After doing our homework, we decided to go for a new truck. Used ones are hard to find in good shape with all the characteristics we need to do the project. Here’s the profil:
The truck has to be 6 wheel drive, long enough to have a garage at the back and a relatively good ground clearance.
- Peterbilt said we don’t have a truck for this project
- Mack are too expensive and we were not able to have a good contact with the dealer
- Kenworth, well, we went to try a T370 and it’s about the same ride as Big Green: VERY BUMPY ! And then, we tried a T440. Not much difference, but they cannot build it in house because of the front differential. Too expensive
- International proposed a HV507, which is perfect
- Freightliner 114SD: there’s no feeling about it
- Western Star proposed a 4700 SB, which is perfect
- I forgot about why we sold Big Green. It was a BMY M923A2 ROPS. Other than frame extension, air ride installation, cab insulation, air conditionning and good heating upgrade, it was still a noisy vehicle and uncomfortable for long ride. Also, topped at 60 mph !
After reviewing 150 options on each of the Western Star and International, we decided to go with Western Star 4700 SB
Here’s the chosen options:
- Cummins 350 hp Engine with Jacobs brake
- Allison 3000 RDS Automatic Transmission with pto
- Meritor MTC 4213 Transfer Case
- Meritor MX-16-120 Front Drive Axle (ratio 4.88)
- Meritor MT-40-14X Tandem Rear Axle (ratio 4.88)
- Tuftrac 40 000# Rear Suspension
- Set Back Front Axle
- 330 inches Wheelbase
- 112 inches Frame Overhang
- Single 7/16″ Frame
- 150 gallon Fuel Tank
- 200 Amp Alternator
- Goodyear G278 MSD 445/65R22.5 Tire
- 13 inches width Wheels
- Opening in back of the cab