I was reading the Roadking magazine tonight and discovered a great article about Jeff Jones and his Kenworth expediter. Lots of good info for those who wish to know more about the KW. Here is a link to the article online:
Kenworth HDX
- Thread starter Wild Bill
- Start date
Great article. I think the Jeff Jones spec'ed KW's are great expedite trucks. I tested one this past spring and wanted to buy one. But, you gotta have BIG bucks up front. (Like in the neighborhood of $15-20 grand). I think that's a big reason why Jeff still had 4 of his original 10 2001 T300 HDX's on his lot this spring, and one for sale on consignment. That's half of them. No decent financing = no sales. Go to the bank with a towel around your head and you'll probably get financed with little down, just don't show them your facts and plans if experienced.
I couldn't believe the one lady in the article didn't like the Eaton Super 10. I thought that thing was neat for a non-synchro. I have a straight 10 speed in my current truck, and the Super 10 is a lot less work. Still, if you have to "concentrate" on shifting, you shouldn't be driving a truck. Jeff doesn't keep up with the tech stuff as much as he should though, as Eaton Auto-shifts have been around for a while and are tougher and more reliable than Allison automatics. He personally admitted to me he doesn't go on the internet too much. Shame on him.
The J.J. Spec'ed KW T300's are great trucks, if you can afford one and get financed. Leftover 2001's were $69,900. His next batch are 2003's at over $80k a copy. Ouch.
-Weave-
I couldn't believe the one lady in the article didn't like the Eaton Super 10. I thought that thing was neat for a non-synchro. I have a straight 10 speed in my current truck, and the Super 10 is a lot less work. Still, if you have to "concentrate" on shifting, you shouldn't be driving a truck. Jeff doesn't keep up with the tech stuff as much as he should though, as Eaton Auto-shifts have been around for a while and are tougher and more reliable than Allison automatics. He personally admitted to me he doesn't go on the internet too much. Shame on him.
The J.J. Spec'ed KW T300's are great trucks, if you can afford one and get financed. Leftover 2001's were $69,900. His next batch are 2003's at over $80k a copy. Ouch.
-Weave-
I read that article and I can tell you when I mentioned a 10 speed to my wife,she gave me that old "If looks can kill " etc. 99% of the women of today believe you should only put shift levers in D or R or Park. I am sure my Eaton/Fuller 6 speed has a serial number on it somewhere.I would like to write to Eaton/Fuller and have them give the crew who assembled that transmission a MEDAL for quality workmanship. Men just shift without thinking about it,Women know that they have to move that long handle but don!t know when and why. I have tried numerous times to suggest when to shift up or down,use the speed,the tach or just listen and the engine will tell you but nothing gets through. The engine is either reving way up there or being lugged down. If anyone ever meets my wife this post should not be repeated to her.LOL for sure.
Interesting sidebar on that article about the Fedex CC couple going under in Texas. Probably too much payment..I hate to hear that,folks listen to the recruiters and get in over their heads. and the revenue isn!t there to stay afloat.
Interesting sidebar on that article about the Fedex CC couple going under in Texas. Probably too much payment..I hate to hear that,folks listen to the recruiters and get in over their heads. and the revenue isn!t there to stay afloat.
I read the hardcopy also and thought it was a good article. I currently have an FL70 and am a little conderned that the narrow cab of the KW would be a problem. I'm short but pretty wide and like the space between the seats to get in and out of my Bentz sleeper. I too listened to the recruiter and leased on with FedEx CC in June of 2000. I lasted about 4 months and wsa one of the lucky ones and did manage to make my payments.(just) I bailed out of FedEx and leased on with an outfit hauling to Chrysler dealerships and leave out of detroit at or near max. gvw weekly. I would like to upgrade to a heavier truck ( either a tandem a single with a tag) but I'm afraid that the flood of used expediters out there has devalued mine to a point that I'll never get out of it. Any suggestions?
Wing,
I am 5'6" and over 400 pounds (Waist size over 60)and I crawl back there with little trouble. At first it was a little difficult but once you get used to it you can crawl back there with little trouble.
If I can do it I am sure anyone else can too. (Little hint: when you are crawling back there put the seats armrests in the DOWN position) that is the secret.
I am 5'6" and over 400 pounds (Waist size over 60)and I crawl back there with little trouble. At first it was a little difficult but once you get used to it you can crawl back there with little trouble.
If I can do it I am sure anyone else can too. (Little hint: when you are crawling back there put the seats armrests in the DOWN position) that is the secret.