Used Truck Question

I'd say the rear end ratio is a bit high (numerically) for those rigs. I say this because they don't have OD. Can you get rigs with maybe 3.55 or even 3.31 rears? Naybe you could go as low as 3.11. I'm just thinking out loud, considering diesel is so outrageous in price these days.

How much does each rig weigh?

Be sure to get ECM(?) readings on each truck. Make sure that 600K-miler is not really a 900k-miler. This scam is common.

 

Volvo's are heavy. something lkr 21K for the BIG sleeper. We has a mid sized sleeper unit with single bed and it was 19K lbs. ALso we had high maintenance costs with that truck. I wouldn't do a volvo personally. If I were looking for a decent used for a good price I'd look at freightliners and KW t600's both with skirting. the freightliners can be had cheap. Werner sells alot of decent used units

 

There are two issues that I'll cover briefly before I leave for work, and will try to get back to possibly this evening.

One, the Volvo engine has 2 strikes against it. One is that if you are pulling at 80k weights, owners of the Volvo's say that the engines feel weak at higher gross weights. people pulling 65,000 or so have no complaints, but if you do a search through various sites for the Volvo engine, that is a constant complaint. One of our members here, Maestro, has a Volvo engine and you might consider pm'ing him and getting first hand info. he's a good guy and will tell you the truth.

The second issus of the Volvo engine is that there is a very limited supoport and service network for it. You are pretty much limited to going to the Volvo dealer and buying parts and paying for their labor rates, because the parts network is not as developed as it is for the more common brands. You can buy Cummins and Detroit parts at the local 7-11, but not Volvo parts. Tht increases your running costs, and is a reason why I would recommend that you stick to the more traditional brands. Even Cat, who also limits their parts somewhat, has more access than Volvo does.

As for Gearing, here is the method to use to select your drivetrain. Once you choose an engine, contact a dealer and find out what the "Sweet spot" for that engine is. Every engine will have an rpm range that provides the best performance and fuel economy. Usually, it matches up with the engines torque peak, and on most modern engines it will be in the 1400-1500 rpm range. Using that rpm, figure the road speed you commonly plan to run, for example 62, and figure using those numbers. Set your tire size, final drive ratio, transmission ratio, and numbers so that when all is said and done, you are turning at the bottom of the sweet spot rpm while turing the road speed you plan to run. You have to behonest about how fast you plan to drive, but if you do that, you will get the best fuel mileage and power available from your truck.

 

In my opinion, the Volvo is a good truck to start with, but like said earlier, I would steer clear of the Volvo engine. I have known of many problems with the Volvo engine, and like said, you have to take it to a Volvo dearler for repairs or parts. Also, it will cost quite a bit more to rebuild a Volvo engine (if needed) simply because you have to get the parts from the dealer, no aftermarket parts available. Just something to think about. And by the way, God bless your neice!

 

Here's a formula from my old high school physics class. It may help you determine if these trucks are right for you:

MPH = ( Engine RPM * Tire Radius ) / ( Final Gear Ratio * 168 )

Or

Desired Engine RPM = ( Desired MPH * Final Gear Ratio * 168 ) / Tire Radius

If your high gear ratio is 1:1 (no overdrive), then your final gear ratio will be 3.70 with these rigs.

Here's another formula you may be able to use:

(mph)(gear ratio)(336) = (tire diameter in inches)(rpm)


Like others have said in this thread, the heaviness of the Volvo, the Volvo engine, and the fact these rigs have high-roof sleepers make me believe you should pass on them if you (or someone else) is going to run them on the road running flatbed loads.

 

If they want to run team hauling heavy freight like produce or flatbed then weight will be a big issue and like I stated the volvo is heavy. it's also not cheap so don't thing a kw or something else will be more.
Freightliners can be very good deals but they don't bring much on trade in. this is less of a concern for you considering a used truck since by the time they turn it in it will be worn out anyways and won't bring much. I'd consider a freightliner in your options personally but we all have our preferences. I REALLY like the kw T2000 very fuel efficient which puts more bucks in your pocket. I'd also look at the kw T600 but really for a team the more room you have the better whch means a wide body truck like the t2000, freightliner, international, volvo is better. International can be nice too with the right spec and they can be had for a very resonable price.
Remember if they want to haul flatbed then a mid roof may be better for them than a standup.

Oh I ALMOST forgot....... Do you want to be my uncle too????? I'v had my eye on a t2000 KW :smt106
You are a good man, good luck