Are Macks any good for dependability? Looking to drive regional

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 101vet, May 1, 2019.

  1. 101vet

    101vet Bobtail Member

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    The Mack I'm looking at is out of a fleet, 2012 ch613,415hp,mp8 engine,usa tier 1 engine, 13 1 engine displacement.endurant transmission 13 speed 250.000 miles. Thank you for your input, Be safe
     
  2. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Mack is the best truck EVER,,what's your concerns?
     
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  3. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Volvo bought Mack couple years ago. They say today the Mack engine is a Volvo engine just painted a different color. 2012 might still be a true Mack engine and truck.
     
  4. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Im sorry to hear Volvo buying Mack. They got their own troubles enough.

    That means alternators by the dozen per year now to me. If it's not burned and need replacing then its not a volvo. he he.

    The last true good volvo was the old 1989 E model sleeper rig with the 425 cat.
     
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  5. snowman_w900

    snowman_w900 Road Train Member

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    @shogun has a 2014 Mack CHU he pulls a 40' Big Tex gooseneck trailer doing hotshot work in the oil fields with. Last year he found out it had an improperly functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system, so he ended up removing the MP8 and automated transmission and swapped in a 300 Maxidyne Mack engine coupled to a 5 speed Maxitorque.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2019
  6. 6wheeler

    6wheeler Road Train Member

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    I have a 99 613. What's that saying again?
    "Built like a Mack truck"
     
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  7. Slowmover1

    Slowmover1 Road Train Member

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    Sitting on a Vulva
     
  8. supersnackbar

    supersnackbar Road Train Member

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    I have a 2016 Pinnacle with an MP8 and mDrive. Transmission has been replaced by 320,000. Removed and fixed a second time within 25k after that. Injectors replaced twice (and removed and resealed in between new ones being installed) I have random electrical issues, regular "check engine" light that comes on for months at a time that Mack can't find out why. I get a regular "DFP system" fault message even though it has recently been serviced, sensors changed and wiring checked and replaced. And it's noisy as any old R-model Mack I have driven. Many of my company's Pinnacles have similar issues.

    We recently starting driving Anthems (with the same MP8/mDrive drivetrain) and many of them can't pass a dealership without stopping in for a recall or a repair. Built like a Mack truck use to be a compliment, but after the Volvo buyout...may as well call them a boat anchor. They're only a minor upgrade from a International with a Maxxforce because that is the only make/model less reliable.
     
  9. Slowmover1

    Slowmover1 Road Train Member

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    But the municipal trash compactor trucks are still AWESOME.
     
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  10. shogun

    shogun Road Train Member

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    I ended up selling that truck. Here is what I recommend and bought for OTR regional, and I also use it to haul B trains. 1979 R Model with a 237 Mack and the TR107 5 speed on 5.13s and short rubber. Frame stretched to 320” on a single axle riding on camelback suspension. Dayton rims, scissor frame seats, all manual steering, windows, locks. Etc.

    Mount a 36 inch bunk to the rear of the cab with only outside access, and you’ve got all the creature comforts on the road.