Drivers choice of truck

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Old Man, Mar 24, 2013.

  1. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    The key to your entire statement about getting 8+ mpg.

    Now, show me how you do on a 44,000+ payload trip.
     
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  3. Steve D

    Steve D Light Load Member

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    Drove a 379 for a few months this past fall. Looks so nice goin' down the road. Now am in a Volvo 670. No contest. The Volvo wins hands down. The Pete's only advantage is the macho look. Volvo has a much smarter layout of controls and the whole interior, visibility is so much better. When you add in its aerodynamic superiority...again, no contest.
     
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  4. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    I've had the Volvo and now a Pete.
    Not sure I could go back. Difinitely some comfort advantages to a Volvo but love my Pete and not for it's looks.
    Seems quieter and built tougher.
    And is lighter
     
  5. thedrifter

    thedrifter Medium Load Member

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    where I'm at I started in a Volvo I hated it. I asked for a t600 kw that came open and got it. stayed with it for 7-8 months then was told I was getting a different truck. no one would tell me what it was they did tell me it was new to the company and that it was a 1999.took over a month to get it out of the shop the whole time I wasn't around the yard. finally got to the yard and it was ready to roll. it is an extended hood pete with a 600 isx signature series motor and an 18 speed studio type sleeper. #### I hate it when I get treated good.
     
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  6. jeffgul

    jeffgul Bobtail Member

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    Good tires, No shakes and cup holder, I'm in heaven!!
     
  7. ColoradoGreen

    ColoradoGreen Heavy Load Member

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    I take it you don't drive around Colorado much...

    Starting on 6% you're gonna' beat that motor a lot less with an 18 than a 13-speed.

    And if you run heavy loads (80,000+) you'll be far better off with an 18 than about anything else less of a 6x4.

    As I said earlier, my preference of truck is whatever truck I don't have to fight to get the work done.

    Grossing 140,000 in the Rockies, that's a high torque engine, 18-speed, and deep rears. Flatlanding towing general freight with a skateboard, a mid-range motor with a 10 or 13-speed is completely serviceable. It all depends on where and what.
     
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  8. MikeDee

    MikeDee Bobtail Member

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    I like the 18 speed but I drive a log truck and I'm in the mud and boggy ground a good bit. I like being able to split those low gears.
     
  9. ColoradoGreen

    ColoradoGreen Heavy Load Member

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    Not quite, the 18-speed has a lower starting hole (14.40 underdrive) versus the 13-speed which has a 12.31 underdrive low-hole, so, there's some difference in gearing.

    On the steep hills, that step-down in the low-hole gearing can make a difference.
     
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  10. jason6541

    jason6541 Road Train Member

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    W900, 389 pete they hold resale value and from a maintenance stand point engine isn't crammed up under the cab, ride nice as well
     
  11. poppapump1332

    poppapump1332 Road Train Member

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    W900 or 389 hands down no elogs or governors isx cummins that will get all drivers wanting to work for you
     
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