Posted 2009-01-05 8:38 PM (#97003) Subject: Freightliner or International Truck?
Member
Posts: 25
I was wonder which is better Freightliner or International? I never been around this size of truck before. Also do I need to be 4wd for going into the mountains. Any advice would be helpfull. Thanks
Posted 2009-01-05 10:26 PM (#97014 - in reply to #97003) Subject: RE: Freightliner or International Truck?
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
For the truck in general, you would have to flip a quarter and see what it lands on, both are great trucks. Freightliner just came out with their 4x4 last year, International has had one a few years now. The Freightliner may be a little better on fuel with the benz engine. Would pass on the International with the little V/8 diesel (not much power). So it is had to say which truck is better than the other, both great things to offer and both will have a little down fall to them.
If money is an issue and you need a 4x4 in this size truck I would check into a GMC / Chevrolet 5500 or 6500 series or even the Ford F-650 /F-750. The Ford you can get with the CAT or CUMMINS engine!
Posted 2009-01-05 11:20 PM (#97018 - in reply to #97003) Subject: RE: Freightliner or International Truck?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
I didn't know FL had a 4X4 model, must be pretty new. International has offered a factory 4X4 since at least the mid 80's if not before that. That being said I think you'll find that they sit too high (the frame is high) to really be able to pull a trailer although I've seen one or two that worked ok pulling a camper. 4X4 is also going to not turn as well and use quite a bit more fuel in this size truck. It's one of those things that would be nice to have but for your purpose I don't think it's very functional. Both trucks are going to be pretty equal, get the most power you can DT 466 or DT 570 in the IH at the highest hp and either engine in the Freightliner at the highest hp.
Posted 2009-01-05 11:23 PM (#97019 - in reply to #97003) Subject: RE: Freightliner or International Truck?
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Kingsland, TX
I think its a matter of preference. Do a search for 2L trucks (Wayland Long) or talk to a Sportchassis (Freightliner) guy/gal and they'll fill you in on the differences and pros and cons.
Posted 2009-01-06 8:58 AM (#97036 - in reply to #97019) Subject: RE: Freightliner or International Truck?
Member
Posts: 15
Location: Central nowhere
I am sure 2L is going to say IH and I of course will say Freightliner.......I have sold both and I personally would take Freightliner because of comfort and ride.....I have driven both on long trips, and the IH just tends to bounce you around in the cab where the Freightliner is a much smoother,nicer ride hands down...thus the money difference.......Only you know if your needs would warrant 4x4, because the 4x4 option is of course alot more $$$$.....Good luck
Posted 2009-01-06 9:54 AM (#97040 - in reply to #97003) Subject: RE: Freightliner or International Truck?
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Poolville, Texas
I build both the International and the Freightliner. That is actually pretty unusual, you can now get a TOTALLY unbiased opinion/set of facts.
Respectfully
Wayland Long
www.2Lcustomtrucks.com
Posted 2009-01-06 4:50 PM (#97073 - in reply to #97003) Subject: RE: Freightliner or International Truck?
Location: Central Arkansas
I drove them all and then spent my money on the Freightliner Sportchassis. If I am going somewhere that I know will be a mudpit, I take the F450 4WD. I looked at the new Sportchassis with the 4WD and last month in OKC while at the NRHA Futurity. It sat up alot higher than mine and was $160K. I decided to save my money and just put tow hooks on mine and let them pull my 05 M2 when need be.
I have had several friends buy the GM 4500 then promptly upgrade to a M2 a year or two later since they had really big trailers. It really depends on the size of your trailer. If it is 18,000+, I would bypass the 4500 and go straight to the M2.
I only test drove the IH but I did like it over the GM4500. I drove a Ford (650) supercruzer to Ocala with a 6H LQ for my trainer and hated the way the truck handled.
Posted 2009-01-08 10:23 PM (#97183 - in reply to #97003) Subject: RE: Freightliner or International Truck?
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Went and test drove an 2008 Chevrolet 5500 with Regency Conversion today and was really impressed with everything about. I could pull in parking places that I can not park my 07 Dodge and away tighter turning radius. Great power, but still second thoughts about the D-MAX! Too bad there is not a cat or cummins option in the 5500 series trucks. This one had a msrp of mid 60's and they offered to let it go for 55-k!
Freightliner or International Truck?
