MAN unveils super-streamlined semi truck

CA? Really?

News to me....and I live here.....please document the assertion!


*oh wait....this isn't Politics!*

 

The actual road train test have been going on for years in Cali. There are other test being conducted throughout the US and other countries.

Google's self driving car seems to make headlines every time they sneeze.....But road trains are the future of trucking and interstate usage.

Volvo is certainly leading the way with technology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzLg_VS7AHk

 

We have skirts with about 2-3" of flexible rubber on the bottoms to prevent the breaking of the skirts on slopped docks. Have seen a few swift trucks rip the skirts off at a beer dist. in PA.

 

So, they have created a tractor and trailer combo that can only be used together? That seems pretty impractical to me. Also, it seems to me that a reefer unit wouldn't be able to breath too well at the front of one of those trailers; I could see them overheating a lot. And, the cab seems a bit short; if one is used to a generously sized sleeper cab, one would end up hating this rig. But, then, as it was pointed out, it IS only a single axle tractor, so I guess that it can't be expected to haul but so much, which is fine, because that tapered rear end on the trailer takes away from the cargo space.

 

All these guys are attempting to do is create a more functional rig. I installed a solar panel on mine so I could run some things in my truck and many guys laughed and said "that #### thing won't collect enough juice, will fall off etc"

The solar panel worked great! Powered a fan, cooler, computer, lights, Swamp cooler (that I made), many things. We can either adjust to givernment regulations or not. It's our choice. Because of my panel I had to idle less....a lot less.

Maybe the truck is a piece of ####, who knows? I just see very little need in trashing a new idea, although y'all had some very valid points.

I for one hope they keep improving of trucks

 

Looks like something out of a Judge Dredd movie!

 

I can't fault one for trying to improve upon functionality. And, hey, that solar panel worked for you, and that's great. It actually sounds like something that I would do. But, I'm quick to point out when things fail to be functional. I'm a guy that fixes stuff, and often on a shoe-string budget, which means that I've had to get good at fabricating things. I critique things from that viewpoint. Most here are critiquing from a drivers viewpoint.

From my view point, there are two things that I always keep in mind. 1) If it was made by mankind, it WILL fail. It's just a matter of time. 2) The more simple the design, the longer it will usually last. Oh, and a third, if it is electrical, it will probably fail sooner.

I can't speak to the world of big rigs with much authority, but I can speak to automobiles in general. I have lost faith in in auto manufacturers when it comes to building anything that won't fall apart. Every vehicle that I have come in contact with that was built within the past 20 years has been a complete piece of garbage. And that assessment covers all the mainstream brands.

When it comes to big rigs, I can only speak to my girls 2012 ProStar; that thing's had issues since the day she leased it. And, I realize that that is only 1 truck out of millions, but it certainly conforms to my opinion of vehicle manufacturers, in general.

So, please forgive my cynicism when it comes to "improvements" from manufacturers. It's not that I'm trying to be deliberately obtuse, or pop any bubbles. I just question the functionality and practicality of everything.

 

Is this so that if the driver in the lead screws up and all 5 behind also screw up, he is now worked over 5x more than before? Who is held liable? How does the computer know if a situation arises immediately and a crash is imminent, that diving it into the ditch is actually the best option? I'm talking if something say, a coil falls off a flatbed in front of you. (no offense to flatbedders just need an example and a mattress off the top of a minivan just wasn't extreme enough) or a kid runs out into the street after a ball. What if the kid stops but the computer thinks the ball is something that must not be hit and takes drastic action when really it should of just ran it over? What about an animal in the road when opposing traffic is coming at you? The nice thing would be after a long day at work or going home from the bar or any time really just pushing a button and the car brings you there. That would be wicked awesome. No more DUI's?

The other half of it is, how do you phase it in? How do you have the computer car communicate with everything else on the road that is human driven? Nevermind the infrastructure cost. How is it going to see the lines on the road when it snows or when construction zones have crazy lines sort of everywhere, some half blacked out?

How many jobs could we eliminate .. 3 or 4 million? Save the consumer that .40 per mile we don't have to pay the driver anymore! The only thing that never stops is the ability to think of new ways to put people out of work.

I really can't see it happening.


As to the super streamlined truck, my first thought was .. how do you load it? Bring all your tools to remove the fairings? It's too bad many drivers aren't paid for their time spent waiting at shippers and receivers. If they were that could be an item for discussion to save transportation costs.

 

Why don't they build tunnels (like driving in a bubble) for the highways with fans to move the air along so there is always a wind at your back? No snow or rain or crosswind. Then you would benefit from the non aero backs of trucks like they are now. Just put the odd hole in the top to let exhaust gases escape.

 

If MAN built it, it won't last long.


Now, if WOMAN built it, well now.....that's a different story (and one that likely makes more sense).