Specs for a truck

Discussion in 'Intermodal Trucking Forum' started by RERM, Oct 23, 2014.

  1. RERM

    RERM Road Train Member

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    So, how would you guys spec a truck for Regional Intermodal work??? I'm talking engine, rear end and transmission?...running it out of Chicago (250 miles out and back).....

    I'm thinking 475HP, 3.70 rears, 10 or 13 speed??? ....and 250" wheelbase or shorter....
     
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  3. kw550cat

    kw550cat Medium Load Member

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    13 and everything else sounds right to me, though I never pulled tin cans. Motor, get a cat for power or Detroit for the bottom line. I would go with the cat. Unless this is new truck or newer truck talk. Wheelbase is good, 265 or less. That is mainly personal preference because you can get any wheelbase you want and get in the same places as shorter ones. At the end of the day, it's just looking cool.
     
  4. Pool6710

    Pool6710 Medium Load Member

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    My 600hp cat 10sp and 3.55s does well, more power is always nicer.

    Pulling a Tri axel with a stock truck sucks to pull, a lot of people won't haul them because of the struggle of a weak truck.

    a truck with 3.55s and a Detroit will be plenty. You won't be over 80k gvwt so a 10sp should be just fine.

    I wouldnt run a ISX, too expensive of a motor when there's tons of used trucks out there.

    what type of containers will you haul?
     
  5. RERM

    RERM Road Train Member

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    Currently 53 foot containers....but there might be some 20 foot tri axles in my future....
     
  6. Pool6710

    Pool6710 Medium Load Member

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    Those 53s require some arrow as there mostly 102 wide. So a Columbia with a fleet spec detroit should be just about right
     
  7. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    If you look at the truck in my avatar, that is a 220" WB, 475 hp MP-8 Mack, Meritor rears, 56" flat top sleeper, run a 7 state region, mountains and local pulling all size cans.
     
  8. RERM

    RERM Road Train Member

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    2006 Century Class Freightliner
    14L Detroit Diesel, 515HP
    10 spd
    3.55 rears
    720K
    Price = 32K
     
  9. 315wheelbase

    315wheelbase Heavy Load Member

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    450Hp or more will do the job,,10spd OK 13spd better,,auto shift is the way to go if in lots of traffic and local driving,,auto shift will get better MPG for most drivers, Plenty of used KWs fleet trucks out there,,stay away from Freightliners for the same money of you look you can find a KW and if anytime in the future you want to sell the truck a KW will be easier to sell and have a better resale value,,buy a cummins,,repairs and service is easier and cheaper to find,,spec for MPG..The difference between 5.5MPG and 6.5MPG is 10 cents/mile in fuel cost,,
     
  10. scottscj7

    scottscj7 Bobtail Member

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    i would look at kw or international truck as they are bit heavier but stronger built, meritor axles and isx cummins motor as its better on mpg, a wheelbase of 238 is longest you would want. and having a trailer brake and suspension air dump and air gage on your air bags is very helpful
     
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