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if not Volvo then what


GlennWest

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Be patient and good hunting. I got tired of looking and couldn't find the "Right One". We decided new was the direction we wanted after being beat out of a 2010 780 with 500k. I'm thankful because the truck travelled 105 miles and broke, then repaired travelled 250 miles and broke again. Thanks the chance with Used.

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We like our Midroof Freightliner. Not quite as nice as a Volvo with a workstation but we have been able to do minor changes to make it usable. We can put 4 adults and a little one in a car seat and all be comfortable for a long drive. We will be doing a 12 hour trip to KY here in a couple of weeks with the 5 of us.

Dave

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The Volvo is certainly attractive for a variety of reasons. But there are other brands that work well and may have more availability of "good" trucks. You always take a chance on a used truck, no matter how well it is vetted. One of the major attractions of a Volvo has to be the amount of experience on the forum....but bear in mind many of the truck systems are similar.

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Personally, other than Volvo being so popular with the rv crowd, I dont see any reason to be stuck on the brand. Peterbilt and KW have a much higher cool factor, but that only goes so far. Freightliners are a fine truck, but just as their new price is one of the lowest, their resale follows, making it a very affordable brand. Some people say freightliners rattle and fall apart etc. But I can show you trucks of all brands that fall apart when used in a manner they were not specified for when built. The reason for so many freightliner rattle stories is because many of the companies that order them, do so to put them on the less desirable routes. Other than the cab, the components are the same as all other class 8s.

 

I guess it depends upon your personality whether to go with the flow and buy volvo, or have a truck that says "you". I perhaps go too far to get away from the flow, but I sure have fun doing things my way. :)

 

Though my current rig in a freightliner, I prefer peterbilt.

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When I started our search Volvo was the 1st choice just because of popularity in the RV world, but a KW T2000 with a Smart became available and with some very good recommendations from folks here we jumped at it and are very happy with it. Yes it has needed some thing fixed and upgraded but I expected that.

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Looking for just Volvo has limited my results. Also has been finding several states away. With my work schedule this gets frustrating. I want something comparable to a 630. I need to keep it short as possible and carry a Smart. Also rather limit truck to 30k or less dollars.

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does the T600 single easy?

 

No.

 

The T600 KW is a fine truck. It gets good mileage and has a good following of people that like them. However, if you have a dealer that is local to you and has a used one on the lot, I would suggest that you take a few minutes on a weekend and go spend some time sitting in the cab and assess the cab configuration and sleeper access. Many people that I know that have driven volvos and freightliners etc. that have a wider cab, then drive a classic pete or kw, can not believe how cramped they are with the seats so close. I think the western star has the widest cab ever put on a truck.

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Glenn, I agree that there are many nice trucks out there and if you drive down the road, you know that the majority are Volvo & Freightliner. You need to recognize that the two biggest obstacles you face are your price point and more so, wanting an automated transmission. If you would consider a very common 13 speed roadranger, your options would be greatly expanded. Best of luck in your search -Steve

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Actually many truck places especially their service dept are open late at night, so you may want ask their service manager to see if he can let you check out the inside of a particular truck.

 

Our Freightliner has an Ultrashift trans, was under 500k miles, already singled when we bought it 3 years ago from another forum member and it was under $30k.

 

I can't remember if our cab is larger than the 610/630 volvos or not. We have a twin mattress and cabinets behind the front seats. One cabinet holds the porta potty on bottom and storage above and the other cabinet has the microwave on top and place for ice chest below.

Dave

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Glenn

Did you know that Volvos most popular model is the 670?

I realize it's a few inches longer and a bit higher compared to a a 630 but you can still single short and have the wheelbase very similar to a 630. Lots more available in the market place with automated transmissions. Just something else to think about. I must also point out I live my 780!

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Glen, in all honesty, take your time, save the money, and let things take their time happening. Our truck came to us at the right time, price, and condition. I had tried to put several other deals together with something happening that caused every deal to fall thru, from getting time off, to a truck not starting, mislead on conditions, etc. The right one will happen when its right. In the mean time work, be safe, and enjoy life...

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Did you know that Volvos most popular model is the 670?

I realize it's a few inches longer and a bit higher compared to a a 630 . . .

 

The cab length of a 670 -- and therefore, the usable floor and wall space -- is identical to that of the 630. It's popularity, relative to the 630, is due to the condo roof. That sells well into fleets that operate in teams, giving each driver his/her own bunk.

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does the T600 single easy?

 

We didn't do it since I didn't know how. Had it done. When we were looking the salesman said a lot of drivers didn't like the small cab getting into the sleeper. Since we planned on removing the sleeper that wasn't a problem.

 

Like I said before, have owned the truck for over eleven years and have no plans on getting anything else.

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https://www.mhc.com/trucks/i0310010

 

Take this T660, back the rear rear over the edge of a loading dock, roll a scrap bin under it, make two frame cuts and KABLAM! Drive away singled.

 

** Don't actually do this cuz someone will die, but a lot of the 6x2's are really that easy. T600 also got AG380 starting in 04~ish so there are a whole bunch of them out that aren't 8 baggers.

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