Looking at purchasing one of these trucks, it'll be a super 18 for the purposes of fuel mileage. I am curious, though. As far as the right combination of fuel mileage vrs power, what's better? I currently drive a shorthood (388 model) pete with a CAT C15, that truck is getting about 6.1-6.8 depending on turrain, wind, etc. From the research i've done the Volvo can have a cummins, or the Volvo engine (D16), i don't know much about the Volvo engines, is there anybody with experience on this issue that can help me make the right choice?

I'm getting the 830 (Mid Roof) i will be pulling flat-bed freight, which means i'll need quite a bit of power (500-550, 600HP is a fuel guzzler, and really uncessary) but i will be hauling some pretty heavy loads, so power is important. Any imput would be greatly appreciated!

The reason i chose this truck is becuase, well, honestly i fell in love. I like to run 2-3-4+ weeks at a time, and for room and comfort this truck is definitely the best i've seen. It has the studio sleeper (77") built in inverter, and anything else you would possibly need to live in a truck for that amount of time, it's very comfortable, and rides nice and quiet.. I just want the most bang for my buck as you all know how fuel prices are these days... Trying to research and make a wise descision here.

I fell in love with Volvo to. As for power you can read my post about some facts on Cummins engines in this area of the forums. Both CATs and ISX cummins draw about the same horsepower but at different RPMs. If your going to be pulling much over the 80,000 lb Gross personally I would go with the 550 ISX but im biased.

Went and found all the info on the different ISX options:

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The ved16 is proving to be a good motor. We (volvo dealership) are not seeing too many problems. The EGR problems have been adressed, new valve!

i will be pulling flat-bed freight, which means i'll need quite a bit of power (500-550, 600HP is a fuel guzzler, and really uncessary) but i will be hauling some pretty heavy loads, so power is important.

Why?Are you going to be pulling loads over 80,000lbs?
I pull a stepdeck and have my truck set @430/470 1650tq and do just fine as most other o/o's I know, unless your going heavy haul it is just a waste of $$$. It's the tourqe that gets you up the hills and gets a heavy load going not horsepower.Horsepower helps you maint. speed once you get out of the pull.
You could do just as well with a isx set # 450-500 max and have torque at 1850lbs.
Just my .02
Also why a 18spd? Do you think you will ever haul heavy enough to drop into the deep side of the tranny?If so I hope your hauling heavy equip with a multi axle low boy.A 13spd is all you need and if you gear the rearends right you could do a straight 13 instead of a OD and p/u some mpg's as well and it is easier on your drivetrain.
Sorry dont mean to sound prickish but just my .02

18 speed is nice to have, i use the splitters on the low side with a heavy load on starting up a hill, especially on the "9th" gear before switching to the high side. Also i noticed the 18 speeds tend to run cooler temps and will take more torque even though they might have the same rating.

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LOAD EM LIKE RAIL CARS, DRIVE EM LIKE RACE CARS!!!!

Check out these low mileage beauties! WOW - they are SHARP!

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"Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday"

Why don't you try a VNL730. You can get the ISX500-550 or D16535 and get good fuel economy. Also, many owners have I-Shift and are reporting good fuel economy.

Hunter

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how about this one? would be nice to see swift get somma these ...

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And it's official: I Start school in Lewiston, ID - 15 Oct 08

550 is gona drum me out of the peterbilt club but I do actually kinda like the way those look

You are out maaaaaaaaaaaan!!!!!!!! No CAT no care

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