Can go do diesel mechanics school, should I go?

[alexthe22]

Hello Sean. I would like to suggest you check out aviation tech school. Like diesel school it also takes about two years to complete, but covers a much wider range of subjects such as physics, hydraulics, pneumatics, metal work,  electrical systems, engines.  Then when you are done, you are not just limited to work in aviation. You can pretty much work on any industry you want.

[krooser]

Don't do it.... get a job at one of those mega carriers... let them "teach" you how to drive... sign a one year contract saying you'll pay them $6000.00 if you don't fulfill your obligation... learn how to drive from a guy with 6 months experience... be gone 3 months at a time like a real man... spend everyday in the slow lane with your "co-ordinator" sending you messages like "why are you behind schedule?"...

[truknut02]

GO for it I'm going to start this winter into the same thing.

Ryan

[taxtruck]

I was a truck/trailer mechanic for 30 years before I made the switch to driving this year, and can say it has been good to me and my family. If you are seriuos about it great, go for it!!!  But what no one has said is some of the job hazards, and I have seen guys quit being a mechanic because of some of them.  Please keep in mind I'm not trying to put the job down, but just be aware of some things. Like getting so dirty from doing a clutch job that you have too take 2 showers to get all the dirt off, going out on road calls to start that truck when it's -10 degrees with a 25 mph wind, or servicing a truck that just came off the road and is packed full of snow and is dripping on you as it melts, or working on that hot engine in the middle of summer. Just keep in mind you will get greasy/dirty, bend your body in ways it's not ment to bend, and it is a very physical job, that will beat on your body as well as your mind. I wish you the best of luck with the schooling and job hunting!!!
Russ

[Jim Herriot]

just be aware of some things. Like getting so dirty from doing a clutch job that you have too take 2 showers to get all the dirt off, going out on road calls to start that truck when it's -10 degrees with a 25 mph wind, or servicing a truck that just came off the road and is packed full of snow and is dripping on you as it melts, or working on that hot engine in the middle of summer. Just keep in mind you will get greasy/dirty, bend your body in ways it's not ment to bend, and it is a very physical job, that will beat on your body as well as your mind.

                      ...aaaaahhhhhh... some days you won't get these good jobs... ...Jim.

[Rob Archer]

Yah Krooser; you're right.
Just like this guy
http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/forum01/index.php?action=profile;u=2736;sa=showPosts
I wonder how he's still liking trucking - mega carrier style. He hasn't been here for 68 days.

Don't do it.... get a job at one of those mega carriers... let them "teach" you how to drive... sign a one year contract saying you'll pay them $6000.00 if you don't fulfill your obligation... learn how to drive from a guy with 6 months experience... be gone 3 months at a time like a real man... spend everyday in the slow lane with your "co-ordinator" sending you messages like "why are you behind schedule?"...

[Got it Done]

If you have the time and opportunity I think it's a good idea for exatly the reasons and plans you have. I have a general way with mechanics that just comes natural and it has saved me thousands over the years so if you can gain a good knowledge about what make your truck tick, it will pay off big time. I.E. - blowing a clamp on the air-to-air intake hose on the big pull just west of the NV line on 15... It took 15 min and I was on my way. I had an air leak that turned out to be a front brake line... grabbed one of the 4 spares I carry and replacement took about 5 min. and on my way.  Blew the upper rad hose last summer coming out of FL... Just took it off, cut it farther down and slid it back on and filled up with water from the RV dump next to me (wouldn't drink it but it worked fine for my rad) and on my way. These are but a few things I've had happen that I fixed myself on the road that didn't cost me a tow or service call. If you do get an older truck (as I have), these little breakdowns happen more often and being able to fix  things is half the battle.  Knowing which spare parts to carry is just as important (you only have so much room). Now listening to old(er) drivers is a good way to glean info but every driver is different and have had similar but different experiances. Developing a better-than-basic knowledge of the mechanical end of things is extremely valuable... Just ask Krooser (or any older driver from another generation) how much he's saved over the years by doing things himself. These things don't get taught to drivers and we've only learned them through nessessity of driving old(er) trucks around. Todays trucks are more "plug in the computer" instead of "where the hell is that smell coming from". A lot of drivers can tell you the problem by the odour your truck is giving off (brake hung, clutch slipping, coolant leak, belt slipping, tire leaking, location of an oil leak etc.).

I say do it. If only to get a good leg up the crowd (and help put your kids through college).

[Leonard]

i also think its a great idea. right now im getting a somewhat informal education on the workings of trucks just by doing and learning from others. but i do plan to attend a tech school for it.
once had a maxi can go out to the effect of when you released your brakes it pissed air out. i caged it and put a pair of vice grips on the line. got back on the road and  finished the day. saving a road call or even a tow.
right now im in the process of doing my first u joint by myself. allways fun broke a nice hammer doing it though

[Sean]

Thanks everyone......I will also be learning how to work on tractors from my grandpa hopefully in the next few years.... he's a very experianced mechanic with 40+ years of experiance on his hands. I still have a year and half till I can go in but looking towards my future now to see what exactly I want to do and it will be in agriculture and/or trucks.....

Sean

[krooser]

Yah Krooser; you're right.
Just like this guy
http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/forum01/index.php?action=profile;u=2736;sa=showPosts
I wonder how he's still liking trucking - mega carrier style. He hasn't been here for 68 days.

MIA... Funny how Prime went from Hero to Zero in just a few weeks...