What if cab-overs wern't so aweful?

For OTR they were not the ticket. The only reason they used them was because of legth laws. The had too many drawbacks for an OTR truck. But for some applications they were great. Like hauling gasoline in the city. You could see right in front of the truck when pulling into a station and you guys that have done it know that kids and people will just walk right in front of you while you're trying to spot the truck. With a truck and trailer COE they rode the same as any other truck when loaded. All that weight up on the truck helped the ride. The only drawback I saw with a city tanker was getting into the cab 100 times a day.

 

There was something about the seating position of the K-100 that I liked. The big wheel and great visibility.
But I DIDN'T like hitting my head on the ceiling on bad bumps, or my freezing legs in the winter time.
And I like being the 1st one there, but not in a head on wreck. I knew more than a few guys who had a windshield punched out by their TV set when the cab was tilted forward for repairs.

 

The new EU trucks drive great.They have the bone jarring sorted. You get models that you can stand in.We keep been told they are more aerodynamic.Better viability and maneuverability.No heat or cooling issues.Once cab is tilted better access to engine and transmission .Easier to get weight on steers.
Don't need to post the negatives here as they are mostly covered except for the extra cost for minor front end damage.A COE does have a few advantages and not nearly as bad as they were 30 years ago.

 

O.K. I have been offended enough here. I have a 95' intl coe. my first truck & I am still driving it. it has always got great m.p.g. & has served me well over 11 years & over 1.4 mi miles. the rougher ride keeps me awake & the short wheel base allows me to get into & out of tight places, plus the close distance between the truck & trailer is part of why I get the m.p.g. I get. my cab jack works on air & works well. it has self lockers every few inches of raising. it has a manual locking bar when cab is raised all way up & I dont see a way it is not safe to work on. it is a pain to get to all the parts needing attn, but as far as safety it is safe. as far as frontal crashes. yep... your right there. my visibility is very good thru the huge windshield though. so I don't think cab overs are so aweful.

 

And take that too!