What features do I get in a Volvo VNL 780

Your such a "hater". 1st are you buying new or used? U can't get a new CARB list of approved filters? Those volvos are sweet, but the cost is.......challenging.

 

I work for a company which runs three VNL 780s. I ran the 2013 for 50,000mls and got the 2011 now. The 2013 has the D-13 engine 500hp, I-shift and 3:36 rears. It has a 13,200lbs front axle which is just a leaf spring suspension.

I love the Volvos. They are very quiet, tons of room and very comfortable. We have one coronado left and there are world of difference. When I run a full day in the Coronado I am wore out. I always have the table up and sleep in the upper bunk. We have the fridge, inverter and microwave built in. There are a multitude of configurations for the cabinets.

I would recommend faster rears for a truck that runs across the country than the 3:36 since that truck is in the perfect range around 60mph. The 2011 has 3:25 and runs lower rpms, but does not pull as good in the hills. Same moter and transmission. Make sure you have the E/P option if you choose to go with the I-Shift. The newer have an Eco-roll option as well that helps with fuel economy as well.

We had quite a few sensor issues with the trucks and another big one is coolant leaks on the front of the Volvo engine. I lost the radiator in the 2013 at 80,000mls due to leaking plastic tanks. The biggest downer for me is the Volvo shop in Seattle horrible service and terrible techs. Evertime one of them goes there for warranty work we have to check everything over and fix lots of little things.

 

Not me personally but I run with a guy regularly, that has a '11 780 with a 500 Cummins, 13spd manual, 3.25 rears, we pull smooth bore tanks and are loaded 85% of the time to at least 78,000 he gets 7+ MPG, NO APU and wears my 475 Cat out in the hills.

 

I've had an '06 780 and I've got a an 2012 780 now. Love the trucks but the little new truck bugs are to say the least, frustrating. This one so far has had 3 top left bunk windows replaced for leaking, 3 fridges, bunk table ( they just ran the screws straight up through the table ). All replaced under warranty naturally, but the time and patience to finally get in a shop to have the work done and then have to return multiple times for the same thing is a bit of a test. Again as far as a Cummins or Volvo, flip a coin. This isn't just a Volvo thing either, it's all the manufacturers just throwin' these things together.

 

Ok you asked for a lot of info so this answer will be long. There are CARB compliant Volvos that are used trucks on the market. Calf is not saying you need to purchase new.

Cummins or Volvo? I have the Volvo motor (D12 500hp) in a 730 (midroof) with the I-shift. My friend has the identical truck (VIN numberis just one number apart) but his has the Cummins with the 13 speed. He gets slightly better fuel mileage with his 13 gears than I do with my 12 speed auto. Both pull hills with full load well. We both are with the same company pulling dry van so our loads are the same.

Like I said the 730 model is the midroof. If you want to use the table set up you have to be able to fold up the upper bunk. I really didn’t buy with the intention of using the table set up but bought the 730/780 for space. First truck was a 670 and I felt cramped. I also have always slept at floor level so crawling in and out of the upper bunk especially when half asleep was not smart. I had a custom mattress made for the lower bunk. If you want the sitting space then get the 780 and crawl since you don’t have to raise the upper bunk to sit. I carry a 12 volt cooler that sits on the floor for when I need to defrost the freezer on the road. It serves as a seat and a work/tablespace. I’m not spending a lot of time in the bunk since I run solo. Since you are running across country try to get the refrigerator/freezer. Worth every penny.

Some Volvos have the airbag and some have spring on the front. Depends on how the dealer spec out the truck. I have on the front axle the VF14 (13200 lb) springs. Rear ratio is 3.08. I’m sure you don’t have two 300 gal tanks. You might have two 150 gal that make 300 gal total.

Where the APU is mounted depends on whether or not you have the DPF truck. Older trucks with no DPF chamber allows for the APU to be mounted under the passenger seat. Newer models with DPF the DPF unit is under the front seat area. Both Volvo and Cummins had to use that area. My APU is located between the DEF tank and fuel tank on driver’s side. Had to move the 150 gal tank to the rear. My friend’s truck has the APU installed on the driver side between the DPF unit and his 150 gal tank.

Please look at the empty weight of the truck. Mine came from the factory showing over 18000 pounds. However with 300 gals fuel, APU, DEF tank full and all gear on board I’m around 21680 pounds. Steer is 12200 lb and rear is 9480 lb. With just 100 gal of fuel and an empty van I am in the area of 36660 lb (S 12200, D 14180, T 10240). I have the 5[SUP]th[/SUP]wheel almost to the rear. Can’t scale 45000+. I have told my company it has to be 44K or less. Don’t like to spoon feel my fuel.

I drove Freightliners when I was a company driver and had no say on type. When I decided to purchase I looked around. Didn’t like Pete or KW. Did not fit me well. I know that Volvo’s can be a bit more expensive to purchase and maintain but it I find that it is worth it for the ride, handling and bunk space.
If you have any other questions PM me.

 

Order the truck how you want it. You're friendly dealer will spec it out for you. If they don't offer a big fridge, just delete the cabinet where you want it and get a RV fridge the size you want. Order air ride front axle, heckwhat brand slack adjusters you want. Everything can be spec'ed just the way you want. My friend's 780 is sitting with a hole in it's D13 head right now, so I think I'd lean towards the ISX unless you have to have iShift.

 

I keep the window shade that comes with the truck in the sky light. I have not had any leaks from the window. I have looked at pictures of the sink set up, but it seems you have to give up a cabinet above and maybe even the fridge below due to the drain hoses and stuff going into the side cabinet where the water and holding tanks live. I got my self a big plastic snap ware container with a tight lid and a 5gal jug of water that I carry for that reason. I just dump the bowl out in the bushes when I am done. The bowl lives under the bottom bunk and the Coleman water container sits under the table. Works like a charm for me.

 

I own a Volvo 780/2008 D13 485 HP motor;got it new in July 2007, running team i aleady have 1,076,000 miles, still getting aprox 8mpg. I did aprox 150,000 miles in trips west of the Rockies ,CA,BC also many trips from Texas to Calgary,through WY,MT the motor was pulling ok,heavy loads .But... i would recommend a more powerfull motor if this what you are going to do mostly. There's no easy way in and out of California,heavy pullings I-8,10,40,15,5 and reefer loads are heavy, i used to pull produce from Ca for years , only the strawberries loads used to be under 40,000lbs. imop, I would get a Cummins 500HP+. and manual transmission 13 speed.
You mentioned suspenssion, my last truck was a Volvo 770, springs/shocks only on front axle,was more rough ride and used to kill the tires/shocks ; Now i have front air ride on 780, big diference, i'm telling you; try to get it, saves $$ on tires,shocks and other parts like AC vulnerable to vibrations and rough roads.
good luck!