Return of the Medium Duty Gasser

[Ryan03]

Ryan,

Interesting to hear your first hand comments on multiplexing. Can't say that I understand it too well but it is the future correct? I believe Volvo/Mack is now multipexed- not sure about Paccar. But it should simplify wiring-and in particular with all of the added electronics, I would think anything that reduces wires, connectors etc has to be a good thing.

Going back to the Ford issue, the big question remains- what will Ford do? I think that given the fact they spent the money to engineer the gas engine into the 650, says they have a plan to be in the business. And I think the future in class 6 7 and 8 is good as the economy slowly improves. In particular, I hope if ford gets back in, they concentrate on vocational trucks. the old Louisvilles were in my book a good bang for the buck.

And as intermodal rail takes more and more long haul trucks off the road, there will be a big market for short haul class 8's-no frills- no sleepers no 500 HP engines needed to make the final delivery from the railyard to the final destination or freight terminal where it gets broken down for local delivery.

My multiplex wiring comment is aimed more toward IH and their particular system than multiplex in general. Up until about the 2006 model year, this sytem accounted for 70% of our out of service time, the rest being made up of various hydraulic, suspension, and equipment issues. Problems ranged from typical rub throughs to fuse box green outs and fried RPM modules. The 2007 and later trucks have proven to be much better than the earlier trucks, with multiplex issues accounting for about 35% of our out of service time, The rest consist of EGR and other emissions issues, as well as the the ones mentioned on the 02 to06 units.

I think the Ford 650 gasser will be a good seller in the future as well. While its not for everyone, Gassers do make sense for some applications.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I agree with Red Horse on the Louisville model being a good truck for the buck. They provided an excellant view of the road with a fairly roomy cab compared to IH and GM, etc at a fairly light weight.

 

[ModMech]

Multiplexing is GREAT when used as directed and the nightmare of many Indy shops when they attempt to cluge togather an add-on widget.

There are significant plusses and minuses to multiplexing.

Plus:
- Reduces the number of wires up to 40%
- Offers circuit diagnostics w/o poking wires or a multi-meter
- allows upfitters to simply "plug-n-play" to the chassis
- Fewer connectors
- Controls are all low current, dramatically improves component life
- Changes are much easier after the fact
Cons:
- No diagram and you can get lost
- Not traditional and not yet well understood by techs
- Can be complicated to add aftermarket widgets to when done incorrectly.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

They are in a 'sweet spot' class for many applications for sure. We picked up an 1989 F-700 with a 16' flat dump with the old 429 Lima gas engine.

Being $8000 cheaper than diesel will make sense especially for daily use in the colder climates. Computer controlled gas engines are good to go in most any enviroment.

The lower upkeep gives gas engines an edge with age.