Which Truck/Engine Combo do you prefer ... (Pro, Freightliner, Pete)

Chip I don't have experience with any of these, The MaxxForce Engine is a piece of Crap! It is better used as a boat anchor then anything else, I have heard very good things on the Freightshakers and that combo of engine and trans! like upwards of 7.9 MPG!

 

Avoid the prostar engine unless you are trying to loose all your money and pull out all your hair.

The Freightliner with the detroit will most likely deliver your highest fuel mileage. The Peterbilt should be comparable MPG wise, and will likely be more comfortable. I wouldn't imagine a difference of MAYBE 0.5 mpg difference between the FL/Pete. Then it comes down simple to which one you like better. It might sound stupid but I just feel more professional driving a Paccar made truck.

 

Maxforce sucks. Dont even consider that engine.

Personally I'd go with the freghtliner. Much better handling, Better MPG. Cheaper to maintain. better visibility and inside comfort

 

I like the Pete and the ISX. It will out pull both them others with a similar set up on a hill with it's low torque cam. It looks better and rides better. The Cascadia is more of an economically sound business decision.

 

My current "dream ride" is a KW T660 running a pre-DEF Detroit w/13 or 18 speed tranny and 3:55 rears.

That's from current research on decent used trucks for purchase in my area. First purchase will most likely be an older Freightliner w/Detroit or Cummins ISX and a 10 speed cause they're still pretty cheap around here. Matter of fact, found this one just the other day:

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2000-FREIGHTLINER-CENTURY-CLASS-108863951

Buy it, tuck it away and work it up to road-ready while running as a company driver, then when I've got the truck ready and the business accounts set up and ready make a go of it as an O/O (preferably debt free).

 

i like older cummins engines before all the emissions were added to them

 

I would ask for more choices. None of these are very desirable. But the Pete is still the only one to choose. It is a plastic truck but will still be worth much more in few yrs. Shaker will be falling apart soon . MaxxForce engines have bad rap even if it is from mouths who have never driven one. If the prices are comparable the Pete will always be the choice.

 

Or you can go get one of these View attachment 55415 A 2014 Volvo 670 With Ishift Trans and a D13 Engine! $129800.00 including FET!.

 

I drive one now. 2012. I shift is a great tranny. Much better then any Eaton auto. And the D13 is a pretty healthy engine. Ours are only 450 hp but still leave Energy Dispatch and other PacLease fuel haulers way behind at lights. Cab is actually too big. Drop something or don't put it in reach and you will have to pull over to retrieve. Our newer 2013 have Bluetooth and lot more in wheel. Only problem is sensors. If one goes off and our guys can't fix it's off to Dallas Mack/Volvo. But there is nearly always one there waiting to come back so it's easy money. Rarely a problem. Just bad sensor info to computer.