why do companies spec trucks so stupidly?

"You ain't old school cool unless you're driving a Cascadia."

 

I am so incredibly grateful I work where I do. Not only do they spec the trucks right and properly maintain them, but they listen when I have problems and reward my hard work. And I just hit two years with them today.

 

The International I drove today had those. They suck. Way too much wind noise even when 'closed'.

 

It actually does. '94 FL classic.

 

You can fix it for a nickel.

 

Ok, didn't read past the first 3 or 4 posts, but what the OP is crying about isn't a "spec" issue, but a "settings" issue. I have driven some trucks spec'd wrong...could barely pull an EMPTY wagon up a hill in high range, because the guy spec'ing the trucks was a believer in the "gear fast, run slow" mentality, and the truck was severely underpowered for the rear gears they opted to use. That's a spec issue. I've worked for vocational outfits (end dumps & bulk tanks) that spec'd their trucks for the resale OTR market (aerodynamic, low profile, tight tolerances, light weight) rather than for the job at hand...resulted in trucks getting tore up at job sites, chronic breakdowns, etc because the trucks just weren't up to the task. Again, that's a spec issue.

A truck ought to be spec'd for the job you're buying it to do for you. Don't worry about whether or not it'll be right for the job the next guy is going to want to use it for...that's his problem. If you don't get the specs right for the work YOU are doing, it is YOUR problem...increased costs, unhappy drivers, etc.

 

They don't have the complaints listed here, but they do have a much longer list of complaints all of their very own. I have driven old late 70s trucks and I would never want to trade my newer 2016 "junk" truck to get back into one of those dinosaurs.

 

I would actually prefer one of those dinosaurs if only to escape the weed eating whine that takes my man card away when I apply power against a mountain.

With that said... there are people inside of large companys who are to sit with a catalog in one hand checking off what they think ought to be spec'ed into a company truck and do it as cheaply as possible. And especially take away anything like trolley valves etc. Because drivers do not get to use the little details that help them out there.

I saw a mid 2010's tractor with like three gauges on it. And nothing at all for the driver to work with in different situations like a trolley valve etc. All of that was gone. I have a problem with that.

If I was a truck buyer for a large company I would spend a few dollars and spec'ed em correct so that a driver will have the necessary information, tools and so on inside that cab to be effective when it counts.

 

so, what is, "dark cabin mode" ??