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Detroit 60series


Lance Williams

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I have a 60 series in my Freightliner, and it has been treating me decent. From some of the things I have heard, they are a little better on fuel economy than some of the others, and parts are a little cheaper too. Other than some of the engines they put in the Volvo's (from what others have said), I don't think you will have an issue with any of them.

Chris & Tonya

'99 Freightliner FLD120, '01 Wabash Toyhauler (32' garage, 20' LQ)

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Lance,

 

In recent years there have been 2 different sizes of Detroit Series 60 motors, a 12.7 liter and a 14 liter. The 12.7 liter is a very good mpg performing motor and is what Fitzgerald Glider kits was using a lot of when we visited their factory at the ECR rally last year. We have the 14L in our truck and have had no issues with it in the 3 years we have had it. It came with the truck, so it is was we got.

Dave

2005 Freightliner Century S/T, Singled, Air ride ET Jr. hitch
2019 46'+ Dune Sport Man Cave custom 5th wheel toy hauler
Owner of the 1978 Custom Van "Star Dreamer" which might be seen at a local car show near you!

 

Check out http://www.hhrvresource.com/

for much more info on HDT's.

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In the 90s and early 2000s, the Detroit Diesel Series 60 was considered one of, if not the, best engine available.

 

I got that from many commercial drivers when they asked what engine was in Red Rover.

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Is the Detroit 60 series late 90a a good engine for a toter??

Howdy Lance,

 

I have a series 60 12.7 430-470HP engine in my truck, it has performed well and over the last 43,000 miles that I have driven the truck it has given me a hand calculated 8.2mpg at speeds from 62-65mph when possible to drive those speeds in a safe manner. Heck yes I'd like more power but I don't need it. As to power, my truck is not limited, its capable of pulling my trailer at speeds on level ground I wouldn't think of dragging it. The only time I have ever really wanted more power is if I get stuck behind slow traffic and am forced to stay behind as I couldn't pass quickly enough to insure safety to my self and other drivers, this has NOT happened very often.

 

Dave

2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types.  Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/

IMG_4282-600x310.jpg

 

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May be the camera angle....but your trailer does not appear level, which would put a lot of strain on the rear axle (tires)......

Howdy Oscar,

 

I went to great pains to insure my trailer when loaded and hooked up is level, there is a slight slope in the parking lot of the rest stop I assume its to aid drainage.

 

Dave

2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types.  Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/

IMG_4282-600x310.jpg

 

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Was that picture taken at the Elma rest stop?

1993 Freightliner 3406C Cat, 400 HP, 9 speed, singled long, 3.91 ratio, 264" wheel base, 12' flat deck with dove tail

1997 F350 dually, 4wd conversion, intercooler, 3 inch intakes, WW2 compressor wheel, bellowed up-pipes,

2007 Ragen Toyhauler

 

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Was that picture taken at the Elma rest stop?

Howdy jtr,

 

I don't remember which rest area it was for sure, all I know for sure it was taken at a rest area off of I-5 in Washington State.

 

Dave

2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types.  Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/

IMG_4282-600x310.jpg

 

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Lance,

 

When I looked at trucks Detroit was the 1st brand I wanted, Cummins was next. The truck I picked came with the 12.7 after having it I thought I wanted the 14L instead. Since 2002 they are all 14L, but doing my research I have found the 12.7 is the MPG king between the two. Couple the MPG with the highest HP rating of the 12.7, 500hp I must say I love mine!It works great here out west. The 12.7L is a little louder than the 14L and has a bit more blowby these are natural traits of the 500hp 12.7, I will take those as trade to better MPG and a B50 rating of 1 million miles. The 14L does not have the B50 rating of the 12.7 from my understanding, I could be wrong on that? Overall I don't think you can go wrong with either! The reliability numbers are out there to prove it.

Just search the Truckers Report to verify, those engines are in real world applications with results from everyday use.

 

My 2 cents.

 

Curt

2001 Freightliner Century, 500hp Series 60, Gen 2 autoshift, 3.42 singled rear locker.

2004 Keystone Sprinter 299RLS (TT)

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In my view, the 3 best engines ever designed, not in any particular order:

 

1. Small block Chevrolet 283-350 cid 1957 to 1970

2. Slant 6 Chrysler 1960 to at least 1990

3. Series 60 Detroit 12.7 litre 1990 to 2003.

 

That should start some commotion. ..

Jeff Beyer temporarily retired from Trailer Transit
2000 Freightliner Argosy Cabover
2008 Work and Play 34FK
Homebase NW Indiana, no longer full time

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In my view, the 3 best engines ever designed, not in any particular order:

 

1. Small block Chevrolet 283-350 cid 1957 to 1970

2. Slant 6 Chrysler 1960 to at least 1990

3. Series 60 Detroit 12.7 litre 1990 to 2003.

 

That should start some commotion. ..

Add the original 258 AMC inline 6.

Alie & Jim + 8 paws

2017 DRV Memphis 

BART- 1998 Volvo 610

Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins

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14 litre Detroit Diesel engines were equipped with EGR, the increase in size was to make up for the loss of power. A non EGR engine is preferred, but EGR engines are not as bad as subsequent emission additions.

Jeff Beyer temporarily retired from Trailer Transit
2000 Freightliner Argosy Cabover
2008 Work and Play 34FK
Homebase NW Indiana, no longer full time

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