Glider kit opinions?

I run loads that are 20,000 to 42,000 and I avg 7mpg. I run a lot in Kansas and Colorado, so the wind is a big factor on my mileage. If I wasn't fighting the wind, I think it would boost it to 7.5, maybe a little better.

 

I drove an Argosy in 2006, only averaged about 6.2 mpg. Only benefit was turning radius and it scaled at 14200 full of fuel. We hauled fly ash and frac sand, every extra ton added up to a hefty monthly bonus. Even with modern suspension it rode really rough, and I mean rough to the point you would just be completely pissed off at the truck.

 

Think you could do air ride front suspension or would that be scary as ####

 

I am not sure. I havn't checked that. If you really want to know I can find out next week and get back to you.

 

Not sure if anyone brought this up... Depends on the truck you have now. I have a 2013 388 Peterbilt, I got tired of throwing money at that Paccar MX13. I just did a re-power with a 6NZ/5EK. If you like the truck but don't want to deal with newer engine (EGR/DPF) issues, just re-power it with a 1998 or older Cat. Another benefit will be that you will be exempted from ELD requirements with a pre 1998 engine. I'll have about $30K into mine but its a hotrod, you could get it done with a stock 6NZ for about 20-22K... Good luck.
BTW, you don't have to use a Cat, just make sure whatever ECM you use is the same (mine is J1939) communication scheme. That way all you need to do is splice a couple of dozen wires in the ECM plug and all of your gauges will work. There are only a few and J1939 is pretty common so you have plenty of choices.

 

You will not be exempt from ELD, they go by the vin of the truck.

 

I talked to a guy in N.Y. Who redid a 90 something 362. It was a gorgeous truck. He had the 12.7 with tall rubber and 13 spd. He said if he ran around 62 he was getting mi 8. If he was light, he claimed he could almost get 9.5 mpg. He also did the conversion to air ride front axle and a better air bag on the cab. I loved my 85 362. I always thought it rode nice for a cabover.

 

I have 2 from Fitzgerald, 1Columbia and 1 389. We pull flats, mostly oversize and almost always over 75000lbs.
The Columbia has 200,000 miles on it with the only issue being an AC compressor and 1 broken manifold bolt. Both repaired under warranty. Last 30 days mpg's are 6.89. It has the Series 60 Detroit built in house with the 10 speed and is set at 72mph. It was $112000. I have a driver in this truck.
The Pete has 54000 miles with no issues. Last 30 days mpg
Is 7.05. That is with me driving it. I have only been in it for 13000 miles. Had a driver in it before he ran off with his best friends wife. When he 1st started driving it the MPG's were low 5's and speed was set at 75. After I turned it down to 68 the mpg's came up to low 6's and since I got in the truck my lowest has been 6.56 and my highest was 8.96. ( ran loaded at 74000lbs for 500 miles and empty back home for the same 500 miles. Filled up in Al before going into Fl and again at same spot coming out. This truck also has the Series 60 Detroit built in house but it has a 13 speed. This truck was $139,000. Both have 3.55 rears.
The truck I normally drive is a 99-379 Pete with a 2ws 3406e Cat that has over 2 mil miles. This truck has a lifetime average of 6.5.
If I were doing what the op is doing I would be looking at the 387 Pete with the series 60 built in house. Especially for putting drivers in and working around town.
When I finally decide to get a new truck for myself it will be the 389 with the CAT and an 18 speed but I can tell you these Detroits can and has done for years whatever has been asked of them and are a very economical motor.

 

I work with a guy with air ride in his 389 who days it rides beautiful, just every now and then you hit a rut just right that it kind of tosses the front end sideway's.

Figured maybe in a cabover, that might cause a guy to #### his pants being over the steer like that.