Tow Vehicle

[Arkansas 1]

Was just wondering how many of you fellow RVers have used or are currently using a freightliner sport chassis, and if so would you recommend one and if so why, I have been considering one but I'm finding that even the pre owned vehicles are quite pricy and that has me second guessing. Your responses appreciated
Mike

[Notanlines]

Might we ask what you will be towing with your Freightliner? We see them on the road and all around many campsites, and most owners seem satisfied. My DW loves our 450, but I couldn't interest her in a hauler as our daily driver so the 450 it is.

[Arkansas 1]

Hi and thanks for the response, I currently have a f350 dully and I am pulling a 45’ Luxe fifth wheel our f350 is our daily driver when we snow bird in Florida

[Stripit]

I didn't own a Freightliner but an International and found the F trucks more decked out for the driver and passenger. Also cost substantially more than the International. Depending on motor, they also seemed to give a tad more fuel milesge than i could ever get.We tried making it our only vehicle and after about 6 months purchased a PT Cruiser my wife would follow me with and then use that as the go see stuff vehicle. Worked out well for us, the big truck to move our house and the car to use on a daily use.

[Arkansas 1]

I could see where fuel mileage could be a factor, we are still kicking tires and talking about it before jumping in or out, thanks

[Stripit]

My International weighed 14,000 lbs and had the 300 hp with Allison 6 speed, 4:44 rear axle ratio and pulling the Mobile Suites at posted sppeds or about 62-65 mph gave up just at 8 mpg or 7.5 Many Freightliner rigs could go as high as 10-11 or even 12 mpg. So they would say. They seemed to be lighter trucks with Cat motors where i hsd the international motor.

[Arkansas 1]

It sounds like a real work horse, how was the ride and handling? I’ve read some information about the international and have been impressed by the posts about it.

[Stripit]

I had air seats, air rear suspension, and air cab mounting. I thought it rode extremely well for a big truck with 22.5 inch wheels. Folks with the 19.5 inch wheels complained of a choppy rough ride, but don't know if that was because of the suspension or lack of cab air. Plus weighing 14,000 lbs it was a solid built truck. No squeeks or rattles in mine and seating position was much higher than any Ford or Chevy 450 series trucks. Gave a fanstastic view out the front and side windows. The new trucks can probably out pull those older trucks with the high torque ranges they have now. I had 300 hp and 800 ft pounds of torque pretty low at todays standards.

[Arkansas 1]

That sounds like a sweet ride, did it have a tight turning radius?

[Stripit]

Originally Posted by Arkansas 1

That sounds like a sweet ride, did it have a tight turning radius?

Oh Yes, tighter than any Ford or Chevy truck. Very easy to control when backing in a large trailer, at least for me..Was able to stick that thing in some spots folks asked "How did you get that trailer in there"??
I do miss my truck

[Arkansas 1]

Sorry for delayed response was getting ready for next weeks snowbird travel down south ��. Your truck sounded like a real sweet set up makes me lean even further in looking at that type of rig��
Thanks for all of your input and information was very interesting and useful.
Mike

[orca]

I have an freightliner M2 with a 300hp Cat and 800 ftlb torque. We pull a DRV Fullhouse with heavy motorcycles in the garage. I wish i could say that i fear no hill but pulling this weight, the truck is labouring on the big ones. On the other hand, braking is not something i worry about. The truck has hydrolic disks and can stop the rig should the trailer brakes fail. It has rear airbag suspension and air-ride seats and a compressor run by the diesel motor.
We use it as a daily driver and it gets into most parking lots with a little planing. I have a deck with lots of storage. The cab is large enough to have a full size 12v plug-in
cooler between the seats for drinks and snacks when traveling.
If i had a wish list for this truck it would be more hp and more comfortable air seats. The seats can be replaced but motor not so much!

[Arkansas 1]

That’s what I was wondering about was the pulling on steep grade and you answered my question about stopping power, but it does sound like something still to consider, your input was very welcome. I haven’t had any issues with my truck but was wondering about future trips that might require a little more muscle

[donshapansky]

I had a Teton 40' and an FL60 from '97 to '06, pulled the 5th wheel over 100,000 miles and total of 185,000. It had the B series Cummins with Allison auto. Until I modified the engine with more air and fuel it would not pull the rig in 6th gear. After the mods it did really well. Today I have a '19 F-350 that is rated to pull 30,000 lbs. which is the same rating for the FL 60. The F-350 does better in ride terms, pulling and cab comfort features, the Elite Suites has a 1,000 lb. greater GVW and both 5th wheels have the excellent MorRyde independent suspension. I don't think you can get the Class 5 trucks today with equivalent power and torque, which is a big star for the Ford and Dodge trucks available today. I would not go back to a Freightliner unless they offered an ISL of ISX engine, the ISL at least would match the power numbers of the F-350, but the new 2020 F series has a 10 speed auto that is superior to the Allison.

[Arkansas 1]

Hey thanks for your input, I am still looking but with this information it makes me feel much better, I had been looking into either a F405 or a 550 but with what you’re saying I think that going with either of the two would work! I have been wanting to go across into Colorado as well as into the smokies and wanted a truck capable of the trip without issues. Guess looking into the both to see which vehicle fits the tow selection!

[wingnut60]

Had a 21400lb DRV, pulled with '17 450. Never a hill it couldn't maintain 50-60 going up, and good braking going down. Lots of 450s/3500s pulling the big Suites.

[Notanlines]

We have been towing 22K for almost two years with our 450. (DRV and trailer/bike/sidecar+) We couldn't be happier with the over all performance. I'll never badmouth any American truck brand (Big Three) They all are offering great products. But this F450 turns on a dime!

[Arkansas 1]

Hey, thanks for the information it’s sounding like the 450 can perform as well as the 550 but probably a few bucks less! Your input is very welcome y’all have given me some information that I hadn’t considered!

[Notanlines]

Also keep in mind that when you 'upgrade' to the 550's and 5500's thatthe torque and horsepower are less, yes, in the same engine. These are commercial grade and the idea is for them to last longer. 450's and 4500's sold with no bed have the same de-tuned engines.
And drop in to Cooyon's in Mountain Home and tell the chef that Jim and Brenda from Memphis sent you.

[Arkansas 1]

so cool I'll pass it along and thanks for the input did'nt even give that a thought!
Thanks again....