Future of Glider Kits

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Caterpillar Cowboy, Jul 20, 2011.

  1. Captain Canuck

    Captain Canuck "Captain of the Ship"

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    I've seen 2003s with the 12.7 Detroit, so dunno when the production cutoff was.
     
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  3. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    the road less travelled
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    !4 liter Detroits were available before EGR as was the ISX Cummins. The 14 liter Detroit was available in 3 power ratings of 525 horsepower, 550 horsepower, and in Freightliner only, a 575 horsepower version starting in the 1998 model year, I believe, until sometime in the early 2000s.

    EGR dropped the available horsepower, but even before that, the high powered 14 liter engines were not in favor because of cooling issues. There are some botttlenecks in the cooling system from what dealers of competitive makes have told me. These were internal. Most 14s were set at 500 or less after EGR became a part of the system.

    I don't know just when the 12.7 was no longer available, but were still listed in 2006 in sales literature with 455 horsepower as the top rating again, this is as best as I can recall. They may have been available after that, I saw some newer Foodliner midroofs sitting used with 12.7s that were at least that new.

    The MBE 4000 had up to 450 horsepower in a lighter and cheaper to build engine. They also sound like an old school engine with the spooling turbo whine when the engine came on power, compared to a slight rattle from the Detroits.

    II'm running a 2008 with14 liter @ 455 and it gets warm on a hard pull, but doesn't show signs of overheating. After one trip to a technician for a forced regen, the DPF has been working fine, regenerating mostly while driving. Some of the other trucks from the same batch have had more problems, but mine is running well enough to keep me satisfied, if not real happy.
     
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  4. burgerbritches

    burgerbritches Bobtail Member

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    Fitzgerald in Crossville, TN looks like they are out of business. Zero inventory and shop doors closed. Anyone know?
     
  5. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    kicked back in my lazyboy...
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    Wasn't they the big one that KR bragged about?
     
  6. blackw900

    blackw900 The Grandfather of Flatbed

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    Maybe they moved?
     
  7. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    East Central FL
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    TP still shows them having inventory and their website is still up.

    KH
     
  8. catmechanic07

    catmechanic07 Bobtail Member

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    Roanoke, VA
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    I just built a Columbia glider with a N14 in it. No EGR and its pre emissions! 525 hp available in a new truck without the headache of emissions.
     
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  9. sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    Pelham N.C.
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    Why would they go under? Presold the next 200 he had coming! Was shopping for 185!
     
  10. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Been riding by there on i40 almost weekly for years. A personal observation here, over several months time their lot goes from being empty to being chocked full of built glider kits. They don't sit on the lot for long once they've got them all built and lined up. From what I've heard they can't keep up with demand.
     
  11. sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    Their issue has alway been getting enough gliders from freightliner ! We were talking to them about 185 units . but dely time was going to be our issue ! I love the idea and strongly sugest one for any buyer ! But 2 a week on our fleet was sadly not a fit . A new truck for the driver ,ex fuel milage and great power , and 1/10 the headaches! Wish we could have made it work , but our 07s were failing 1 a week !Don't get me started on the 08 cats!
     
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