Peterbilt vs. Freightliner weight difference and fuel mileage

Prime uses the 387s....and one of the requirements is that we be able to load 44k+....not to mention the 387 is more aerodynamic. Also, they have gone to the Carrier units. I talked to one of the trailer mechs and he said the carrier moves a lot more air than the TK units. They are louder....but they perform better and use less fuel. Also, our 53' Wabash trailers are 1500 pounds lighter than our 53' Great Danes. Our empty weight with our Century and a 53' Wabash is 34K. That's with all the crap that my wife and I have in the truck.

 

I prefer Peterbilts to any other truck, just seem nicer ride and handling, but i would go with something more than a 10 speed, a 13 or 15 would be better for fuel milage since those would have over drive and lower rpms than would the 10 speed.At 65 mph look at the rpms on the 10 speed then drive one with a 13 or 15 speed and notice where your rpms are at 65, makes a difference.

 

Not to mention a 13 or 18 spd should have the higher torque rating to let you have some power. 475 hp is fine for a tandem dump truck

 

I spent about half of last month truck shopping and the resale is not very good on the T2000/387 trucks after talking to alot of mechanics there combined opin is the are a plastic covered turd
if resale is the prime concern a W-9 or 379 hold value the best also the most to get into
Resale only means somthing if you plan to sell the truck

 

More proof that a wabash sucks, the danes prime uses are super seals and are heavier suckers. Great danes are heavier than most of your trailers, but guess what? 15 years later that dane will still be running the road with a solid floor and no cracks in the doors, while the wabash will be out of comission in less than half that time.

 

There really not that much difference in either truck with a 53 foot reefer. A few months ago, I loaded next to a Pete with a 53 foot dry Van and I was in a Freightliner FLD120 Condo with a reefer. I was about 300 pounds lighter.

You should be able to carry around 45000LBS no matter which one.

As for which is better Truck? Pete may have the higher resale, but I yet driven one worth the money.

 

I'm interested in your opinion of your Western Star. Found an 05, 76" sleeper, 475 CAT/13OD/3:55, O/O specs and 470K miles that looks like a good deal and would like to hear from O/O's who have them. I read somewhere in this forum that they are built on par with Pete's and KW's quality? I like the Pete best but they're cramped inside, the W900's are a great compromise, but I'm really interested in the Western Star because it's not a dime a dozen. Maybe there's a good reason for that... hhhmmmmmm......

 

The specs (13spd, 3.55) with 22.5 LP will put him at 1380 RPM at 65 mph. 1487RPM at 70

with 24 lp's 1451rpm at 70 or 1348rpm at 65 Should put that kitty right into the sweet spot for milage