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A New Steering Wheel

My husband is a frugal person. The two of us are still living in the starter home he purchased before we met nearly twenty years ago. He is driving a truck he bought eighteen years ago. While he still adores his truck, he knows he needs to make some necessary repairs to it in order to keep it running smoothly. For instance, in the near future, he expects to replace the automobile’s motor. He also needs to get the heater in his vehicle fixed. Because the truck is so old, its interior has seen better days. The seats need some new upholstery. And, he is in desperate need of a new steering wheel. I would like to purchase this item for my spouse for the upcoming holidays. On this blog, you will discover the latest trends in steering wheels designed for trucks. Enjoy!

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A New Steering Wheel

4 Faqs About Owning A Dump Truck

by Kim Murphy

If you are considering starting your own business driving a dump truck, it can be rewarding and lucrative. However, unless you've owned a dump truck in the past, you likely don't know much about them. If you don't know much about dump trucks but are still interested in making money with one, check out these four frequently asked questions.

Is a Special License Required?

While you probably only have one type of driver's license, there are actually many, and they vary from state to state. Typically, this is known as a Class C license, and it just means you can drive single vehicles that are not more than 26,000 pounds. You are also limited on how much weight you can tow. Because of the size, and the fact you may be hauling heavy items, a Class C license probably isn't good enough, so you'll need a commercial license.

There are also multiple commercial classes. A Class A CDL (commercial driver's license), for example, allows you to weigh 26,001 pounds or more. It's good for tractor-trailers, flatbeds and livestock carriers. For a dump truck, however, you'll likely need a Class B CDL, which simply allows you to tow much more weight. It is common for large buses, box trucks and dump trucks.

How Much Does a Dump Truck Cost?

A dump truck is a large automobile and piece of equipment, so it is not cheap. The first cost to consider is the initial purchase price. A new dump truck may cost you between $100,000 and $150,000. If you buy used, however, you may pay as low as $21,000. The size of the dump truck also plays a factor in the cost. There is also an option to lease a dump truck, but you don't own the truck and can't claim it as an asset.

Like any automobile, however, there are also operating costs for owning a dump truck. You'll need to perform regular maintenance, such as replacing the expensive tires. However, you must also ensure the truck is insured. Gasoline is another cost to consider, and dump trucks can guzzle a lot of gas. You'll need to consider all these factors to determine what your new business can afford.

Is a Roll Tarp Necessary?

A roll tarp is simply a tarp system that is connected to the dump truck. Some roll tarps may be automatic but others are manual. The tarp is designed to cover the items in the dump truck while hauling it on the road. Depending on where you live, it may be against the law to use your dump truck without a tarp covering the items.

However, even if it is legal in your state a roll tarp is an excellent option to protect you. While unlikely, it is possible for some debris from inside your truck to come loose, causing an accident. If this happens, your entire new business could go down the drain with one lawsuit.

What Types of Dump Trucks Are Available?

There are actually a few different types of dump trucks, but one of the most common is a standard dump truck. You've likely seen these before. They simply contain one dump body that is mounted to the frame of the truck.

A transfer dump truck is just a more powerful standard truck. It's more powerful because it hauls a separate trailer. A truck and pup is similar, but the additional trailer comes with its own hydraulic system.

Starting your own business can be exciting, and if you are ready to start driving a dump truck, there are many steps you should take first. Get started today by shopping around for which type of dump truck you want. 

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