Thanks guys.
I agree about the auxiliary transmission being a good choice for dual-purpose operation (towing and empty use) with a smaller engine. Or a 2-speed rear axle, if the vehicle is 2wd. I've been saying for years that I wish the 3 brands would go with some kind of 2 speed gearing choice, because having only one final drive ratio is always a big compromise that doesn't have to happen.
On the International, I have another high gear available in the transmission (0.65:1 6th gear, versus the 0.75:1 fifth gear). I just need to get it enabled. Then I can cruise at a faster road speed, without raising my cruising rpm. Allison wants $1600 to re-write the transmission programming to enable the 6th gear, and change the manual shifter unit to the 6 speed version.
I had been doing the weekly 'rat check' of the F350 before it caught fire. I do that on all my vehicles, after my experience with the gas engine F350's injector wiring. The truck was clear of rats the last time I had checked. It's possible a rat may have got in, in the last few days before the fire.
I notice on the International, the Forest Service added a mesh screen over the cabin air intake vent in the cowl, to keep leaves, etc out. I'm happy about that. There is also a heavy duty grille gaurd, I assume to keep tree branches out of the radiator. As well, there is fire insulation over some things under the truck, presumably to keep the truck from catching fire as they drive over burning embers on the ground while fighting fires.
