What truck to buy to run reefer and dry van?

You didn't say whether you have any limitations as to year, length, weight, etc. so I'm gonna assume you can run whatever you like.

If it were me I would go one of 2 routes
1. Buy a 2003 Volvo 770 with a 12.7L Detroit & preferably a direct drive transmission and completely recondition the truck
2. Have a Freightliner Columbia glider kit built with same drivetrain

Both will have great operating cost, and will have less down time than trucks with more modern EGR engines.
Option 2 gets you a current year model truck with proven technology under the hood

NOTE: if you plan on running CA you will need to equip both trucks with DPF

 

Another thing you need to take into account for the best fuel economy is tires, choose the wrong tennis shoes and it could cost you thousands of dollars in profit. 22.5 low profile tires and wide based drive & trailer tires will give you a lower rolling resistance than 24.5 tall rubber. Michelin XZA 3 on the steers, Michelin X One XDA Energy on the drives & Michelin X One XTA on the trailer will give you the lowest possible rolling resistance & the MPG's will rise as the tires wear. Yes Michelin's are pricey but if driven properly you will recoup your investment in no time. There is also weight savings to be had using wide based tires to increase capacity. If you go on Michelin's truck tire site there is a graph to compare the vaious models rolling resistance so you pick the right tire for your operation and to fit within your budget. Another thing to possibly look at is using a product called Air Tabs. They basically fine tune the airflow around the truck to reduce wind drag. I have never used them since I am a company driver, but from what a few of our O/O's say that do have them tey really do work.

 

No rice burner for me been driving cascadia's for 7 yrs now my brother retired from Volvo in Atlanta, said new ones were junk!

 

Any truck will do the job its more about what you like driving if your towing up alot of hills and mountains you need a few horses under the hood i'd go for around 500 hp however if its nice and flat 450 - 480 would be enough as far as trucks go everyone is different its more about your own personal preference and what you find the most comfortable if your hiring other drivers you need to give them a truck they will enjoy being in as well, some companies at least give there drivers that option, i'd go for a Peterbilt 587 with 13 speed

 

- "rice burner"
- Volvo made in VA, power train built in Hagerstown, maryland.
- Volvo parent company from sweden.

Literally the dumbest thing I've heard all day.

 

The Cascadia might have ben built in Mexico. I have driven both Cascadias and Volvo. I am just the driver so operating costs are not my department. The 780 is as comfortable as a car! I hate the shaky dash. Cascadias are also nice. If they would just move the ignition switch higher so you can see it! Here is a question for the experts: Which turns tighter a 780 or a Cascadia. Most of the Volvos I drove were 670's Very small but turns on a dime

 

VOlvos are build under swedish savety rules who the highest in the world.
THe volvos are assembelt in usa but engine and i-shift comes from the mainplant.

MAin question do you like to buy a lego truck under diff blancets or a truck who all main parts comes from the same and are opitmiced to work nice together??

 

I can vouch for the Prostar's comfort. Note that the top bunk does not fold up. It is bolted down. The 2011 with a Cummins is good on fuel, however, a lot were built to run without DEF. I haven't had a problem with my truck to this point. I also don't have the water leaks or the wind noise people speak of. Stay away from the MaxxForce engine!

 

What you said about the bunk isn't always true. My 2012 had an upper bunk and I kept it folded up.

What you said about the MaxxForce is absolutely true AFAIC. Worst POS I've ever driven.

To the OP, I've never driven a Volvo so can't comment on them. However, I've had 3 Freightliner Cascadias: one with a Detroit with a 10 speed, one Cummings with 13 speed and one with a Cummings 10 speed automatic.

My favorite is the Cummins engine and I like the automatic, frankly. But, if I have to drive a manual, I prefer a 13 like I have now. It pulls great and gets decent mileage, but the automatic got better mileage.

Also, one down side to the Freightliners for me, every dang one then I've had leaked water into the cab when it rained hard enough.

 

I have no opinion other than if you buy a freight liner keep your favourite towing company on speed dial.. And as above poster says,,,they leak like a sieve. Door seals, windows,,good thing these mofo's don't make condoms! Driving one you experience a litany of WTF!!!