What do you fellow drivers think about this ugly truck I found???????

I drove a '04 Columbia daycab with 1.1 mil on the odo. It was one of the quietest, reliable, comfortable, and best riding trucks I ever drove.

But it was not one of the most stylish.

 

Im driving a 1984 Pete 359 220" WB small sleeper. Built to be easly maintained by drivers who carried tools and mechanics, solid as they can be. Running 120 K per year. History will be the judge and is the judge on the integrity, seviceabilty, and dependability of the Freightliner truck. Drivers used to carry tools, lights, brake adj, batteries, ect. Freightliner and newer truck drivers can only inmagine how to get into the dash or change a headlight. I guess they have to go to the TA for a windshield wiper blade.

 

Epm: there is nothing unique about your 84, that can't be said about any truck from that model year. Any new Paccar is every bit as complicated as a Cascadia or whatever.


As for the 6'7" and legroom, I'm 6'4" with a 37" inseam. My FLD was tighter than my Columbia is. I took out the top (kept the very top section) cabinet right behind the drivers seat back and made up an adapter plate that copies the seat base bolt pattern 6" further back. Now I can barely touch the firewall with my toes. Much better.

I'd personally but the FLD. An EGR Series 60 can be a bear and could get worse MPG then you are expecting.

 

Your point is well taken. I owned an 85 400 ###, and 89 425 cat, FLD 120 with 40" sleepers. The paccar models of that time period where easier to maintain due to Freighliner choosing to rivet their trucks instead of bolting hinges ect.

 

Wow guess I better state my case a little better. Not all Freightliners are throw-aways. The FLDs are good trucks and hold their value alot better than the Columbia and Century. Thats all. They big company's run Columbia and Centurys as they are alot cheaper to run and when they are wore out they "throw" them away and get more of the same in. You can find These two models all day long for pennies on the dollar so to speak. Along with Volvo's. Now Peterbilts or KW's on the other hand hold their value and last alot longer before they are gotten rid of. I see I hit a chord with the "throw-away" Columbia and Century drivers out there. Sorry but ask any owner and they will tell you the same.

 

History has a way getting the facts to light. A poor maintence plan will expire the best of equipment sooner than a good maintence plan with "lower cost" or not as well built equipment.