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Some Friendly Advice Dept.- Best to get a truck that you know that YOU can work on for repairs (up to a certain point, at least) and also do YOUR OWN maintenance on. For the most part, it's not all that difficult and getting a GOOD service manual is a definite requirement, and if possible, the manual should be as close to an actual company's service tech manual as ya can find (or the real thing) and not just one of those cheap manuals that so many auto supply places have, although even those can be handy if nothing else can be had. Also, if ya can't lay yer hands on that high of a level of a manual (they can often be rather pricey to purchase but are worth the investment in the long run if ya can afford it ), then the reference dept / floors of many public libraries can often be a great source for being able to find those types of manuals and be able photocopy (or?) the info. In general, reference materials are not allowed to be checked out at public libraries. (Many of those materials are VERY expensive and the library cannot afford to be having to replace them should some jerks run off with them and never return them.) And then of course, there is always the Web to try to get info. But if yer broke down on the side of the highway 20 miles outside of BumPhucque, Wyoming, then reliance on the Web may not be a "viable option". :-) Plus, always carrying the various fluids that all vehicles need and some extra oil, water, and whatever, is also very advisable. And, definitely certain spare parts as well. Auto wrecking yards and similar are great resources for that stuff and what is found and purchased there are usually WAY LESS expensive than buying new parts, especially from company dealerships. There are various needed spare parts of course, but two that are PRIME in my book are a starter motor and an alternator, and of course whatever belts (and hoses) that a certain vehicle uses. Belts are generally not all that expensive, but they CAN get ya back on the road quickly should a previous belt break, which they WILL DO eventually. Also, keeping replacement bulbs for whatever is needed and also a spare headlight (or bulb) is wise too. The COPS love nothing more than to have the "excuse" of a burnt out tail / brake light, and *especially a license plate light*, to pull ya over and then go from there. As a general rule, I just go ahead replace just about all bulbs about once a year / year and half, or so, just to be on the safe side. (the cost for the basic bulbs my little Subie is usually under $10) The cost to do so is VERY LITTLE compared to the "alternative" of getting stopped and ticketed. (and...?) I also keep most the bulbs that were still working as spares should they unexpectedly be needed for whatever reason. There are other things that ya should try to keep on board too, and in a big ass truck that should be no prob to do so, but the above are good starters, for now. I am speaking from years of experience here since I am STILL driving my old 1987 (original owner, purchased in Feb 1988 as "last year's demo" model) and have paid FAR LESS to keep it going than most people do for most of those many years, since I have done most of my own maintenance and repairs. Saves a LOT of $$, and from a "Zen" perspective, it "puts you at one with" the vehicle which is helpful. :-) Hey, it's worked for me and for almost *23*(Skidoo) years now! And, it's another learning experience, which is always a good thing. I'm just sayin'...
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