Where is everyone #5

Who exactly is their expected customer with those specs..?

 

Picture this... a 304 inch WB Hino with a 360 HP engine pulling a 48 ft spread axle stainless reefer.

 

I read somewhere that Melton was going to test some.....lol.

 

Wouldnt even phase me at this point.

I've learned to not underestimate the level of stupidity corporate will dive too to save a cent or two. And then they wonder why we can't retain drivers....

Beats me guys. I'm all out of guesses here.

 

I been seeing those hino adds. Are they up to 360 horse now @Rugerfan? Last time I was around one they topped out at 260, biggest trans was a 6 speed. Weren't bad trucks.... like if you like Toyota cars, it'd be straightforward lol

 

I'm probably going to take some heat from this; hope I don't end up in the penalty box again:

I admire the effort and the pride-in-your-ride aspect of the newer styles, but they are just not for me.

The slammed look: Makes me think of how much crap I am going to tear off of the truck if I leave the parking lot. If you need an air operated bumper lift, maybe the truck is too close to the ground.

The full surround fenders for the drivers: All I think of is how in the hell do I get chains on with those things?

The visor that blocks the top 50% or more of the windshield: That is the part that I see out of! I am 6'4" (or at least I used to be when I was younger), and I need the seat all the way back and up high in order keep from cramping my legs. Even at that I have problems with using the clutch if the left turn signal is on, missing the turn signal indicator with my knee. I have read about so many of you folks that are only comfortable with what I call the Kilroy look - barely peaking over the drivers door. That's fine if you are comfortable with it, but I end up peaking under the top of the door, and then get accused of being a newbie steering wheel holder because of it. Somewhere in here I should add that the 5' long gear shift is not my preference either.

The clean look where there are no visible clearance lights on the cab, and no air horns. Again, I respect the effort and the pride, but it is just not for me.

The hidden "chicken lights" that shine down under the side of the cab and sleeper: Looks cool at night, but give me the old fashioned visible lights. I will say though that LED lights are the best thing since they came out with the sealed lights. It used to be a daily chore to go around popping the lens off and replacing the little bulbs. The only thing that I don't like about LEDs is on the rear of the trailer; they don't put off enough heat to keep the snow melted off of the light.

And, in regard to stacks (I really was just kidding about the weedburners) I much prefer mitre cut or the turnouts that don't stick out at all (west coast?). I really don't care for the mule ear, bullhauler, whatever they are called stacks. I do have fond memories of hearing straight cut stacks with rain flappers on them tinging against the stack when idling. Almost melodic!

I guess that about covers it. Obviously I am old fashioned (or just #### old), but give me an 85 359, or an A model KW, and I am happy with the classic styling. The early 379s and W900s prior to the married or unibuilt sleeper is the look that I like. Granted, the comfort that must come with the unitized cab/sleeper must be awesome, especially if you can put the seat back farther. I have never had the pleasure of driving one though. As mentioned before, I really like the look of a T800 with the big front end, both wide hood and normal, or a 378 with a big front end for the vocational side of things.


Again boys, nothing personal, just my taste.

Ok, let the arrows fly!

 

Ain't that the truth.