HELP!!! Motor/Rig???

[tcr1016]

I am buying a semi and converting it into an RV myself. I am looking for reliability that can withstand everyday use. I have a couple questions, well for now. I am sure in the future, I will have many more. So I figured I would ask the pros who drive rigs for a living.

I am told to stay away from CATs since they are expensive to repair. But most Pete's have CATs. Are CATs more reliable than Cummins or Detroits?

I see Freightliner has Detroits, but I see alot more Pete's on the road (Central Texas). Which manufacturer is preferred? Many RVers suggest Volvo, but I rather the box style.

Most rigs I look at in my price range have 1,000,000 miles on them, and year are 95-98s.

I appreciate any input.

[kc0iv]

I am buying a semi and converting it into an RV myself. I am looking for reliability that can withstand everyday use. I have a couple questions, well for now. I am sure in the future, I will have many more. So I figured I would ask the pros who drive rigs for a living.

I am told to stay away from CATs since they are expensive to repair. But most Pete's have CATs. Are CATs more reliable than Cummins or Detroits?

I see Freightliner has Detroits, but I see alot more Pete's on the road (Central Texas). Which manufacturer is preferred? Many RVers suggest Volvo, but I rather the box style.

Most rigs I look at in my price range have 1,000,000 miles on them, and year are 95-98s.

I appreciate any input.

It is a Chev / Ford thing. It all boils down to what a person likes or dislikes. All big trucks are expensive to repair. The one thing I have against Volvo is many of the parts are not available in some areas.

As to mileage you can figured about 110K to 120K per year.

kc0iv

[tcr1016]

So Cats are not much more to repair as a Cummins?? A truck driver told me that a Cummins rebuild is about $10K, but a Cat will be in the $18Ks. Is this true?

[Orangetxguy]

So Cats are not much more to repair as a Cummins?? A truck driver told me that a Cummins rebuild is about $10K, but a Cat will be in the $18Ks. Is this true?

Detroit...$10K to $13K......Cummins...$11,500 to $15K......Cat...$13K to $18K.

If you want something that will be easy on your pocket, then look for a Freighliner Columbia in the 2001-2003 model year, with the XLMidroof or even the Condo roof. You will get a lighter truck, a more fuel effecient truck, and a truck far cheaper to maintain than a Pete. A truck with a full auto would be even better.

[GMAN]

CAT's are more expensive to repair, at least when it comes to an in-frame. However, you will probably not need to work on a CAT as much as a Cummins or Detroit. They all make good engines. It is more a matter of personal preference. I think that you will find more CAT's that have gone over 1 million miles before an overhaul than Cummins or Detroit. I have never owned a Cummins, but have owned Detroit and CAT. I prefer CAT. CAT engines are heavier than the other two. If I were going to put an RV together, I would probably go with Cummins. They are probably the easier to work on, depending on the engine model. I would also go with an N14. They have a good reputation. You will likely not be driving all that much with an RV application, anyway.

As far as truck brands are concerned, I think that is more a matter of personal perference. You will be able to purchase a Freightliner or Volvo for less money than a Peterbilt or KW. If it were me, I would look for something that was in good shape and that I could afford. The brand would be secondary unless you are looking for a specific brand.

[BanditsCousin]

I believe cummins has a lighter engine and a few less moving parts. I'd take a Cat or Cummins over the detroit.

Its more than a Chevy/Ford thing...

...It is a Chevy/Ford/Dodge thing in this case