Advise on which rig to spec.

[bretstep]

Im ready to get back into trucking and with fuel prices so volatile, I was wondering which truck to buy. Does anyone have any hard data on how much a new KW T700 or Pete 387 aero saves versus their traditional W900 and 379 counterparts. I know the newer aero shape saves fuel, but how much?
Also, does the increased cost of 13 speed quickly pay for itself versus the traditional 10 speed?

[allan5oh]

Im ready to get back into trucking and with fuel prices so volatile, I was wondering which truck to buy. Does anyone have any hard data on how much a new KW T700 or Pete 387 aero saves versus their traditional W900 and 379 counterparts. I know the newer aero shape saves fuel, but how much?

Lots. I would venture to say at least half a MPG. So much so that International and Freightliner no longer make classic styled trucks. I believe the 389 and W900 are less than 5% of the market now, or even less.

Also, does the increased cost of 13 speed quickly pay for itself versus the traditional 10 speed?

A 13 speed weighs more, costs more, and has more internal drag than a 10 speed.

[allan5oh]

Please answer these following questions:

- What age are you looking at?
- Are you mechanical?
- What is your average cruise speed, and average top speed?
- What is your average weight, and your max weight?
- What area of the country?
- Any other specific needs in a truck, storage, etc..?
- Pulling what kind of trailer?

All of these factors and more contribute to which kind of truck you should buy.

[tracer]

If you plan on driving above 65 MPH, buy an aerodynamic truck. If you can drive at 57-60 MPH, you can get away with a Pete or KW900. Modern engines don't require a 13 speed for good fuel economy. a 10 speed is cheaper, ligher and more durable. It also has higher axle ratios in low gears so it's easier to start moving with a heavy load. The top gear ratio is the same, usually 0.73. I'd make sure the truck I'm buying has 1,850 lb-ft of torque. THAT would improve your fuel mileage if you use all that power for climbing hills only and keep the cruise at 60 MPH max (like I do). My truck has 2,050 lb-ft of torque and I'm really happy with how it acts on hills. Another important thing to look at is the AXLE RATIO. I had 3.73 and then switched to 3.42 for $2,500 but I should have chosen 3.58 or 3.55. I now fine-tuned my RPMs by switching to smaller tires that spin 520 times per mile.

RPM at 60 = Revs/mi X Top Gear Ratio X Rear Axle Ratio

My example: 520 revs/mi of tires X 3.42 axle ratio X 0.73 top gear ratio means I'm doing 60 MPH at 1,298 RPM, which is pretty good/usable for the CAT C15 I have.

Some guys change their axles to 3.26 or something and then they have to cruise through 55 MPH zones in Gear 5

[Mackman]

Just to let you know IH still makes the 9900.

[bikerboy]

And freightliner still makes the coronada, which is their new "classic styled " truck

[Malaki86]

I like the looks of the Coronado. Too bad it's still a Freightliner under the hood.