389 Pete

this has nothing to do with the thread or how many years i have been driving.

 

Think what you want, but it seemed like I insulted his manhood or something.

 

CumminsHauling&Rigging makes some good points, and just because he doesn't get excited over custom trucks isn't any reason to view him in a lesser light. However, any time we make blanket statements, we can get ourselves in trouble.

I'll argue his assertion that custom trucks are an indication of an undercutting operator. All of the *properly & well done* custom trucks I've had the pleasure of seeing were owned by individuals who have done VERY well for themselves in trucking. They definitely weren't in it for the lifestyle. Now, when I say properly and well done, I'm referring to trucks that were designed and built by someone who knew what they were doing - not just bolting on parts or throwing a coat of paint on and stepping back to see how it turned out. The best custom trucks were envisioned before a single dollar was spent on the project. At the same time, I've seen PLENTY of plane-jane trucks driven by some of the trashiest, most ignorant, intelligence-lacking individuals you could think of.

Another point of contention I have is the notion that custom trucks are the result of poor engineering. Again, I think that only applies to the trucks you see with every cheap Chinese made part available tacked onto it....even then, the main structure of the truck is hardly ever modified. Take the 350" wheelbase Peterbilt referenced earlier in this thread. That truck was built at the factory as a 350" wheelbase truck. The only real modifications that were made to it were cosmetic. The truck's ability to safely move a load hasn't been compromised in the slightest bit.

The last statement I take some issue with is the attitude that the only guys who drive trucks with chicken lights, Texas bumpers, and straight pipes are the Billy Big Rigger Super Trucker types who we all love to roll our eyes at. Granted, those accessories and those drivers can and do run hand in hand, but it doesn't mean a successful and professional O/O isn't going to appreciate those things as well. Take me for example. I've got a 389 with a TASTEFUL amount of chicken lights, a Texas bumper, and I'd like to put straight pipes on it, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm about as far from a "typical" trucker that you could get. Most people are surprised to find that I'm a trucker when they first meet me. I guess I don't meet the image of the stereotypical trucker. But it doesn't mean I can't enjoy trucks as more than a tool to accomplish a job. I've loved big trucks my whole life, and probably always will. Some guys have boats, motorcycles, whatever you want. I've got my Peterbilt. It's my hobby. I'm just lucky enough to be able to enjoy my hobby every day, that's all. Of course, I never put one of my "wants" before a need when it comes to my truck, but, again, not everyone practices that discipline either.

To simplify what I'm trying to say with all my hot air ramblings, you shouldn't judge the trucker by his truck.

 

So you walked up to him and insulted his truck ??

 

No it happened on another forum. He and his buddies came on to call me an Idiot because I wasn't impressed with his truck. They got themselves banned

 

The GLITTERMOBILES are ok if thats your cup of TEA , but not everyone goes GA GA over them, so no need to get on someones case because they don't.

Yet to see an O/O get more $ per mile because of a SHOWTRUCK.

 

My money goes into stuff like this Hyster 20,000 pound lift. Stuff that does something useful and makes real money

 

i doubt you're making any money with that stupid thing its not even shiny. plus it looks likes theres rust on it.

 

Think Tubal-Cain would like this one?




Or not enough chrome

Good for those days you feel like being an artificer