Looking for a new truck to pull refer, need advice.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by BJnobear, Apr 8, 2019.

  1. BJnobear

    BJnobear Heavy Load Member

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    Sure I'd love that big ole' LONG hood, but fuel is way too expensive, soooo...

    I'd like to know what the most economical truck made today is. I know a lot of yall keep meticulous records, so help a new owner out. Here is what I am considering:

    1. Freightliner Cascadia 126 DD15/DT12 Aero X
    2. KW T680/Pete 579 X15/US LSE 16(with Flow Below)
    3. VNL 860 D13TC/I-Shift (with flow below)

    Also a TK Evolution will be installed. Tires will be Michelin, but still on the fence on Super Singles. I am looking to maximize my fuel dollar. SO please jump in and get me some real world numbers. I will be puling a refer, hopefully a 3000R with the Precedent S-700.
     
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  3. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    New rig as in brand new or a new used one? Is this your first truck?

    What is flow below?
     
  4. KB3MMX

    KB3MMX Road Train Member

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    Flow below is an aerodynamic enhancement kit.


    My vote goes Freightliner or Volvo for sure.

    Volvo must be XE or eXceed with integrated drivetrain(iShift)... Or the Freightliner with the Detroit fully integrated drivetrain.

    I would choose DD13 though over the DD15 for reliability and efficiency reasons.

    400/1750 DD13
    455/1850 D13XE-TC

    The KW/Petes rely on the X15 and you could do the advantage drivetrain but I don't believe it is near the quality of the iShift or DT12.

    X15e 500/1850

    I think this is where Paccar falls VERY short. The Eaton AMTs aren't in the same league.

    Also, well I like the x-15 , some have raised serious concern whether the engine can structurally handle down speeding like the competition. The bottom end strength seems to be proving itself though.


    Both the Volvo and the Freightliner have developed the technology to work beautifully in down Speed truck.

    Also, apparently in July or thereabouts, Freightliner will be releasing the autonomous level 2 option.....
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2019
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  5. Ridlingdj

    Ridlingdj Medium Load Member

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    Do not run super singles if you have a blow out you will need a tire and rim and I prefer a 24.5 tire it's less rpms on your trans so the tires should last longer
     
  6. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    Don’t forget the X15 with the new Endurant 12 speed auto. This installed into a T680 is my vote.
     
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  7. HillbillyDeluxeTruck

    HillbillyDeluxeTruck Road Train Member

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    You know majority of tire failures are from under inflated tires? I put enough miles on super singles to not hate them and never had a tire failure. Partly because the truck was equipped with a tpms. Couple that with physically checking them atleast once a day and it was a non-issue.

    24.5's and tall tires have their place, but long haul reefer, I want every weight and aerodynamic advantage I can get for fuel mileage.
     
  8. Ridlingdj

    Ridlingdj Medium Load Member

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    The slight disadvantage from weight on big tires I think makes it up to myself not having to turn as many times per mile and the comfort to myself being able to limp to a tire shop and not have a road call and having to replace the rim if something was to happen but to each there own
     
  9. Rounded_nut

    Rounded_nut Light Load Member

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    I have a 2016 579 with the paccar engine, 7.3 without trying hard. I had a isx and would caution you away from Cummins they make poor design choices and double down on them.
     
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  10. Freightliner Classic

    Freightliner Classic Light Load Member

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  11. Sharky88

    Sharky88 Heavy Load Member

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    I would go with a freight liner or western star. I drive a Volvo now and it dose great with fuel mileage but the dealer network is not as large as freight liner and there are more 24 hrs shops as well. I was just I. A rental with the Detroit dd15 with a dt12 auto and was getting 8.1 loaded heavy over the mountains coming out of California. It pulled very well.
     
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