Which Straight Truck?

[Pooh-bear]

I have OTR T/T experience but am new to expediting. How new? Until a few weeks ago I'd never heard of a Hino. I'm looking at buying a straight truck and becoming a fleet owner with one of the "Big Three". Which make of truck to buy and why? Which to avoid and why? About all I've decided on is going with a Class 7 for my first truck. I know these are general questions, but the answers to them change from model-year to model-year. What are some thoughts on the present (Oct. 2010) used market from 1-5 years old? I've heard Hinos are more designed for local work than OTR-true? Which engines are the most reliable and long-lasting? Which engines can be rebuilt as opposed to scrapping them? What are your favorites and why? What would you avoid and why? Thx in advance for any help given!

 

[AutonomyRex]

Good question...I'd be interested in learning and hearing some answers as well. Some updated thoughts, not the older posts.

Anybody???

Thx
A-Rex

 

[moose]

but the answers to them change from model-year to model-year. What are some thoughts on the present (Oct. 2010) used market from 1-5 years old? I've heard Hinos are more designed for local work than OTR-true? Which engines are the most reliable and long-lasting? Which engines can be rebuilt as opposed to scrapping them? What are your favorites and why? !

most on here know exactly what i'm about to recommend ,but,hey, why not...

i think that the last few years modles will not last too long ,with the new engins coming into the market ,we can really expect the lifespan we used to before the 2004 emmisins crap was mandeted. the last (2007)2008-2010 models were working in mach higher temps. ,and need more attention ,they can also be easily abused . i'd stay away .
if all possible ,go with a new SCR motor.
i think that those new engines are a kipper ,and that in a short few years ,everything none SCR will be worthless.
avoid CAT ,as they out of the market .
same goe's to Sterling's ,
as to hino's ,it's a darn good truck ,but only if it was not abused. too many out there spent most of their life over 2000RPM ,which is a killer to that motor and drivetrain .
my next expediter of choice will be a new Hino ,but it starts to get really lonely on the top .

 

[AutonomyRex]

most on here know exactly what i'm about to recommend ,but,hey, why not...

i think that the last few years modles will not last too long ,with the new engins coming into the market ,we can really expect the lifespan we used to before the 2004 emmisins crap was mandeted. the last (2007)2008-2010 models were working in mach higher temps. ,and need more attention ,they can also be easily abused . i'd stay away .
if all possible ,go with a new SCR motor.
i think that those new engines are a kipper ,and that in a short few years ,everything none SCR will be worthless.
avoid CAT ,as they out of the market .
same goe's to Sterling's ,
as to hino's ,it's a darn good truck ,but only if it was not abused. too many out there spent most of their life over 2000RPM ,which is a killer to that motor and drivetrain .
my next expediter of choice will be a new Hino ,but it starts to get really lonely on the top .

Hey Moose,

Thx for reply....I've been test driving different straights when I am able to, and I drove a 2006 hino on Monday before I hit the road. It was an automatic....which feels strange to drive for me...but it wasn't to bad either, anyway....the truck was gone over with a fine tooth comb, dealer did a bunch of work on it, checked it out...so on and so forth....when I put it on the Hwy, it runs at about 2000rpm's at 58-59mph. That normal?? Now I can ask the rep, and get a "rep" answer...but I am asking a driver.....I saw the paperwork and test on engine that was performed. I've tried looking online...but no luck so far.

All I can tell you is it is a auto/5speed 260hp. Forgot to ask the ratio. It was not fancy....but would not pose a great risk financially in the way of purchase cost....now long term costs??? who knows right now. Wanna make sure it would be a good "starter" truck for this biz. My whole history is Class 8 / 10 and 13 speed trannies and 400+HP pulling trailers.

So whether a hino or a frtlr to a sterling....260-285hp just seems weak to me.

Any thoughts?

THX

 

[moose]

....when I put it on the Hwy, it runs at about 2000rpm's at 58-59mph. That normal??

So whether a hino or a frtlr to a sterling....260-285hp just seems weak to me.

Any thoughts?

THX

Unfortunately it is . most Hino's out there have the wrong rearends .
there is only one Hino Dealership, that i know of ,Hoe specs his trucks for Expedite ,it's the one from Cleavland ,and i wish he was advertising here on EO .
just as an example ,a well spec't Hino will run 59Mph @ 16,800Rpm ,and with that Allison's automatic ,it'll drop quicker ,to keep power.
that Hino of yours spent most of it's abused life at the red line.
if the dealer will give you an engine and drivetrain warranty ,that will last longer than the time your plan of owning that 'starter truck',then it might work. if not ... it's a gooner.

one more thing ,HP won't pay any bills ,250 is more then you ever need in an Expediter truck.

 

[greg334]

With the amount of used class 8 trucks on the market, who would want to buy anything but a class 8?

Hino?

seriously I run across a lot of used FL70/80s on the market which are cheap to get, cheap to rebuild ans cheap to run.

 

[AutonomyRex]

Hey Moose,

Thx for the info....When I get back in town, I will call about that warrrenty.

So I understand, is the truck running at a higher rpm than is normal because the engine is "tired", and working harder to do the same speed??

Thx
A-Rex

 

[AutonomyRex]

With the amount of used class 8 trucks on the market, who would want to buy anything but a class 8?

Hino?

seriously I run across a lot of used FL70/80s on the market which are cheap to get, cheap to rebuild ans cheap to run.

Wouldn't mind an FL106..but hard to find. I came across an O/O with a sleek Black FL106 at a pickle park last week. He was heading out, so limited time to chat. Very nice...a 2003 I think he said. Also saw two white FL106's parked at TST yard near the Detroiter TS off 75. No drivers around to ask Q?s.

You know of any good FL106's around by chance?

THX
A-Rex

 

[Dakota]

as to hino's ,it's a darn good truck ,but only if it was not abused. too many out there spent most of their life over 2000RPM ,which is a killer to that motor and drivetrain .
my next expediter of choice will be a new Hino ,but it starts to get really lonely on the top .

If you drive it on the highway it is going to be over 2000rpm
Just say no to hiNO, in my opinion. They are under powered and if you could find one that is geared decent for highway use you aren't going to be able to climb hills with a load.
The other trucks have more horsepower, but the gearing and rear axle is the key. Most class 7's are geared for city driving
ie my 2011 International Durastar has a 5 speed Eaton autoshift
the only other option was a 5 speed Allison auto or a 6 speed manual(1st is granny low)
At 70 it is turning at 2300 rpm, I try to stay around 60 to 65 and it turns about 21 to 22
This transmission shifts into final gear at 36 mph, so from 36 to 70 your in the same gear.

 

[AutonomyRex]

Thx Dakota,

So on an expediter straight, what would you...or any other O/O expediter consider to be the best HP/gear/rear axle ratio combo for optimal fuel mileage and hauling capibilities?

Which expedite trucks are considered class 8's.....I apologize for my ignorance, but a class 8 for me is a KW T800 with a 485HP /13 spd OD with 3.55 rears.....so am trying to wrap my head around this.

I've been researching the biz end for sometime...only very recently the "operational"..ie; equipment ( power ) end.

Thx
A-Rex

 

[Dakota]

Unfortunately it is. most Hino's out there have the wrong rearends. Hoe specs his trucks for Expedite.

Who wants a Hoe spec'd expeditor truck

 

[Dakota]

Hey Moose,

Thx for the info....When I get back in town, I will call about that warrrenty.

So I understand, is the truck running at a higher rpm than is normal because the engine is "tired", and working harder to do the same speed??

Thx
A-Rex

No the gearing in the rearend is wrong which makes the truck run at 2300 on the highway, change the gear ratio and it will rev slower, not sure if the low hp engine could handle too much of a gear swap they are already underpowered for hills

 

[Dakota]

Thx Dakota,

So on an expediter straight, what would you...or any other O/O expediter consider to be the best HP/gear/rear axle ratio combo for optimal fuel mileage and hauling capibilities?

Which expedite trucks are considered class 8's.....I apologize for my ignorance, but a class 8 for me is a KW T800 with a 485HP /13 spd OD with 3.55 rears.....so am trying to wrap my head around this.

I've been researching the biz end for sometime...only very recently the "operational"..ie; equipment ( power ) end.

Thx
A-Rex

Just to clarify my Hino and my International are class 6(Under CDL) trucks and have a max weight of 25,999
Not sure of weight limit on class 7 is a Class B license truck
Class 8 is basically a convertedto straight semi tractor
Class 8 is the way to go for longevity, mileage and power but you need a Class B to drive one and the cost is probably higher upfront, but they will last forever!!!
If you can afford it and have a class B then a class 8 truck is the way to go otherwise Class 7

Sorry I can't help you with the axle ratio's But I would go for a tranny that has more than 5 gears!!!!

 

[greg334]

Why would you need a class A CDL to drive one?

You are not pulling a trailer.

 

[AutonomyRex]

Well, No worries....I have a CDLA, and am a T/T company driver as of now. May stay that way. May just get a Tractor of my own and pull a carriers trailer. Or get a decent straight....if I can find one. One thing I know for sure....I don't need an RV type straight...even 72'' is a bit large for me.

My KW has a 62'' mid roof.

I did find a T800 with a twin screw and a 265"wb in MN....no box, a fifth wheel instead...for
31k....was wondering what putting a 22' box on that would cost. No stretch, might need an extra few feet on the end of frame...
As you can tell, I have been looking.....

How about that FL106...seen any around?

BTW...what is a HOE Hino from Cleveland???????

 

[bluejaybee]

My concern for you would be that you are coming out of a class 8 type enviorment. A class 7 might cramp your style a bit. As far as HP, I think normal is 215-225Hp for 26000 and under, and 250-260 HP for 33000 GVW. Of course as mentioned, ratios do play an important part of the operation. From what I have experienced, most all of the class 7 engines turn a higher RPM than do the bigger engines. I tried playing with an International to drop RPM on top end and lost my ability to climb hills without shifting. With your experience, you should be able to decide what you need. Class 8 have more cab room and must be more comfortable, but there are more expeditors doing it in class7's and making it just fine. We all want better and bigger, but we have to pay for what we have.

 

[highway star]

Well, No worries....I have a CDLA, and am a T/T company driver as of now. May stay that way. May just get a Tractor of my own and pull a carriers trailer. Or get a decent straight....if I can find one. One thing I know for sure....I don't need an RV type straight...even 72'' is a bit large for me.

My KW has a 62'' mid roof.

While most don't need full-on RV style, a larger more comfortable bunk is an asset in expediting. We all experience waiting for the next load from time to time, sometimes longer than we would like. That, along with extended periods out, 2 to 3 months in my case and longer than that for some, makes a larger well appointed bunk very worthwhile. If all I did was sleep in it a small bunk would be just fine.

 

[AutonomyRex]

While most don't need full-on RV style, a larger more comfortable bunk is an asset in expediting. We all experience waiting for the next load from time to time, sometimes longer than we would like. That, along with extended periods out, 2 to 3 months in my case and longer than that for some, makes a larger well appointed bunk very worthwhile. If all I did was sleep in it a small bunk would be just fine.

True, That is a good point. I am very used to being predispatched about a day in advance while I am out. I supose that is why I'd feel lost with all that room....an oxymoron to be sure...lol

Thanks for helping me see it thru your eyes...

A-Rex

 

[greg334]

I don't know where you guys are getting this class 7 has a smaller sleeper/cab thing but mine seems to be as big as most class 8 trucks. I have a full size single air mattress with more room than any class 8 except a Volvo 670 and above which have large sleepers. KW T600 and alike have smaller cabs than much of the trucks out there.

The gearing thing is funny, my truck turns 1800 at 70 mph, its sweet spot is about 1700 and I have a 3.42 with a direct drive trans. I don't down shift until I go down to 40 mph and from 40 to 70 is it not an issue. When it in top shape (it needs an injector), I can climb all the hills except I24 east of the Ole' Miss without any issues.

For 33k I would look for a 270 or 300 hp engine but don't discount the class 8s.

 

[AutonomyRex]

My concern for you would be that you are coming out of a class 8 type enviorment. A class 7 might cramp your style a bit. As far as HP, I think normal is 215-225Hp for 26000 and under, and 250-260 HP for 33000 GVW. Of course as mentioned, ratios do play an important part of the operation. From what I have experienced, most all of the class 7 engines turn a higher RPM than do the bigger engines. I tried playing with an International to drop RPM on top end and lost my ability to climb hills without shifting. With your experience, you should be able to decide what you need. Class 8 have more cab room and must be more comfortable, but there are more expeditors doing it in class7's and making it just fine. We all want better and bigger, but we have to pay for what we have.

Thx Bluejay...

Is that a 330 or a 335 Pete in your avatar? That what you run?
If so, how's it working for you and how is it spec'd?

I test drove one in Detroit, a 330 that is, ...it was a 10spd Cummins 300hp...it was sweet...but a bit pricey for me at this point.....so you are very right..."we all want bigger........but have to pay..."

But if you've ever been in a T800...the cab is very narrow, sometimes a pain to get into the bunk area...hung myself up many a times on the stick! ouch!!! lol

Run Safe
A-Rex