What is the best truck out for an O/O?

Freightliner moved much of their manufacturing to Mexico as well. So if all the jobs are going to Mexico, why are all the Mexicans coming here?


Sorry....wrong forum for that.

 

As a rule aero trucks supposedly get good economy but I've seen a few hoods that got great economy and some aero trucks that didn't. So you can't always go by that alone. Like someone else said spec the motor, trans, rears, and tires how you want and go from there. Some brands build quality trucks that will last 2 million miles and some brands build trucks that are lucky to not shake to pieces in 500,000 miles. It all depends on what you like and how long you plan to keep the truck.

 

Just wanted to get some opinions,If you were going to buy a truck, what kind would you buy,Peterbilt,Kenworth,Freightliner,Volvo?What kind of motor would you get?Cat,Cummings,Detriot?What type of tranny?10,13,18 speed?What type of gear ratio?3:42,3:55?What would be the best combination for performance, reliablity,pulling power, fuel milage?Thanks for your opinions.

 

Pete or KW. As for motor, Cat.....unless you're talking new, then PROBABLY Cummins. 18 speed, or at a minimum a 13....3:55s or close

 

Me personally, I would like a T600 or 660. in the 600 a 500hp cat single turbo. The T6 has a turning radius almost as good as a century class but is a much much much more dependable truck. If you want a hood a W9 or a 379 are the only way to go

 

I know I'll get heartburn, but anyway.

780 Volvo, 500 Cummins, 13 spd minimum, 3:55's, lopro tires/wheels, sliding 5th wheel, and all the bells and whistles. And painted Ford bright red. Hey, you asked.

If only Cat was still making on road diesels. I'd most likely opt for a C15.

 

You're ignorance is showing!

I laugh all the way to the bank and "look cool" doing it!
If you want a solid truck that will last more than a few years, Stay way far away frm the Junkliners and Volvos...The #### spreader is an OK truck if you spec it right!

The same mileage I get with my 525 Cummins powered W900L...Imagine that!

Exactly!

Just right except for the yellow fuel guzzler.

Obviously I prefer the W9...

 

Freightliner Classic, 13 speed, S-60 (that should stir it up).
Stack behind cab so you can see backing up.
They are easy to see out of... turn on a dime... controlls are easy to find at night...
Lots maint you can do yourself.
cheap to buy and run and have that classic look.
To me they are like old chevy's...
However... if it is all biz, the columbia is e-z to run as well.
Take some for a test drive...
That's my opinion..

 

Here is a few things to keep in mind and suggestions.

Depends on what type of driving you will be doing, where you will be driving, and estimated weight of average load. That info will tell you how you'll want your truck spec'd such as tranny, clutch, rear end ratio, engine hp rating, suspension, etc, etc. Once you figure that info out then you decide what brand of truck. Freightliners generally will be a little less upfront, but have lower re-sale value and on the flip side, KW, Pete which might cost a little more upfront but will have a higher resale value. Can't really tell you what specs would work best for you, but my old truck that I owned was a old Werner truck. It was a Frieghtliner that had a Detroit 500hp, super 10, 15"clutch? 3.70 rears, 22.5 Basic guages which worked fine although I like the suspension guage. It was a fine truck that did everything ok. I bought it with 412k miles on it and the motor and tranny ran great for another 500k miles, but then the bull gear messed up and shortly thereafter the tranny went out. I hated the super10. The clutch lasted the entire time. The 3.70 gears were a great compromise for me, but I seldom drove over 65mph. My quarterly IFTA's averaged between 6.5 to 7.2mpg. The condo was great for room, but was hot in the summer and cold in the winter, plus high side winds out west rocked it back and forth all day long. I started out with a flattop and always complained, but after owning that condo and driving other condo's, I would rather be in a midroof. It was a freightshaker so it squeaked and rattled (especially in the winter) however I've driven several KW's, Peterbuilts, and Volvo's and they seem to all have squeaks and rattles here and there.

Both long nose and sloped hoods can get good fuel mileage if the driver controls his right foot, but to me this is some of the pro's and con's of long nose versus aerodynamic trucks.

Sloped hood trucks pros,
Cut thru the winds better, not so noticable on the east coast, but across New Mexico or Wyoming in the winter when your fighting 30-50mph head winds you can tell the difference both in noise and in the peddle.
Easier to back up because they turn quick and most of them don't have any pipes obstructing your view.
Easier to keep clean.
Cons:
The one's with side skirts seem to looked trashed after a few years (not all but a lot of them)
It's hard to see the grease fittings on one's that have side skirts, plus it's harder to get up under them (and I'm skinny).
Harder to work on because of the tight spaces.
Long term resale value is very low. Look at a late 90's T600 or T2000 versus a W900 in average price. Another example is an older long nose Pete versus that sloped hood truck they had in the 90's. Some of that maybe becuase there are more W900's and long nose Petes owned my O/O's therefore are in better condition.

Long nose Pros
Easier to work on with generally better visability and reach underneath the vehicle
They hold their long term value better.
Some of the parts, like two peice windshields, lights, etc, etc, are a dime a dozen.
Cons:
Harder to back up in a tight space.
Louder in the cab. (to some that's a pro
Cleaning all that chrome get's old after awhile.

Ok, now my dream truck,
KW T800 Black, Blue, or Silver.
500+ hp
38" to 48" sleeper
18 speed
3.70 rears
Full Lockers
24.5 with open shoulder
Standard 12k/40k suspension is fine for me.
120 gallons tanks
Big tool box.
Tow hook up front.

Yea, that would make work more enjoyable!

 

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