Best trucks in terms of driving comfort?

My right knee still reminds me occasionally of Pops 78 A model, that darn go pedal was straight up and down it seemed. Kept my right ankle and knee in a heck of a bind.

The KW I own now is not much better, but when I get out on the flat ground I just twist a little, and mash the motor with my left hoof, gives my right leg a break….

 

KW always seemed to have the most leg room. Need long arms to reach the matching flat dashboard. Seats are a preference. My Legacy Lo ruined my hips. Worst seat I ever owned. They claim good under thigh support is key to avoiding excess pressure on back and hips. Often over looked.

 

Check out knee over toes guy on YouTube and give his regiment a try because must of it is in the side of physical therapy.

It's crazy but many times a joint specific pain is caused by a different section of the chain stressing that joint. For example, knee pain is due to hip flexor or low back issues.

 

Many, many years ago at Schneider I met a guy who was in a T2000 because it was the only truck they had that would fit him (IIRC he was 6'6" or 6'7"). He had been in one of the old Builder's Transport FLDs but when those went away they had tried all the IH and Freightliner options and none of them worked for him. So it seems plausible the KW could work, I'm assuming since the 579 has the sleeper as a separate structure and still has some of the daycab back wall that it might have less seat travel.
The bump in the top middle of the windshield on the Cascadias is super annoying.

 

I spent a year driving late model Freightliner Cascadias (2019 & newer) and while I absolutely hate the steering and suspension on that truck I will say that I found the seat to be comfortable and I had plenty of leg room as well an easy ability to stretch.

This year I've been driving a 2018 Kenworth T680 and while I absolutely love the steering and suspension on the truck as well as the seat suspension, I have found that I just can never quite get myself into a good position with seat adjustment to give myself enough leg room and avoid having knee pain on a regular basis. I am 6'1" and the way this cab and seating area is configured I just have a very difficult time stretching out. I have not sat in a next-gen T680 and I hope they might be different because that is supposed to be my replacement truck that I'm getting in the months ahead.

I know that there are many people who hate when good things are said about Volvo but I think that they would clearly win this contest. Perhaps the newest Western Star models may be improved over the standard Freightliner Cascadia but I don't know because I haven't driven one.

 

I don't think many understand that for the most part, you can spec a freightliner from the engine down to the chassis the same way you would a T680 and most other aero trucks, excluding paccar exclusive products and afew other things. You don't have to spec a new freightliner cascadia with a detroit engine, cummins is optional. Detroit axles are standard but, meritor and dana are optional axle options. You don't have to use the standard freightliner airliner suspension, you can opt to use something different. It's just that 99 percent of what's out there as far as these trucks go was specced with mega fleets in mind so, they aren't deviating and using outside stuff in their trucks unless it's specifically ordered that way. Most are just gonna leave it to the dealer to figure out what it is they need and end up taking what's available on the lot or the salesperson orders a generic truck based your answers to basic questions. That's where this whole thing of peterbilts and kenworths riding better really comes to. If anyone takes the time to research specs, you can order a shaker that rides like a Cadillac but, it'll require writing up an entire spec sheet yourself and giving it to the dealer.

 

What suspension specs would you recommend for a new International LT to give it the most comfortable ride?

 

My bladder sees to it that I stop regularly.

 

Never been a fan of the aesthetics of that truck or any of the other international models so, not familiar with all the options they offer but, front axle air ride would definitely be where I'd start. Typically, you wanna outsource mods like that because truck manufacturers specialize in making trucks and not well thought out driver comfort options. Hell, they're having enough problems with just putting together quality trucks. I'd personally prefer the dual air bag setup on both sides so, you wanna look around your local area for a true and tested heavy truck upfitter and let them know what you're looking to do and once your new truck arrives at the dealer, you can just have it towed to that upfitter or drive it there. For rear suspension, looks like it's either the international brand or Hendrickson HAS and I don't have personal experience with that suspension so can't give comments on it. I'd check around the forums and see if anyone's said anything about that Hendrickson HAS, would bet that it rides better than what International offers.

 

Some drivers can watch a YouTube video or make Facebook update while driving. Some are even so skilled they can pee in a bottle without stopping the truck. Hey, if the wheels ain't turning you ain't earning! Who's got time for personal hygiene and such?