Freightliner Coronado SD 122 Buying Used

In the global heavy-duty truck arena, Freightliner’s Coronado SD 122 competed directly with another Daimler stablemate, the Western Star 4900. Perhaps not surprisingly, the demise of extra-heavy-duty variants from Freightliner’s current model line-up was inevitable.

Nevertheless, interest in Freightliner’s Coronado SD 122 has not waned. It’s a model still sought after by long-distance linehaul operators, primarily because of some of its unique nuances.

The Australian Coronado variant differs vastly from the American model. In fact, it is primarily an amalgamation of the best features from three different overseas models combined to make one severe-duty truck for Australia, hence the SD acronym.

Firstly, the set-back front axle option, similar to Kenworth’s T659 model, provides a tighter turning circle than the set-forward variant. But importantly for the Coronado SD 122, it enabled engineers to lower the radiator position, which then allowed for a lower bonnet line which provided drivers with an increased field of vision.

Australian models had their cabins raised 50mm higher to allow easier access for hot air to escape from the engine bay and beneath the cabin floor.

This design step was critical to extending engine life, given the enormous heat generated by EGR engines. Furthermore, the reduction in heat transfer to the cabin significantly improved driver comfort, especially for two-up driving operations where the sleeper is occupied while the vehicle is driven.

Importantly, the Coronado SD 122 was fully customisable. Operators had a choice of engines, from the ‘in-house’ Detroit Diesel DD15, with power outputs starting at 500hp through to 560hp (373kW to 417kW). Alternatively, the highly regarded Cummins ISX 15-litre engine has a broader range of power offerings from 485hp to 600hp (361kW to 447kW).

One crucial point buyers will find helpful is that horsepower outputs are electronically upgradeable to the maximum ratings without requiring additional hardware, with either the Detroit Diesel or Cummins engine option.

The long list of options continues throughout the driveline with a wide choice of transmissions, rear axles and suspensions. When Eaton’s Ultrashift option is selected, it includes Freightliner’s Smart Shift paddle shifter.

The one-piece bonnet lifts smoothly and opens 90 degrees to allow generous access to the engine bay. The bonnet also houses dual air pre-cleaners on either side, protected by chrome surrounds to minimise the quantity of dust and water entering the bonnet plenum. This then slows the airflow to eject water and dust further, so that only dry air reaches the actual engine air cleaner, extending its effective lifespan.

In addition to improving the bonnet’s aerodynamics, the Coronado’s air intake system is more efficient than older-style external air cleaners.

The Coronado SD 122 boasts a large 1900-square-inch radiator (12,258 square centimetres). Furthermore, the radiator is mounted directly to the engine. This design allows the shroud to efficiently draw heated air out of the radiator and direct it out of the engine compartment.

The Severe Duty Coronado has huck-bolted double chassis rails and heavy-duty axles, from Meritor RT46-160GO through to Meritor RT52-380GP, and suspension option like Hendrickson PRIMAAX EX-460, Freightliner TufTrac, or Neway AD-246 to boost the GCM rating to 140 tonnes.

For improved steering feedback and feel, the Coronado SD 122 features twin steering boxes, one on each side. This style of steering installation was first pioneered on earlier Century Class models. The 50-degree wheel cut is well suited for trucks operating in heavy-duty applications.

Ancillary items are positioned with care to ensure that axle weights are not exceeded, particularly over the steer axle.

One example of this effective positioning of ancillary items is the location of the batteries. The battery box is located under the left-hand step on day-cabin variants and models fitted with either the 34-inch or 48-inch sleepers. While on all other models, the battery box is mounted in the chassis rails ahead of the first drive axle.

The cabin is mounted on ‘pillow blocks’ to create the additional 50mm of clearance, which significantly aids airflow and provides extra insulation from road shocks for the occupants.

Importantly, the Freightliner designers made the most of the raised cab height and bonneted design to include a completely flat floor. This raised floor indeed makes moving around the cab and into the sleeper very easy. Furthermore, drivers can stand upright without feeling like they’re on a balance beam.

Other enhancements include better connections and seals of both the electrical and airlines running into the cabin. Consequently, this significantly reduced the amount of dust, noise and vibration getting into the cab.

When you first climb up into the cabin of a Coronado SD 122, you immediately know you’ve stepped into Freightliner’s premium flagship model. The interior is both comfortable yet functional, with a blend of studded vinyl and hard-wearing cloth trim.

The dash panels are constructed from tough, injection-moulded plastics. The trim features Oregon burl wood and accents.

The dash panel consists of the ICU4M Driver Message Centre (DMC) with a 2 x 20 display, keypad and ivory-coloured face gauges for easy reading in all light conditions.

When it comes to seating in the Coronado SD 122, both the driver and passenger enjoy the premium-spec Ezy-Rider II air-suspension units that include lumbar support. Undoubtedly, this is a bonus for operators on rough dirt roads or some of the nation’s significant highways, where repairs have not kept pace with corrugations and potholes.

The driver comforts extend to power windows on both doors, central locking and power adjustment of the Aero-style door mirrors. At the same time, all the controls are mounted on the door for ease of access.

The air-conditioning is car-like with multiple outlets that offer a wide adjustment range. This then allows the driver and passenger to personalise their airflow better. Meantime there are also large outlets and controls in the integrated sleeper to further control airflow.

While on the subject of the sleeper, it also includes sound-deadening materials built into the floor, walls and roof as standard, for improved rest conditions. Undoubtedly, a welcome feature for two-up operations. The cabin and sleeper are flush-fitted to reduce further noise and dust getting in.

Inside the sleeper, the Coronado SD 122 offered home-away-from-home luxuries. Which includes a second bunk, clothing racks, a pull-out tray for completing paperwork and storage space under the bunk.

The two-piece windscreen curves around to meet the A-pillar. It has a 24-degree slope to help overcome wind resistance and improve fuel economy. The two-piece windscreen also reduces windscreen replacement costs.

Like all Freightliner models, the outer skin of the cabin is made from high-strength aluminium. This lightweight metal not only reduces the overall and tare weight of the structure, but it also means the Coronado SD 122 meets the current European crash-test criteria.

The double-sealed doors also make use of aluminium skins with steel reinforcing for improved rigidity. This form of construction dramatically reduces mirror shake and keeps the door weight as low as possible.

Price-wise, you can pick up a 10-year-old day-cab Coronado SD 122 prime mover with approximately 1.2 million kilometres for as little as $35K. However, for a later model with a sleeper you should be prepared to pay a little more, with prices ranging from $65K to $100K for a five-year-old model.

While it is sound advice to explore the service history of any used vehicle, you may get a pleasant surprise when researching a Coronado. Because Freightliner offers excellent service maintenance packages, many fleets took up this option. Therefore, a Freightliner-supported used Coronado with impeccable service history is undoubtedly a vehicle worth considering.

And it may be well worth your while to enquire about continuing the service maintenance arrangement with Freightliner to keep your used Coronado in top shape.

Freightliner Coronado SD 122 specs:
Model: Coronado SD 122 6x4
Engine: Cummins ISX
Horsepower: 600hp (448kW) at 1800rpm
Torque: 2050lb/ft (2780Nm) at 1100rpm
Air-cleaner: Donaldson Powercore with dual pre-cleaners
Engine fan: Borg Warner Viscous Fan Clutch
Retarder: Integrated Jacobs Engine Brake
Gearbox: Eaton Ultrashift 18-speed with Smartshift Paddle
Fuel tanks: Polished alloy
Front axle: Meritor MFS16-122A
Front suspension: Parabolic taper leaf springs
Steering: TRW THP60 + RCH45
Driveline: Meritor RPL 25SD & RPL20
Rear axles: Meritor RT52-160GP with DCDL
Rear axle Ratio: 4.33
Rear suspension: Hendrickson PRIMAAX EX460
Brakes: Meritor S-Cam with Wabco ABS
Safety: Traction control via ABS/RSC
Bumper : Polished Texas (FUP compliant)
Interior: Vinyl trim with burl woodgrain dash
Seats: Xtreme HD high-back
Batteries: 4 x 12V Single outboard box LHS
Instruments: Driver Message Centre with 2 x 20 ivory face gauges and keypad