I've never driven a Mack on the road other than an old RD and CL, both for agricultural use, but I've always wanted to. I grew up riding in the passenger seat of Macks basically my entire youth with my father. Since I started driving, I've always driven a Paccar product. I started in a 379 with a C15, then a 386 with an MX13 (my favorite), then a W900 with an X15. All trucks had an 18 speed.
Starting my new job I was issued a Mack Pinnacle with an MP8 445/1500 backed by a 10 speed. Climbing inside l, the first thing I noticed was how ergonomic everything was. It had all the necessary gauges and a nice wood grain dashboard. The seats were very basic, but still comfortable. Leg and head room is more than enough, and with the high rise sleeper I feel well accommodated. I have 2 decent size cabinets in the sleeper, one includes a closet and the other includes a pull-out shelf that I use as a desk.
I was surprised at how well it pulls. Much like the MX13 I ran, this MP likes the lower RPMs. 12-1,550 is the sweet spot, but with a 10 speed it can be hard to keep it there. I climb the same hills I used to about 3mph slower than the C15, so it holds it's own.
Ride wise, it's day and night comparing it to a Pete. This truck will float down the road. I'm not sure if the super single tires have anything to do with that though.
I've heard some bad things about Mack since volvo bought them out, but after driving this truck I feel that there's still a lot to like about them. I know they're not what they used to be, but I'm pretty impressed by it. Hopefully it lasts me a while!
Mack Pinnacle, first impressions!!
Discussion in 'Mack Forum' started by Dave1837, Mar 14, 2021.
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larry2903, slow.rider, rachi and 6 others Thank this.
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slow.rider and Dave1837 Thank this.
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What’s year is the truck ? I’m looking at a 2016 pinnacle day cab with the MP8 12 speed auto at the moment it’s competing with a 2016 579 Peterbilt with a MX13. I’m going to test out both this Friday. Glad you’re liking the Mack since I don’t know many that drive them with a MP8.
Dave_in_AZ Thanks this. -
MP pulls awesome!If I was to buy a newer truck it would be a CHU with the 505!
Dave1837 Thanks this. -
Danny707 Thanks this.
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Brettj3876 Thanks this.
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I think while it's a ferrin' truck now, it's still pretty nice. For the record, I never said Pete was a nice riding truck, that Freightliner Columbia was by far, the nicest riding truck I ever drove. Hey, as long as it still has the bulldog hood ornament, and one axxhole can still look at another, you're in business.
Dave1837 Thanks this. -
I drove it 3 years, that was only issue it ever had.Dave1837 Thanks this. -
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jason6541 Thanks this.
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