Which truck is better?
 

So I was just wondering what exactly is the best truck to drive? I know I can expect a lot of opinions and this is kind of like who's better Ford or Chevy, but I was just wondering.

So which truck is better, and why?

It depends upon what you are using it for.

If you are talking about driver comfort, then I would say Volvo.

Such a loaded question! Like Rev said, it really depends on what you are using it for. Personally I think on a brand name level, petes and KW are too overrated. If I had the money right now to get any truck and spec it any way I wanted, I would go with something good for general OTR specs, IE probably a 525hp motor, 18 or 13spd tranny, 355 rears, super single drives. That spec would be great for a combination of fuel economy and pulling power. As far as chasis goes I would look for something with good stearing radius for tighter manouvering, aerodynamic body, sorry but big ole 379's with super long and flat noses might look good, but your fuel milage and manouverability will suck big time. I would also look for a descent wheelbase but not too long, as much as I would love to have a 288" sleeper, it isn't practical for most 53' trailers. I would also look to maximise comfort internally, but also above all I would look for a LIGHT truck, again the lighter your truck is, the less fuel you will burn and the more freight you can haul.

Now all that I just rambled on would be a good spec for OTR general freight, now if you are doing say drop deck heavy haul in the mountains, you are going to want a lot of power, but if you are doing tanker in prarie land, you won't need a lot of power. It all depends on WHAT you do.

I have owned several different brands of trucks over the years. I currently own a International and a KW. I prefer the International mainly due to the layout of the sleeper. Both have a 72" sleeper but the International has more usable room. Fuel mileage in the KW is better and the bed is slightly wider. Both have the same CAT engine. The International has a Spicer 10 speed with 354 rears. The KW has a super 10 and I don't remember the gearing in the rears but I believe that it is higher.

A 10 speed will do what you want and should get decent fuel economy with the right gearing and keeping your speed down. I prefer CAT engines but Detroit and Cummins both make a good engine. I have friends who prefer Cummins or Detroit.

One thing you should understand is that most trucks have the same engine and drive trains. The main difference between any of the different brands is the skin or cabin. Sleepers are laid out differently in some brands. A Freightliner, Volvo or International will usually have more room in the sleeper than KW or Peterbilt. I would buy based upon what the truck is to be used for rather than a specific brand. When I look at purchasing a truck I have certain things that I look for. I don't care which brand I buy as long as I can get the basic things that I want and get a good deal. I have friends who are hung up on certain brands. One in particular doesn't want to own anything but a 379 Peterbilt. He is the one who has to buy the fuel and so that is what he runs. I prefer something with more room in the sleeper and that gets better fuel mileage.

This is a business. Trucks are a tool that we use in the business. There are those who get caught up with a particular brand or chrome. Neither will make you any more money than another. Aerodynamics, gearing and driving habits will add more to the bottom line than most other controlling factors.

great point of view. the thrill & newness of all the bell's & whistles wear off long before the payments do.

Over the road; IH or FL

Off the road; KW or WS



I'm just replying here for fun... in reality, the spec sheet is more important than who painted the sheet metal.

Again, what do you want to do with it??

..."better" because IH and FL have the best dealer networks for longhaul. KW or WS because of their "severe service" reputations.

I love my Kenworth
except when I have to buy parts for it
200 bucks for a windshield wiper arm COME ON!!

You poor fella! :rofl: