What do you want out of your rig?

Design idea: A fold out table for eating or desk. It could fold down between the bunk and closet (think airline table or camper tables).

More 12v outlets!!! and More 12v Outlets!!

A fold down ladder for the upper bunk (yeah, I'm lazy...)

 

hmmmm, OUT, thats why i quit!!!! lol, sorry

 

I want one that will drive itself. Owning trucks isn't the problem dealing with primadona drivers is.

 

I like a truck that I can work and live comfortably in. To me, an APU is a necessity especially with more states making it illegal to idle. And I prefer a diesel unit- not one of those 'battery pack' things. Being able to have small appliances onboard is nice too. And a GOOD mattress- one company I was with had a 4" camping pad they called a mattress; I wouldn't let a dog sleep on it. Adequate storage is a must too- I went from a Freightliner Columbia to a Cascadia (both condos) and the Columbia had better storage. I don't need fancy chrome on everything either, nor enough lights to rival Las Vegas. Doesn't matter to me if it's a KW, Pete or whatever- as long as it keeps me comfy, gets me down the road and makes me money

 

Personally I think the truck industry could use some influence from two other industries - race cars and rv's. I really think it would be possible to build a monocoque chassis with independent suspension (at least up front) and traditional frame rails bolted to the back. Weight distribution pretty much mandates the engine be placed up front, but what about using a horizontally opposed design (porsche, subaru) that has a lower center of gravity and allows you to utilize the space above it for something other than a hood. Also, is a center driving position out of the question? I know it wouldn't be for everyone, but i've often thought how much more maneuverable a combination vehicle would be if you had balanced visibility and point of view. Basically i'd like to see the cabover design revisited with these traits to maximize livable space, utility and vehicle dynamics. I think there is some weight savings to be realized with a space frame cab and engine cradle. Maybe even use the engine block as a structural element to further minimize waste. I can see, realistically, 750cu.ft. of useful cab/sleeper space on a frame no longer than what we drive now, provided you can get the engine "short" enough and aren't afraid to play around with the packaging of the vitals.

From the practical perspective, we need better insulation, ventilation and heating options at the bare minimum. A better seating position that reduces fatigue, lower NVH overall, and easier ingress/egress would be appreciated.

 

A Cummins M11 engine in a 126" cabover- it's been done, didn't work. A Center driving position sounds interesting- until you have to deal with toll booths- imagine every truck parking while the drivers unbuckle and reach out the driver's side for a toll receipt- then settling in and buckling up again.. Anyway, is this what you were thinking about?:
http://www.automotoportal.com/article/volvo-beevan-concept-design-is-ahead-of-the-curve

Looks like something from those scary new Kid's cartoons..

 

Yeah the volvo idea pretty much captures the essence. I can't see those aesthetics catching on in America, but the concept is smart. I like the sliding door. I would have to laugh seeing some driver sitting front and center in plain view, picking his nose or rearranging the acorns, in traffic. I like to let the air out, slide back and just disappear sometimes..

 

Why is it that over a century after the invention of a cruise control system it still doesn't work right? Can I just have that? A cruise control that when I set it on 69 it isn't still on the throttle at 71?

 

Keep the truck as simple as possible...The simpler the truck is the less that can break down..