Kenworth T2000

I trained on the T2000 last year (2010 model).
Pros
Boss looking truck from the outside
Side compartment access One Side
Great fuel economy

Cons
Short turning radius -- prepare for many 12 point turns
Cannot sit up on top bunk
Square windows make a strange dynamic (actually suck air out) when lowered at speed
Uncomfortable seating and cannot stretch legs out-- very boxy utilitarian spartan driver facility
5 cabinets above dash area seem like an afterthought by the manufacturer- total lack of creativity in design
Shifter too close to driver's seat-- difficult to pass through on the way to the sleeper.
Side compartment access ONLY One Side-- need something that is further back? Lift the bed up-- convenient NOT- Should have passenger side compartment access for team mate

It appears to me that the T700 is the T2000 just with a higher ceiling. Peterbilt 587 as well.

 

I like that it's still mean looking for a semi-aero truck. Tight turning radius, quiet, very modern interior (which you will get with any new KW) and spec'd properly will pull anything you can throw at it. It seems like most of the "super heavy haulers" (at least what I've seen) use t800s. Just a solid truck. And I'm a little partial since that's what I drive. I will also add I'm only familiar with the daycab model.

 

Well i dont want to jack your thread but i will explain my choice of trucks. I learnt in a 379 pete- It would be my second choice to buy , it was a good truck, easy to drive and manouver, and well built. they also hold value and have good re-sale. I have been driving a volvo pulling b train tanks and its a pos, basically just falling apart inside and out, plastic junk, enough said. I drove kenworth t2000, t660 and w900 all otr . I would pick the w900 as my first choice. I realy found it was an all round nice truck to operate. The fuel mileage wasnt as bad as some will make out that a long hood is ( it had the same set up as the t2000 and i was getting close to the same mileage with both, 6.5 mpg with a c15 accert cat best i got was 7mpg on one trip, the t2 would get a bit better but not by much) and it was extremely comfortable to drive, sat on the road well and i liked the seating and driving positions, also was a very good truck in winter a very "predictable" feel to it when driving on snow and ice. the 660 was good just not much room in the cab, very skinny cab, but a better ride than the t2000. The IH was just on the farm hauling grain and the sorts, was an old and beat up truck so i couldnt really say what they would be like in an otr operation. I am not going to comment on the engines, gear set ups and breakdown/repair costs as this info doesnt directly represent the truck it represents the engine and drive train components which are manufactured by outside companies then fitted to the tractor per customer request. also this is just personal experience and preference. I would strongly recommend researching about the steps to take in puchasing used equipment in regards to engine and drivetrain components, not just one tractor manufacturer vs another. Buy the best kept, verifiably maintained truck as you can, regardless of make. I would not take a flogged out long hood over a well kept aero just to say i had a hood. I will be buying the best suited and maintained truck to what i will use it for with the available funds i have.

 

I have owned 3 trucks.
A 1995 KW T800 - Excellent flat decking truck.
A 1998 International 9400 Sky Rise - Good van truck.
Currently 2005 KW T2000 - Paccar's answer to the Freightliner Century!
The mechanics groan when you pull up, parts cost more and availability is much less than other models.

 

Not a problem, Glad to be able to offer some viewpoints. Good luck in your search.

 

Bynum Tank lines in Auburndale, Florida got rid of all their T2000's because of a problem with the dash and the windshields cracking on almost all of their tractors. I drive a Western Star and like it but would swap for a W900 any day of the week. Mine is four axle and I do heavy haul so the mileage is crap, but good truck otherwise.

 

I drive one to Kremmling and back to the springs every Friday. 1998, Cummins N14 460+, 10 speed, 3.73s turning 24.5 LPs.

Particular features I like about it... jake brake and cruise control mounted on the steering wheel. It seems an easily maneuverable truck. I've spent a few hours in this one, so I really find myself poorly equipped to judge. Looks like it has a good sized sleeper, and would be comfortable to drive OTR.
Don't like the cab that much... other aero trucks (such as the Freightliners and Volvos) have much better visibility, although it isn't necessarily terrible in a T2000. I don't like the mirrors on the T2000, and I definitely don't like how the antennas are positioned.
But it does what I need it to.

 

We owned one and weren't too pleased with it mechanically. Course this was the 07' which was totally redesigned. If you do buy one don't buy an 07'. Too many problems. We bought one brand new and it was in the shop constantly. Enough to put us out of business. The production years before this seemed to be pretty dependable which is why we went with the T2000. I wouldn't recommend this truck if you are driving team. One reason being the top bunk is very close to the ceiling. We put a custom mattress in it and our nose was literally two inches from the roof when laying on our back. They are fairly good on fuel and weigh a lot less than the W900's. The insides are stylish and I really like the wrap around dash. Felt like a ####pit.

I think overall if you can get one other then an 07'-08' then I think you will be alright. On a scale from one to ten, ten being the best, I would rate the truck at about a high 7.