Cummins c-13

Get a Volvo D13 with I-Shift.

 

cat 13 no parts avl like 15 have

 

Don't be talked into a 13 liter engine for what you're going to be doing. I'm doing now what you want to do. I'm assuming your going to be hauling product like peatmoss south out of sask/mb. That's the most common south bound load to position for Cali produce back to Canada. Who are you signing on with? I'm guessing you're most likely hauling the product for loblaws or fed-co(the grocery people) if you're going in and out of sk/mb.
You want a 15litre engine for this work , no less than a 13 speed and 3.55 rears either. You need to be able to haul ### up and down the mountains and push the headwinds accross the praries. The 13 liter engines struggle to do this type of work. If you're coming to Cali and you're signing on with a reputable company paying you a fair rate then go buy new. You will be better off in the long run. I been at this game for near 3 years now and been running my own truck for 1. I'm out because I don't want 5 years of truck payments but if you're just getting in then go buy a 2014 kw T660 with a 475 or up cummins( don't be talked into the paccar). This truck will make you money in this game. It's what everyone's running these days and does the job well. I know guys getting 7mpg year round average with that set up . T660, cummins 475+ , 3.55 rears and 13 sp box. You want 12 and 40 axles, don't over spec it or your curb weight will be too heavy. Don't know where your located but I got quoted $123k on one of these at custom truck in winnipeg last week. The list price as spec'd was $189k then knock off rebates and trade in( you will have down payment instead of trade in) plus a little negotiating and that's what you will be looking at. You will come out better in the end if you buy new now , especially doing what you want to do. I have just gone through the whole deal of figuring this out in the last 12 months so take it for what it's worth but if I were you I'd be buying new. As long as you are ready to commit to the paymdnts( approx 2100 per month over 5 years.) otherwise buy used and struggle like I have up to now!

 

Depends , if you're going to buy new then go to the dealer . I thought about trading up to a 07 or newer truck but the problems with those trucks can be expensive and if you can afford $68k on used then it's worth it for peace of mind and warrenty to go buy new. Those 07 to 10 trucks had a lot of problems that could potentially cost you your ### if you buy a used later model truck and run into issues. Especially just starting out. If you were going anywhere but Cali I would say to buy a pre 2003 and go for it! But when you get up to 07 and newer in used trucks you're really taking a big risk!
Shop around on new trucks , you will be surprised at what you will find price wise and payment figures as well. Just keep it basic spec, standard interiors, no bells and whistles and you will easily be able to afford the payments if you're signing on with a good company and getting good miles.

 

You need to be getting the best mpg you can and I'm only suggesting kw because that's what I know from experience and friends trucks. Kw also has probly the most extensive dealer network in north America. That makes a big difference when buying new. If you're running west coast and sk/mb kenworth is easy to find if you need service. I considered a Mack but wasn't to happy with the dealer in wpg ( just wanted to sell me what was on the lot not what I actually needed) plus the dealer network isn't too extensive.

 

6NZ C-15 single turbo cat. Case closed. Next question?

 

If only he could take it to California! He's looking at produce hauling for a Canadian company and that means California unfortunately.

 

Oh how I love this Forum.