buying a truck need help plz!!

Forgive me but I was always under the impression a trucks ability to pull a hill had more to do with the "torque" rating and rear end gearing than the actual horsepower. Older model trucks commonly used 390 rears with a 330 horse motor with torque setting of 1750 or higher. Known as hill climbers to some older veterans.

Remember truckers just 10 to 20 years back were used to these types of set ups and a "big horse" was a 425 under the hood. Of course now a days we have offerings of 600 plus horsepower and 500's seem to be a dime a dozen now too.

I think you really have to have everything matched up just right though and alot will depend upon wether you are operating on flatland all the time as compared to running the mountains to get a decent mpg reading consistently (meaning 6 mpg or higher).

 

I agree, the very first truck I ever bought had a 325 cat..It did Ok.. But like you said , you need a truck that is specked out with the best of every option you can get...Ive gotten 8+ on trucks with 425 Cats in them..If all is matched up..Then its up to the driver..You couldnt give me no 5 or 600...Id sell it quick..Theres no need for it unless you Heavy Haul..Where the MONEY is Good..You could afford 3 MPG then..

 

Freightliner Century with 14L Detroit 470/515 hp, 13 speed trans, 3:55 gears. Flat top for flat bed, condo for dry van. You should be able to get 7mpg if you dont idle and keep your foot out of it. Its not the flashiest or the best ride but it is a money maker.

 

I would go for a T6 with a 425 Cummins engine. For Freightliner go with a Century class or a Columbia with a Mercedes engine. You may spend more than 50K but in the end it is worth it. My friend drive a Columbia 70 Midroof XT sleeper with a 450 Mercedes Benz and loves it. Gets 6-7 mpg.

Kinghunter

 

Max hp on the Mercedes is 450/hp. The Detroit is capable of 515/hp. For me I would rather have the power and torque on tap if needed versus never being able to tune up past 450/hp. The 60 series 14L Detroit is capable of 8mpg if properly spec ed and driven. If Im not mistaken the Mercedes engine is 12.7L kinda on the small side for OTR. I like to do a little more than 5mph up Mountains. I would argue that a larger engine not pushed to the max is probabley more fuel efficient than mashing the pedal to the floor on an smaller engine in order to get up to speed.

 

Well in that case go for the Detroit Diesel. I am only familiar with the marine, but I believe you can squeeze 8mpg. Good luck, let us know what you buy.

Kinghunter