Which Straight Truck?
- Thread starter Pooh-bear
- Start date
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
The ones that you would normally see pulling a 53 are the class 8 trucks. (I do see an occasional FL-70 pulling a trailer around town though.) You are right on the T800. With Frtl it the Century, Cascadia, XL classic and such. I have a Freightliner FLD w/ a 22ft box, 4000 lbs liftgate and a lift-axle. It came with a C-10 and Eaton 10-speed auto. My sweet spot is 65mph, which puts me around 1450 RPM. Not sure of the ratio. Must be in the mid 3s somewhere. If you want to do a CDL required straight, you might as well go all the way, in my mind. Most carriers will take them up to 10 years old, as opposed to the shorter shelf life of a class 7.
Once you've enjoyed the comfortable ride of a class 8, you won't want anything else.
bluejaybee
Veteran Expediter
It's a 330. I like the way she handles and runs, but it is so cramped in the driver area. I feel like I am right on the wheel and can't go back any farther.
It has a Cat 3126 with 9 speed tranny. No idea what the gear ratio is. My only dissappointment is the fuel consumption. About 8.2 per gallon. I have had 2 other 3126's that and got 10.6 and 10.0 with 6 speeds. But they were 26000 GVW, so a little lighter.
From 210K to 420K, I rode just about free. No major repairs, just normal maintenance stuff. Now I am in the shop again. Just had turbo, a pump, 6 rebuilt injectors, 6 different sensors replaced. And they weren't free. Ha!
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
Opps, I made an error forgive me father lol
You are correct sir a class B would be needed, I was tired last night
AutonomyRex
Seasoned Expediter
Hey BlueJay...
You drive the same unit I test drove....and I'm glad I am not the only one to feel cramped in it. You know, I really love the KW300 and Pete 330/335's...but the cab is sooooo tight and cramped. I was wondering if it was just me!
Your 8.2mpg is a bit harsh, the unit I test drove was at 10.2mpg....hopefully the work you had done will recitfy that problem.
Any FTLR Columbia Owners out there, 70''sleepers?????? I test drove one, LOVED it...class8....but wasn't a fit for the carrier I plan to go with if I ever leave my company position.
Thx All
Drive Safe out there, I'm in Mobile ,AL. tonight enroute to New Orleans,LA
A-Rex
AutonomyRex
Seasoned Expediter
LOL...Greg, they are cramped.....you do get used to it, but when I test drive another unit...It gets me to thinking......
But is the money there???????? I am Company driver...at .49 per mile with OD at .065 (WHEN PULLING AN OD LOAD ) and fuel bonus of .065.........which is easy to achieve...DRIVE 58-60mph!!!! ;-)
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My experience has been...that the difference between say.....an 8.3 Cummins (3-335HP) and the N14 (330HP) I have in my old Farmall is like comparing Shetlands to Clydesdales. Big block and small block. My old Farmall runs at 1450 rpm at 65 mph. Don't drop many rpm except for the most abrupt hills, like in WV. Myself i'd go for a large car anyday for term of service and ease of handeling. But.....i've had wonderful service from a 330 Pete and an 8.3, that had absolutely no business doing what it did.
AutonomyRex
Seasoned Expediter
Hi Colonel,
I tried searching your Farmell1992...all I get are Farm Tractors...am I doing something wrong???, could you asset an old E-6 Uncled Sam's Misguided Child which type of power unit you drive??
I'd be much appreciated....
Thx
A-Rex
I tried searching your Farmell1992...all I get are Farm Tractors...am I doing something wrong???, could you asset an old E-6 Uncled Sam's Misguided Child which type of power unit you drive??
I'd be much appreciated....
Thx
A-Rex
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greg334
Veteran Expediter
Farmall was made by International Harvester.
IH made a COE, 9700 with a N14 in the 90's.
If you like old school trucks, it is a good one and cheap.
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
Must be... I don't think Formula 1 cars rev that high.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
They limit a lot of the F1 engines to 18,000 rpm.
I stand corrected. I thought they were around 12.
There are plenty of good deals out there if you take the time to look and haggle a little.
Why buy a class 7 Hino when you could have a good quality class 8? Expediting is an OTR profession so you need an OTR truck. (Use the right tool for the right job)
Ours is a class 8 2006 Freightliner Columbia with a Mercedes 4000 MBE and 10 speed auto. Gets @ 10 mpg. Has 712,000 miles and runs like new. 24 foot box, front and rear air ride. Engine turns @1100 rpm at 64 mph. We bought it for $28,000 a year ago.
Why buy a class 7 Hino when you could have a good quality class 8? Expediting is an OTR profession so you need an OTR truck. (Use the right tool for the right job)
Ours is a class 8 2006 Freightliner Columbia with a Mercedes 4000 MBE and 10 speed auto. Gets @ 10 mpg. Has 712,000 miles and runs like new. 24 foot box, front and rear air ride. Engine turns @1100 rpm at 64 mph. We bought it for $28,000 a year ago.
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
And to think my little city hopper cost $80,000
$28k sounds like a hell of a deal
I'm getting 9mpg on average with my 5 speed, that is if I don't drive 70
As to what type of truck to purchase, I've driven some 2000-2001 frtl century with auto shift..very comfortable ride. I am now in a class 7 M2 business class. It has an 84" Bentz sleeper, APU, sink...If I had to choose between a more comfortable ride, or more comfortable sleeper, I would choose sleeper. I stay out 5-6 weeks at a time, and drive solo.
I noticed you mentioned "fleet owner", and "big 3" in your post. While choosing a truck, you should start asking around about what being a "fleet owner" means.
And don't shy away from some of the smaller expedite companies. I've been with the top 2, and now am a happy man with a small, family run outfit out of Painesville, Oh.
I noticed you mentioned "fleet owner", and "big 3" in your post. While choosing a truck, you should start asking around about what being a "fleet owner" means.
And don't shy away from some of the smaller expedite companies. I've been with the top 2, and now am a happy man with a small, family run outfit out of Painesville, Oh.
That sounds like a nice setup. I'm sure you can't climb many hills at 1100, but that sure is a beautiful cruising rpm! Is it a ZF transmission?
what's the rear end?
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AutonomyRex
Seasoned Expediter
THX Greg,
Found it....I drove one of those briefly when I got back outta the service in 92-93. Forget what year it was ( but it wasn't new ), but it did not yet have the flat floor and was only a 48'' flat top single bunk if I recall ( I may be confusing with the 9670 on the floor...9670 had the dog house )....It was after Schnieder started switching over their fleet in 88-90????. The set back axle was a great ride and turn radius.
I just saw one on Truckpaper.com....250''wb...9k I think it was, but who would take a 15 y/o tractor????
Run Safe
A-Rex
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