Freightliner vs. Kenworth

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by pippinna, Sep 28, 2011.

  1. pippinna

    pippinna Bobtail Member

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    Aug 17, 2011
    Naples, FL
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    Between a Freighliner Columbia and a Kenworth T600, which one would you guys choose? We want to know which one is more reliable and easier to maintain.
    We also like Peterbuilt but we know that repairing it is very expensive. Just to make sure, we are looking at used trucks, a new one would be nice but can't afford it right now lol
    Any other suggestions are always welcome.
    Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2011
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  3. captw900

    captw900 Light Load Member

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    Aug 22, 2011
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    W900 . There's no comparison of frt n paccar how many 1980 to1990 freights do you see on the road not many if any. I put 2 mil on a 01 clasic last 100,000 was he'll . If you are gonna put up the money for your office do you want to put months of your life in a high rise or a mobile construction trailer?
     
  4. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Tourist Town, FL
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    Kenworth and Peterbilt are the same, made by PACCAR. They will have better build quality than a Freightliner in most cases.
    Reliability wise, most components of the truck are made by outside manufacturers, and besides engines and the truck body, all three of those trucks can be spec'ed out with all the same manufacturers.

    I'm not a big fan of Columbias, and I owned two of them. The interior is probably the worst I've ever seen in a truck. Within a year or two the switch paint will start peel, the door panels will peel, and the dash will start creaking. One look at the resale value of them versus a Kenworth or Peterbilt, and you'll see which one to buy, if buying new. Buying used, you can get a Freightliner far cheaper and newer than a similar KW or Pete. In that case, the Freightliner may be a better buy. Everyone's situation and expectations are different.
     
  5. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    Northern Indiana
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    Similarly equipped, and in like condition, I would always take a KW over a Freightliner.
     
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  6. Edmund

    Edmund Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2011
    Atlanta Georgia
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    This thread is a complete insult to Kenworth.....freightliners are junk....
     
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  7. Saddletramp1200

    Saddletramp1200 Road Train Member

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    Houston Texas,USA
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    Really simple, Get what you pay for. I have had "sweet dreams" in both for years. Freightliner has more service locations, KW has more of a home feel to it. I can't choose.
     
  8. Edmund

    Edmund Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2011
    Atlanta Georgia
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    There's a reason why Freightliner has more service locations....their cheap and they break.....................alot.....
     
  9. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    PNWET
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    Freightliners fall a part=Freightshaker
    Kenworths keep wobbling down the road=Kwobbler
     
  10. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    Freightliner vs. Kenworth is like asking Chevrolet vs. BMW.
    While the Columbia would give you more room between the seats the overall "comfort" of the truck is nil. I like the smaller cab area of the KW. With the way the dash is configured I always have better leg room in the KW than a FL. There is very little room between the seats for getting to the bunk in the KW. But overall the FL is really cheaply made. There is a reason it is a fleet truck.
    My personal opinion is I would take a 20 year old KW over a 2 year old FL.
     
  11. pippinna

    pippinna Bobtail Member

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    Aug 17, 2011
    Naples, FL
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    Thank you guys for all your input. We were thinking Kenworth more than Freighliner and so far it seems we were right. Keep the comments coming, any info you guys can provide is great!!
     
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