International vs. Kenworth/Peterbilt - Opinions?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by AIV LLC, Aug 5, 2022.

  1. AIV LLC

    AIV LLC Bobtail Member

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    Hello all -
    I am getting ready to buy my second truck and am looking at some 2019 options. The lower miles/better prices I'm seeing on Internationals are tempting..... what are everyone's opinions on Internationals vs. Kenworth/Peterbilt? I currently have a T680 but don't have anything else to compare it to..... Thanks in advance for any advice!
     
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  3. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    Here is how I would compare them
    Paccar would be like eating a steak dinner
    Then International would be like eating a dirty diaper.. without bread or butter
    As the old saying goes you get what you pay for.. there's good reasons why they are cheaper
     
  4. Geronimo17

    Geronimo17 Light Load Member

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    You usually do not see Peterbilt/Kenworth compared to International....
     
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  5. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    How about a Mack or a Freightliner? When it came to choosing a truck the company I was with gave me two choices between an International and a Freightliner, both brand new gave me the keys to both trucks and said go take a look and then choose, so I did, the Inter was nice but the sleep cab I found was a little cramped then took a look at the Freightliner great room in the cab powered with 515 hp Detroit engine with a 13 speed road ranger it didn't take long for me to make the choice. The company did offer drivers the choice of the 379 Peterbuilts although these were much older trucks I'd didn't like the layout of the Peterbuilt it was not a good truck (to cramped) to have if one was doing lots of deliveries to docks where you have to back onto yourself. So I was glad that I chose the Freightliner drove it for 11 months never had any major issues except the steer rims had developed cracks in them and that was about it.
     
  6. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    I’ve driven an International LT for the last 3 years, after driving Kenworths previously. I like the International better. I got it at 45k, it has 300k on it now, and it’s been comfortable, reliable, and easy to drive. It has a Cummins X15 and an Eaton Fuller 10 speed manual transmission, and it definitely out pulls the Paccar MX-13 that was in the T680 I drove before it.

    International got a bad reputation over a decade ago with the MaxxForce debacle, but that was a long time ago.
     
  7. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Internationals just feel cheap inside. I mean that's not saying much when Peterbilt/KW have crappy plastic dashes too but they just feel slightly less crappy.
     
  8. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    Stay with Pete/KW.
     
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  9. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    Choose Pete instead of KW. Forget that INTL exist.
    Talk to a knowledgeable sales guy.
    Explain him your needs.
    Ask him to add a weather protection on all the harnesses, if possible.
    You have no idea how many electric shorts you get in an unprotected harness.
    Don't get the Bendix Wingman, if possible.
    If you haul 60-80k get the 455hp and drum brakes.
    If you haul 80-100k get the 505hp and replace drums with disk brakes, if possible.
    Starting 2019 they got the 12 speed Auto which is not perfect, but better than the previous 10 speed.
    You may want to ask them for an ECM and TCU update. Lots of improved stuff since then.
    If you drive Northern states you may ask for a quote on an Arctic package addition.
    If you drive Southern states a White paint is better than any other color.
    Most important: The gearing.
    If you drive mostly the plains, choose the gear to keep your RPM around 1200 at your preferred cruise speed.
    Ask for an APU electric or diesel.
    MX13 is a great little engine who hates idling.
    There are more things to tell, but, right now, my glass is empty.
    And that's not good.
     
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  10. Crabbypatty

    Crabbypatty Bobtail Member

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    I drove a brand new international with the a26 and 12 speed auto for 62k miles last year. The truck was ok aside that the heater and air only worked if you had it on max heat or vice versa, no in-between. I pulled flatbed usually between 60 and 80k gross averaged 6.4 mpg no apu so it idled almost every night. Motor pulled ok. Transmission was smooth and worked great. I sent it for service and drove a 2019 freightliner cascadia with dd15 while international was being serviced. I kept the freightliner cause I liked it so much better. Dd15 is quite a bit stronger but the international transmission seemed a little smoother. The freightliner gets about 6.0 mpg same trailers same loads idles every night. Freightliner just a more comfortable truck. Both trucks limited to 70 mph. Hope this helps.
     
  11. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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