Which 4 Truck Make and Models Would You Suggest?

[Papa Rick]

Looking at Doing FB work, and was wondering which 4 Truck Models and Make would be the Best for this. I have a KW Daycab right now, and have really liked the quality of KW, but am not partial to any particular model or make.

Thought might need to stick with a 05 or 06 before they came out with the emission standards that messed everything up.

Also would like to get advice and suggestions on Engine make and hp, trans gear and axle ratio.

Thought about KW T600, International (not sure which model)

I don't want to just limit myself to just FB as I may do some van hauling later in the future as I get more experienced doing this.

Been driving since 98 0/0 since 06, and looking for advice and suggestions on this.

Be Kind TO One Another, for We Reap What We Sow.

[Mackman]

2007 MACK CHN613 RAWHIDE Conventional Truck w/ Sleeper For Sale At TruckPaper.com

2007 MACK CHN613 RAWHIDE Conventional Truck w/ Sleeper For Sale At TruckPaper.com

enuff said lol

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

I'm partial to Peterbilt style and looks, but like the KW interior a little more. My FLD is the best truck I have ever owned but I wouldn't buy a freightliner lol.

As for specs, I'd say a 500hp motor is plenty. Keep the sleeper to a midroof that way u can get into some factories better, cuz u can always add a tail to the top if u go van. 13spd and 3.55 rears. I know of the perfect truck for you. Saw it at the KW dealer in Texas yesterday. If I can find a link I'll post it for ya

[tracer]

I'm partial to Peterbilt style and looks, but like the KW interior a little more. My FLD is the best truck I have ever owned but I wouldn't buy a freightliner lol.

As for specs, I'd say a 500hp motor is plenty. Keep the sleeper to a midroof that way u can get into some factories better, cuz u can always add a tail to the top if u go van. 13spd and 3.55 rears. I know of the perfect truck for you. Saw it at the KW dealer in Texas yesterday. If I can find a link I'll post it for ya

International started outselling Freightliner after they brought their ProStar model to the market. I think it's a good truck.

[firebird_1252]

i really like the t800. i'd option it: ISX 500, 3.42 rears 13spd od. 72" studio sleeper ag400

next would be a SHORT nose 379. same motor and trans as above. 63" high rise sleeper ultra cab. i always thought hoods dont get good fuel milage.. my friend has a long nose, 6nz 550 cat 18speed double od, 3.36 rears getting 6.1 mpg doing 65-70

after that would be a 9400 international, high rise sleeper, same motor and trans as above..

after that would be a 670 volvo.. same drive train.

i'd say 770 (780?) but i can not stand the front axle air ride.

[Mackman]

i guess im the loner with my Macks lol

[mitchno1]

i guess im the loner with my Macks lol

yep mackman you mainly alone in that respect but there is ONE mack supporter in New Zealand i now of but that all haha

[GMAN]

If you want to pull flats you need to think about weight. I would opt for a mid-roof. They have plenty of head room without all the wasted height of a studio. With a flat, all that extra height only means that you can haul less weight. I prefer the larger sleepers. I have 72" mid-roofs.

I like the ride of a Volvo, but they tend to be a little heavy for flats when you get the larger sleeper. I would go with an International 9400, 9400i or perhaps a Prostar, T600 or T800 KW or maybe a Freightliner.

I would go with gearing around 355. Those are strong enough to pull well and decent enough to give fairly good fuel economy. CAT power. Depending on where you run, 425hp to 475hp is all you really need. In fact, unless you plan on running a lot of mountains, a 400hp engine will do just fine. A 10 speed works very well. A 13 speed is nice, but not necessary.

[BoyNextDoor]

I just got a VNL780, and let me tell you. A little heavy at 20k lbs on its own with 250 tanks, but the quality of life, not getting as tired because it's more comfortable, well worth it. I've seen people drive these and pull skateboards. I definitely don't regret stepping up from my century. avarage out about 6.3-6.5 woth the VED12 465, and automatic tranny @ 62MPH, heavy. mostly north east driving. not too shabby for having two EGR valves lol

[firebird_1252]

I just got a VNL780, and let me tell you. A little heavy at 20k lbs on its own with 250 tanks, but the quality of life, not getting as tired because it's more comfortable, well worth it. I've seen people drive these and pull skateboards. I definitely don't regret stepping up from my century. avarage out about 6.3-6.5 woth the VED12 465, and automatic tranny @ 62MPH, heavy. mostly north east driving. not too shabby for having two EGR valves lol

wow never knew they were that heavy. my boss had w900's with 86" studio sleepers and cats.. think they weighed 21k.

do you like the front airride? sorry to hijack the thread

[wheelturner]

Yea i was actually shopping for the 06' VNL780 VOLVO, but found out I could get 06' PETERBILT 387 with cat c15 475hp for the same price. Both are beast, if you guys had to pick from these two which would you choose ?? both have around 550,000 miles @40k price tag.http://www.rushtruckcenters.com/Tampa/search_detail.aspx?stk=U270309

[wheelturner]

Rush Truck Centers - Truck Detail

[classictruckman]

I'd go with the Pete because of the slightly heavier rearaxle.

[BoyNextDoor]

do you like the front airride? sorry to hijack the thread

I love it. I need new shocks all around since i bet these are still the original ones, and after 400k miles it's not all that compfy, but i remember my century with dead shocks too. Night and day difference even with shocks that are shot. I love the Volvo. IT has it's quircks, electrical mostly, but overall I don't regret buying it. The volvo engine could be a little stronger up a hill, but I get good milage in return, and compared to my detroit 430, the volvo 465 is better still. I wish I could've afforded this truck to start out with. but $52k wasn't in the picture... lol

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

i guess im the loner with my Macks lol

Not at all. I live the CH and the Titan, but Mack is mainly a vocational truck. Good for more local and off road work than OTR stuff. I still want that damn Rawhide