New Freightliner factory service facility

[John_Canfield]

We were just at the factory in Gaffney and thought you all would like this FYI:

Freightliner's new service facility is expected to be open December, 2005 in Gaffney, South Carolina couple of exits north of the factory on I85.

They will have six service bays and 12 to 15 RV sites with water and electric available. Access to the RV parking sites will be controlled unlike the current situation.

The new facility will be located off Highway 11, exit 92, I85.

[John_Canfield]

We were just at the factory in Gaffney and thought you all would like this FYI:

Freightliner's new service facility is expected to be open December, 2005 in Gaffney, South Carolina couple of exits north of the factory on I85.

They will have six service bays and 12 to 15 RV sites with water and electric available. Access to the RV parking sites will be controlled unlike the current situation.

The new facility will be located off Highway 11, exit 92, I85.

[The Shadow]

John, during your visit at Gaffney, did you hear anything about Freightlinr discontinuing the use of CAT engines? A friend told me this evening that he had heard this story and I was disappointed. Althought I have a Cummins now I found our CAT operated in a highly satisfactory manner. Hope it is not true.

[John_Canfield]

Don,

The tour was led by the security guard who was a contractor. That was a little disappointing - she did not know that much. Nice lady, but she was better as a security guard.

Sorry - no pearls of wisdom

[The Shadow]

That is unfortunate since our guide seemed to be reasonably informed and we were able to gleen some info (cautiously mind you) on the Michelin issues (a lot of the chassis coming off the line had GY's on them) and we were shown the Merc 7.2 that was being introduced into the line.

Given what is happening to worldwide vehicle sales given fuel pirce increases, I can see FTL using a family engine that is the same size as the Cat C7 but has more torque - 1000 vs 860 for the CAT.

I'm wondering if this can be true since it might be a significant item for CAT's revenue and one would expect and announcement to inform investors. I took a look at the FTL site but didn't see any announcement.

[MrTransistor]

Hi deleslie125,
The CAT web site lists the Marine version of the C7 at up to 455 BHP. You would think that the torque could be increased with ease. 860 to 1000 Lb/Ft is only an increase of 17%. That said, the better choice for Freightliner and CAT might be to migrate the Motor Home industry to the C11. More of everything.

[Rich Bock]

We also just returned from the Gaffney service facility. This was our first visit and I didn't know what to expect. Pleasant suprise. The charges for oil changes and other services seem well below what what other service dealers are charging.