Freightliner or Kenworth?

ok I'm being serious now..


Take whichever one is in the best shape..

 

Which shape is best is subject to opinion.
Some will say square, while others will tell y'all rectangle is the best shape. I've heard there are those who would have nuthin' but a round Big truck. Fans of aerodynamics go for triangle shape.

Keep in mind that Big truck truck makers offer a sleeper option that might be of interest, and some Big truck truckin' companies order their Big trucks with the "refer sleeper", which contains additional sound-deadening insulation, even if they don't pull any refer trailers, you'd be
Warmer in the winter, and quieter all four seasons.

If a Big truck that's up for grabs has that option, all else being equal, I'd give some serious thought to pickin' the Big truck with the most bunk comfort.

If some up-for-grabs Big trucks don't have a Jake Brake, or similiar device installed, ... that would be a deal breaker for me.
Think Gauges, ........... whereas there are those who don't want any more gauges than necessary, --- and those gauges that are necessary would include
Oil Pressure
Coolant Temperature
Volt Meter/Ammeter
Speedometer/Odometer
Tachometer
Air Pressure.

However, there are other gauges that will provide additional information input for those who prefer to keep track of changes in engine and/or drive-train performance in real time. Such gauges can inform an alert Big truck truck driver when something is beginning to go wrong, allowing said driver to have things checked out before the Big truck takes an unexpected dump.
As a newBee, top priority after safety is learning. Additional gauges can be educational, --- learn how different driving conditions effect the readings of gauges like, -----

A Pyrometer, (exhaust temperature)
Turbo-Boost
Temperature gauge for the Front-rear and the Rear-rear,drive axles ring and pinion gears
Oil Temperature gauge
Vacuum gauge
Applied Pressure Air gauge
Fuel Pressure gauge
Air Filter Restriction Indicator
A Clock, ---
and any other gauges that help a Big truck truck driver better understand what-all is goin' on mechanically while it's goin' on, --- and hopefully, indicate the possibility that something is about to let loose before it does.
Is all that additional information absolutely necessary to be a safe and competent Big truck truck driver?
No.
Steerin' wheel holders manage to git-er-dun without ever even lookin' at a gauge
Can the additional information help a newBee or a competent Big truck truck driver become better?
I think so, ... YeS.

Y'all will have a lot-0-time to think 'bout thangs as y'all travel the highways and byways all across the fruited plain, from sea to shining sea. Gauges give us something to read along the way, and can help keep us alert. As an added bonus, we'll be able to answer questions like how much does the engine, transmission and ring and pinion oil temperature rise when pulling the north side of the Grapevine, loaded around 78,000 pounds, --- as apposed to pullin' the same grade empty,..... and determine how much the ambient temperature affects the outcome.
If all that seems to be an unnecessary waste of time that y'all would rather avoid, don't worry, --- for y'all, --- all the Big trucks to choose from will be exactly the same, .................
only different.
Just keep y'all's eyes lookin' straight ahead, --- confident that with all the new technology, --- Big trucks hardly ever take a dump.
Why worry 'bout stuff like that?
Ain't that the dispatcher's job to do?
:smt107
:smt112

 

Classic arguments! Lets get real, Freightliner of course!!!

 

When it comes to a company truck, either will be fine. My personal opinion for a new driver would be the Freightliner. It will be easier for you back in and out of places with. Freightliner also has better service on the road in my opinion.

I use to love the long nose trucks like the w900 and 379, i just can't afford to drive one anymore because of fuel cost. Got rid of my w900 years ago and now have a centry class. I put almost $10,000 a year back in pocket in fuel milage alone.

 

Maybe somebody could answer this question. How much harder do the stacks on a W900 make backing?

 

At a Clorox warehouse one time I saw some fool backing into a dock standing on the steps outside the cab of a Pete... until he hit a pothole and fell off the truck.. seeing him hop up in a panic covered and slinging imud and hop into the cab was one of the funniest things I've ever seen!

 

So not so much of a big a deal as I thought. I was under the impression that it made it much harder to back in a 900 so I am glad it's not. Now in regards to fuel mileage how does the 900 stack up to other trucks?

 

Depends on the driver.

W900 you could get 6.5 maybe more, driven economically.

Columbia maybe around mid 7's if not more. Not sure on t2000, never had any experience with those.

Ethan

 

Any idea of what a T680 might get? I'm still trying to figure out which truck from a MPG would be best and then if I really like that truck. The 900 is at the top of my list of trucks but if I can get much better fuel economy with other trucks then I certainly would have to factor that in.