End of the 389

That's really apples and oranges. I well maintained, well taken care of Columbia, against a well taken care of 379. Both will do the EXACT same job, both will earn the EXACT same money, both will require the EXACT same service, (assuming say, s60, 13sp, meritorious rears) . One is much more than the other to purchase. And dealer only parts are much more for one.
Other than that its cosmetics. I dont buy into the,one will last longer crap. The taken care of the best will last the longest. I've seen 379's completely trashed and worthless 3 years in, and a columbia 20 years old shining like a diamond and making money.
Personal taste. If spending your money to look good is ok with you. Have at it. If taking more money home for your family is your priority, have at it. Neither is right or wrong.

 

You’d be surprised with the results on Pittsburgh pro or Icon ratchets.

 

I have a buddy with a Columbia that has it in perfect condition.Everything is new or in pretty much new condition and nothing is overlooked as far as maintenance and repairs.Just rebuilt his C15 and changed the trans from a 10 to 18.The only thing it might need is a paint job.On the other hand I see 379’s and 389’s that look like **** and one can tell that maintenance and repairs are being skimped by just doing a quick walk around.On jobs that we have run together hauling Frac sand you see the long hood guys falling off to do repairs on their trucks but my buddy’s truck keeps running.

 

As much as I hate to admit it, I was impressed with some of the icon line of tools.

 

I don't know how it is in your neck of the woods, but in my neck of the woods every dime I spend on chrome is tax deductible. Every dime I take home is taxed. That being said, my wife has never been hungry, she's always had a roof over her head and clothes on her back. My priorities are simple. First is my wife, second, my truck stays mechanically sound, and very last, chrome.

 

Ouch........

That's what I like about you, a fella always knows where you stand!

 

Very well put ! I know of a fleet near me that buys new high end Pete's and volvos and they take such poor care of them the dealers won't take them back on trade .
The majority of theyre trucks are junk by 700k.

 

Well, I, don't like your single tire lift axle.

 

I'm surprised they didn't kill already. Freightliner quit making the Classic XL a long time ago and Kenworth already introduced a new 900 series a few years ago so the writing on the wall was clear there even if they are still technically selling the old one for a bit longer. Stricter emissions and fuel economy standards eventually trickled their way up into the heavy duty truck world. Eventually they will be slapping EPA stickers and DPF's on locomotive engines.

 

That's fair, but I would be a flipping idiot to run a non-self steering dual set up in the west, so I'll just have to run it as is.