Kenworth W990 Review and overview 2020 

100% agree John! Sharp looking, and modern. :D

We all have a trucker inside, right? :D

@@KenworthofRichfield My dad drove a truck,...I most likely got it from him!

They're definitely a lot more comfortable and quite a bit better to drive now. :D

I'm not a trucker, but what I don't get is why these expensive machines have such seemingly outdated technology. You can get full LED lights or projectors on just about any car today, that have far superior cutoff with way higher lumen than incandescent... so if you can do that on a $20-30K vehicle, why not a rig? A Ram 1500 also spends days testing on computer simulations and simulators to make the shape aerodynamic, but it appears that aerodynamics aren't even an afterthought on this vehicle. I don't think we're ready for electric yet technology wise, but at least the Tesla semi seems to try to modernize the design.

@@BoopSnootThe market for this truck is not the super aero segment. The T680 fills that spot. You may not care for it, but Kenworth lad the way for Aero in 1985 with the introduction of the T600 which most people hated. This truck is to appeal to those who like the more classic styling. Whether it hits the mark or not will be determined.

@@scottcurry479 Why does a market exist for a work vehicle whose purpose is utility primarily on interstate highways that would not factor in aerodynamics? Efficiency is money in your pocket, regardless of how you feel about the environment and how it reduces pollution as well, all else equal. At highway speeds, rolling resistance and internal friction is usually no more than 40% of the energy requirement, with most being fighting drag at steady speed. Even the mirrors should really be replaced by cameras IMO, and trailer side and rear skirts should really be mandatory.

, everything you say about efficiency is correct. but, to answer your question, it exists because people WANT a classic style truck. If it were about efficiency, why does Kenworth still make the W9 34 years after the introduction of the T600? Because people want it/

@@scottcurry479 Eh, personally I just don't think that aesthetics and retro should apply with industrial equipment where it makes such a big impact... Just one inefficient rig kind of negates 50 people in their Prius, and explains why many government start implementing heavy fuel taxes to force operators to rethink efficiency. Then again, maybe it doesn't much matter if its low speed hauling of lumber down fire roads or something. Although speaking of efficiency, having so many owner-operator vehicles is in itself massively inefficient. You can't really standardize all your employees on one software interface for computer networked drop offs and deliveries, so end up requiring far too many people with far too much down-time. I think automation is going to change all of that soon, where it'll just be the large companies running coordinated fleets, many of which will likely travel as large "road trains" drafting each other inches apart and splitting off as needed and joining other convoy "road trains" in a coordinated fashion, running 24x7x365. They may still have a "trucker" onboard, but is likely then able to do administrative tasks 99% of the time instead, reducing overhead.

Definitely true! modern, but pays homage. Thanks for watching John!

We have one here if you're ready. :D

We've had 4 or 5 trucks with this paint recently for exactly that reason!

The Sparkling Blue looks awesome as well.

We agree and thank you!!!!!

Yes I disagree. It is a beautiful FAIL!!!

@@1965Gindy Did you realize that it's not 1970 anymore? :D We love the classics. We also realize that time and technology have improved since the 70's. Go ahead.....ask your Speak and Spell about it...

Kenworth of Richfield yeah I think I'm aware. Why do you think I'm depressed

It really is a great truck.

Can understand the comment, but these actually do a really good job with the light. Stop by and we can show you!

@@KenworthofRichfield If you buy a w900 you get the old school headlights. I replaced mine with LED and I am very happy.

No truck needs projection light unless you like spending more money for lights that will do the same as the ones there. I can get 10,000 lumes does not mean it is.

Yea id prefer the led headlights myself and I love the look of the old style headlights as well

Agreed Wayne

Thanks Frosty!

@@KenworthofRichfield I've heard guys say on Facebook truck forums that once you drive a W990,you may not want to get back in a W900! That doesn't mean I don't like the classic looks of the W900,....I still do,...but I think the W990 is a nicer truck IMO!

John, It's actually the same as the T680 in terms of height. In this, Kenworth just did release an option that lowers the front end a little over 2" which helps to get things down.

Right on, car hauler frontend and AG400L rears will be a sweet combination.

@@johnrusselllubo I like that idea.....

I'm pondering doing a bit of a follow up on it this week. Kinda ran out of time on it. Look for a live stream of it shit week hopefully. :D

Thanks Jason. Definitely is a looker.

What would you like to see for the headlights? I may have an answer as to what why it is the way it is.

I would like the high power blinding lights. Personally. They made those lights for safety I am sure. Only 4 wheelers can blind people. Would be interested in your answer. Love your channel and the info you pass along.

@@jasonbrazil4532 Thanks Jason! They went with Halogens for the reasons of durability and ease of replacement while on the road. LED's still have some bugs to be worked out before they are ready for the big time in a truck. In that, have you run these lights? I think that they've got a great pattern and work pretty well from what I've seen of them. Definitely better than the old school lights for sure.

Thanks Ken!!!! There's actually plenty of space for air to get in there with the side panels. On top of that, take a peek at the turbo inlet size and you'll see that there's plenty of room. :D

Unfortunately, there isn't a couch option in the W990. The passenger seat swivels around to the table in the bunk though which to me, is a ton more useful than the couch. You never have to eat in your lap again. :D

You can order it with a 9,10,13,15 & 18 spd. Allison and the Paccar 12 spd are other options as well.

It's a great looking truck when you get close. :D No blind spot difference with the stacks and they hug tight to the truck. :D I've been looking at fog machines actually....

We're between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.........USA. :D

We can order you one like that, yes.

It's definitely a nice looking truck I think? :D

It does not come with the studio, but the 76" sleeper makes great use of the space!

We happen to agree!!!

it's got a "W" at the beginning. It seems like the aftermarket heard you loud and clear and I see stuff like that coming shortly.

I believe that the drivers stack is a dummy....but not 100% for sure on this. The passenger stack is for sure hooked up.

@@KenworthofRichfield thanks for getting back to me on this. I've sub since day 25 lol and I really appreciate the info you give on each truck. I'm just waiting on hitting the lottery and I'll definitely be up there to buy your trucks...lol.. thx bud and keep'em coming....

@@W96NZ Thank you for coming along for the ride!!!! Keep playing that lottery! :D

I know the trucks at MATS didn't have the drivers side connected.

@@waynenorbreyjr9371 thanks man, not sure why they have it like that, not sure if it has something to do with emissions, still would definitely get the truck and fix that problem...Beautiful truck though....

It really depends on what you're doing with/hauling with it. Where, how you drive, etc will all come into play. If you're looking to make the most money, the T680 is the way to go. Definitely the most fuel efficient and it's a bit less expensive than the others to begin with.

Kenworth of Richfield good to know, thx!

The 76" mid roof is the largest one.

Quite simply, it's the cab construction. The 2.1m cab will not mate up with the studio sleeper.

Daniel Aguirre I can understand how’d you’d say that if you haven’t been next to this truck...or if you were a pirate with an eye patch...or Stevie Wonder :)

@@KenworthofRichfield I did a collage photo back when you did the video when the W990's had stopped by your dealership and I took the 3 trucks people have been claiming that it looks like and you can see the difference between the 4 of them. I think Jim Parks from Today's Trucking should do a video on that. Get the W990, International 9900, Western Star and Freightliner Coronado all together and let's see.

@@KenworthofRichfield I'm going to email you that collage I did of the W990 and the trucks people are claiming it looks like.

Wayne Norbrey, Jr. I agree. Myself and many others expected more from KW and it's going to take more than a salesman to change my mind.

Hahaha yeah and even call it a 990 bahaha hahaha Kenternational indeed exact same roof even

Thanks Amy. I happen to agree with you.

This has it's own, separate niche as I mentioned in the video. :D

Yes sir.... definitely

It sure does. I wanted to cover that in this one, but wanted to keep it to less than a 60 minute film. lol

So far, we've gotten a lot of great feedback on it. Go see one up close. It's a great looking truck.

The 76" is the biggest sleeper that you can get on this truck.

@@KenworthofRichfield okay cool thank you

The 76" sleeper makes a better use of the space than the 86" in my opinion. You don't have as much floor space, but there's so much more storage and usable room....plus, with the passenger seat being able to turn around, it makes a huge difference.

@@KenworthofRichfield oh ok cool so it's really just like the 680 with table that comes out behind the passenger seat ?

@@Trucklifelu77 YUP!!!

@@KenworthofRichfield 10-4

If you want fuel mileage, the Kenworth T680 is the way to go! We have a number of those hitting the ground here soon, so make sure that you're subscribed.

379 Pete my 98 average 10mpg and it's a flattop pulling reefer

Haven't seen it....but I'll have to go take a peek online. :D

It should be lighter than a W900 and that would depend upon how it's spec'd. The 2.1 meter cab is suppose to be lighter than the 1.9 meter cab. I know there's definitely a difference between the cabs cause we have 2 trucks that are almost the same spec, just a different cab and lift axles and the 1.9 meter cab is 1000 lbs or so more than the truck with the 2.1 meter cab.

The one truck that was at MATS, the Blue and Black one weighed 18,745 lbs If I'm not mistaken as its factory tare weight.

Engineered weight on this one is 18,434lbs. A 72" flat top W900 that we have here is 18,405....so the W990 does end up being a bit lighter....especially if you go with the studio. The couch has been replaced by the swivel passenger seat. It's nice to have the option of a table in the truck instead of having to eat your dinner in your lap. :D

We can help you with this.....

You and me both on both parts.

Thanks Aaron!!!

They will never..that is their flag ship vehicle. just like GM and Caddy.

Word from local Kenworth is around the next 5 years or so and w900 will be no more. 389 to follow. The days of long nose trucks are gone.

Fukn international...passss

It was very different than what I expected honestly. The ride was super smooth for being bobtail. It's super smooth like a W900, but has that tight feeling of the T680/880 chassis. It really is a totally different truck than any of them. These elements of all of them in it and it seems like they took the best of each.

@@KenworthofRichfieldThat's the World's Best for ya!

We happen to agree!

I don't have a weight on it with full tanks, but it's 18,700 was the factory scaled weight without fuel or driver.

Rough estimate is 20,300

Totoyo.....I get it with the headlights, but the new design does a great job of getting light down the road. The 76 in sleeper doen't have the same amount of floor space as the 86" studio, but it does make a lot better use of the space that it has inside the cab.

We've been spec'ing them more and more...and it's per customer request. People that are switching to them, are really starting to see the benefits from them.

Good points, but I feel like I didn't want it to take too long. Those items have been around for a while, but are definitely still worth covering. For your information, all disc brakes, no real major lighting, and it's got the AG400 8 bag suspension. What else ya wanna know? I'm happy to answer. :D

Another side note, Mr. Duncan told me that the exterior light package that was on the touring W990's is going to be available through Paccar Parts as a accessory.

Maybe a W990 video part 2?

We do also Eric

I mentioned it in there, but rather than making you watch me all over again, 565hp and 1850 ft lbs. :D

Tony mmm 565 hp

Get the light leading the way into the night!

It definitely looks nice!

As it sits, $172k, but we can figure out how to make it work for you .

Unfortunately, you cannot get this as a glider. Kenworth has actually discontinued doing gliders.