International 4700 T444E - Diesel Forum

Shocker · 05-25-2009, 08:38 PM

Hey everyone. I am looking for some advice. I am planning on building a RV out of a MDT. I am looking at this INTL 4700 with T444E.

What is your guys' opinion on this rig? Would it have enough power for the conversion and tow a Jeep Wrangler behind it?

Would it be good on the freeway for long distances? Seems like it would make a nice conversion. Chop the box down a bit, add some under box storage, cut the cab and front of the box to allow for pass thru etc. I think it would be a fun conversion.

I know I could just buy a diesel pusher and be done with it, but where is the fun in that! Here are the specs. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Year 1998
Manufacturer INTERNATIONAL
Model 4700 Condition Used
Cab Standard Cab
Engine Specs International
Engine Type T444E 175 HP @ 2300/2600
Fuel Type Diesel
Horsepower 175
Mileage 153,100
Transmission 4 Spd
Check for Over Drive Yes
Engine Brake Yes
Suspension Spring Length 20'
Lift End Gate Yes
Doors Roll up
Ratio 4.44
Tires 22.5
Wheels All Steel
Wheelbase 218"
Number of Rear Axles Single

nevrenufhp · 05-25-2009, 10:04 PM

It'll be a decent rig, but with 175hp, you will be ultra slow pulling any load up a hill. It probably has the Allison AT545, which will make it seem even more weak since it doesn't have a lockup converter. Advice; Look for a DT466 with an MT643 or 653 or MD3060 if you want an auto.

Shocker · 05-26-2009, 04:37 AM

I thought of that. I was wondering what the performance was like when it was near fully loaded. I am pretty sure that with the 20 ft box as the base for the living space, I wouldn't be anywhere near the 26k GVW for the rig.

I can't find any info as to what the weight of the rig alone is.

I will take your advice and see if I can find a 466 or larger powered rig. The smaller 4700's are such a good deal though, that it makes it tougher to pass. But of course if I am miserable all the time, what would be the point.

Right now I have a 23' Winnebago with a 460 and C6. It works OK, but I want a bit more space and the coolness of having built my own rig.

I am going to test drive that 4700 tomorrow and see how it moves empty.

Thanks!

NateHolmes · 05-30-2009, 10:06 PM

I have one of those trucks. Not a box truck but same chassis. My truck weighs 20K. The attachment that is on it weighs about 9k so just the cab and chassis is somewhere in the 11K range. The truck runs great and will go anywhere. However they are slow, like 55mph slow, 60 going downhill.

Shocker · 05-31-2009, 01:38 AM

Thanks for the info Nate. That seems to be the consensus on the board. I am going to look for something with more power.

Any recommendations? I don't have to have an International. Just something with an automatic and the ability to remove the rear wall of the cab to create a pass through to the box.

Thanks!

Larry S. · 05-31-2009, 10:07 PM

I'd bet with a little work on the engine and programming you could get an easy 300 HP without stressing the engine. I think Hypermax makes a chip for the T444E and also think DP-Tuner can provide tuning for them.

Shocker · 06-01-2009, 03:37 AM

Well, I found a 1998 Intl 4700 with the T444E and the Allison 4speed. 20' FRP box with liftgate, 150k miles. It has some engine codes that the dealer is telling me relate to injectors. Some need replacements. There is some minor damage here and there. I can sell the lift gate.

It is currently non-running condition for 4k. Tires look good. It is at an International dealer.

Needs interior cleaned up, but that is not a problem as I was gutting it anyway. FRP box is nice with no damage. Prices are all over the map on something like this.

Any reccommendations?