One big-assed truck - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Bill O'Rights · 09-23-2004, 10:38 AM

Quote:

This thing is big. The newly unveiled, $95,000 International CXT is a mammoth pickup truck. It's twice as heavy and more than 5 feet longer than a Hummer H2.

It even has air brakes like a semi.

Yet anyone with a regular driver's license will be allowed to get behind the wheel. That concerns some safety experts.

If the CXT weighed a couple of pounds more, drivers would need a commercial license - and the extra training and testing that go with it.

Safety experts say the truck is an example of why government should review the license requirements for large vehicles, which are growing in popularity.

National studies show that the accident risk increases when a driver changes from a smaller vehicle to a large truck or sport utility vehicle, particularly in the first few months of driving, said Fred Zwonechek, administrator of the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.

Large SUVs, he said, are trickier to turn, back up and maneuver on the highway than a sedan.

Sara O'Rourke, driver's license administrator for the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, agreed that licensing regulations need a review.

But to be effective, the changes would have to come at the federal level, she said. Licensing requirements are based on federal regulations.

O'Rourke said the review should include other large vehicles, such as certain large passenger vans, that are exempt from commercial licenses.

Officials with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates commercial vehicles, could not be reached for comment.

Roy Wiley, spokesman for the Illinois company that makes the CXT, said potential buyers probably will have had previous experience driving big vehicles or will seek training.

He said, for example, that the truck is aimed at buyers who might own a construction company or a similar business where a big vehicle would be useful. Those drivers probably would know how to handle the truck's size, he said.

People who buy it for personal use will be smart enough to make sure they know how to maneuver the truck before they drive it, Wiley said.

"Buyers will be smart and savvy," he said. "They were certainly smart enough to make the money to afford (it)."

International Truck and Engine Corp., which manufactures school buses, dump trucks and other large commercial vehicles, plans initially to produce 50 to 100 CXTs, Wiley said.

Production could grow significantly if there is demand, he said.

An Omaha dealer already has one on order.

"It is eye-popping," said Mark Plagman, vice president of sales at Cornhusker International Trucks Inc. in Omaha. "We think there will be a demand."

I have long been of the opinion that drivers of 4 wheel drive vehicles should have that as a seperate endorsement on their driver's license. I've seen too many drivers of 4x4s that think that they can drive 60mph on sheet ice, simply because they have 4 wheel drive. They were never trained on what it can or cannot do. Dumb.
Now, we have this...behemouth. Ok...I've always been of the opinion that people should be allowed to drive whatever they want. But, for crying out loud. This thing's a chopped up semi, with an oversized pickup truck bed on it. Does anyone really need that? In any case, I do feel that this thing should also have its own seperate drivers license endorsment. For my safety, if nothing else. What do you guys think. Is it worth a little extra training to learn how to drive one of these monsters?

Cynthetiq · 09-23-2004, 10:43 AM

I saw this and thought to myself.. I hope it gets 5 miles to the gallon... and when they complain that it gets shitty gas mileage, I'll say, "Yeah but it's cool isn't it?"

the_marq · 09-23-2004, 11:11 AM

Actually it has been my experience that the ppl who spend $95K on a truck really don't complain that is uses $50 worth of gas every day.

stonegrody · 09-23-2004, 11:19 AM

That thing looks ridiculous to me. Good thing we're not fighting a war for oil...oh wait.

Redlemon · 09-23-2004, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Large SUVs, he said, are trickier to turn, back up and maneuver on the highway than a sedan.

Can you imagine one of those beasts backing up on the highway because they couldn't turn in time to hit the exit ramp?

Dane Bramage · 09-23-2004, 12:11 PM

It doesn't even look good.

To me, it's just another instance of American's bloated self indulgance.

powerclown · 09-23-2004, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dane Bramage

It doesn't even look good.

Yeah, its just plain ugly. If it was this huge and it didn't look like a semi, that would work. Taking driving lessons for something this big/long is probably a good idea. I can just see some 16 year old rich kid getting this for his/her high school graduation...and the ensuing carnage.

merkerguitars · 09-23-2004, 01:46 PM

Actually the thing will get excellent gas mileage for what you can tow...and it is a diesel....The cool thing about these...they are probably really easy to work on...semi in a small frame...I could actually get alot of use out of one of these (just imagine the stuff I could tow)...or hell even yet...run it on biodiesel...then who gives a shit about fuel?

the_marq · 09-23-2004, 01:51 PM

Yknow, I was thinking. If the thing as airbrakes you would at least need that endorsment do drive this big fucker. At least in Canada there is a big test and stuff you need to pass to be able to drive a vehicle with airbrakes.

Not so in the US of the A?

Shizukana · 09-23-2004, 02:11 PM

The regulations in the US are based on weight and number of axles, IIRC, not a specific feature such as having airbrakes.

I think the truck is a little ridiculous too... but it's neat that the bed has hydraulics like a dump truck! That'll make moving MUCH easier; just rent one of those babies, back it up to the door, and FOOOOOOOOM!

Those things are made like 10 minutes from where I work, too... I thought that was kinda neat. May have to go by and see if I can sneak a peek. ;D

Ilow · 09-23-2004, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

I saw this and thought to myself.. I hope it gets 5 miles to the gallon... and when they complain that it gets shitty gas mileage, I'll say, "Yeah but it's cool isn't it?"

7mpg diesel, I believe,

I also think I remember that they will only produce a couple hundred next year, so there will be few chances to be killed by one. Still have to watch out for cell-phone-talking soccer moms in Excursions though.

BigTruck1956 · 09-23-2004, 04:14 PM

damn strait. International rules.

Cynthetiq · 09-24-2004, 12:42 PM

maybe we'll see something like this

but with a H2 underneath it....

Peryn · 09-24-2004, 07:22 PM

Meh....

You'll never see one on the road, so its size is kinda irrelevant.

As for its usage... i dont ever see a soccer mom driving it. Its not pretty. It looks like a work truck, not something you can show off to your girlfreinds. As for company usage... I forsee companies using it that need some of the power and size of a semi, but without the price tag, and a tad bit more practicality. I see a work truck, maybe even a show truck, but certainly not a consumer vehicle.

Redlemon · 09-25-2004, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peryn

Meh....

You'll never see one on the road, so its size is kinda irrelevant.

Untrue - how do you think they get the trucks to the quarries? They actually have to have the utilities take down the overhead phone wires along the travel route; it is a long, slow operation.

/consults for quarries

ARTelevision · 09-25-2004, 12:18 PM

That's a real nice truck!

....what?

Almo · 09-25-2004, 06:18 PM

A bit excessive IMO. If its mainly used by businesses, I'd say thats ok.

BoomTruck · 09-25-2004, 07:55 PM

I imagine the horse haulers will be all over this one. They have been known to spend asinie amounts of money on vehicles soley for the 'look at me! I have the biggest flashiest truck and trailer!' factor.

I can't really see people spending $95k on something like that when you can buy just about any used truck you want for well under 30 if you look around a little bit.

Freightliner, International, and others already have trucks like that, just without the oversized pickup bed already installed.

sky_driver · 09-29-2004, 10:46 AM

Bill O'Rights, I agree with you 100%!

BoomTruck · 09-29-2004, 12:46 PM

It is entirely too damn big for your average driver. BUT, consider that the average driver can hop into a 40 foot long RV or a U-Haul truck (how they can get away with licensing a 36 foot long straight truck as 18,000 pounds GVW is beyond me) with a car and a boat behind it with nothing other that a regular drivers license and drive anywhere, not having to worry about any of the regs that anyone with a CDL must follow.

Make requrements for one, they should (but won't) make them apply to them all.

Halx · 09-29-2004, 02:15 PM

as Bill Maher calls them.. Fuck-You-Mobiles

twilightfoix · 09-30-2004, 10:10 PM

first of all yes, that is an ass-ugly truck. second why would anyone who thinks that truck looks good have 95k to blow on it anyway. fourth (third for those of you keeping track) what would you do woth one of those things? I'm sure they won't fit into any kind of conventiopnal garage, nor would it serve any pratical purpose in anything but construction but they already have better trucks to do the job.

BoCo · 10-01-2004, 06:35 AM

Seeing as how that truck is priced out of range for most people, I doubt you really need to worry about them crowding around you on the highway.

09-23-2004, 11:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
the_marq All hail the Mountain King Location: Black Mesa	Actually it has been my experience that the ppl who spend $95K on a truck really don't complain that is uses $50 worth of gas every day. __________________ The Truth: Johnny Cash could have kicked Bruce Lee's ass if he wanted to. #3 in a series

09-23-2004, 11:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
stonegrody Brooding. Location: CA-USA	That thing looks ridiculous to me. Good thing we're not fighting a war for oil...oh wait. __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality. Embrace this moment. Remember. We are eternal. All this pain is an illusion. Tool - Parabola

09-23-2004, 12:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dane Bramage Insane Location: Charlotte, NC	It doesn't even look good. To me, it's just another instance of American's bloated self indulgance. __________________ Every passing hour brings the Solar System forty-three thousand miles closer to Globular Cluster M13 in Hercules — and still there are some misfits who insist that there is no such thing as progress. Kurt Vonnegut - Sirens of Titan

09-23-2004, 01:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
merkerguitars Buffering......... Location: Wisconsin...	Actually the thing will get excellent gas mileage for what you can tow...and it is a diesel....The cool thing about these...they are probably really easy to work on...semi in a small frame...I could actually get alot of use out of one of these (just imagine the stuff I could tow)...or hell even yet...run it on biodiesel...then who gives a shit about fuel? __________________ Donate now! Ask me How! Please use the search function it is your friend. Look at my mustang please feel free to comment! http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=26985

09-23-2004, 01:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
the_marq All hail the Mountain King Location: Black Mesa	Yknow, I was thinking. If the thing as airbrakes you would at least need that endorsment do drive this big fucker. At least in Canada there is a big test and stuff you need to pass to be able to drive a vehicle with airbrakes. Not so in the US of the A? __________________ The Truth: Johnny Cash could have kicked Bruce Lee's ass if he wanted to. #3 in a series

09-23-2004, 10:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	I saw this and thought to myself.. I hope it gets 5 miles to the gallon... and when they complain that it gets shitty gas mileage, I'll say, "Yeah but it's cool isn't it?"

09-23-2004, 02:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
Shizukana Insane Location: Plano, TX	The regulations in the US are based on weight and number of axles, IIRC, not a specific feature such as having airbrakes. I think the truck is a little ridiculous too... but it's neat that the bed has hydraulics like a dump truck! That'll make moving MUCH easier; just rent one of those babies, back it up to the door, and FOOOOOOOOM! Those things are made like 10 minutes from where I work, too... I thought that was kinda neat. May have to go by and see if I can sneak a peek. ;D __________________ "The power of accurate observation is frequently called cynicism by those who don't have it." - George Bernard Shaw

09-23-2004, 04:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
BigTruck1956 Psycho Location: norcal	damn strait. International rules. __________________ so much to do, so little time.....at least i aint bored.

09-24-2004, 12:42 PM	#13 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	maybe we'll see something like this but with a H2 underneath it....

09-24-2004, 07:22 PM	#14 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	Meh.... You'll never see one on the road, so its size is kinda irrelevant. As for its usage... i dont ever see a soccer mom driving it. Its not pretty. It looks like a work truck, not something you can show off to your girlfreinds. As for company usage... I forsee companies using it that need some of the power and size of a semi, but without the price tag, and a tad bit more practicality. I see a work truck, maybe even a show truck, but certainly not a consumer vehicle. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

09-25-2004, 12:18 PM	#16 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	That's a real nice truck! ....what? __________________ create evolution

09-25-2004, 06:18 PM	#17 (permalink)
Almo Tilted	A bit excessive IMO. If its mainly used by businesses, I'd say thats ok.

09-25-2004, 07:55 PM	#18 (permalink)
BoomTruck Insane Location: On a gravel road rough enought to knock fillings out of teeth.	I imagine the horse haulers will be all over this one. They have been known to spend asinie amounts of money on vehicles soley for the 'look at me! I have the biggest flashiest truck and trailer!' factor. I can't really see people spending $95k on something like that when you can buy just about any used truck you want for well under 30 if you look around a little bit. Freightliner, International, and others already have trucks like that, just without the oversized pickup bed already installed. __________________ Judge me all you want, but keep the verdict to yourself.

09-29-2004, 10:46 AM	#19 (permalink)
sky_driver Insane	Bill O'Rights, I agree with you 100%!

09-29-2004, 12:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
BoomTruck Insane Location: On a gravel road rough enought to knock fillings out of teeth.	It is entirely too damn big for your average driver. BUT, consider that the average driver can hop into a 40 foot long RV or a U-Haul truck (how they can get away with licensing a 36 foot long straight truck as 18,000 pounds GVW is beyond me) with a car and a boat behind it with nothing other that a regular drivers license and drive anywhere, not having to worry about any of the regs that anyone with a CDL must follow. Make requrements for one, they should (but won't) make them apply to them all. __________________ Judge me all you want, but keep the verdict to yourself.

09-29-2004, 02:15 PM	#21 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	as Bill Maher calls them.. Fuck-You-Mobiles __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

09-30-2004, 10:10 PM	#22 (permalink)
twilightfoix Insane Location: in the clouds ;)	first of all yes, that is an ass-ugly truck. second why would anyone who thinks that truck looks good have 95k to blow on it anyway. fourth (third for those of you keeping track) what would you do woth one of those things? I'm sure they won't fit into any kind of conventiopnal garage, nor would it serve any pratical purpose in anything but construction but they already have better trucks to do the job.

10-01-2004, 06:35 AM	#23 (permalink)
BoCo Fear the bunny Location: Hanging off the tip of the Right Wing	Seeing as how that truck is priced out of range for most people, I doubt you really need to worry about them crowding around you on the highway. __________________ Activism is a way for useless people to feel important.