When we posed this question to our Truck Drivers USA community, the responses came rolling in faster than a rig on an open highway. While both options seem like a dream, it quickly became clear which one most drivers would choose—and why.
The Case for a Truck That Never Needs Maintenance
Maintenance-related downtime is one of the biggest frustrations for truckers. Whether it’s routine upkeep or unexpected breakdowns, maintenance costs time and money. Many drivers made it clear that if given the choice, they’d take a truck that never needed repairs over one that had unlimited fuel.
Roger Dunham summed it up best: “Never needs maintenance and doesn’t break down. No big deal fueling up for 15 minutes, but maintenance and breakdowns take a lot longer.”
Marcus Florence echoed this, pointing out the financial side of things: “Maintenance for sure, because it’s going to cost more in the long run if you keep racking up the miles. No point in getting unlimited fuel that doesn’t run out if your truck is broken down.”
Many drivers, like Michael Gallant, felt their preference would depend on whether they were company drivers or owner-operators: “As a company driver, maintenance. If I was an owner-op, fuel.”
Others, like Phil Gavern, brought up the physical toll of constant repairs: “Maintenance…. My wife and I can change a wheel at a rest area. We can weld stuff on the road… I’m just getting old and tired of it.”
Pearl Zepeda, though a passenger, chimed in with a different perspective: “One that never needs maintenance! I love stops for snacks.”
The Cost of Maintenance—A Common Concern
For many, it’s not just about convenience but the high costs of parts and repairs. David Gomez pointed out: “Maintenance. Way more expensive. I have to change an airbag tomorrow. Fortunately, it was only about $100, and I have the tools to do most maintenance myself, but some parts are expensive.”
Jayson Sallsman put it simply: “Parts and labor are much more.”
Meanwhile, Charles Kenworthy vented about how much time is wasted in the shop: “Wasted so much unpaid time at the shop! Maintenance.”
And let’s not forget Brian David’s frustration: “I’ll take the no-maintenance truck. Fueling up once every three days is annoying, but getting a loaner truck is the worst.”
But What About Unlimited Fuel?
Although the overwhelming majority leaned toward a maintenance-free truck, a few drivers saw the appeal of never worrying about fuel.
Jean Paul Dutch Man kept it simple: “Fuel.”
Jimmy Floyd Wood agreed: “Fuel.”
Kevin Powers would gladly cover the cost of diesel if it meant a smoother ride: “I’d pay for fuel any day.”
However, most drivers felt that without a working truck, unlimited fuel wouldn’t get them anywhere. Joseph W. Henderson pointed out the obvious: “Obviously never needs maintenance. Fuel is useless if you can’t drive anywhere.”
Some Just Want It All
A few drivers refused to choose and just wanted the best of both worlds. Lee Baines joked: “Can’t I just have both? Dream, dream.”
Melvin David Halcomb and Terrell Goble weren’t ready to settle for just one, either. Their answer? “Both.”
A Dream or a Possibility?
While neither option is possible (yet), many drivers recognized the reality of trucking today. Barry Coughlin reminded us: “Neither are currently possible—all require some form of energy!”
Daniel Perry added: “Neither idea is feasible, but maintenance would be easier to do away with if it was possible.”
At the end of the day, trucking requires both fuel and maintenance to keep moving. But if the responses from our community are any indication, the dream of a truck that never breaks down is one most drivers would happily choose.
What about you? Would you rather have a truck that never runs out of fuel or one that never needs maintenance? Join the Truck Drivers USA community and be part of the conversation with thousands of drivers who get it.
