The Ultimate Off-Road Beast
Not every load originates from a warehouse or shipping yard. Sometimes, a driver must go to a different location to pick up a load, which can require traveling off-road. Few trucks can handle those types of conditions and abnormally large loads — except the Kenworth C500. In fact, this truck handles off-road terrain and hauls the heaviest cargo with ease. Even though Kenworth ended C500 production in 2026, drivers will always seek out this model for its iconic rugged design.
Specifications
Standard Engine / Powertrain
- PACCAR MX-13 or MX-11 Engine
405 – 565 HP
12.9 – 10.8 Liter
1,450 – 1,850 lb-ft of Torque - PACCAR TX-12 Automated Transmission
- PACCAR DX-60 Tandem Axle
Transmission Options
- Eaton Fuller 18-Speed Manual Transmission
- Allison Automatic Transmission
- UltraShift Plus Automated Manual Transmission
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Key Features and Updates
Frame and Axle Capabilities
“Extreme Frame Options: For the most severe applications, the C500 can be configured with a full-length, double-bolted double frame rail. For the absolute heaviest loads, a triple frame option is available, creating an unyielding foundation of pure strength.”
“Massive Axle Capacities: The C500 is built to carry the world on its shoulders. It can be specified with heavy-duty front steer axles rated up to 25,000 pounds. The rear drive axle configurations are even more impressive, with tandem (two-axle), tridem (three-axle), and even quad-axle setups available with capacities soaring well over 100,000 pounds. For maximum pulling power in low-traction environments, planetary hub reduction axles are available to deliver incredible torque directly to the wheels.”
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Cab Options
The C500 has multiple cab options to fit your exact application needs. It comes available with the standard cab, the 42” FlatTop sleeper, as well as the extended day cab, and the 38” AeroCab FlatTop Sleeper.
Extended Day Cab
- Additional cab length and enhanced driver comfort
- 6 inches of increased belly room and 5 inches of increased head room
- Seat reclines up to 21 degrees; 17 degrees at max rear slide position
- Over an additional 2 cubic feet of in-cab storage
- Increased space for outerwear, safety equipment, and record keeping materials specific to application
38” AeroCab Flattop Sleeper
- Ideal for vocational operations requiring a highly maneuverable truck with more versatility than a day cab can provide
- Structure: aluminum and fiberglass construction
- Compact with plenty of headroom
- Liftable bunk with a 24 in. x 78 in. tilt up mattress, over-and-under bunk storage, a full headliner, insulated rubber floor mats, vented access doors, swivel reading light, lockable luggage compartments and a separate sleeper control console
- Available with Splendor interior and the cab is available with either Diamond or Splendor interior
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Two New Hoods and a Larger Cooling Module
Two new hoods, which include wide glass and sheet metal options, accommodate the 1,780 square inch cooling module that allows gives a higher cooling capacity. Improved cooling capacity increases the vehicle’s stationary horsepower capability to 600 horsepower and Gross Combination Weights without application approval up to 200,000 pounds.
Additionally, the larger cooling module reduces the overall weight of the vehicle as well as increases air flow. All C500 models use these modules, whether equipped with glass or sheet metal hoods. Plus, they work with the optional front engine power take-off (FEPTO).
C500
Even with its large size and heavy duty equipment, these trucks are not difficult to drive, on the road or off. “Unlike more mainstream Kenworth models like the W900 or T800, the C500 is a purpose-built workhorse made to handle the harshest conditions worldwide, offering a gross combination weight rating of up to one million pounds in specialty heavy-haul applications and operating in locations and conditions where no other commercially available truck can.” (Source) From 1972 to now, the C500 is — and always will be — one of the toughest vocational trucks in the industry.