Cabovers

I've driven quite a few cabovers, since I started trucking in '91, when pretty much all the "starter" companies were running 'em. That first 'binder I had, with the spring suspension, not even an AM radio, and a/c that could never keep up... not such a great experience, and on rough roads I was wondering where to apply for my buckle (for hangin' on more than 8 seconds).
I've owned two cabovers, a Freightliner condo, and the aforementioned Pete 372. I would have kept the latter, but when Peterbilt declared the design obsolete and stopped making parts for them, I decided to sell it while I could and go with the FL. They were both good trucks. The Pete was a lot nicer, smoother than even most of the conventionals I'd driven, and the factory Blaupunkt stereo was a nice touch.

I'm not scared of the idea of driving one again, and the whole "first on the scene" claims probably need some backing up. Anyone got a link to the accident statistics and how much of a *real* difference the cab makes on the outcomes?

I do likes me a large car, but with the retarded way some folks (way more than a few) take up space in truck stops, there's a definite charm in a more maneuverable truck.

As for aerodynamics, remember that it isn't just where the frontal area is, it's the *amount* of frontal area, though there's more room to ease the flow a bit with a conventional. The biggest source of aerodynamic drag on a truck is in back, the relative vacuum you're towing around with you all the time. Frontal design *is* a big factor, but the difference isn't exactly shoebox vs. bullet.

 

I drow more COE trucks then conventional trucks. Yeah, there are many advantages on COE in urban area.

We all remember that COE trucks were rought on run, it is true for 80-s and early 90-s, but now European COE trucks are very smooth, I used to sleep inside when other driver kept driving.

Comparing aerodynamics (are for people who cant build engines LOL), newer COE trucks are with some things decreasing drag and that's why at 55 mph the difference is not notisable. I have opportunity to compare trucks with the same engine, like Volvos with D12D VNL and FH12 ore Mercedes Axor and Columbia. The real difference is about 5%. But when you drive faster COE will not be so good. Yeah, European trucks are usually 55 mph governed, but I did reprogramming (if truck is used in Ukraine only) and that's why I can compare.

You guys try to compare Argosy and Columbia with Series 60 ore with OM460 but of the same year of make and the same trailers on the same way

 

That's why you pull a shorter trailer, makes up for the hood

 

Last weekend I was on I80 in and I saw a Mercedes(EU) out looking like it was being delivered somewhere it was heading West.

 

There are reasons with Mercedes test their trucks in the USA. seems to me trucking industry moves to global standards and global projects.

 

unmarked orange 6x4 mp2 with megaspace cab and hub reduction axles?

 

It was Mercedes silver

 

Reason why no new cabovers in north america?

Sheer stupidity.

 

what a reason to design COE truck in the USA. Volvo groupe may sell FH and Ranault (with Mack logo), Freightliner may easily start Actros and Axor in the USA, Internationa - MAN TGX...., Paccar - DAF 105.

Seems to me market is not ready. When they feel that US market needs COE trucks they will start them in a year.

IMO. EU and USA do all radical way. There are no COE trucks in US and no Conv. trucks in Europe. Seems to me Ukraine is the unique European country having no COE truck made here. The only one brand of Ukrainian truck KRAZ is of conventional design. They tried to build COE, but trucks were not sold well

 

The International 9800 and Freightliner Argosy are still in production, by the way. Left hand drive models are being manufactured in South America, and Right Hand Drive trucks are being manufactured in Australia.
I'd be a bit doubtful about seeing the Axor and Actros in the US. The Volvo FH, possibly, but I think it would be more like the ones used for intercity work and such which were available in the US in the 90s. Renault.. again, if Volvo introduced a COE in the United States, they'd probably stick with the FH or FM series, which has some commonality in parts with the VNL (US) and NH (rest of the world) trucks, rather than trying to introduce an entirely proprietary such as the Renault Magnum onto a market which is pretty much already dominated.