New work truck for sole breadwinner

Have you ever felt like you work your guts out trying to provide for your family but at the end of the day you have absolutely nothing to show for it?

That's where I am at right now.

I'm the primary income earner for my family. I have been a freelance contractor for 6 years. As such, my work truck is my livelihood. I currently have a 1999 GMC Suburban that has close to 300,000 miles on it. And until the past year or so, it has been a very reliable vehicle. But since January 2014, I have spent over $7500 on repairs with almost $2100 of that being in the last 2 weeks.

My current challenge is that the truck is no longer safe to drive. It will cut off while I am driving. When it does so, it has no power and it is difficult to control. So far, I have been able to shift into neutral and restart the truck or pull into a median without issue, but it is only a matter of time until it cuts off at the wrong time or in the wrong place and I am involved in an accident that would injure myself or others. The worst part is my mechanic can't seem to find the problem.

My goal is to raise enough money to purchase a safe, mechanically sound, used truck or van to replace the one I am driving now. 

Many of these types of vehicles cost $40,000 - $60,000 brand new. However, I feel that I can find a quality used one for around $20,000.

You may ask why I don't just get a loan from a bank or a finance company...

I have tried. Unfortunately, several years ago, our oldest daughter was diagnosed with a kidney tumor and we got behind on our bills for several months as a result. Our daughter is fine now, but our "credit rating" is shot. Combine that with the fact that I am self-employed and don't have a "regular paycheck" and most banks won't give me the time of day.

If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated.

If you can't help by making a donation, would you mind sharing this campaign with your friends and followers on Facebook or Twitter?

***UPDATE 11/5/2015***

I am forced to "retire" my current truck, effective immediately. It is totally unsafe for the roads now, and the entire engine will need to be replaced at an estimated cost of close to $4000.

***UPDATE 11/8/2015***

I have changed the campaign goal from $20,000 to $10,000. I have found someone who is willing to help with financing a portion of the costs if I can raise enough money to cover the rest of the cost.