Saw this on the road yesterday--I want one!

[DKarvwnaris]

International was making non cdl tow rigs long before most even had a real need for them, you gotta give 'em that. Too bad they would try to classify that jumble of parts as a substitute for a Hummer. It is so far off from a reasonable equipped comparison to a Hummer, Kind of like a Chevette to a Viper. Internation does have a market for their trucks, however it is with school buses and City public works vehicles, not off roaders and high dollar folks akin to the Hummer buyers. They should stick to powering up the Ford pickups and transporting our kids to school safely, they are good at that at least. Appealing engineering and style seems to have escaped them this generation of trucks yet again.

 

[dodge cummins]

its a shame the gm 4500-5500 don't offer a cat engine or a 8. 3 liter cummins.

 

[DKarvwnaris]

its a shame the gm 4500-5500 don't offer a cat engine or a 8. 3 liter cummins.

It wouldn't be a 4500 truck then, can you imagine the power verses braking of such a vehicle? A medium duty truck is limited by definition to what, 300 HP? The rest of the truck would not hold up to that power for its expected years of use. You can get a 6500 with the big diesel name option. At least then the drivetrain will be at the entry level area and somewhat capable of the weight not to mention the high amount of torque.

The 1 1/2 ton trucks are designed to handle a certain power level, just because owners turn up their engines to go beyond that, does not mean that they will last longevity wise. Imagine the number of complaints GM would be flooded with if they provided an engine that at stock levels could be meet the power levels of most turned up diesel pickups. Wouldn't be long before some idiot would want to max out the 8. 3 or Cat engine too, then whine that they twisted their ill equipped frame and driveline to death in 6 months from purchase.

If it doesn't have air brakes as an option, it probably doesn't need much more than the "duracrap" or comparable engine. Remember, even the 5. 9 in the Dodge is an engine designed for a MDT, not a pickup truck. It's overkill for a pickup as it is.