why do companies spec trucks so stupidly?

MC VanKampen Trucking and Western Distributing Transportation Corp. don't have that problem with cheap arse trucks. Check their website; looks like they use show trucks.

 

Swift spec'ed their 2015 T-680's with fifth wheels too close to the back of the cab. Once they installed the spare tire rack they had to put blocks in the fifth wheel slider to keep drivers from using the front two positions.

 

My windows work with even the key off, of course you have to crank them though.

My dash doesn't have menu to chose from, just gauges.

My trans won't switch from auto to manual either. If there is a auto mode, I haven't found it yet, unless you count Georgia gear.

 

The title of this thread is, "Why do companies spec their trucks so stupidly?"

The simple answer?

Stupid drivers.

The OP complains about issues that have nothing to do with performance. What I saw during my time driving for a mega carrier is that they specify truck performance to not optimize horsepower and torque ratios.

One example is that to optimize fuel efficiency it is impossible to climb a hill with sustained 1500+ rpm. Instead they program the ECM to limit rpm to 1300 rpm until you get into lower gears. This means if you are pulling a sustained grade you have to drop several gears to find a gear that can pull the grade. Instead of pulling the grade with momentum and topping out at 50 mph you are forced to drop multiple gears and topping out below 30 mph.

That SAME truck without the idiocy of the ECM programming could easily perform better. I know, because the truck I bought last November is an old Swift truck, but now ungoverned, with a wide open ECM, and addition of the kit that made the 9 speed into a 13 speed. It pulls hills just fine.

BUT, I certainly wouldn't want to turn my truck over to be driven by the usual first year newbie like I used to train. That would be idiocy.

You want a better truck? Be a better driver.

 

My astro screeched when it was time to upshift. Nothing worked on the dash in that one. But that howling turbo sure did. Deaf as I was just below that freq range it was a ice pick when it was time to shift.

If that was not something, try a suicide mack cab with just you, your door and seat above the steer. The rear window is digging into your shoulder. It was a slapper on the bridges. I understood how some people would allow the madness to take them over just to get it over with.

 

I get that every night without even trying.

 

Freightliner Crapcadia is my guess.

 

Hate to be the one to break this to you, but that isn't a truck you are driving, that's an ancient relic.

 

This is a dirty little secret that a lot of company mechanics and engine makers for the most part have kept hid. However the hardest problem doing this today is getting the program software from the engine maker. It would shock you just how many companies DO NOT have a company password and keep the OEM password. Several years ago I saw some Detroit software on a black market website. However if you do this you are taking a serious risk today because the computer keeps a record of changes. I think this can be printed out. If a mechanic finds a change they might report it. You don't want a terminated because of a tampering with or damaging company property on your DAC.

 

These "ancient relics" have none of the complaints listed here. They also many times run better, and break down less than a newer "truck" with all the emissions junk. Cheaper and easier to work on as well.