I just purchased my first truck it's an 01 western star 4964EX question is what is the backing like as I know I need to take turns wider with the long nose and long wheelbase of 260, I am coming off a mack vision truck that also turned slow.. how much of difference will I see in backing on the Western Star

 

WHY did you buy such an OLD truck? I HOPE you didn't pay more than $5K.

 

Any truck with a long wheelbase is not going to back or turn as well as something with a short wheelbase.

 

The guy is probably excited about purchasing his first truck, why do you feel the need to piss on his (and most everyone on CAD) parade? It would be nice for once if you could exercise some common courtesy, basic social skills and some respect to someone that I'm guessing you don't even know. His $5k truck will make just as much as your new Volvo powered 780, my Volvo and or brand new truck. He most likely does not have a truck payment, so his repairs on an older truck will probably not exceed your truck payments. A good response would have been “I’m sure you will get used to it, good luck with your new truck and new endeavor" See how that works?

 

Older is sometimes better when it comes to trucks. These new truck with all that emisson stuff on them. They can keep them.

 

I have a 359 Pete with a 260". Sometimes you might have to pull up an extra time or two, but you can put it in just about anywhere you have to. Turning tight corners is a bigger concern. I suggest you bob-tail around some tight areas to get used to making wide turns. The good news is by the time you swing wide enough with a 260" tractor the trailer is already wide enough to negotiate most hazards. I had a Western Star and made a lot of money with it, and I hope you do the same, GOOD LUCK. By the way my 359 is an '87 I also have a '06 379 and I don't get paid any more per mile for the '06 than I do for the '87. One more thing, don't be afraid to get out and look if your not sure. I've been trucking 40 years and still get out from time to time to make sure I'm not about to destroy stuff. More than once I was with in inches of having a real bad day.

 

My trucks are older than the op and they still look good and are still making me money.:smokin:

 

“I’m sure you will get used to it, good luck with your new truck and new endeavor" :smokin:

 

Obviously you have come to the realization that you will need to swing wider..... so thats the toughest battle down. As for backing a W, you will also find it now easier and sometimes nessecary to OPEN the drivers door when backing. I'm sure you will do fine, and good choice on a rig. How about a new post with some pics and specs?