Pete 379 vs w900l

Just my opinion....why not go for the T8 instead ? Pretty much the same riding characteristics as the W9, identical interiors, except for the fact that the T8 has the advantage of the set-back axle, which gives it a really good turning radius, in addition to more even weight distribution between the steers and the drive axles. The T8, I feel, is far more versatile, and not to mention, is a great looking truck.

 

The corporate 'Flex-Air' suspension is available on both Pete and KW....

 

So its like comparing a chevy and a caddilac. It still doesnt make sense.

I like the roofline on petes better. But KW hoods are so cool...

 

The T8 is not even close to a W9. Look at the hood! Why dont we just go buy a volvo like mine?

I'm not saying its not a nice truck, as I do rather like my volvo...but a w9 is a long nose and a t8...ISNT.

 

Still, the only big difference is the set back axle and the hood. The cab and sleepers are identical, right down to the step down between cab and sleeper I never got used to. Can you say trip hazard? That is relating to the T8/W9.

 

You're so right. My bad. I didn't realise that trucking companies pay more to their owner ops if they own a long nose !!

As for the Volvo, it is a very nice truck. I drove one for 3 years and loved it. However, it's biggest issue is dealer service. Otherwise, it's very comfortable, great ride, great manouverability and visibility.

Fyi...your opinion notwithstanding, the T8 is a way more versatile truck than the W9. I'm not trying to run down the latter, but simply stating what quite a few KW owners feel, and also based on my own personal experience, having driven both. If I were to be an owner op, I'd like my truck to be able to be fit for multiple applications....the T8 fits the bill quite admirably.

 

I am in the process of switching from an 05 379 to a 06 W900. Both are 265 wb with Cat C15's (which I hear are the heaviest engine). My 379 with headache rack, chains etc was 18,800 full of fuel. I'll post a weight of the W9 when I actually get my crap all swapped over.

 

:smt023 Yeah that!!!
In addition, the T800s have longer leaf spring(s) on the steer axle due to the set back axle; this equates to a slightly better ride up front. If I can find the right one, my next truck WILL be a T8!!!!!!!!!!

The crude oil gathering company I used to work for ran day cab W9s up to the late 80s when the T8s came out. NOBODY wanted to drive those "anteaters" in the daytime, but because they rode better,(even with the shorter wb), they were popular at night (lol). Because the drivers pitched such a ruckus, the KW rep came to a safety meeting to help smooth things over. I well remember him saying that with two identical spec'ed trucks, a W9, and a T8, the T8 would get about 1/2 mpg better, just cause of the hood. As drivers, we did not buy the fuel, so that didn't help much, but all those nice caps, ink pens, and key chains, he handed out did make those T8s seem a little less ugly.
As to that cab to sleeper step down that johnday is concerned about, I have steps to enter, and exit my home, (5 at front entrance, 5 at the rear), fell/tripped one time, yes I was sober, but new bifocals.
On my first 4 wheel drive truck, I put a 3" lift kit and those pipe thingys under the doors, to help me step down; only fell once there also (think I was drunk that time).
Some 5 or 6 trucks later, 3" lifts on each, no more fall downs. As to the KWs, driven W9s, and T8s since 1989, day cab and sleeper cabs, presently driving my own third W9, and have never fallen due to the dreaded step down from cab to sleeper.

 

I never said I was coordinated!!!

 

Welcome to the club!
Wife has forbidden me to chew gum while walking in house, and adult beverages must be consumed in sitting position only.