Most reliable NEW trucks for bumpy winter roads

I think short-term renting you don't get a lot of options. Your choices will most likely be prostar/cascadia/volvo 670 and that's it. Talk with the individual rental companies (how many can there be in your area?) and see if they spec them differently for the specific region. Regardless on a short-term rental you won't get to do much choosing. Luckily any DPF problems from idling WON'T be your problem so maybe just never shut the thing off. Make sure you can over-ride the anit-idle stuff (easy on a cascadia at least with the cruise control). If things are breaking because of the cold it's the rental companies problem. Of course getting stuck somewhere isn't great even if the tow is on their dime.

I can say from driving in cities and parking with rentals if you have the choice of something without side-skirts or any aero stuff take it, mostly because you never know how hard a snow bank is in the middle and sometimes it's nice to be able to just stuff your tank or step or whatever into a snowbank and not worry about cracking some fiberglass or plastic or what have you.

 

You could call Carlile Transportation Systems in Alaska, the Ice Road Trucker show, not sure who you could call in Canada, but you have to do a good search. Get a hold of Lisa Kelly on Twitter.

 

I have done (more or less) what you are thinking of; I had up to six trucks at-a-time doing oilfield / heavy haul all over northern AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT and NT. Many of my destinations were at the end of a non-road; lease roads, mountain roads, mine roads, goat paths, etc. With the exception of one new-ish Cascadia O/O they were all rentals. I started with Idealease (International) and then went to Paclease (Kenworth--mostly because they were easier to do U.S. runs with).

All my rentals, either Prostar (would not recommend) or T800 (would recommend) were b-train spec; 500+ HP (most... some 485 HP), 18-speed, 46,000 lb rears, four-way lockers, etc. Most also had both engine and bunk heaters... both are absolute musts IMHO. I didn't fear taking any of them anywhere we had to go.

There were lots of Cummins ISX issues with the Prostars (one of my main motivations for renting, not buying) but only once was I nearly stranded due to a de-rate. The only other serious issue that left me stranded was when I blew up a transmission, but because it was a rental I was back in business in two days and at no extra cost.

I found Paclease to be a bit more expensive, but their service was better, they were more responsive and they had a better selection (I even looked at renting a winch tractor)... plus I had a secure plug-in spot to park the truck when I was at home and even another secure place for my trailer.

 

Heavy spec trucks are best for this. Pre emission 2007 or older motors are also best suited for this. Def motors don't like this kind of weather. sensors and derates may occur. good winter fronts and extra cab insulation are good And trucks with low fuel tanks plastic fairings and bumpers usually end up In rough shape. Freightliner SD\ classic, westernstar 4900, Kenworth t8 or w9, peterbilt 367 and international 9900 are most of what I have seen when in complete isolation. Good tow pin on front of truck is also very handy not just for pulling you if your stuck but also for helping others. We carry 150000 pound test 30 foot towstraps and large clevises in all trucks when up north. Also stock up spare alternator with pulley on and a great assortment of hoses, parts, tools, air fittings, torches etc etc. Another must that we just started using is stuff called extreme tape. Works great at fixing rad hoses and air hoses when new part is 1500km away