narrowly specific application, which gives you more options if you decide to move on to other kinds of work.
 

What Horsepower Spec to Choose

Avoid the highest or lowest horsepower when ordering new. Buying the largest motor on the market, will cause you to overspend for no reason and under spec’ing can lead to severe issues, such as the engine being too underpowered for the payload. On the other hand, overworking the engine will burn it out prematurely and end up costing you money in the long run. Your sales representative can provide insights into the best options available.

No question that spec’ing your truck is a complicated process. New products and product upgrades occur regularly. That’s why it is essential to review truck specs every time you order a new truck. Repeating the same spec you’ve used for years could mean you are operating a truck that no longer fits your applications or that is not as efficient as it can or should be.

At Brandt Truck & Trailer, we have a team of professionals dedicated to assisting you in buying the right truck with the correct specifications to maximize your productivity and bottom line. Avoid costly downtime and book your professional sales consultation today.