Pickup truck brings meaning to “bigger in Texas”

Size does matter — at least that’s what it says on the side of Chris Boyett’s 2005 International Commercial Extreme pickup Truck also known as the CXT.

The rare pickup truck is seen often in Orange as Boyett conducts business. The International CXT is said to be world’s biggest production pickup truck for commercial business owners. Boyett purchased his truck from a person in Basile, La.

The unique truck was developed from a 20-ton hauler and other International severe service trucks used by the construction, government and waste industries. It is built on the same platform as dump trucks and snowplows. As a result, it is unrivaled in capability, size and appearance. It can haul three times the payload of “normal” pickups. The CXT was built at the company’s assembly plant in Garland, but the pickup beds were supplied by Ford Motor Company who also used them on their Ford Super Duty pickup trucks.

According to Boyett, his pickup has four-wheel drive. The bed of his pickup also has a hydraulic tilt and is called a “dump bed.”

Additionally, it features a 70-gallon fuel tank, as well as a spacious interior with crew cab design that seats five and can be customized to meet owners’ specific needs. Boyett’s pickup is painted a very dark green which glistens in the sunlight along with the chrome grill and wheels.

According to International, the CXT features the DT 466 diesel engine with a horsepower rating of 220 hp and a 540 pound-foot of torque. As a result, the truck is capable of hauling up to 20 tons, which in this area can come in handy, if you can find a boat to equal the massive size.

“I love it,” Boyett said.

Despite the tough appearance and powerful engine this truck is a favorite of Boyett’s children who are ages three and six years old. They often request to be taken to school in the show stopper.

However, with a big truck comes issues such as the cost of driving it. Boyett says he gets about 10 miles to each gallon of fuel. Plus, parking can be an issue as well.

“It’s not the easiest to park,” Boyett said.

But, Boyett said he drives the truck “just because of what it is,” which can be a whole lot of fun.