Mack Finds Freedom

Mack rolled out an all-new medium-duty cabover truck, the Freedom series, to replace the 25-year-old Mid-Liner. Made by Renault in France but with much Mack input, the Freedom (right) comes in four class-6/7 models-the M, L, XL, and XXL-each powered by the proven Mack E3 six-cylinder engine with either 210 or 250 horsepower. You can choose between two cabs-a standard 63-inch BBC cab or a 79-inch “XTRa” cab.

The class-6 M model with 17.5-inch wheels offers a very low cab and/or loading height with one-step cab entry, ideal for wholesale/retail delivery work. The class-6 L and class-7 XL trucks have 19.5-inch wheels and two-step cab entry. With 22.5-inch wheels, the class-7 XXL has two cab steps and a standard frame height.

The XL and XXL come with GVW ratings from 26,000 to 35,000 pounds.

Unique in this class of truck is extensive storage options in the cab. When ordered with seating for three, the optional two-person bench seat sits atop a storage locker, with a concealed document holder under the centre seat. In the XTRa cab, with its 16 additional inches of length, the “office” option brings an innovative centre console with three sections. The lower section is a hanging file-folder cabinet that handles standard file folders. The upper section has space for a laptop computer and includes two 12-volt power ports. It also has a slide-out desk.

The optional “utility” interior has a storage bin behind the passenger seat for tools or what have you, a clothes hanger, and a two-person passenger seat with a fold-down centre seat that doubles as a work surface.

The XTRa cab driver’s seat reclines and can slide back right to the rear wall to make for more comfort during breaks. The standard tilt steering wheel also includes an integral flip-open writing surface. A telescoping steering column is optional. Instruments are electronic.

Four-wheel air-actuated disc brakes are standard, along with a new suspension with parabolic springs, gas shocks, and stabilizer bars.

The 6.2-litre E3 engine, with V-MAC electronics, now has its oil-change interval extended to 20,000 miles or two years. While drivers can easily check fluids by opening the hinged front panel, they don’t have to check oil the traditional way. Instead, oil level is automatically displayed on the dashboard’s oil-pressure gauge whenever the ignition switch is activated.