Build your Midwest machine

365 cummins, 9 speed, 4.11, 24.5 tall, 300” wb

You don’t have to be first one to top of hill, but you’ll fly passed in the downside.

 

We run Freightliners, 116 model,designed by Freightliner for regional use.DD 13 engine,DT 12 trans,
Supersingle drives.MPG 7-7.5.65 mph speed limiter so everyone passes you.But the last trip SB on I 90 from Billings,climbed the mountain at 65,passed everybody.6 k in the box though.They all passed me back on the way down the mountain.
Rough ride and not too classy looking but make good money.Very dependable.
The 126 model is engineered for OTR by Freightliner,DD 15 engine.

 

6nz 550hp
18 speed 2050 torque
3.73 rears
22.5s.
Mid roof truck
Also a dual way pto with a 55 gallon tank

Truck speced like that will be about as general purpose as your going to get. No emissions, parts dealers and repair shops EVERYWHERE. Can do literally anything shy of ultra heavy at an acceptable level. Gets good mpg regardless of situation. Has a good mix of economy speed and power.

While there are specs that can do a specific thing far better and at better economy. This set of specs gives you the best flexability to adapt to just about anything to keep you moving when the economy goes to hell.

 

Extended hood Pete non Unibilt flat top. Mechanical CAT that was purposely put together for that task.
SST-6 with a 1241C behind it.
3.55 screws turning 11R24.5 tires
150 gallon tanks on each side
The bigger the cab or sleeper the more of a bake oven it is. If you’re spending too much time lounging you sure ain’t making no money. The hills don’t look big but put that wind that never stops on your side in the summer heat it’s gives a different perspective.
Every one has their own ideas and beliefs, an ol mechanical has made me more money than any electronic engine I have owned. That’s not to say everyone will have the same experience. I’ll get just over 5 dragging a cattle pot from as far west as Montana as far East as PA.

 

"Midwest" seems to be somewhat flexible in it's state contents. However the needs are likely the same for any variation.

Since you asked to "build" your midwest machine, I'll assume you want this to be an independent ownership?
No reason to set up for dry van. So step deck it is.

Pacaar chassis, likely a W9L with no fairings. Fleet theme with as little chrome as I can get. (independent deliveries can be interresting) Cummins "e" @ 500. RTLO 18918b. 40k's with disk, AG400l. 3:55s with a cross locker in the rear. (again, pickups and deliveries wont be at a dock with doors open) With the money saved on chrome, I could have a set of powder coated wheels dressed with winter tires, and a set of aluminum with summer tires. (midwest lots of ice and salt) Long rail air slide.
Diesel powered apu.