2014 Volvo 780

On a 780,I'd want a 235-40 ish wheelbase for reefer or flat. That wb will change per truck model ie 670, 430 , etc. That will give you enough room in front of the fifth when for the unit. Speak to your truck salesman about trailer kingpin settings as well. I've seen 24-48" KP on reefers, so make sure your reefer has a setting that gives you the most flexibility while still allowing you to snug up for fuel mileage.

 

Yup. In order to get your weight right 80k you'll have to have the 5th wheel all the way forward, never was a fan of that but I dealt with it.

 

If you want a manual, 13 is the obvious choice. The salesman has a tool to determin which setup will give you optimum fuel mileage for the 780 and d13, they'll enter data such as average speed (be honest), average weight, average deadhead, etc. that will tell you if the XE or other setup is best for your operation. We're in the 21st century now, we don't have to guess. For example I would set up mine to run 70, grossing 70,000 with 25% deadhead with minimal mountains. Volvo's software will tell you the best setup for those parameters. If I were you, I'd find a salesman that you like and knows there stuff, and star putting a truck together. When you get the quote, shop it around a little bit to make sure it's fair, and get more feedback. Go talk to Juan and use that issue you had as a bargaining tool.

 

I have a 2014 Volvo 780 that is equipped with the following: D13 455 hp engine with Volvo I-Drive 12 speed transmission, 237 inch wheel base, 3.2 cuft refrigerator freezer, power windows, power remote door locks, stationary upper bunk with 6 inch inner spring mattress, premium stereo, built in bluetooth, am/fm/siriusxm/weather radio. Everything but brakes and fifth wheel is Volvo brand. I pull a 48 foot flatbed and generally average 7.5 mpg at 65 mph. If you are pulling a 53 foot van, you may want a shorter wheel base, say 229 inch which will get the trailer real close to the back.

You best bet is to talk to your Volvo dealer and let them know how you run and where you drive. I highly recommend the Volvo engine and I-Drive. You will not want to go back to a stick shift, ever.

 

You're not the only one. My experience so far, feels like im selling the truck to me. They are busy with orders, many fleets are switching to the ishift.