What was the first truck you ever drove?
 

I'm just curious as to what the first truck you all have driven that you can remember.

The first truck I remember driving was a 95 Kenworth T600 with a Super 10 and I think it had a 3406 Cat in it. Anyway I remember being in Texas and sitting in my dads lap. I think we was going to pick up and load, but anyway I felt like king of the road on that day and I guess you can say the T600 and KW has had a very special place in my heart ever since.

'95 VOLVO WIA64TES with a Cat and that hook shifter. (Eaton Fuller 10spd RTO)

(technically) very first I drove was a Freightliner Classic XL series 60 Detroit 13 spd...but that was just to get my license. I only drove that old WIA64TES for about 6 trips, and was then assigned a 2 year old Volvo 770 series 60 Detroit 13spd with a brand spanking new 53' Great Dane Super Cool.

1981 mack r model with a 300 and a 5speed.

But recently the trucks I drove on my own were Freightliner FLD's, Century Class, Columbia's, and Classic XL's.

:) Good truck's... you can beat the hell out of them...
and they still look like a Freightliner.

They have no shame. :?

The FLD's, Century Class, and Columbia's were in the fleet where I use to work at who was an all Mack fleet at one time but went to Freightliner cause they were cheaper and the Classic XL is my dad's.

92' KW ... White with red trim ... a sweet running truck.

I'm young but I started with the old, and worked my way up.



Single Axle 1959 Chevrolet C60 Viking I-6 4+2 Foot starter Gasoline 15 ft box

Tandem 1974 GMC 7000 366 V-8 5+2 Gasoline 19 ft box

Tandem 1974 Chevrolet Titan 90 Detroit 2 cycle 6v71 ?? 13sp roadranger 20ft box

Triaxle 1987 Freightliner 3406B 13 sp 22ft box

1992 Freightliner Cummins 9 speed, with 42ft Maurer hopper bottom

On my first full-time driving job, I was assigned a new 1967 GMC "Crackerbox" COE sleeper. The tandem tractor was powered with a 6-71 Detroit Diesel cut back to 195 hp with N55 injectors. It had a ten-speed Fuller Roadranger transmission and leaf spring suspension. It was licensed for 67,000 lbs. There was no radio or air conditioning. The interior was extremely noisy due to the screaming "Jimmy". The cab could be tilted by hand with the help of coil springs, after unloading luggage and tools. I drove for a manufacturer in Sedalia, MO, and delivered as far as Rochester, MN; Corpus Christi, TX; and Hollywood, FL.

A 1973 GMC Astro,318 Detroit,13 speed Fuller roadranger.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ayburd1977.jpg

First one I drove for pay 1973 Transtar while my boss overhauled my regular one for me. The one I was trained in 1994 FLD

1990 Autocar. 430 Detroit 60 series with a 8LL transmission. Had that crappy t-ride suspension underneath it. Man did that ride like garbage.

We used to call the old Astros "fishbowls" because of how big the windshield was.

1989 Mack R690 300HP Mack and a 6spd.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Jumbo,

True story!

Me and the lead driver were at a traffic light stopped at an intersection,can't remeber the town,but it was in California.
Across the street this carload of girls were giggling and pointing at us.We didn't know why at first.
Then he looked over and laughed,I was digging like a fiend in my crotch.
Jock itch dontcha ya know.I was putting on quite a show for those gals.
:oops:

It was a 1990-something Kenworth.

2005 Freightliner Columbia, Mercedes-Benz engine, 10-speed. The air ride seat didn't work. Boy was my azz killing me!

1998 Freightliner COE pulling a flatbed trailer.

Like this:

http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pi...os_frtlnrs.jpg

B-61 Mack with a 5x4 transmission

Tonka.

1974 GMC Astro coe.

1971 R model Mack...5 & 2 tranny...Hair raising top speed of 50 mph! :lol: :lol: :lol:

1973 Ford C8000 kinda like this one, and I thought I was king of the world!


http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pi...ford_c8000.jpg

Let's see. First truck I ever drove... Never did worry about what year it was made, but back in '75, when Mack still had a bench seat, you could turn on the key, push the starter button in, and it would turn over like the battery was dead... Until you reached under the dash,(out of sight) grabbed the knob, and pulled it back to the back-rest of the seat. That was the compression release, and then the engine would spin over almost as if it was already running.

In town, it smoked and made a whole lot of noise. Get it out in the country, and it didn't seem to do a d----d thing.

Yes, I am that old.

There is nothing like an Mack. :lol:

Pulled flatbed with one of these babies for Builders Transport out of B'ham

http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pi...h_cof9670a.jpg[/url]

From the David Faust Collection http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/df_builders.htm

Well, I can't list nameplates and engine types and gear ratios like some.... I just never cared about such things! And still don't!

In the late 70's, I was in the Air Force. My job was NEVER going to require driving a truck, unless it was for "survival," so I got a "deuce and a half" license at Fort Ord, CA. A few years later, while stationed at NSA HQ at Fort Meade, MD, I was working a second job to make ends meet.

We set up "conventions" in ballrooms for whatever "show" was in town. You know, long tables and alot of crepe paper! This weekend, it was at the Sheraton Downtown D.C.

The "driver" didn't show up to haul the stuff downtown to the Sheraton, and the boss asked if anyone could drive a "rig." Of course, "I" volunteered! :shock: :lol:

This was 1978, so I suppose it was a circa 70 model FORD tractor with 4 high and 4 low. Probably only a 48ft trailer, but it seemed like a lot at the time! :lol:

Anyway.... I had to drive it down the BWI Parkway (is that the right name?) and into downtown D.C. Had to back across 3 lanes of traffic and down an alley behind the hotel and into a tight dock. (brick wall on my left.... blind side back.)

It wasn't easy.... but, I never cared about "easy!" I just KNEW that "I" was the best qualified person to do the JOB! And I still AM! :lol:

Never drove a TRUCK again until I went to CDL school, nearly 30 years later! Don't really remember what the OLD trucks I learned on were. An International (I think) and an FLD maybe.

But, my first real job (and current) was in a Freightliner Century Class, and now I'm in a Columbia. Nice trucks! But, a truck is a truck! It's the DRIVER that makes the difference! And I'm a DRIVER! :wink: 8)

Sorry, I know this thread was about TRUCKS, and all their differences, but I just haven't met a truck YET that I couldn't learn to DRIVE! And I'd forget her "name" tomorrow..... just as easily as I'd forget a woman I met on the road! :shock: :lol:

I may be "anal" at times, but it AIN'T over horsepower, gear ratios, displacements, or guns! :lol:

First Truck
 

You are truly going to a better place as you've spent your time in H!!L!
Life's kinda good now, huh?

First truck
 

Doesn't your arm get tired?

Re: First truck
 

Yeah, occaisionally..... from holding up rookies like YOU! :lol:

The question was about the first truck we ever drove.

I told a story about the FIRST truck I ever drove!

You got a problem with that? :shock:

It has been called the BW parkway or the Baltimore Washington Parkway for as long as I can remember. I believe you are confusing it with the Airport. Talk about a baptism by fire :)

Thanks, MDKW!! You're right. I knew that didn't sound right. I MEANT BW Parkway! :oops:

BTW..... are trucks allowed on that parkway??

What do you mean about the baptism by fire? Are you talking about some kind of delivery at the airport? :?

From Baltimore to Rt 175 yes, From Rt 32 (Ft Meade) into DC, Not anymore, But they might have been at some point.

I was speaking of your run into DC. I have been going into DC a couple of times a week for years and hate it with a passion. I can only imagine how much fun it was for you with your level of expertise :)

Oh.... that. Yeah.... I was young and cocky! :lol: I'd had some experience backing the large Uhaul trailers, so I was just too stupid to know how hard it COULD have been! :lol:

But, there were some differences. First, it was late at night and traffic wasn't that bad. Second, it was 30 years ago and traffic wasn't that bad! :lol:

It was the Sheraton Park Hotel, and I don't remember the street, but there wasn't a whole lot of traffic in my way. I had to stop out on the 4 lane (or more) and back into the alley. When I came around the corner onto that street, some pedestrians ran out in front of my truck. I just hit the horn and said (not that they could hear me,) "You guys don't know what a risk you're taking! I don't really know what I'm doing, and MIGHT not be able to stop!" :lol:

Anyway, it was just a straight back down the alley, with a wall on my left, and then a blindside into the dock. Pretty tight, it seemed, but probably roomier than I remember! :wink:

I'm pretty sure we DID come down the BW, but it was along time ago, and I don't even remember exactly where our warehouse was. Might have been I-95. Not sure anymore! That was before CDL's so I GUESS I was "legal." Who knows? :lol:

That old Ford tractor was not much different than a Uhaul truck cab. Come to think of it..... it may have even been a straight truck! I really don't remember those years all that well! But, I'm pretty sure the trailer was about 48 feet. I just know it was different than anything I'd ever driven before.... and MUCH larger! Of course.... if it WAS a straight truck.... then that would have made it much easier. Heck.... straight trucks aren't REALLY considered Truck Driving, ARE they?? :lol:

1948 Diamond Reo Ready Mix Cement Truck, had a 501 Red Diamond engine that had a warped head. At least once a week we had to change the head gasket. Had an electric over air clutch. Clutch "pedal" was a dimmer switch. Clutch was either engaged or disengaged. A real pain to try and pour curb and gutter!

Blew a right front tire on it at about 80 mph, ran out through the bar ditch and a fence, after the tire was replaced I headed to my offload point, turned off the main road and had to cross a curb to get into to deliver. When the front wheels dropped off the curb, the frame broke 1/2 in two right behind the cab. We unloaded it, drove it back with the frame bouncing off the pavement, parked it behind in the back of the yard and never looked at it again :)

Why I outta...... :lol:

:oops: :oops: :oops:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: First truck
 

Touched a nerve huh? :wink: Rookie with 2.8 million miles: no accidents,no claims, no tickets.Guess I'm still wet behind the ears.

Figured that would get a response from you! :roll:

I doubt you'll believe this.... but I meant NOTHING about your driving history or experience. That is something we cannot usually KNOW about new posters on this forum.

I referred only to your limited number of posts, and your recent joining date. On THIS board.... you are a rookie. I don't EXPECT you to have read all my thousands of posts, and they are not all that important. But, they WOULD have given you an idea of what I'm all about. Yes, I can be cocky and PROUD of myself. I don't see that that is a bad thing for a trucker! My constant reference to the fact that trucking is NOT for "wusses" is my way of saying that a GOOD trucker is a CONFIDENT one! You, I would think must have some confidence in YOUR self, and YOUR accomplishments, or you wouldn't HAVE the outstanding record you have!

When it comes to trucking.... I have many times admitted that "I" am a rookie! Not a newbie anymore.... but a rookie still! But that is ONLY a measure of time, and I can't do anything about how late I came to this industry. What I DO know is that I took to driving a truck as easily as I have most OTHER things I"ve done in life! My 50 years of traversing this country, on every major highway that preceded the interstate system, and actually SEEING the interstate system being built, taught me MORE about the road system, and how to read signs, follow directions, etc., than the average person who never left the town they were born in UNTIL they started trucking. I have NEVER started out on a trip with any kind of "anxiety" about where I am going, or what I will encounter. I have not, since the first two weeks of my "team training" when I was left to sink or swim, EVER had a question of whether or not I could "handle" this rig on the road, or at a dock, or in a big city.

I have alot of respect for "old salts" like you, with millions of miles, but I see TOO many of "them" out there who STILL can't drive safely and intelligently, and even SOME who still can't put it in the hole! :shock: Granted, the majority of drivers with these problems are Rookies.... but many have more time than me! SOME people JUST CAN"T DRIVE A TRUCK! I truely believe that MOST of the oldtimers got into this business because they, too, found it EASY to do because of their experiences. But, today.... it seems that every "average" person who can't find a good job thinks they can drive a truck.... and it just isn't true!

MANY of our posters here grew up on a farm and drove all kinds of trucks and equipment. I did not (although I did live on a farm for a short time.) Most of you males grew up working on "engines" or "motors" of one kind or another, and shooting defenseless deer with all types of high powered rifles.... and that is FINE! But, it was not the way I grew up! I know enough about motors to identify the problem, and I HAVE done some major rebuild work under supervision, but that is not my forte. (On the other hand, I taught myself how to repair copiers and laser printers because I understood the "flow" of both electronics and material.) But, I am NOT a mechanic.... I am a DRIVER!

I don't CARE about cubic inches, bore specs, horsepower, or what was a "classic" engine of historical importance. It's just not "IN" me! What I know is the lay of the land, the "feel" of the road, the rhythm of the engine and the timing of the shift for optimal performance. I know the weather patterns based on elevations and the azimuth of the slopes. I know the geometry that dictates where my trailer will go based on the angle of attack of my tractor (both forward and backward.) Consequently, I almost never have to check my mirrors to see if my trailer will "clear" what I am dragging it around. And my "setups" for docking are almost always CLOSE to perfect the first time.

As a team driver, I am constantly yoked to someone who CANNOT! And I see others who were turned out by "training companies" to drive SOLO who haven't got a clue! Between that and the MANY posters on this board who are forever bemoaning the same "difficulties" to driving a truck, it sometimes seems to me that this job must be IMPOSSIBLE to do! :shock:

But, I know that it is NOT! What MOST of these drivers lack is CONFIDENCE! They are so in "AWE" of what they are attempting to do, that they fail to take control of the situation and just "git 'er done!" :lol:

So... forgive me... or not.... for being somewhat proud of the fact that I took the truck by the horns (so to speak) and MASTERED it! I NEVER saw any other outcome as being a possibility! I didn't get into trucking to FAIL!

Did you touch a nerve? Probably so. Not because it IS a crime to be confident and proud.... but because it is not socially acceptable, amongst the sheeple who thrive on mediocrity, to EXPRESS it! And your reply to my post about my first truckdriving experience PROVES it.

First truck you ever drove
 

To DoubleL and site adminstrators: I never intended to "highjack" this thread.To you and anyone following this thread my apologies for the last few posts.
This is not the place for "cyber" sparring as it takes away from the subject of the thread. This is already handled by other participants on this site.
I'm done.