Posted 9/6/2025 11:41 (#11356350 - in reply to #11355458) Subject: RE: Is it a decent truck?
West Union, Illinois
olivetroad -
Mike SE IL - >Schmid has a really nice 2003 Kenworth T800
Is it a decent truck?
Short answer, yes, Down the road a couple years selling it might be in my top 10 dumb things I did list.
In fact I really disappointed my son in law's brother when I decided to sell it. During harvest it was Ben's truck. It runs good, has a chrome bumper, a straight pipe and a Jake brake. What more could you want?
It has a really pretty hood. Ben hit a deer fall of 24. Required replacing the hood.
Engine is a Cummins ISM. I don't know what size, but it's an old Smith and Banks gasoline transport. That means it cruises really nice at 75 MPH uphill and loaded. I know because they used to pass me all the time driving a propane bobtail on Route 63 (south of Terre Haute is a different road than north of TH). I think their drivers were paid by mile, not the hour.
Ignore the odometer. The previous owner said the actual mileage was at least double what its hows. I don't think it has 1,300,000 but I really have no clue
Back story: I injured my shoulder and had rotator cuff surgery. Dr said I recovered 99% motion. He was closer to right than I realized. I noticed it during wheat harvest. The one place I found a slight trouble is reaching out with my arm about level and moving it backwards.
Ever shift a 10 speed? I noticed a slight issue when shifting my Volvo into 5th or 10th. I thought it was the truck but decided it was me. Kenworth is a narrower cab and no problem. I thought about it. Wheat harvest is short. Running hard all fall might become a problem for me. A retired family member said "You get an automatic and I'll drive for you this fall." That's extra motivation.
I bought a 2020 IH with a Cummins and auto shift. Brought it home and about fell out of the Kenworth reaching for the grab bar that wasn't there. Said loudly "It sure would be nice to have 2 identical trucks." Son in law said "Cody's got another one down there". Probably showing poor judgement I called him and said I wanted another one.
Photo were taken before I removed my name and DOT number
good used grain trailer
