Posted 2008-04-28 8:26 AM (#82715) Subject: Sterling Bullet Tow Vehicle
Regular
Posts: 95 Location: Nashville, TN
Would like some insight or feedback from anyone that has purchased a Sterling Bullet as a tow vehicle. I am interested in this new cab/chassis model for adding a flatbed. They are available in the 450/550 model size and have what appears to be a nice combination of Cummins engine, Mercedes manual transmission coupled with a 4:10 rear end that should get pretty decent mileage.
Posted 2008-04-28 12:30 PM (#82736 - in reply to #82715) Subject: RE: Sterling Bullet Tow Vehicle
Veteran
Posts: 142 Location: KY
Look for reviews on Dodge 4500/5500 its the same thing Chrysler owns Sterling and the Bullet is nothing more than a Ram with a different grill and badging. Most likely you can buy the Dodge cheaper.
Posted 2008-04-28 3:36 PM (#82745 - in reply to #82715) Subject: RE: Sterling Bullet Tow Vehicle
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Denton,Texas
Actually Daimler owns Sterling and they will be priced competitevly but you will be able to get your Bullet worked on at Freightliner dealerships by regular diesel mechanics and most of them are open 24/7 that could come in handy on a weekend or middle of the night if you are on the road alot.
Posted 2008-04-29 12:06 AM (#82777 - in reply to #82715) Subject: RE: Sterling Bullet Tow Vehicle
Member
Posts: 49 Location: Decatur, Texas
You will be able to take either truck to Dodge or Freightline to get service work done!
Mileage with that set up! GOOD LUCK! I have the same exact setup in a 2007 Dodge 3500 cab-n -chassis with a CM hauler bed, and of course I did not buy it for the fuel mileage. If I drive it with the cruise control set a 65 to 70 I can get around 14mpg , if I drive it like I just stole it, 12 is it! Loaded no matter how I drive it around 11 all day long. But I only have 15-k miles on my so far and LOVE EVERY MILE!
Posted 2008-04-30 9:43 AM (#82841 - in reply to #82715) Subject: RE: Sterling Bullet Tow Vehicle
Regular
Posts: 95 Location: Nashville, TN
Rockin,
Do you have the auto or the 6 spd? I know it sounds crazy but I really prefer a manual in order to better manage whatever I am towing. How well does that engine brake work? I am disappointed to hear the mileage isn't better than that. I own a F250 with the 7.3L and it gets 16-17mpg nontow mode and around 12 mpg when towing.
I had a close call last month while towing and it has me really interested in a vehicle large enough to stop quick. The Sterling has the largest rotor surface of any vehicle in its class, along with disc brakes all the way around....combine that with an exhaust brake and a manual tranny and you should be able to get that thing stopped pretty quick.
Posted 2008-04-30 2:44 PM (#82857 - in reply to #82715) Subject: RE: Sterling Bullet Tow Vehicle
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Thought you said 6 speed MANUAL when I posted.The Sterling/Dodge will pull your old Powerstroke all around the school yard horsepower and torque wise.But it takes fuel to do such.To heck with a clutch and a manual tranny with the new Dodge or Aisin auto.
Sterling Bullet Tow Vehicle
