Class 8 Straight Truck or Smaller?

[hankster]

I'll begin driving in the spring and may have the option of driving a class 8 tractor (prosleeper) with a stretched frame and 24-26 ft box, or a newer, more typical ,expedite type class 7, nicely appointed, air ride etc. I've driven class 8's but never 7's and am concerned that the 7 will not ride nearly as well as the heavier truck. For those who've experienced both, would you say there is a significant difference?

Hank

 

[jaminjim]

If your not buying and don't have a co-driver then go for the decked out truck if the freight capacities are the same.

 

[hankster]

Just me and owner giving me the option.

 

[guido4475]

It should be more like if you are buying the fuel, go with the more efficient truck.As far as ride goes, I have had some class 7's that rode better than a stretched class 8.

 

[hankster]

I'm not even buying the fuel!! Just thinking in terms of comfort, although manueverability might be an option to consider as well I suppose.

 

[Dakota]

I drive a class 6 Hino and can tell you the ride is terrible. My truck is leaf spring front and back. I am not sure on 7 and 8 trucks but don't most have air ride cabs and air ride rear suspension?
My next truck will definately have air ride rear suspension

 

[TeamCaffee]

One of our biggest concerns with our class 7 is we do not have a jake brake and really look forward to having that in our next truck which will be a class 8. To us one of the other bonuses of having a class 8 is the longevity of the truck.

Our class 7 truck rides really well with the lift axle up or down once we added the shocks.