ÊDavid Maddox and his pals have a simple motto.

Ê"Everybody needs a truck," he says. "We thought, 'You might as well share one.' "

That mantra led Maddox and seven of his buddies into an unusual partnership. The eight guys, all longtime friends and residents of Avondale Estates, bought a truck together. They've been sharing ownership of the 1987 Ford F-150 for the past eight years. They've even dubbed themselves the "Truck Club."

The group is made up of Maddox, Michael Payne, Don Connelly, John McLaren, Jack Reimer, Dave Deiters, Chris Hughes and Randy Mahaffey.

The men and their families use the truck for hauling everything from wood and furniture to Christmas trees and their children. They've even driven it a few times in Avondale Estates Fourth of July parades.

Sharing a truck isn't such a crazy idea, says Maddox, the group's manager. He sets the schedule and sends out a group newsletter, mostly about the truck's repairs and servicing, three or four times a year.

Maddox got the idea of buying the truck from a friend who was selling it in 1996. He tossed the idea around with a few friends and, within five days, it was all set. The seven original owners --- one for each day of the week --- paid about $200 each for their shares of the vehicle. Since then they've gained an eighth owner, Reimer, who also paid $200.

The arrangement has worked well, says Payne, who says it's easier than having to frequently rent a truck for those times when a member needs one.

ÊÊÊÊÊÊEach member pays between $50 and $75 a year in maintenance and insurance costs, though McLaren is the only one whose name is on the title. ÊÊÊÊAdditionally, everyone is asked to fill up the gas tank whenever they use it, or at least put money into the gas fund pouch kept in the truck. ÊÊÊÊÊÊThe friends say they've had no conflicts or disagreements over the truck in eight years. ÊÊÊÊÊÊEach original owner has a day of the week assigned to him, with Reimer as the "floater." ÊÊÊÊEvery owner also has a key to the truck, which is tan and currently sports red, white and blue spray-painted stars. ÊÊÊÊÊÊMaddox says they've fashioned a schedule that extends about two years ahead, so every member knows where he stands. ÊÊÊÊÊ"We're a true partnership," Payne says. "Our wives thought we were crazy when we first bought it, but now they are in support of it. . . . Everyone loves it."