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BIGDADDY44M
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 48
Location: NEW ENGLAND & NORTH CAROLINA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:26 am Post subject: Freightliner Coranado, Volvo VN780, or Kenworth T-600 |
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As I stated in an earlier post, I will be leaving my company job in the spring and moving into my own tractor, and leasing onto the carrier I currently work for. My question to all current o/o's is this. I will be buying a New truck and paying cash, there will be no truck payment. I operate primarily east of the missipp, on the I-95 corridor maine to florida, will be pulling a reefer or flat/stepdeck. I am considering strongly the freightliner coranado, volvo vn780, or as a last resort the kw t-600. I want aerodynamics, fuel economy, nice ride, and dependability. I am not as worried about resale because I plan on running it 8-10 years. I have driven all but the coranado, so if anyone has any insight into this it would be appreciated. Need info quick as I will be buying soon. Thanks again.
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mudpuddle
Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 211
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| Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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You have to decide on what job you will do before you can settle on a truck. A truck that is good for reefer will be horrible for flat or step deck work. Do you intend to run shorter runs and be in the sleeper less or will you go out for several days and stay in the sleeper alot. You mentioned in another post you were planning to move to North Carolina, if you do there is plenty of short run freight for flats that pays well and could have you home often but why would you spend the money for a 780 when a 610 or 630 would be better for the job.
I think the T600 is the best all around aero truck. It is clearly built better than any Freightliner (the Coronado is still just a century). Kenworth has a legendary reputation for product support and quality. Volvo has a great truck but has had a history of electrical problems and the are far fewer dealers to support their product.
Please spend some time on your decision. If you go out and buy a condo truck and then end up working flats you will be unhappy. |
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BIGDADDY44M
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 48
Location: NEW ENGLAND & NORTH CAROLINA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 12:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks for the info, I geuss I should be more specific. I have a young family and want to be home at least every other night. But I also want a truck that can pull both van/reefer or flats. I am a big guy, 6'5" 285lbs. So I need a big sleeper. And more than anything I want a dependable quality aerodynamic truck. Since I was akid the T-600 was always my favorite, but I want to have all the info I can to make the best possible decision. |
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Uturn2001
Joined: 10 Jan 2005
Posts: 4623
Location: East Central IL between the corn and the beans
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| Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Just my two cents here but at your height and weight I would think getting into the sleeper on a t-600 would be a PITA. |
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mover man
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 16
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| Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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| I picked the Volvo based on what you listed. But my personnel choice would be the t600. I like the Coronado but i have been driving this century for 6 years. |
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OverTheRoad
Joined: 14 May 2004
Posts: 1148
Location: Northern Arizona- above the heat!
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| Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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| I would have to vote for the 780 but I am a bit biased. I drive a 770. |
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GMAN
Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 9393
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:04 pm Post subject: |
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| The 780 will be the most comfortable but not as practical for flatbed work. Volvo 780's are going to be heavy. Personally, I don't care for the Coronado. They simply don't seem to be that well made. For pulling flats or steps a mid roof or flat top would be best. The 780 is a condo and most of the coronado's we see are also condo's. These catch a lot of wind. I own a T600 with a 72" sleeper. I also have a 9400 International. I know you didn't include the International, but I prefer it because it has more room. Mine has a 72" sleeper. Both are mid roof's and I have plenty of head room. I am 6'2". The Coronado and 780 will have more open area. Of the trucks you listed, I would go with the T600. You will have plenty of living room, the bed is comfortable and it is aerodynamic. In fact, the T600 was the first aerodynamic truck. :shock: The only down side is that the seats are closer together (a Paccar trademark) so it may be a little more of a challenge getting in and out of the sleeper. I suggest going to a dealer and check the fit. :wink: |
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BIGDADDY44M
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 48
Location: NEW ENGLAND & NORTH CAROLINA
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| Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:16 pm Post subject: |
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| Dealer told me they now have swivel seats available in the T-600. So that wont make it as bad. I am still leaning heavily towards the volvo, my dad will give me tons of grief about it as he drives a 2005 Pete 379XL. But I just like the setup of the volvo best, although in my honest opinion the t-600 flat top is a sharp looking truck. And kenworth has always been my favorite truck. I just have never been happy with the transition to the sleeper or the head room of the T-600. As I said before thanks for the input GMAN I appreciate your time and effort. Gotta gowatch Trick My Truck. :moose: |
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GMAN
Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 9393
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 7:26 pm Post subject: |
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| One thing you need to watch out for with the Volvo, it when you get up out of the drivers seat to go to the sleeper. I tend to hit my head with them. At least I did with my friends 770. Volvo does make a nice truck. 8) |
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OverTheRoad
Joined: 14 May 2004
Posts: 1148
Location: Northern Arizona- above the heat!
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:33 pm Post subject: |
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GMAN wrote: One thing you need to watch out for with the Volvo, it when you get up out of the drivers seat to go to the sleeper. I tend to hit my head with them. At least I did with my friends 770. Volvo does make a nice truck. 8)
Agreed, I am 6'1" and have to watch it when I stand up from the drivers seat. Stand up slow and watch it or you might be sitting back down with a nice headache. :lol: |
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BIGDADDY44M
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 48
Location: NEW ENGLAND & NORTH CAROLINA
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks to all who have provided me with some feedback on this issue, I am still torn between the T-600, and the Volvo 780, and to make things worse my dad has got me thinking about a Pete 387. What to do, what to do? I know one thing I need to make a decision soon, but I plan on keeping the truck 8-10 years, and just dont want to make a mistake, that I will be kickin myself for down the road. 8-10 years is a long time to be kickin one's self in the rear, lol. Thanks again, and I wish all of you safe travelin, good roads, and good miles.
:moose: |
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arizonatell
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 10:09 am Post subject: |
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I thought about this when I started, and I came up with this setup:
2004 Columbia Mid-roof XT
Mercedes MBE4000-w-meritor automatic
Rigmaster APU
Teltek load gauge
45 by 102 flatbed airride
Premo Lubrication technologies oil cleaner
National Seating Premium Series seat-w- swivel, and massage function
Then all the goodies like;
Flat screen tv, mobile satellite tv receiver.
The truck came with a refrigerator, and a high quality inverter.
The midroof works well with the flatbed, and if your solo, you don't really need the extra bed.
The benefit is that if I get tired pulling a flat.(I doubt it!!) I can throw a deflector on the roof , and add a sliding fifth, to make it work better.
Good luck with you decision, and drive safe. |
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