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Ideals on trucks and engines to look for. Hopeful proposition fell through.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by bviper, Jan 14, 2014.

  1. Jan 14, 2014 #1
    bviper

    bviper Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2013
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    Was looking at 1995 Freightliner with N14 supposedly with 500K. Found out through another source that number is over 1M miles and truck was not taken care of.

    Looking for an older truck. Prefer some electronic control with common rail, sleeper, and bullet proof. What engines, trans, and trucks am I looking for? I was really excited about the N14 as i hear they are really great engines and I would be fine pulling and freshening an engine but there is more than just an engine with 1M miles.
     
    bviper, Jan 14, 2014
    bviper, Jan 14, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jan 15, 2014 #2
    Elvenhome21

    Elvenhome21 Heavy Load Member

    735
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    Nov 17, 2008
    Sheboygan, WI
    0
    Detroit 60 is probably the cheapest and most durable dollar for dollar. As for 90's trucks its a coin toss, because at that age they are like a old hooker. Used, abused and most of the stuff dont work anymore.
     
    Elvenhome21, Jan 15, 2014
    Elvenhome21, Jan 15, 2014
    #2
  4. Jan 15, 2014 #3
    kw550cat

    kw550cat Medium Load Member

    663
    596
    May 22, 2012
    brooklyn, new york
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    Series 60 is cheap, reliable, and loved by fleets. They can be built for power, and still get good fuel economy of your into that. If it was me, I would go for a cat. A 2ws will work just fine. I forgot when they started to make them, but they stopped around 1999. I have first hand experience with those motors and they are good. My dad had one of the last ones built. The good thing with a cat is that you use a small power motor and not have to worry about getting up hold our keeping it at 75, especially a 2ws. The ws with 475 horsepower and 1850 torque will run, pull, and keep up with the big power motors. You won't have issues with that motor when going up hills. Best of all, it will get good fuel economy of you are into that. Yes cats may be expensive to fix, but the older ones do not break often, and if they do, when it's fixed, it's fixed.
    For tricks, an fld will be good, a classic, a t2000, w900, 379, and maybe a century of the price is right. But honestly, it won't matter.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2014
    kw550cat, Jan 15, 2014
    kw550cat, Jan 15, 2014
    #3
  5. Jan 15, 2014 #4
    bviper

    bviper Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2013
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    What kind of loaded and unloaded MPG can I expect with these older machines?
     
    bviper, Jan 15, 2014
    bviper, Jan 15, 2014
    #4
  7. Jan 15, 2014 #5
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    What kind of wagon are you planning to pull? If you're pulling a box and want a good, all around motor that will pull really well AND get great fuel economy, then I would say the old school 12.7litre 500 Detroit. Match it with the right gears and tranny and you will have a truck that's a joy to drive.
     
    TripleSix, Jan 15, 2014
    TripleSix, Jan 15, 2014
    #5
  8. Jan 15, 2014 #6
    bviper

    bviper Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2013
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    Probably only would pull flat decks. 48-53ft std, or single drop.

    Ideas on mileage?
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2014
    bviper, Jan 15, 2014
    bviper, Jan 15, 2014
    #6
  9. Jan 15, 2014 #7
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

    18,420
    128,780
    Apr 10, 2009
    Copied in Hell
    0
    Not with an open trailer. With a box, I'd say 7.5 with a lead foot.
     
    TripleSix, Jan 15, 2014
    TripleSix, Jan 15, 2014
    #7
  10. Jan 15, 2014 #8
    bviper

    bviper Bobtail Member

    38
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    Aug 1, 2013
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    I am trying to determine the loaded and unloaded MPG. I know the flat bed will not have the aero resistance but I also realize loaded can be a wild card depending on how aerodynamic the load is.

    I am trying to calculate without back hauls for consideration so hoping unloaded looks better?
     
    bviper, Jan 15, 2014
    bviper, Jan 15, 2014
    #8
  11. Jan 16, 2014 #9
    Elvenhome21

    Elvenhome21 Heavy Load Member

    735
    240
    Nov 17, 2008
    Sheboygan, WI
    0
    If your concerned about fuel mileage and cost Id stay away from petes especially (for some reason they are like old harleys, top dollar for a worn out hooker) or any square nose trucks.
    If your pulling skate boards than flat top or midroof would be beneficial. Schneider Bulk trucks are pretty cheap and for the most part pretty well taken care of and are setup decently for skate boards.

    With a schneider bulk truck Id expect at minimum of 6.5 fully loaded and well over 7 empty possibly low to mid 8s on flat lands.
     
    Elvenhome21, Jan 16, 2014
    Elvenhome21, Jan 16, 2014
    #9
  12. Jan 16, 2014 #10
    bviper

    bviper Bobtail Member

    38
    3
    Aug 1, 2013
    0
    In some reading and full understanding due to my line of work, air resistance becomes a huge part for fuel economy. I can't remember the numbers but even on a pickup, there was a speed between 50-70 where the air resistance was the larger factor over rolling resistance.

    I am curious if anything has been done to improve the aerodynamics of older, square trucks? I am going to say that might be the only thing in our budget (small). I would guess people may dump them for economy alone.
     
    bviper, Jan 16, 2014
    bviper, Jan 16, 2014
    #10
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