volvo 780

The automatic transmissions are a piece of crap! I had to convert my automatic into a 13 speed! Coust me about $7,000

 

I generally try to be supportive, because I do want people to succeed out here. Every now and then, I see a post which triggers pretty much every alarm bell in my mind, and this is one of them, especially after previous posts of yours which I've seen in the past couple weeks. If you decide to go through with this purchase (and if it seems like I'm hinting at discouraging you from it, that's probably because I am), then here's what to do..
Cross your fingers and hope that the D13s hold up better than the D16s did. Hope you'll be one of the fortunate ones who doesn't experience a ton of electrical problems. Hope you don't lose your ### on that deal. Hope you have enough mechanical knowledge and tools to do as much of your own maintenance as possible. Hope that anything which goes wrong isn't something you have to take to a Volvo dealer, because you will pay out the nose. Hope especially that automatic transmission doesn't go tits up on you... that'll eat away at your profit margin (assuming you have one) real quick. I don't know what kind of repute the D13s have, but I sure as hell know about the D16, and I do sincerely hope they engineered the D13 better for your sake.
Hope you've figured out where in the country you need to be to get good paying freight. Avoid cheap freight, do what you can to keep your deadhead miles down. Keep an escrow account for maintenance expenses (do not ignore this), because there will be maintenance expenses.
Tell me you at least know how to do your own PM and at least some basic parts changing?
I'm sorry.. I wish the best for you.. I really do. But I can't help but see dark clouds on the horizon here. Are you locked into this, or do you still have the opportunity to back out? Because I'm going to be honest with you here - I really haven't seen even the slightest indication that you're fully aware of what you're getting yourself into, and this is only reinforced by you asking this question now instead of before the fact.

 

Was your automatic the I-Shift or the Eaton UltraShift? I ask because it makes a big difference. The I-Shift is the same transmission as Mack's M-Drive, and that transmission is light years better than Eaton. I drove one for a year (Mack) and had no issues whatsoever with it. It shifts almost as smoothly as a car auto with a torque converter, and is intelligent enough to know when to skip shift, unlike the Eaton.

Personally though, I don't think I would ever buy a Volvo if I were to consider being an owner operator. They are forever in the shop (at least with my experience) and many times end up needing to go to a dealer for stupid crap like bad sensors and other electrical issues. They ride and drive nice though.

 

I have an '07 780. Has it been trouble free? Of course not, it is a man made mechanical device. But when I have needed dealership service I have always gotten it, and quickly, unlike many friends with Freightliners that have to wait 2-3 days before their trucks can even be looked at.

The ride is better than my 3/4 ton pickup, and the storage and livibility is better than any other truck, short of a monster custom sleeper.

Yes I've had a few electrical quirks, but I would get another one.

And the one design factor that you never wish to use, but I'm glad it is there, is the crash survivability of the steel cab, unlike any other class 8 truck.

 

My first purchase was a 2005 Volvo 670 10 speed manual from Arrow truck sales. That truck was a financial nightmare. After 2 years of struggle with it I traded it in for my current truck that is a 2011 Volvo with I-shift. I haven't had any problems yet with the transmission. The truck is a dream to drive. Would not have thought of an automatic with earlier models. The drivers who are die hards that just have to shift to feel like they are driving are always the first ones to say not to by an auto. Do what you feel is right for you. All trucks have mechanical issues. These new trucks are so computer driven that sensors will eventally cause problems.

 

Hope you have a very pocket for repairs. Volvos are nice but the most expensive truck to maintain. Not to mention coupled with an automatic transmission you're just asking for trouble.

 

The I-Shift is not an automatic transmission. It is an automated transmission. It is a 12 speed with clutch and no torque convertor. You have only two pedals and drive it like an automatic since the computer does the shifting and clutching. Make sure it is a newer truck that gives you the option for economy or power. It has an extra button to select those by the shifter handle. That will change the shift points under hard pulls, mountains and so on. The newer versions also have the Eco-roll feature that will help with fuel economy. I work for a small company that has three 780s and we have had not any problems with the transmissions. The 2010 has about a half a million miles on it.

I personally like the D-13 and I-Shift combination. I cringe everytime I have to drive one of our 9,13 or 15 speed trucks. I was just stuck on I-35 in rush hour and was thankful for it. It is a lot more driver friendly and less wear and tear on you and your body.

I have seen quite a few sensor issues and coolant leaks on all three Volvos. Make sure you have a good dealer to work with when needed. We have been using Husky/TEC in Seattle and there service is very disappointing.

 

I had the Mack MP8 with the M-Drive which I think is the same combo your using Viking. It worked flawlessly and we put 'em through the paces pulling 8,000 gallon water bottles up and down the grades in the Eastern PA coal region on a 24/7 schedule running two driver's shifts. Those 8,000 gallons equate to around 105,000 lb gross weight (we're permitted), and I could pull a 7% grade at close to 25 mph. Downshifts were smooth and precise. We've had pretty much no trouble with the trucks since we bought them.

 

My company is almost 100% Volvo and the bosses are very strict on PM service. We have a good relationship with Volvo so parts and repairs get taken care of quickly. The only time I had significant down time with one of our trucks, it wasn't a Volvo issue but a Cummins DPF issue.