From a Volvo to a Pete, did I really want this?

I had the same problem when I first got mine. I felt like a total idiot for a little while. It won't take you long to get the hang of it.

 

Funny I just got out of 07 KW day cab (10 speed) for a 13 speed Mack, and like it a whole lot better LOL...

 

Heck ill training on a 379 and man that'll be interesting itself. How big is the frame?

KH

 

Heh, yup.

I remember the first time I ever got behind the wheel of a truck with a 244" wheelbase. I'd been driving daycabs with wheelbases less than 170" all summer, and then was asked to head over to the dealership and pick up that monster at the end of my shift.

My first memory was of looking out the windshield and seeing nothing but hood.

My second memory was making the first left turn out the driveway and almost putting the right steer tire into the ditch ...and then having to back up and crank the wheel a few more times before that awful rig would turn tight enough to get onto the road.

I was too busy feeling profoundly embarrassed to laugh about it then, but thankfully there were two mechanics looking on from a shop bay that were doing it for me.

 

I don't mind driving the 379, I HATE squeezing between the seats to get to the sleeper. I also don't like driving towards the sun, everything in front of the driver reflects the sun in the most evil ways. Air intake canisters? Check. Hood? Check. Sun Visor that works for people shorter than 7'2"? No check. 379's should come from the factory with armored car slits for the windshield.

 

Be thankful it was not black. Sometimes going west in the afternoon I thought I needed a welding sheild. lol But what the heck, I loved that black truck. It was a bear to keep clean too.

 

People that love long wheelbase 379s are just like people who ride ridged framed HDs.
Handling and ride are secondary. It's all about something else and if I tried to explain you wouldn't understand.

 

Just bought a W900L. Its been over 10 years since Ive driven a hood. Turns are completely different. After being away from a hood for so long, I now realize what the appeal is about the hood. Comparing a hood to other conventionals is like comparing a rifle to a handgun. The handgun is more maneuverable, but the rifle is more accurate.
I got in the KW and drove it 1000 miles to the house. I leaned the seat back, and just drove. Looking through the windshield down the road, you have this hood out in front that fits in between the right line and the zipper. Its like aiming down the center of the road while looking far ahead of you in the distance. The hood makes aiming the truck easier.
True, backing a hood into tight spots is more of a challenge, but 53 ft trailers with 10'2 spreads and 53 ft RGNs are going to be hard to back regardless of what kind of tractor you have.

 

I know this is an older thread, I'm just killin time catchin up.......But Amen to that statement. I'll NEVER give up either the long wheelbase Pete, or the hardtails......just the way it is..