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?

 

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.


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

 

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.

 

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

 

Just to let you know IH still makes the 9900.

 

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

 

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