Renting was fun, and damn, it was convenient, but its obvious the Bandit needs a truck. In a month I'll be signing on to a van line and going full time again. The choice of truck is something I have an idea on, but I figured I'd get soem input/suggestions from here.

Choice #1- Freightliner Century/Columbia type. Something around 500,00 or less. THis is what I've been in 95% of my driving career, so the familiarity is a bonus. Plus, these trucks are a bit more "dime a dozen", so finding a good deal shouldn't be too terirbly hard.

Choice #2- Kenworth T600. Good looks, great mpq, and Kenworth quality. Tried and proven by my dad, who drove the last one 750K without a rebuild or clutch. Good turning radius (will be hhg truck) and I'd keep the WB under 244" for occasion (and rare) Canada loads. Another bonus is the easy additon of a custom sleeper at a later date if I choose. Having the sofa option is bad ass IMO.

Choice #3 TIE between a Volvo 660 type tractor or KW W900. 2 different beasts,yet they still rank the same 8)


Of course, the following criteria are ideal-

Catepillar engine, 2nd choice Cummins
10 or 13spd, 18spd 2nd choice
425 or more HP
stand up sleeper (just can't do the midroof, unless its a GREAT price)
<500,000 miles

Preferrences-
22.5's on all aluminum
ratio not too specific, but no 2.93's :shock:
Trying too keep it under 35,000, but targeting trucks in the 25 range.

I added a little poll, let me hear your .02 :lol:

 

Do the Freightliner or T600, both are plain jane but can be good money makers if setup and run right.

 

What about the Freightliner Classic Xl? If not I would go with a KW T800 with stacks and breathers.

Here are is a Fliner Classic that I ran across. Here are the specs and some more pics. http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/d...973B83AE55B654

 

Seeing that you're hauling Household and normally those loads aren't terribly heavy I'd go with the W9.
Heavy loads and the W9 are kinda pain in the Butt

 

I have driven Freightliner most of the time but prefer the Volvo. Smoother quieter ride and you cant beat the panoramic view out the front windshield

 

You know my take on this dilemma. I like the t-6's don't get me wrong, and the fact that they adn the w9's share the same interior is a plus for them. But, you cannot beat the looks or styling of a w900L model. Classic, good looking trucks. The ONLY downfall to them is the turning radius, IMO and honestly, I may rub one curb for every 10 neighborhoods I go through. Long-wheelbase, heavy truck rides GOOD, alot better than a shorter light weight truck, and honestly with HHG you can only haul so much in the wagon to begin with...my truck busting out the seams with a 53' trailer and a vault on the back on my tailgate has never seen over 70k lbs.

 

You know, what i've voted for...
But i didn't quiet understand, is it gonna be new truck, or used? :roll:

 

I thought you had already purchased a T600?

 

What about a MACK :sad:

 

Cabover.

Preferrably an old JB Hunt one.

8)