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Freightliner Cascadia-a sweet ride...
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Freightliner Cascadia: A nice rig and a good value
Freightliner Cascadia- a sweet ride….
Good day folks!! Today I am going to introduce you to my daily world. The world of tractor-trailer living and driving. I drive on a daily basis, and I’ve got to tell you, that all as you know it, be it work, school, home, and office, all of it was brought here by a man or woman in a big rig. To say this is one of the worlds most dangerous jobs, is a big understatement. Every day is a constant strive to leave the day as you found it, no dead bodies, crashed cars, or property damage. The views are second to none, one that I would not easily trade for, any day of the week.
Today, I had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Brian Bata, of Transwest Trucks. He was very up front with this writer, and so, I aim to pass on some of those words to you all out there. I hope that when I am done, it will give you food for thought, as well as ideas to go further if you are so inclined. So, sit back, relax, and read on!!
This tractor ( as they are called by those in the biz ) is nothing short of amazing. Upon first glance, we’ll delve into the powerplants that make them tick. Under the massive hood, you might find either a Detroit DD-15, or the Cummins ISX. They have available hp from 425 to a monsterous 550! That indeed is some power to reckon with. Then, to get that power to the ground, are a couple choices of transmissions. You can get an Eaton-Fuller manual, with 8 to 18 speeds, or if an automatic is more your style, an Allison 5 or 6 speed might get the job done for you.
The axles are also able to be custom set for you, and can be ordered with many gear ratios to suit what you may need. Also, a choice of tire sizes, the standard 22.5 low pros, or the bigger 24 inch is available. Steel wheels, or chrome Alcoa rims ( chrome is always better looking…) can be had as well. Got to look good while working, right?? You bet. Now, of course, the colors this baby comes in are vibrant, and many more than I can list here for sure, so you chose…
What about the inside? Sure am glad you asked! A mini luxury apartment on wheels is what you’ll see. All the comforts of home, to include a refrigerator, plush bed, a stereo system to deafen you, and should you get lost, a navigation system to get you back on track. Those air ride seats aren’t hard on the old backside, if you get my drift!! To a pro driver, those are a must have…You can get tinted glass, and just about any power option there is!! But wait, what about while you’re parked at some truck stop? Fuel is a precious thing still yet. They have that covered as well. You can order your truck set up with an APU ( auxiliary power unit ). That will save you some green, and I am assured, it will run any and all inside, while you get comfort and piece of mind from saving fuel not idling!! A gallon and a half an hour all night long sure adds up. I am living proof of that…My own tractor doesn’t have that option. The wheelbase on this platform can stretch out to 230 inches, not hard to live in at all, if that’s what you might do. I’ve met many a trucker that gave up their homes to live in those trucks. Can’t think of a better way to see the country, while still getting paid for it.
So, you might ask, how much is this beauty going to cost me? Well, I’m glad you asked! For a working class driver, it’s a very affordable dream indeed. All the bells and whistles, it’ll run you a cool 140-145,000 thousand. Less dressed, but still very comfy, 120-130,000 grand. If the day cab version (no sleeper) is what you seek, then 110 to 115,000 g’s will get you there. To a car buyer, that is maybe startling, but to a tracker, that’s about middle of the road. My own truck was over a hundred grand, USED. So, yes, it is appealing. Depending on your choice of fuel tank sized, with the APU, you can go for a lot of miles…
In closing, if you have the time, (and CDL license, of course) you might go and give it a test run. Any questions you have, I’m sure Brian can answer. Tell him Mike sent you…Hope this helps you out somewhat, to make a decision a little easier. I am partial to the blue hues, but this truck looks good in all shades offered!! Take a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised. Until later, take care, and God bless.
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