Advise On Trucks

I hear that Volvo is an unpopular one.

I love my Volvo - it rides smoother and quieter than any truck I've ever been in. I learned to drive in a long-nosed classic looking Pete 379 with an 18 speed Eaton transmission. That old song that said "give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around" was written by someone who drove one of those classic looking trucks. These Volvos will turn around on a dime, and that makes it really nice when backing into a tight parking spot.

For new drivers, I think Freightliner, International, and Volvo is best. Bigger windshields and mirrors, easier navigation in tight spots, and overall easier to drive in my opinion. I think the Volvo has the best visibility and driveability. I am in a Volvo now, and love it. I am still not quite as competent in it as the Columbia I was in, but I am getting used to it. My biggest complaint on the Volvo is that I can't get the seat and steering wheel to adjust the way I prefer. I have to have the seat all the way down and still feel like I am riding too high. This being said, there are different seats that sit different ways in different trucks. I drove several Columbias that the seats didn't adjust the same way for me.

The Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks are nice, but take some getting used to for new drivers. I HATED driving them at first, but after I was forced to drive them for a few months, I don't mind it as much now. The mirrors and windshields are smaller, and it can be more cramped in the cab depending on the model. But, I really liked the way I could kick back and roll in the Kenworth, it felt like I was driving my Chevy. I liked the gauges and switch placements, etc. I am more a steering wheel in my lap kind of guy, and the Pete's and KW's the steering wheel is more up on the dash, so to speak, like a car. I'd have to lean up to see the end of the hood, whereas the Freightliner and Volvo, or International I have a good view around the truck at all times.

The storage space, or places you have to stash stuff, isn't as good on the Pete or KW, at least for me, I struggled to find just the right way to put my phone, gps, flashlight, and stuff. The other makes seem to have a lot more options for how you want to arrange your goodies, unless you are the type to just velcro stuff wherever you want it, which works.

I like to stick my head out the window and see the trailer when I am setting up to spot it. KW/PETE with the narrow cab this is a pain, kind of like driving a classic with the stacks on the side that you can't see around.

ENGINES ========

I like the Volvo D13 but it's a pain to get serviced. My preference is the Cummins, although I had good luck with Mercedes as long as it was properly cared for. My least favorite is the DD15. I have had a PACCAR a few times, but not enough to give a good opinion on it, other than I didn't seem to care much for it and preferred the Cummins. I liked the International Maxxforce 13, but not the 11 (less power). The Cummins has the best engine brake by far, in my opinion! International probably the worst.

Observations based on my limited experience.

I liked the KW, but needed a lot more time to really get used to it. I chose to keep the Volvo and hope to drive it for at least another year before they sell it. It doesn't FEEL like a REAL TRUCK like the KW, but I get around in it well, which is the most important thing, I suppose.

I recommend Freightliner, International, or Volvo for new drivers, based on how much easier it is to drive safely for the inexperienced.

The Pete seemed easier to maneuver and back than the KW, but I preferred driving the KW.