VOLVO

My '06 780, with new APU, is 19,300 with full tanks. I need to get more info on this running more than 12,000 on steers because that is my issue. Off to check my rating.

 

My first truck was 2001 Volvo 770, detroit D60,10 speed autoshift, but i got it used ex US express truck, in jan 2004. The transmission was a pain, i spent 25,000 $ in 3 years on towing, repairs all kind of transmission computer gliches; got stuck in Laredo,Texas in the middle of the intersection blocking the trafic, the trany wouldn't shift...blahhh. The engine was good,good milage.
In 2007,i did trade my 770 for a brand new model 2008 Volvo 780, Volvo D13,DPF!13 speed eaton . This motor is great, more power,running over 7MPG, good torque pulling in western Canada, but... Volvo services SUX ! With my last truck i could find anytime a Freighlinear dealer open 24/7 to work on my Detroit D60 engine. But i can't do it now, only Volvo works Volvo motors and they have the worst truck services, because are open mostly from 9 to 5, and closed in weekends. Last year i had to abandon a load in Little Rock, AR saturday beacuse i couldn't find a fuel filter until monday morning when this lazy Volvo shops open.
I love the large sleeper, great truck for teams, but.... my advices;
1. don't buy a Volvo Engine, get a Cummins and you can fix it in any place and for less $.
2. The EGR valves and DPF cleaning is expenssive also, kills the MPG and $$$, if i would have to buy another truck, i would get a 2003 model, without DPF and EGR valves and other bs emission.

 

For truckers, engines and ex-wives are a lot alike. We hold onto to the issue far too long.

Many of the issues I heard about Volvo engines I learned about happened pre-06. Breakdowns happen with all trucks and it was the parts availability, price and who will work on it that had me concerned.

But before I bought my truck and talked to a lot of shops while on the road. Parts on the year I was looking at are no more an issue than any other. Prices on some are higher but not nearly as bad in the past. Getting work done is a little more of an issue but that is on the major stuff and I figured for the $5,000 - $7,000 more I would pay for a Cummins I could afford the extra time off.

So take what you learn here, and then get out and start talking to mechanics. If is far less scary in the real world.

 

I hope you keep fuel filters on board now.

Johny makes a good point to anyone reading this and doesn't already do this.

1. Learn how to change your fuel filter. I don't care if you are a company driver. if you ain't rolling you ain't earning.

2. Keep a spare filter and filter wrench on board at all time. He is talking about Volvo but had similar issue with my Detroit but I had the spare filter so it was just a bit of time getting dirty and I was back on the road. My other option was to sit for a day.

 

My '07 780, with the '06 530 ISX, has the air ride front axle that is rated at 13,200. But you need to pay attention to what the tires are rated at too, I went to 11R's instead of the original low pro's, as they had a lower rating that I was always right at or slightly above.

 

jardel, sorry just now seen your question. The shop I use is in Amarillo, Tx, Lowe Diesel Service. They have been working on my trucks for around 10 years now. Good shop if you ever need one in Amarillo.

 

Magnum1, I guess you are still looking for a truck? I went with 07 cause that is the newest model you can buy pre dpf. I did not want a truck with dpf.