Industry Push-Back/Resistance for New Chassis

Unless it has absolutely terrible ergonomics, the chassis with the lowest total cost of operation would be my preference.

Different operations will give different weight to these main factors:

Aerodynamics
Weight/Payload
Durability
Ease of repair (how long a truck is down/how hard it is to find a dealer)
Driver retention (really bad or really good ergonomics or aesthetics may play a role)


A new company gains credibility as early independent adopters continue to report good results.

 

Sounds like you are wanting to get into building or selling trucks?

The little things that reduce weight on the truck as standard options vs additional cost options such as aluminum air tanks instead of steel. Aluminum wheels instead of steel, disc brakes instead of drums. Individually these are small things but they all add up.

A comfortable drivers seat is a must. You can go cheap on the passenger seat in my opinion.

#1 for me though is don't use cheap materials.

 

Not necessarily fuel efficiency but more for payload capacity. The more you can carry the more you can make per trip.

 

Totally agree.
For me, sure I would love a 379 Pete, but thats just cosmetics. That wont pay my bills.

Overall cost of operation is the #1 factor to me at the moment.
I'll buy and drive anything as long as it will do what I need and I can make money doing it.

Hurst

 

Lots of room in the cab! I dont understand why one pete or kw sells. Those things are soo small it looks as if you would have to squeeze between the seats to get to the sleeper. The serviceability goes FAR beyond time to get it repaired. It is more about actual accessibility to the engine and other components for part replacement or service. The difficulty of getting tools into change or adjust things makes a big difference.