2014 Pete 386

[Casper]

(09-22-2019 )Rawze Wrote:  CON: Significantly less fuel efficient than a prostar or cascadia. 0.3 - 0.4mpg on average. = a cost of several thousand dollars a year in fuel consumption. If a person is trying to be competitive in the market, this may or may not be significant.

You made no mention on the type of freight, operation, etc. or anything that actually counts towards long term profitability. Things like proper rear end ratio, and other specs that could cost or save a person thousands a year, and potentially be the difference form someone who struggles, and someone who does not.

Personally, I like my 8+ mpg prostar (3:55 rears/ISX 871). It is just about the best solution for mostly highway dry-van and refer markets out there, but I understand it is not for everyone. Not everyone is looking for a highway truck. Just something to heavily consider for those who might be reading this thread.

- Making a poor choice with a truck can cost someone a lot of grief and lost revenue if they can't make it into something competitive. Spec'ing a truck for best profitability should be the very first thing a person considers any more in trucking (fuel efficiency for the market your in being #1, all others secondary) ... anything less and your only going to struggle any more, because people like me (or some low-rent mega-fleece) will come along and under-cut your customers and drive you out of the market.


Just some things to consider past what the equipment looks like, no one has to agree.

Thank you for your input..
Here are the particulars on this truck.
It 'was' fleet owned, drivers did not sleep in the trucks, but stayed in motels (researched the company and asked questions), Engine is ISX15 500HP CM2350, 18 speed, 3:36 rears, low pro 22.5, 48" mid roof sleeper. I operate a flatbed in the mountains of SC, NC, GA, TN and AL mostly regional work, hauling between 76-80K one way, empty return. According to the Cummins report the DEF dosing valve was replaced at 12,143, Campaign-Relief valve at 92,146 and the Fuel Pump Tippets at 188,439. It has a Red Oval Warranty for 1 year or 125K miles included in the price of the truck. 260K miles/6700 engine hours. I've been in a 379 for the past 12 years, but it's time for a change. We ran a RigDig on this unit also, nothing of interest.
I asked for Cummins service records to see what this brings up as well.