Big Trucks, Large Cars + Chicken Trucks (From the Glory Days of Trucking!)

[@danutz19]

My grandpa had an 1985 Freightliner Flc120 Interstate 200. It had a 3406b turned up around 600hp with a fuller 13 spd. He bought it brand new and he would romp coast to coast with his step deck hauling anything he could fit on it. He once told me a story of when he was severely overweight and parked at a freshly paved truck stop for some lunch in Arizona mid summer. He said his truck and trailer sunk into the pavement and had to rock in back and forth in the granny gear to get it out. I could sit around all day and listen to these old school truckers tell their stories.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good times, good stories!

[@aabikrman]

I've never been a trucker but I did operate "heavy equipment" as an airline pilot in my professional career and I've always had an admiration and appreciation for the skill you folks demonstrate mile after mile, year after year, and in all kinds of weather and terrain... That being said, as a starving student in the late '70's, one late night I was traveling across New Mexico west bound on I-10, headed back to Phoenix to see my folks during break and I thought I was making really good time at about 75 mph. I think it's somewhat important to remember that back in those days, a 55 mph speed limit had been imposed and traveling that far over the speed limit was pretty much a guaranteed speeding ticket if caught ! Up to that point in my life, I don't remember ever being on the interstate that late at night, especially in that part of the world. It was also somewhat unusual to be overcome by 18 wheelers in general back in those days, especially if you're already 20 over... If you were overtaken back then, it was a safe assumption to presume the "coast was clear" and you could put the hammer down but you better be paying attention to when the trucker reduced speed or be prepared to suffer the consequences ! I always appreciated a faster truck and when the truck was 1/4 to half mile in front, I'd simply match their speed with relative safety and without nearly as much anxiety of a ticket. As a student, I didn't have the spare funds nor could I afford to travel that much back then, so I did not have a CB radio or radar detector and outside of paying attention to the speed of truckers, or other fast movers, one was on their own... Now this particular night as I was cruising along at 75, I remember reducing speed because I noticed someone several miles behind was rapidly gaining on me. I still remember that sense of dread thinking I had attracted the attention of a trooper and how in the h*** am I going to pay for this ticket as I was already working myself silly !?!? After several minutes, to my astonishment I could make out the running lights on the tractor and the forward part of the trailer and once I was sure it was a semi, I cautiously resumed my speed. The truck was still a mile or more behind but I still remember pondering the power that truck's engine must have been making and also thinking trucks were not geared that high as this one must be running at least 90 by his rate of overtake. I had resumed my speed to the high side of 75 and the truck was still overtaking me rather rapidly and when the truck finally caught me and went past, the vacuum of the hole in the air being created seemed to near suck the paint off my car !!! I don't know how fast that truck was traveling but it sure seemed like a good 30 mph faster than I. Later, with the next truck that overtook me, I realized that if I could match the trucks speed once it went past, I could make some great time in relative safety from the law. I wound up being just shy of 100 indicated before my speed was matched with the truck but I knew my car could not sustain that and I resumed my 75 or so after a couple of miles. From watching this video I now have a better idea of who my fellow travelers were that night. There were about a half dozen trucks or so that passed me that night and I just new that those drivers were having the time of their lives driving those magnificent and beautiful machines ! From my best recollections, they were all long wheelbase tractors pulling stock type trailers or possibly big reefers and they were certainly "haulin the mail" that night !!! Believe you me, I was envious and I still have a huge admiration and respect for what you folks do !

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey there Big Strappers. We had some fun recording this video. Hope you like it. How 'bout ya? Are you a fan of those old school Large Cars? Or do you like the modern day rides?

[@aspndr]

Old school.. that's what I remember from my childhood..

[@cottonpreppinpoor2709]

Old school for sure!

[@CR4ZYxRY4N]

Smart Trucking I’d like a modern day large car style truck

[@sayvolthasees2129]

Large Car all the way... My old Long Nose Pete with a big Cat in it was geared for 127 mph and would do it loaded or empty. Sure miss those daze... 1600 watt linear and a modified ham radio worked well with my large car. Wrote a poem about those daze... let me know if you would like to read it...

[@smokeinapeterbilt]

Old Skool Cool...

[@jamiepipher3206]

Don't forget about the time they called the fire dept on me Dave on the salt flats blowing the turbo out of that Pete blowing flames out the stacks at nite....the legend lives...L.k

[@murraystewartj]

When the story starts with Lettuce King you just know it's going to be good.

[@SmartTrucking]

Just about every time he headed out, that guy had some sort of adventure!

[@tierone4761]

We were out there in the early to mid ‘80’s running I-40 from Okie City to Barstow with a Pete 359, 3406B, 13spd & 3.55’s, pulling a portable parking lot. It was a great time to be on the road, lots of Hoods with big power & plenty of lights. Used to stop at the truck wash just west of Kingman to get it looking good before crossing into Ca, then fueled up at Barstow & always enjoyed the steak dinner they gave you if you got so many gallons of motion lotion. Back when channel 19 & the fuzz busters on the dash meant something. Good Day Everyone!

[@snidelywhiplash285]

Nothing sounds quite as good as a 3406 with 8' stacks. I remember being passed by a Bull Rack in Texas years ago. Heard him coming from about a quarter mile away with my windows up... He had to be running every bit of 100 mph. Just out for a Sunday stroll.

[@SmartTrucking]

Loved stuff like that! I remember every time someone blew my doors off and looked cool doing it!

[@craig84074]

Thanks for your video. I was truckin in the early 80's. We had a ton of fun and we made a lot of money, and I do miss those days, but I would not get in a truck now-a-days. Back then the speed limit was 55, but I think there were more bears on the road back then than now, but we always knew where they were, what direction they moving because back then truckers always talked to each other. We always told each other what mile marker the traffic was stopped at, so we had plenty of time to slow down, and like you said, we always knew if the chicken coop was open. We ran two logbooks, and had less accidents back then than they do now running with ELD's. You see, shifting our 13 speeds kept us awake because we were always listening to the engine to tell us when to shift. We did not have cell phone distractions, automatic transmissions, and our wardrobe did not consist of flip-flops and Bermuda shorts. I sure do miss those glory days of running through Flagstaff on a hot summer night on I-40 at 2AM into Barstow, and then down into the LA Basin.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes sir! Those were good days. I still miss it!

[@wisco-lad]

Man..... no better story than listening to a senior truck driver.. how I miss all the stories of my uncles during the holidays.... those guys are long gone and it hasn't been the same

[@greggrover7719]

I hung up my steering wheel back in the late 90's. Before then? 340 inch wb Autocar. 3406 'B' Cat, 13 sp trans, and I forgot the gear ratio. However, I'd always run over weight, run fast, and run hard. Three log books and avoid the scales. At the time, a driver could have a couple of drivers licenses from different states. Too many points on one? Just use a different one and keep rollin. Pulling produce out of Brownsville Texas, or Salinas Ca. to the East Coast was damn good money! I80 across Wyo. at night was an easy run at 75 to 85 mph. And his was when the speed limit was 55 mph. The kids these days use the term 'rolling coal'. Pfft! That's nothing compared to the old large cars. I could push so much smoke out the stacks, I could darken the Sun! Never mind the fact that I only got 3 MPG. lol. I'm old and retired now, but the memories I'll never forget. Different times and better times for trucking.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes they sure were! Take care Greg! Thanks for writing in!

[@kmcattle6497]

I’m 43, with 4 kids that show beef cattle. We use a 2006 Peterbilt 335 stretched 4 door Schwalbe conversion to haul with. (Pre emissions) it’s not a old long hood Pete, but it’s still way more badass then all these $80,000 crew cab Ford’s that are out there!!! My speedometer goes to 80 mph, but it will bury the needle and it’s still picking up speed..... that while pulling a 36’ stock trailer.

[@BillysWild]

I miss those days also. Running multiple log books. Cruising the boulevard in the middle of the night, in the triple digits. Running back roads around the scales. I still run a 379 extended hood, and a radio putting out 50 watts. Back in the day I ran a 500 watt linear, but now anybody even talking on the radio is rare.

[@jaybrookhart2113]

At 4:57 my brother used to drive that truck for a few years. Everything this guy is talking about is true! My favorite quote is “If school was like a long nosed Kenworth I’d have gotten straight A’s in every grade sense kindergarten “ Great video thanks.

[@ghriszlybare2547]

I really wish i could have been around to experience the glory days of trucking. I'm only 25 and i love it but i yearn for the experiences you older fellows talk about

[@meagain448]

Just wanted to let you know that your videos have played a major role inspiring me to get in this career. I start my first class of CDL school on the 30th, and just last night I rode in a big truck for the first time. Dave, Im hooked.

[@zeeezeee123]

Great stories Dave,,,, My era...My friends Eddie (rip) & Janice Gantt.....Yes, your right,, it said James E Gantt on the door, but everyone on the Southern Route (20 &10) knew him as Eddie,,,,,, or Southern Shaker..... Maybe with your talent at this, you could do a great story on Eddie's 60 years in th' seat and all the big ole trucks he ran while becoming a true legend, and play the song about him.... Lettuce King and Southern Shaker, these are the guys made us all proud to be Outlaws........Great channel Dave

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Rod! I never knew Eddie Gantt but I knew who he was. My friends and I rarely ran along the bottom because we were coming and going from Canada but in the winter months we all loaded lettuce in Yuma and he did blow by me a couple of times down there. I, of course, have seen the video about him on KZbin and heard the song. I think all truckers our age probably have. I''d love to do a video on him, he was a legend in our industry but I have no pictures of him or his trucks and KZbin is very strict about using other peoples content. If you have pictures you could send me, along with a letter of release, allowing us to use those pictures and some info about his trucks and where he hauled to, I'd be proud to do a video on him!

[@zeeezeee123]

@@SmartTrucking... Yea Dave you know your business and I wish I had some pictures I know you could do a great video... Heck I only have a couple of pictures my own Truck from back then,, we just didn't do a lot of photos back then. lol.... Hundreds of Stories not many photos, lol.. I stay in touch with Janice by phone,,,, she is not into these social platforms much... In the eighties Janice drove late at night shift, Eddie in the daytime.... Janice and I would get on an ITA channel and talk the late night away to stay awake across the bottom.... Janice was a step above most hands on a set of boxes... When I told her that Eddie had told me how good she was on a set of boxes, after Eddie died, she could not believe it,,,,She said, he never told me that. Janice comes from Heavy Haul, Flatbed, and Reefer, she knows Trucks.....Some of the Carolina hard runners probably have lots of info on Eddie, maybe,,,,,, My neighbor, in Montgomery and friend of Eddie's, was Roy Dunlap,,,,AKA Snake Doctor (rip) ,,,,,he made sure the Alabama Gang was well known and represented in the Left lane with his KTA....We were all friends on The Southern Route...... Thanks for the reply Dave,,,,Rod

[@markbush7421]

I was blessed to be of that era. I designed and sold American Chicken Hauler Association tee shirts , caps, mud flaps, belt buckles and beer mugs. The shop was called I. B. Bubba’s at the Giant truck stop in Jamestown NM

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes sir! I used to have some of that stuff! Found that logo on the internet but wouldn't let me order anything. Any stock left? I'd love a t shirt or a decal if you have any!

[@markbush7421]

Smart Trucking I might have some North American show Truck DVDs and Chicken Hauler blues comedy CDs in boxes somewhere. Closed I B Bubbas down in 2012 and retired to Florida to finish the kids off in school.

[@paulsubramanya476]

awesome content. just paid for 160 hrs of trucking school here in california, mostly maneuvers, blindside, hole parking lots of driving the rig. so good tyvm for making me do homework. ❤️

[@aaronk534]

94 freightshaker, big detroit, 13 spd, used to hit 120mph on a 2 lane to cut across Iowa and Illinois and Indiana. Miss those days.

[@vegaslimoguy2376]

Just ran a load out of Jackson Hole this week there are still plenty of these rigs out there! My truck is governed at 78mph and grain and bull haulers running passed me like i was parked!

[@alanmoncus2331]

Yeah Man, those cattle haulers out in Kansas be flying like bats out of hell, super nice trackers, but damn they stink so bad, can smell 'em inside your cab with the windows up and AC on, lol

[@alexjones28]

Yep. those are the fastest trucks in the road and the fastest. I'm still a new driver 😂

[@Villani_AV]

Just took a trip to vt to get a tattoo and had trucks passing me on 81 and I was doing 80 🤣🤣

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I'm over here in upstate eastern NY, and we have alot of day cab trucks here hauling dirt. Rt. 22 along the Eastern edge of the state is like seeing a mobile truck show every day, we have some nice ones around here.

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

I was coming off Idaho I-15 Malad pass from a road service job yesterday in my service truck doing 80 & three W900's hauling cattle rolled past me like is was going 65. Made me check my speed to see if my cruise control was still working!

[@deepprey2776]

I miss those days of trying to keep up with the cattle haulers and running 15 trucks deep across 10 and 20

[@vivadjango]

Dave, you should post a video with the Lettuce King if he's still alive.

[@enginesandoutdoors3238]

vivadjango that would be an awesome video

[@alejandrofallas9734]

I was going to say the same thing!!

[@SmartTrucking]

He is, and we will. He's built a new truck and we're going down in the spring to check it out! stay tuned!

[@SoCal780]

I’m really intrigued about the legendary Lettuce King. After all, he has his own t-shirt! I hear all these great stories about him, especially the one about the “woman” at the truck stop in Rawlins that turned out to be a man, lol! 🤣🤣 Dave, I’ll bet you could write a book about this guy! I’d buy it!

[@Romans--bo7br]

@Jim Nickles..... Sorry, but you're dreaming in ignorance (lack of understanding/knowledge).... 1) a 12V92T/TA is too heavy for a road truck at approx. 4,280 lbs... 2) Too much redundancy with the two 6V's..... 3)An Eaton "live 2 way" would never be able to handle the torque input from the engine, and especially through the low side of the transmission... 4) The "buffer screw" has Nothing to do with setting the maximum load/no-load rpm limits.... and to get the engine to run at that rpm requires more than just resetting the governor.... it also involves changing parts. And one more thing, you would not be running California with it... the 2 cycles are "illegal" there..... like just about everything else.

[@StonedPony1]

Smart Trucking. Unless any of these people reading were not driving back then they never would or will understand what all of us did or the funny stuff that happened on the road back then. I had one of those Cat experimental 3406 engines placed in my 1978 EXHD because my 3408 stayed in the Cathouse. (Bank and I was just a little upset at Cat) This truck was unreal after they messed up and placed it in by mistake. It was the 3rd engine they knew of to get out of their labs out of 10 they said they were trying to find. They got the engine back after 4 years of me running it, but they had to buy the truck as well as that was part of the deal (Bank lawyer added their point of view) for me keeping it. My Pete was one of those O/O 100mph plus type trucks with big chrome straight pipes. (I have maybe hauled a chicken or two) They set it up to 600kw at the Cathouse as one of their engineers was at that Cathouse who worked in their lab. (He was down wanting to know if they by chance had any more of the lab engines) The only thing to ever go wrong with that engine was an o ring leaking in the water pump while I had it. Have gone from Elpaso to the Dome in 8 hrs back when you had to run. Like a driver told another driver, when he said I can run with large cars and then you hear you guys are shifting. He was talking to me and another driver as the other driver said you want to turn them loose for a while, and I said why not. Hand found out real fast that just because you have a big truck it doesn't make it a large car. Needless to say, other drivers gave that driver some advice about don't mess with large cars. Now see if you remember the Allis Chalmers Big Al---purple people eater engines they put in trucks. Willy Wonkers Chocolate Factory out of South Florida ran one (725 hp he said) that would fly in a Pete like mine. His was Brown and mine was Black. I can't remember the times I have ran around the scales in Ms because they like other states up the Ms river were 73,280 gross and not 80,000 pounds gross. (Mind you I have blown a few as well). I got a warning ticket once in ILL on the interstate for doing 68 in a 55 mph, wearing flipflops, tag not placed correctly, (upside down on the swang plate by a friend I later had a talking to) and 3 days behind on my logbook. (What can I say) The guy was cool about and told me since it was early like 5 am to go slower. Now I would not have tried it (maybe) but a friend of mine (Out of Florida like me) placed a regular pickup truck tag on his Pete and a small trailer tag on his refer trailer. (They did look like the regular ones) He was pulled into the Ontario pits outside of LA and he had his wife jump out like she had been driving and the girl checking wanted her number and they drove off Scott free. (Short story and not the one he or she told later if you get my drift). God, the '70s and '80s were a lot of fun running up and down the freeway. Had a buddy of mine fall out of his cab over talking to us in Tampa truckstop looking at a lady driver sunny herself on the hood of a truck next to mine with just her on a towel. (Never forget what she said to him. What you never saw a naked lady before?) You can guess where and what that leads to. You know I have not heard you or anyone else talks/speak about the ladies who just loved to ride trucks all over the US. You do remember them? A few of them I have seen more than once or twice at different places across the US just having fun traveling. (Not the lot lizards girls I am talking about). Anyway, your video did make me laugh about some of the things that went on back when.

[@onebadapple83]

Yep....great video! I also had the pleasure of trucking through the haydays of the late 70s and early 80s! What I can tell everybody is that when running this high HP back in the day, there weren’t any driveline components available to put behind it that would hold up for very long. Even a stock 600 K model Cummins would trash a 1241 Spicer 4 speed auxiliary a couple times a year! May have gotten 2 years from a set Rockwell 40,000 pounders!

[@nickkercheval2704]

I remember coming up out of Florida on 95 in a car in the early 90s in the middle of the night doing about 75 and having large cars pulling reefers blow by me like I was doing 55! See lights in the mirrors in the distance then all of a sudden chicken lights and a low roar blowing by. Give em the lights, chicken lights blink and they’re gone!

[@outlaw217]

More videos of old time Trucking stories please! Love hearing them. Love chatting with the older guys at truck stop or even shipper/receivers to hear them

[@jhh7285]

Love your stories man. You sound like my dad telling his truck stories. You should get a picture of the lettuce kings truck or do a interview with him. That would be dope😎

[@John-ms6sd]

Yes!!! Please do?

[@SmartTrucking]

Going down to see him in the spring, when the new truck's ready.

[@jhh7285]

@@SmartTrucking Cool. Get a interview while your there. And a pic of the ol Lettuce king truck from back in the day..... please 😁

[@sheilamarie6897]

He still alive?

[@mrc1539]

Remember seeing the Large Cars all get together in Victorville getting ready to head east . The first real Large Car I saw was Gene Smith out of Gridley Ca. with his “ class of 49 “ , not sure but he may have been the the first , cause that was a long time ago. 😉 ! Thanks for the memories.

[@I_like_turtles_67]

I used to come up to gridley, ca for spring break when I was a kid. Fished on the feather river, shot bb guns into cans/bottles out in the peach orchards... Go Karts. That's a fun little town. :)

[@Graveltrucking]

I liked the story, I can believe it that the lettuce king with a marine Cat could put out the power. The old trucks had style sure they were not fuel efficient but it was pride in your ride its what trucking was all about. Flip on the Jake and you could hear the crack in the exhaust, trucks sounded like trucks not singer sewing machines.

[@kevinx4402]

Those were good days ..big radios drivers used lites to communicate.. was fun at one time ..

[@garyputman8782]

When I started out I ran the second seat in a Monfort Rig from C O to Philly. We NEVER ran the granny lane and would turn and touch down back in CO in 2 days. That old frieghtskaker was a monster. Now I'm retired and have fon memories of the good old days

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, that was trucking!

[@kevinb6550]

What I wouldnt give to be back in the old days again when running was fun.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, me too!

[@dustyrolls1983]

What a good story. Telling stories aren't really popular anymore, but it's a good quality to be able to listen... And most people can't even do that nowadays. So Thanks 👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Loved the stories the old guys used to tell. Cathy's grandfather had great stories. I could listen to him all day!

[@infantryman4lyfe]

I got a 99 FLD120 with an N14 getting overhauled right now. I’ve been driving for 2 years now and I’m about to take the next step in becoming an owner operator. I love watching your videos with the information and stories you have. Thanks!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Cody! Nice truck, by the way!

[@romeoortegaiii2299]

Call me cynical, Donnie Downer, ELDs killed it man. TRIPLE T 👍👍

[@WobblepopJR]

Im still running a 14l detroit with 700 hp but still get out pulled by some trucks. still an impressive show. Love the power, keep the shiny side up drivers!

[@rolling3868]

Nice video Mr. Dave. I like your background awesome trucks👍👌👏🙏

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@JasonVladimir]

Some beautiful trucks! Thanks for sharing!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for watching!

[@deandean7472]

I finally got my dream dream truck. I was 8 years old when I saw my first Western Star. I'm 59 and now I have one. It's a 4964EX 150"ICT Sundowner sleeper and 330" wb 470/500 series 60 Detroit. Love driving it. I take It out every weekend and on vacation. Every guy has his Harley or Corvette that one is mine.

[@Frank71]

Remember as a kid...the family road trip. My grandfather's Ford LTD. Driving across Iowa. All us kids in the back seat. Comming across: clean n' shiny. (See the LTD reflection on the chrome rims) Lights and chrome everywhere. Fancy paint jobs. Trucks full of personality. We do a fist pump. They always give back a long blare of the air horn.

[@drgunnwilliams5185]

Ran an early 880 Volvo Eliminator. Right out of the box the boss had motor breathed on. Was running ~750hp 18 speed trans. At the time the Pete 625w signature come along the high house power out of the factory engine. Use to love watching the faces of those pete drivers when after bashing my truck at the truck stop I would pull up beside them then walk it away uphill. Miss the large cars & the single sheet colouring book. Will keep todays sloped hood, better visibility & fuel milage (with moose bar) & my Rand-McNally large screen GPS that lets me see exactly we're I am on road in a snowstorm!

[@raymondbradley6788]

Those were the days Dave👍👍👍Thanks for taking me back there

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure Raymond! Those WERE good days!

[@samingram897]

Mama told us Truckers were the Knights of the highway when we were kids. I've had my CDL since 1999 and have always tried to be a Knight of the highway.

[@kohgoes]

Love hearing stories and history like this before I could remember as I was young. I’m not so young now, but still want to experience some of it at least vicariously. In my vivid imagination, I imagine all kinds of crazy stories from the different yards lots stops, when the guys would be done and let loose after a haul and all the different locations and the types of joints they would probably end up in together. As an automotive enthusiast, who also loves trucks, it’s sad that it feels like all the hot rod and rock ‘n’ roll is gone from almost everything now, but truckers still have more freedom than average C automotive enthusiast, I just love thinking about the outlaw times when truckers were burning the candle at both ends and stacking big money.

[@SoCal780]

I love hearing about the earlier years of trucking, it fascinates me. I started in early 1994, on the tail end of the good ol’days. From 2001-2003, I drove a 2000 green Pete 379 for a small fleet owner. I would haul produce, ice cream, milk, and frozen foods. Going to Bakersfield, Wheeler Ridge, Modesto, Sacramento, Phoenix, Yuma, Albuquerque, Vegas, Yerington, NV and places like that. Logbooks were a joke! 🤣🤣 We knew it, the cops knew it, but as long as it looked good and you didn’t cause any problems, nobody cared. This was my introduction to “Big Strapping.” I met a lot of really cool “old timers” during this period. They knew that I was fairly new to the game, but they were always willing to share their wisdom and experience with me. I have nothing but the greatest respect for them.

[@SmartTrucking]

It's nice you were able to get in on the tail end of when trucking was fun! It's too bad most guys now will never get to experience that. Somebody wrote to me the other day "here is a comment you never hear on the CB these days" . "Hey driver that's a cool looking Volvo you've got there! " I laughed right out loud when I read it!

[@SoCal780]

Smart Trucking Yes, I know how you feel about Volvo’s. Truthfully speaking, I hear that all the time about mine. I wish I could send you some pics of it. Mine is a 2005 VNL 780, with 2,220,000 miles on it. I’m the original owner, bought it in September of 2004. It has a 565 hp Cummins ISX, 13 speed (none of that auto shift bs!) Eaton Fuller, 3.42 rears. It’s Burgundy in color and still looks great because I Detail it religiously using only Adam’s Polishes products. Wheel Polish, Tire Shine, Detail Spray, and Ceramic Boost. You’d be amazed if you saw it. 👍 Plus, no DEF emissions BS, it’s EGR, which is the main reason that I still have it. Oh yeah, it has lots of power and runs great too. 😁

[@fj9460-lr]

In 1976 I was 26 yoa and drove a 1961 Emeryville fifteen speed and Cummins power, I remember those large cars flying by me like I was in reverse; thanks for the memories Dave!! Oh by the way I-25 and I-40 were my main routes.

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, an Emeryville! There's an old girl!

[@fj9460-lr]

I’m looking for her now, hoping to find her in Pagosa Springs, Colorado; I want to restore her and pull my fifth wheel RV with her; if anyone has a lead on her please let me know. She was owned by Jerry Gasaway my old employer. Thanks

[@damnrightimporter1060]

1983, Oklahoma panhandle headed west on what's now 412. I seen him in my rearview mirror every time I'd top a rolling hill. Gitn closer and closer. Got up on me was a Pete bull wagon. Loaded down . He never missed a beat. Passed my new Dodge 1/2 ton 318 like I was with still. I tried keep up...,couldn't do it LMAO I still love seeing them Pete's and KWs come thru here pulling them bull wagons

[@marksanto1086]

Chicken trucks hauled chickens, in crates with the feathers flying all around, and the big (frozen) poultry trucks were called rooster cruisers. Mixed produce haulers said that they were hauling garbage.

[@michaeldeslondejr5633]

Don't forget about the outlaws getting down on that high speed chicken feed.

[@SmartTrucking]

Twin sticks and toothpicks!

[@michaeldeslondejr5633]

@@SmartTrucking I figured that was the sentiment when I saw it in another comment. I just turned 37 and been around trucking since I was born. I got to see the glory days but from the shotgun seat. That's what I fell in love with. Not whatever it is now.

[@jcprov9481]

So many stories in Wyoming. I can’t wait to move there next year and start a new life. Great thing about being a trucker, I can work anywhere in this great country. Wyoming is the way America should be.

[@SmartTrucking]

Agreed!

[@paulb7365]

I so miss those days!! This definitely put a big smile on my face!! Be safe Dave and God bless!

[@Romans--bo7br]

Love your channel... Really Appreciate all the work you put into what you do, keep it up... and am a subscriber. In regards to this particular video, all I can say is... Thanks for the memories!! I started in 1970 with a late 1969 - ext. hood 359 Pete, 12V71N Detroit with the Spicer 4016 box (compound 4x4), then a new 74 KW - ext. hood with the 12V71TA & 6X4 (dbl Over) until 1982, when I traded it in on a new 1982 Ext. hood "A" model KW (last year of the "A's" as well as for the V12 in the KW's), which also had the dbl Over 6x4, and the 12TA. I built all three of my 12's to marine specs (less the water cooled exh. manifolds and heat exchangers of course)..... formally studied 2 cycle Diesel Engine Design & Theory for four years between 1963 & 1967 which helped me considerably in my quest for more power, especially with the Detroits.. and was also fortunate to study directly under P. Nicholas who was in R&D at Detroit Diesel from the very beginning in 1937 until he retired from DD in the summer of 1964... and was one of the principle designers of the very first 2 cycle Detroit prototype engine (a 4-71N). WOW!!... the Lettuce King!... Great to hear that he's still "with us"...been a long time since I've run into him on the road. I use to run with BC Frye (his home 20 was in Fla.) and his "famous" Diamond T conventional that he a stuffed a twin turbo'd V12-71 DD into with 6X4 sticks... both of our trucks would do WELL Over 100. Use to run with "Highway Hank" every once in a while as well, with his COE KW with the 8-92TA in it (twin turbo setup with the 7025 injectors - 540+ hp). I ran all across Canada (including "Newfie land") as well during the mid 70's to mid 80's and then up into AB, SK & MB hauling garbage to Safeway dist. centers from about 1992 until May of 2011. I remember the old Number 3 across the rockies to Vancouver quite well, from the junction of the number 2 south of Ft. Macleod westbound to the beach... also ran the #1 west out of Calgary and the 16 (Yellowhead) from S'toon to Kamloops. I remember running between the boulders on the gravel after that slide just west of Fernie... and through the aftermath from years earlier at Frank (Crowsnest). Yes!, those Were the days!! "LARGE Chicken Hauler Cars" Forever!! PS: Westbound down the grade into Osoyoos with that switchback about a third of the way down was a literal Killer if you overshot the curve... before they rebuilt that whole thing.

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, I feel like I should know you. That 82 KW with a big Detroit is ringing memory bells for me. We certainly have chewed up pieces of the same roads. I appreciate you watching, it's my wife's idea to do these videos but I don't mind it because it helps keep me in touch with other drivers and the trucks we used to run as well as maybe help newer drivers find an appreciation of the industry, what we went through and how much we enjoyed it. I have learned that the industry has certainly changed in the last number of years and not for the better, it seems. I feel lucky to have been able to do the kind of trucking I loved before things started to go south. I think you and I may have worked in the best era of trucking. Take care and I hope to hear from you again. Dave

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@SmartTrucking ... Hi Dave!... Thanks so much for your reply... much appreciated. Hi & kudos to your wife for getting you to do what you're doing. It's late right now.. nearly midnight... but just got your reply through the notifications, and thought I would at least acknowledge your reply before hitting the pillow. I will write more, later tomorrow (Saturday) sometime. Have a great day.

[@larrycobb3102]

Been there done that. I sure miss it in some ways. Especially the watching out for your fellow driver.

[@jonathanbulman1184]

Those where the days, I was just a kid in the early 80s but man I still remember. If you had a Pete or a W9 you where the king. Think the saying goes, you know she’s fast when she’s up again the dash!

[@MrCadeMacT]

All I got to say is real truck drivers don't wear sandals

[@SuperHigear]

They were good times for sure, I miss those days from the 70s & 80s. I was once driving a cabover Road Commode with a big ole Cat engine running fully loaded out in the hammer lane pulling a hill and passing everything insight. I was feeling cocky and pretty good about myself too until one of those certifiable large cars passed me on that same hill like I was standing still; it put that kitty of mine into a state of depression for a month.

[@SP4Parks]

I was going west on I-80 back in the early 90's and started up Snow Shoe Mt when 2 Monfort trucks blew my doors off , well I know the old saying back then " the left lane was the Monfort lane. For those who don't Know what that means , They were out of Denver and hauled meat and hauled ass every where they went and thats how they got the left lane name. So we started up the grade , I was driving a cornbinder hood with a 435 Cummins & 10 speed w/ 42000lbs. I watched them ahead of me & I started gaining ( that ole 435 was a puller) . There is 3 lanes going up the hill , they were side by side in the 2 right lanes I look over at them & give them a smile while they 'er working all those gears . I pull back in front of them and said on the CB " my thats a lot of fancy shifting " I won't go into there rant but you can imagine , Lol.

[@SmartTrucking]

Love that story! Monfort, move over and get out of the way!

[@alleycat1084]

Hell yea! Mash your motor!👍👍Don’t let me get started. I wasn’t a big fan of carrying a camera back then, my only regrets. Thanks for sharing these memories.

[@icecubes_for_the_boiling_frogs]

I still remember my dad's v8 superliner with an 18 speed. Was pot leaf green with silver and gold flake. Had to be one of the fastest machines in southern New Mexico. I'll never forget the first time I heard my handle on that radio. I was hooked at that moment.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good days!

[@milohrnic2023]

Oh man, you'll still see these guys once in awhile on the TransCanada at night. They are never giving up their trucks.

[@radarmike6713]

Guys like the lettuce king and their rolling Christmas tree trucks (how I learned them up here in canada) made me call in love with trucking. I'm a driver now. And my tractor and trailer have 144 lights as of now. I have plans for about 56 more to get to 200. But I won't lie....truck and trailer could probably fit more. But I set a goal to 200 as a tribute to ole school trucking. I get a TON of hate from driver now a days (new school) but ole schoolers like you and lettuce usually chuckle at me and waive.

[@peterszar]

I really enjoy your videos. I started trucking after Nam in 1969, driving a Mack Superliner, great truck, had the HP. Anyway My last baby was a 2010 Pete with the 600 hp Cummins. When you talked about Sherman Hill it brought back memories. One of the coolest things was, after the break-in period and the 'ol come-apart was up to 600 hp I loved passing Swift, England, ect while West bound on I-40 pulling out of Albuquerque that was a decent size hill.

[@tuckerwilliams6816]

WOW! Your video was great Dave. I just loved those large cars. Great topic Thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@Retired88M]

I remember one day in the summer of 80 my buddy and I were both hauling loads of US Mail and we stopped at the 76 in Bartonsville for pie and coffee and as we were walking thru the lot checking out the west coast large cars all waiting for the traffic to die to head into Huntspoint we saw this gorgeous blue W900A all decked out with chrome and stainless and chicken lights when we heard the sound of a 6-71 Detroit idling and it was coming from the KW!! Couldn’t believe a truck from Cali with such a small engine!!! Turns out this old gentleman took two weeks to round trip LA to Jersey City with s contract load both ways where he could take his time and said he didn’t need a big horse to do it. And he drove legally all the time. Day time only

[@SmartTrucking]

Semi retired and just out for a cruise!

[@pattyjay9999]

I remember back in the day in 96 I keyed up on my CB and asked what’s a chicken truck, ol boy came back and said you must be green. I had only been driving for like five months it took me that long to save some money up working for CRST to buy the radio😜

[@markm0000]

I’ve been driving for about 18 months now and I’ve never bothered with the CB. I threw it out a couple months ago. I use that space for the FM radio that always stays on Bluetooth anyways.. I put a storage bin in place of where the radio was in the dash.

[@sheilamarie1481]

Big truck says i think i can. Large car says I know i can. Smooth Operator, back quiet. ❤

[@DocDewey]

I live in Laramie Wy and I have driven Sherman hill plenty of times... nice to know we pop up in stories sometimes

[@SmartTrucking]

I always loved Wyoming! If you've followed my videos for any length of time you'll have heard me say that before. Years ago, when you got to the top of Sherman there was a parcel of land up there for sale. I always wished I could have bought that. I would have loved to live in Wyoming!

[@DocDewey]

@@SmartTrucking there still is some land for sale there and I have been following since 65k subs

[@ronniebenoit4081]

Great stories. Hearing all these great stories from my grandaddy. I'll keep the power pounding as long as I can. '03 Pete long n tall. 6NZ 600 hp. 18 spd. Paper logs .... We tryin driver. We tryin

[@titancribbing3363]

I’m in Edmonton now but my uncle drove for woodcock bros and k Dac and you remind me of him. Awesome channel.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@jamiegideon-z4m]

i lived in the same town with charlie bates and charlie jr the ole red kw was one reasons i started trucking

[@scruffythejanitor88]

I absolutely love the old trucks. Nothing beats mechanical in my mind. Less to go wrong and simple to fix on the side of the road. 99% of the time it was a stupid simple fix

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@scruffythejanitor88]

@@SmartTrucking I grew up in the truck with my dad. Was an old Autocar that was rigged up as a self loading log truck. I learned how to drive that before a 4 wheeler. I miss the old days from back then. I'm 32 and got my license at 20 years old and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@shawnpa]

Those stories are fascinating. Thank you for sharing that.I never heard of large car trucks. I saw the lit up rigs more often years ago, but still see them. Saw one very bright one going west in Ar. two days ago.

[@ehhjeep]

Amen brother, large car super trucker days where the best. Lord how I miss the old days.

[@joesmuckatelly8282]

Always on the lookout for a 359 many still out here

[@timothybrunes1088]

Sorry to say that I'm too young to remember but I remember my dad telling me about those trucks. They were some of the best stories I ever heard.

[@dazzamate4894]

Loving the old stories from the road and hearing about the rigs and drivers from back in the glory days of truckin.. shout out from from western Australia.. keep the shiny side up..

[@SmartTrucking]

You too driver, thanks!

[@YaBoyBaby916]

Currently watching this, and I’m about to be in laramie in an hour. Lol. I wish I was around in those days to experience all of this. But all of this is also the reason why I own a 800ish hp c16 largecar and blow doors off up hill downhill and straight aways. I’ve driven from old to new trucks. It wasn’t until I bought my w9 that I started enjoying driving and taking pride in my job. No other feeling like a largecar

[@tonyandreoli8180]

Definitely a thing of beauty, funny thing is going down the road you still get to see one once in awhile

[@dannygregg3906]

Those were the days Dave. I sure miss them. And I enjoy your videos . I used to from San Jose to North Carolina or Florida. Good Memories. And a lot of em.

[@garypollard9770]

Really do miss those days! Good times! Now these are some nice looking rides and bet they will back it all up pounding the ground! Only thing that I regret is that we didn’t carry a camera with me back then. I had a pretty big truck then and it was probably right at triple digits. I remember because we had the lights that came on on the breathers when that number was achieved! I did have a big radio tho! I remember seeing several of these trucks in the pictures! The men driving them were really good people too! We even had the airplane landing lights for times on some of those old 2 lane highways late at night. They would surely light up the night! Had to start running covers on them and then I think it was CA. banned them.

[@MeetJoeBlack55]

"cluck, cluck, chicken truck" .... retired Tyson driver ... I luv them ol' days ...... :)

[@truckinfam2207]

359exhd 3408 CAT 63” Flattop 6&4 twin sticks married to the dashboard. Arizona 3am westbound going to the Shakey Side. U right Driver. Miss them good ole days

[@SmartTrucking]

Absolutely!

[@Saddletramp1200]

Turned 65 a while back. A 15 SPEED STILL FITS MY HAND. We kept this country fed & clothed. I drive trucks.

[@curbstomp3126]

I remember the first rig I drove Mack Superliner with a twin stick and a hopped up 1000 cubic in E9. To this day I still haven't driven a more powerful truck.

[@clemkaddilehopper4735]

Those were fun days. You and I are about the same age. I had a big V8 Mack, 500 hp. She would blow smoke and stroll down the road. This is year 42 for me. I loved the old days !! Drivers had more in common back then, wasn't perfect , but better.

[@SmartTrucking]

You're right, wasn't perfect, but better. Well said!

[@johndoran3274]

I need to send you a good pic of my old Superliner. It was all Cats and Dogs back then and I had a mural on the back of the sleeper with a Bulldog doing naughty things to a Cat. That used to get the Cat guys riled up a little, but it was all good fun . I miss those days too.

[@aaronmorrill2973]

Keep your new truck/technology, at least a driver was a better professional back then. I really miss talking with the older hands and having the freedom to stop for coffee. Unlike today. Great story, love it.

[@garystoner5781]

Those definately were, " The Days of Trucking"., I'd almost bet we had met at one time back then !! Great memories, and great videos! Keep up the great work, Brother !!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Gary, stay safe!

[@ericsalhoff4734]

now THATS the trucking i miss! as a ex o/o it was pride in your ride, holding your breath if the coops were open,anytown, usa was home, and if safe, run like hell. miss my old 379 pete, and 500 cat.

[@greyjay9202]

Still running rigs like that in Australia. On those remote desert highways, down comes the hammer. 'Roo bars on front, no stopping.

[@kwilson5745]

Awesome. I remember when I first started driving in early 2000. Diesel was less than a buck a gallon. Their were a lot of old trucks on the road. We all wanted a Peterbilt with the largest Caterpillar available.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@andreychuprin7365]

There's an outfitin Pennsylvania that looks just like the pictures. Tons of nice longhoods and spread axle reefers. Always drool when pass by em, awesome to see pristine equipment!

[@SmartTrucking]

There's some really nice iron still rolling around in PA!

[@highwayhobo1275]

Remembering the days running the large car chewing on a toothpick. Some might know what that's all about.

[@SmartTrucking]

Twin sticks and toothpicks. We remember.

[@vaughnhill3437]

Beautiful trucks. They also and still do deck out the produce and refrigerated wagons.

[@bobwinkler3009]

Have always loved that Tri State truck

[@uwusmolbean]

"If you have a refer on your trailer, And refer in your trailer, You might be a chicken hauler..."

[@garystoner5781]

Oh Yeah !! The days. . Tapping them feet.. bouncing in that seat to the ole " Rod-Knocking Beat, Baby !!.. Rolling, n Strolling all night long !! Sure miss'em !!

[@SmartTrucking]

I remember there was a tape you could buy at truckstops like that! I gotta see if I've still got that!

[@gsnicholas8522]

Smart Trucking it’s Ray Carlisle “101 reasons you’re probably a chicken hauler”

[@pheleant]

@@SmartTrucking some of the best music I ever got I got at truck stops. I'd look in music in record stores, and not be able to find them. (remember when we bought records?)

[@iraeaglemind]

Like the Trucking vlogs.You have interesting material.

[@dalewirges7015]

Very cool you mentioned the Triple-T in Tucson. Unfortunately it's not like it used to be since the pilot moved in across the street. It's still a Tucson icon that is employed many of my family members over the years. But I do believe it's days are numbered.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sad to hear that. It's been a few years now since I've been in there, but the last time I was, I couldn't believe how deserted it was. That place used to just be full of drivers at any given time, day or night. It's changes like that I don't like to see.

[@dalewirges7015]

Truck wash and CB shop closed as did the convenience store and gas station. Still has the chrome shop and Omar's. They charge for parking now because everyone fills up at Pilot and parks at TTT. I have hope that someone will step up and bring it back to it's glory days. Seeing all those trucks back in the day is one of the reasons I got into trucking. I tend to stop at the mom and pops more than the chains

[@stevehowell3554]

Back in those day drivers got dressed and flip flops was for the beach and showers.. drivers were friendly to one another,respectful, and helpfull to each other.. I TRULY MISS THOSE DAYS..

[@enginesandoutdoors3238]

I’ve seen some trucks getting close to triple digit speeds. Just the other day I was following a guy in a Volvo rolling faster then 90mph over I-70 in Pennsylvania over all those hills.

[@SmartTrucking]

A Volvo? Must have going downhill with no brakes.

[@snidelywhiplash285]

@@SmartTrucking Georgia overdrive.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I worked in an engine shop back in the early 2000s , I was sorta green. We fixed any engine from a lawnmower to a locomotive engine if you could get it to us. Best part was fixing a truck and test driving it ( until the boss found out who didn't have cdls) Haha quite a few times I "tested" some trucks at 90-100mph on the nearby highway from one exit to the next and loop back around. I'd like one just for a daily commuter. They move out pretty good with no weight !!

[@RCRCustoms]

20 years ago we had a couple of T600 that would run north of 110mph. You made those runs in the dead of night going up the 401 in Ontario running into Quebec with empty trailers just for fun. Now all the trucks have to be governed for 63 mph 👎