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9/27/2023 2:53:57 PM EDT
2025 47X with Detroit DD13 and DT12 1850-OV Automated manual. The truck would be used as a farm grain truck and likely never get to 75,000 miles. If any one has any opinions about these trucks, engines, or transitions I would love to hear.
9/27/2023 8:42:52 PM EDT
[#1]
The Detroit transmission I wouldn’t have any issues with.  Probably the best option on the market for an ‘automatic’ transmission.  

The Detroit engine could be hit or miss.  I personally wouldn’t want to deal with one - last one was a 2021 and over the course of about 26 months it spent about six months in the shop due to injectors (50k miles and 80k miles) and issues with the ONE box and regen system (110k, 160k and 170k).     The truck was towed each of the five times it broke down.  


Specifically the 2021s were plagued with issues, but given the overall issues with the truck/engine, but I wouldn’t intentionally *pick* any of the newer Detroit engines.  


Keep in mind, Western Star is essentially a ‘fancy’ cab stuck on a Freightliner.   The truck you’re looking at is pretty much the same as a Freightliner
108SD which should be noticeably less expensive than the Western Star, while getting the same real performance.


Ultimately, the answer is if you are willing to deal with a Detroit engine and it’s potential issues, and if you have any other dealers close by.    If you only have access to a Western Star shop, I could see the appeal.   If you have other options, I would explore those.    



Aside from the major breakdowns, the engine pulled well, and was smooth.   A major downside, was the engine brake, which was less than satisfactory.     It wouldn’t hold the truck back as effectively as it should have.   That’s a combined issue with the engine brake, and the engine/tune.     If you’re in hilly terrain with a load, it’s something to consider.
9/28/2023 2:08:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Brawndo][Edited] [#2]
Is the 47 have Freightliner counterpart? If so choose that. I'm a  big Western Star fan. I started with a 2000 4964EX, ran that into the ground, then bought a 2013 4900SB glider which I still have as well as a 2019 5700xe. I'd rather buy a Crapcadia than the 49x though. DD15/DT12 is good except for backing that last foot into a dock. It's nerve wracking when backing up to a plane.
Attached File

10/1/2023 1:06:00 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks guys, I actually wanted a Freightliner but the dealer near me sold and now just sells Western Star. I am going to ask around about the engine, kind of concerned about the issues mentioned at such low mileage.
10/26/2023 11:14:15 AM EDT
[#4]
@HaroldManback


Any update on what you found out or decided to do?
7/16/2024 8:24:09 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Chinvad:
The Detroit transmission I wouldn’t have any issues with.  Probably the best option on the market for an ‘automatic’ transmission.  

The Detroit engine could be hit or miss.  I personally wouldn’t want to deal with one - last one was a 2021 and over the course of about 26 months it spent about six months in the shop due to injectors (50k miles and 80k miles) and issues with the ONE box and regen system (110k, 160k and 170k).     The truck was towed each of the five times it broke down.  


Specifically the 2021s were plagued with issues, but given the overall issues with the truck/engine, but I wouldn’t intentionally *pick* any of the newer Detroit engines.  


Keep in mind, Western Star is essentially a ‘fancy’ cab stuck on a Freightliner.   The truck you’re looking at is pretty much the same as a Freightliner
108SD which should be noticeably less expensive than the Western Star, while getting the same real performance.


Ultimately, the answer is if you are willing to deal with a Detroit engine and it’s potential issues, and if you have any other dealers close by.    If you only have access to a Western Star shop, I could see the appeal.   If you have other options, I would explore those.    



Aside from the major breakdowns, the engine pulled well, and was smooth.   A major downside, was the engine brake, which was less than satisfactory.     It wouldn’t hold the truck back as effectively as it should have.   That’s a combined issue with the engine brake, and the engine/tune.     If you’re in hilly terrain with a load, it’s something to consider.
View Quote




This wrong on so many levels
7/20/2024 8:44:59 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Brawndo:
Is the 47 have Freightliner counterpart? If so choose that. I'm a  big Western Star fan. I started with a 2000 4964EX, ran that into the ground, then bought a 2013 4900SB glider which I still have as well as a 2019 5700xe. I'd rather buy a Crapcadia than the 49x though. DD15/DT12 is good except for backing that last foot into a dock. It's nerve wracking when backing up to a plane.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/122768/IMG_7207_jpeg-2969234.JPG
View Quote

Fuck you Lynden.


Damn.....farming doing that good for a brand new truck?
7/29/2024 6:23:20 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MattyMattel:

Fuck you Lynden.


Damn.....farming doing that good for a brand new truck?
View Quote
What's wrong with Lynden. Every flight crew I've dealt with has been pretty happy. One older pilot called himself a sky trucker.
1/7/2025 7:02:35 AM EDT
[Last Edit: barbcue][Edited] [#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By HaroldManback:
Thanks guys, I actually wanted a Freightliner but the dealer near me sold and now just sells Western Star. I am going to ask around about the engine, kind of concerned about the issues mentioned at such low mileage.
View Quote


You DO NOT WANT a Freightliner..

I love older Western Stars for sure !  NO EXPERIANCE with newer ones but i have a soft spot..

Buy a 13 or 18 speed Pete 389.  

DO NOT BUY the newer Kenworth T-680s either...( I drive one every day - But that is for another thread)

The company i work for (2.5 years) has a mix of all those ,we have 250 trucks (we have 7 yards in 2 states) we run the hell out of them (hot seat swap 12hr/12hr they run 20-24 hours a day 6 days a week)

We have Petes with 3 million HARD miles on them,  they look like shit and have been rebuilt but STILL get it done.

We maybe have a handful of old Kenworths left with that many miles  (rebuilt or not)

The "Liners" constantly have problems after 750k miles on them.  They start to have Gremlins at the 500K mark and they constantly give up the ghost just DIE at random times

Freightliner has moved to a LEASING Business model for a reason.  

Because after 500k miles you need a new one !!
1/8/2025 2:12:40 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By hollywood63:




This wrong on so many levels
View Quote



@hollywood63


Please elaborate.   You’re attacking me personally, so might as well articulate something rather than slam what I offer in the way of my professional experience with a vague and unhelpful comment.
2/6/2025 6:43:39 PM EDT
[#10]
I service fleets & repair shops...
I see just as many engine / emission issues with Cummins & Paccar as I do with Detroit.

PM me if you'd like me to have one of our Western Star sales professionals give you a call.

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