I am looking to purchace my first truck. I really like the look of flat top tractors, but I pull vans. How much of a difference will I notice in mpg versus a condo type sleeper truck? Thanks

 

probably none, we have both and they all get pretty much the same mileage

 

You will get some drag from the trailer. There are wind deflectors you can buy and put on top of the tractor which should help. As far as difference in fuel mileage, it has been a number of years since I pulled a box around. With either configuration you will get some drag between the tractor and trailer. The condo itself will create some drag and catch some wind, especially with cross winds.

 

flat tops are real cool until you wake up in the morning and can`t even stand up in your damn truck, every time I sell one I think to myself that poor bastard will sell it within a year.

 

I think a mid roof is a good compromise.

 

From guys I have talked to it is about 1/2mpg pulling vans,but to me flat tops are over priced because of all the rock haulers buying them up,they seem to be going for more than mid-roofs.

 

Some other thread also said something about a "premium price" for a flat top. Has nobody ever SLEPT in one? PREMIUM price?

Hell no. I agree with GMAN. Mid-roof is a good compromise. The International 9200 I used to drive had a mid-roof with a bolt/rivet-on extra fairing on top. Plenty of headroom for me, good setup for pulling a box, and take the extra fairing off to yield a comfortable truck for pulling flats or yankering tankers.

I've never actually spent much time in a flat top conventional, but I grew up in cabovers with the same kind of headroom, and I've played with a few flat tops. I think they suck royally as anything other than a show truck.

Though I agree they do have the most classically classic look for a show truck. (Especially if you get one with a 5x4 and Dayton wheels.)

 

I found these for sale tonight while surfing. Probably been used pretty good for 19k. But if you can spin a wrench and like volvo's check here at WS used equipment site http://www.wksh.com/ForSale.aspx

 

The price of cool usually has nothing to do with comfort... 8)