spec out a truck...

If I were picking a powertrain combo, I'd select the following.

Cummins ISX 500 @ 2000 rpm and 1650 lb/ft @ 1200 rpm.
TTC (Spicer) Pro-Shift PSDO165-18 18 speed
40,000lb rears with 3.36 rear end
275/80R22.5 tires


That would give a cruise RPM of 1415 @ 70 mph in 13th (.70 OD). Drop a gear to 12th (.84OD) and you're still under 1800 rpm and need to work it a bit on a hill.

If you're in a 55 mph state and are pushing 58 mph, you can cruise in 11th (direct) and be running at 1675 rpm or upshift to 12th and loaf it at 1400 rpm.

 

Usually, this means the truck is specced the way an O/O would, nicer interior options - heated/power mirrors, power windows/locks, upgraded materials (no rubber mat, actual carpet). Also, you might get a fridge.

Also, you may get a 13 or 18 spd trans (instead of a fleet-spec 10 spd)

 

Take a look at Dalas Peterbuilt. You have to order a truck thats not OO spec'd. from them. I hated carpet on the drivers side and mine was red but still ahrd to keep clean. I have always driven in my stocking feet. Started out hauling cattle with a 5 X 3 in a Mack and you had to drive like you had an egg under your foot. I still can't believe it when some driver almost gets the front wheeels off the ground when shifting. Look at any Yellow freight truck, I wouldnt drive one. They are filthy, no Tach, Jake Brake, minimal gauges and I'm not sure but some used to have no right seat.

 

Would spec one out depending on where I intended to run. Mountains, E.coast, Or central. Higher gearing for central US, 3.70s W/ a 600 HP CAT for Mountains. I have always believed you run to the max and at the end of a year you make more money than Swift with their 65 MPH. Write off truck at 4 yrs and trade before the warranty runs out, higher value and less maintenence, and keep it washed and polished All the time even in bad winter weather. It's hard work but can be rewarding.

 

YOu're right passin thru, a lot of those LTL daycabs are ridiculous. I used to drive for Central Transport, and their Sterlings were specced with a right side seat delete, the driver's seat was a piece of #$%^, and with that Merc engine's jake you would have trouble stopping if you were sitting still.

 

It’s a good idea to spec out a truck. However, who gets what they consider to be the ideal?
I think it would be more practical to spec everything within an acceptable range. I think that most purchases are made by choice from what is available.
What would one do if they spec’d a 13 speed and found a terrific deal on a 15 speed or they figured on 450 hp engine and a 430 hp was available? What would be the consequences of having to go to a lower or higher hp?
So, I think all specs should be within a range of choices to avoid making a drastic mistake or mis-calculation.
There are also things that are just personal choices. The big companies don’t care if you like carpet or rubber mats, but when buying a truck you may or may not have that choice either.
Go to any truck dealer. They may have a half dozen new trucks available. How many meet your specs exactly?
THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND