386 Specs
ENGINE: Caterpillar C15 or Cummins ISX
TRANSMISSION: Eaton manuals and the two-pedal Eaton UltraShift
CAB: High or low roof; 48-inch, 63-inch and 70-inch sleeper
Peterbilt’s new Model 386 offers improved fuel economy over the model it will replace, the 120-inch 385.
The truck was introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. It can be configured as a daycab or with the full range of Peterbilt Unibilt sleepers, which can later be detached from the cab, says Peterbilt General Manager Dan Sobic. Peterbilt’s premium aerodynamic truck, the 387, has an integrated sleeper.
The 386 offers 10 percent better aerodynamics than the 385, says Chief Engineer Craig Brewster.
“This results in approximately a 3/10 of a mile per gallon increase in fuel economy – a considerable amount,” he says. The aero improvements were achieved by “a contoured sun visor, side chassis fairings, dramatically sloped hood, integrated headlamps, swept-back fender design and form-fitted bumper.”
Brewster says the 386’s bumper is made of Metton, an advanced composite material that is 60 percent lighter than steel, yet highly durable.
The 386’s chassis design allows for a lower radiator mounting and easier under-hood access. A new front axle position contributes to improved weight loading capabilities and allows for a shorter wheelbase that, when combined with the 50- degree wheel cut, reduces the wall-to-wall turning radius by 12 inches.
Production of the 385 will phase out as the 386 begins production in July.
