Need some advice on picking my next rig......

You have about the best year truck freightliner made, everything after 99 was basically turned to crap and the newer trucks are terrible with all their emissions equipment. The 12.7 Detroit you have now is the best for fuel mileage as well. Have you thought of having the truck professionally tuned?? I'm betting it is an old fleet truck, and if so, it might still have the motor cut back to a 370-390hp rating. I would suggest spending a few hundred on a tune first and see if that makes it run better and stronger. Once it does you might not want to get rid of it.

Asfor being an O/O you should be concerned with fuel mileage, as it is our #1 expense. Going to an ISX or newer truck MIGHT cost you some fuel mileage, and even at .5mpg that adds up quick.

Freightliners largest sleeper is the 70" condo (they made a few 80" condos but only on the Classic XL and was years ago). KW has an 86" Studio sleeper and of course you can get them made custom form a few places up to 200" I've seen.

 

egr motors didnt start til 04

 

i would also check the cac for leaks plus run an overhead maybe even a dyno to see if you can locate the issue ......every o/o i ever talked to (which isn;t really that many but it sounds good ) regretted getting rid of that first paid off truck

and i also have an 01 12.7 detroit which pulls the hell outa some mountains when i want to but as i like money in my pocket i usually leave the hot dogging for down hill

 

I definatley regret getting rid of my first truck. It was a 99 FLD with a 12.7 and that truck was amazing. Never let me down, never left me stranded. Ran like a champ and still managed 7.5mpg average. I traded it in in this WS and I've had to spend close to $7000 in programming and parts and I still have barely been able to reach the 7mpg mark. And I drive slow !!!

 

I've got an 00' Classic XL with the 12.7 Det, getting 7.5 mpg, 927,000 miles, no rebuild yet... Change the oil every 18-20K miles, and have yet to EVER have to add a gallon. When its time to rebuild, I will, and I'll drive it til its time to rebuild again. This truck aint goin nowhere

 

Yeah, those 12.7's prior to EGR were great. Very easy to work on, cheap on parts, and great fuel mileage when set up right and driven right. Guess that is why I ordered a FL glider truck with a factory rebuilt pre-egr 12.7 in it. Why mess with all the new stuff. Some may enjoy the ISX, but I have had two of them and, though I had almost a love affair with the N-14, the ISX I can easily live without. The only good thing I have liked on it is that the jake is one of the best. But it is indeed a severe money pit. Now, this is the EGR versions. I have never had one of the pre-egr ISX's. That may be a different cup of tea.