cheap-### rollback handles

Rolls Canardly here,
Got a pet peeve I want to express. I have a 2004 Freightliner Rollback with a Checron 20' body.
The cold, rust, and just old age made the handles hard to move and I just broke one.
Not the handle itself, but the actuator hooked to both sides that operates the valve.
There is a block of valves under back of bed. Each action is controlled by a seperate lever.
So 2.5 hours later I was able to rob the one off the wheel lift and swap it for the broken one.
The lever that operates the hydraulic valve is nylon.
So are the left hand thread and right hand thread clevis ends.

A) - What the hell would you make an actuator, operated by a knucklehead with fists the size of hams,
out of cheap nylon for? are you really that cheap? How did this junk last 10 years?

B) - I am looking at the entire underside of this truck and every piece of dirt, salt, water, and dog-####
that is on the road - comes back and gets all over this setup. Would it really be that much more money
to make the rods and threads on these controls out of stainless? Again, stainless versus steel is a few $ more.
But for me, quality over price every time. If there was an upgrade option, I would gladly go there.

When it finally gets above 70 degrees I am tearing this mickey mouse chicken-#### nonsense rig all out
and re-making it in stainless!!! And a stainless sheetmetal guard covering it, too!!
How do these companies stay in business?

OK; I feel much better now!!
Happy Motoring,
Rolls Canardly
"Rolls down one hill - Canardly get up the next."

 

You may be looking for the term "Planned Obsolescence," not sure..... Also not sure "this" is one of those.
I was a Tool and Die Maker 43 years for a day job; this is just ice cream money for the kiddies.
I have 7 grandchildren and also too many hangers-on.
But I digress; Design intent starts with making an item strong, (been there, done that)
then backing off design parameters to "Just good enough." Minimal. Like the Chevy keyswitch, saved one dollar.
Look at 1950's vehicles for a good example. They did not figure out yet that you could use thinner sheetmetal.
If you pound on the fender of my 1955 Chevy Pickup you will hurt your knuckles. Todays cars dent with your fingernail.

 

True, most of the time.
I draw the line with tools.
Something you use every day and make a living with is different from the weekender or homeowner stuff.

I know where Harbor Freight is; but I buy Snap-on.

Don't get me wrong, both have their place.
I do buy abrasive cutoff wheels, paint brushes, rubber gloves and other throwaway stuff from Harbor Freight.
I guess since the handles broke and let me sit I expected "heavier junk?"
I'll fix it in the spring, it's minus 2 here now.