Truck Topics
A new truck for a new century - EO tests the Freightliner M2
Since its introduction in 1991, Freightliner's successful Business Class product line ruled the roost in medium-Duty expediting trucks. The manufacturer's FL60's, FL70's and FL80's were the 1990's truck of choice for expediting owner-operators and those models remained in production until recently.
These units roamed the highways through expediting's heavy growth period of the first part of that decade and thousands of these trucks are still in active service today.
A new century brought with it a new truck, the M2 Business Class model. The M2 is roomier, quieter and "smoother" looking than the old line and will compete with any manufacturers' product out there.
"The M2 went into production in June 2002 as a 106-inch Bumper-to-Back of Cab model. Two other models have been introduced since then, a 100-inch BBC model and a 112 BBC model, all of which are manufactured in Freightliner's Mt. Holly, NC facility.
Due to the common DaimlerChrysler parentage of both Freightliner and Sterling truck lines, the M2 and the Sterling Acterra share the same chassis.
A walk-around
Expediting Truck Specialist Dan Tilley for Alumi-Bunk of Knoxville has been offering the M2 Business Class truck since the introduction of the series.
"It's a different truck in many ways from the old FL series," says Tilley.
"The quietness of the cab, the layout of the controls and the dash, the front and side visibility and the tight turning radius; these have all been redesigned and re-engineered."
"This truck is a totally new design and a worthy successor to the FL70 and FL80 models. My customers have been very interested in this line and the M2's sales bear this out."
Tilley says that one of the most popular M2 combinations that Alumi-Bunk offers is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz MBE906 series engine. It delivers 280HP and torque is rated 800 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm. The transmission is the road-tested Eaton Fuller 6-speed manual.
The M2's styling, although sleek in it's own right, is more businesslike than that of some of its competitors'. You can order chrome trim on an M2, but it's not standard as on some other makes. Our test truck was finished in the standard expediter white with painted steel wheels. Twin 80-gallon aluminum fuel tanks are standard
This M2 model featured Alumi-Bunk's 84-inch AeroDyne sleeper. This time-proven model is one of the most recognizable stand-up sleeper designs on the road, with Alumi-Bunk's proprietary front window style. (Tilley says that a 96" AeroCondo model is also available.)
It's decked out with what has become the "standard" list of accessories, such as double bunk, fridge, microwave, TV and tabletop. The nicely finished blond oak cabinetry fits well with the gray upholstery of the unit.
Freightliner's promotional info makes a point of listing the actual size of the windshield (2500 sq. in.) and it's a big 'un, offering a great view. The side windows are huge as well, and the steeply sloped hood makes for cabover-like visibility that is undoubtedly aided by the low profile dash.
The new aluminum cab is wider and longer, and its doors are bigger than the FL's cab. Both cab and sleeper are air ride suspended.
The tilt/telescoping steering wheel is controlled by a foot lever release and it accommodates drivers of various sizes, short to tall. There is a wide variety of seat options, including SCBA, air-suspended, and storage seats. Our test unit was equipped with the air-suspended model.
The dashboard, instruments and controls are modern and attractive, sporting the automotive style that's become the rage in midrange trucks.
The gauges are adequately sized and easy to read. The cruise control switches are located within easy reach on the left-hand panel. There is the standard overhead console storage, with additional optional storage available.
Tilley pointed out the redesigned automotive-type HVAC controls that offer an improvement over the somewhat clumsy controls on the FL series.
*Electrically heated mirrors are standard with foldaway brackets. An optional right-hand down view mirror provides better visibility in a difficult-to-view area. The placement of the large grab handles allowed easy entrance and exit to the cab.
Behind the wheel
After securing a 7,000 lb. test weight from a neighboring concrete plant, we set off on our road trip. We're familiar with the power of this motor from other road tests, and this unit didn't disappoint. The truck was up to highway speed at the end of the entrance ramp to I-40 with no sign of strain.
At one point during the trip, a dump truck was attempting to enter the big road just ahead of us. When the tractor-trailer on our left cleared the lane, a slight pull on the wheel put us into the center lane. Our speed had dropped by 15 mph, but we left it in 6th gear (just as a test, mind you) and the bottom end power of the Mercedes motor had us back up to cruising speed in moments.
We slipped it back into cruise at 65 mph and began our observations:
*This is a quiet truck. The cab's sound deadening insulation is very effective. At highway speeds, conversations were conducted at passenger car-levels and we couldn't detect any wind noise from the doors or windows. It would seem that Freightliner has corrected a complaint that dogged the FL series throughout its run.
There were some crosswinds on the big road during our test, but freeway handling at 65 mph was very stable with very little steering wheel correction required. The Eaton-Fuller trans provided tight and precise shifts through the pattern with an accompanying smooth clutch feel.
*While no one will confuse the ride quality of any Class 7 truck with that of a luxury car, the M2 provides a very comfortable, gentle ride. We had an occasion to take the truck on some 2-lane roads for photographic purposes and the suspension was very forgiving even on the bumpy, broken pavement.
*Extremely tight turns are easily accomplished with the M2 because wheel cut can be as much as 55 degrees. This was demonstrated when we pulled up to a crossover on a 4-lane road. We had attempted this move before in other Class 7 trucks at that very spot, but we could never pull it off until trying the maneuver with the m2.
The truck made the 180-degree turn from the left turn lane and we still had room to spare in the right hand lane after completing the turn. That kind of agility will come in mighty handy on city streets and tight parking lots.
Our conclusions?
Freightliner has a winner in the M2 series, a fine successor to the old Business Class. There are many improvements and refinements to the previous series and an expediter in the market for his next Class 7 truck would be well advised to check out the M2's.
Dan Tilley
Alumi-Bunk of Knoxville
I-40 @ Cherry Street (exit 390)
Knoxville, TN
Toll Free 866.799.2865
Phone 865.329.0332
Fax 865.329.0381
Email: [email protected]