valhalla360 wrote:
carringb wrote:
I think they'll make a come-back soon.
Biggest detractor is lack of a good 4x4 option. Any true MDT with 4x4 is too high for towing most 5th wheels.
Once somebody offers a series-hydrid powertain, front electric motors will make 4x4 (or really AWD, but in some ways this can perform better) feasible without raising the chassis-height.
Articulated transit buses already offer a similar powertrain. Diesel gens-set is mounted at the back. Rear and center axles are electric-powered.
I don't think 4x4 is really a factor. MDTs are usually towing monster 40ft+ 5th wheels...not many people drag those off road.
If you are thinking to go off roading once unhooked...a diesel dually 1 ton, is a lousy off road option. If you are into off roading, it usually means a toy hauler and the toys are used for off road play.
But any pickup is a far better choice as a daily driver or even a runaround vehicle when camper is parked. Nevermind the fact that the MDTs have stagnated in terms of power for the last however many years and any of the new diesels will destroy a MDT from a power standpoint.
Add in the ability to get well appointed class 4-5 trucks that have similar gearing and adequate rear axle capacity for the big trailers, and more power and more user friendly and less costly, it makes the MDT haulers an even more limited use, one trick pony.
But when I win the lottery, I'll still buy one to drive to the Home Depot....because I can!
Side note, buddy bought an older one, stretched the frame and nose and dropped a warmed up 400 Big Cam Cummins in it. Holeeee ballz!
It's a monster!
