need input on truck purchase

zavoi · Aug 16, 2006

hi everyone,

i'm interested on getting into the expediting business in the near future. so far i did my homework by searching the database up to two years back -and i'm planning on going all the way back!- and also attended the July expo in Ohio. tons of useful information, on both the database and at the show.
i'm considering FedExcc since someone working for them gave me this hint. also, he gave me a contact person from Alumi-Bunk since he bought his truck from him (i'm looking for a new 22'straight truck). what i'd like is your input on the truck's characteristics since i am not familiar at all with these brands and numbers. so, here it is what i was offered:
-2006 Freightliner M2 106
-CATERPILLAR C-7 300HP engine
-6 speed Eaton Fuller ultrashift transmission
-84" road-runner sleeper
i'm planning on running team and i live in chicago. since it is the most expensive single item that i'll purchase in this business, i cannot afford to go wrong so i entirely rely on your expertise and experience on this one.

any input will be greatly appreciated!

zavoi

LDB · Aug 16, 2006

There have been numerous threads discussing Alumibunk so I won't repeat what's out there. Cat engines are generally thought of as less fuel efficient engines. Compared to the MBE926 engine the Cat supposedly gets about .5-.6 mpg less. The flipside is it's a wet sleeve and can be rebuilt that way at a much lower cost. Kind of like that old commercial, "you can pay me now or pay me later". A 7 liter engine is small to me. I'd rather have a C9 at 300hp than a C7. Personally, I prefer the Sterling and dealing with Jon Mosier at FL Knoxville or a KW and Fred Sargent at Performance Kenworth in Houston. Whatever you wind up doing, good luck to you.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

zavoi · Aug 17, 2006

Thank you for the advice! I'm trying my best to learn as much as possible before jumping into the expediting business.

Thanks again!

Florin

guest · Aug 17, 2006

I would have to agree with Leo. Go To Freightliner of Knoxville. I have bought 4 trucks from them over the years. I think Bentz sleeper are the best.

Drive safe

Dave Mayfield
FEDExCC/Roberts Express O/O Since 3/1/1995
C1847,C2045,D3397,D5047

davekc · Aug 17, 2006

Gotta go with the others. We bought two this year and have been real happy. We bought our first class 8 Sterling this year and it has been great. If you want a sale without any bs attached to it, this is one place I would recommend.

Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

Jack_Berry · Aug 18, 2006

i don't drive but read and retaina lot. check the truck threads for a problem with a cat engine.

Jack Berry

Mileater · Aug 19, 2006

I rely on the used market a lot for my info and from what I have seen the Cummins engines seem to be in better shape even with high miles.

Broompilot · Aug 19, 2006

We all have problems with our trucks regardless of the MFG. I will say this I have not had a single problem with any item from the MFG Kenworth, Cummins, or Allison. All of my problems have been from the add ons that we must have to make this job comfortable while out for weeks on end. Pro-Heat, Bentz, the list goes on and on, but for the durablity of Kenworth I would not consider any other brand and read the want ads see how long and for how much the class 7 KWs last on the pages.

Or better yet ask any owner of a KW if they would recommend one. I for one would not consider any other brand in class 7 or even 8. Do your homework and research this truck compared to any other brand and you will discover what I did its the easiest truck built to work on and do your PTIs on. The only down side is it is not available on a Condo. The Pete is the KWs sister.

dieselphreak2K · Aug 19, 2006

I'm with Broom on this one. Paccar products are all I'll own. The fit and finish is excellent on my truck after 6 years. The Bentz sleeper is great, has developed a few rattles and one leak, but nothing I couldn't fix on my own with basic knowledge. The use of space is great, and the layout worked great when I ran solo, and fits us fine as a team. I have the Cummins 8.3 rated at 300, and I love this engine. It's been around for many years, and parts are easy to find, and not outrageous. It pulls 10 plus miles per gallon, and isn't showing any signs of excessive wear after 490,000 miles. In my training as a diesel technician, I've never heard an unkind word about the 8.3 series. Cummins is one of the best engines in my opinion, and they have proved themselves in my father's many trucks. He has a T300 with a Cat, and loves the truck, hates the motor. Mine is backed up by a Super 10, which is a breeze as manual transmissions go. I'd rather have a 13 speed, but it would be overkill for this application. I am so happy I found this T300 when I purchased my first truck. It has held up beyond my expectations. We hit an inspection 3 days ago, and recieved a clean bill of health and a nice little CVSA decal. For my money, KW or Pete, and a Bentz sleeper.

davekc · Aug 19, 2006

I wish more teams liked the KW's. The new breed of drivers don't like them because of the smaller cab. Because of that, we have went to the Sterlings in hopes of getting in the middle somewhere.
If I was going to drive it, KW would win hands down every single time. We have had 7 of them and every one was a great truck with no problems. Had several different sleepers from ICT, Bentz, Double Eagle. All of them are a good match to any KW.

Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

dieselphreak2K · Aug 20, 2006

On a side note, we saw your red KW today Dave. Looks even better in person, even if it's only driving by on an overpass.

ATeam · Aug 20, 2006

The truck you describe is probably a lower-cost unit than one you might find from other dealers. That is an advantage on the front end but it may come back to haunt you later, in ways that would more than wipe out the cost savings you may have realized on the front end. The truck you describe is not one I would plan to own for more than three years if I were in your shoes.

I do not know how you plan to finance your truck. Be very careful when you do. We once met an Aluma-Bunk customer who thought they owned their truck but later discovered they had only leased it. That kind of a mistake is 100% on the driver but I can't help but wonder what their sales rep said or failed to say that left them with the impression that they owned a leased truck.

Regarding sleepers, they should not leak; ever. Manufacturing processes differ as do warranties and warranty duration. If you are buying a custom sleeper, it pays to shop around.

Not mentioned in this thread is ARI, another custom sleeper manufacturer. Diane and I own an ARI sleeper and could not be happier with it (so far). The quality is superior to Bentz. The warranty is stronger. The pricing is better. Regarding leak prevention ARI's manufacturing processes exceed Bentz's by an order of magnitude. That superiority is reflected in the warranties offered by each.