Detroit ambulance repair problems

[@Mark-eu4ds]

International trucks have had VERY POOR reliability between 2002 and 2017. The Maxxforce engine was especially unreliable. 2002-2009's had bad body hardware, electrical systems, shoddy assembly quality and low quality materials. 2010-17's had improved slightly, but had issues with Maxxforce engines. The latest LT International trucks have had VERY GOOD reliability. The '02-'17 trucks were exceptionally bad in their first few years.

[@fuschiapink40]

Detroit has 99 problems but with all the crime and the fact that it's Motor City, broken ambulances should not be one.

[@62ericg]

its an international...what did they expect

[@TangAppy]

grahamcracker62 I’m not too familiar with the international brand other than Fords with their 7.3 diesel was developed by them. Sure, the numbers aren’t too great with those engines, but they sure are reliable. I’m at 284k with an 01 Excursion. I’ve only done the routine maintenance stuff. If anything, replacing the glow plug module is the only real fault I got so far. My only gripe is the HP & torque out the box, and how I have to almost always turn the dang engine off just so I can make an order at the drive through lol. Idk about other builds by international, but their 7.3s are pretty solid if you ask me.

[@korvallis]

A lot of the issues with the International chassis in my department has been that the trucks work great for highway but take a beating with the start and stop of city driving. Especially with the previous generations of trucks there have been a lot of problems with the harsh cycles the trucks are put through.

[@Somedude819]

@Eric BelincAt our station We have an international tanker, it has been great.

[@chubbysumo2230]

the international is the frame, the body is put on by an upfitter. Every single one of these problems can probably be traced back to shitty work on part of the upfitters. They need to take these piles of problems straight back to the upfit company.

[@alexandersalarms5380]

My town has mostly international, (some dodge and GMC,) But they are not crap.

[@johnnelson8956]

The problem is that you bought Navistar ( international) trucks. If they had purchased (Daimler Trucks) Freightliner business class m2 trucks, they would be running just fine. Of course, I am sort of partial, I retired from the plant where they are manufactured after 25 years. But it is true, they are better built.

[@jaysmith1408]

Had one of our mechanics come to me, telling me that my truck wasn't making power, i then pointed to the diamond on the hood, and declared thay was the root of the problem. Internationals suck.

[@martymc92]

jfsa380 they have mexforce engine . They suck

[@Mark-eu4ds]

Lol. Maxxfarts engine! That almost killed International.

[@briansmith5402]

They are brand new units. They should have warranty’s on them

[@chubbysumo2230]

Typically, with these, International ships the frame to an upfitter, and then the upfitter puts the body on. The frame/chassis/drivetrain and body likely have different levels of warranty coverage. Every single issue tho, can be traced back to shitty upfit work on part of the body fitter.

[@joelmartin2549]

sounds like the union is the problem, I wouldn't let anything I value near a union shop.

[@animelordz562]

FDNY ambulance gets a lot of calls and they Still maintain their ems

[@timk.2381]

But FDNY has the money to maintain their ambulances, detroit not really.

[@Nino_J]

FDNY has ford ambulances

[@railtruckdriver853]

let me see if I understand this situation. private enterprises gave the money to pay for these new ambulances. they were to be maintained by private repair shops but the city of detroit bought them outright. how did the city of detroit as broke as they are pay for these new ambulances.

[@Watchout-b6y]

unions are the main reasons for this mess.

[@42luke93]

railtruckdriver853 Ikr, just buy a 2002 ford econoline ambulance.

[@chrisrmorriscm]

@@42luke93 LOL. Ford vans are garbage.

[@smoothie33]

Detroit makes something new old in no time flat

[@BeytekinConstructionMachinery]

Donated ambulances are leased by an company?! What?! I don't understand that all...

[@vkanthems6744]

This is why Brazil uses Iveco, Mercedes and Renault as ambulances, they don't break easily.

[@SquishyZoran]

I don’t think you can get Iveco or Renault in the US though.

[@nothing9271]

@@SquishyZoran in Brazil we use Small Engine Vehicles because our gas is expensive

[@andyvanweelden]

Internationals shouldn’t do that. It has clearly been over used or ignoring the request. EMS are heros

[@jeffthornton6998]

How come these kind of things only happen in Detroit? I have a funny feeling money is changing hands somewhere.

[@ywe3]

Not just Detroit but every city run by a Democrat don't see this being an issue in dallas

[@trevorrangel1659]

@@ywe3 but Dallas has a democratic mayor...

[@buddystebliy]

what do you expect when you buy an international? lol

[@MrPent9295]

International is not the problem dick wad

[@iiFoogie]

MrPent9295 international is the worse company for ambulances

[@buzzfeedright4154]

Navistar international is the Yugo of trucks, who do you think designed the ford 6.0 the worse motor put into a truck.

[@centralnewyorkresponses7887]

Jeez, the people using those things are really aggressive. Next time, use a Freightliner M2 106 chassis.

[@k0smon]

No need for fancy trucks. Use panel trucks with the necessary equipment. Will cut costs in half or more.

[@sudriansignalman9387]

It's like JCS busses bought for 2013 and 2014, all the 2014 busses broke down on their way to the garage, and 13 which is a 2013 bus breaks down constantly

[@Truck12300]

What do they expected, from international trucks...?

[@reaver8338]

Whats the difference?

[@cjreed874]

way to keep those new trucks mantained

[@Wruff]

exactly

[@karlporath8904]

New HD diesel trucks are ALL unreliable. Constant emission problems. Thanks EPA for brand new trucks that don't run.

[@jaysmith1408]

Our company has among others, ProStars, Durastars and TerraStars (the problem trucks) and they'll run really well, but you better be tip top on preventative maintenance. Apparently as the manager has said, they can't manage that. They're mechanics, they have one job.

[@paxundpeace9970]

That new Trucks have it's issues for certain, this isn't a maintenance problem, it is a production quality problem.

[@SayNoToDemocide1]

If they want real "disposable" ambulances, how about the Ford E-series van (not the chassis version)? And as for the best ambulances money can buy, how about the Kenworth T270 as the chassis, with maybe the body being produced by Horton?

[@karlporath8904]

SayNoTo Democide yup those KWs are great to look at. But just like every other "new" truck from little straight trucks right up to my new tractors. NEW STUFF IS JUNK. Any heavy duty truck that has an egr, let alone a def system is pure crap. My 2014 Mack Pinnacles I just turned in needed new injectors every 4 months. My new 2018 freightliners have 500 horse Detroit Diesels that could hardly pull a childs wagon. And both have already been down for emissions.

[@martymc92]

They need a glider kit ambulance

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

I know americans are large people but why the fuck does everything need to be mounted on a gas guzzling truck? Europe, and the rest of the world dont waste cash on these stupid oversized tonka trucks? Why does america have to re invent the wheel every time they have a problem? Save millions by simply picking up the phone or looking on the internet as to how other countries do it succesfully? Maybe too much for ask in a country that gives out guns like candy hye?

[@stretchr11]

You show your ignorance by not being able to make your point without profanity. I was on the job for nearly 30 years and have used multiple types but the Type 3 (van front, modular rear) was the best value for the money for our particular area. Also, we don't "give out guns likey candy". We believe in freedoms our constitution mandate. As for the European model, it's fine if you like socialism where government controls the people. In the U.S.A., our government is "of the people, by the people, and for the people". Unlike many of your countries, who allowed the government to confiscate your weapons, taking away your ability to protect yourselves, or even rise up against your tyrannical government! That is sadly typical of the Left, expecting government to be the solution to everything. We believe in the right to protect our homes and families ourselves, because the reality is that the police can't be everywhere immediately when you need them. Besides, when and if your citizens get fed up with tyranny and want to get their rights back, you may have to do it with sticks and stones, "hye" (Whatever that means) "Save the world, accept the flawed logic of CLIMATE CHANGE!" It's that kind of government control and logic that caused our original settlers to flee from Europe!

[@Justincasethompson]

Many companies use International Trucks. These trucks must have come with some kind of warranty. Detroit should maintain them or let a couple International Truck dealers do it under contract. A leaning truck might mean bad shock absorbers or other suspension parts. It's all repairable.

[@michaelr.1709]

The problem is more likely that they are being driven hard over heavily potholed roads and driven much more than most ambulances. My city of 50,000 has 5 ambulances running at a time. Detroit sometimes has 12 or less running for a huge city of 700,000. Proportionally, they should have 70 ambulances running at a time. My city is poor compared to Detroit. Add to it the requirement that Detroit union mechanics have to ‘service’ them and you have your explanation for this mess.

[@joojoo68]

Get ford here in Crockett County TN. They have never let anybody down.

[@alexandersalarms5380]

Just don't get hurt in Detroit. Edit: Yeahh, That is gonna be a challenge.

[@Viking_6_3]

That dipshot says these are disposable trucks? What crack is he smoking? Those are not disposable trucks. Keep your vehicles in top shape. Its really not that hard.

[@Wruff]

exactly, it's not like they can be spending 160,000 per rig for news one every fucking month

[@orlandoburgos9190]

from what I have read in the comment section it's the ambulance, not the city

[@alexandersalarms5380]

Facts.

[@jerrybutler605]

Yeah it is, look who's running the EMS program.

[@robox91]

Standard things to say as a public official; praise the people that work there. But they don't mean it otherwise they wouldn't giving them junk in the first place.

[@casualobserver620]

International is a 13 letter work for manure spreader.

[@renkcel]

I SMELL CORRUPTION AND INCOMPETENCE TO A LEVEL YOU NEED AN AIR PACKS TO SURVIVE!!!!!!

[@njwebber]

I use to live Fort Lee NJ a we had an town mechanic that worked on town Vehicles Including Fire Trucks, Ambulances & police cars however he only did small jobs like tune ups oil changes lights ect to help maintaine them and he usually kept extra parts stocked for these the jobs however if its a big problem like engine transmission suspension or if its been in an accident it would get sent back to the company to get fixed there are some mechanics specialize In these types of Vehicles theres a place in California that specializes in nothing but police Vehicles Crown Rick Auto is his youtube name

[@chrisgast]

Either they need to get a better manufacturer or a better mechanic. Ridiculous that those rigs are out of commission that many times or for a long time. Have a mechanic at the base/station checking on the rigs on a regular basis (daily or no less than weekly). They should be concentrating on FUNCTIONALITY than "bling".

[@au2thestin]

Funny thing, six years later....... still fighting the same issues

[@davidcarroll8735]

Sorry to hear it. Thank you for being on the front lines.

[@CArefugee]

Big rigs like that in a busy city like that don’t work ! Too big , too much maintenance, and way too expensive, get a type one style Ford or dodge diesel .... done and done . Hopefully the union was able to in fuck this ginormous cluster ... 😵

[@miken8778]

Dollars to donuts the extra ambulances they get are more reliable then these new "Cadillac ambulances". It's always the flashy hi-tech shit that breaks down first

[@barefooboy17]

Our school buses are International. Over 400,000 miles on them and 22 years old. Still runs like a dream

[@adamw4245]

Because most of them are probably engine swapped

[@IeeIee778]

No they've got motors from the time they were still reliable motors

[@soju69jinro]

seems like the new upgraded models use more electricity than the old ones. and that the allocation of electrical use is imbalanced.

[@alexandersalarms5380]

I think the problem is not international, but the people maintaining it.

[@andrewhodges8591]

It's not the international truck it's the pos maxxforce 7 that navistar was putting in at this time but today they are putting cummins Isbs in about 90% of the newer trucks this size which are called terrastars I should know I've worked at an International dealer for about 5 years and this engine doesn't even exist anymore nor does the whole maxxforce line

[@FSXNOOB]

Americans need smaller ambulances, these trucks are just too big, in europe you have many medium-size ones that are just perfect for it.

[@MrWhite-pn7ui]

Why settle for less? Bigger ambulances carry more equipment and have a larger work space. Guess that's what you get with socialized healthcare.

[@tylerboyer7824]

In Europe your roads are a-lot smaller than those here in North America. We simply have the space for these that can do more.

[@coover65]

It's the layout of the rear, not size that's important. I've used F-350 ambulances with a box back (like the ones in this video), and Mercedes Sprinter 318s. The Sprinters are al little underpowered (especially the ones we have with a modular back). Anybody who says you need smaller ambulances has never worked in one.

[@c.d.c9425]

Coover You should see the ambulances they have in Scandinavia. Literally a car with a larger modified cabin on the back. Size does not always equal to a better ambulance. An ambulance is a vehicle for transporting and stabilising patients. A smaller, well layed out ambulance means everything is in reach in the back, and the ambulance is lighter. I doubt American ambulances have half the lightness, acceleration, agility and ability to weave around tight traffic and streets that European ambulances have.

[@coover65]

When I started with our state ambulance service 20 years ago we basically had two types of ambulances. A Holden commodore ambulance like this (single stretcher units) upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/1998_Holden_VS_Commodore_ambulance_%285350248363%29.jpg And Ford F-350 units (most had two stretchers, some had one). I used this one on my day shifts. www.flickr.com/photos/149428609@N08/32850409685/in/album-72157678664839260/ Now we have mostly these mader.com.au/client-assets/news/qas.jpg The Holden commodres were like you dscribed; a modified back on a car (in this case a Holden utility with a stretched chassis). With a 3.8L V6 they weren't too underpowered for the job, but had terrible body roll. Inside was cramped, especially when doing a multi system trauma or resus job. Everything was within easy reach though. The air conditioning struggled with Queensland's humid heat. The F-series with a 7.3L V8 had heaps of get up and go (for their size), and plenty of space to work in. Some items could only be reached by getting out the seat. Plenty of room to do big jobs. They had the turning circle of a battleship, but suited for Australian suburban streets. The Mercedes 318 Sprinters are basically what all Australian ambulance services use now as primary response units. These are 1 stretcher, and as paramedics had input into the design, they're great to work in. A bit underpowered (6 cylinder 3.0 litre), but they handle fantastic. At the end of the day, an ambulance is more than just "a vehicle for transporting and stabilising patients", they're our office where we can spend up to most of a 12 hour shift working in. I had a look at Swedish ambulances on Google. I see you have Chevrolets, Mercedes Sprinters like ours, and Mercedes E270s. I dare say Swedish paramedics would find the Sprinters better than the E270s to work in.

[@johnhintz4760]

When i was a Kid the DFD. Had a Repair Facility that was 2nd To none..I it happened in Steps.Just Google the Report on the March 12-87 Wherehouse Fire..Read the US.Fire Administration Report.. It will Make you Mad..The Shops Guys Deal with What they have..Just like any City Anywhere.Have a Safe Devil Or Angel's Nite.And Stay Safe..and Drive Careful..

[@Redford_lee]

American cars are not the icon of ... you know ... reliable

[@railtruckdriver853]

the fire department fleet repair Union is not the problem it's the city management of fire/ems and the fire department's management of the fleet repair division. I am so glad since the city bought the ambulances outright that the union stood up to the city and the management of Detroit fire/ems and told them we will work on these ambulances not an outside repar facility. if I was a firefighter or I worked in the city repar shop/fleet services in the city of Detroit-city of Chicago-city of Saint Louis or anywhere in the northeast or the mid-west you can bet I would be in the union to protect me and to protect my job!

[@joelmartin2549]

It's a long history of unions that have destroyed Detriot (and a lot of other US industry) in the first place, so I'd say it looks pretty easy to blame this slovenliness on the union. Union rules rarely make sense except to line the pockets of its leaders.

[@_valve]

Should've bought a Ram

[@adamw4245]

Even worse

[@IeeIee778]

@@adamw4245 you know alot don't ya? A ram is one of the best platforms for a ambulance ford though the steering wheel will disconnect going down the road do to quality issues

[@joojoo68]

Well i will never go to detroit but if i for some reason do and if i get sick im F#%KED.

[@richardfickess4349]

Buying a new fleet would normally have a warranted wouldn't it?

[@edwardmcmillenjr8443]

Buy some ford e450 with the gasoline v10 engines...equip them with liquid spring suspension in rear.our local ford dealer is great...so far ,4 years with no major breakdowns.we have 3 year warranty on leaders ambulance body.they supply us with parts quick..air bag suspension always leak and air bags burst on potholes and dips..our city fleet is a ford certified warranty center..we can obtain parts from ford for warranty work and get reimbursed for labor and parts...we stock most of the preventative maintenance parts since our fleet is mostly ford vehicles and alot of parts are the same for heavy duty trucks and suvs.we have courtesy cars available in case we need to drive to local dealer for will call parts pick ups...we recondition our old ambulances and use them for back up spares when needed..CITY OF LONG BEACH FLEET SERVICES #3 GOVERNMENT FLEET IN THE NATION..

[@williamheber2118]

Problem may not be with the vehicles, but how about the MECHANICS? You get who you hire from the streets. How many have been CERTIFIED to repair these vehicles?

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

uhm with the units being only a few months old they shouldn't be in repair so often even if the EMS provider doesn't have mechanics. Some of our units are years old and we don't have mechanics ... and when they need some repairs, we bring them to the Mercedes-Benz repair shop

[@jeremiahsatterlee3940]

Some of them were really poorly made, poorly manufacturing ambulance is a DEADLY problem

[@fredferd965]

Time after time, I see these men "wearing suits," and being "suits," all mouthing soothing, proper words, with no follow up. The stuff they're uttering is all glittering generalities - with no truth or substance.

[@richardkelley2598]

Good old internationals 🖒 nothing but problems with ours

[@emtb9111]

How is this happening....they should be under warranty and fixed by the company that made them or the chassis fixed by the maker.

[@tgs9034]

should of just fucking bought Ford Ambulances with the donations, or hell get the smaller Box ambulances. My city has 7 ambulances I think 2 Large Ford, 3 smaller ford acting as BLS and I think theres 2 Van type ambulances, they work fine older ambulances like the vans are getting rotated as Transport or reserve if one of the BLS break down, but thanks to Local hospital PULSAR unit if we lose a ALS ambulance aka 1 of the large fords we can simply request ALS support from other cities or the hospital PULSAR

[@bradgt5130]

There is a reason ford ditched navistar. Detroit should of done the same when they heard they was getting international ambulances.

[@FYouTube32]

Should have got a Chevy

[@lanceowens4491]

Man anyone remember those now we have ford. Back then you me lucky if they respond to your call or wait 4 hours but hey they s real good department now.

[@jackkim3316]

Just use any of the Detroit-Based company Trucks, better than intentional

[@KnightRider1983]

Why didnt WXYZ-TV reach out to Horton, who manufactured them??

[@spoda81]

The only part of those ambulance's that are hortons are the box's on the INTERNATIONAL is where they are having problems

[@YukariAkiyama]

Should’ve stuck with Ford. Even Fix Or Repair Daily is better than International

[@firebuffandrewphotography]

What happens to the old fire Commissioner? Dud he reitre?

[@seanrewerts9358]

Too much technology. They should have gone with f 450 chassis with a v10. Basic, easy to maintain, easy and cheaper to fix than a diesel. And there more reliable.

[@MsFiregal8]

Who was lining their pockets and endangering lives? NEW trucks! Don't have that problems with our 5 year old ones.

[@enogr43]

Love the fact that both fire comisionar looka like from the comisonar in Chicago fire!

[@BrokenMedic]

Why did they need such big ambulances? They could have bought cheaper ones that are better.

[@thatdudesohyper]

As truckers call em, Inter-trash-nal

[@dandrewsDJ]

Internationals infamous Maxxforce Engines. Complete garbage! Same engine in school buses that fail constantly thanks to EPA diesel emissions crap.

[@Doc_Rainbow]

"made in America" there is a reason most Ambulance Services all arround the world use German Brands...

[@waynerichards8606]

Something is wrong there the manufacture should be training these people on how the truck works and any problems should go back to the manufacturer most of the time they buy cab off International or Ford any thing like that and they’re not using common sense

[@rumplestiltskin7304]

Being sabotaged by the union ????? First question to ask.

[@845835]

No. Anyone who has worked in a busy EMS service understands how these rigs take a beating.

[@johnh8705]

2:23 explains everything

[@emtb9111]

I think that they got the wrong vehicles...they are poorly built for city use.

[@TheByard]

All that glitters is not gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Viking_6_3]

Lmfao! All the people that were jumping out of their boots in joy for these things.... Look whos laughing now.

[@LilDanger-dp8oe]

Every single time I log on to KZbin... It’s fucked up news about the Detroit Fire Department... ambulances look brand spanking new, glossy and everything.

[@SaucySoviet]

They couldn't just get some e450's or chevy 3500's? ford f550's? lol these trucks are giant, boston ems size.

[@losthighway53]

What do you expect for a corn patch Cadillac??

[@Biden2024_]

Who donated these trucks ? A smart mechanic ?LOL

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

I blame the union!

[@sonomacountytowing9588]

Well if the Cadillac is broken a shitwagon better than nothing

[@charlesshelton7989]

Nice to see Democrats care about their first responders

[@highcountrytimber]

They make off the shelf ambulance that are better made then these!

[@zekefleming1]

Terrastars are not the best international has offered. That’s for sure

[@VictorRamirez-ut5lk]

They need AMR to take over!!

[@animelordz562]

There lying and they spending the money on something pointless

[@zeecampbell7754]

👏 maxforce for the win

[@dogoplayzcruz897]

Is it really this hard to make it last?

[@290wayne]

Ronnie. You are a DOLL.,

[@rcman1023]

No auto load?

[@alecpratt8165]

International would not be my choice of truck in the first place. They're junk.

[@pepethememe7021]

Ambulance and school busses theses days...

[@Leggeddude]

To bad their all junk to many repairs tge people who duilt them should be responsible for all tge repairs motor and all.

[@kamotekamote3002]

When the system is so corrupt

[@dodobono452]

First get a Chevy ford or dodge slim ambulance instead of box ones there cheaper and easy to repair you got those internationals as money pits

[@alexisl402]

Internationals. First mistake

[@xwhels]

Buy fords or even toyotas they will never break just take equipments from this junk and install it in the new trucks

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Detroit is a lost cause.

[@bengibson3298]

Taxpayers' Money ➡️ 🚽

[@mparker635]

International trucks are trash you need a ken worth or Peter build