Looking for opinions on a truck purchase

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by 24kHotshot, Feb 6, 2021.

  1. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    I'm looking at a new 2020 freightliner m2 106 I am interested in but I am unfamiliar with its powerplant and transmission. Wondering if anyone has info to share on the Detroit DD8 260hp paired with a 6 speed Allison transmission. Truck has 5.29 gears. This truck will be outfitted with a Shipshe haul and tow 25 foot bed and never see 26k lbs gross.

    Apart from the usual DEF fears, any other common problems I might find with this truck?
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2021
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  3. crocky

    crocky Road Train Member

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    I dunno about the engine, but the transmission should be the same as the one in my new truck if you're getting the Allison 6 speed. They have like 15 models of that transmission but it's just different gear ratios and PTO vs non PTO or 4wd vs non 4wd.

    Any reason you wouldn't go with one of the Eaton options if buying it new? Like the 11 speed auto? or is it a truck you found that is spec'd that way?

    As far as DEF I wasn't happy to have to buy a DEF truck, but honestly, I think they've worked those issues out of most trucks these days. Just don't idle it a bunch and you are likely ok for a lot of miles with it.
     
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  4. Flint1

    Flint1 Road Train Member

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    A few operators around here have the DD5, the 4cyl version. It looks like 3 octopuses fornicating.
    They seem to run well, fuel efficient, a couple of issues with def.
    One of them has an extended crank issue, will not start untill engine has cranked for 19 seconds on a cold start.
    Freightliner sure is pushing them tho..
     
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  5. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Its a leftover from 2020 that is already specced that way and for a price I like. Ad doesn't say which model Allison it is except that its a 6 speed.
    I am not worried about def. My truck runs like a top and def filter shows clean since I bought it Only boxed def i buy in bulk and never let it go under 1/3 tank. 112k miles with only 400 idle hours so far. I idle for 15 minutes warming it up and 5 minutes cooling it off at the end of the day. I rarely idle for 15 minutes at night if its too cold to heat up the cab.
     
  6. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Side question, who else build haul and tow beds apart from shipshe?
     
  7. crocky

    crocky Road Train Member

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    On the owner op forum area, there was some guy that had a custom trailer/flat bed set up on a semi that looked cool. Was some other company up in IN I think and they build stuff similar to shipshe
     
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  8. Don379

    Don379 Heavy Load Member

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    lol. the expensive issues come about in every form after the warranty is up. As with any emissions motor. ANd NO they havent worked out bugs and never will. The motors willl be expensive repairs on your own dime when warranty is up.
     
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  9. crocky

    crocky Road Train Member

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    Well my "inexpensive" fix will be a late model motor swap if I ever have serious problems with my new duramax. I'll stuff an international mechanical DT466 with an Eton 10 speed on it for my 5500.

    :D:D:D

    But honestly, I haven't seen a lot of people making much noise on forums over DPF stuff as of late with the newer trucks. Yeah the trucks have various problems as they always have but it's nothing like the problems they had early on.
     
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  10. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    Mo Trailer in Goshen. I’ve heard they are backlogged pretty far with work.
     
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  11. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    That was probaby a Mo setup.
     
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