10 Things You Didn't Know About The Kenworth W900
Discover 10 surprising facts about the Kenworth W900, from its iconic design to modern tech. Keep your W900 running strong with EIP Diesel Repair.
From its iconic long nose to the polished chrome finishes, the Kenworth W900 is a dream for truckers who love traditional styling. But don't let that classic look fool you; this rig has modern amenities and advanced tech, making it a joy to drive. It features an ergonomic interior with spacious sleeper options, giving you a home-away-from-home feeling. Its impressive power options offer flexibility for long-hauls and heavy payloads. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Kenworth W900.
- The Kenworth Iconic Design
Introduced in 1961, the Kenworth W900 has become an iconic symbol of American trucks, known for its long-nose style. The Kenworth W900’s iconic design has variants such as the W900A, W900B, and W900L, with the 'L' indicating a longer version. This iconic design has appeared in film and TV. It has been featured in various films and TV shows, perhaps the most famous being the truck driven by the protagonist in the 1977 film "Smokey and the Bandit II." It has become an icon of popular culture beyond film and TV. The W900 has been replicated in various forms, from toy models to video games, making it a true cultural icon.
- Built for Customization
Many owners customize their W900s with chrome, paint jobs, and other aftermarket additions, making each truck uniquely express its owner's preferences. The W900 is known for its durability and long lifespan. Many units from the '70s and '80s are still on the road today. You can start with simple additions to make your Kenworth unique to you. Some options include:
- Decorative stainless steel eyebrows over headlights
- Cowl-mounted stainless steel air cleaners
- The hood ornament, located right behind the fenders
- Traction-grip diamond plate steps that are lightweight and resist corrosion.
- Rectangular horns and marker lights; painted, fiberglass or stainless steel sunvisor.
- Kenworth-built polished aluminum fuel tanks
- Stainless steel quarter fenders
- Slotted Kenworth Stylized II wheels: machined finish, polished, and Dura-Bright
- A rectangular Texas-style chromed steel bumper
- Powerful Engines
The W900 has been available with various engines, including those from Cummins and PACCAR, allowing it to handle the heavy demands of long-haul trucking. Engineered for longevity and efficiency, this robust motor is designed to tackle even the most challenging hauls, making the W900 a go-to choice for serious truckers.
- Studio Sleeper
The W900 offers the Studio Sleeper option (also called the AeroCab), which provides luxury living quarters for long-haul truckers. It includes high-quality amenities and comforts similar to an RV.
The Studio Sleeper includes gracious headroom. The interior has a full-door closet, a cabinet with two shelves, a desk, and a 42-inch mattress. You can add options like a fold-out sofa bed, side and rear picture windows, and a TV mounting package or refrigerator/freezer.
- Air Suspension
The Kenworth AG400L tandem rear suspension is an option on the W900, which provides a smooth ride, reducing cargo damage and increasing driver comfort. Built for durability and comfort, it often features air-ride technology that smooths out even the roughest terrains. It's engineered to provide excellent load-carrying capacity while reducing driver fatigue, making long-haul journeys more comfortable and safe.
- Kenworth W900 Ergonomics
The Kenworth W900 has many applications that fit driver comfort. Ergonomic designs are implemented throughout the vehicle. The best example starts with the doors. These wide-opening doors have a large space for ease of entry. It has strong traction grip strengths and grab handles, and its spaciousness feels like entering a room. The Air cushion premium char has been sculpted for adjustability to fit every person’s preferred sitting or driving position. The Kenworth W900 has also designed the smallest details tailored for ergonomic comfort, like the cupholders. The center console now features two 12-volt outlets and perfectly fits cups.
- Heavy-Duty Support
With a Kenworth W900, owners and operators can access heavy-duty support with the Kenworth Premier Care. By calling 1-800-KW-Assist, owners in United States and Canada can receive answers from their hotline. All calls and problems will be logged by their customer center representative to ensure that your problem gets resolved right away. In addition, other services include access to PremierCare preventative maintenance and maintenance manager.
- Environmental Consciousness
Kenworth is stepping up its game in environmental responsibility, offering greener options like natural gas engines and electric drivetrains in select models. Newer models of the W900 are designed to meet stringent emissions regulations, ensuring they are powerful and environmentally friendly. The company's focus on aerodynamic design and fuel-efficient technology also contribute to reduced emissions, making Kenworth a choice for eco-conscious truckers.
- Eaton Fuller Transmissions
Many W900 trucks are equipped with Eaton Fuller transmissions, known for their durability and ease of use. The Eaton Fuller transmission offers smooth, efficient shifting that maximizes fuel economy and enhances performance. Known for its low maintenance needs, this transmission is a trusted choice for truckers who demand reliability on the road.
- Driver Technologies
The W900 features modern driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and side object detection. Other features include a safety features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and lane departure warnings in various models. With twin steering configuration, your Kenworth W900 has specialized applications that provide better weight distribution and stability for certain heavy loads.
Contact Us Today
Don't compromise the performance of your Kenworth W900—trust the experts at EIP Diesel Repair to keep your rig at peak efficiency. From routine maintenance to complex engine issues, we've got you covered. Book an appointment today to ensure your Kenworth W900 stays the workhorse it was designed to be. Get back on the road with confidence, courtesy of EIP Diesel Repair.
