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Peterbilt vs. Freightliner weight difference and fuel mileage

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by lawrence1, Jan 22, 2008.

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  1. Jan 22, 2008 #1
    lawrence1

    lawrence1 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 22, 2008
    Sacramento, CA
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    I'm planning to buy my own truck and i'm torn between a freightliner columbia 120 and a peterbilt 387. I like the peterbilt more and it seems like it is a better buy at only $3k more than the FL but i'm concerned that it will be too heavy for pulling a 53' reefer.

    The specs on both trucks are nearly identical in their equipment and mileage(both at 460k miles) is very similar.

    here are the specs for both trucks:

    C-15 CAT 475hp
    10 speed
    100 gal tanks on peterbilt/110 gal tanks on FL
    a/s fifth wheel
    raised roof condo sleepers 70"+
    double bunks
    The pete's wheelbase is ~10 inches longer i beleive


    The reefer is going to be a 2001 or 2002 53' Utility with either a thermoking or carrier unit.(is one heavier than the other?). Is the Peterbilt going to work for all possible reefer loads? If not what would be a scenario that would not work with this configuration?


    also what kind of fuel mileage are you guys getting in the real world with these specs?


    thanks in advance.:biggrin_25514:
     
    lawrence1, Jan 22, 2008
    lawrence1, Jan 22, 2008
    #1
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  3. Jan 22, 2008 #2
    Working Class Patriot

    Working Class Patriot Road Train Member

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    I don't know about pulling refers with the Pete or the FL, but I do know that quite a few dump conversion guys like FL's because they're lighter, especially for Super Tens. Me personally, I wouldn't own anything other than a Pete or KW. My preference, and I am sure there are quite a few FL fans out there. Paccar just makes a better over all product IMHO:biggrin_2559:
     
    Working Class Patriot, Jan 22, 2008
    Working Class Patriot, Jan 22, 2008
    #2
  4. Jan 23, 2008 #3
    RNGTransport

    RNGTransport Light Load Member

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    Allendale, MI
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    My best guess is that the century is going to be a tad lighter but not much. You will have to be careful with all loads they are not all going to be legal no matter what truck you get. If weight is the only factor try asking them to test drive the trucks and weigh them. Try and calculate how much the fuel will add and go from there.
     
    RNGTransport, Jan 23, 2008
    RNGTransport, Jan 23, 2008
    #3
  5. Jan 23, 2008 #4
    broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

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    somewhere drinkin beer probaly.....
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    have dealer get the empty wieghts off the drivers door info sticker...then add fuel wieght...i.e...100 gallons x 8lbs per gallon=800lbs

    i dont think it will matter one way or the other...your lookin at about 34k empty with full tanks either way...but go with the pete for better resale and a MUCH better truck
     
    broncrider, Jan 23, 2008
    broncrider, Jan 23, 2008
    #4
  7. Jan 24, 2008 #5
    Eskimo6804

    Eskimo6804 Heavy Load Member

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    Northeast Alabama
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    With a 53 foot reefer, the empty weight would be more like 36k. I know with one of our 2007 KW T600's with 86" studio sleeper and a 2004 Great Dane reefer with a TK SBIII whisper unit, our empty weight is 37200.
     
    Eskimo6804, Jan 24, 2008
    Eskimo6804, Jan 24, 2008
    #5
  8. Jan 24, 2008 #6
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Did you mean 37,200? Other wise how do you haul enough product to pay?
     
    Brickman, Jan 24, 2008
    Brickman, Jan 24, 2008
    #6
  9. Jan 24, 2008 #7
    Eskimo6804

    Eskimo6804 Heavy Load Member

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    you are absolutely righht Brick. dang brainfarts...lol
     
    Eskimo6804, Jan 24, 2008
    Eskimo6804, Jan 24, 2008
    #7
  10. Jan 24, 2008 #8
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Brickman, Jan 24, 2008
    Brickman, Jan 24, 2008
    #8
  11. Jan 24, 2008 #9
    RNGTransport

    RNGTransport Light Load Member

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    Allendale, MI
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    I can haul 43k with my WesternStar full of fuel hauling a 53' reefer. The company has a few lightweight composite reefers running supersingles and I can load around 44.5k on those.
     
    RNGTransport, Jan 24, 2008
    RNGTransport, Jan 24, 2008
    #9
  12. Jan 25, 2008 #10
    lawrence1

    lawrence1 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 22, 2008
    Sacramento, CA
    0
    alright so it should not be a huge different in between the 2. Thanks alot for your replies.

    One more question ... what are your throughts on carrier units? are they not as good and reliable as the thermoking stuff?

    thanks.:biggrin_25514:
     
    lawrence1, Jan 25, 2008
    lawrence1, Jan 25, 2008
    #10
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