Freightliner VS Volvo

Volvo is much quieter and smoother more like driving a car than a truck. And a much better turning radius.

 

Not too complaints from with my Volvo. Most of the problems I have had are related to the engine and drive train, and that can happen on any truck.

 

After 2 FLD's, 2 Century's and currently in a 780, I would say to start in a Freightliner. The Volvo rides better, and has more liveable storage and layout, but Freightliner has a much better dealer network, and their shops are open more hours. If you have to wait for service, or can't find it, all the comfort in the world doesn't help.

 

You really don't want a Volvo with a Detroit, after Detroit went to exclusively with Freightliner/Western Star, any other truck with a Detroit, be it International, Pete, Kenworth or Volvo became an instant orphan. Yes they are good engines, but the non-Freightliner dealers won't/can't give you good service.

 

Volvo discontinued Detroits in 02. They use ISX cummins and Volvo engines. Do a thread search and you will see that the volvo has electrical issues. Other than that they are a good built truck.

KH

 

Freight-liner or volvo? Look and see if you can see the engine after you open the hood and see what it take to remove the cylinder head or anything else that needs replaced.Kw or long nose pete makes labor a little more affordable.

 

Excellent point. Other thing I hate about Volvo's is how the rear engine mounts are on the transmission. This doubles the time it takes to remove the transmission compared to other makes. This is another European thing that I think has no place here in North America. As for the notorious Volvo electrical issues, I still think it all comes back to a general lack of skilled and experienced Volvo specific techs out there. I know with us, we have to call a near by Volvo dealer to get the right wire diagram when we have an issue to diagnose, and it just seems that every time we get a diagram that it just doesn't match up to the wiring you actually have. If you don't have the right tools, info, and experience, anything sounds unreliable at that point.