freightliner classic vs columbia

I would also advise against buying a truck until you drive otr for at least 6 to 12 months to see if it is something he really wants to do. As far as which truck will get the best fuel economy, my money would be on the Columbia due mostly to the aerodynamics. As Bill stated, the driver is the primary determining factor in fuel milesge. Gearing and aerodynamics is also a factor along with type of freight. For instance, a flatbed may get better fuel mileage than someone pulling a van. Where you run will also have an impact on fuel mileage. If you run mostly west where there is usually a lot of wind and steep mountains, your fuel mileage won't be as great as if you run the Midwest or Southeast where the wind doesn't always blow so much and roads are more hilly or flat.

 

Maybe she has a cute milkman and wants to get hubby out of the house!

 

Buying a truck right out the gate, IMO, is not smart at all. 15 years in a little box truck does not prepare you for the challenges ahead. I drove a little box truck myself for 3 years before I got my A. I could have bought my own and jumped out the gate running, but I'm sooo glad I didnt. I got on with a 2 truck operation, and used their truck to learn to drive better, and learn about fuel mileage, and how your driving affects it. Also, their trucks were junk, and I was already mechanically inclined, so I took the time and learned to fix things on THEIR truck, in preparation for fixing my own. Everything I learned on someone else's dime, has enabled me to be VERY successful in my own truck.

Also, don't knock the aerodynamics of a Classic until you've had one. I've got a 2000 Classic XL, 12.7 Detroit, Super 10 Trans, 3.70 rears, 922,487 miles, pulling a reefer, firestone steers - 108 rolling resistance, falken drives - 99 rolling resistance.... I range 7-7.5 MPG.

 

OT, I know, but I'm intrigued with those Falken tires. How are they wearing and if you don't mind what was the cost of a set??

Thanks

 

Not knocking. Physics is physics. Same specs with the way you drive (and you HAVE to be driving right) would get you in the 8's on an Aero truck unless alot of your driving is in lower speeds. Tires make the biggest difference below 45 and aero makes the biggest difference above 45 (according to Cummins).

 

A friend of mine has a 04 columbia. the parts he had to replace in just 1 years are numerous. not to mention the parts cost twice as much on the columbia as would be on older models. not sure of the exact price difference, but his turbo, which went out twice, was $3000. he said if it was not for the 2 year 200,000 mile warranty, he would be broke. per 03, engines, have much less costly breakdowns, & an 01 can be diagnosed & fixed easier for less, overall. reliability is the most important factor to me. if it was just m.p.g. we could just by any truck with a mercedes engine in it, but we know how those do, great on m.p.g. but that is about the only thing to brag about. downtime, losing a customer due to breakdowns, is not worth saving on m.p.g. if that would be the trade off. the columbia, is lighter than the classic, that would help in m.p.g.

 

The Classic usually has a longer wheelbase, and a set forward steer axle. Both decrease the turning ability, making it more of a challenge for a new driver. And the Classic may be too long to go into Canada.

 

Robin6a, you didn't mention if you and your husband plan on running your authority or leasing to a carrier. Before buying a truck I would suggest you check with some carriers to see if they will lease you both on to their authority. Most will require at least 6-12 months of recent otr experience before they will sign a lease with you. Although your husband has several years driving a straight truck, it usually doesn't count toward experience when it comes to otr. I drove a straight truck for about a year before switching to 18 wheelers. That was before truck driving schools. It is a matter of liability for the carrier and their insurance company. If you plan to run your own authority then you should check to see if you can get insurance. Progressive seems to be the only insurance company that will write insurance for new carriers with limited or no experience. Unless you can either lease on with a carrier or get your authority, you won't need a truck. Not trying to rain on your parade, but you need to check on this before writing a check for a truck.