Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/445385
Model 325, 330, 337 The mid-range of Peterbilt's medi- um-duty lineup is versatility defined, according to Slavin. The Model 325 is a Class 5 truck (no CDL required) with a GVW of 19,500 lbs., the Model 330 is a Class 6 truck with a GVW of 26,000 lbs. and the Model 337 is a Class 7 truck or tractor with a GVW up to 33,000 lbs. "The breadth of our product line here really allows us to meet the needs of the urban delivery customer, such as the beverage hauler or the parcel delivery customer, or other applications such as utilities or vehicle recovery," says Slavin. "The visibility and driver comfort features — specifically designed to minimize driver fatigue — really appeal to this market." Since nearly all Model 330s and many Model 337s go straight from the Peterbilt factory to a body outfitter, Peterbilt has worked closely with body builders to ensure the chassis they deliver are install-ready. "The chassis of these trucks can be spec'ed in 1-inch increments, so the body builders can get any length they need for the bodies they'll install," says Chowaniec. "We'll also do whatever we can to customize the layout of the tanks or the battery boxes. "We've heard from several body builders that they prefer to build on our chassis. There are no holes there that aren't there for a pur- pose. Plus the wiring harnesses all run down one side of the frame, which makes it easier to reroute wiring if it should ever be necessary." Both PX-7 and PX-9 engines are avail- able for these Peterbilt models, as well as a variety of transmission choices. "Just tell us what you need a truck to do, and we'll spec a truck that can do it," says Chowaniec. Model 348 Have a heavier-duty application that isn't quite heavy enough for a Class 8? The Model 348 can be spec'ed for water tanks, dump bodies or as a tractor. "The Model 348 is the right call for the customer who might be hauling a heavier load, but not pulling grades or over long distances," says Slavin. "It's a niche prod- uct that fits a lot of niches — perfect for utilities if they're putting poles in, for example, and they need a heavier front axle and some higher horsepower." The PX-7 and PX-9 engines are avail- able for the Model 348, and Chowaniec notes that Peterbilt's successful natu- ral-gas platform, featuring the Cummins ISL-G engine, is available for order now with the Models 348 and 337 and delivery will begin in February. "That's the biggest thing on our hori- zon," says Chowaniec. "Many customers have asked for it." Family Values The Peterbilt medium-duty lineup shares a couple of key attributes — durability and residual value — with its Class 8 brethren. Peterbilt tracks annual registration of medium-duty trucks in the United States. And the numbers show that a higher percentage of working Peterbilts are re-registered every year than any other brand, according the Peterbilt National Medium-Duty Sales Director Scott Chowaniec. Additionally, National Automobile Dealers Association figures show that among comparable medium-duty products of like age and mileage, the typical Peterbilt truck returns between $2,000 and $7,500 more in resale than competitor trucks. "We can customize that residual into a lease equation for any customer, if that better suits their needs," notes Chowaniec. FIRST CLASS l 19 Model 337 Model 348 FC