You asked and Kenworth answered. The company will soon begin offering glider kits for the T660, split-fender T800 and W900L models. The non-powered kits are to be paired with customer-supplied EPA 2004 engines, matching transmissions, rear axles and suspensions, Trucking Info reported.
The kits can be special ordered with the driver’s needs in mind and all sleeper sizes are available. Custom-made trucks from glider kits can save buyers up to 30% of the cost of a new truck.
“Gliders are a great alternative for fleets and owner operators with the tools and service technicians to bring a solid and existing powertrain back to life in a ‘brand new truck’,” Alan Fennimore, Kenworth vocational marketing manager told Trucking Info.
“We’ve talked with several fleets that plan to purchase gliders and have their service technicians work on the conversions during slow or off periods. It can be an effective use of shop hours.”
The glider kits offer the latest amenities and updates Kenworth offers.
“There are several other engine-related components, such as electrical harnesses, power steering pumps, batteries and air cleaners, that customers need to supply themselves, or purchase from Paccar Parts through their local Kenworth dealerships, but for the truck itself, it’s a very complete package,” said Fennimore.
“We’re offering the gliders as both rolling and non-rolling models (customer supplies driveline, axles, suspensions, wheels, tires and other ‘rolling’ equipment) and no FET tax is included from Kenworth,” Fennimore added.
“Depending upon the project’s final cost, and if the host parts came from a useable truck, the 12% Federal Excise Tax (FET) on new trucks may not be applicable, which can be a real money saver for customers.”
