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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:44:43 PM EDT
Who makes the best overall semi and why? A retired OTR driver with almost 50 years experience told me Peterbilt but that was around 1993 so I’m sure things have changed.
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CT, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:47:26 PM EDT
[#1]
I don't know about the best but we had a lot of Volvos and the drivers seemed to like them .
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:49:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MethaneMover]
[#2]
The oilfield loves the KW's.
OTR in flip flops loves Volvo. Road warriors with taste are in Petes and KWs to a lesser extent. Freight routes like the Freightshakers. Mack...used to be. ^^^^ what I see in my travels. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:50:04 PM EDT
[#3]
Volvo.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:51:19 PM EDT
[#4]
All the above. It’s subjective. I don’t like International but I’ve had good and bad of some of those you listed but for most part they have all been decent it just depends on how you treat them.
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CYM
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:51:36 PM EDT
[#5]
Isn’t there some kind of thing with older diesels that they are better than the new ones that have some kind of messed up pollution controls that can’t be fixed so people will take an old chassis and motor and refurbish the whole thing and it’s worth a lot of money because it has an older motor that’s not messed up,like the new ones?
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:51:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 1975]
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: The oilfield loves the KW's. OTR in flip flops loves Volvo. Road warriors with taste are in Petes and KWs to a lesser extent. Freight routes like the Freightshakers. Mack...used to be. ^^^^ what I see in my travels. I think Volvo owns Mack now. And Freightliner owns Western Star, so I didn’t list those two. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:53:28 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JohnfromHR: Isn't there some kind of thing with older diesels that they are better than the new ones that have some kind of messed up pollution controls that can't be fixed so people will take an old chassis and motor and refurbish the whole thing and it's worth a lot of money because it has an older motor that's not messed up,like the new ones?  |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:54:20 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JohnfromHR: Isn’t there some kind of thing with older diesels that they are better than the new ones that have some kind of messed up pollution controls that can’t be fixed so people will take an old chassis and motor and refurbish the whole thing and it’s worth a lot of money because it has an older motor that’s not messed up,like the new ones? Those were called gliders and I don't think that loophole exists anymore. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:54:20 PM EDT
[#9]
Originally Posted By JohnfromHR: Isn't there some kind of thing with older diesels that they are better than the new ones that have some kind of messed up pollution controls that can't be fixed so people will take an old chassis and motor and refurbish the whole thing and it's worth a lot of money because it has an older motor that's not messed up,like the new ones? Originally Posted By 1975: I think Volvo owns Mack now. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:54:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Diamond REO.
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:54:49 PM EDT
[#11]
Mack used to be.
Loves me an R Model Mack |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:57:02 PM EDT
[#12]
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:57:29 PM EDT
[#13]
Freightliner. Tons of stealerships, way more than anyone else. But there's also a reason for that too.
KW W900 good ol' classic truck, the rest are alright. Peterbuilt do they still make the 379? The rest same as KW, both are PACCAR. Volvo heavy but the safest truck out there. Can become a electrical nightmare when they want to. Smooth riding trucks, like a high $$$ R/V. Quiet too. Navistar owned by VW Group now, don't know much about them other than that POS engine they came out with some years ago, almost put them out of business. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:00:08 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MattyMattel: Freightliner. Tons of stealerships, way more than anyone else. But there's also a reason for that too. KW W900 good ol' classic truck, the rest are alright. Peterbuilt do they still make the 379? The rest same as KW, both are PACCAR. Volvo heavy but the safest truck out there. Can become a electrical nightmare when they want to. Smooth riding trucks, like a high $$$ R/V. Quiet too. Navistar owned by VW Group now, don't know much about them other than that POS engine they came out with some years ago, almost put them out of business. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:01:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: akguy1985]
[#15]
Not Freightshaker. The girlfriend says peterbuilts are overrated.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:02:06 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Which is sexier- W900 or 379? Trick question. It's a c500 bed truck. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/145430/1000007577_jpg-3197119.JPG I can see it's a Offroad workhorse, but I can't believe the ride on improved roads is pleasant! |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:07:03 PM EDT
[#17]
Kenworth for off-road work. I couldn’t tell you about Highway stuff.
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:08:00 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By akguy1985: Not Freightshaker. The girlfriend says peterbuilts are overrated. Freightliners/Navistars are popular with fleets because they are CHEAP. Keep them around for the warranty then dump them on the used truck market. Volvos are kinda in the middle. Chrome trucks.....built good but one better be getting good rates, they ain't cheap and they don't get good fuel mileage. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:08:17 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bgrhammer: I can see it's a Offroad workhorse, but I can't believe the ride on improved roads is pleasant! Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bgrhammer: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: Which is sexier- W900 or 379? Trick question. It's a c500 bed truck. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/145430/1000007577_jpg-3197119.JPG I can see it's a Offroad workhorse, but I can't believe the ride on improved roads is pleasant! |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:08:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Jackslack]
[#20]
No love for Western Stars?
Always kind of liked the looks. That's all I know. 
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:10:24 PM EDT
[#21]
Pre emissions and runs on diesel.
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:12:15 PM EDT
[#22]
I thought KW and Peterbuilt were both built by Paccar at the same plant in WA
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:14:45 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kubota3430: I thought KW and Peterbuilt were both built by Paccar at the same plant in WA Think they're made in Texas too, north of Ft Worth. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:18:48 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Load it up heavy enough and it'll unimprove the roads to its liking. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By bgrhammer: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: Which is sexier- W900 or 379? Trick question. It's a c500 bed truck. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/145430/1000007577_jpg-3197119.JPG I can see it's a Offroad workhorse, but I can't believe the ride on improved roads is pleasant! Oh, I understand that, but empty I bet you're using every bit of that air ride teddy 🐻! |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:25:12 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bgrhammer: Oh, I understand that, but empty I bet you're using every bit of that air ride teddy ! Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bgrhammer: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By bgrhammer: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: Which is sexier- W900 or 379? Trick question. It's a c500 bed truck. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/145430/1000007577_jpg-3197119.JPG I can see it's a Offroad workhorse, but I can't believe the ride on improved roads is pleasant! Oh, I understand that, but empty I bet you're using every bit of that air ride teddy ! |
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CYM
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:27:43 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Ya. Pre-def and pre-elog if you can. Yeahhh. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By JohnfromHR: Isn't there some kind of thing with older diesels that they are better than the new ones that have some kind of messed up pollution controls that can't be fixed so people will take an old chassis and motor and refurbish the whole thing and it's worth a lot of money because it has an older motor that's not messed up,like the new ones? Originally Posted By 1975: I think Volvo owns Mack now. Can u explain what pre def elog is? Is it true the okdervtrucks have more value, is this kinda like restmod? |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:29:38 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JohnfromHR: Can u explain what pre def elog is? Is it true the okdervtrucks have more value, is this kinda like restmod? They're more valuable because they have less bullshit to deal with. |
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:30:46 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: 389 now. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By MattyMattel: Freightliner. Tons of stealerships, way more than anyone else. But there's also a reason for that too. KW W900 good ol' classic truck, the rest are alright. Peterbuilt do they still make the 379? The rest same as KW, both are PACCAR. Volvo heavy but the safest truck out there. Can become a electrical nightmare when they want to. Smooth riding trucks, like a high $$$ R/V. Quiet too. Navistar owned by VW Group now, don't know much about them other than that POS engine they came out with some years ago, almost put them out of business. 389 is being replaced with the 589 |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:31:56 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jackslack: No love for Western Stars? Always kind of liked the looks. That's all I know. https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpowertorque.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F02%2F30-ANN-3-Quarter-sm.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=af671b51b73401b5b7f0d1912e1bfcf6fe42cc3724b58c1a5c999ed5fcb7cbef&ipo=images Owned by Freightliner, but yes nice looking truck. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:35:42 PM EDT
[#30]
In the last 6 years, I've driven OTR in several T680s, Cascadias, Internationals, and Volvos. Each has its pros and cons regarding layout if you are a solo driver or teaming/training. ALL are electrical nightmares now. If it's not one sensor, it's another fucking over the truck. I've had three DEF sensor deleted trucks in three years. That said, for me and what I do which is mostly training, I prefer Volvo or T680.
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:35:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: gunner76]
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bgrhammer: Those were called gliders and I don't think that loophole exists anymore. There is one way to get a glider type truck. You can have what is called an "assembled title", it basically is a newer used truck that is rebuilt with a pre emission motor. There are a couple places in NE doing them and they take 2015-2020 trucks with less than 650,000 miles, drop a reman pre emissions motor in them and sell them for new price. I think they repaint some of the trucks or just leave them as is. I wouldn't go this route myself because unlike a glider kit where everything except the engine(or entire drivetrain if you chose that route)is new these assembled trucks are just used trucks with new engines and new truck prices. ETA. I used to buy International and had good luck with the 9000 series. A 9900ix set up right looked just as good as an Peterbuilt or KW IMO and had a better interior. Even a 9400 with setback dual tanks and dual exhaust looked good. The newer stuff International puts out is  . If I was going to buy a new truck today it would be a Peterbuilt 389, 589, or a KW W900 or W990.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:38:37 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jackslack: No love for Western Stars? Always kind of liked the looks. That's all I know. https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpowertorque.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F02%2F30-ANN-3-Quarter-sm.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=af671b51b73401b5b7f0d1912e1bfcf6fe42cc3724b58c1a5c999ed5fcb7cbef&ipo=images These were the fleet vehicles at my last employer. The mechanics hated the emissions systems and the dirty Bastard that introduced bed bugs to the local trucks. He was given chances to clean up his act and timed out. They basically air mailed his final paperwork through the open window of his car. They said as he drove away they could see alot of movement on the items in the cargo area of his vehicle. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:39:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MethaneMover]
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 1975: Owned by Freightliner, but yes nice looking truck. Kdub, mooch booter.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:41:16 PM EDT
[#34]
If you get into the right groups on Facebook or elsewhere on the internet you hear crazy stories about problems with newer trucks from pretty much all those brands. I don't know if it was the COVID supply chain issues or what but it's pretty scary what can happen with a low mileage new truck. The general consensus seems to be that the bulk of the problems involve the emissions stuff, but I've seen stories of plenty of other issues as well.
I used to think the ultimate setup might be a new glider kit with a pre-2000 cat engine, but I don't know if that's still possible. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:42:44 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jackslack: No love for Western Stars? Always kind of liked the looks. That's all I know. https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpowertorque.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F02%2F30-ANN-3-Quarter-sm.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=af671b51b73401b5b7f0d1912e1bfcf6fe42cc3724b58c1a5c999ed5fcb7cbef&ipo=images We have a bunch of Western Star dump trucks at work and they are garbage. Mostly due to the DD13 engines, but the electrical system isn't very user friendly to work on from what I've been told. And some of them have paint that flakes off if you look at it wrong. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:48:24 PM EDT
[#36]
Pete 379s and even the 389s IMHO were nice comfortable rides but the cabs tend to develop leaks and squeaks and rattles in my experience where Kenworth cabs tend to stay tighter longer. I've been driving a 2014 T-800 (that's spent it's life on wind farms and oil field roads) the last couple of days and the cab is still so tight you almost have to crack a window to close the door.
I used to drive this 389, you could drive 700+ miles in a day and not feel like hammered dog shit at the end of the day. However it rattled and squeaked and the 2 piece windshield would develop leaks on the inside.  The T-800 I drive now isn't as comfortable of a ride, too be fair it's also a special built heavy haul truck, even though it's a 2015, the cab is nice and tight with without a bunch of leaks and noise. 
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CYM
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:50:55 PM EDT
[#37]
So,is there a market for totally refurbing predef and pre elog trucks, like essentially making a new truck with old vin like people do w 57 chevys
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MH, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:51:02 PM EDT
[#38]
There's gotta be some kinda JDM Mitsubishi or something that shits on everything else.
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:52:05 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Seabee_Mech: The T-800 I drive now isn't as comfortable of a ride, too be fair it's also a special built heavy haul truck, even though it's a 2015, the cab is nice and tight with without a bunch of leaks and noise. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/119852/6102-3025797.jpg |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:53:30 PM EDT
[#40]
I am a Kenworth fan. I don't like Peterbilt clutch pedals
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:53:55 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CMiller: If you get into the right groups on Facebook or elsewhere on the internet you hear crazy stories about problems with newer trucks from pretty much all those brands. I don't know if it was the COVID supply chain issues or what but it's pretty scary what can happen with a low mileage new truck. The general consensus seems to be that the bulk of the problems involve the emissions stuff, but I've seen stories of plenty of other issues as well. I used to think the ultimate setup might be a new glider kit with a pre-2000 cat engine, but I don't know if that's still possible. Scary yeah. You go broke and into bankruptcy. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:53:58 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gunner76: We have a bunch of Western Star dump trucks at work and they are garbage. Mostly due to the DD13 engines, but the electrical system isn't very user friendly to work on from what I've been told. And some of them have paint that flakes off if you look at it wrong. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:55:32 PM EDT
[#43]
Transmissions are the same, rear-ends are the same, motors are about the same. Buy a used glider, make isn't that important, just stay away from the red motors. Really want to spend money,? Buy a new Pete with a X15 and trade in for new every 2 years. I hope you're making more than $3/mile.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:55:52 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: 389 now. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By MattyMattel: Freightliner. Tons of stealerships, way more than anyone else. But there's also a reason for that too. KW W900 good ol' classic truck, the rest are alright. Peterbuilt do they still make the 379? The rest same as KW, both are PACCAR. Volvo heavy but the safest truck out there. Can become a electrical nightmare when they want to. Smooth riding trucks, like a high $$$ R/V. Quiet too. Navistar owned by VW Group now, don't know much about them other than that POS engine they came out with some years ago, almost put them out of business. 589 now. 389 phased out end of 2023. I build & sell Peterbilt’s |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:56:54 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kubota3430: I thought KW and Peterbuilt were both built by Paccar at the same plant in WA Separate companies in different locations owned by the same parent company Paccar |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:59:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MethaneMover]
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AZC: 589 now. 389 phased out end of 2023. I build & sell Peterbilt's Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AZC: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By MattyMattel: Freightliner. Tons of stealerships, way more than anyone else. But there's also a reason for that too. KW W900 good ol' classic truck, the rest are alright. Peterbuilt do they still make the 379? The rest same as KW, both are PACCAR. Volvo heavy but the safest truck out there. Can become a electrical nightmare when they want to. Smooth riding trucks, like a high $$$ R/V. Quiet too. Navistar owned by VW Group now, don't know much about them other than that POS engine they came out with some years ago, almost put them out of business. 589 now. 389 phased out end of 2023. I build & sell Peterbilt's |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:59:40 PM EDT
[#47]
Volvo owns Mac
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CYM
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:59:40 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AZC: 589 now. 389 phased out end of 2023. I build & sell Peterbilt’s What is the difference? Why iscit better than the more aerodynamic shaped truck with nose? |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:02:53 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Cool! Spec'd any heavy haul stuff lately? Double frame, aux box, geared hubs... other things Ive never heard of before? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By AZC: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: Originally Posted By MattyMattel: Freightliner. Tons of stealerships, way more than anyone else. But there's also a reason for that too. KW W900 good ol' classic truck, the rest are alright. Peterbuilt do they still make the 379? The rest same as KW, both are PACCAR. Volvo heavy but the safest truck out there. Can become a electrical nightmare when they want to. Smooth riding trucks, like a high $$$ R/V. Quiet too. Navistar owned by VW Group now, don't know much about them other than that POS engine they came out with some years ago, almost put them out of business. 589 now. 389 phased out end of 2023. I build & sell Peterbilt's Just did a 589 HH with a 20k pusher for a company in Utah. Submitted the order today. She’s spec’d for up to 180k without a aux trans. X15/18SPM trans 44”sleeper. 200k + for aux trans. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:03:46 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JohnfromHR: What is the difference? Why iscit better than the more aerodynamic shaped truck with nose? Wider cab, better aero. EPA mandated. |
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