Best Starter Truck

Are Western Stars not rated very high in the States????
I would buy another one in a heart beat cant fault it.
Also about $50k (nzd) cheaper than a KW.

 

WS is a really nice truck. There just doesn't seem to be too many of them for lots of opinions. I can't think of any big fleets that use them. AMPM_Wayne has one and loves it. Turned down a brand new Cascadia and got that instead.

 

The rocker panel switches and starter location is what i like about the stars. Those switches are the same type found on boats and the starter location is perfect. No reaching down the left hand side. Always within reach of the right hand.

KH

 

I love the ride of the Western Stars. I don't care for the location of the radio and cup holders within easy reach would be nice. I love the computer I used to set mine to show fuel level and odometer. I also got pretty good fuel economy.

 

I would 5th wheel that Cummins Ram and hot-shot some thru Craigslist and maybe a broker.

Shaker-10-DD60 with the TK APU. Those Coronado Gliders are a worthwhile option and most likely better than the new trucks running a DPF or the juice (scr-selective catalyst reduction -I think that's what they call it.)

I like the extras on the Coronado (tool boxes etc) and they seem to ride a little smoother than the standard shaker. Maybe a rebuilt DD60 thru Pittsburg Power (or similiar).

 

I'm going to put in a vote for that good old Peterbilt 379.

Yes, the fuel mileage is not as good as on some of the aero trucks. Yes, you need to make ends meet. But you also live in the truck most of the time, and there's something to be said for getting what you like.

Freightliners have always struck me as plastic junk. There's always something breaking or falling off. Perhaps not on the drivetrain, but nevertheless annoying. There's a reason they cost so much less.

Some of the threads on this forum talk about things you can do to various engines to improve fuel mileage; whether that be a Pittsburgh Power unit, a boost sensor kit or flashing new injector codes. That can improve fuel mileage and offset the cost of having a less aerodynamic truck.

 

but with those kw you have a big truck payment that's not good with these freight rates

 

Some freightliners cost more than a kw or a pete. My friend just bought a brand new 2010 peterbuilt 387 total cost 110,000 he looked at a brand new cascadia total cost 117,000. Id buy a century.

 

I wouldn't recommend a big investment starting out, period. Right now, there are incredible deals to be had on the used truck market.

 

personally this is something i have been pondering closely and to back up what has already been stated, in my research i have found you can't beat the combination of low price, repairability and style of the International & F-liners...

personally I think the Int'l has the nicest interior styling and layout, even the 72' inch low roof has a dbl. sleeper configuration that I love and the 84' condo version is very FL-like....

just my $.02....