Thoughts on New trucks vs My Old One

This post is just for fun and my opinion after having to rent a new truck for a few weeks. I have only ever driven much older equipment in my 10 years doing this. I started out with a 2005 international 9400i with an isx. The engine and the truck constantly ate parts and cut into my revenue. International is pretty junky build quality in general in my opinion. The isx had amazing power but was expensive to maintain. Then I upgraded to a 2001 Freightliner classic xl with an N14 and 13 speed. I didn't think a lot about it really. I just liked the truck and was insanely easy to work on compared to the 9400i. Never had any major issues in a few years until last week when the N14 drank all the coolant into the crank case with no warning. That truck is getting a recon N14 direct from Cummins right now. ANYWAYS. I had to rent a Penske truck for last week and this week. It is only a day cab and I absolutely hate it. BUT I found a few things I didn't mind. It is an international RH I believe and has the A26. Honestly the A26 pulls way better than I was expecting. Has a engine brake that comes on automatically when I brake. Engine brake is also quiet so I can use it in town. Also the engine brake is STRONG. That is pretty much the end of the good. The cab itself is uncomfortable as hell, all plastic, bad quality, falling apart, creaks and whistles. Outside of the truck isn't any different than the inside. Just absolute bad quality in my opinion. The A26 gets worse mpg than my N14....I thought they touted this thing as some kinda fuel saver?? DEF wow what a pain in the ### that is....haven't ever had to deal with that...really annoying. Plus the fuel tank is only 80 gallons so I have to stop multiple times a day to fuel up. Also with the super short wheel base it obviously rides absolutely horrible compared to my XL. Just some random thoughts from a guy who hasn't ever driven any newer equipment and hopefully never will again. I won't complain about my XL ever again when I get that big ####### back.

 

I agree with everything you said! My 9400i was actually better quality and this RH. It is obviously as budget as you can get. I was honestly just surprised I found anything I liked about it. Really makes me appreciate what I have! I always thought the lone stars were cool. Haven't ever driven one. Did your Pete have a A26? I have heard a lot of bad stuff about them. Mostly the whole connecting rod going through the block recall lol.

 

Ha ! I didn't even see your title. Honestly my ISX was one of the earlier versions with just the EGR. CM870 I think? I don't think it was well cared for before I bought it but it nickel and dimed the hell out of me with electronic stuff. It was having a slow head gasket weap into the oil so I sold it cause I didn't really love the truck enough to tear the head off or anything else. That is when I got the classic which has been a great truck till last week. But that happens when you buy something unknown.

 

Man that is a sad day! Did you get out of the business or get a different truck? I thought about getting a different truck when I blew my engine but I figured I will know exactly what I have with this truck once the recon is install. Or at least I hope. Buying a different used truck I would be back at square one. Mine had a "in frame" with paperwork! But I always question that especially when the truck just sits around and then is sold after the work is done. Hoping I can feel good and get some good miles with the engine coming straight from Cummins.

 

My EGR valve might have had a mishap and might have disappeared when I had that truck. Power was absolutely incredible in that truck. Mine also blew a turbo...which was 3k just the part. But it was overdue. It wasn't a premature failure or anything. I wish I could afford a cat lol. I hear really good stuff about them.