How to Spec a Big Truck (To Make The Big Bucks $$!)

HOW TO SPEC A TRUCK TO EARN BIG BUCKS! Getting the right truck is critical to the owner operator. In this video, I will tell you the spec’s on my trucks, what I’d keep and what I’d change if I ordered a new truck today, in order to make the big money in trucking!
If you are ordering a new truck, it’s important to get the specs right on the truck for
- Versatility
- Longevity
- Components that are Tried + Tried, with a good track record
- Staying on the Road, not in The Shop!
Here are Some Suggestions I'd Make For Spec'ing a New Truck
- The Hood - I'd go for a drop hood next time around.
- Engine - If I could have a CAT Engine I would, but as an alternative, I'd go with a Paccar or Detroit Engine (Reliability is the name of the game)
- Transmission - Manual transmission all the way (Too many issues with Automatics. Leave those for the Mega Carriers)
- Seats - Best quality air ride seats you can find. I like Bostrom Seats.
- Bunk - High bunk, rather than flat top, to be more aero-dynamic
- Wheelbase - Currently I have a 280" wheelbase, but would go for 240-250" next time around.
- Brakes - I have drum brakes but would go for disc brakes next time
- Be sure to match the Rear End to Transmission/Engine for best results (Salesperson should be able to advise on this)
- Rubber - Would still go for 24.5 Rubber, No Super Singles for me.
- Wheels - Go for top quality wheels. I like Alcoa Aluminum Wheels.
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[@SmartTrucking]

Hey there Big Strappers. Thanks for watching today's video. How 'bout you? What specs do you 'prefer' in a truck you drive or own? Always love to hear from you.

[@danieljiz83]

How I can get in touch with you

[@SmartTrucking]

www.smart-trucking.com Go to the website and then go to the Contact Us. You can find it from any page on the website. Bottom of page.

[@behroozkhaleghirad]

I'm not a truck driver but a mechanic I am. When it comes to the wheels, it is simple: THE LARGER THE BETTER. 24.5 tires apply more actual torque to the ground, while reducing the engine rpm thus increasing fuel economy and service intervals. Also a truck with larger wheels can be taken to off-road more easily if you want to do a seasonal job in oilfields or ice roads or etc.

[@kizerbread]

I'd just keep that Pete and rebuild it over n over.

[@redneckillinois2030]

This man knows what's good. Sure is expensive too. Having the best on everything but hes talking bout holding value that's how you do it. Hes got a truck every trucker would want

[@bigdog8815]

That’s a hard no recommending the paccar! My dad is a heavy duty mechanic at a Pete dealership and averages 40 hours alone per truck just in diagnostics on codes! He says run from paccar motors

[@DutchK75]

I don't know Dave. The X15 Cummins is starting to show very good results. I was always a 379/389 guy. But I loved a 579 I was in for 4 years. The Paccar M13 was junk. But the 579 for a plastic truck is solid. I'd buy one. X15 500hp, 1,850ftlbs, 13spd and 3.08's. Good all around setup for tanks.

[@cataclysmic911]

On a recent trip from OK to CA and back, I was disappointed to see so many pop-out trucks like Volvo’s. It was refreshing to see a sweet Pete or classy KW now and then. I mean, those trucks stood out amongst all the throw away trucks. I could tell these guys had a lot invested and were professional drivers. They had a real sense of pride in their equipment and it showed. Great video, Dave. Thanks. Miss those big yellow Cat engines.

[@LavenderSystem69]

First truck I drove had a DD15 mated to a DT12... most of my complaints were about the emissions system and that damned Detroit Assurance platform that did more trying to kill me than trying to keep the truck straight and upright. If I could've spec'd it myself, I definitely would've preferred a good manual transmission to that 12 speed automatic, but such is the life of a company driver. You put up with what your company tosses you the keys to

[@sukhas8625]

Wasn’t expecting you to say Paccar 😳

[@DIRTY_SOUTH]

I hate super singles with a passion!

[@andrewkellerhals1361]

There's another issue with super singles; they're snow shoes and tend to get stuck in the snow, loose dirt and mud. They also have less traction in wet conditions

[@techguy404]

You forgot one thing about automatics... They take 20 minutes just to get up to 20MPH! Though I once drove a truck with a detroit engine and it took off like a rocket. But its so safe when you have to hope you can make a turn in an intersection because it stopped shifting because it noticed you turned the wheel.

[@mikecanaday5731]

I have to have a California compliant truck. I bought a used Peterbilt 389 flat top long wheelbase with about 400 thousand on it. When I was looking the difference between a Paccar engine and a Cummings was huge the Cummings was more sought after and more pricey. I think that about says it all.

[@jackson_68]

It is interesting how ~475 horsepower is considered "midrange". The first two White Freightliners we had were Cat-powered, 270 and 325 horsepower.

[@mr.giraffe7076]

If you want a post-emissions (2015) truck I would get a Detroit. I am not a fan of the newer Pacar engines or newer international engines. Caterpillar was the best engine. Cummins is good. Mack/Volvo is great. Mercedes are beautiful.

[@euroshfl]

For me , another reason not to have super singles is the weight of the tire chains. I ain't no draft horse

[@waynesworld2086]

dd15 515hp 1800tq 18speed 3:25 rears 70mph at 1200rpm & that's in a 2019 579 Pete that took forever to order the dd15 in it lol

[@stephenmartin5766]

100% with you on the super singles, I hate them for that exact reason.

[@meganostra6633]

Much respect old hand!! Man do I enjoy your stories!! Really makes me miss the old days! Lookin good back that way, catch ya on the flip, 42??

[@victoringraham8546]

I'd love to be behind the wheel of that flat top

[@georgewilson1184]

I just tell my sales associate two magic words. Michigan Special

[@SoCal780]

Loved the opening music (yes I love hard rock!!), sounded great! Amen on the transmission. I love my 13 speed Eaton-Fuller and would never get an auto shift, no way. Same as you, I never liked super singles, one blows, you’re on the side of the road, end of story. I run 22.5 Bridgestone M726 EL’s. On my last set of drives, I got 773,000 + miles out of them, that’s right! I set them all to 110 psi. Full disclosure, I run air freight (fairly light loads, 20-30k) on a dedicated route which is fairly flat most of the way but 773,000 miles is something that I am still very proud of! I know how you feel about Volvo’s but mine is a 2005 VNL 780 with a 565 hp Cummins ISX and 3.42 rears and I get just under 8 mpg which isn’t bad. It has 2,247,000 miles on it and still runs and looks great. I recently replaced the power divider and just yesterday replaced the housing on the rear differential due to rusting. I was astounded to find out that the diff itself was still in great shape, no metal shavings etc. even after 2.24 million miles! Best of all, no DEF BS or the $$ associated with maintaining it! I will hang on to this truck for as long as I can. I bought it brand new in September of 04 and looking back, it has served me well. 👍

[@chosenone101]

Great specs! My 1984 Western Star is a heavy haul tractor large car (looks identical to the Autocar highway tractor) that was designed for all kinds work when I was in the trucking business from 1994 to 2010. I still own the truck today and slowly restoring it to its former glory.

[@sovereignjea]

This is an older video but man I'm glad I saw it. In 2022 I wanted horsepower and a square nose truck with stacks, if I'm gonna be spending the money. But again, your wisdom is out here to correct young bucks like me trying to make it. Gonna go for a western star drop nose now. Still want my side stacks but a dd16 with proper drive line specs is now the goal. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@poppadappaable]

Thank You For The Guidelines Alltimer👏🏻🙌🏻 God Bless🙏

[@buddyhawks7438]

Thanks for the expert advice. Will use for when I purchase my first truck one day

[@BradWeber82]

Once again great videos. I really enjoy your channel. Tons of great info. Have a great and safe day!

[@seansimpson4472]

As a driver in the UK my Scania R450 (company truck) will pull a fully loaded unit from 800 rpm. I get 8 - 10 mpg perhaps 11 on a long run.

[@Rickasaurus]

Getting close to buying my first truck. Appreciate the wisdom you share

[@hectorortega9131]

Thank you, very helpful info for me at this time. 👍

[@JasonVladimir]

Love the rock -n- roll entry!

[@ronjordan2831]

Thanks for this information and tips. Much appreciated.

[@1armedguy4]

Great pointers in how to spec ones truck Dave, experience plays a huge role in knowing what works best and being Versatel in today's market.🇨🇦

[@briant7067]

Love your knowledge! Thank you!

[@the_traveling_man4284]

Thanks for the info considering getting a 2012kw and this really helps me make a more informed decision. Another thing about super singles they can do some damage as well. I once hauled a pneumatic tank that had a blowout the belt didn't immediately come off and bout tore the fender to pieces

[@bobbyblackwell9217]

Super single tires are also a fire hazard when you do blow them specially if your dumb enough to try and limp it anywhere more then stopping distance

[@Capitanvolume]

I'm coming from a mechanic background, and I just re-speced my gravel truck, I went from just a straight truck running 22 tons to 45 tons, swapped to 18 speed and running 415 hp c12 on a motorhome tune. I'm going to respectfully disagree. Old trucks are better. Small engines are better. The best thing you can do for fuel economy is driving style. I get better mileage than all these new curb sniffers. Cummins engines are very reliable, but they are sensitive to oil quality. If you have a Cummins change your oil. Detroit's have extremely high parts and repair costs.

[@MantisManTRD]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your set up. It answered a few of my questions about what I will need for my future truck. Its a hard pull to make it look sweet with a flat top but you make a good point. Drag cost money. I guess it will have to wait for the show truck.

[@dannygregg3906]

I must say I agree with you in every aspect. Especially when it comes to tires. I would never run super singles. Thank you for your videos. I watch everyone of them.

[@j.c.8975]

I always love your video's, very informational.. Thank you.........

[@smol_yote]

Another Great video, also cool intro

[@davidking7858]

You're awsome brother! A big thank u from the states!!!

[@blessup7108]

Thanks for the knowledge, your the Greatest. For longevity I like the 579 today for produce.

[@junior04292009]

Keep up the good work Sir!. Very nice video.,

[@tobydulanski9480]

Great Intro Track, Great Advice, Thank You For Helping Others. 🔉🔉👍👍🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mr.hallman333]

Great specs on the Pete. Low bunk is cool but I see what you mean about the drag. Cool and function aren't always the same. Good looking truck anyway . Keep the vids coming big strapper.

[@paulchapasr]

Dam good point on the rubber and rims.

[@fineexoticwhipzfew7075]

Real veteran talk👍👍👍 great suggestions 👍👍👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@jasonredman2719]

Very good clip didn't agree with every thing but a lot of good info keep up the good videos😇

[@kylemorice4870]

Thats good music for that rigs entrance nothing better than rock music. A long hood pete or kw or even western star is on my mind far as if I ever became an owner operator manual transmission all the way too. An as always a good informative video.

[@JBrinkWashMo]

Hey There, I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. I'm in the crane industry now for 25 years but I drove when I was a youngster (I'm 55 now) hauling produce. I keep toying with "retiring" to driving...

[@theimortanjuan3780]

Keep the videos coming. I'm a rookie and have so much more to learn!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dannyburgess2781]

Thank. Ya. I really enjoyed it. Thank for info. Very helpful.

[@jamiegodman715]

Sweet video guys

[@philosopherqhamilekabeni5904]

This really helps, more appreciated

[@zaineridling]

Keen insights; thank you! 💯🌟🌟🌟💯

[@patrickwines9551]

Only ran in and out of the woods so I liked the 8v92, 9 speed, and 6x6 with air lock in the rear two. All on a crackerbox chassis that was shorter than a suburban.

[@MrSergio608]

In the crude hauling business, we’re just loading or offloading half the day. It’s long hood for me all day. If I’m a buy my own rig I want to look good too 😎 lol

[@strellhouse6684]

A big thumbs up for Smart Trucking! Also, a good tune by H27! nice work boys!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks a lot!

[@dadeboy305wh]

Great advice thanks

[@charlesdyer2376]

LOL, that reminds Me of the time on the Fl. turnpike ,a pick up passed me, and a few seconds later his boat,and trailer passed Me just before it took off into the comedian, and flip over

[@pioneerspiritPS]

Sage advice!

[@hawkdsl]

People in the truck market should also consider the the Western Star 5700 if you don't mind the Detroit's. Best looking of the aero trucks IMHO, and probably the easiest truck to wrench on yourself. They have up to 82 inch sleepers, really nice interiors. Not much on gauges, but a great switch package, and again, a dash that's easy to work on yourself if you add stuff.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, I like the look of them and there's nothing wrong with the Detroit.

[@joshmiller2446]

The old Detroit 60 I drive just had a cooling issue with the EGR. Got a new one in there and she runs nice and cool now. Injector issues were going on for awhile, but since I've been driving it and cleaning the air filter it's been good.

[@KS-hi3tn]

Thank you again you’re the Bible of trucking

[@kilomike4380]

Once again you’re the voice of reason for someone just starting, to think about doing his own trucking business.Appreciate your advice. Thanks again for being a source 👍👍👍👍👍

[@eugeneklemenz]

Great advice I had all kinds of problems with Detroit engines never had a Pacar had no problems with a Cummings engines and what about warranty's

[@Backyardmech1]

When you mentioned the product pump placement next to the regen unit it reminded me of when I saw a driver get sprayed with red diesel. I was doing a UST removal job and the driver showed up to pump the gasoline out of the tanks. As soon as he popped the cam levers on the cap it covered him from head to toe. Besides outside temperatures being in upwards of 100 degrees, it makes sense now with the pump and regen locations.

[@nicholasdavis2833]

He didn’t bleed the pressure off the line.....tanker mistake....

[@leleetifra8818]

I agree with seats. Get best one possible

[@mofozi571]

Great video thnx 4 sharing

[@KozmikEl7]

Nice video Dave 👍 I'd probably run a Pb 579 or kw w990 long nose 13 or 18 speed if you can't afford then grab a freightliner their real cheap today and even that depends on what kind of haul an work your doing.

[@Durahan82]

2018 Cascadia with a DD16 Detroit , For flat-bed hauling that's what i have atm .

[@joesmuckatelly8282]

Nothing like a pete i had a 2005 379 loved it

[@benb1778]

Would you be able to do a video about all the trucks you have owned or at least your favorites out of the ones you have owned/ran. Thanks love the content!

[@Dead-do1xf]

In 2011 I spec'd a T800 Kenworth with a 500 Cummins and a 18 spd eaton. Besides blowing two airbags it still runs like a clock today. But the one thing I'd never do is buy a truck with a PACCAR engine. Those things are junk.

[@mileswingard143]

i personally would spec a big motor with tall gears, you can run slow and turn low revs or run fast when you need it and turn 1400-1600, but i’ve never personally had experience with tall gears so i’d love to listen to guys input on them

[@midlifetrucker-thombell4722]

Love the seat, riding low in the stool.

[@davidkamermans3277]

Hello sir, im not a trucker yet but im about to be haha, i just wanted to say i love your videos and advice from all of your experiences, i read and watch online, thank you for sharing it has really helped in many ways. Ps yea it might be personal preference what rig you are gonna build but i think experience should come first and personal preference after you consider what is to come in the future.

[@mohammedabdille4295]

Kenworth860 good for fuel economy up hills in Seattle and used manual better than Automatic braking we need more about that boss thanks for your help and be save

[@shellcrackerlover5889]

Did you ever drive the Ford LTL 9000? It's a sharp looking truck. BTW, love that big Peterbilt!

[@lalalalo37]

Thank you Give me hope

[@a-dog8075]

Can you do a video on all the trucks you've owned and why they are spected the way they are? Enjoyed the video

[@rickyharvey4835]

Having a nice truck to drive will make a big difference i like the Pete's but i had alot of fun in a coronado !!!!!

[@jefftrehy]

Hey dave, I borrowed a 579 for a week from my company while i was getting my 389 worked on. The 579 mid roof has a 500 cummins efficiency with a 13, 3.25's on tall super single 22's. My 389 flat top has a 565 performance cummins an 18, 3.55 and lowpro 24 duals (same overall diameter as tall 22's). I ran the rental just like my truck at 72 mph, with the same trailers, overall fuel mileage differences was less than half a gallon, not enough for me to drive a plastic truck. If i was going to get an aero truck it would be a T800, the truck is built off of a rock solid cab that has been around for decades. The X15 cummins have a new emissions system on them, totally revamped from the isx's and it works leaps and bounds better than the isx era setup. If i'm not mistaken the paccar and the cummins share the same emissions components. My experience with the detroit's is only in day cabs so it doesn't apply to otr trucking.

[@BenDover-rb5pj]

I disagree with the engine choice, Cummins is light years aged of the DD15s. Not even a competition.

[@5FaLlEn5]

Lol that story had me going cuz it's happened to me rolling on down.

[@samo8204]

That was great. I wish I could order a rooster cruiser.

[@samuelseverino3196]

Awesome content! Quick favor to ask! Do you have any resources you can share on tandem hole positions, reading a right weigh gauge on the dash, and just getting in legal weights in general? For example BOL says 42k gross on trailer.. where do I begin or do u just recommend hitting scale and then moving tandems front/back? Any guides would be great! Thank you!!

[@Ghost6.2]

My classic xl ddec 4 Bk series 60 set to 625 and 2150 torque gets 6.2-6.5 I run in the mountains pretty much all the time but the video has really good info

[@SL-ix4yk]

I wouldn't go with Detroit, that's what the company I drive for runs and they're constantly broken down, my assigned tractor has 370k on it and it is worn out, spent so much time in the shop. What I was told by a couple different mechanics is Cummins and Volvo engines are the best for reliability, idk about PACCAR engines, but I haven't heard anything to bad about them. And the Detroit DD13 I run only gets 4.2-5.6 MPG. Now granted I do run Local LTL that's very hard on the trucks.

[@johnnydodge]

We had good luck running Volvos and Macks D13s and MP8s. The Fruitliners DD13 won't pull like a Volvo but is less expensive on certain parts. The 'Big Hoods' at Roadway were WIA White Gmcs 40 4143 series. Oh yeah AC on the back wall no power steering driver.

[@sappy4happy448]

Dave what would you spec for your axles? Is 12000 for the front and 20000 for rears still good enough unless your doing heavy haul or auto carrier? Do you think double frame is a wise choice for the normal driver, or is this better left for heavy hauling? I assume your truck is twin screw. Have you found this of much benefit over the years? I do 100% agree about the tires. I did a seasonal agricultural driving job and the company had over 1000 sets of doubles. Some had super singles and some had duals. No body liked taking the trailers with the super singles because they were more likely to blow out. That meant waiting for breakdown to come and replace the tire costing you miles that you could’ve been running and getting paid for. There were always stacks of 40-50 blown super singles and the damaged rims waiting to be replaced while maybe 5-10 regular duals. These trailers spent a lot of time off road and on sub par surfaces getting beat to hell, and I could never understand why that company ever decided to switch some of the trailers over to the super singles in the first place. Thanks for the great content. P.S. I saw a trailer the other day that said ‘Potato King’ in big letters. I chuckled a little and wondered if that driver was aware of the ‘Lettuce King’ or if they were related.

[@rydn2lo]

That’s funny about your buddy Mike😆😆😆😆✌️

[@JCA-Z]

I drive for a small fleet here in commiefornia, all of our trucks are automatics with the exception of one truck which has a C12 Cat 430 horsepower and a 10-speed. The other trucks have mid size cummins 380 hp . we discovered that the cat powered 10 speed truck achieved far far better fuel milage than the automatics. The automatic trucks had to refuel every day, the 10 speed truck could go 2 days without refueling....wow.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

My old truck was an '04 IHC 9200 day cab isx Cummins 10speed manual 3.70 rears 48" high 5th wheel. 187" wb 11R22.5 all around. Life avg running intermodal 4.5 to 5 and a wet kit Empty weight about 18,000 lbs My new truck is a '16 Freightliner Cascadia ISX Cummins 10speed direct Autoshift 2;64 rears 200" wb 295/70R 22.5 on aluminum wheels. Single 120gal tank and wet kit. Empty weight about 17,700 lbs It gets about 6 mpg life avg the high was Mt chassis to Chicago for 2 Mt ISO tanks back to Cincinnati. 7.6 mpg. I'm impressed with the fuel mileage oh it's governed at 68 mph. My old truck would run 75mph. But I'm sad that a daycab Freightliner weighs Soo much. They use to be the litest truck on the road.

[@jaykoehn4106]

I’ve got a Paccar Mx 13 and it’s got 330,000 miles on it and almost zero problems

[@driver4818]

Great video! Thanks for the upload Dave! Quick comment, I’m a company driver and have been one for over three years. I don’t know if it’s a wise choice with today’s economy and today’s trucking to go o/o; however, I couldn’t afford a new truck. This might give me some grief, but I would spec a $10,000 truck and that would give me a cabover, cheap 90’s Freightliner or if I say up a little more money a 359. Would this be a bad idea to daily a 30+ year old truck OTR?

[@britup1]

I'd like to know your thoughts on buying a used truck. How many miles, how long engines and drivetrains typically last and how much is reasonable to pay.

[@JasonVladimir]

She's a beauty!

[@mrbirk626]

I wish I could get a modern Peterbilt or Kenworth with a Detroit drivetrain. I've been driving a freightshaker with a Detroit in it for two years now, and have yet to see a major failure in the drivetrain or aftertreatment system. But the sad truth is that you can't get Detroit anything but a Freightliner anymore unless you're building a glider kit.