3 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Your Next Western Star Truck

makes top-of-the-line trucks, so it’s all good, right? Quality is critical, but there are other things to think about, too, when you’re designing your next Western Star truck. You’ve probably already made a list of the features you require, plus a list of features you’d love to add if you can do it cost-effectively.

But there’s more to spec’ing a truck, and all too often both owner/operators and fleet managers overlook these factors. You need more than a couple of lists. You need a plan. How you approach your design project can make all the difference in how well your new Western Star truck performs in the coming years. And since you want to keep your total cost of ownership as low as possible, that’s one more reason to think strategically.

Avoiding these three common mistakes will ensure your next Western Star truck is truly a star in every regard.

Not Taking Things in the Right Order

You can’t start with the chassis, because you need to know what will go on the chassis first. And to do that, you need to be clear about what you expect your truck to do for you, day in and day out. So start with a list of truck tasks and capabilities. That’ll define what equipment – and what truck body — you’ll need.

With that in hand, you can determine your truck’s required payload, the minimum clear cab-to-axle chassis length and the body’s center of gravity under load. Now you’re ready to choose your chassis, and the powertrain to drive it.

Simply Buying the Newest Incarnation of Your Existing Truck

Sure, your Western Star truck has been a top performer, so why not just get another one just like it, only new? Let’s get real. Is the work your truck is doing exactly what it was designed to do, or have you “made do” over the years as your business evolved? Western Star makes adaptable, durable equipment, but your frustration level will drop and your bottom line will swell if you sped a truck for the work you’re actually doing now.

Besides, so many things have changed. Innovative technologies have driven improvements from headlights to taillights that can help you operate more efficiently and powerfully while spending less. You’ll be smarter, too, because on-board diagnostics can help you monitor and improve everything from fuel economy to maintenance needs to driving (behaviors).

Chassis specs change, too, so don’t assume picking the same Class will get you the same net payload. In fact, you’ll need to review all the new options closely, to know what’s available these days. Better yet, get with your local dealer – they know all the details and they know you, so they can help you make the strongest decisions.

Winging It

This is not a plan. Things like weight distribution under load can dramatically affect your truck’s performance. Identifying load requirements for each axle will tell whether you need optional equipment to comfortably meet your operating needs. Doing the math now will help you avoid costly unnecessary maintenance, repairs or questionable working capacity later.

Every component – electrical system, powertrain, fuel tanks, accessories and how you configure your cab – will affect your truck’s weight and ease of operation. You’ll probably be surprised at the number of improvements that now come standard, but you may want to add even more amenities. They may cost a bit more now, but intangibles like driver comfort can go a long way toward improving your productivity. And reducing maintenance and fuel consumption go straight to your bottom line.

The right specifications will deliver the right truck. And isn’t that your goal? Take it in the proper order, get help from a pro, and you’ll be on the road to a more profitable future, confident your new Western Star truck will live up to its potential.