Road Train Trucks - What Are All These Gauges For?

[@divinestar99]

Wonderful....it feels like I'm in 1960s

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very good

[@nzjatz]

Now your just showing off with your clutch less shifting. Nice video, very professional

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha. I can't use the clutch.

[@charleswebster9219]

Hi John, I worked at Bartholomew's Truck & Machinery Wagga Wagga in the '70's. The owner of a major smash repair asked for the gauges to be fitted so as needles were in vertical position during normal operating conditions. His reckoning was even without a quick scan (perifical) he could assertain everything ok without the need to confirm each needle was positioned where it should be. Interesting eh?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

For sure. When you drive your vehicle enough, you get to know how your truck should sound. Many times I drive and hear something different and look around to find out what it is. It's usually OK but I know what he means.

[@charleswebster9219]

Right back at ya mate. Started Fletchers Freighters Cobdogla SA (Syd & Evonne)1972. Later Sydney Darwin & Sydney Perth. Retired 2015.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Wow Charles. Sounds like you got some experience.

[@greghudson9717]

G'Day Jonno, My first car didn't have a working clutch, so I had to do what you do to match engine revs with a gear change. It was a challenge at traffic lights though. It had a good battery and starter motor, enough to get me moving. It's amazing (to me) what I could do at the time (being a teenager). Because I never used the clutch, I used my left foot for braking!. These days, in a Tesla, I only have ONE reduction gear to drive the rear wheels, no clutch required. But... I still do the left foot braking, making my reactions times at least 50% faster than shifting my right foot from go pedal to slow pedal.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

No clutch in a car. That would have been fun. How long did you have that for?

[@greghudson9717]

@@RoadTrainAdventures I had it for 3 years (but I did get the clutch fixed). My girlfriend at the time lived in Aldgate, in the Adelaide Hills. It was a hoot driving up and down the 'old' road, past 'The Eagle on the Hill'. ;-)

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

What was the car?

[@greghudson9717]

@@RoadTrainAdventures It was a Ford Cortina GT Mark 1. Very light, 1.5 litre, lowered by previous owner. Fat wheels and tyres (of course). It was metallic light blue color. Now THAT was a car I actually LOVED (unlike my current Tesla Model Y, that I only 'like'). I heard on a previous episode that you live in Melb, maybe we can meet somewhere and I'll show you what the Tesla can do ;-)

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes I live in Melbourne now. I'm in the western suburbs.

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Have a great weekend John thanks for sharing 🦘

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Kerry. Will do

[@KylieMuir]

Have a great time with the family Johnno. See you when we see you back behind the wheel

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Kylie. I'm already back but it was a great weekend at home.

[@laurieberg2880]

Hi John - enjoy your videos. You mention the interaxle lock or power divider lock switch "disconnects" one drive axle - the power divider is actually a differential in the driveline that allows the drive axles to rotate at different speed during cornering, just like axle diffs allow side to side in the axle. If each axle has the same traction power flows evenly. The power divider lock locks the inputs to the axles together. A tandem is a "full time four wheel drive" in effect able to corner on hard surfaces. Interaxle or power divider lock locks front and rear axles together, differential lock (if equipped) locks the wheels together side to side in the axle. One axle is never "disconnected" from the driveline. There are some excellent videos available with cut away assemblies that show the function of tandem drive axles far better than my attempt here ha ha. Safe travels

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Laurie. I don't remember what I said about the power divider but yes it connects the second drive to use in boggy times.

[@bobevansIW]

Very interesting Johnno. Hope you have a great weekend at home 🇬🇧

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Bob. It's Sunday now so the weekend is fast fading away.

[@thebestaudits]

Good one

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps

[@67katman]

Another great vid Johnno, she gets up to speed at a good pace! Enjoy the Family time well deserved 👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps. Will do

[@kymw7833]

Thanks Mate I love American Trucks ,been driving DAF,s last few years all electronic dash ,I grew up watching the gauges on old 70,s and 80,s Trucks Inters and Ford LNT, s 125 kenworth and the gauges were the life blood of the truck I guess electronic warnings are better if your not monitoring your instruments but how I was taught even in my car I'm constantly watching instruments .The Laverton footage was familiar I've been in and out of the Metcash yard once or twice ,enjoy the weekend with the Family old mate Cheers Kym Adelaide

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Kym. Yeah it's very important to always watch the gauges. I'm amazed at how many never look at them.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

We can with the help of others

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I'm not smart enough for that. They're very complicated machines.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh cool. Maybe I'll be OK then

[@jefftheaussie2225]

@@steveallen648Volvos must be like pedal cars. Do you wear your hat when you are driving?

[@darrelwright7871]

Thanks so much John for showing and demonstrating the gauges in your truck, really learnt heaps and even more admiration for what you do every day , your the best 👍 hope you had a great family break cheers Darrel

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Darrel. Glad you got some useful information from it.

[@greghudson9717]

@@RoadTrainAdventures G'Day Jonno. You missed a couple of things I'd like to know about... On the far right there is an ABS button, and another one under it. Can you please explain what they do ? Thanks, Greg.

[@RODALCO2007]

Great video and thanks for explaining all the gauges. Love the engine sounds and of course the double clutching and changing gears.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps

[@Dontdeleteme-cv7go]

Glad to see another video mate. I know you're busy working but keep them videos coming. Stay safe as always. 👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Justin. I have to keep the videos coming or I'll get in trouble by my fans. Ha ha

[@MarioVanDerMaas]

Into the office. Very nice you have the diferent dif-loks. I like the old scool Gauges much more than the modern digital. Looks much better and 1 eye blink and can see all whe need. But okay. Wev grew up with it. Afcose the digital has his bennefits. But..anyway....Have a nice time home with family.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah I definitely like to see the diff temperature as I drive.

[@18robsmith]

When you first announced that you were getting home for the weekend I could hear the smile in your voice. Have a great weekend with the family and take care.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha. Yeah I got excited when I heard I was going to be home and home early on Friday, I was excited.

[@everysewerneeds3649]

Have an enjoyable weekend

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps. You too.

[@wilsterr839]

I am sure this video will help me in the future, thanks Johnno!

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Great to be of assistance.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Omya Johno, thanks for showing us around. Loved it mate.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Jordan

[@vickiy.forsyth6497]

Half the drivers out there today, or should say, steering wheel attendants, wouldn’t know half those dials.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh for sure

[@gsd4me00]

Or the majority of the gears. 🙂

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Definitely

[@jerbear7952]

Why should they

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

@jerbear7952 you need to know what they do to save the truck from breaking down.

[@mikewaters6980]

That was super! Beautifully put together with all the angles too. I’ve always wanted to learn about the gauges and controls. Interestingly, when you go for your licence, apart from the tach n speedo, nothing was explained.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah you're right. They explain the very basics but not how to read the gauges in the truck.

[@edstar81]

love it

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh awesome

[@StevenRichards-i3o]

Mate so love you work . Cheers steve

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Steven

[@hemiatehuia]

Awesome Vid John, learn't a lot. Going for my HC next week, work my way up. I'm based in Melbourne as well, I know little boundary road very well. You have an awesome channel mate, thanks for sharing.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Hemi. Maybe I'll see you around

[@dawsey5972]

Awesome vid mate love the Kenworth's, used to drive a K104 aerodyne years ago never had the pleasure of getting behind the wheel of 909. Watching this was the next best thing cheers

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Dawsey. Glad you liked it.

[@stewartstevenson6280]

Hi how about a video on gear changes and clutch use I noticed not much clutch use is that a roadranger box

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Sure. I'll make a video on how I change gears. As you stated, I don't use the clutch so I can't show much off that.

[@BullyHayes1977]

not much use of the clutch - only needed when moving off the line? Perhaps you could do a video demonstration on how you drive RR - something id like to learn

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah I've had a few requests like that. I can't give away all my secrets or all of yor will be able to drive a big truck and I'll be out of a job. Ha ha. I'll try do out something together.

[@no_triggerwarning9953]

I notice that there is a DPF status on the dash. Does this indicate a problem with the DPF or is it used to indicate that a manual DPF burn needs to be done by the driver? Great overview of the trucks systems.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

No there was no problem with it. Just manual mode if you like.

[@alanbrown8837]

Thanks Johnno for explaining all the gauges etc. How hard is it driving a Truck? Seems quite complicated compared to a car. Anyway, safe Trucking. ✌️👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

It may l complicated but it's just like driving a car. When you get used to it, it's not that hard.

[@TheDutchPathFinder1]

What's the word i was looking for.....right....i,m baffled. flabbergasted.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome

[@andresinnett4319]

Every bit of new info helps , as each truck is set up different 😊

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Andre. Yeah each truck certainly is a little different.

[@insanebrain213]

Impressive engineering these machines, to work so hard for so long. Makes sense to keep an eye on everything. I watched an Australian truck movie i think it's called Prime Mover. It's about a pinstriper guy who got his own truck. Good movie. It might be a good video if you do an episode where you meet a pinstriper and see his work.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks I'll try to have a look.

[@jordanlee1243]

Love the 90h controls they r a great truck all round good to be on board with ya again johno

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah and they are very smooth on the road too.

[@ferryvanvelzen6597]

Top video, thank you for explain the dashbord.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks

[@leem2196]

another good little video johnno

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks again Lee

[@ANDREASRIAL]

I love that BOOST on the engine, here in the USA it is restricted. I miss my 3406…..😢

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah it goes well

[@johnnynicholas6811]

thanks 4 the video johno was good watching it

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Johnny

[@Garbo4973]

Spotted you on Anketell rd in Kwinana on Tuesday.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Hey hey. Yeah that was me. Spotto

[@roger97338]

Whats the turbo timer used for? The three radios (?) to your left? The switches on the far right of the gauge cluster?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

The turbo timer is used to keep the truck running after you turn the key off. This allows the turbo to cool down longer before the engine turns off. The the radios are, 2 are UHF and one of 27 Meg. I just use the one UHF you see with the nice hand piece. This one has a lot of extra frequencies so I can listen to the police and others. The extra switches on the right are for the DPF on and off.

[@ehsan848]

Very nice 👍👍👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps

[@ehsan848]

@@RoadTrainAdventures thank you too 🙏🙏

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thank you too

[@gsd4me00]

David Hunn John, I am interested to know what gear you were lifting off in? You said you were loaded pretty light, but it looked a bit like you were taking off in low, or was it second gear? I should know by the position of the gear lever, but as I haven't been anywhere near a RR in many years I am not sure. There are a few of you blokes out there doing great stuff with trucking videos. Each of you with your own method of imparting knowledge and entertaining those who don't know what goes on out there and those who are off the road now, but are still very interested. Cheers.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks David. I read starting in 4th gear or the second gear position if you take it the splits. That hut I was carrying was barely 3 ton.

[@111jacare]

@@RoadTrainAdventures: Be careful - you may get done for underloading!!!!!

[@Chris-p4z6i]

Hi John, me and my brother both love your videos and both drive trucks. We were wondering if you’ve made or are already selling some road train adventure t-shirts?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Chris. I'm in the process of setting up a merch store so hopefully that will be set up within the next 2 months.

[@elarnhaggerty-kelly3775]

Please keep me updated with your upcoming merch! I'd love it! I just had a marathon road train KZbin night and most of the videos I binge watched are yours. I'd love to further support your KZbin channel! 🚛

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

For sure.

[@LarryButler-kp3se]

Is Eng Oil Pressure always in the bottom of the range (110) going thru the gears? My 5-cyl OM617 Mercedes car diesel pins at 3+ bar oil pressure just off idle. It's 41 years old, starts instantly after glowplugs and uses about 1/2 pint of Rotella T4 15W-40 between 3000 mile oil changes at 900K miles!

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Every name of engine runs at different oil pressures. Cummins will run at 200 to 250 whilst running at normal temperature.

[@bh.boilers]

Excellent to see you in down south and a bit of clutch work in the stop and start, are there any automatic shut downs fitted to the oils and cooling system? Regards Ray.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Ray. Yes I forgot to die the black device in the middle of the dash. That is the turbo timer which will keep the truck running after the ignition is turned to cool down the turbo.

[@012245567]

Great video. Thanks!

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks

[@davetaylor4741]

Bit like a flight deck. But then in a working vehicle if you don't monitor what gets hot. Then it is too late when it cooks. I knew a lot of them. But then things like engine braking and trailer brakes etc. They come in all sorts of styles and places. Switches on the dash. On the floor. Even the truck air brakes I have had the knobs. The T handle release on the dash or beside the seat. In the end you soon get used to where everything is situated. Keep the gauges happy. And your truck should last longer. Enjoy a well earned break.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Dave. Yeah would you believe, I've driven all the big trucks but if I got in a I've o or Hino I'd have to look around to see where everything is.

[@danielgilpin6968]

Great video John. What is the purpose of knowing the weight over each axle? (Referring to the 2x gauges showing weight on drive axles?) Is it for traction purposes?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

It's because we're not allowed to go over a certain weight so this way we can know, roughly, if we're OK or not.

[@chrisbarnes2823]

You can never have enough gauges! Helps spot issues with the drivetrain. I mostly drove truck in Canada but did spend some time driving on the North Island of New Zealand and the east / south coast of Australia. By the way is the truck a 10 or 13 speed?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Wow you've been all over the world. My truck is 18 speed road ranger. Your right about many gauges. I like to be able to see everything on the dash.

[@perrychristophermadron3284]

Beautiful sounding exhaust What engine and horse power?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I've got the EGR Gen 3 Cummins

[@curtekstrom9531]

Shows the difference between MECHANICAL Engines and Drive Lines. Compared to the Computer Controlled Crap of today leaving a Driver Stranded on the road, because one of 200 Sensors shut the Truck down.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah. Those new trucks might look flash but I don't trust them on a hot day pulling a road train.

[@MrAceHornet]

Hey, Great video once again! On another note, i've just got my HR License, are there any driving jobs that you could recommend for a beginner in the industry or good companies to approach?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Depends where you live. Look at the larger companies that have rigid trucks doing the local pick up and deliveries. That way when you get your MC they already know you and more likely to give you a start.

[@johnk2866]

Curious how the fuel gauge works ? I only see 1 gauge, but most truck have multiple tanks. What level is it showing ? Great video btw.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

As all fourr tanks are connected via hoses, the levels equal out therefore only one track has the fuel gauge attached to it.

[@driver3025]

Every one of them is just as important as the the one next to it...

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

For sure

[@Tonyzipporah]

Enjoyed the rundown on the gauges Johnno, however do you know anything about - 'Trailer Park Brake Release Valve/Button' that some trucks have , its always had me a bit confused?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

That button is out when I have no trailer on and in when I have a trailer. If it's on with no trailer then the truck will try to send air continuously down the red supply line, running the truck out of air.

[@rachelwang1586]

Very good

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Rachel

[@ciaranconeely8579]

👍👍👍.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

👍👍👍

[@geraldkatsoulis762]

Hi John. Your left foot doesn't seem to move when you change gears. Are you using a clutch pedal?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

No. Not for me. As you can see I've got the timing right without it.

[@steveterrell583]

Love your channel, very informative for us long distance caravanners. A question however:- Why do some inconsiderate truckies use exhaust brakes at night in suburban areas? Don't they realise the nose travels for kilometers on a still night?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Steve. Most trucks have engine brakes that aren't that loud nowadays but I realise some still might have lots ones. Sorry I don't the answer to why some trucks roar the engine brakes at night.

[@davidpearn4344]

Gotta love gauges better than euro trucks where you have to go through a heap of sequences to find out any info you want

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

My biggest gripe with Euro trucks is the temperature gauges for the diff. When I'm pulling a triple or even a double on a hot day I want to know that all is well.

[@patkelly6349]

John. In really hot weather how does the engine not overheat. Im amazed.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Just like cars, trucks have a fan at the radiator. This turns on if the trucks engine warns up too much.

[@patkelly6349]

@@RoadTrainAdventures ok John thank you. I thought in the middle of summer on the Nullarbor would test the radiator. Thank you.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Anytime

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

Enjoy the time off with the family mate. How often do you get to spend time at home ??

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

This time I was home after 2 weeks which is awesome but usually it's 3 to 4 weeks.

[@bradkark]

Interesting its only 12 V. I would have thought a big engine like that would have a 24V starter. Even my little Isuzu NPS is 24V. We might see you on the road, I’ll be the guy with the van towed by the low horsepower truck you’re overtaking :-) I’ll answer the UHF if you call up!

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Brad. All American trucks are 12 volt. Where are you now? I'll be leaving Deniliquin this morning heading to Perth.

[@bradkark]

@@RoadTrainAdventures We are in NSW ATM. We are headed to WA in about 3 weeks. Just got to get a few things sorted before we get back on the road.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh I see. OK well I'm nearly in Mildura now. Maybe I'll set you out there.

[@SteveSnowGO]

Do you ever use your trailer brakes while driving?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

That would be extremely rare.

[@SteveSnowGO]

@@RoadTrainAdventures thanks for the reply I’m going for my MC licence in a couple of weeks and find your videos really helpful. Keep up the great content mate

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh awesome. Well good luck with that. Try not to feel too nervous for the test.

[@SteveSnowGO]

@@RoadTrainAdventures cheers mate 👍 not gonna lie getting nervous already but excited for the new opportunities

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Once you've got it then you'll be right.

[@Wayne-Kerr_Rudy-Zarzoff]

Where's the blinker fluid and flux capacitor gauge?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha fa. That got taken out as too many people got confused by it.

[@Wayne-Kerr_Rudy-Zarzoff]

@@RoadTrainAdventures watch the EPA don't get ya. I hear the fines are astronomical

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

EPA are just another corporation

[@StevenRichards-i3o]

Mate love to meet your wife and kids on the channel .

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I may make a holiday video over Christmas. I doubt my wife will want to be in it but maybe I can sneak her in it

[@jess-cr7fo]

This toaught me heeps!!!!!!!!!!!! i am foriner teech moar

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome

[@nikose34]

12 VOLTS?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes all American trucks are 12 volts

[@doneB830]

I can’t believe they still make 12 volt trucks, cars should have been 48 volts by the seventies.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I've never heard of a 48 volt. Interesting

[@stevenjohannesen88]

Another great Vlog,interested to know if you run into any viewers of your channel, out on the road , at a truck stop etc? Cheers from Geelong, ❤️🦘🦘🦘🇦🇺

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Steven. Yes I meet my viewers all around Australia. At the moment I'm trying to meet all my paid members. I'm going to Adelaide right now.

[@coolhandluke2310]

The steering wheel is on the wrong side 😂😂😂

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha. Thanks Luke

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha. Thanks Luke

[@patkelly6349]

Not here mate. Lol

[@jessicawang1740]

That's the one

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Jessica

[@Produce9AE]

Im waitin' for the day they bring out a gauge that tells you when your next bowel movement's coming.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha. Maybe in a European truck with a hole in the floor.

[@Produce9AE]

@@RoadTrainAdventures What's this hole in the floor? That's downtime! Ya mean a hole in the seat so ya can , , , keep on truckin' !

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

No the home in the floor is a rumour that was going around some years ago that a group of foreign truck drivers had a home over the engine bay so they could go to the toilet without stopping.

[@Produce9AE]

@@RoadTrainAdventures Wasn't he worried about the 'paper work' catching on fire from the heat off the engine?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Who knows. I didn't have all the details.

[@Lypi1999]

Why doesnt have a retarder, isnt that kinda dangerous?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

The Jake or engine brake is chinos version of the retarder.

[@tkfinley6567]

Hey.... the steering wheel and all the gauges are on the wrong side...🤔

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha. We drive on the wrong side in Australia hey?

[@jonathanwang9585]

Very good

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Jonathan

[@hotshot907]

Very good

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks David