witchywoman07
Seasoned Expediter
Beautiful truck. Enjoy!
Our New Straight Truck !
- Thread starter ChanceMaster
- Start date
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
Team Caffee,
The transmission in ultra shift with no clutch ( 10 speed ) just an acceleration pedal and brake pedal. It's a bit getting used to after clutch in to start and stop for 3 years.
The interior is "masculine" leaning, dark browns. Old truck was an 06, and the wind noise / leaking was a bit much. It's a bit surreal to operate this truck, last night early a.m. I was getting TOO comfortable with the quiet ride if you know what I mean.
I calculate that my life while OTR has improved about 50% with the purchase of this truck. NOT having to DIG for my clothes, and having fresh food available is a HUGE plus among many.
The transmission in ultra shift with no clutch ( 10 speed ) just an acceleration pedal and brake pedal. It's a bit getting used to after clutch in to start and stop for 3 years.
The interior is "masculine" leaning, dark browns. Old truck was an 06, and the wind noise / leaking was a bit much. It's a bit surreal to operate this truck, last night early a.m. I was getting TOO comfortable with the quiet ride if you know what I mean.
I calculate that my life while OTR has improved about 50% with the purchase of this truck. NOT having to DIG for my clothes, and having fresh food available is a HUGE plus among many.
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
On spot automatic snow chains, satellite TV with digital antenna ( picks up the free digital channels) , heated and cooled seats, insulated privacy curtain, laminate pergo flooring, complete the package.
Ok same transmission as us. We are looking forward to getting the new DT12 transmission in our next truck.
I agree with you as we came from a CAT engine and I kept thinking our truck had died when it would top a hill. It was funny I would scan the gauges and my heart would stop before I realized it was still running.
Very nice touch having air conditioned and heated seats. You will also really enjoy the OnSpot chains this winter.
I agree with you as we came from a CAT engine and I kept thinking our truck had died when it would top a hill. It was funny I would scan the gauges and my heart would stop before I realized it was still running.
Very nice touch having air conditioned and heated seats. You will also really enjoy the OnSpot chains this winter.
That not-digging part was the most dramatic part of the experience for us of moving from a factory sleeper to a large, custom-built sleeper. It was wonderful to open a door and get a clean shirt instead of moving something first and putting it back after the shirt was retrieved.
Whether it is a fleet owner's truck or one of your own, moving into a brand-new truck is one of the fun events of expediting. Good for you!
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ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
ATeam,
As trite as it may seem, all those little comforts add up. I was under the impression that as a double bunk configuration that we would be losing substantial storage. I REALLY went through my stuff before moving into the new unit, leaving at home the things I really didn't need or use.
I was surprised at the amount of storage in this truck for both drivers. By utilizing plastic bins and using some measure of restraint, there is plenty of room and ease of access for both.
The LED "puck" lights placed strategically and ample 110 power outlets are nice as well.
Still discovering new features like " hill assist" on the transmission. When engaged the truck will "hold the hill" for 3 seconds before rolling backwards. Very nice huh ? And a "creeper" type option that allows the truck to creep forward in traffic jam situations.
Pretty cool to be watching TV while your delayed at a customer as well. Sipping fresh brewed coffee, or munching on something healthy from the fridge makes those realities more bearable.
The little closet holds several shirts and a jacket for each driver ( medium weight jacket - not a fluffy parka) and 4 pair of shoes on the bottom of the closet. THAT has made a world of difference.
It seems a place for everything , and everything in its place.
More manual reading this weekend. The large inverter and generator are a science unto their own. Both have their own digital control panels in the sleeper and each has a zillion features and options. Need to really get a grasp of our power generation, use and distribution.
As trite as it may seem, all those little comforts add up. I was under the impression that as a double bunk configuration that we would be losing substantial storage. I REALLY went through my stuff before moving into the new unit, leaving at home the things I really didn't need or use.
I was surprised at the amount of storage in this truck for both drivers. By utilizing plastic bins and using some measure of restraint, there is plenty of room and ease of access for both.
The LED "puck" lights placed strategically and ample 110 power outlets are nice as well.
Still discovering new features like " hill assist" on the transmission. When engaged the truck will "hold the hill" for 3 seconds before rolling backwards. Very nice huh ? And a "creeper" type option that allows the truck to creep forward in traffic jam situations.
Pretty cool to be watching TV while your delayed at a customer as well. Sipping fresh brewed coffee, or munching on something healthy from the fridge makes those realities more bearable.
The little closet holds several shirts and a jacket for each driver ( medium weight jacket - not a fluffy parka) and 4 pair of shoes on the bottom of the closet. THAT has made a world of difference.
It seems a place for everything , and everything in its place.
More manual reading this weekend. The large inverter and generator are a science unto their own. Both have their own digital control panels in the sleeper and each has a zillion features and options. Need to really get a grasp of our power generation, use and distribution.
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
Zorry,
Scaled her empty / full and pusher axle up / down. That pusher when down takes substantial pressure and weight off the steer axle. I'm going to Message you regarding that soon.
Scaled her empty / full and pusher axle up / down. That pusher when down takes substantial pressure and weight off the steer axle. I'm going to Message you regarding that soon.
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
View from the sleeper bunk window
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
Yet ANOTHER nice feature on this truck are the special Flourescent lamps in the cargo area. Extremely bright and white, a few dock personnel have already commented on how nice they are. Makes our glossy deck shine !
Concur. May need another axle for extra belly weight.
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
We prefer to use the word "co- driver" instead of "partner" especially here on the Left coast.
I don't need a Puerto Rican cook for the already present Belly weight.
Interior lighting is something to pay attention to for anyone spec'ing a new truck. Diane and I did not have this on the list when we built ours. Fortunately, the sleeper manufacturer (ARI) did. It was a pleasant discovery when we realized that there are no dark corners in the sleeper, not even inside the cupboards. No matter where you want to see in the sleeper, there is a light that makes it possible.
There is one exception. That is the very back corners of the top-rear cupboards. To get there, I need to stand on the table and use a stick or grab tool to pull things out. If there is a deep storage are in the sleeper, those back corners on the curb side and driver side are it. We carry survival gear there which has not been removed from the cupboards ever, except to inspect it on occasion; so the lack of lighting in those deep corners is not really an issue.
Not every cupboard is lit with an internal light. There is a very-bright ceiling light that shines into the cabinets when the doors are open. The closet and other storage areas are internally lit.
If you are building a custom truck, think through the lighting. If you have a truck already with dark areas, small lighting changes may significantly enhance your quality of life in the sleeper.
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
We have a large area of storage "behind" the upper bunk, though accessible, would be great for larger items not needed on a daily basis. Beyond food/water what else do you carry for that. Blankets come to mind, a crank radio/flashlight maybe, what else.
ChanceMaster
Expert Expediter
Are those ice cube trays in the freezer?
I want ice cubes.
Sent from my EVO using EO Forums mobile app
Your welcome to our ice any time you want some, we are getting an automatic ice cube maker the next time we are near Bentz sleepers. The automatic ice maker will dispense ice cubes ( or crushed ice) directly above the cup holders on the dash. Also dispenses a preloaded hot or cold beverage of your choice.
NOTE : I'm joking !!!
Slo-Ride
Veteran Expediter
Joking? for that kinda money it should do all that and more.
Nice ride they set ya up in..
(Hope the technology doesnt catch up with ya and gives you years of trouble free running.)
I'm guessing over $250k with the Federal Excise tax added in.