Kenworth T800

Kenworth T800: Vocational Specs and Features

Since its launch in 1986, the Kenworth T800 earned its reputation as one of the toughest vocational trucks ever built. In its final production as of 2026, The T800 will always be one of Kenworth’s most dependable Class 8 workhorses both on and off the road. From towing heavy freight to delivering gravel at a jobsite, the T800 hauls it all with strength and durability. 

Kenworth T800 Specifications

Engine & Powertrain Options (Late Models)

• Cummins X15: 400 to 605 horsepower, 1,450 to 2,050 lb-ft of torque 
• PACCAR MX-13: 405 to 510 horsepower, 1,550 to 1,850 lb-ft of torque 
• Transmissions: Manual Eaton-Fuller 10, 13, or 18-speed options

Axle & Weight Ratings

• Front Axle Capacity: 12,000 lbs up to 20,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
• Rear Axle Capacity: Single or tandem/trident setups up to 46,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
• GVWR: Up to 92,000 lbs standard/heavy vocational.
• GCWR: Up to 250,000 lbs for heavy-haul applications.

Kenworth T800 Features

Versatile Application Usage

The Kenworth T800 was made to tackle jobs that many trucks simply couldn’t. Whether traveling on paved highways, through rough construction sites, or on remote logging roads, its rugged chassis, customizable wheelbases, and numerous axle configurations allowed fleets to build a truck specifically for their operation.

Popular T800 applications includes:

• Equipment Hauling
• Dump Trucks
• Heavy Haul
• Lowboy Trailers
• Logging
• Tankers
• Concrete Mixers
• Snow Plows
• Oil & Gas
• Municipal Fleets
• Crane Trucks

Extreme Durability

For severe-duty applications, heavy-duty frame rails and vocational suspensions thrive where performance matters most. Heat-treated 120,000 PSI steel frame rails and walking-beam suspensions absorb the dips and bumps of off-road jobsites.

Whether hauling construction materials or pulling oversized loads across the country, the T800 became known for its exceptional reliability and extended service life. Many of the trucks built decades ago are still working hard today, which is a true testament to the engineering that originally made the T800 famous.

Improved Visibility and Productivity

One of the main characteristics of the T800 is its distinctive sloped hood. Unlike traditional long-hood vocational trucks, the sloped hood design provides outstanding forward visibility as well as easy engine access for maintenance. Sloped hood features include:

• Improved Visibility: Cuts down front blind spots
• Better Aerodynamics: Reduces drag and improves overall fuel economy
• Jobsite Safety: Makes navigating busy intersections, crowded construction sites, and tight loading zones much safer
• Easier Maneuverability: Tight wheel cut to make traveling cramped off-road and urban environments stress-free

Kenworth T800W

For the toughest jobs, Kenworth designed the T800W, a wide-hood version of the T800. Engineered specifically for high-horsepower, severe-duty applications, the Kenworth T800W features a wider hood and larger cooling package capable of handling demanding operating conditions.

Kenworth T800W features includes:

• Heavy-haul configurations and extreme off-road environments
• Wide, sloped hood
• Up to 1,780 sq. in. radiator
• Maximum cooling capacity
• Support for Cummins X15 engines, up to 605 HP

The Kenworth T800W’s increased cooling capacity made it a popular choice for heavy-haul fleets operating in the western United States, Canada, and other demanding environments where high-horsepower engines regularly pull extreme loads. 

Kenworth T800 vs. T880

Kenworth T800 FAQs

What replaced the Kenworth T800?

The Kenworth T880 became the primary successor to the T800 for many vocational applications. Introduced in 2013, the T880 features a modern 2.1-meter cab, updated technology, improved visibility, and extensive chassis configurations for construction, heavy-haul, refuse, municipal, and other vocational applications.

What is the difference between the Kenworth T800 and T800W?

The main difference between both models is the hood and cooling package. The T800 features a narrower hood, while the T800W has a wider hood and larger cooling system made for demanding heavy-haul and severe-duty applications.

What is the difference between the Kenworth T800 and T880?

The T800 is a legacy vocational truck platform known for its durable construction and extensive customization options. Conversely, the T880 features a roomier 2.1-meter cab, updated technology, better visibility, and modern vocational configurations.

Is the Kenworth T800 still made?

Kenworth announced they’ve discontinued its T800W wide-hood model as the company has decided to transition away from its legacy 1.9-meter-cab Class 8 trucks. The T880 and other modern Kenworth vocational models now serve many of the applications historically handled by the T800.

T800

For any business that demands versatility, strength, and reliability, the Kenworth T800 gets the job done. Made for on- and off-road work, the T800 gives drivers the all-in-one-package. From performance to comfort and productivity, this is “The World’s Best” solution for heavy-duty jobs.

Learn more about the T800’s replacement — the Kenworth T880!

See all Kenworth T800 trucks in stock!

Download Kenworth T800 Truck Brochure
Descargar el folleto del camión Kenworth T800