First truck...D13 or MX13? Hauling containers.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Cohiba, Oct 15, 2021.

  1. Cohiba

    Cohiba Bobtail Member

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    Buying my first truck. Gonna be Hauling containers from Chicago to Detroit. Looking at two trucks.
    A 2013 Peterbilt 384 with a MX13 445 hp 3.36 10 spd 460k miles $40k
    and a 2015 Volvo 670 D13 405 hp 3.42 10 spd 570k miles $50k
    I'm pretty sure the Pete was pulling tankers. Small fuel tanks and strange hoses coming from catwalk. Very basic interior 48" sleeper I think.
    Volvo has dual 150s and more luxury offerings 61" sleeper. OTR specs you might say.
    These are currently my best options I believe. Tell me what to buy.
     
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  3. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    That era of MX13's were pretty bad from what I understand. At my last job, they bought 20+ 386 Pete's in 2012 brand new (485 hp not 445) and ended up selling them 2 or 3 years later because they couldn't keep them on the road. Boatloads of DEF issues. They kept 5 of them and had them "neutered" and they were the best running trucks in the fleet, I had one and loved it.

    Volvo has their issues with SCR/DEF as well, but I don't think they're anywhere as complicated to repair or diagnose. Anytime I have an emissions issue with my Mack MP8 (same as a D13) the shop usually has it taken care of pretty quick. Chances are you'll have a check engine light on 90% of the time
     
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  4. Cohiba

    Cohiba Bobtail Member

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    I am planning to "fix" whichever I buy.

    I also have my eye on a 2016 CXU Rawhide Mack MP8-505, 505hp 400k miles mDrive Transmission 70" sleeper for $64k. That's starting to push my budget. But by far the nicest truck I'm considering.
     
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  5. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    I run a 445 MP8 currently and I love it. I don't win any races but I keep up with the big dogs pulling hills. Coming out of mountain filled Warren PA at 81k I leave them new 579 Pete's in the dust. Mines a 10 spd manual though. I imagine the 505 would be a beast.cant say I care for the mdrive trans though. I drove one for a few weeks and about went insane
     
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  6. Cohiba

    Cohiba Bobtail Member

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    Yeah the trans is keeping me away, but I did test drive a CHU with the Mdrive and kinda enjoyed the ease of it. Actually really enjoyed it. I pictured a laid back ride drinking coffee and smoking cigars in traffic.Hated that It didn't turn.
     
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  7. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    I think the reason I didn't like it is because it didn't jive well with a smooth bore tanker, made the ride a lot rougher. Also it either didn't run the engine through its full powerband, or it went beyond the powerband. I run mine between 12-1800, whereas the mdrive ran it from 11-1400. Definitely a learning curve
     
  8. Cohiba

    Cohiba Bobtail Member

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    I only drove a couple miles without a trailer behind me. Felt like a big car.

    So you think the Volvo is good?
    I'm starting to lose my mind and can talk myself into and out of pretty much every truck. I really need some solid guidance here man
     
  9. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    Having never driven an actual Volvo I can't give much guidance on it. While Mack is technically Volvo they still have their differences. @Chinatown has experience with Volvo's, he could probably shed some light on it for you.
     
  10. Cohiba

    Cohiba Bobtail Member

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    I've driven a couple with Cummins. Nice ride, hate how gigantic the mirrors are. Neither of the trucks mentioned are what I imagined I'd be looking at, but prices being what they are pushed me.

    How much should I consider what the truck was used for prior? Does pulling heavy destroy an engine?
     
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  11. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Nope. With these newer emission engines it's better to work them hard.
     
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