I'll start by asking what is the best horsepower range for a good pulling good fuel economy engine that's reasonably priced? (I prefer a CAT but am open to suggestions!) I plan on starting with a Kenworth T2000!

Any reason for the T2?

I've heard they are loud and you get a lot of wind noise. My friend of mine that drove one for a while said it was the worst of all the condo types he ever drove. The wind and road noise seemed to reverb around the interior pretty bad.

I would go with a T6.


435 or 475 CAT, 13 spd and as high of rear ends you can find.

__________________

Aerodynamics, initially I wanted a Volvo until I heard that they are unreliable!

A t6 is just as aero, and a better truck. Ask your KW dealer.

__________________

The other problem with Volvo's is resale value. An Anteater (T600) is a pretty good truck if you can get over how goofy they look. If you're thinking about a brand new truck, I'll usually go with a traditional every time just because of increased resale value. Barring that, I'd take a good look at the new International Prostar. They have a couple at the dealer just up the road from me, and I went to have a look. Let me tell you, it's a far cry from those 9200's and 9400's.

If you don't mind waiting for it, there's usually money to be saved by spec'ing out the truck JUST FOR YOU. You can get rid of the bells and whistles that you don't need, put in the ones you want, and get the exact powertrain combo you need.

I'd have to think that a big Cat is probably not going to be the most fuel efficient thing out there. Stay away from Mercedes for sure. My experience tells me that when properly matched to the job, it's pretty hard to go wrong with a Detroit.

I have only ever dealt with CAT engines, I don't know much about the others, I ordered a new Kenworth, instead of a C15 cat, I went with a C13, which is not only more fuel efficient, but about 500 lbs lighter, 470 hp is more than plenty of power for hauling dry van.

I also went with super single, which will shave off another 400 lbs and also help with fuel economy, and 3.55 rears.

Which KW model did you go for?

__________________

i hope you put a 13 in that truck....with a 10 speed that c13 wil tend to run wraped out to much and negate the fuel savings

What's wraped out? or is that a typo?

high rpm's......i like see 1400 to 1450 with mine at cruising speed..

i dont like 16 to 1700 at 65 mph on cruise