Didn't think so, unless there was something wrong, with That CAT! :P
T600, is an excellent choice, i run "cats" only, 475, or 550 is a good choice, just make sure, that torque is 1850(if 475).
With 13-18 don't go lower than 3.55 with 24.5, and i believe 3.36 would be adequate with 22.5, that's for "pre emission" And Acert CAT definitely 3.36. that if you care about fuel mileage.

 

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.

 

I would look into the weight of the Volvo first,having a heavy truck like mine(21,000+ with pump,compressor etc.) it is sometimes a real pain picking up preloaded trailers,I am over 35,000 on my drives often.I have heard that the Volvo is a heavy beast.

Run tall rubber that will help getting the weight off the drives,and get a taller fifth wheel saddle to get he fifth wheel height up to atleast 51".

I run a C15 cat turned up to 550hp @ 1850 torque with 3.36 rears 13 speed and I think it does the job pretty well and get 6mpg,but most of that is all driver preference.I would defintely get a mid roof since the premium price you will pay for a flat top isn't worth it.

Just stay below 12'6" and you will not have any problems getting into places to load/unload.

 

Graymist,

Thank you for your reply. I have owned a couple Volvos and I really like the spacious cab and nice ride. I was looking at a WB in the 230-240 range for a better ride and to allow room for my product pump and compressor


Be careful and stay safe

 

Rank wrote:

As a driver I prefer the ability to split, but that is minor compared to (my perception) that the 15 is more durable. With the 15, every shift is a lever shift. No biggie.

The 15 is just basically a 10 with some super deep reduction gears, but there are only 12 progressive shifts: 1-2-3-4-5-9-10-11-12-13-14-15.

If you don't use the deep reduction, it's a 10 speed.


Packrat and Rank,

Thank you Gentlemen for the heads up on the 15 speed shift pattern. Seems simple enough! I like the idea of the 13/15 speed over a 10 speed for the shorter steps between gears. Makes a little more work for me, but the shorter steps helps with the surge when dragging a smooth bore.

Be careful and stay safe.

 

GMAN,

Thank you for your reply,

I have owned CAT and Cummins, although I have to admit it was not manufacturer loyalty, it was a matter of economics. Likewise, I have stayed away from truck specific engines for the same reasons you mention. Weight is an issue as I would like to stay around 19k for tare wt with myself, about 150 gals of fuel and the truck set up for pulling tanker. Thank you for your insight.

Be careful and stay safe

 

Mike,

Thank you for your reply.

I have owned a couple Volvos and I can verify the fact that they are heavy. I was thinking your set-up would be heavy, as I seem to recall reading in one of our posts that you are running a 260” WB?

I too like tall rubber and the 51–52” fifth wheel height will also help keep the product to the back of the tank and help some with the surge.

“C15 CAT turned up to 550hp @ 1850 torque with 3.36 rears and 13 speed” all I can say is SWEEEEEET! When you do have a real sloppy load, at least you can put it the floor and keep the surge in the back of the tank.

Be careful and stay safe.

 

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:

 

[quote="solo379"]Didn't think so, unless there was something wrong, with That CAT![quote]
There might be something wrong with it. We've had the pig since it was a year old and I've always been dissapointed