Cabover - would you do it?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by d o g, Jun 26, 2011.

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  1. d o g

    d o g Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I guess this is more of a question FOR new drivers instead of from a new driver. Many (or most) older drivers started out with cabovers, or even worse, some of the old B or R models that weren't even as nice as some of the cabovers that we 'graduated' to.

    I know there are probably some of you that have never even seen the inside of a cabover, but sometimes you would be too tired to even get in the bed. It just wasn't worth the trouble of having to try to get undressed, crawl over the doghouse, etc. Much easier to just sleep over the wheel or across the doghouse.

    New drivers these days are treated like crap in a lot of cases, but are really fortunate to have some nicer equipment to start out with. Many new drivers even start out with walk-in conventionals. Granted, many of them are 'plastic' trucks, but they're still conventionals with big bedrooms that are easy to get into. In that regard, lots of new drivers are spoiled.

    So, the question I have for you new guys is this:

    If you were just starting out and knew that you were going to have to drive a cabover with a small sleeper for the same money that you make now, would you do it? Would you still want to be a truck driver? Or is that enough to make you look for something else to do?
     
    d o g, Jun 26, 2011
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  2. simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    Hubby says to tell ya..

    H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STICKS, NOOOOOO"
    And, I second that opinion.
    Oh, wait, you're asking the new drivers....so sorry.

    Judi Kay
     
    simplyred1962, Jun 26, 2011
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  3. Winchester Magnum

    Winchester Magnum Road Train Member

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    Make the question - cabover w single bunk, spring ride susspension, and no power steering.

    BT/DT
     
    Winchester Magnum, Jun 26, 2011
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  4. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    I'd take a B any day over most any other truck on the road...and an R Model wouldn't be too bad, either...

    ...and of course an N model would be a neat toy to play with out in the woods...

    ...but If I HAD to drive a cabover, I suppose an F model would suffice...




    ...Then again, I drive a CH daycab and wouldn't buy any truck that didn't have a bulldog on the hood if I intended to do any actual work with it.:biggrin_25525:
     
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Jun 26, 2011
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  5. Reverend Blair

    Reverend Blair Light Load Member

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    No sleepers, but I've driven a 1 ton Hino cab-over, a 2 ton Hino cabover, and a 5 ton GMC (Isuzu) cab-over. After all the bouncing around, isn't your back too sore to sleep anyway?
     
    Reverend Blair, Jun 26, 2011
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  6. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    Drove a cabover for my first six months on the road. It was a flat floor at least and no I would not drive one again. Just my personal preference to drive a hood.

    Some of these old guys will to you, regarding the late 70's "Anytime you saw a guy driving a hood, you had to wonder who he pissed off..." Wow how times change!
     
    Dna Mach, Jun 26, 2011
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  7. jessegobrowns

    jessegobrowns Light Load Member

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    What ever it takes to pay the bills. If I was single with no responsibilities I would live in my car on the beach , like they did when there was cab overs.
     
    jessegobrowns, Jun 26, 2011
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  8. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    I hated 'em when they were popular, but now I'd drive K100 Aerodyne, or something similar.
     
    Lonesome, Jun 26, 2011
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  9. nate980

    nate980 Road Train Member

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    I would never drive one. My boss has two and i would never set foot in them. Good thing the guys driving them love them cuz im not switching trucks lol
     
    nate980, Jun 26, 2011
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  10. simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    Funny thing is...in the past few months, we have seen more and more cabovers out here. I, personally, would not do it again. But, then again, I have my dogs, my TV, microwave, fridge, food pantry, clothes enough for 3months for both Hubby and myself, etc.
    In a cabover, any time I'd have to get work done, that stuff would have to come out. NOPE!! Wouldn't do cabover again for ANYTHING!! :biggrin_25514:
     
    simplyred1962, Jun 26, 2011
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