What truck is advised for a rookie?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by deviltalk, Jan 27, 2012.

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  1. deviltalk

    deviltalk Light Load Member

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    Not that I expect we will have an option, but I'm wondering if some are easier to handle than others?

    Based on the fleet, the odds are I will get a Volvo.

    I've only ever driven the rinky school rig which I think was a National.
     
    deviltalk, Jan 27, 2012
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  2. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    No such thing as a"national", you mean "international" ? At any rate, they all handle the same. Well, if you consider turning radius and the Petes with hoods and stacks directly behind the doors which means somewhat of a visual obstacle, when backing.
     
    Allow Me., Jan 28, 2012
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  3. deviltalk

    deviltalk Light Load Member

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    Oop... I did mean International. Thanks for the reply.

    It seems that some drivers prefer one make of truck over another, having not driven them all I just wonder what the differences are.
     
    deviltalk, Jan 28, 2012
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  4. Mr Ed

    Mr Ed Road Train Member

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    Internationals or 13 letter #### spreaders:biggrin_25523::biggrin_25523:
     
    Mr Ed, Jan 28, 2012
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  5. cuzzin it

    cuzzin it Road Train Member

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    a Volvo will suit you just fine. nice turning radius good ride. And looks like a large Vaccum cleaner:biggrin_2559:
     
    cuzzin it, Jan 28, 2012
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  6. Eaton18

    Eaton18 Road Train Member

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    The "hoods", Pete 379s, KW W900 have a longer wheelbase, thus making it more difficult to maneuver in tight places. The newer "aero" design have a shorter wheelbase, and tighter turning radius.

    Aside from that, if you're a company driver you probably will not have much of a choice. I think the mega fleet companies use Freightliners or Volvo. A few may have a KW T660, T700 or T800, or a Pete 386 or 387.
     
    Eaton18, Jan 28, 2012
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  7. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    I never thought of that....a dustbuster on wheels!!!
     
    Voyager1968, Jan 28, 2012
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  8. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Personally I prefer freightshaker Columbia's and classic XL's. I've never driven a Pete or kW but I love the hoods.
     
    DrtyDiesel, Jan 28, 2012
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  9. oldmack

    oldmack Light Load Member

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    The best truck for a rookie is one that doesn't have lease or lease purchase associated with it.
     
    oldmack, Jan 28, 2012
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  10. DragonTamerBrat

    DragonTamerBrat Road Train Member

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    Until you drive them, there is no telling what YOU will prefer to drive. Each driver has their own preferences.
     
    DragonTamerBrat, Jan 28, 2012
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