New International A26 12.4L Engine

Before you decide on any truckbrand ,ask yourself how good the service is for brand x in the area you will be running.

 

I’m very happy with the A26, 425k on it right now. My 2020 mpg was 9.11, 13% DH, 72k average gross, most miles are run OH and Eastward, moderate amount of multi stop loads. I have a 10 speed direct Eaton Advantage manual, the Advantage has additional features the FR series doesn’t. If I did it again, I’d get the Endurant direct drive, 1175rpm at cruise speed with the downsped engine calibration. I’d recommend 1175rpm at your target cruising speed. If you’re wanting a fast truck, get the OD, and shoot for 1125 at cruise speed. I don’t do long haul freight and I’m able to get great numbers with it. There will be an A38 eventually, if you Google NHTSA A38, you’ll find a pdf, it’s a list of all Navistar engines from the 90s through 2027 I believe, and the A38 is in that list. When it will actually come to be, who knows. Traton has MAN and Scania brands, between those two there are a lot of great technologies and research. By the time 2027 rolls around, you’ll see a lot more of it in International trucks.

 

What rear axle ratio are you running, if you don't mind me asking. I'm thinking for a road truck a 2.28 or 2.47 would work well. At least it has in the Freightliners. They run just over 1200 RPM in direct drive at 65. About 1175 at 60.

 

I have a 2.5 direct drive manual, 1300rpm at 60, my primary speed. If you get the direct drive Endurant, pick an axle ratio that will give you 1175 rpm at your primary cruising speed. If you want a fast truck, cruising at 70+, get the OD and 1100 ish rpm at cruise speed. The A26 has a specific downsped calibration, it’s has a different hp and torque curve than the standard engine ratings.

 

Planning on running at 65, 70 tops unless passing. Many are running the new Freightliners with 2.16 rears, but they seem a little much for running 55 in CA. Running the 2.28 now and it's only 100 to 200 RPM above the shift point on the direct drive DT12. Don't enjoy running in CA but it's where the freight is so I'm sure I'll have to run there at least part of the time. Does the A26 pull with the Detroits? Never driven one but I've been watching them for awhile.

 

All the engines will pull the same. It’s all about gearing for the speed you plan to run. If a truck is not spec’d for the way you will be operating it, it will not perform as expected. Joel Morrow is really active with Volvo, and he loves the 11L, says it pulls as good as any other engine, it’s all in the spec and application. For 80k and less the 11 and 13 liter engines are just as good as a 15 liter.

 

Thanks! Been reading some of Joel's input on the Volvo Facebook and 9+ pages, which I found through your posts here. He seems to really know his stuff. I looked at a Volvo, but didn't like the cab as well as the Freightliner. The TC system on the D13 looks like it will be really expensive if something goes bad. The are also 7 to 8 months out for a new truck on delivery.

 

Visited International and Freightliner in Phoenix today. International has some new one's on the lot but they are all sold and have Cummins engines. Wait time for a new order is Nov-Dec time frame. Might be able to get a spec truck in Aug, but they will most likely be pre-sold. Freightliner is the same as Volvo, looking at Jan-Feb if ordered today. International salesman said they don't usually stock or sell very many A26 powered trucks. Too many people still scared from the Maxxforce.

 

MISESIAN,

Curious what front and rear axles / suspension you are running, or would recommend. I see there are about three options on the new LT's.

Thanks!

 

I have the International suspension, Meritor 6x2, wide track axles, 0” offset super singles, and the thicker wall housing. There is nothing wrong with the International suspension. However, for more weight savings you can get the Hendrickson HTB, and for better alignment retention, the Hendrickson HAS. I always recommend getting the standard 5” diameter axles and thickest wall housing. By doing that, you increase tire life. The newer lightweight axles are 5 3/4” with thinner wall housing and will flex, chewing up the shoulders, especially on super singles.