Question about 389's

Wow. You guys are amazing. In what way are my points not valid? Do I have to be "out here" long to know the 389 isn't as nimble as a 670? That they are heavy? That they don't get as great fuel economy as a lighter more aerodynamic truck? Here's a pic of my truck btw.

 

pretty much what I have heard...

well said..

 

Your point is valid that the volvo will be more aerodynamic. Here's the thing; I make enough that I can afford the extra few cents per mile it will cost me in fuel. And the whole weight difference, might be a bit heavier, but not enough for me to think twice about it. The work I do is not dependant on me loading as much product on as possible. If it was, I would look at something with a short wheel base, short sleeper, super singles, maybe 13L instead of 15L engine, etc. I don't have my own 389 YET - but when the time is right it will be the truck I buy. It will also have a 550/1850 cummins, maybe even 600/1850. Because I can. I don't compete with other carriers on price. I compete by providing the best service. And I have more work than I can handle.

I do not completely rule out the volvo, it has it's place. Just not in my current business plan. I do agree it is likely the best truck on fuel AND they have the emissions stuff figured out the best. I do not like the idea if something did go wrong I would have to find a volvo dealer to get the problem resolved. If they had the dealer network of say freightliner, I think they would have way more market share than they do now.

 

I've never had any "nimble" issues driving hoods, but then again I don't care how many pull ups it takes to get backed up or how much of the intersection I need to make a corner w/o bending up equiptment...

Weight depends on the how the truck is spec'd out some are heavy some aren't whether its Volvo, KW, or a Pete.

The same goes for fuel economy, there are so many factors that determine fuel mileage.....Driving style, weather, weight etc..

see where this is going ?

 

We had some guys from here that leased them as L/O and from what two of them said ; They didnt really have any issues other then the egr systems . They both had the ISX's in them .

The one thing I dont like is that the seats are so close together. You basically sit about 6 to 8 inches closer to the center of the truck. ( I got to get in two of them )

 

Not to single you out , but have you ever looked at the dry weights and curb weight of a 389 , its #### close to a new cascadia. Just sayin.....

I did some reaserch on them because I almost , and I mean almost leased one . Then I got my head out of my ### and realized I didnt want to rent a truck ...

 

Thats great weight isn't an issue for you. It's great your profitable. I am netting about 90cpm after all expenses. Great for me too.

Now, since this thread isn't about you, and it's not about me, let's look at what the OP said.
He will be pulling heavy reefers. Reefers. He will be heavier in a 389. He will not be able to pull loads as heavy as a lighter truck. He will lose out potentially on certain loads. That's decreased revenue. Also because he is heavier he will spend more in fuel. Also cutting his revenue.

That being said I never recommended he avoid the truck. I asked him why he wanted the 389. I then listed a couple if reasons it may not be the best truck for him.

 

Just fyi ... I pull reefers .. if you can load 43500 you should never have a problem ...

Op, buy what your heart desires and you can still make money at. You will only regret the things you didn't do in life.

 

I don't know why I'm so combative tonight. Bad day I guess.

You are right. In the end it's up to him, and I do like my 389.

To the op, I have the cummings ISX. It pulls like a freight train, but the emissions equipment was designed by people with little plastic helmets on and their work is all done in crayon. The only issues I have had are emissions based.