Instrumentation Features

Can't say as I agree with you on the importance of a warning light for low air bag pressure. The leaks I've had on the bag itself usually turns into a large hole/split REAL quick. Other times the pipe fitting which supplies the air volume will develop a leak at the base of the bag, (for KW this is a plastic piece molded into the base) in which case, it is just a normal leak that you have to seek out, and repair/replace. I only had one pipe fitting leak that worsened to the point that I had to shut down and replace the bag, and that was on the sleeper bag, not the suspension bags. Air pressure was still normal, but I could hear a leak, and as deaf as I am, when I hear a leak, it's a bad one!

I do however like the suspension gauge to help me when loading/unloading. As I pull tanks, I added one on my catwalk behind the sleeper, for whenever you have to be outside the truck, in attendance.

 

I'd like to see more controls moved to the shift lever knob.
Imagine a helicopter cyclic handle on the top of the shift lever. The trim button which resembles a "Coolie hat," would flash the high beams when pushed forward, flash the trailer lights when pushed back, momentary turn signals for changing lanes when pushed left or right.
Another rocker momentary contact switch for increase/decrease cruise control, push button pause switch to disengage cruise, 3 position trigger for the 3 stages of engine brake, a push button for single stroke of the wipers, a push to talk switch for the radio.
I think most of us would like to be able to do more with our right hand on the shift lever. When I fly, I always have my right hand on the cyclic and do everything else with my left hand. When I drive I keep my left hand on the steering wheel and do everything else with my right hand.
I'd also like to have control of more functions that are programmed into the ECM, like being able to switch autoresume on or off. I know most of the functions in the ECM are set so drivers have no control of them.
It would be nice for people who train others to have two sets of paramiters, driver "A" would have the truck set up for him, when the trainee is driving, driver "B" would have lower limits on speed and other functions, with a key switch the trainer would remove when the trainee is driving.

 

although it's not good practice to rest your hand on the shifter I put a switch for my driving lights on the side works great just flick it with my pinkie

 

I had a signal switch for the lights and a switch for the engine brake on the shift lever years ago. I was driving an InterTRASHanal and had several issues with the electrical system, I replaced all the switches with Mack switches.

 

I drive a 18 speed and have more than enough "stuff" on the knob as it is. Lets put it on the steering wheel in plain sight and easy to get to. we're not all heli pilots out here. he can put it where ever it fits for him.

 

Just out of curiosity, what do you fly?

I learned in an R22 and have flown an R44, Schweitzer 300, and a Bell 47. I've got just under 900 hours total...I'd like to build a Rotorway A600 someday

 

Aftermarket axle weight guages are available, that read in lbs, instead of psi. I really think they should be standard equipment, especially on trucks that pull flatbeds, because they're usually either a fixed tandem, or spread axle. Put a heavy steel coil on a trailer, just a foot or so off the mark and you could be over on your drives or trailer. Being able to see what the actual weight is on both as you're being loaded would be a Godsend.

 

Very cool
My brother used to keep rotorway catalogs on his desk

How much are you talking$$$$

 

Get lessons first!

 

I'd like to see a digital speedometer that isn't off 1-3MPH, preferably one that uses radar for the speed calculation instead of how fast the tires are spinning. I know we have them in the farm tractors, I don't see why they can't be in a big truck.