Striaght truck which one?

[kjandrj]

Hello everyone this is my first post on EO Ive been a member for a cpl months now but ive been reading the forums for a while. (wish i had found this site before i signed the that rip off company in Forth Wayne ) glad i only stayed with them for 3 weeks..

my question is ive been driving a cargo van for about 8 months and im thinking of going to a st8 truck ive been looking at the 2005 ,2006 Serling acterra with the mbe900 engine could you all please give me a ideal on if this is too old of a truck and i need to look at a newer model also avg. miles per week in a st8 truck, fuel mileage, i been trying to reseach alot before i make the jump.thanks

 

[guido4475]

I know I'm going to step on a few toes here, but I'd stay away from a Sterling for a couple of reasons. They are not going to make them anymore, so parts availability will become less as time goes on, this coming from my freinds at the Sterling dealership back home.And I have had so many mechanics tell me personally to stay away from a mercedes mbe 4000 engine I lost count.Right now, as we speak, I have a freind broke down in knoxville sitting in a motel room for an estimated week while his mercedes gets serious engine work done to it, with only 350,000 miles on it.

If it was me,I'd sacrafice a little cab room for durability and dependability, by purchasing a Peterbilt or Kenworth with a Cummins engine in it.The quality is unsurpassed and reflected in the resale value. Another drawback is these trucks usually have the type of sleeper setup where you have to go through an opening to get into the sleeper.But were out here to make money, not to live out here, so this kind of sacrafice I can deal with.Look at the fit and finish of these trucks. Somuch more thought was taken into consideration when these trucks were designed and built, and they, for the most part, are class 8 trucks with smaller engines in them.Look at how a Kenworth radiator/a/c condenser/wir to air sits in its own cradle and moves on its own, to prevent breakage from frame twisting in the front end. Look at how many tie-downs they use holding hoses down, using clamps, not tie-raps.Look at how they use blower motors with 2 blower cages, not 1 like everyone else.go to a Kenworth and hang yourself completely off of the mirror arms. They will not break, like others will do. Notice how the complete dashboard is metal, not plastic like others, therefore lasting without having a busted up dashboard as time goes on.Try to close the doors on a Kenworth.They are so airtight of a cab, you may have to crack the window 1/16th of an inch to get the doors to close.I can go on and on about this truck, but you want strength and dependability and reliability out here, not something that is going to fall apart and spend more time in a shop than on the road.

I have had both in the past.I am not saying a Sterling is a bad truck. It is not, and offers alot of creature comforts, and is nice and roomy, but I loved my Kenworth better.It is your choice, take your time in making it, and research. Look at a Kenworth as well as a Sterling, from a business standpoint.Kenworths cost a little more, but then again, it is not a snap-tite truck,either.Once again, I apologize if I stepped on a few toes here.

 

[LDB]

Sterling made a good truck. By law, parts have to be available for 7 years after the discontinuation of a product. I've heard of troubles with the MBE900 but not so much with the MBE4000. I've bought 4 Sterlings, an Acterra and three 9500's.

A class 7 truck is a 500k mile truck. A class 8 truck is a million mile truck. With excellent maintenance and upkeep you will get 50% more from a class 7 and 100% more from a class 8. An Acterra is a class 7 truck. I'd anticipate maybe 2/3 million mile lifespan from it if it's had excellent upkeep so far and you get a really good one. If the upkeep hasn't been so good or it's a Monday/Friday truck (not sure if they were union shop or not though), I'd expect every mile over 400k to be a bonus.

I'd suggest looking at class 8 trucks if you are really serious about doing this. Whatever you wind up with, don't skimp on the upkeep.

 

[Dakota]

Don't get a HINO

Hey, Guido
? on the Kenworth, Peterbilt are they any quieter on the inside then the Internationals,Freightliner, Hino's? I know most of these trucks are very loud on the inside, also the engine is turning 2300 to 2500 at 65 mph, does the Kenworth rev less
My next truck, I might put sound insulation in the interior, who knows
BTW I am talking Class 6 trucks although Class 6 and 7 trucks are very similar

 

[jjoerger]

A couple of months ago I bought a 2006 Freightliner Columbia with a Mercedes MBE 4000 and 10 speed auto shift. The truck had 618,000 miles on it. I was leery of it because of the mileage but since I got it for 28K I decided to take the chance.
I put a set of drive tires on it and had a PM and alignment done.

We have run it for 6 weeks now and not had any problems. I added some antifreeze to it and had it washed once. Other than that it has not needed anything.

The truck has an unbeliveable amount of power, rides smooth as it has front air bags and is getting 10.4 mpg on runs and 9.4 mpg overall. (we do not have an APU so we have been idling quite a bit.)

I would recommend a class 8 truck as they are just built heavier and stronger. And unless you like lugging through the mountains get at least a 300 hp motor.

We only have a 70 inch sleeper but my wife and I manage fine.

Good Luck

 

[kjandrj]

Thanks For moving wasnt sure if i needed to post in here or general forum ....
What model of kenworth t300 or t600

 

[greg334]

By law, parts have to be available for 7 years after the discontinuation of a product.

Leo, I think trucks are exempt under that law because of the variety of configurations that are possible. There are a lot of exemptions, and I don't think any manufacture has even been charged under that law.

I think just the plain fact that they built so many of them and the company - Daimler - has a reputation that they back their products by maintaining a parts inventory. With Sterling's worldwide distribution, I would tend to think that 2004 and 2005 parts are easy to get.

As for the type of truck, I would not be too concern about the make or model as I would the drive train.

 

[guido4475]

Don't get a HINO

Hey, Guido
? on the Kenworth, Peterbilt are they any quieter on the inside then the Internationals,Freightliner, Hino's? I know most of these trucks are very loud on the inside, also the engine is turning 2300 to 2500 at 65 mph, does the Kenworth rev less
My next truck, I might put sound insulation in the interior, who knows
BTW I am talking Class 6 trucks although Class 6 and 7 trucks are very similar

I think they are quieter on the inside.They do offer an artic package as well on Paccaar products (KW<PETE)And the trucks I am talking about are class 7 trucks as well, but built with class 8 components, for the most part. The dealer told me when I bought mine was the only difference between a KW s/t and a tractor was the engine, trans, and rears.As far a engine rpms are concerned, It is all how you spec it out. I once bought a new Fl-70 extented cab in 2000 and spec'd it out with a Cummins 5.9 (Isb) 4-valve per cylinder, 6-speed direct, no overdrive, and 3.90 rear end gears. this truck was used both local and out of state, but mainly local-(ohio) it ran wide open on the highway at 78 mph, which was more than I needed, since I didnt run out west at all. The pulling power was awesome, and In the city it was a perfect combination. It got an average of 10.3 mpg, which was good considering how I used to drive in my earlier days.

On a separate note, the Mercedes engine I was referring to as being told was the engine not to get was the smaller one of the 2, I sometimes get the model #'s mixed up.

 

[Dakota]

Yeah, I mentioned to my leasing rep at Penske that I might look into a Kenworth or Peterbilt. He said as far as Penske is concerned they will lease them, but the parts availability will be less then say an International or Freightliner. I guess they carry most parts for those trucks, but have to get parts for other trucks delivered to them. When my lease is up I will look into a Pac Lease and see how much more expensive one of those trucks will be.

 

[bluejaybee]

I had a 2001 Sterling Acterra w/Cat engine. It was the quitest, best riding, driving, comfortable truck I have ever owned. Only had a 48 inch sleeper though. After coming out of an International day cab, it was great.
Now??? I am in a 2000 Peterbilt 330. It is the roughest riding, noisest, most uncomfortable truck I ever owned. You almost need ear protection in it. But uncomfortable is the killer with it. As stated above, it is a tight ole truck still. Hangs right there in the road and gets the job done.
As for me???? I would not be afraid of Sterling truck if it had anything other than a mercedes engine. So, only you can decide what you want.
As for resale value??? Big deal. You can't hardly give one away right now. And the high milers are even worth less. So if you plan to put miles on one, resale is no biggie.
When I buy, I buy the cheapest with the lowest miles. I do favor Cat engines though. But that is a whole different subject. As you can see, everyone has a different brand they favor. You can even find Hino lovers on here.

 

[Mcarriers]

Don't get a HINO

Hey, Guido
? on the Kenworth, Peterbilt are they any quieter on the inside then the Internationals,Freightliner, Hino's? I know most of these trucks are very loud on the inside, also the engine is turning 2300 to 2500 at 65 mph, does the Kenworth rev less
My next truck, I might put sound insulation in the interior, who knows
BTW I am talking Class 6 trucks although Class 6 and 7 trucks are very similar

If the truck was spec'd right it should turn 1600 @ 65mph. We own 4 KW T300's w/ 315 Cummins. 1 unit has 945,000 and another has 850,000 miles on them, no inframe done, both are very strong motors. Maintenance is the key to longevity.

 

[Dakota]

The class 6 trucks I am driving International, Hino, Frieghtliner all have around 220 HP and are geared for city driving all revving around 2300 to 2500 at 65 I am not sure with that low of HP if lower gearing is available, guess it is something to look into. BTW these trucks get between 7 and 10MPG so it seems a higher HP engine with lower revs actually gains you some mileage.

 

[roadeyes]

1 unit has 945,000 and another has 850,000 miles on them, no inframe done, both are very strong motors.

That's one more issue that should be mentioned. Whatever engine you get, make sure it is a "wet sleeve" design, that way when the time comes for a reman, it can be done inframe. Much cheaper and quicker.

I think most newer engines are of that design now, but it is worth mentioning.

 

[guido4475]

The fl-70 I ordered new in 2000 was a 26,000 gvw truck with air-ride cab and suspension, as well as air-brakes.So I dont know if it would be considered a class 6 or 7.But it held up okay, I guess. too many factory defects when I got it.

I have a freind in Tennesee who bought a Ford L-7000 new in 1995 with a 5.9 cummins, with an allison automatic in it. He still has it,and last I knew, it had 1.6 million on it,and he only had to replace the engine twice, the trans is original,untouched. To say he was anal about his maintenance was an understatement.And it still looks as good as the day it was new.Completely imaculate.A perfect example of how long a truck can last if taken care of properly, regardless of what class it is.

 

[Deville]

I like a Sterling truck & a Kenworth myself. The Sterling just looks like a road runner with the big hood & nose, I like the looks of the Anteater nose on the Kenworth as well. I also like the Dash setup in the Kenworth more. It has a trucky feel to it. The Sterling's interior reminds me of an RV.

In any event. My Mechanic told me to stay away from the MBE as well, If I get another truck to get it with a Cummins motor. Every thing that I have heard about the cummins motor is nothing short of good. I've yet to hear the horror stories that you hear about other motors.

So basically, if I found either truck with a cummins motor I would go for that one. If they both had Cummins motors I would lean towards the Sterling.

 

[piper1]

To the original poster, just make sure you buy it from someone reputable and who knows expedite trucks. The best truck and the best engine in the world if not properly spec'd or a truck that is poorly laid out will cause you nothing but greif.

Look around at new ones from reputable dealers (many advertise here on EO) see how they do their trucks and look for similarities, check and see what carriers require and you can start to build yourself a bit of a checklist to go shopping with in the used market. There are a lot of good used units out there and...there are a lot of trucks that were someone else's mistakes.

Everyone has opinions on what they like but it's your money so educate yourself as best you can and that should make the whole process more enjoyable and produce better results.

 

[skyraider]

Why would one want to spend that much money on a straight trk unless u are sure u have the business,plus dont u need a team mate to make the big money? I havent been out here that long and I drive a cargo van and make more then I can spend, but my cv is paid for and no spouse and kids and come and go as I please. I do understand overhead, and if one has kids and a wife or x wives things can be costly...PS Im 63, and if I gotta feed it,,I dont really need is my new motto. I can get by on 48k a year just fine and its been slow.........sky

 

[kjandrj]

Thanks For all the input everyone.. I got to know alot of do's and dont's and what to look for... Skyraider - my cargo van is paid for also.Ive been wit 2 diffenert company and i was not making anywhere near 48k lol but like i said in my first post i started out wit a company that put me in the whole right off ..SCAMERS ive saved up some money and hopefully have the van sold and i want to move up the the straight truck not only for the money but i think it has alot more advanges than the van ( i could be wrong )