International Terrastar 4X4 medium duty truck- does anyone have an opinion yet?

[theburtseoni]

Just noticed the new International Terrastar 4X4 medium duty truck which debuts for 2014 and listed at different International truck dealers in the current issue of the Mountain West edition of the Truck Paper. From what I find online they are using the 300 hp International 6.4L V-8 diesel which must be close to what they made for Ford's HD powerstroke pickup line from '08 up until Ford went to thier own 6.7L V-8 diesel. It does not appear they are available in any configuration but a regular cab in the US right now, and it seems that max GVWR is 19,900 lbs.
It seems like perhaps, all things being equal of course, that they might be a good base for an expedition vehicle with the 2-spd transfer case and manual locking hubs and a stout Allison 1000 class 5-spd auto transmission.
Does anyone know much about these trucks yet? Does anyone have any opinions they want to share?


PS- if this is in the wrong part of the forum, then maby one of the moderators could move it to the correct place? Thanks!

 

[AMBOT]

http://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/trucks/series/terrastar


Looks real nice! Where did you see that only regular cab is available? The site says 26" extended cab, crew cab, and day cab?

 

[HINO SG]

I'm NOT a fan of International products (would much rather have a Fuso or similar) but for someone looking for a new-build medium duty 4x4 with a warranty in the North American market I think they've produced a competitive product.

 

[theburtseoni]

Actually, I suppose I did not see that the x-cab and 4 door crew cab were not available with the 4X4 chassis, but just made the assumption they were not since all the info I could find online only shows the reg cab on a 4X4 chassis. An x-cab with the 4X4 chassis would be just 'the cat's meow' :26_7_2: or 'the pony's whinny'!

 

[Sagestone]

My opinion...This truck should be getting more attention as an expedition vehicle choice. The 4x4 gets the Allison 1350 RDS (rugged duty service), the cab is super spacious (flat floor = ez walk thru), commercial quality chassis (frame rails from the Durastar), Dash with 'accomodations' for electronic equipment... which means you are not paying for their buyer's idea of auxiliary components, an engine that you can actually get to in order to service (full tilt all composite hood) and a turning radius shorter than an FG's (!). This truck brings to mind the MXT that moved to the military market. Prior to that move however, UNICAT America did a real nice body for it. Wouldn't it be nice to see someone in the USA, like GXV, do something similar with this US truck and offer an all American productionized version that would compete head to head with the nice but price escalating Earthroamer. http://www.unicat.com/en/info/MD54pickupcomfort-InternationalMXTCC-sh.php

If they can hang all of this on it, I would imagine it can carry the usual expedition type equipment & off road living environment http://blog.nexusrv.com/nexus-rv-introduces-new-class-super-c-diesel-motorhomes/

 

[mk216v]

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