The Life Span of Long-Haul Trucks: Mileage Records and Maintenance Tips

The life of an average long-haul truck is typically around 10 to 15 years or about 1 million to 1.5 million miles before it is considered for retirement or replacement. This lifespan can vary based on factors such as regular maintenance, driving conditions, and the type of loads carried. Optimal maintenance and care can significantly extend a truck's life; however, even with proper care, the reality is that commercial trucks have a limited lifespan.

High Mileage Records

One notable example of a truck that has clocked the highest mileage is a 1990 Volvo FH16, which reportedly reached over 3 million miles (approximately 4.8 million kilometers). This truck was used in a variety of demanding conditions and was well-maintained throughout its life. Such high-mileage examples are rare and usually reflect exceptional maintenance and usage practices.

Trucking Company Practices and Efficiency

Trucking companies often aim to optimize the lifecycle of their vehicles to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This can influence how long a truck remains in service. For instance, while diesel emission control (DEF) trucks can operate around 700,000 to 800,000 miles, non-DEF trucks can last up to a million miles, especially with engines like the 12.7 Detroit Diesel. These robust engines are often found in models such as the 1986 W900B Kenworth, which went as far as 3.65 million miles. This truck featured a 3406B Caterpillar engine, Spicer 13 overdrive, and a 13-speed transmission. The truck required three major overhauls and one complete new engine, as well as three or four new clutches, one transmission input shaft, several universal joints (u-joints), and typical consumables. Notably, the original transmission and rear-ends lasted the entire time with no major repairs. This truck is still in operation, hauling grain in Indiana.

Engine and Transmission Lifespan Expectations

Heavy-duty straight trucks use similar engines and transmissions to tractor trailers. As a result, the life of the engine and transmission is expected to be similar in both types of trucks. However, due to usage patterns, tractor trailers are used predominantly for long trips on good roads, while straight trucks are used for a mix of long and short trips, as well as heavy industrial use. SHORT trips, especially those involving constant braking and shifting, can be particularly hard on trucks, making them as challenging for trucks as they are for cars.

Second-Hand Trucks and Part-Time Usage

Trucks driven part-time often do not achieve the same mileage as those used full-time. A second-hand dump truck, for example, might run all day every day in one case and only a day or two in another depending on the owner's needs. Therefore, you don't often see trucks with over a million miles or even two or three million miles on them unless they have been used full-time. It might take many years to accumulate the last 700,000 miles when a truck is used only part time.

Personal Experience with a Long-Haul Truck

I have a personal experience with an older dump truck that I used before retiring for my own work, driving it only a day or two per month. This 1972 model had 200,000 miles when I bought it from the original owner, another farmer. It still has less than 300,000 miles on it and could be kept running for many more years. However, it is old, and few want a truck that old, except another enthusiast who would use it part-time. In prime condition, I might get around five thousand dollars for it.