International Fleetstar

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International Fleetstar
Team Penske October 2022 08 (1972 International Fleetstar truck).jpg
1972 International Fleetstar truck at Team Penske
Overview
TypeTruck
Manufacturer International Harvester
Production1962-1977
Body and chassis
Class Class 7-8
Layout 4x2
6x4
Chronology
Predecessor International R-Series medium-duty
Successor International S-Series

The International Fleetstar is a series of heavy-duty trucks that was produced between 1962 and 1977 by International Harvester. Slotted above the Loadstar and below the Paystar and Transtar conventionals introduced after it, the Fleetstar was the first truck line that International designed specifically for vocational use.

Contents

Using a conventional-cab configuration, the Fleetstar was available as both a straight truck and as a semitractor, with both single and tandem rear axles.

In 1977, International Harvester introduced the S-Series. Consolidating the Fleetstar and Loadstar within a single model range, the S-Series replaced the Fleetstar first. The contemporary equivalent of the Fleestar produced by International is the HV (WorkStar).

Models

1900

2000

2010

2010A

2050

2070

2100

These models of trucks were produced in 27,500 lb (12,500 kg) to 60,920 lb (27,630 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (the loaded weight of the truck), with both single and tandem rear axle models. The Fleetstar line was larger than the Loadstar (International's medium duty lineup during this time) and smaller than the Paystar (severe service) and Transtar (primarily semi-tractors). Fleetstars used the "C" series cab popular on the Loadstar and pickups, and later on got the newer "D" series cab, with some overlap between the two models. There were Cummins, Detroit Diesel, and International Harvester built engines available in larger sizes than those of the Loadstar line. Frame rail and axle sizes were generally larger than their smaller cousin, and were of the completely straight design for strength. These frames were typical of International truck frames in general, having large flanges, and great strength.

These were simple and straightforward trucks with stubby noses and short turning radius. Their name is correct in that many were purchased as fleet trucks, and usually lacked the flash and comfort of the more custom Transtar series. These trucks were reliable, easily fixed and maintained, and offered a low cost heavy truck for those looking in this market area. The construction and heavy duty market also got its version of the Fleetstar with a special Construction package, but these were eclipsed by the smaller Loadstar and larger Paystar series of trucks. Many older Fleetstar trucks got a second lease on life after over the road trucking by being converted to everything from stake beds to van bodies to dump trucks. Quite a few examples are around with over 1 million miles on the odometer.

Chassis

All Fleetstars had ladder frames with the same three standard wheelbases, which increased slightly over the years. The exception was early model tandems, which shared their separate wheelbases. All models were available as semi-tractors, gasoline models had a Gross Combination Weight Rating (the loaded weight of the truck and any trailers) of 55,000 lb (25,000 kg) and diesel models had a 79,000 lb (36,000 kg) rating.

1972-1974 Models

ModelMax. front GAWR [lower-alpha 1] Max. rear GAWRMax. GVWR [lower-alpha 2] Engine [lower-alpha 3] Trans
191012,000 lb (5,400 kg)22,000 lb (10,000 kg)33,560 lb (15,220 kg)RD-4065 spd.
2000D12,000 lb (5,400 kg)23,000 lb (10,000 kg)35,000 lb (16,000 kg)NTC 27015 spd.
201012,000 lb (5,400 kg)23,000 lb (10,000 kg)33,560 lb (15,220 kg)VS-47815 spd.
205011,560 lb (5,240 kg)23,000 lb (10,000 kg)33,560 lb (15,220 kg)D-1705 spd.
207012,000 lb (5,400 kg)23,000 lb (10,000 kg)34,560 lb (15,680 kg)NTC 33513 spd.
F1910 [lower-alpha 4] 12,000 lb (5,400 kg)34,000 lb (15,000 kg)46,000 lb (21,000 kg)RD-4065 spd.
F2000D11,560 lb (5,240 kg)38,000 lb (17,000 kg)49,560 lb (22,480 kg)NTC 27013 spd.
F201016,000 lb (7,300 kg)38,000 lb (17,000 kg)54,000 lb (24,000 kg)VS-4785 spd.
F207018,000 lb (8,200 kg)44,000 lb (20,000 kg)60,920 lb (27,630 kg)NTC 33513 spd.

Powertrain

The Fleetstar series offered a wide range of engines. Most models offered several gasoline engines and a mid-range diesel. 2000 and 2070 models had heavy duty diesels.

Most Fleetstars had five speed transmissions, often with a two speed rear axle, but a six speed automatic was sometimes an option. Heavy duty diesels had vendor transmissions with up to 13 speeds.

Engines (Highest rated in different truck models.)

Engine Model [lower-alpha 5] ConfigurationFuel Type [lower-alpha 6] PowerTorque
IHC RD-406406 cu in (6.7 L) inline-sixGasoline193 hp (144 kW)373 lb⋅in (42.1 N⋅m)
IHC VS-478477 cu in (7.8 L) inline-six209 hp (156 kW)384 lb⋅in (43.4 N⋅m)
IHC D-170549 cu in (9.0 L) V8Diesel170 hp (130 kW)340 lb⋅in (38 N⋅m)
Cummins NTC-335855 cu in (14.0 L) inline-six335 hp (250 kW)

Notes

  1. Gross Axle Weight Rating is the loaded weight of the axle.
  2. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the loaded weight of the truck.
  3. Highest rated engine for model.
  4. F models have a tandem axle.
  5. Engines are International (IHC) or Cummins.
  6. Gasoline (G), diesel (D), inline (I), (V), and number of cylinders.

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The International Harvester Company was an American manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, automobiles, commercial trucks, lawn and garden products, household equipment, and more. It was formed from the 1902 merger of McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and Deering Harvester Company and three smaller manufacturers: Milwaukee; Plano; and Warder, Bushnell, and Glessner. Its brands included McCormick, Deering, and later McCormick-Deering, as well as International. Along with the Farmall and Cub Cadet tractors, International was also known for the Scout and Travelall vehicle nameplates. In the 1980s all divisions were sold off except for International Trucks, which changed its parent company name to Navistar International.

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References

Further reading