Picking up a Freightliner.

newer mercedes go for quite a bit less--but i have heard bad things---
i would seriously look at walmart trucks--very good maintenance--usually less than 500k when they trade in---and i believe they are speced for good mileage as well
but then you are away from the detroit--and ihc generally has a lower resale value
also automatics seem lower if want that route--now i am not sure about the maintenance cost of those trans tho

 

Mercedes engines are a pain the rear. Also they have limited dealers and certified techs only work for those dealers. Most shops will work on detroit or a cummins. If you choose the cat route, see if you can reflash your ecm to a 6NZ. Mr. Haney and 550 can give you more information. Best of luck sir.

KH

 

Well said. Why buy the cheapest you can find? Is that so you can go haul 85 cpm freight? Do it right and you can buy a nice truck AND make money.

 

The Accert Cat is a good engine, but the 3.55 rears are too low of a gear.

According to what size tires, you should be at least 3.42 or 3.36 depending on 24.5 or 22.5.

 

The ACCERTS DO like a lower # gear... even my '95 379 with a 3406E has a 3.36... I can loaf at 65 mph at 1400 rpm's and get decent fuel economy.

One thing to consider... the shop that's doing my in-frame right now mentioned that I'd be looking at another $1500.00 in labor charges if my 3406 was in a typical newer style aero truck... takes longer to do everything and guess who pays the bill? At $95.00 per hour it adds up fast.

Stay far away from those MBE engines... and the Volvo's IMHO.

 

Ihave owned my ser 60 detroit for 12 years. going approaching 1.4 mil miles. it is a 95' it is a intl coe. it always get's real good m.p.g. min 6 doing 60-65 m.p.h averages 6.8 7.2 it is a ole walmart truck. it is easy to work on, parts are very inexpensive compared to todays part's prices. example, new no core turbo $ 580.00 though my original is still going strong. had inframe done about 5 months ago, just for preventative maint. it has served me very well, though it is my first & only truck, so I cannot comment on any other. I have no egr, & no where near the complicated issues on todays newer models. if something is wrong with my engine, it is not complicated to diagnos unlike the newer ones. good luck on whatever you choose.

 

if you look in the TRUCK PAPER--you can find the walmart trucks in there
not a lot of hp tho--10 speeds but still for the money its a decent truck i would think--and i believe they are cat engines
its not always easy to find that 3.00 dollar a mile frieght
was told by a very kind older gentlemen--"work smart,not hard"
if you can make enough in the first week to cover your payment and bills--then you have 3 weeks for yourself
hmmm its up to you if you want to work those 21 days--and live in the truck--but hay--why not work 18 of them and go fishing for 3 ?