I have noticed that the truck world is really stirred up.  Looking for some feedback on which is a better truck....Freightliner M2 or the IH 4400......Let's not talk conversion....only trucks.......power plants,turning radius,ride,performance,etc...etc.....

When you talk about 15,000 pounds being put on a trailer Reg. Despite popular beliefe, VERY RARELY will people with 15 horses actually put 15 horses on a trailer. Not that they can't get the business, but because it gets EXTREMELY hot when there is even 12 on. Even on a well ventilated Morton-Davis or Pegasus. Also we, as well as many others in horse transport business, like to keep a few spots open for general storage.

When I went truck shopping, my criteria was SAFTEY and reliablity first, power second, HD tranny third, comfort fourth and looks fifth. Everything else just kind of didn't matter to me as much.

I have a M2 and a 2002 GMC crew cab 4x4 dually that pulls the same LQ trailer. The turning radius is much, much better in the M2 than in the dually. I feel safer pulling all over the country in the M2 since the visabilty is much better and if I was to loose trailer brakes, it would not be a problem. If I lost trailer brakes in the mts with the dually......forget it.

I also test drove the Kodiaks, the International and the Ford 650 supercruizer. I spent my money  on the FL M2 Sportchassis. I thought the Kodiak didn't really give me more power or tranny just was a bigger truck than the dually. The I researched it for over a year before I bought. I am very pleased with my choice but since I trade every few years, I probably would not have bought the extended  warranty. They said it was transferrable, we'll see when it is time.

Ok here's my 2 cents. I drive a 03' Pete 330 w/ 300HP Cat 3126, 9spd. shop truck every day. In traffic, in the mountains, long hwy trips etc. It weighs in at about 26,000with my daily tools. Now my personal truck is a 03' Chev 2500HD Duramax with all the toys. Now for my opinion: I love both trucks, both have there place but what I do know is when I buy that 6 horse trailer the wife's been spying, the chev is going to get a big brother. The Pete is easy to drive and more suited for the long hauls. It's no hot rod but it still manuevers comprable to my P/U. The engine, trans, axles, brakes arn't really a factor when choosing brands because almost all manufactors offer similer options. The only thing I don't like about the Fruitliners is that the cabs don't hold up well over time. When my check book comes out of hiding either the Pete or IH dealer will owe me dinner & a movie.......

P.S. Why do all these mid size trucks have autos, I think the 9spd is good exercise.

paintthatain't, YOU SAID A MOUTHFUL MAN!!!!

Our 2001 Superduty PSD has the manual tranny and I didn't have to do much talking to talk my wife into getting a truck with a clutch since she grew up on the farm.  There are several freight companies and truck dealers in my local area since we are sitting at I-81 and I-70 and that makes for a lot of choices for used trucks.  I grew up on Mack trucks and Mack has a plant here in town as well.  I'm partial to Freightliner since I have a lot saddle time in them. I totally agree that "Pete" is the top of the line, KW, Mack, Freightliner and rest come after Peterbuilt.  Once again you hit the nail on the head with your comments on a 9-spd tranny. I keep thinking that one of these days, I'll cruise by one of the truck dealers and there will be a single axle day cab with aluminum wheels sitting there with my name on it. Oh well, back to reality. Thanks for your comments on trucks and happy trails.

Just so you know, peterbilt has replaced the 330 with the new 335 last year. And I think the engine you have is Pre-EPA regulations that were set in october of 03? and with the new cats coming out as of Jan 1 2007, the price will rise just because of the engine alone (rumored to be at least $2000 at least for any Cat) plus they will get less MPG's due to their EGR technology.

JustinM, When I buy a truck it will either have the Cummins or Mercedes we have all 3 in our fleet and the new merc is a great engine. As for the 3126 it does have all the tier II crap and being a JD dealer it sucks going to Cat for repairs. It seems like no one around hear will touch the 3116 or 3126 will a 10' pole. 3yrHitch2Bumper, Are you just worried about cost or do you have something against air brakes, I wish you could get em' on smaller trucks. I run my rig hard all day and with almost 100k on it the brake linings still look great. Try that with a over glorified P/U dragging a 15,000lb. boat anchor for 3yrs.

Strictly opinions so don't hurt me guys

Hav2ride asked......What brand and size trailer are you pulling?

4 Star 4H LQ 33' on the box

4 Star Stock combo 18' on the box

Big tex 20' flatbed hauler

28 ft S2 Tiara Yacht on a 35' trailer

You are correct........the MBE 926 is a inline 6 cylinder...330 Hp @ 2200 RPM....1000 lb-ft @ 1300 to 1600 RPM....water cooled with 3 valve technology.....it is a 439 cu.in.motor...7.2 liters....it is rated from the factory at 10-12 MPG......FYI....it is also backed by Detroit across the country....That is nice..........The engine is built to give you peak torque at low engine speeds.....This is the real deal......Think about it...22.5 rubber....4:56 rear gear....75 MPH @ 2000 RPM....

This engine is now standard in the new M2...19,500 GVW cab & chassis that Sport Chassis uses for their trucks.....

The 330 option is a computer program.....it comes 300 standard...............FYI ....