Well folks, I got to drive a fleet-spec 379 today (while taking a driving test for a new job). And while I was geeked to be in a Pete, after driving it I wasn't all that impressed. Okay, the ride was nice, and the improved dash had a nice layout, but the thing took forever and a mile to turn around, the cab felt cramped, and I was completely unimpressed with the pedal layout. Am I way off base, or am I just too new-school for my own good?

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You gotta remember so many pete's are spec'd very diferently. The size of the cockpit grows on you.

Best truck I have ever owned. Class baby..

Yeah I figured that, my ride was only 30 miles, so my time in the cab was limited. But even in the short ride, I still wasn't that comfortable. Like I said, guess I am an aero-truck slappy...

They still look cool!

And 379 I figured you'd chime in, and I kinda knew how you'd vote!

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LOL. I'm slightly biased though he he.

The freightshaker columbia drivers will be along shortly to rib me a little, LOL

The Ex hood 379 is quite awkward to drive at first if you come straight out of anything aero and/or with a set back front axle, admitadly.

Ya oughta now go drive a W900L, and really see the akwardness even from a 379 LOL

Rumor has it that Swift is stepping up into 379 Petes too.

LOOKY


Man that is funny LOL!!!!!!!

Hmmm, that's ok! BTW the one I drove is similar to the one in your avatar (including a tank), except short hood, single breather, but it did have the mid-roof sleeper and around a 250" wheelbase. And the power steering was acting up, which made backing even more exciting (my arms won't forget that soon!)

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Wow, if that isn't photoshopped I don't know what is. It would be nice though!

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Definately photoshopped. But man I LMAO every time I see the pic!!! All that is missing is a spread axle refer with the famous swoosh on it.

I have never driven one or any Pete or KW for that matter, I have sat in one of the aero 387s and didn't like that. I think the narrow cab would grow on you, just being able to lean over and look out the passenger window is something you just can't do in any FL or Volvo. The only way I would want to drive one is with an 18 speed with the extra low reverse, because I have seen too many drivers outside standing on the step doing a jackknife dock.

They weren't made to be that maneuverable, and the visibility is something to get used to. They were made to be fixed when something goes wrong without tearing half the truck apart to get at the motor.

Now knowing where you are at and adapting to not being able to see right in front of the truck are things that can be fixed with some extra wide angle mirrors in the front, and I have seen that done more than once, the outside air cleaners are in the road for seeing quite a bit out the left front and a fair amount out the right front, two noticeable blind spots to adapt to.

I would like to try a 386 Pete with removable sleeper, to me, that is the truck to drive.