Comparing trucks: Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt What do you know about each?

[mybigbear_ron]

I'm comparing trucks and welcome all inputs. My question includes 3 examples. If you know others, please comment on them -- Why you like them? Why you don't?

What do you know about trucks? Peterbilt? Kenworth? Freightliner? Others?

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by mybigbear_ron

I'm comparing trucks and welcome all inputs. My question includes 3 examples. If you know others, please comment on them -- Why you like them? Why you don't?

What do you know about trucks? Peterbilt? Kenworth? Freightliner? Others?

here's what i DO know about those trucks....

they are all "mongrels".

meaning, they are not pure-bred trucks that make their own engines, transmissions and usually, not the rear axles as well.

you buy each one equiped the way they are, or you "assemble" them from a list of possibilities from the dealership.

the only "true" pure-bred trucks were once, Volvo, and Mack, as each of those makers have thier own engines, transmissions, and rear axles, but to this day, you can "mongrelize" a Mack and Volvo as well.

you pay mostly for the name on the hood.

peterbilt's, and kenworth's will generally last longer (body/frame) then say some of the others, and the re-sale value on kenworth's and peterbilt's is usually higher.

a well equipped freightliner will cost less, but will start to rattle here and there sooner than the pete's or the k-whoppers.

if a company was to purchase several dozen or so big rigs, they would generally go with freightliner.

a smaller operation, or an owner-operator will sell his soul for a petercar or k-whopper...............not a very good idea in my opinion, as afterall, its a workhorse first and foremost.

any big rig, properly spec'd out, will go from point A to point B..............

[mybigbear_ron]

For a solo otr driver (and given those 3 choices (peterbilt, kenworth, freightliner), are there advantages of driving one over another. By advantages, I mean overall performance that would include

1. driver comfort
2. fuel economy
3. maintenance

I'm very new at this, and am studying like hell.

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by mybigbear_ron

For a solo otr driver (and given those 3 choices (peterbilt, kenworth, freightliner), are there advantages of driving one over another. By advantages, I mean overall performance that would include

1. driver comfort
2. fuel economy
3. maintenance

I'm very new at this, and am studying like hell.

no..............to either question...........

engines are engines.........

transmissions are transmissions........

rear axles are rear axles................

what engine goes into one truck, can be put into any other truck..........the mileage won't be any different

comfort is subjectional to each persons comfort level.

maintenance is dependant upon YOUR ability to follow a scheduled service.

my question(s) to you are;

are you going to be a company driver?

are you going to be buying a truck..?

do you even have experience driving trucks?

by your questioning, i'm going under the guise that you aren't even a company driver yet, because if you were, then you would have already known the answers to your questions..........

if you are going to trucking school (or soon will be), then you'd better get some real world experience FIRST before you even consider thinking about buying your own truck.

we can only give you opinions based on OUR experiences, you have to gain YOUR OWN.

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from your profile:

Occupation:

Former Teacher. New Truckie ------------------------------------------------------

you ain't got enough experience yet..................

[Dirtball]

Originally Posted by mybigbear_ron

I'm comparing trucks and welcome all inputs. My question includes 3 examples. If you know others, please comment on them -- Why you like them? Why you don't?

What do you know about trucks? Peterbilt? Kenworth? Freightliner? Others?

mybigbear_ron,Listen to pro1driver because he gave you the most honest answer I think anyone could.I am now retired after thirty plus years as a road driver for companys and O/O's and I can tell ya like he said get the experience with a company before ya decide to go on your own. I personally have never driven a k-wopper but the friends I have that do say they are small but probably the best ride they ever had.the best truck I ever drove was a Freightliner ,Columbia class only because it had the most room and was spected out just for my comfort. It also had the best all around vision accessable with the least amount of blind spots. Plus I liked the looks of it.great styling as far as I am concerned,But then again it is all driver preference.

[WaldoWaldo]

Originally Posted by mybigbear_ron

I'm comparing trucks and welcome all inputs. My question includes 3 examples. If you know others, please comment on them -- Why you like them? Why you don't?

What do you know about trucks? Peterbilt? Kenworth? Freightliner? Others?

I can't speak about the others but I definatley wouldn,t buy a Freightliner. I build them and I know they are half hartedlty built. If we are missing a part and can get by without it, we will; in order to get the product out the door.

I drive a KIA and feel like I got the Freightliner of cars