First of all, here is a good list of specs you can get on all trucks, although not 100% accurate:
http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=65871
Here are the trucks I would consider, I would exclude anything not on this list:
Volvo vn780
Freightliner Cascadia
International Prostar
These trucks are the top 3 aerodynamic models out there. I wouldn't consider anything else.
First we'll talk about the specs common to all 3:
- Aluminum wheels all the way around
- XZA3 steer tires
- XDA energy drive tires, or if you can XDA X-one super singles
- Amboid style differentials model MT-40 "amboid style"not the common RT "hypoid style meritor style diffs - better driveline angles and more efficient. They're like the mack differentials.
- 2.64 gears
- Disc brakes bendix ADB22X
- 12000 lbs taper leaf front suspension, not air
- Haldex "lifeseal" brake chambers
- auto-grease system
- full gauges
- full aerodynamic fairings
- 120 gallon tanks with locking fuel caps
- Delco Remy 36 SI HP alternator, pad mount
- "straight" air lines for trailer hookups, coiled air lines are garbage
- Long life driveline, meritor RPL20
The Volvo:
78" sleeper (42" wide bed claimed)
485 HP volvo D13 engine
Volvo I-shift Model # AT2512C (direct drive) 12 speed with eco roll and "hill start"
Full rear fairings(like the swift trucks) including spoiler
I was told bendix disc brakes will be available in the fall
Cascadia:
72" sleeper (40" wide bed claimed)
455/475 DD15 with 1550 torque (wait a year and go with the DD13)
Eaton Ultrashift 10 speed direct drive model #FM-15D310B-LST
AF-12-3 front axle to facilitate:
Rack and pinion steering
Right and left hand side "access doors" yes they're expensive, but safety is important
Delete those stupid cupholders on the floor
Alliance AGM batteries
I was told bendix disc brakes would be available in 2 months
Prostar:
Cummins ISX 450 HP 1550 tq
Eaton Ultrashift 10 speed direct drive model #FM-15D310B-LST
I don't know when bendix disc brakes will be available for the prostar
Here's a link regarding the new amboid style diffs:
http://www.universaltruck.com/tech_library/sp0167(2).pdf
I think out of the 3 the Cascadia will get the best fuel mileage. 8+ MPG wouldn't be out of the question.
Also here's a RPM/MPH chart(use the red line):
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p.../direct264.jpg