Western Star 49XHeavy-duty work, start to finish.
The 49X is Western Star’s heavy-duty vocational chassis, with up to 605 HP and 2,050 lb-ft, the 16-liter Detroit DD16 and a transmission rated to 330,000 lbs GCW. We put bodies on it here in Portsmouth and sell the finished truck. You get one truck and one sale, with chassis and body spec’d together.
- 605Max horsepower
- 2,050Max torque (lb-ft)
- 330KMax GCW (DT12-VX)
- 12L–16LEngines
49X factory specs
These are Western Star’s published numbers for the 49X chassis. The final spec depends on the body, axles and wheelbase we build around it.
| Engine displacement | 12L to 16L |
| Horsepower / torque | 350 HP / 1,350 lb-ft to 605 HP / 2,050 lb-ft |
| Bumper to back of cab | 121.5″ |
| Forward visibility* | 24.8′ |
| Air filtration efficiency & dust capacity | Excellent |
| Sleeper options | 36″ trench-style low roof; 36″, 48″, 60″ or 72″ mid roof; 72″ Stratosphere high roof |
| Turning radius (20-ft body) | 35.4′ |
*Forward visibility measured over the center of the hood. Turning radius shown with a 20-ft body.
The only 16-liter option
The Detroit DD16 is the industry’s only 16-liter engine, rated up to 600 HP and 2,050 lb-ft. Cummins X15 power goes to 605 HP.
Rock-Free Mode
Detroit’s DT12 vocational transmissions add Rock-Free Mode to help the 49X free itself when it’s wheel-stuck, plus Off-Road Mode for extreme terrain.
The biggest power in the X-Series
The 49X takes every engine in the X-Series lineup except the L9, from the DD13 up to the 16-liter DD16 and Cummins X15. It’s also the only X-Series truck offered with the DT12-VX extreme-duty automated manual.
DD13 Gen 5
- Power
- Up to 525 HP
- Torque
- Up to 1,850 lb-ft
DD15 Gen 5
- Power
- Up to 505 HP
- Torque
- Up to 1,850 lb-ft
DD16
- Power
- Up to 600 HP
- Torque
- Up to 2,050 lb-ft
X12
- Power
- Up to 500 HP
- Torque
- Up to 1,700 lb-ft
X15
- Power
- Up to 605 HP
- Torque
- Up to 2,050 lb-ft
Transmissions available on the 49X
| Transmission | Max input torque | GCW | PTO access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit DT12-VX Automated manual, extreme vocational | 2,500 lb-ft | 330,000 lbs* | Rear & bottom |
| Detroit DT12-V Automated manual, vocational | 2,250 lb-ft | 160,000 lbs* | Rear & bottom |
| Eaton Fuller Manual and automated manual | 1,650–2,250 lb-ft | 170,000 lbs** | Rear & side |
| Allison Automatic | 1,650–1,850 lb-ft | 170,000 lbs** | Rear & side |
*Application approval required over 160,000 lbs. **Application approval required over 170,000 lbs. DT12-V and DT12-VX add Off-Road Mode and Power Launch, and enable Adaptive Cruise to 0 MPH with Detroit Assurance.
Built to be bodied up
Western Star designed the X-Series chassis with body builders in mind. On a heavy build that means a stronger frame, more ways to package tanks and air, and an electrical system ready for complex body controls.
QuickFit electrical interface
Multiplexed electrical system with dedicated body-builder connectors, a TEM power distribution module and high-current power access. Body lighting connectors can sit back-of-cab or end-of-frame.
E-Vault + CHEC Tool
Control units live in an in-dash electronics vault. Western Star’s CHEC Tool lets us view and change programmable inputs, outputs and interlocks in minutes instead of rewiring.
PTO control logic
PTO programming is built into the chassis architecture. Engine-speed presets show in the Driver Command Center and can be changed from the steering wheel.
FlexPanel
A dedicated dash panel for body controls — room for up to 24 switches or 10 gauges — so control boxes don’t end up zip-tied between the seats.
Clean back-of-cab
Forward-mounted DEF tanks (8, 13 or 23 gal), an in-cab battery box and a relocated air dryer free up frame space for body mounts and subframes.
Routing that stays put
Air lines and harnesses are clipped off the frame to cut chafing and debris build-up. Class 10.9 fine-thread fasteners hold components to the rail.
Frame rail options
Single-channel rails in 265 mm and 285 mm heights. The 285 mm, 9.5 mm rail matches the 11 mm rail’s RBM rating while saving close to 100 lbs. Full parent-rail front frame extensions are available, so there’s no bolt-on extension to add later.
| Rail thickness | RBM (million in-lbs) |
|---|---|
| 8 mm | 1.8 |
| 9 mm | 2.0 |
| 9.5 mm | 2.5 |
| 11 mm | 2.5 |
| 13 mm | 3.2 |
| 15 mm | 3.8 |
| 13 mm + 6 mm insert | 4.5 |
| 15 mm + 9 mm insert | 5.6 |
Configuration ranges
| Steer axles | 12,000–23,000 lbs; twin-steer tandem to 40,000 lbs |
| Rear drive axles | Single 21,000–30,000 · Tandem 40,000–60,000 · Tridem 69,000–78,000 lbs |
| Rear suspensions | AirLiner, TufTrac, Chalmers, Hendrickson, Neway; tandem to 70,000 lbs |
| Pusher / tag axles | Steer and non-steer, 8,000–25,000 lbs |
| Front tow devices | Frame-head mounted, 80,000–140,000 lbs |
| Fuel tanks | 25″ dia., 60–150 gal; split fuel/hydraulic tanks available |
| PTO | Rear engine, front engine and transmission-mounted options |
Frequently asked
What is the difference between the Western Star 49X and 47X?
The 49X is the heavier-duty truck. It takes 12L–16L engines up to 605 HP and 2,050 lb-ft and offers the DT12-VX transmission, rated to 330,000 lbs GCW. The 47X has a shorter 111.6″ bumper-to-back-of-cab length, a tighter turning radius and 9L–13L engines up to 525 HP. Choose the 49X for the heaviest loads and recovery work.
Does ECTTS sell the Western Star 49X?
We sell complete trucks built on the Western Star 49X chassis. East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales is a body upfitter: we spec the chassis and body together, do the upfit in Portsmouth, VA, and sell you the finished work truck. We don’t sell bare Western Star chassis.
What is the most powerful engine in the 49X?
The Cummins X15 is rated up to 605 HP and 2,050 lb-ft. The Detroit DD16, the industry’s only 16-liter engine, is rated up to 600 HP and 2,050 lb-ft.
What is the maximum GCW of the Western Star 49X?
With the Detroit DT12-VX automated manual, Western Star rates the 49X up to 330,000 lbs GCW. Application approval is required over 160,000 lbs.
What is Rock-Free Mode?
Rock-Free Mode is a feature of Detroit’s DT12 vocational transmissions. Western Star says it allows the 49X to free itself from wheel-stuck situations, such as a soft jobsite or landfill.
Spec a 49X build
Tell us what the truck has to do. We’ll match the 49X chassis to the right body and give you a quote on the finished truck.
