Engine / model combo recommendations

True. It's definitely a trade-off. When I got forced into ELD with the company, I did quickly appreciate the time savings. Not having to draw the graph and all that. But I still object in principle. As is (paper or elog) I think the HOS is WAY too constrictive, in terms of micro-managing how I allocate my work time, break time.... No other industry would tolerate such a thing.

And I'm not even a privacy nut. I don't mind being photographed, videoed, etc in public. I'm not crazy about it, but after all, public space is public space. With the internet, and the practical reality of having to give my SS# everywhere, and hackers all over the place, I don't figure it's possible to have much privacy anymore. Even so, I'm not inclined to hand over to the authorities total access to my engine data, location track, etc. It just rubs me wrong.

 

Hauling rail cans, you say? 2 words, MACK SUPERLINER!!!

 

12.7 Detroit, 500 hp set from the factory. Don’t do the 430 or 470. There’s not much difference between the 430 and 470, but a huge difference between the 470 and 500. The 500 screams, pulls well and still gets good fuel economy.

Be sure to match it up with a 13speed and 3.55 rears.

 

Thanks for that detail. I am always befuddled by the gear ratio thing. I'm sure if I studied I could figure out all the considerations and trade-offs. As a nube I figure I'll learn what I can in advance, consider all the advice, and jump on in. I know I'll figure out a lot more of it first hand once I'm underway.

 

3.55-3.70 is an all around great ratio. If your gonna be off road at all it's better to go with 3.70s for easier take offs.

 

A lot of the old iron had 3.70-3.90-4.10 they like to run a higher rpm than the new stuff