Posted by Doug Higgins on June 04, 2000 at 06:43:30:
In Reply to: and when you get really good at it posted by casebro on May 29, 2000 at 21:55:53:
My old '69 Peterbilt I drove in the mid 80's had a 5X4. That was my first "Big Truck" I really ever drove. Yes, I do remember the time I had to come to a complete stop going up a nice steep grade outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado when I was grossing a little over 85,000. I put both boxes in low and hoped I could at least get it going forward again. I made it and climbed that hill about 1-1/2 MPH until I found a flat spot to go into the next gear. That is one of the many learning experiences I will NEVER forget!!
In the 50's there were no 500+ HP engines. So it wasn't the transmission that made them slow. There are many trucks TODAY with two boxes, but these truckdriver school graduates today have no idea what to do with anything over 10 speeds! It was a little later on that SAME hill I overtook a beautiful brand spankin' new 1990 Freightliner with all the bells and whistles with a bigger engine, a 10 speed, and 10,000 less pounds than me. Nothing felt better than to PASS HIM UP on that uphill grade in my 1969 Vintage Pete with the 5X4!!! Also, I am only 41 and I am a VP Operations at a manufacturing firm and not yet an old timer. At least not yet. Any questions about Big Trucks, ask me. They once told me never get into the Big Trucks, cause once they're in your blood you'll never get them out! I've just purchased a 1990 Peterbilt that is waiting at my Dad's ranch in California and I am just about to purchase a lowboy trailer. Trucking is in my blood!