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Speaking of Semi's....
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Posted by: No Rice Allowed

What Companies/manufactures really own what truck??

Posted by: Grape Ape

You mean who makes which model, or which companies own specific models or brands?

As for manufacturers, there are only a handful generally associated with USA or even N. America. Frieghtliner is probably the best selling brand. They have several variations of many models. The Class 8/9(big truck) versions are less expensive than KW or Peterbilt, and are available with basically the same drivelines. So you're paying more for the name and styles of the better known brands. FL is made primarily in Mexico these days. Common models include the Century Class S/T, Columbia, Coronado and now, the Cascadia. They stopped making the ClassicXL this yr. The company itself is largely owned by Mercedes Benz from what I've been told(and read), but it's hard to say with all the swapping these days.

Peterbilt is made by PeterCars, or something like that a PACCAR company. Their most popular model for ages has been the 379LN(Long Nose). But not only do they not build it anymore, it is only one model of the class beginning with the 359 or so, and covering many versions including just about every number inbetween. Pete also offers the 387(sloped/rounded nose) and it's similar counterparts, and the 389, which replaced the 379, but also resembles the 387. They are now headquartered in Denton, TX(near Dallas). I think it's also the second oldest truck manufacturer.

KenWorth is the other major brand. PACCAR owned KW when they purchased Pete, and still does. KW's are likely the oldest name in big trucks. KW is out of Washington, or used to be. They build the T2000, a real nice truck, but very pricey. They also offer the less desirable T600(and now T800) and the W900. Not long ago, they added the T660(an aerodynamic T600). They have various plants and also made school buses. Like Pete, they build in USA, Canada and Mexico.

There is also MACK, perhaps the most liked by its owners... Kinda like a MOPAR fan likes theirs. I don't even know what all MACK offers anymore, but they are strong trucks.

And then, International... Not too much loved, to say the least. I hear they're making better trucks now, but for quite some time, they weren't up to par in the industry and sales clearly slumped. Not particularly ever a fan, I have no idea all the models they offer. I've only had to drive one, and it was rather a pita.

Sterling is the final American brand I'm aware of off the top of my head. They were Ford until about 1997/8 and the trucks still look much like Ford models. Like MACK, they offer a SLEW of models from Class 5 through 8.

I would think there are others, but I can't think of them presently.

Posted by: 1LowCav

The only International I've driven was a 4300. Personally I liked it; it was quite maneuverable. I know the 4000 series is one of the leaders in medium-duty (class 5 & 6) trucks, and I liked how some of the controls were in the steering wheel (the hub, not the rim) such as the air horn and speed controls. I drove a Columbia at school and really liked it! GTI has a lot of Columbias.

Posted by: Grape Ape

Air horn is in the wheel? So did it have 2 horns in the wheel? The FL and Pete's have a standard horn in the wheel and the air horn overhead. I like that better too, so when some kid with their parents pulls alongside and give the signal, I can reach up and pull the strap or chain as they'd expect!

The Pete 387 uses a strap nearly in the center top of the W/S and that's odd...

I think the Int. I used was a 2700 series... Daycab... and worn to bits! I drove a Pete 388 with nearly 900,000 miles on it, and in much better condition... same company owned both. Of course, that Pete IS some 15yrs newer...

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