Looking for some general startup advice

Ok, I get it already

 

Onan is cummins with Kubota motor so motor is solid. But when I was shopping my local cummins shop "was thinking of sending someone to get certified" plus they didn't even stock fliters.

But with planning all that is a bump in the road. Biggest issue is the control module should be recalled but they won't do it. And no one stocks it. If it goes out you better plan on a couple weeks to get one.

 

Like I said before rule the Columbia out

Western Star Pros:
Huge sleeper, plenty of room.
Interior is built to last, it is not a fleet truck.
Detroit series 60 is easy to work on, mechanics know how to work on them.
Plenty of room under hood to do work on it.
Classic look
A lot of dealers are Freightliner too and are open 24/7. A WS only dealer will be a blast from the past concerning customer service. Last I knew Midway WS in PA was $ixty something per labor hour.

Western Star cons:
3.70 rears. What rpm were you at when driving 65mph?
Long wheelbase requires more skill at tight docks and limited Canadian freight.
Freightliner owns them.
Aerodynamics-If you want a truck to get 6-7 mpg at 75 mph, this isn't the truck.

T2000 pros:
Aero truck, better fuel mileage.
Big sleeper

T2000 cons:
Constant issues with doors thanks to the HUGE mirrors attached to them.
Built like a fleet truck, so you will get the fleet trucks issues like squeaks and such.
A friend who bought one new, cursed KW for it.

If it were me, and I wanted a used aero truck, I think I'd look at the T660/T600/Pete 386. Sure the sleeper is a dated design and it's not as open feeling, but it is a quality cab compared to the T2000.

 

One side note, as much as i dislike Columbia's, IF California actually gets that B.S. passed and we have to have a 2007 or newer truck, you may consider that. Not sure if you run Cali or not, and I certainly hope that it doesn't pass, but IF it does pass, other states will likely fall in line, just like the anti idling laws. On the other hand, by the time it passes you may very well be ready to upgrade your truck anyway.

 

If you do not know what you are going to be hauling or what part of the country you will be running I do not see how you can figure out what kind of truck setup you need.

 

You likely have a better feel for it being next door but this isn't a "if it passes" thing. From what I read, the only thing that could stop it would be a long-shot lawsuit (but the ability for CARB to do this has been played out in court) or state legislature waking up (and tha is a long shot).

But I agree on other states jumping on board. 2020 and beyond is likely to be a different world.

 

That 07 most likely is a pre DPF filter truck, lumping it in with the others as far as Cali admissibility.

 

And why did the T2 need a rebuild at such a young age? Becaue ACERT will drive you broke and batty. Even in an aero truck your mpg with an unmodified ACERT is going to have you crying at the pump. In an '07 T600/10spd auto/3.36 I could not pull more than 6.1 out of it under any load, and the small turbo ate it at 165k and it kept breaking turbo flange bolts. In an '07 379/9spd/3.55 I was lucky to see 5.7. In an '07 386/9spd/3.55 truck I could get 6.3, but it was another flange bolt nightmare and the ACERT actuators finally ruined the motor at 485k. For reference, I now drive a '10 T660/10spd/3.55 with an ISX and a DPF and average 7.2 pulling reefer. After the string of issues I had with ACERTS, I would be very reluctant to own one. If you do go for it, get to know your CAT people by name and religion. Or learn what mods need to be done and do them as soon as your warranty runs out. Personally I think you may be happier with the Western Star long-term. Best of luck to you!