Cabover Trucks -- Our Love Hate Relationship With 'Em!

[@SmartTrucking]

So how about those cabovers, driver? You love 'em or do you hate 'em? What's your take on cabovers?

[@lylelott4637]

Dave, you should run team again in a cabover? Buckle up ha ha. I still get a kick out of that story.

[@prodieselrepair3218]

FedEx here in the Pacific northwest (OR, ID) is using some modern Freightliner cabovers to pull their triple trailers, AKA .......wiggle wagons.

[@jamesschultz30]

Loved running cabovers. Would still get back into one today given the opportunity.

[@kylemorice4870]

Nearest to a cabover I drove was before I was cdl certified. It was a 1987 mack /Renault cabover it was a one piece three axle truck I believe used for hauling small tractors on a friend of mines farm. Only drove it once an that was enough for me. I like cabovers they look sweet an I'd maybe keep one as a toy but after talking to old drivers that drove em for years I wouldn't work with one.

[@kellypenrod2979]

Dave, Yeah, I would love to have my old Powerliner back, BUT, I would upgrade the rear suspension, transmission, and put the air ride system on the cab, as well as install better insulation under and on front plate of the cab, and of course, a fancy bostrom high back captain's seat!!! Throw a modern Kalyn-Siebert 16 axle behind her, and man! Talk about the HOT SET-UP!!!;)

[@vincentstruckstrainsplanes34]

im just a 13 yr old truck spotter and i only love them, i wish i grew up in the 70s because of all them cool trucks! i caught a K100 on I-66 last week, really cool! :D

[@lukaleko4438]

Welcome to the life of the european driver guys, we drive cabovers every day😂😂😂

[@psalm23sheepdog]

Luka Leko I love your cabovers in Europe. I enjoy watching heavy move videos that seem to show often in Europe. Why do your cabovers have lights up on the roof ?area?

[@aaronsanborn4291]

Yeah I'll pass I'll stick with my Kenworth W900 or T800

[@theodorebowers9737]

Europe drivers are a bunch of wimps they don't drive real trucks lol just kidding

[@jhomrich89]

Cause a traditional american semi truck you can't get through the narrow streets you often have to get in over there

[@carlg500ci7]

I remember even in the 80's we had great ac in the winter and plenty of heat during the summer..

[@popsoldboats3406]

Yes that is so funny now. And why I changed jobs back then. Now at 50 I am looking to retire on my boat and live aboard. My mother in her 70s said a boat is to small to live in. And said why don't you go to back trucking. So in her mind my boat is to small but the 48" sleeper coffin is fine.

[@theodorebowers9737]

What's the same way in the 60"s

[@szox7684]

The first european flat-floor cabover was the Renault Magnum (Renault AE back then) It was a bit tricky to climb in and out of it, but the other european trucks have their steps in front of the front axle, so you climb directly in to the cab. It's actually pretty easy to climb into those modern flat-floor trucks (like the Scania S, or the Renault T-High) If you want to know more about those trucks, I recommend a channel called Stavros969 And stuff like safety, or noise are obviously improved over time, the new trucks can cope pretty well with accidents, and even the ones with an engine tunnel are so quiet in the cab, you can have a normal conversation in there

[@edwindunbar9359]

Cab over trucks are like straight pipes.They are nice when someone else is driving them.

[@t.e.4866]

I remember taking trips with my father in these, every time i see one, which isn't often, i lovingly think of him. Was a hard life with no power steering, watching him turn that wheel hand over fist, so many memories! We only got to go on trips in the summer if we were good...it was a great adventure!! Love you Dad and miss you.

[@Lurker1979]

Aesthetically I have always loved the look of the classic cabovers.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, me too!

[@davide.burden2043]

Last I knew, they still use cab over trucks in Hawaii.

[@billcorrie6064]

Over here in Europe flat floors have been part of the deal since the late 90's. we have no option because of of our length laws.

[@josephboley]

I've always loved the look of the old cabovers

[@theodorebowers9737]

Lot more fun driving

[@ianobrien3248]

As a kid we drove from NY to Iowa every summer. For me that was '74 to '92 until I left for college and all those highway miles gave me a real affinity for all the big rigs on the road. I loved 'BJ and The Bear' and 'Convoy' changed my life when Rubber Ducky was still alive (spoiler). Seeing this really brought back the old days of doing the arm crank to get horn honks from truckers while riding in the back of a 1982 Aries K with only a triangle window in the back, the back seat windows did not work at all just the little triangle popout of nothingness, and no air conditioning. In 104 degree heat. And no entertainment except what my parents wanted to listen to on the tape deck, which had to be cranked on the stereo to hear up front from the rear speakers through all our luggage, so my sister an I were trapped in a super heated circle of hell that truckers made bearable. Thanks. I also put "Truck Driver" as what I wanted to be when I grow up in 'My Book About Me' in second grade. Fun stuff. Ahhh nostalgia....

[@RiffRaff1062]

The love hate relationship with the cabover is spot on . I can still remember the cabover I ran ,it was a CL 9000 Ford and I hauled logs and lumber for a guy and as part of the job the drivers had to do the PM service work on the trucks, this is where the hate part comes into play, I thought they were a total pain in the A$$ to do any kind of work on , you couldn't fit in places you need to fit , you couldn't reach places you needed to reach, I spent more time trying to figure ways in and out and contorting myself into positions to perform the task at hand , when Pm service time rolled around ,thats when I wished I was driving a conventional tractor instead of a very unconventional cabover tractor. Other than the fact that you would be the first one to arrive at the accident scene and you about froze in cold weather I thought the cabover was a sweet ride 3406 cat ,13 speed it ran good and pulled good also it looked good doing it, looked similar to the ford cabover at the end of the vid it was painted hugger orange and a bright silver color, a super nice truck just could not stand working on it. And that would be my love hate relationship with the cabovers.

[@fj9460-lr]

I enjoyed driving my Emeryville and later the White- Freight liner I saw a guy thrown out the windshield during a layover on I-40 near Santa Rosa, NM in 1975 and survive since he was only doing about 40 mph, what a miracle! You take me back to a time when I kept two log books, and seemed to live to drive; what a great memory!! Thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure! I gotta admit, I enjoyed those days myself!

[@speckledperch4158]

I loved driving CabOver's! Even when I was freezing my lower legs and feet in winter time or driving thru frozen fog. It was so easy pulling and backing into tight places with an 96" wide 40ft long trailer! I have no problem backing an 53ft 102" trailer, but it takes up to much space. Downtown city driving was designed for 40 ft trlr's that are 96" wide, even today. I started driving in 1975. Those were the days. I'm retired now.

[@hansmueller3029]

Dad drove a red Transtar. I went with him for months in the spring and summer. Time of my life. Miss ya Daddy.

[@mitchellstarling6150]

I’m not a even a trucker but I love the design of these cab overs

[@hirprimate941]

My first assigned truck was a 1987 International Cabover 9670. With a Cummins 300HP! No air suspension, No engine brake! It already had over 900K in it in 1992 when I got it. What a brutal trucking experience. The last cabover I was assigned too was a new 1999 International 9800. What a difference!! It had a FLAT FLOOR!! You could stand up and just walk back to the bunk. The steps were in front of the front wheel making it much easier and safer to get in and out. Plus it was air ride in the back axles which really helped the ride. Especially with a heavy load. It had a Detroit series 60 engine which I loved. It seems like as soon as International and Freightliner (with the Argosy) figured out how to make the cabovers great they disappeared in America. All the guys seemed to hate cabovers when I drove but a I have to say, I had to go into NYC, Chicago, Boston and all the other nightmare cities for truckers all the time and those cabover were amazing for maneuverable and still had big bunks. That being said when I changed companies and got a Volvo VN I never wanted to drive anything else again.

[@volksweegan2784]

First semi I ever rode in was a Freightliner cabover. Changed my life forever.

[@truckingjamaicans5045]

Same

[@theodorebowers9737]

I always had good luck and liked my co. Freight Shakers

[@carolinawestern3875]

I was taught to drive in a cabover and still love 'em! My dad owned quite a few when I was coming up. 1969 F model Mack [Twin turbo v8 5sp] 1977 Mack cruiseliner] [350 Cummins/13sp] 1984 Mack cruiseliner [400BC Cummins/10sp] Just to name a few, but the 84 was the last one. It was a beauty! Metallic blue with a purple stripe scheme and aluminum rims & straight pipes! A rod started knocking coming into ElPaso TX. We took a bus back to SC and I never saw the old blue dog again. (Sad day) Cabovers stayed in primary use until about the late 80's - early 90's, then nearly faded out & gave way to coventionals & trucking had deregulated by then and with the passing of the new "cdl" law it all changed! Everything about trucking that made it great,fell victim to that and faded away, but I'm glad I got to experience it all before that happened. Wouldn't trade anything for the memories!

[@patmancrowley8509]

In Louisiana I drove through a swarm of mosquito's that was so thick it was like driving through a light rain. When I got to the next truck stop people stopped to look a the million-plus mosquito's flattened on the front of my truck. Loved the payback!

[@kagome122885]

Cabovers are starting to get rare here in the USA, but it's a real treat to see one on the road!

[@garryblaschka4930]

The reason cabovers made such a big comeback in Australia. Was when B Doubles were introduced and new overall lengths were changed. And by running a cabover gave you an extra two pallets of payload.

[@Gtostreetmissile]

Im 24 And I bought one, been in the process of restoring it for a little over a year now, soon it will be back in service. I really like them.

[@cliberty165]

I've loved cabovers as long as I can remember.

[@billhager3811]

owned quite a few always wanted the BJ and the Bear truck

[@theodorebowers9737]

Me tooo

[@braunreinhold6020]

I started driving in 69 in a 47 Mack with a 190 Cummins with a 5x3 and a 2 speed duplex hauling lumber with T&T. After I got my class A the company put me in a 46 White Mustang Gas pot with a 5&4 That was almost as strong as the 190. But on a 6% pull you had to do a two stick split down to First and first from 2nd and 3rd while you still had some momentum, you had to catch the first half of the main box and drop the brownie into first while holding the main stick hard against the the shifting fork until you built enough RPM back up to slip it the rest the way into gear. Then you got out and stood on the running board the rest the way up the Grapevine so you didn't melt down in that Hot SOB. Then you usually had some guy with cabover whites and a 335 walk on by you and salute you with a cup of coffee. Eventually I did end up driving a cab over and hated it. Years later I did drive two Cab overs that I actually liked one was a Mack with a pumped up 3406 with a 13 speed double over and the other one was a 110 inch Pete with a 1693 and 5x4. Cab overs beat the crap out of you, I switched back to long hoods, and if I come out of retirement you couldn't give me another Cabover my broken up old body couldn't take the abuse for very long. Thanks for your channel it should help out some of these new guys, Keep 'er between the ditches and the bears off your britches . CB

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for writing in Braun! Laughed right out loud when you talked about having to hold the main stick hard while you shifted the brownie! I'd forgotten that the one old Mack I drove needed that to! All good memories for me, but like you, it did take its toll on my body. I had actually broken my back [ in a non truck related accident ] and had just thought it was real sore, kept driving that old Mack a couple months like that before I finally went to the doctor. I'm sure those couple months didn't do me any good and I'm paying for it now. I still love to look at the big cabovers but I don't think my back could handle them anymore. Take care!

[@briankeithr]

Love the videos. Grew up with cabovers since dad was a "Bed Bugger" starting in the mid 60's. Dad refused to drive a hood until the T600s came out resulting in much better fuel mileage. My first driving experience was at 16 in dad's 1981 K100 Aerodyne

[@theodorebowers9737]

I was an owner operator for 2 years has Atlas Van lines I was a bedbugger you're also lol hated it

[@bodieb.1239]

They are so good looking. When I was a young kid I was in awe of those. But today as an OLDER man I'm still in awe of many of the trucks. Thanks for the look back

[@protonhead1]

I loved the cabovers , The main disadvantage for me was trying to climb the steps with a fountain soda ,lol.

[@ThePaulv12]

That's how I fell out of mine, except it was a coffee.

[@robertbrawley5048]

You had to put the drink on the floor board before mounting the truck once i git my left foot in, i had to swing my right leg over the seat . And too many times i kicked my big soda over anyhow.

[@aj6570]

I’m 54 yrs old now but my dad had a 77 Kenworth cabover and I loved that truck, had a poster of one in my bed room when I was 10 or 11 yrs old and 110 inch aerodyne and still have it in my garage today

[@SmartTrucking]

That's pretty cool! Dave

[@MolonFrikenLabe]

Those trucks still turn heads! At least mine. You see one every now and again out here.

[@cpufreak101]

Apparently some farmer here has one still to run around, you still see it from time to time hauling stuff.

[@captainmorgan1107]

I love the old cabovers from the 60's and 70's the most. Growing up in that era on the east coast they were everywhere. A little window 359 or a W900A would still turn my head, but the cabovers were just so cool looking. In my opinion, you can't beat the looks of a K100 108" flat top with a Salem paint scheme.

[@tatuaalbert3112]

Scania R620, V8 power, cant even compare it to an old US cab over, easy to get into, comfortable , quiet, heaps of room , used to run old k100 back in the days difference like night and day. Yep KW Australia still making K200 model, Freightliner Argosy still available to.

[@ralphlewis2971]

Amen brother. I started at age 23 and i am 70 now . Been out of a truck now for 12 yrs. Freightliner COE and KW all the way.

[@Potrvlb]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE COE’S! My first truck was a 92 Freightliner COE, forward set axle with a 425 CAT. I had JACCOBS brakes installed and baby those were so loud and so damn satisfying. I used to love waking up at sunrise in the tiny little towns accross the mid west get my thermos filled, hit the air switch to lower the passenger window and crank the drivers side. I was, I swear the YOUNGEST looking driver on the road, skinny, I would always have other drivers stare at my truck at the fuel stops because man she looked BEAUTIFUL, white shiny paint with shiny ALCOAS all the way around anyways I would step down out of her and drivers would look so weirdly and amazed because i looked like I was maybe 14 urs old. I ALWAYS HEARD “you even have a license to drive that truck”. I never received any log/hour violations and the weigh masters always treated me like I was a naive kid that didn’t know what he was doing when I would roll and get caught with 16 hrs driving on my book. I’ll never forget the weigh master in North Platte with cowboy boots on at 3am, after calculating all my faked/guessed log entries, there were probably 8-10 of them he made me drive up to Bosselmans and park for a full 8, let me off with a warning. He said “kid, you need to draw better lines in your book and actually try to calculate, no more guessing or trying to pull a fast one. I smell unwashed cattle trailers after several days on the road that smell better than your book looks, fix it and get some sleep”. I lasted 8 months and had to sell that truck and actually got emotional driving it over to the Peterbuilt dealer I bought it from for them to resell it. My wife said either you sell it or I’m leaving. We’re still married over 25 yrs later 😁 but I get so excited when I see videos about trucking in a COE. The memories I wouldn’t trade for anything. Even the air fresheners I would buy, the small bean bag style that you could hang or place, I always bought the black one with the western style print and that smell even today I remember. One day I’m buying another even if it’s to simply check the mail. 😁.

[@lontrucker44]

Loved this video, my first truck was a Peterbilt cabover, a 1975 , 13 speed, 433 rears 65 mph, at 2100 , no power steering, a great big steering wheel, that truck didnt wander all over the road like some do , thanks for this video..

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@theodorebowers9737]

Hydro one of them cab Pete's for a couple years for a company I loved it

[@earlstacey2709]

I got my CDL in the early 90's with a 77 international transtar Cabover with the old v6 Detroit. Used to love driving it. Funny you mentioned the weird short stick. Put some miles on the 9670 cabovers, old Moon freightline trucks from Indiana. Those 9 speeds were weird getting use to. I was in VT at the time. Boss loved cabovers. Had a few Pete 362's that felt huge compared to the transtar. All cool trucks. I never realized how bad they ride until I drive a Volvo conventional. It was like heaven, no bruised kidneys! Haha. Cabovers are still special to me. My grandad drive truck all his life. He has a 70's transtar. I played in it as a kid. He sold it in the he 90's when he retired. I'd love to restore one. He just passed this winter at 92. I miss him and the old truck he used to roll in with when I was a kid

[@SmartTrucking]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather Earl.

[@earlstacey2709]

Thanks brother 👍

[@boringopr4369]

Ooh wow cabovers I owned three, the first one was 1985 Kenworth k 100 E and the second was a 1983 Peterbuilt with a 245 inch wheelbase the pete was a great truck the third one was a 1989 International it had the LOUDEST 🎺 HORN ever I would scare the bejesus out🎺of drivers on the road😂😂;btw they all had 400 cummins big cam I to fell from the truck (International)I slipped and hit the edge with my shin bone near the knees oooo talk about pain I spent three hours lying down until the pain subsided Then I drove my dream truck but this one isn't a cabover it was a conventional a 2003 W900L KW with 550 caterpillar engine (nice) drove it till I retired in November 2015 great video loved the memories you made me remember thank you 🌺✌PEACE✌🌺

[@bluej7836]

I love the cab over trucks! They just gave you a sense of freedom on the open road. Its kinda hard to explain, but if you drive one you know!

[@rileycoyote4924]

*Scania has entered the chat*

[@boricua7928]

In the same way the Auto industry has remade old cars (such as: Challengers, Camaros, Mustangs etc.) the trucking industry should bring back old cabovers. Im 41 years old now and when I see a cabover it makes me feel like a kid again. I never had the pleasure to drive one however my older brother and my godfather both had cabover in which I got to ride in. Thanks for these videos buddy. Makes me happy to see and reminisce on good old times.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Prev! A lot of guys here now are restoring them just to have and play with. Some of them even still work for a living!

[@cliffbeckwith4019]

I started my mechanic career working for a refrigerated trucking company in the early 80s, all they had was cab overs, I couldn't agree more, working on them was challenging especially changing radiators. I began jacking the cab up once only to find the driver asleep in his bunk, he wasn't happy when I rolled him out of bed!

[@SmartTrucking]

I bet!!

[@theodorebowers9737]

When I had my Fmodel Mack cabover I was owner operator driving for North and South that was reefer work

[@konstantinIII]

I love old cabover's they are the coolest design ever. I have a 1/18ths model of a GMC cabover

[@TheCloakedTiger]

I freakin love them! They look so bad ass now that they are so rare to see on the roads these days!

[@markpaulene4002]

Hi there from the U.K. over here all ours are cabovers and I grew up with the Volvo f88, boy was she a sweet truck and I was only 12,13 years old. I started off driving busses, coaches, and did that for 25 ish years then went into trucking and boy I thought I was the king but now I’ve retired due to a back problem but still love them it’s what you knew as a child I think thanks markUK

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Mark! Kinda in the same boat as you. Semi retired with back issues but still love the trucks!

[@dwightmann8929]

My dad drove one,I would go with him in the 70's during the summer. He drove for burger chef.

[@theodorebowers9737]

Cooool

[@martincarroll7470]

I learned to drive on a 73 White Frightliner 350 big cam cumminings, with a 13 speed fuller.Loved that fuller whine.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, me too!

[@motoleste1018]

I love cabover i drove one for 1.600.000 miles with no problems

[@danielspeedy6972]

Miss my cabover. My first cabover was a haze. 1969 Hayes cabover Pin deck suspension. You felt every Rock. 10 miles away you still feeling that same Rock, LOL. I enjoy my calves always do miss him. I also miss my 379 Pete I retired now. So, there you go.

[@slingo30]

My 6 year old son loves cabovers. Then again, he's never rode in one.

[@marcushennings9513]

Let him climb in and out 3 times and sleep one night and he wont love them so much.

[@RyanDutchak]

Jeremy Morgan me and my dads 1987 cabover freightliner is pretty nice. Rides nice, even thought I’ve only rode in it for a while because it’s old and needs some work

[@scottreed7927]

Jeremy Morgan 6yr is smart kid, I love em too. Always have loved the look of em, kinda like a ‘real truck’......

[@cpufreak101]

@@marcushennings9513 how about in one of the European cabovers then? Some of them are apartments on wheels.

[@theodorebowers9737]

My sons were babies when they first went in the big truck and yes they were in when I was driving and pushing on the wheel by the way one is a truck driver today

[@MisterMikeTexas]

My Uncle J.D. had been a company driver for many years, and when he became an owner/operator, his first truck was the last company truck he drove. He bought it from his former employer. It was a conventional White, a 1969 model. I don't know what engine it had or remember the gears, but as an 8 year old I thought it was cool. He later replaced it with a new 74 Kenworth Cabover. From what my dad told me, it originally had a 318 HP Detroit Diesel V8. Transmission was a 13 speed. It was white with a chocolate brown stripe. I remember he gave my dad and me a ride. I loved it. Never became a driver though. He had the Detroit overhauled once, then shortly later replaced it with a Cummins 350, I think. My dad described it as "a big Six". Just before his second heart attack in the early 80's, he had shiny new wheels installed, and new stacks to match. My dad said his brother drove it home one last time from the shop afterward. He didn't survive the second attack. Today he and my dad are both in Heaven. I don't know where the semi ended up.

[@relaxationstation7374]

😍The K100 was a true classic!😍

[@fredprobst199]

Learned to drive in '64 on a B-61 Mack with a 10-speed duplex. No air ride seat, cab, or air conditioning. No CB so we used hand signals. First cabover was a 1969 Japanese Freightliner (White 7400). Ran 48 states and Canada. Legal weight was 73,280 and length was 55'. Truckstops where truckstops with gravel parking lots, home cooking and driver's tables. Now they've become a fast food stop with a large parking lot. Drivers took pride in their appearance. Shirts tucked in, boots polished and hair combed. Pure and Skelly were the two big franchise truck stops. When Pure became Union 76, it became an Auto-Truck Stop, and then the word TRUCK was dropped altogether. There are still some Mom and Pop truck stops around, but you have to hunt for them. Some that come to mind were; Bill and Effie's in Verdi Nevada, Dixie Trucker's Home in McLean, Il, Mass 10 on the Mass. Turnpike, Iowa 80 in Walcott, Iowa, the Cabover in Fort Meyers, Fl, and several others. Wow, this has been fun, but I better quit here or this will turn into a book.

[@Gearjammer741]

Well I learned to drive in a 1976 Ford 1000. 318 10spd rattle trap. My last one was a 1987 Kenworth 110 in. 400 Cat with a 13spd. If I had the money and time I'd resurrect one like that because I loved it.

[@rebelguy9487]

Every time I watch videos about Cabovers or see one in the wild, I think of my grandpa (RIP)......every summer break, he'd take me out a couple times to the west coast in an old Peterbilt Cabover. Good memories!

[@SmartTrucking]

I guess so! Very cool!

[@behroozkhaleghirad]

My uncle had a cabover Mack with 12v71 and 6 by 4 on it (in Iran) about 30 years ago. He was considered as one of the few lucky ones to have such a beast, he was a heavy hauler. He told me that once he had to do in-frame in the middle of the desert with his co-driver. He passed away few years ago.

[@jofus3604]

The one thing I always heard about Cabovers , "If u ever had a wreck, u were the first one there!" I worked for a KW dealer in the late 90's, I flew to OKC and picked up a KW W1 Condo, raised roof! This was after the T5 "Anteater" with the lowered, setback motor, completely flat floor, the driver and passenger seats swiveled 180 degrees, they were like recliners! The lower bunk was a flip sofa, actually very comfortable! It was like driving a small apartment! I think Wal-Mart and JB Hunt kept them "in fashion", LOL!, for a long time...... Enjoyed ur post!

[@protonhead1]

I remember when trucking was fun, It was hard work still, but a lot less B.S.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

and more money

[@robbalinski1606]

Still a semblance of the old times in places tho, up the ice roads is almost like it was back in the day.....at least that's what the old timers tell me. Everyone yapp'n on the VHF radio's having a good ol time, stopping and helping anyone who breaks down. Just gotta hunt for it.

[@JavierGarcia-zt8ly]

Hauling Gas tanker in a International Cabover never had problems PS no blue water in this RIG I would do it over again

[@theodorebowers9737]

You guys are so right and I have more experience than most of these guys and I can agree with you

[@robertstephens5319]

I got my class A cdl in a 1985 cabover freightliner, I drove that truck for a good while and really liked it.

[@drue1492]

flat floors are standard for long distance trucks in europe :)

[@princeanaelbey1236]

Love your tribute to my, beloved cabovers. Thank you. I pushed a 1981 Peterbilt, she had a 400 Caterpillar, and was a dualwide sleeper, 220" wheelbase, quad tanks, " Budd " chrome, etc. Watching you, takes me back to the days when a man could feed his family, and brokers, companies, and others didn't screw the drivers over. Glad I'm not out there today. Truckin is how I paid for grad school, and was able to feed my family. It used to feel good, being out there. Thanks again. You got a new sub. Peace and Love

[@gilking6540]

Love the cabovers! Learned to drive and was my first truck, was my dad's 1975 GMC Astro. Had a small cam 350 Cummins, 13 spd, 4.33 rears and Reyco suspension. All on a very long 150 inch wheelbase!!! I remember looking for the frost heaves in the road and leaning forward and holding the stick back. Cause if you didn't it would backslap you and knock it out of gear! They were still cool trucks!

[@SmartTrucking]

Lots of glass in those Astro's I recall. Windshield damn near down to your knees!

[@theodorebowers9737]

I'm retired a long time I'm in my seventies 35 years on the road my first truck I owned as an owner operator what is a GMC cracker box first truck I ever drove was a b model Mack gas engine triplex what a workout did not know what power steering was did not know what air condition was add more holes in the cab that I had windows holes all over the truck always drove with my window open drove a lot of Macks B and R models superliner cruise liners I also owned a F model those daysI used to love my cabover swore I'd never drive a conventional then I became a company driver now I drove conventional the company I work for with an unusual company we did everything lot of hazardous material tankers gases tanks Canada Mexico California every state what's going on today with this virus reminds me of driving during the the riots I don't know how many people remember that I drove every kind of truck was on the market just about everything we did driver lease as well we leased equipment as well you own the company your driver was on vacation or sick you could call us and get a driver, anywhere in the country they would fly us. on the job if they had to I think what good company when I retired we start doing them damn food Warehouses no longer a driver knows days you were a lumper I remember when trailers for 32 foot I remember when they were going to like 40 and 42when you brought the 42 out they were not legal but they ran them anyway they paid to find cuz they made that much money the States didn't care they were making a lot of money they left us do it I have a million trucker stories one thing I did hate about trucking I'm a married man don't fool around don't believe in I literally hate lotlizards.etc. you know what I mean Q's I used to love to drive a truck and get around and meet new people meet a driver on the road or couple their do a convoy have dinner together spent all day talking on a CB and all nite I missed it a lot but I wouldn't want to be in this traffic today my son drives came out of the service want to be like me he's been driving about I don't know 15 years now starting to say things like I missed the kids now you understand what I had to do every once in awhile I drop in on your channel just to see what you old farts are doing and keep you in line you're a really cool channel there dude a lot of good information for the drivers today when I started driving truck half the fleet couldn't even read but they can't drive and Read a map real well I see these guys today they they can't drive most of themI spend time at buildings by my home watching them back up and laugh so much so much I better go thanks for your channel keep up the good work God bless you're really really are helping a lot of drivers as a lot of guys used to say I'm a professional steering wheel holder. God Bless

[@fredgrove4220]

My favourite American was ( and still is ), White Road Commander 2. I had one in the 80's with a 400 big cam Cummins and 13 speed. Loved it. Love to get another.

[@SmartTrucking]

I bet they'd be hard to find! Nice truck though!

[@eugenesuhanov104]

8:13 - basically any European cabover with a high cabin has its engine under and outside the cab (no doghouse) since the 80's. Some have flat floor inside while others have a slight bump.

[@williamskrainski8407]

Worked freight for APA out of Meriden, CT.....They had... I think they were Mack MC's. It was kind of their trademark back in the day. Straight trucks to road guys pulling doubles. Tandem axle on the road and full load TL pick ups, and singles for the city guys peddling. Lots of fun zipping around the city with a single axle cabover horse and a single axle 28' pup.

[@jafo766]

Loved them , even Carroll Joe Hummer's old jalopy THE BLUE MULE is fondly remembered.

[@robreesor5011]

Im seeing cabovers alot more now the last couple of years out here in Alberta...never had the chance to drive one myself but I will admitt they are cool old trucks to see and bring a smile to my face every time I see one rolling by.

[@TomKatt8569]

My first Drive was a square nose Pete and KW with my Uncle in the summer break

[@johnmatullo9262]

I worked for an independent owner operator with a 79 KW cabover! I miss that truck! I loved it! Fairly comfortable and fairly smooth air ride!

[@SmartTrucking]

Right on

[@MrRShoaf]

I like the Freightliner Argosy. It had a set pf stairs that could pivot out making it real easy to hold your coffee when getting in. Also the dog house was only 3 inches high making the walk to the sleeper easy.

[@zimm5352]

loved riding in my dads Kenworth cabover back in the early 80's when i was just a kid. thought i was sitting on top of the world. those naps on the dog house were great!

[@jjmoto65]

Definitely love the nostalgia of the old cabovers. Learned how to drive in a F model Mack with the 300+ and a 5 speed and the mack camel back suspension. @ Smart Trucking loved your comment about the (luxury of) power steering. The trick with manual steering was keep it rolling no Matter how slow. Manual steering actually gave much more feedback as the driver.

[@theodorebowers9737]

That is so true when I started driving trucks they didn't have power steering air Rider air conditioner believe it or not if you knew how to drive a truck without power steering they really are not bad you got to know when to turn

[@bramzinsky]

i loved seeing all the cabovers on the road in the day.i never was a truck driver.i used to build model trucks,you still see a freightliner once in a great while.a small piece of trucking history gone but not forgotten.god bless all the truckers on the road.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Bill!

[@franzisaryk5965]

I’m a huge fan of the cab overs just seeing one coming with big old stacks rolling coal is a cool site to see

[@cedriccampbell1679]

I’m only 27 and I believe my grandpa drove a Cabover and I’m thinking about getting into trucking and man do I just love the look of cabovers.

[@anthonyc362]

"Cab over phone booths", ha. That old Ford at the end had me just watch the scene from the movie Armed and Dangerous where the tanker truck pushed the cars out of the way, one of my favorite scenes from any movie.

[@j33p74]

I'm 27 and I've always loved cab overs. I'm stubborn as a mule and fought getting my CDL and now I regret it cuz I love driving now. We got a flat bed Pete that's a pretty fun to drive and a lazy automatic freightshaker. I remember riding in a cab over with my dad ages ago and that was when I fell in love with them. I can totally picture how back then you had to really know what you were doing with no abs, traction control, leaf springs all around and rowing through 13 to 18 speeds depending on the load. Now you just kinda sit there and let her go. I know 18 speeds are out there for the big stuff but I'm sure any truck now is twice as comfortable to drive. Some day I hope I can quit being broke and restore a cab over to use as a toy hauler just cuz I love the look.

[@jayhambrick]

I`m a new trucker that happens to be in his 60`s, I would love to drive one.

[@TombstoneHeart]

I still have memories, from when I was a small boy, of my father driving old cab-over Fodens for Gascoyne Traders in Carnarvon, Western Australia. Back then the sealed part of the road ended at a place called Northampton, 425 k's, ( that's 264 miles for those of you who still can't handle the metric system ) south of Carnarvon and it was all dirt road from there to Darwin. Knowing now how massively solid everything to do with the suspension was on those old British trucks, taking them off the bitumen must have been a brutal exercise. Despite that, there must have been hundreds of British made cab-overs working in the top half of Australia, a lot of it on little more than two wheel ruts through the bush, that was laughably called "a road!" While we used to see a lot of American trucks as well, for a long time, it was mostly old Fodens, Leylands, ERF's, Atkinsons, Bedfords, Guys and even the occasional Dennis, struggling along on those bush tracks and belting the tripe out of the drivers as they went! Here's a small look at some of the extremes they put up with back in the day, in this TV tribute to a trucking legend here in Australia - the late Tom Kruse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKWmgIGhbaqCnKc

[@kevinambriz4463]

I remember when I was like 4-6 years old being in a cabover with my dad transporting cars from LA to Las Vegas. It was badass! Lol I remember it would be HOT in there but I do miss the style ! We have a 2016 379 Peterbuilt today still hauling cars

[@SmartTrucking]

Carrying on the family tradition!

[@theodorebowers9737]

That's so cooooool

[@jaidillon1790]

I love seeing a cabover in the wild these days. Rare as it is. Absolutely beautiful beasts. Growing up my dad had a Diamomd Rio cabover (I think it was a Royale). As a kid I just loved them, and still do! Saw a really slick orange K100 pulling a tanker through the Ozarks recently... stunning❤

[@marcw5288]

I love cabovers 35 year driver here i miss them.

[@JasPlun]

My brother is an old trucking vet 38 years. Love you guys and really do appreciate you all. I never got into over the road trucking like he did, but I did a lot of Class B driving and really do respect you men and women. Cab-Overs were just really cool looking trucks. I had an old Mack Cab-over Box truck. I think they were made by Volvo or Renault and not Mack. Still was a lot of fun to drive. I enjoy watching your videos keep them coming:P

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you, will do!

[@huntermentch]

@@SmartTrucking im only 14 but when i was in a cab over i just jumped out and ive fallen in love with these i really want one for truck driveig when im older but backing up is my problom

[@Tchristman100]

I have a '85 KW K100E 90" Aerodyne cabover. THEE only time I had to tilt the cab was for major engine service. I could check my oil, CHANGE my engine oil, check the power steering, change the fuel filters, check the radiator, check the batteries without tilting the cab. Plus wash the windshield standing on the ground. With a conventional, check the radiator-up comes the hood, check the oil-up comes the hood, check the power steering-up comes the hood, change the oil-up comes the hood, change the fuel filters-up comes the hood. Plus-a cabover can tilt the cab almost 90 degrees so the entire engine AND transmission is exposed. On a conventional, crawl underneath for transmission access. Granted conventionals are safer, but cabovers have much better visibility. I like mine so much, I'm turning it into a 40ft motorhome.

[@SmartTrucking]

Should make for one beauty of a motorhome Tom! Dave

[@theodorebowers9737]

Nice truck

[@rickokeefe37]

Owned one. 1974 Pete 110 double bunk 1693TA CAT WITH a 13 speed transmission. Love that truck and wish I still had it. You have to remember that back in those days you didn't have alot of choice but to drive a cab over do to the 60' length law. Trailers were 40' to 45' at the time and most conventionals with a sleeper were to long. And remember trying to slide the 5th wheel you had to keep the 35' of interbridge. Ok that was old school trucking.

[@SmartTrucking]

Those 110 inch Pete's were beautiful! King of the road! We'd all turn to look when we saw one of those beauty's! Dave

[@Ryan-xq2ot]

Ever since I was a kid I thought cabovers were cool my step dad told me about an old KW he used to drive with a big cam 400 Cummins motor. He always said if you got on it would send a flame out the stacks. Said he hated the truck for the cold and the bad ride but as a kid I thought it the coolest story

[@theodorebowers9737]

400 was a great motor

[@marklavoie8383]

Love them! My first job they gave me a Kenworth and I loved it. Best truck I ever had.

[@4321grp]

I was a diesel mechanic at a GMC dealership. One time I was getting out of the cab of a GMC Astro , I missed the step and fell all the way to the shop floor. I thought I had broke my ankle but it was just a bad sprain, it sure did hurt though. From that time on I was extra careful climbing out of cabovers.

[@theodorebowers9737]

I never liked the astral that huge window still had to drive them

[@yowtrucking3914]

I learned how to drive in a cabover old international, drove cross country in a Pete cabover for 4 years. I bought my 1st long nose Frightliner fld 120 with 3406-b cat. 18 speed loved it.

[@granadakimj]

The Scania with the v8 engine sounds so awesome! And have great power too. I have driven a few of those...

[@SmartTrucking]

I'd love to try one of those!

[@AnttiHara]

@@SmartTrucking I hope you get the opportunity to test drive the modern Volvo FH16. I believe a softer ride than a typical American truck. I understand that you have in the United States truck cabs are attached to the frame directly without suspension? European semi-trailer trucks obviously can't be brought to your country, they have too much steering axle mass .. (8000..10000 kg (17637..22046 lbs). I guess.

[@AnttiHara]

@@SmartTrucking I own a Volvo FL220 box truck, it is also a cabover model. There is a dog house on the floor, but the cab is quiet and really warm, even if it is -30C (-22F) outside. Volvo is a 2001 model year, with a total weight of just 11,000kg (24,250 lbs), 4x2.

[@aaronsanborn4291]

I always liked the look of the KW cabovers when I was a kid. Always wanted to try driving one.

[@SmartTrucking]

They are my favourite cabovers!

[@Salted_Tools]

I'm a sorta new company driver (year under my belt) and I'm actually saving my money for a 1981 cabover freightliner 13spd. Should be acquiring it in the next few months. And the next I want is a 1981 cabover Peterbilt with a 4x4 setup. You know the old spicer combo of two sticks 'n' toothpicks. It also has an extended frame. I'm much looking forward to doing sorta my own thing. Thanks for your videos and history of yourself and the industry. Always look forward to them. ❤

[@vincentstruckstrainsplanes34]

Good luck trucker! Get that money, may take some time, but in the end once you finally get that old Cabover all your hard work is gonna be worth it ❤❤❤

[@Dannyjoemustanggt]

What engine?is is it a 6 71 Detroit?

[@theodorebowers9737]

Good luck cooooool I have many many miles in a cabover over 2,000,000 miles in my 70's 35 years on the road

[@philipburrows]

Hi smart truckin I am from England and we still use cab overs (Cab, Over, Engine). I do love the old school truck's they have class, even the long nose, bull nose (Cab, Behind, Engine) trucks. The old girls have a soul about them, the new style have no soul, no class, they are soul less blocks of metal the new trucks. Keep up the good work and I enjoy all the vids. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Philip! Dave

[@connork5339]

I always liked the look of those old American cabovers from the 70's and into the 80's. An interesting feature about many European trucks is that the steps are covered when the doors are closed protecting them from weather.

[@larrymartensmartens1044]

Went to night class at coastal truck driving school in Hammond, LA. In the late 80's, learn to back up & over the road with cabover.Out of thirty students I was the only graduated, when to do the rode test I had to drive a long nose for the first time in my life. Was different but had confidence from my old school trainer, the bond of the cabover & love of trucking. You have to really like & have the determination to secede what you set out to do.To compared when I saved my money to buy the red stingray bike when the first came out as a teenage, it's a bond thing.

[@josiahbomford7612]

In Sydney Australia cabovers are about as common as bonnet trucks. I can appreciate some of the bennefits of cabovers i.e local deliveries - great turning circles, visibility etc but if you run the highway especially out west and you're broken down for 18 hours it sure helps when u have a bonet truck as no need for tilting cab = sleep. When i broke down that time it was in a cabover was miserable. Had to tilt cab several times as mechanic brought wrong parts out. From an aesthetic point of view the cabs look amazing but on practical grounds i vote bonnet trucks all the way! P.S. USA make the best trucks hands down!! Joe.

[@cliffterrell4876]

Cabovers are great. Especially when you are in tight areas, ie hauling cattle or agricultural products. Can turn them on a dime while the "pansies", as we called them, took an hour to position the conversational tractors with the same length trailer into some loading chutes, jack knife situations many times. My grandfather had a fleet of Freightliner cabovers from around '68 to '88 when he retired. He even had Dodge cabovers in the early to late '60s. He ran cabovers because he hauled flatbed agricultural products and DOD loads. Much tighter turn radiuses over conventionals. He even had a few "coffin cab/2X4 cabs" jimmies for local loads and tight cattle loading chutes. He bought two Astros but sold those after about a year because drivers didn't like the the noisy 318 Detroits and didn't want to drive them. The true screaming memies

[@jamessmith5535]

I drove for werner Enterprises my first truck with them was a flat top cab over Freightliner with huge bunk and about 8 inches of clearance between the mattress and the roof with 70 gallon tanks a little small for O T R .It had 310 Cat .and a supper ten transmission. In the winter time I fueled at every second fuel stop on my trip it took a lot of planning and there was a few times I ran out of fuel right at the fuel pumps . I really like the fack that there was a pump that you turned the knob on the fuel pump and could pump fuel to filter .my back up plan was 1 gallon fuel can that I seam to be found of I remember in the beginning me and my gas can went on many hikes looking for the nearest diesel pump .Good times

[@SmartTrucking]

Friggin Werner. 70 gallon tanks!

[@theodorebowers9737]

Baby tanks for weight

[@ronaldbennett3174]

I've loved big trucks all my life especially cabovers with extended sleepers with lots of lights!! You don't see them anymore but when you do they're beautiful!

[@patmancrowley8509]

I drove into the Seattle area way back when in the winter. They closed the passes in the mountains after I got through. I had to buy a set of chains for the truck because you had to "Carry Chains" when it was time to leave Seattle. I bought the chains and have NEVER used them. I haven't driven in nearly 30 years and still have them. Can't get rid of them either. Dang!

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, still got some new in the bag that I bought 20 years ago. Dave

[@theodorebowers9737]

But if you don't have them on the truck you get find they don't necessarily have to be installed but must have them with you

[@jamiecuster8706]

I learned to drive on the cabover Pete’s, White Freightliners, and KWs in the ‘70s; Dad in the sleeper zonked out, on I-40, but only at night so Smokey couldn’t see a 14 year old kid in the driver’s seat. The C.B. radio had made it’s debut and Will and Soney had started “Movin’ On” with Merle. Cats and Cummins with the 13 speed Road Ranger. The UPS cabovers without the sleepers, we called “”Cracker Boxes”. We said things like “drop the hammer” and “gouge on it”. Folks today would need a translator to understand this paragraph. Good video hand... took me back. Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down.