Not a wannabe-a maybe with some ?

[shooter]

I was a contractor for years-now doing photography and it is pretty bad. I have not driven a truck since 2005. What we photographed for a couple of grand a few years ago is now going for free to $100.00 on Craigs List. I kept my Class A with air brakes up to snuff and have current med card. Started haz mat circus today.
1. Why all the automatic trannys? They are expensive from the get go, seems like they are expensive to maintain and ridiculous to repair. I changed the oil myself in the road ranger one a year and never even thought about it
2. Why all the dry sleeve motors in these trucks? Even my 33,000 GVW dumptruck had a Cummins L10 and a 9 speed Eaton. Good motor, never any problems. Had it for 12 years about 180K all local miles. Use mainly to transport back hoe. Even the class 8's I see are dry sleeve motors.
3. Since I have been away for awhile, all of the engine models have changed and they all seem to have partnered up with a manufacturer. So, now it seems like in Class 7 the only real option is Freightliner and the MBE motor or an older Cat C9. Isn't the C9 just a 3176 renamed/ Dry sleeve? Hino is not an option for me. Didn't Cat just announce they are no longer selling truck engines
4. Any knowledge about West Coast loads. I am currently in Vegas, but since I am divorced and the teen agers are with the ex, I could actually go anywhere. I would think the Military would be a good source for loads, as Nellis AFB is always busy as heck with Red Flag.
5. What are the industries that are propelling the demand in the upper mid west and eastern seaboard. Thought Government Motors and the like are slow.
Thanks,
Shooter

 

[Doggie Daddy]

I was a contractor for years-now doing photography and it is pretty bad. I have not driven a truck since 2005. What we photographed for a couple of grand a few years ago is now going for free to $100.00 on Craigs List. I kept my Class A with air brakes up to snuff and have current med card. Started haz mat circus today.
1. Why all the automatic trannys? They are expensive from the get go, seems like they are expensive to maintain and ridiculous to repair. I changed the oil myself in the road ranger one a year and never even thought about it
2. Why all the dry sleeve motors in these trucks? Even my 33,000 GVW dumptruck had a Cummins L10 and a 9 speed Eaton. Good motor, never any problems. Had it for 12 years about 180K all local miles. Use mainly to transport back hoe. Even the class 8's I see are dry sleeve motors.
3. Since I have been away for awhile, all of the engine models have changed and they all seem to have partnered up with a manufacturer. So, now it seems like in Class 7 the only real option is Freightliner and the MBE motor or an older Cat C9. Isn't the C9 just a 3176 renamed/ Dry sleeve? Hino is not an option for me. Didn't Cat just announce they are no longer selling truck engines
4. Any knowledge about West Coast loads. I am currently in Vegas, but since I am divorced and the teen agers are with the ex, I could actually go anywhere. I would think the Military would be a good source for loads, as Nellis AFB is always busy as heck with Red Flag.
5. What are the industries that are propelling the demand in the upper mid west and eastern seaboard. Thought Government Motors and the like are slow.
Thanks,
Shooter

1.My last 2 trucks have had the Allison 6 speed automatic trannies,and no way would I ever go back to a manual trans.

Not all that expensive to maintain,and as far as expensive to repair,I wouldn't know as they have never needed repairs.

2. Don't know what trucks that you are looking at with a dry sleeve engine,and I don't know of any class 8 trucks with dry sleeve motors,I'm not gonna say that they aren't out there,but I would think they would be very rare.

3. Engine options for class 7 trucks are many,Cat,Benz,Cummins,International,Mack,Hino.My C9 is not old it's a 2007.

And no a C9 is NOT a renamed 3176,that would be the C7.

You are correct about Cat discontinuing the manufacture of truck engines,and IH will be making the Cat motor under their brand name.

 

[wellarmed]

Why a cellphone instead of a pay phone? Times have changed,better get caught up. And just a Little FYI, women don't wear drawers any more,there wearing pantys,thongs and some choose to wear nothing at all,have fun figuring out what ones are wearing what.LOL

 

[shooter]

Thanks for the input. I guess the auto trannies have matured in the last few years. I thought the C7 was a 3126 and C9 was 3176 but I have matured a little too and the memory may have faded on this one. Any auto trannies to avoid? Engines to avoid?
To wellarmed-yep- I done got into this century and actually sent one of those text messages the other day. Still cant get used to that string in the crack with them newfangled butt floss shorts.tho At least they can't give ya monkey but cuz they are already there
Shooter

 

[FIS53]

The newer automatics have a lockup torque converter which most in the heavy trucks (and medium duty) now lockup in first gear or second at worst. This reduces the over revs that used to plague autos (engine did more revs getting up to speed not over redline).

Definitely autos are nicer in the city and with traffic getting worse instead of better, autos are making great inroads into the trucking business.
Rob