The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

well thats the problem. you say you aint judging but its the "plastic piece of craps" that makes newcomers think that the long noses are "better". For some its a Business decision. For others like yourself, its a Lifestyle. Nothing wrong with that, its a lot like the Harley scene.
#1 this is a time period, not a design issues. ALL trucks have these issues now.
#2 again this is the same as #1, newer trucks have newer parts.
#3 again new vs old. My 2018 w9 is not even fiberglass, its a new composite material on the hood, cab, and sleeper. Pre2007 trucks, yes they are built to last.
#4 unless you are trying to work on the rear of the engine, aero trucks have the same clearance. Also, i have a harder time keeping the windshield heated with the w9. Volvos have had heated windshields for almost a decade.
#5 this is spot on. but it applies to all brands. less space is easier to manage, and less stuff to break.
#5( two 5s? LOL) i respect that, but you can put letters on any truck and there are many ways to stand out. 1 mile per gallon per year is around 12k per year. so an extra 6 figures every 8 years or so?

Honestly im curious to see how the W990 sales go, because the 680 sleeper is much better quality than the w9. i think they will start outselling the w9s in a few years.
if i ever buy another w9 it will be an older model as they were built with better materials.
most likely i will go back to a Volvo as i would much rather a better ride, the sleeper design is superior, and the fuel mileage that people i know with newer volvos(9+) would mean an extra 20+ thousand every year in my pocket. i dont wanna be out here for 30 years. i wanna retire in less than 10 and just manage the business.

 

go from 275 SFA to 230 SBA and you will notice it immediately.

 

The BBC of a setback is no necessary shorter. A T800 has a BBC of 125”, a W900B is 121.5” so the same wheelbase the T800 will have more frame rail. You can shorten it up 15” with the setback axle but that’s not that much weight, coupe hundred pounds at the most.

 

I’m not sure I agree with aero’d being under 220” wheelbase. 230/240” seems common.

Wow, Snowman that used to be a member here has a 280” W9 with an 86” studio and an 18 with a 3406E abs he said he’s right at 20,000. What are your specs of your W9 vs your Volvo?

 

That and the comparison is between trucks that are 8 years different in age?
There must be some double frame, heavier rears/drivelines, or something besides just truck brands.

 

Has def been out 8 years? that could be part of the difference too.

 

I was poking fun at the guy poking fun at flat tops.
Now your on a crusade...
We are gonna have to agree to disagree cause I don't care about changing anybody's mind and you ain't about to change mine. Lol.

I will say this in parting. My father is still running a 359 down the road day in and day out. Any bean counter worth his name would have a stroke figuring up the money he "lost". But that truck is still going strong and will outlive a good percentage of the trucks still rolling off the assembly line today...

Life is short so do whatever makes you happy.

 

Thank you.

 

I gotta wonder how many chunks of Volvo plastic "fuel mileage" fairings would be laying on the ground after backing out this a.m. Lol.