engine/trans/truck help

xxxpower · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 01:44 AM

i am kicking around the idea of starting a small trucking company, one or two trucks. well i am looking at different trucks, engines, trans,etc...i have been doing alot of research on the different truck models and engines. however i would like a truckers point of view on the best engine, trans, combo. is the automatic trans better than manual..etc. any input from experianced drivers, mechanics,owners would be greatly appreciated. also what is the best bang for your buck as far as trucks go.
thanks

truckinusa · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 01:48 AM

Its rough out there unless you already have customers that are paying well.

The truck should be a aerodynamic model. It should have a 13 speed with 3.36 gears and a pre 2007 motor. This is all my opinion of course. I would go Freightliner because of price and availability of parts. If you are driving this vehicle yourself maybe you would choose something different. Volvos and Peterbilt/Kenworth are much better built trucks. Much quieter, etc.

xxxpower · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 02:18 AM

thanks for the reply.....i am also shopping insurance rates. could anyone steer me in the right direction as to what a good rate is for insurance? thanks

truckinusa · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxpower

thanks for the reply.....i am also shopping insurance rates. could anyone steer me in the right direction as to what a good rate is for insurance? thanks

Commercial Auto Insurance: Commercial Auto Quotes - Progressive ????

ranger309 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 03:56 AM

Automatics are not for the owner operator. They are not even close to the reliablity of a manual. Very expensive to repair too.

mildew · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 10:06 AM

Stay with name brand motors that's been around a while. Parts are plentiful and cheaper. I know folks that lost their trucks just because they cant find parts for them. My friend bought an old Schnider truck "century class 97 model" I think it has 430/470 detroit in it. He gets over 7 mpg everywhere he goes. I think it has the straight 10 eaton fuller trans. Automatics haven't been around long enough (imho). I would stay with what's been proven. My favorite set up is the c15 electronic kitty and a 379 Pete with 355 rears and a big 13. But that's me. Freight rates are cheap right now and getting cheaper. I think it would be a long row to hoe right now to get a small outfit together unless you have about 2 million dollars in the bank. Then again, those successful folks out there never listened to someone like me.