Help with Truck Specs

[PackRatTDI]

I prefer a CAT engine, but a Cummins or Detroit would serve you well. I would stay away from the Mercedes, Volvo or other truck specific engines. It will be more difficult to get parts and find someone who can work on them. You will likely be relegated to going back to the dealer, which will usually cost more for repairs. Although I prefer CAT, I have owned Detroit and have friends who love their Cummins. If weight is a factor, I would probably go with Cummins. I suggest something between 425-475 hp, but anything over 400 should do the job for you where you plan on running. A 10 speed transmission will also be adequate. The 10 speed is probably the most popular configuration. I like the 18 speed, but you really don't need it pulling standard freight. I would look at the aero trucks such as KW 2000, Peterbilt 387, KW T600, International 9200 or 9400, Volvo 660 and 610, Freightliner Columbia. Some of these are condo's. If you plan on pulling a tanker, I would go with either a flat top or mid roof. I own a couple of mid roofs and there is plenty of room. Condo's are mostly a waste of space for most drivers. You will also want to have a sliding 5th wheel. I prefer tall rubber (24.5), but also own a truck with 22.5 rubber. There are more trucks with 22.5 tires. While I love the long hoods, such as the W900 and 379 Peterbilt, they catch a lot of wind and will burn much more fuel than an aero truck.

Gman, since you own a bunch of Internationals, could you please tell me what the differences are among the 9200, 9400, and the 9900 ? Also, what does "i" and "ix" denote ? Lastly, what are the attributes of the "Eagle" designation ? Thanks.

I don't know about owning a bunch of Internationals, but I do currently own a 9400. The 9200 looks similar to the 9400 except for the hood. The 9200 has a shorter hood and tends to be lighter weight than the 9400. The 9900 has a long flat hood, similar to the 379 Peterbilt or W900 Kenworth. The Eagle is a little more plush. As far as the IX designation is concerned. The X only means that it has an extended hood. For instance, on the 379 and W900 they will have an X or XL to denote the longer or extended hood. I am not sure what the I stands for other than International. :wink:

The "i" as in 9200i stands for the new cab design.

The older 9000 series cab



The current 9000i series cab


Other than that there's no real difference.

[GMAN]

Thanks for clearing that up, PackRatTDI.

[roadranger]

There were some older 15's and 20's that were 10's with either the high range splittable like a 13 or both ranges splittable like a 18. The presently sold 15 with the deep reduction has the same gear spacing as a normal 10 plus two lower gears - only really useful in construction offroad I think?

[rank]

The presently sold 15 with the deep reduction has the same gear spacing as a normal 10 plus two lower gears - only really useful in construction offroad I think?

Ours is in a '95 model KW.

When I'm loaded, usually 75,000-80,000 gross, I use the deep reduction all the time. I seems alot easier on the clutch when starting from a stop. Other than that, they never get used.

[GrayBeard]

The presently sold 15 with the deep reduction has the same gear spacing as a normal 10 plus two lower gears - only really useful in construction offroad I think?

Ours is in a '95 model KW.

When I'm loaded, usually 75,000-80,000 gross, I use the deep reduction all the time. I seems alot easier on the clutch when starting from a stop. Other than that, they never get used.

Roadranger and Rank,

Thank you for your responsse.

I replaced a transmission back in 2001 and I seem to recall (can not remember the specifics), you could choose the percentage of gear step depending on the model tranny. I was pulling dry bulk at the time and it wasn't an issue then. I guess the gear spacing was based on the tranny final gear ratio. I will have to look into the various set-ups to see what works the best and then weigh the benefits versus the cost.