I am buying a semi and converting it into an RV myself. I am looking for reliability that can withstand everyday use. I have a couple questions, well for now. I am sure in the future, I will have many more. So I figured I would ask the pros who drive rigs for a living.

I am told to stay away from CATs since they are expensive to repair. But most Pete's have CATs. Are CATs more reliable than Cummins or Detroits?

I see Freightliner has Detroits, but I see alot more Pete's on the road (Central Texas). Which manufacturer is preferred? Many RVers suggest Volvo, but I rather the box style.

Most rigs I look at in my price range have 1,000,000 miles on them, and year are 95-98s.

I appreciate any input.

 

It is a Chev / Ford thing. It all boils down to what a person likes or dislikes. All big trucks are expensive to repair. The one thing I have against Volvo is many of the parts are not available in some areas.

As to mileage you can figured about 110K to 120K per year.

kc0iv

 

So Cats are not much more to repair as a Cummins?? A truck driver told me that a Cummins rebuild is about $10K, but a Cat will be in the $18Ks. Is this true?

 

Detroit...$10K to $13K......Cummins...$11,500 to $15K......Cat...$13K to $18K.

If you want something that will be easy on your pocket, then look for a Freighliner Columbia in the 2001-2003 model year, with the XLMidroof or even the Condo roof. You will get a lighter truck, a more fuel effecient truck, and a truck far cheaper to maintain than a Pete. A truck with a full auto would be even better.

 

CAT's are more expensive to repair, at least when it comes to an in-frame. However, you will probably not need to work on a CAT as much as a Cummins or Detroit. They all make good engines. It is more a matter of personal preference. I think that you will find more CAT's that have gone over 1 million miles before an overhaul than Cummins or Detroit. I have never owned a Cummins, but have owned Detroit and CAT. I prefer CAT. CAT engines are heavier than the other two. If I were going to put an RV together, I would probably go with Cummins. They are probably the easier to work on, depending on the engine model. I would also go with an N14. They have a good reputation. You will likely not be driving all that much with an RV application, anyway.

As far as truck brands are concerned, I think that is more a matter of personal perference. You will be able to purchase a Freightliner or Volvo for less money than a Peterbilt or KW. If it were me, I would look for something that was in good shape and that I could afford. The brand would be secondary unless you are looking for a specific brand.

 

I believe cummins has a lighter engine and a few less moving parts. I'd take a Cat or Cummins over the detroit.

Its more than a Chevy/Ford thing...

...It is a Chevy/Ford/Dodge thing in this case