Specing a truck

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Brucesmith, Apr 26, 2015.

  1. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

    722
    495
    Jun 16, 2012
    0
    I am not a seasoned driver although I am old enough to be retired! I have driven for O/O's as what Landstar refers to as a Tourist driver. I was lucky enough to work for some good operators but those are hard to find. This summer I drove a 2015 Cascadia and was thrilled. But I have also driven some safe but tired Volvos. I am old and fussy! I have considered buying a used truck and working as an O/O for a good company I know. Dry van, open board, mid and long haul Canada to the US. I have always driven either 13 or 18 speed trucks. Runs were to Eastern Canada, upper Midwest, Texas and AZ. Can someone explain to me why I see so many US trucks ( especially large fleets) with 10 speeds? What about WB? Is there an optimum WB? I know I will never get rich driving part time but at least my truck will be clean and comfortable. I will just store it in the winter months. I am not doing this for the $$ ( but it is nice to make some extra bucks). I enjoy driving and wish I had done this 10 years ago. I don't care if the truck depreciates. Beats spending the $$ on beer!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    Where about's are you located so maybe we can point you in direction of some dealers to check out trucks , lot of used CASCADIAS available all over with basic fleet specs as far as wheelbase and speed limiters ( Ontario and Quebec Canada requirement ) that would meet your needs
     
  4. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

    5,869
    27,419
    Feb 28, 2014
    0
    Well for Canada is there not a limit of a 244" wheel base? As far as 10 speeds being in all these trucks it comes down to 1. a little less weight, 2. slightly lower cost and 3. harder for a newbie to break. I will never get why the 10 speed either, I will not go to anything less than a 13 speed myself. We have all 18 speeds in ours.
     
  5. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

    722
    495
    Jun 16, 2012
    0
    I am in Manitoba. I also should have asked about rear end ratio. Why all the different ratios? Is it because some are speced for heavier weights?
     
  6. 315wheelbase

    315wheelbase Heavy Load Member

    783
    600
    Oct 26, 2014
    0
    Cascadia is the bottom of the pile as far as trucks,,rear end ratio depends on weight and speed,, 3.42 and 3.36 are good ratios,, if you are hauling over 100,000# and in mountains then 3.55 and 3.73 with an 13 or 18spd
    For the money that dealers want for used trucks you can get a KW or Peterbilt for about the same price as a Cascadia equipped about the same,,When you go to sell the truck you will be lucky to sell a freightliner but will have no problem selling a KW or Peterbilt. The KW and Peterbilt are much better quality too. Don't buy a Paccar engine they don't pull good on hills and you can only go to a Pete or KW dealer to get the ECM programed or checked,,If you buy pre-emission CAT is OK,,Cummins N14 is great and Detroits do well,,
     
  7. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

    722
    495
    Jun 16, 2012
    0
    315: I am not fond of KW's and pete's. I know they are ( or were ) better built but often lack creature comforts. I do not like the narrow cabs and glued on sleepers. I like lots of room in my cab. The Cascadias and Volvos have set back axles and turn in tight quarters . The KW's and Pete's are definitely sexy! A 780 Volvo would suit me just fine! I don't want a pre emission truck as by now most are worn or tired. No problems with emissions but the rest of the truck would have at least 1.5 million. Lots of common items start to give up or crack due to stress over the years. The Cascadia glider with a Detroit would be nice but pricey.
     
    FLATBED Thanks this.
  8. Peterbiltt

    Peterbiltt Light Load Member

    226
    84
    Aug 21, 2014
    Ontario Canada
    0
    gliders are cheaper than brand new emission trucks. why not either buy a glider of wait and see what happens with DEF i heard there stopping it
     
  9. russtrucker

    russtrucker Road Train Member

    1,767
    337
    Mar 27, 2012
    Central PA
    0
    Even if you buy a glider, gonna have to stay out of california then.
     
  10. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

    722
    495
    Jun 16, 2012
    0
    russ: That is true. And it looks like Oregon is next!
     
  11. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

    722
    495
    Jun 16, 2012
    0
    Peterbitt: Where did you hear that?
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.