Pacific Trucks: A Canadian Industry Titan

Credit to Hank Rabe and the great article we wrote on Pacific Trucks
www.pacifictruckclub.org/hist...
Join us in today's deep dive into the history of Pacific Trucks, an iconic name in the trucking industry, born in Vancouver, British Columbia. Established in 1947 by three visionary founders, Pacific Trucks quickly rose to prominence, crafting their first truck on a Vancouver dock and rapidly expanding their reach across the globe.
Our journey starts with the first Pacific truck, the model E, rolled out in May 1947, and its remarkable journey to Newfoundland, a testament to the company's bold ambitions. As we explore their early days, witness how Pacific's dedication to quality and innovation garnered them rapid success, leading to their expansion into various sectors like fire and cement trucks.
We'll also uncover the evolution of Pacific's designs and models, highlighting the iconic P9, the introduction of the revolutionary eye-been truck, and their global expansion. Discover how Pacific's custom approach to truck manufacturing allowed them to cater to unique market needs, from the rugged terrains of New Zealand to the demanding conditions in South Africa.
Witness the dramatic shifts in the industry through the 1980s and Pacific's eventual transition into a parts supplier, a move that symbolized their enduring commitment to their customers. We pay homage to the Pacific legacy, a company that not only built trucks but also built a lasting reputation for quality and reliability, a legacy that continues to inspire and impact the trucking world today.
Join us in this incredible story of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Pacific Trucks, a true titan of the Canadian truck manufacturing sector.
🚚 Edison Motors: By Truckers, For Truckers! 🚚
Unlock exclusive perks by joining our channel: / @edisonmotors
Visit our store:
www.Edisonmotors.ca/shop
🔧 Built by Truckers, for Truckers 🔧
Founded by Chace Barber and Eric Little in 2016, Edison Motors is a testament to the trucking spirit. Beginning with a 1969 Kenworth Logging Truck named "Old Blue," they journeyed from Merritt, BC, hauling logs to the Yukon and drilling rigs in Alberta. Frustrated with newer trucks, they rebuilt classics from the frame up, expanding into power generation and off-grid solar systems in 2019. Their journey led to the creation of the Edison Truck, a robust electric truck tailored to logging and heavy vocational industries.
🔩 Upgrade Without Replacing: Edison Electrification Kit 🔩
Keep trucks on the road longer with the Edison Electrification kit. Upgrade your driveline to electric without replacing the entire truck. Ideal for vocational applications, this kit is a cost-effective solution. Unlike other electric trucks, Edison Motors offers customer choice. Choose between Rebuilding (utilizing existing cab and frame rails) or Remanufacturing (brand new frame and chassis).
🚚 Payload Efficiency: The Weight Balance 🚚
Edison Trucks match the weight of a normal diesel truck. With reduced motor weight and additional fuel balancing out battery weight, experience efficiency and increased payload capacity. The L series, though slightly heavier, remains comparable to a normal diesel truck.
🛠️ Keep Your Equipment with Rebuilt Trucks 🛠️
For vocational trucks, keep your equipment with a rebuilt truck. Edison's e-pto and control system integrate seamlessly. No need to replace your entire body when upgrading to an electric truck.
🔧 Bespoke Manufacturing: Handcrafted to Your Needs 🔧
The manufacturing process at Edison Motors is a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction. Each Edison Truck undergoes a meticulous five-step process, from frame and rolling chassis preparation to final touches and rigorous testing. The focus is on building a truck that reflects the customer's requirements, embracing the philosophy of "Building The Truck Of The Future With The Quality Of The Past."
🔌 Electric or Diesel-Electric: Your Power, Your Choice 🔌
Edison Motors offers both fully electric and diesel-electric vocational trucks based on customer demands. The onboard generator ensures continuous operation in areas lacking charging infrastructure.
💡 Advantages of Electric: Power, Torque, Longevity 💡
Edison Trucks bring increased power, torque, reliability, and longevity. Inspired by electric freight trains, regenerative ability harnesses energy for efficient uphill climbs.
⚙️ Efficiency Redefined: Diesel-Electric Technology ⚙️
Diesel-electric technology delivers peak load demand energy supply. Batteries initiate movement, and the diesel generator recharges the battery, capturing braking energy for restarts. The generator's constant RPM eliminates turbo lag.
🌿 Environmental Benefits: Paving the Way for Change 🌿
🌍 Join Edison Motors on the Road to Sustainability! 🌍
www.EdisonMotors.ca

[@smorefirewood]

You have the model to follow, Edison needs to pickup where Pacific left off. Customer service and quality, what a novel idea.

[@EdisonMotors]

100%

[@smorefirewood]

@@EdisonMotors I do t comment often, but I never miss a video. I totally and completely love what you are doing. I only wish I could afford to move closer and be a part of it. We are over here in Maine USA. I have grown up (now old) running heavy trucks mid 1990’s Autocars mostly. Running in the woods, and hauling oversized heavy equipment here in Maine. I also have always been the built it better guy. Rock crushers low bed trailers etc. We have a few videos out. Thanks

[@calebkz]

Since the dies and schematics are all available could you build an @@EdisonMotors PHEV on their platform?

[@hvy1ton]

Pacific Truck has been sold 4 times, hasn't built a truck in 30 years(ignoring the one they built from spare parts in 95), and is now owned by a company that specializes in rebuilding off highway trucks, and will probably never build a new truck.

[@dirtdevil70]

Why did Pacific fail, though...it's great to be nostalgic, but learn the lessons too.

[@antonhapiak]

Here in Tasmania, (it's a southern island state off the coast of Australia), our Hydroelectric Commission purchased twelve Pacific trucks in the 1960's to build it's dam's and infrastructure. They bought eight dump truck's and four prime movers. All of these vehicle's are now on mainland Australia and some are still used today as working trucks. They're a bloody tough truck.

[@DirtySlapper99]

Still one in brisy but in mothballs. The house boy's used these types of trucks up until about a decade ago when I guess regulation caught up as they all went new macks at once. But if ur lucky you see em on lowboys being taken to mountain sites and wild property to either pull house's out or drag em in. I don't know if any Pacific trucks still doing it but I seen 2 macks a couple of months back

[@DirtySlapper99]

Oh 😂 the one i know was a hydro truck

[@Poundsalt_Ryan]

Great video! Gotta say, the way that pacific handled their company shows just how powerful a little humanity can be. They did what they wanted, never changed, and when they went under, they adapted not for themselves, but their customers and the industry they loved so much. Great trucks and great people.

[@scottbogfoot]

0:45 1947 Newfoundland had yet joined Canada so Pacific's fist sale was an international one. I'm in Newfoundland, now I'm curious of what became of this first Pacific truck. Very cool, until five minutes ago I didn't know there were Canadian built trucks. Found this video while looking for scott trucks.

[@notsure6182]

western star was from Kelowna when I was a kid

[@invisibilianone6288]

I've been told, you can tell a truck was powered by a Hall Scott engine, 5 miles away, by the sound it made...lol

[@3sparewashers-lg3gf]

I'm a Brockway lover for those same reasons. Extremely overbuilt, servicable trucks, a company that cared for its customers, focused on quality over quantity, and just did the best possible job. Same reason I applaud what you guys are doing, repairable, lasting trucks need a comeback.👍

[@Distu_Ry]

There's a reason why my favorite truck in Snowrunner is the Pacific P512 PF. Canadian, built to last, very good looking, MADE for these conditions. It's sad that I was to young to see one brand new. Hope to see one in real life, even if I live in Québec, I can still hope to. Thank you for that piece of Canadian truck history explained!

[@EdisonMotors]

Have you not tried the Edison Truck in snowrunner?

[@foxybr59]

​@@EdisonMotorsis there One?

[@EdisonMotors]

yes, its the best Truck in the game. It's free, under Mods@@foxybr59

[@foxybr59]

@@EdisonMotors ill try it! Thanks!

[@TMIncorporated]

​@@EdisonMotorsit's the only truck I play with now!!

[@Datz-2049]

My grandfather was an engineer for Pacific in North Vancouver. I remember going to the plant there as a kid. He designed Pacific trucks to haul logs in BC, bananas in Borneo and even a nuclear reactor in India. I work as a truck mechanic on Vancouver Island and am lucky enough to work on a customer's 73 Pacific Hayes twin steer, self loading logging truck. Love highlighting proper BC manufacturing. Very cool video, thanks

[@adrianjay1972]

That is awesome! I have had the pleasure of keeping a ‘72 Pacific truck going up in Grande Prairie AB at the OSB mill and getting parts through Larry. What a great fellow! He and his crew there set the bar for fantastic customer service! The truck is a beast for forwarding the 16 ft logs up to the mill. I am now on Van Island and I smile whenever I still see other Pacific trucks still hauling massive loads in the bush. Great video!

[@Voyagersk9]

Unreal! You don’t hear this kind of story anywhere anymore! That’s so sad! All manufacturers can’t take note of this and follow suit! We would all be better off! Love the video! Keep on making high what content please! Amazing!!!

[@the_lost_navigator7266]

I had never heard of Pacific until you mentioned them a few weeks ago. I now have huge respect for them and hope that your company is a worthy successor. Thanks from Wales (uk).

[@carlosandleon]

well they’re dead I presume

[@Dmuneee]

@@carlosandleon successor sək-sĕs′ər noun One that succeeds another.

[@carlosandleon]

@@Dmuneee needs a line of succession. Pacific has been sold and dismantled

[@Binge420]

They’re on snowrunner never knew where they were from tho now I do

[@noahparrish2642]

@@carlosandleonthey still exist i’m pretty sure and they just make parts for the trucks now

[@ianbedwell4871]

I am both a kiwi from NZ and saw these working mid North Island off-road hauling then moved to Canada and worked for MacMillan Bloedel which was the largest forestry company in BC at that time. They had an extensive fleet of the P16 off-road logging trucks. I remember being in the workshop of one of the camps when they were switching out a de-rated Rolls Royce Perkins engine, from memory around 720hp , beast of both truck and engine. 16 foot bunks and something like 120 ton payload. Great video thanks

[@Gretchen_Trouble]

I regularly run into P16s while out wheeling here on Vancouver Island. Beautiful and gigantic trucks.

[@goldstrom2010]

Awesome Canadian Heavy Truck History...❤

[@paulsartorello836]

I worked at a steel fabricating shop in Burnaby, that would build fenders for Pacific in 1973. Those parts were the definition of heavy duty!

[@wayoutwest4944]

Not a truck driver, but I like all machinery. Had the opportunity to sit in a Pacific truck, find the disconnect switch, start it, dive it back and forth about 10 feet. Then I had to call a teamster to come move it to another location. The truck belonged to Edwards Heavy Haul. Once I saw who the teamster was, I admitted that I had been playing around in it. The transmission was an automatic, I assume some sort of Allison. Thanks for the history of Pacific Trucks.

[@d-obvious]

great Pacific history lesson Chase ..thanks for sharing that legacy.

[@bdjm8595]

I grew up on Vancouver Island and remember seeing these trucks all the time, thanks for putting this together and fleshing out some of the history of these legendary vehicles !!

[@Galvin09670]

That has to have been one of my favorite history lessons ever! The legacy of Pacific is incredible and certainly a heck of a business model I'm glad y'all are following up on at Edison! Also, I never knew the 10/12/16 in Pacific's naming represented the size of the frame rails. I thought I knew overbuilt, but 16in I-Beam is insane, and I'm all for it!

[@corners3608]

I grew up about a mile from Pacific Truck plant in North Vancouver. I remember them test driving the new trucks around on the then quiet streets behind Capilano Mall. On a trip to New Zealand in 1983 we saw a few Pacific logging trucks on the South Island too…I felt quite proud to see them working away so far from home.

[@captainsthief]

The headlight and fender arrangement on that truck sure would look great on an Edison...

[@stevehamilton3181]

Thanks for this. Great recount of the history of a local success story. Sad to see it lost just like Western Star. I remember the factory in North Van and watch for Pacific trucks as I travel around BC. There are a couple of videos on YT showing the manufacture and first drive around the block of that last truck. I thought it was cool to see that the truck was bigger than the shop door and they had to dismantle part of the wall and expand the door size to get the truck out. Went past that site after watching this and saw the door mods still there.

[@truckingwithwim8039]

Imagine Edison trucks world wide, including trailer production with electric axles that would be the way to go man, in the Netherlands we had a company called FTF they made trucks and trailers their trailers are still known for being unbreakable, called Floor Trailers they unfortunately do not exist anymore, but man would it great to see these companies return that have it as a priority to make their products solid as a rock in terms of strength and durability, Keep it up Edison Motors!

[@camshaftP16]

Drove a few P-16s over the years all over the coast, great trucks.

[@mikemilburn7823]

What an awesome story Chace and a very well done video. I have no doubt you're on the way to be Pacific #2, don't ever bow out to the big guys, stay yourself and use Pacific as a business model.

[@bmdbigfeet1031]

Now that you've produced such an excellent history of Pacific trucks ,I'm hopeful you'll cover Hayes and Challenger as well. There is a video of the last P16 on YT. They had to knock out the wall of the building drive it out. As a British Columbian log haulers,I'm quite proud of the west coast Canadian built trucks. Keep up the excellent work.

[@FrederickThiele]

Thank you for showcasing Pacific Truck and Trailer. My godfather worked at that company when it was located in North Vancouver, just behind Capilano Mall. I remember as a child going in to the shop and seeing them working on a yellow fire truck :D

[@henryl3617]

Welcome to Edison Motors, where you get a history on a former truck manufacturer. Great stuff.

[@BawkBawkBawk666]

Nothing wrong with knowing where you came from. Knowing your roots

[@DjeehBear]

Wow thank you so much for sharing ! What a great model Pacific is! And yet I have no doubt Edison shares same level of integrity, honesty and pride for product and service. Keep it up Edison. Very funny just yesterday I had this conversation with my 10 yo daughter who was worried about her bran new mittens(about 2-3 weeks) already had stitches undone. I told her that back in the days the industrial world used to make things to last and that it was no longer the case and that even worst, things nowadays are intentionally made that way so that we would buy more... Stay positive and make the change everyday as we have the opportunity to support local crafters, farmers, entrepreneurs.

[@feron450]

That is absolutely amazing customer service. And a testament to the passion these guys have.

[@Seankamrath]

this was an amazing history lesson. thank you!

[@capnkirk5528]

Great history lesson Chace! And also a sobering one

[@dantupper1784]

Incredible history. The fact you can still get parts all these years later- wow!- that's dedication and pride. From my standpoint- building something you could be proud of is a Great Thing. Every. Day.

[@Richard-gi9cj]

Thanks for the history lesson and best of luck with your future hope to see you and your equipment everywhere

[@IslandLife]

My father drive these offroad Pacific's for years, I have a few old badges off of one. Very cool to learn more on the history, I have many memories on his lap in old Pacific's, they still run them passed his cabin to this day. Last year they brought the offroads in for some old growth, its awesome to see them still in service.

[@MrGeorge0285]

I love history lessons like this!

[@mattwebster7114]

Great video and so much history i didnt know thank you for the video !!!

[@johnwhitlock339]

Love what you're doing man this historic video is awesome, Candian pride through and through

[@clintonjacques8133]

My grandfather started his logging career in a pacific he went on to run for 9 1/2 years. Then he ran 2 different Hayes trucks after that. Thanks for the history lesson, good video.

[@carguy862004]

I was slightly expecting you to say you were partnering with Pacific to revive the name and build Edison-Pacific trucks...

[@charlesjenkins1191]

That's a high bar that's been set. I believe Edison could compete if Pacific was still in production.

[@Spaltyslife]

Someday in the future, a video will be made exaclty like this by someone else but about what you did in your lifetime! Your amazing!! Keep on keepin on

[@sanjosejeff]

What a great story. Thx for sharing

[@AndyEightSevenFive]

There's one still running in the oilsands... been retrofitted with a D11 engine and hauls mining equipment on a deck over wheels tail loader float trailer.... seen everything up to a 200t Komatsu excavator on its back

[@calebkz]

I love the care you have for the local business and enterprises that came from BC.

[@ScreamingReelsTV]

When you come around the bend on the Bamfield Main to see a fully loaded P16 with a Screaming Jimmy coming at you... its a sight and sound to see.

[@davidjones8680]

Many thanks for the really enjoyable history lesson.

[@brianreilly8799]

I love how much you love trucks!

[@wesman7837]

Wow, Pacific is a hell of a great company! What an awesome story!

[@690_5]

I worked with Pacific trucks up until a few weeks ago. They’re an absolute dream.

[@General_Eisenhower1945]

Retire or just change of direction?

[@michiganporter]

Man it is great to know there are still kick ass old timers working everyday to give ppl what they expect. Puts a big smile on my face.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Awesome video production! Awesome content! Topic flowed well!

[@fredericlance16]

Icon of a Canadian company. Many Canadian companies still have customer service afterwards. Hope u do the same

[@allergictoasphalt11]

Brother, this gets me so pumped. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[@kevincameron192]

pacific trucks were introduced to me by the videogame Snowrunner. I'd never heard of them before, and am largely an "indoor cat". I am a programmer and while I grew up in the woods, I always felt like I didn't have much to saying in discussions about logging etc. Had an amazing talk with my Dad about these trucks and found a way to relate to him, that we rarely share.

[@ianferrier235]

Amazing history, thanks for sharing. That would be a awesome conversion for your hybrid.

[@itsfeltzzz1841]

Super cool, I love how you have all this knowledge, makes me love your company more then I already did

[@Duvstep910]

you know it's a good truck when even the dog is interested

[@peterbenson3776]

Amazing history

[@jamest.5001]

EDISON, The NEW PACIFIC! A LEADER IN QUALITY AND SUPPORT!

[@harrypenn611]

That was bloody brilliant

[@arthurwagar88]

Congrats to pacific. As a kid in Alberta, I seem to remember seeing Pacific trucks. Thanks for a great vidio.

[@Lion-yv1bd]

I only know Pacific from playing Snowrunner. Cool to see the history behind the company.

[@poordecisionsgarage9834]

Very cool history video. A rig building company I used to work for bought an early 80’s pacific bed truck at auction in the late 2000’s and refitted it with a 40 ton hydraulic Braden winch. It was way too short of a truck for that size of winch but we beat that poor truck and the only thing I ever broke was a couple drive shafts because it didn’t have planetarys but had an auxiliary reduction gear box. Was my favorite truck. Can send you some grainy flip phone pics if you’d like.

[@chadriopel6914]

Awesome video. There’s a Pacific lowbed still running around the suncor in Fort McMurray

[@ghostdriver5880]

Im a true blue truck enthusiast and driver Edison motors are the only ones who understands what truckies/truckers want but at same time want to inovate for the future without losing the past hats of to you blokes if you sold gear downunder in aus you would do well

[@redisdead4589]

Thanks for history! I don't have much to do with the trucking industry, but the Pacific trucks have a particular place in my interests ever since I saw the P16 in Snowrunner.

[@Nate-gz9tg]

Great company, hopefully you can learn from their mistakes and become even better. Don't let the big corps ever own you.

[@91hiace]

In 1956 / 57 CNR was busy running steam locomotives to Montreal for shipment to Japan (scrapped) By the end of that year we were pretty well running GM diesel electric engines. Fantastic machines. I hope you can replicate the success. You have entered the right niche market and you should do well because of your experience and honest approach.

[@douglassellers7528]

What a great story.

[@brandonhahaj1820]

I have recently found these trucks! I long in the lower 48 and have never heard of these! Man they are awesome! I’m on the hunt for one I can drag back to the states 😬

[@markskowronski499]

i was at coastal about 9 years ago getting a driveshaft made. I remember they had two Yellow pacific logging trucks in the parking lot. I had never seen a truck like that and wondered what they were. Have to say i looked them over for more then half an hour, very impressive, what a beast. I think they a had a water cooled driveshaft brake if I'm correct. WOW

[@Ktgsvtrdg66]

Love the patina on the Pacific dump truck! I see alot of potential for customer and manufacturer because you are actually acknowledging what really made trucks like these stand out amongst a sea of cascadias on the hwy today. Soo tired of the late 90s-2000s ugly plastic styles that drivers are embarrassed to run. Large companies need to do the legwork you are willing to do and prove that the consumer needs a reliable and efficient truck that you can drive with pride. Excited about your retrofit kits in the future!👍

[@chadhofstetter7759]

Absolutely enjoyed this style of video can’t wait to see you build Edison into something as dependable and quality as the old pacific trucks

[@abyssminiaturestudios6103]

Keeping the big old rigs on road, hell if I get an old Mack I'd be happy to put one of yalls conversions in it. Cheers Edison team hope yall had happy holidays and new year.

[@garlenseong38]

Pacific trucks were deff iconic trucks....

[@Andre-dc6qf]

As an American truck enthusiast, i love this history. Am a big fan of Hayes as well 😊

[@StephaneDemers]

Wicked awesome!

[@brutushobbies]

great history video. i enjoyed it

[@Useitorloseit1]

thank you

[@jackbarry9469]

Edison should do a partnership with company like Pacific so they could do your parts distribution since ur just getting started u could avoid the startup

[@chrisszymanski9046]

As an American, I truly appreciate the skill, knowledge, and excellence of our northern brothers. And sisters to..

[@catdiesel7143]

Love you’re video totally interesting

[@andysmith5220]

So what im hearing you say is when your ready you'll buy Pacific and your new compant will be called Edison-Pacific. What a fitting full circle it will all come home again and live on yet again Canadian made. I love it

[@SamCyanide]

Thanks for sharing

[@chriswouse7713]

Built to last, simple, to maintain, supportive customer service driven by people with passion and pride in their work. A lost mantra...

[@gunrunner7224]

Found out about pacific trucks when i started playing snow runner. Base game imo the P12 is one of the best trucks outside of mods and i managed to do loads that stopped all my other base game trucks dead. Also the topsy mod is fun that is an awesome mod guys.

[@StrikerV3]

Pacific is a beautiful company. Sad to know they’re gone. But so very telling to know they still stand by their product to this day

[@randomized4266]

great video chace

[@davidskiffington7039]

Awesome story mate.

[@nadjajohnston1952]

This was my father-in-law’s truck back in the day! Our family owns Sholinder Mackay Sand and Gravel!! 🪨

[@bctw9004]

Great story!!!

[@ishatters]

Dude you’re a blast to listen to if my teachers where like this I would of enjoyed high school lol

[@johnathonmontie2234]

Can’t wait to see the Hayes Video!

[@jakegrant537]

That is awesome

[@BlackSeaRC]

You present an interesting history of the Pacific Truck & Trailer Company and indeed it seems to be a very highly respected brand. It had a range of specialised high-performance trucks offering top quality, durability and longevity, plus great customer service. Similarly, the well-respected Hayes and Challenger brands provided ultra heavy-duty customised logging trucks. Despite these impressive credentials, none of these companies found a way to survive. No disrespect to Edison Motors but what makes you think that you can succeed in a market where such illustrious brands with proven reputations have failed?

[@bskiable]

You should buy them or partner with them and it seems like it could be a productive union towards accomplishing the goals you wanna achieve

[@offroad3574]

I fell in love with Pacific trucks because they are in the game Snowrunner, the P12 in that game is one of my main workhorses

[@MichaelThomas-wb2xu]

Thanks for the interesting history lesson! I believe that Edison is going to leave it's mark on history too.

[@perrylc8812]

Good looking truck.

[@DizzyMan24]

Cool stuff. Didn't know they made anything other than those logging trucks.