we were talking about it before, so here it is.

{MaxxForce 7} EPA 10, 300 HP @ 2600 RPM, 660 lb-ft Torque @ 1600 RPM, 2800 RPM

Governed Speed, 300 Peak HP (Max)

{Allison 1350_RDS} 4th Generation Controls; Close Ratio, 5-Speed, with Overdrive; with PTO
Provision, Includes Park Pawl, Less Retarder, with 19,500-lb GVW & 30,000-lb GCW Max. on/off

hwy

AXLE, FRONT DRIVING:

{Dana Spicer 70-273} Single Reduction, 8,000-lb Capacity

AXLE, REAR, SINGLE:

{Dana Spicer S110} Single Reduction, With Offset Housing; 13,500-lb Capacity, 160 Wheel Ends

Gear Ratio: 4.30

TRANSFER CASE {Fabco TC-28} Two-Speed, Gear Drive, 3,600 lb-ft Capacity

with Electric Shifting Controls, without PTO Provision

 

You still can't cover up what an ugly duck they are.

 

An XL super duty doesn't look all that cool either, throw a little bling at it

 

What is a Terra Star?

 

http://www.internationaltrucks.com/t...ries/terrastar

It's not a Super Duty, but it's in the same class.

 

Thats a terrastar. They are about the class for an f550 - f650.

 

I've seen quite a few of them. I know many EMS agencies are excited, its just what we (they) needed.

 

How come so many guys in the EMS field are obsessed with GIANT trucks?
It seems like there's an anxiousness to prove that the biggest most powerful trucks are needed for this purpose.

Our dep't HAD diesel 450's, now they have chev van chassis gas jobbers, and they work just fine.

 

the local fire dept runs 4x4 f-450/550s here for ambulances with nothing but praise.

 

It depends on the dept's needs. My company runs mostly Ford vans, with some new chevy vans because Ford discontinued the Econoline. We also have some ford van modular ambulances, which are the econoline cut-away with a big box on the back.

Our regular vans are for normal use and the modulars are for CCT (Critical care transport), NICU (Neonatal Insensitive Care Unit) and BARI (bariatric... big people) transports. Personally, I love the modulars, there is SO much more room to work on your patient in the back, they ride much nicer (important for your patient too, consider babies or unhealed fractures) and they get the attention of the public much better. Some companies will use the modulars for all calls, not just the special needs ones. Also, I hate the chevys, everything including aftermarket upfitter stuff on them is cheap and sucks.

Some companies/depts use medium duty ambulances. These are usually fire depts who also manage the EMS dept and use the ambulances as rescue units as well. In this case the ambulance not only carries medical equipment, but rescue equipment, too.

The medium duty ambulances also tend to last considerably longer. Initial cost is higher but down time is very expensive in the EMS industry, whether you are talking profit (for-profit companies) or available coverage (govt depts).

Every company/dept has their own reason why they have the rigs they have. I asked the same question once too, and trust me, no dept or company is spending money on an extra large ambulance they dont need.

Here is a standard van ambulance, suitable for most circumstances:


Here is a modular ambulance, they are much nicer to work in IMO some people dont like driving with the extra size:


Here is an ambulance based off of an F-Series truck. This is my preferred set up for several reasons:


And the medium duty, which I have not had experience with, and is least common, especially in heavily populated areas such as the one I work in:

 

i found a few shots of ours.

 

Mmm, beautiful now that Ford has discontinued the Econoline I hope that the depts dont start using chevys, I HATE them with a passion. Everything on them sucks. I'm hoping the industry tries different options and settles on F-Series as the standard.

 

I bet the terrastar would make an awesome emergency vehicle !!!

The 2wd ones are cheap.


I priced them out, 50k - 100k depending on all options.

 

 

The terrastar's suck big time gents. Because they dont want to adopt the DEF system, they run a shyat load of egr through the motors, causing awful fuel mileage.

6.7L Powerstroke FTW!

P.S: They are a light duty truck and are in the F550 class, not a F650.