M916/920 vs M1088

[Pasperry]

My intended use for the truck is hauling hay / equipment up and down varying degrees of crappy mountain roads. Could include some hay pickups in fields that are less than stellar. Will definitely need to haul in the winter so snow and ice are in the cards. In short would like something that will allow me to haul 50k pounds year round and freeway / highway use will be pretty limited (the longest haul I currently make is about 200 mile round trip with half of that on asphalt).

Anyone with experience with both? I haven’t driven or hauled with either - does one come out as a clear winner for my needs?

 

[simp5782]

A 1088A1 is going to have a little more speed/power than a base model 1088. But cost a little more.

916/920s have a double frame so they can handle more weight and power. They also have detroit lockers in both rear axles on the base model.

Only the front tandem axle on the 916A1-3 models has a locker. They also have a detroit diesel.

The 916/920 will haul more weight at a faster speed. For cheaper and more reliability from the engine for heavy hauling. The only downside is the CAT 7155 if you aren't familiar with it.

916/920s and 1088s aren't going to exceed 60mph on the highway without modifications.

There is a M916A0E1 that has the big cam cummins and 7 speed Allison and can run 80 or so down the highway. There is a 920 version but they are hens teeth.

I have a highly modified 920. Easiest way to increase speed is going to larger tires but it makes it taller for any trailer then.

916 920s will do work longer and with more abuse for a cheaper price in any parts you have to replace, as they are generally commercial equals to a IH paystar/freightliner 6x6. Vs the 1088 that are specific builds.

 

[NDT]

916/920 are poor performers off road with the cookie cutter highway tires.

 

[Karl kostman]

I have a M920 on 1600x20 on HEMTT rims and it does pretty darn good off road, and its going to be for sale this Spring!

 

[charlesmann]

I have a M920 on 1600x20 on HEMTT rims and it does pretty darn good off road, and its going to be for sale this Spring!

I wish i would be able to afford it.

 

[Tapper02]

So why go as big as a 916/920? A 915A1 can go up to 105K GCVWR....should be big/strong enough for what you need.

 

[simp5782]

So why go as big as a 916/920? A 915A1 can go up to 105K GCVWR....should be big/strong enough for what you need.

The snow and ice hauling he stated would warrant the use of 6x6 that the 915 doesn't have

 

[Pasperry]

I have a M920 on 1600x20 on HEMTT rims and it does pretty darn good off road, and its going to be for sale this Spring!

Keep me posted on the sale - I’m not in a terrible hurry though over the winter every time I have to pull myself up grade with the dozer my timetable gets more constrained.