Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas
If I were an owner/op looking to buy a brand new truck, and I wanted to break the world record for accumulating the highest mileage on any vehicle ever (I believe I saw a 60's model truck on youtube with over 8 million), what would be the best band to buy? I'd want reliablilty in that it wouldn't be stuck in the shop all the time instead of on the road making money, and durability in that it'll still hold up many years and millions of miles later.
I realize there would be plenty of routine maintanence like oil changes (regular oil changes are key for getting any vehicle to last), tire changes, brake jobs and eventually engine/transmission rebuilds, etc. Also, comfort is not that big of an issue. I'd rather drive a reliable rough-riding rattletrap with a small sleeper that runs forever than a smooth, quiet, large sleeper that'll wear out in just a few years.
Ps., I'm not actually an owner/op, this is just a hypothetical question. I am wanting to know which brand would be the best as far as this situation goes, however.
in the entire scope of things, nearly all trucks are mongrels these days. there was a time when a Mack was 100% Mack. now you can get a Mack with nearly any running gear maker brand.
to have a long lasting truck is not only dependant on running gear, but the foundation...the frame and how it is assembled and supported. how many cross members, huck bolts as compared to nuts/bolts or rivets. then the steel used in that frame. is it American steel or recycled Chinese steel.
how is the truck used, on road, off road? how is it driven, with kid gloves, or abused?
how is the PM done, on time, or skipped from time to time?
how is it loaded, under max, or up to max, or over loaded?
what type (or brand of fuel is used, cheapo crap from a broken down truck stop or higher priced from the chains?
what types of motor oil, dino, semi synthetic or full synthetic?
too many variables to say which is the best.
with the best of all conditions, they are all the best.
i have driven nearly every brand of truck except for Scania.
i have driven many different engines, Mack, Volvo, CAT, Detroit, Cummins, International.
as a truck driver, i drive what is given me.
as an o/o, i pick a running gear combo that'll work, and have a long life.
body components mean nothing to me, bottom line dollars to buy one does. i need not spend more than necessary to get down the road. i need not look pretty, as pretty does not garner the loads, the driver and his abilities do.