Why do so many Americans hate European trucks?

Interesting. I've always understood that truckers buy something like the W600 because it looks so manly, and now you're telling me they're buying them for the same reason your wife/girlfriend spends fortunes on lipsticks and fancy dresses? So these trucks are in fact very girlish, is that what you're trying to say??

 

This is like wrestling with a pig in mud; after awhile one realizes that the pig enjoys it!
We will have to agree to disagree.

 

When I'm talking about my truck I use the phrase "the old girl" a lot.


Most drivers would say they look at their truck as female (even thou it's an inanimate object ).

Maybe I'm wrong .

 

The 90kmh rule had to do with safety. When it was introduced trucks were not allowed to run faster then 80kmh in most European countries, and in some even less. However more then 40 years ago an empty truck could reach over 140kmh in certain cases. Trucks were not designed for those speeds, and terrible accidents happened with speeding trucks. That is why trucks are governed to 90kmh now. Buses (coaches) were also not allowed to go faster then 80kmh, but unless I'm mistaken that has been increased to 100kmh.

Perhaps the 90kmh rule is still there because of fuel consumption (=pollution), that may well be. And I suppose you could make an argument for increasing that max. speed to 100kmh. After all the trucks are better these days, and it would reduce the speed difference between trucks and passenger cars, also a safety issue.

I don't know what kind of XF you're using. But keep in mind that the present Euro 6 XF is almost completely new, including the cab. The old Euro 5 cab dated from 1994, the new cab is far more aerodynamic, also under the hood. The same applies to all modern European cabovers.

But I was comparing two NA conventionals, I didn't mention an EU cabover. I did find an article where Peterbilt and Cummins built a streamlined truck, and reduced the fuel consumption by 50% compared to an ordinary truck.

 

No, of course not. But did I claim that?

Can't be that difficult to remove some plastic panels for serious maintenance work. If it is, then it's a bad construction.

That's my point, I was comparing two typical highway tractors that are obviously designed for that kind of work.

I didn't claim that.

 

Your postings come across as if you think every American truck, especially conventionals, are just obsolete relics. And really what do you care if someone drives an un-aerodynamic truck pulling a box or reefer anyways? Most big companies don't and of course the normal trend is away from that. Some small operators run tractors like that but it's not so prevalent as it was 10 years ago. But again what difference does it make? You know not everyone has profit margins on the razor's edge to where a few tenths of mpg's is a make or break kind of deal. Individuality, going against the grain - that's red blooded American.

 

Aerodynamics of cabovers is not easy deal.

As aviators say - four wall brick takes off with anoutht thrust)

But really it is easier to reduce drag if u have conventional truck! Cabover is the four wall brick anyway

 

Et Tu Brute !

 

Easily get 8 mpg day in and day out.

 

We can go to extremes.