Advice on buying an OTR truck

It's time to buy my own OTR truck. I have a couple of trucks that we use for local and short-haul work, but until last week I've hired my hauling done. But the trucker that I've been using for years has decided to quit. I already have a driver doing the work. He's just been providing the truck, so it kind of makes sense to run my own.

I'm in Washington State, and the truck will pull maxis in the northwest. That is, semi/pup or heavy doubles combinations through mountainous terrain. Most of the time we're between 95,000 and 105,000 pounds. I don't need a giant sleeper. I need power and gears. A truck that will last awhile. I prefer a moderate wheelbase for maneuverability. I'd like it to not be excessively heavy. Since I'm paying the fuel bills, economy matters.

I have no intention of buying new because I don't have that kind of $$ right now. And if owning a truck blows up in my face, I can get out without losing too much equity.

The current truck is a western star constellation with 3406E wide open, 15 speed. I'm thinking lighter, with a 48-60" sleeper, 500 hp minimum, 13 spd.

What I hear is if you want a Freightliner, go with an FLD, classic, or Coronado. Petes are pricy because they're petes. 379 or 377. I'm OK with a W900 or T800. Are Volvos as plasticky as the FLCs or Columbias? I don't mind the 'Star, but it's a heavy pig. My local trucks are IH COEs, and I have nothing against an IH with a nose. My distant past is in a FL COE truck/trailer, but I haven't done any time in a FL conventional.

Deep down I'm a Cat guy. But cats are thirsty by reputation. The 'star is. (!!!) 12.7 Detroits are super fuel efficient but short on Jake power. We have to go down all those hills, too. I see too many broken ISXs to be comfortable. N14s seem to be a good runner.

I'd love to have a talk with Mr Haney since he is clearly expert in the Cat field. Also a Cummins and Detroit expert. But really I'd like to talk with someone who can compare between them.

So, what do you think? I have an excellent driver who is doing a good job that I don't want to lose. Weigh in with opinions. I only have a few things that I hate, so I won't insult you if I don't like your suggestion. I'm no novice, and my experience has shown me that I don't know it all.

Please weigh in.

 

I know one guy who had an ISX, but it was an early ISX when they first came out. He had issues that cummins fixed under warranty. Once he got it ironed out it worked great for him. But I see too many of them at truck wreckers "bad motor".

 

Now I'm going to open the door for a critique of my decision. I bought a 2000 IH 9900i with a CAT 2WS and1 18 spd. It's got a lot of miles (1.1M) but runs good. If I choose to put in on the road full time, I'm sure it will need an OH soon. But part of the problem is that I just like CATs. I have ever since I got in my first one in about '83. It was a far cry from that 335 cummins I was running.

I think that this means that I'm certifiable, since only a crazy person would jump into this game.