The Mack Defense M917 is a licensed 8x8 truck introduced in the Fix & Connect DLC.
Mack Defense is a modification of the civil version of the Mack Granite truck, developed for military purposes. On top of all, this model has four-wheel drive, a stronger rear axle and improved suspension ride. As a result, this truck operates under extreme conditions. High power and off-road performance make it useful for hauling equipment and cargo across long distances.
Unlocking[]
Mack Defense M917 is found on the North Peak National Park map in British Columbia on the course of Long Distance Haul task. The mission is available immediately after unlocking the North Peak National Park via The Unfinished Business At The Plant and Paralyzed Transportation contracts, player has to repair and refuel the M917 and then deliver it to the Service Center to complete the task. The Mack Defense M917 is granted to the player as a part of the reward alongside being unlocked for purchase in the truck store afterwards.
Description[]
The Mack Defense M917 is a military 8x8 truck based on the Mack Granite, which is developed for the construction industry. It started production in 2019.
The Mack Defense M917 is a colossal Off-road truck that is capable of performing both Off-road roles or Heavy class roles depending on what is needed. It is equipped with an always on transfer case delivering power to all 8 wheels along with a switchable differential lock. Its basic engine while not weak is a bit underpowered compared to its alternate engine selections that allow it to pave through mud steadily though low gears will be required in order to maintain momentum due to its switchable differential lock. Its stock tires provide good traction across all 3 terrains allowing it to perform quite well. The truck also lacks a larger tire size which allows it to equip active suspension without missing out on a potential tire size upgrade though the suspension itself will become more susceptible to damage. The trucks 8x8 drivetrain makes it exceptionally stable though it can still fall over if driven carelessly. Furthermore due to the vehicle only using 1 steer axle its turning radius is quite wide.
The Mack Defense M917 is equipped with 3 exclusive engines and a unique default gearbox. Its default 11.0 V6 engine has acceptable power and decent fuel consumption but its alternate engines both provide superior power. Its 13.0 V8 engine provides a massive increase in power at the cost of fuel consumption and its FuelMiser engine has a slight decrease in power compared to the 13.0 but has superb fuel consumption in comparison. The Mack also utilizes a unique stock gearbox which provides a low and low- gear and a high gear along with 6 standard gears but it lacks a low+ gear. The additional gears do provide additional speed but fuel consumption increases as well. But the lack of a low+ does make a noticeable drop in its speed when the differential lock is needed. Besides its standard gearbox the Mack has access to the standard selection of off-road gearboxes like Offroad, fine-tune, and highrange.
Add-on selection is fairly typical of an off-road class truck with most general use add-ons being available. It is quite well suited as a recovery vehicle being able to equip both towing flatbeds, its longer frame length allows it to carry most full size trucks with the exception of most heavy classes or most 8x8s. The M917 can also be an effective cargo transporter but when hauling trailers with its saddles its poor turning does make it difficult to handle a full length trailer on certain roads, however it is capable of equipping a sideboard bed and small crane and still make effective use of its pintle hook for hauling trailers. The Mack can serve as a dedicated logging truck as it can equip a logging crane along with a front log carrier. It can also haul short logs but it is unable to haul medium logs. The Mack can also equip the Seismic Vibrator Module to search for hidden oil deposits which the Mack is more than capable of doing.
The Mack M917 has a 350L fuel tank which rivals the fuel tank capacities of most heavy class trucks, due to the vehicles heavy weight and slower speed it does consume more fuel than other off-road class trucks and makes it more comparable to heavy classes. However the vehicles larger fuel tanks do balance this out and its optional roof rack provides an additional 80L of fuel providing a small increase to its operating range.
Pros[]
- Roof rack support
- Supports LC 3.8 Loading Crane + Sideboard Bed + Trailer combo
- Supports LP-4 Log-loader crane + Log Carrier Front + Log Carrier Rear combo
- Unique multipurpose gearbox with 6 auto gears, 2 low gears, and high gear.
- Good balance
- 350L of tank + 80L in roof rack
Cons[]
- AWD is always on, increasing fuel consumption
- Switchable diff lock, so need offroad gearbox to access L+ gear
- Interfere with turning
- Tips over with heavy addons
- High fuel consumption
- Axles being stuck on rocks (addressed[1] as of September 12, 2023 with PTS update 25.2)
Gallery[]
Addons[]
| Upgrades | Frame Addons |
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Engine
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Gearbox
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Suspension
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Tires
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Winch
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Diff. Lock
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Snorkel
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Trivia[]
- The Mack Defense M917 has a gold Mack bulldog hood ornament. A gold bulldog indicates that the engine, transmission, and axles are produced by Mack as opposed to outside parts.
