Mid America Truck Show

spindrift · 02-26-2015, 03:32 PM

Dave...you may wanna' get your tickets now, especially if you move to that "other" fifth wheel.

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-26-2015, 03:48 PM

I used to enjoy those shows when I was in the trucking industry. They always have cool stuff. Ginny and I drove a new MD Frieghtliner but she didn't like it and now with the weights that the F450 and new Ram can pull, I'm not sure they're needed anymore.

spindrift · 02-26-2015, 04:03 PM

When we hit the road in 5+ years from now, we'll find ourselves in a lot of mountains with a new FW. I'm getting familiar with HDT conversions now so we're ready to go.

mhs4771 · 02-26-2015, 04:49 PM

I agree with Dave. Recently read where some of the MDT & HDT owners are switching back to HD Pickups with their increased capacity.
I hit up GM every chance I get, inquiring when they going to get back into the bigger trucks, at least back to the 4500 series.

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-26-2015, 04:52 PM

The HDT trucks have a lot to offer for the amount of money spent. They have the high HP, larger fuel tanks and better comfort than the MDT trucks. The VW (Volvo White) ends up being a great conversion due to the cab size and integral sleeper. Just make sure you have the diesel completely gone through because they are pricey to fix. For example, in 1991 a radiator for a VW was around $1200 (parts only). When they start rebuilding the big diesels $$$$$start flying out the windows.

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-26-2015, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhs4771

I agree with Dave. Recently read where some of the MDT & HDT owners are switching back to HD Pickups with their increased capacity.
I hit up GM every chance I get, inquiring when they going to get back into the bigger trucks, at least back to the 4500 series.

I'd like to see them get back into the game just to keep the fight going between the brands.

spindrift · 02-26-2015, 05:11 PM

Dave...I would add to your list, braking power. So it's a combination of safety, power and comfort that makes it the right choice for ME. Regarding parts, I hear 'ya. Fortunately, I am Cummins certified for MDTs and HDTs.

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-26-2015, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spindrift

Dave...I would add to your list, braking power. So it's a combination of safety, power and comfort that makes it the right choice for ME. Regarding parts, I hear 'ya. Fortunately, I am Cummins certified for MDTs and HDTs.

There's no question about the comfort. I spent a better part of 20 years in big trucks and I wish my F350 was as comfortable. In the 70's when we had spring suspension, manual steering and twin sitcks....another story all together.

spindrift · 02-26-2015, 05:47 PM

Back in the day, I spent some seat time in an International Eagle cabover. I always found that ride to be a little unnerving. A little too close to the action if you know what I mean.

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-26-2015, 08:48 PM

The cabovers took some getting use to, I spent a little time in them myself. The passenger seat was over the fan for the heater and the linkage for the gear shift tended to get sticky at times. I think they were the first ones to offer air assisted windows which I thought was pretty cool and some had air steering.

mhs4771 · 02-26-2015, 10:11 PM

Next you Guys will be discussing the proper way to Double Clutch to down shift.

spindrift · 02-26-2015, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Next you Guys will be discussing the proper way to Double Clutch to down shift.

Do you really want to hear about my knee problems?

**piper guy** · 02-26-2015, 10:33 PM

I still have bad dreams about the Dodge tractor with the 13 speed Road Ranger ..........
THAT was a whole new definition of evil ..... LOL along with a lot of memories .

And yes ~ at one time Dodge did build HD trucks.

spindrift · 02-26-2015, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piper guy

I still have bad dreams about the Dodge tractor with the 13 speed Road Ranger ..........
THAT was a whole new definition of evil ..... LOL along with a lot of memories .

And yes ~ at one time Dodge did build HD trucks.

Sheesh, Vaughn....didn't think anyone on this Forum was that old.

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-26-2015, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Next you Guys will be discussing the proper way to Double Clutch to down shift.

First thing I did was teach people how not to use the clutch. Feather the throttle to match the RPMs and she'll slip right in. You can't wear out what you don't use

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-26-2015, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spindrift

Sheesh, Vaughn....didn't think anyone on this Forum was that old.

Hell .....that 13 Road Ranger with the Eaton 2 speed was my favorite set up. The chrome gear shift had 2 buttons and about as big as a softball.

I'll have to admit though ...never drove the dodge but I did learn to wrestle the old Jimmie with a screaming, oil throwing 316. Parted with 2 gallons of oil a night.

**piper guy** · 02-27-2015, 04:02 AM

And nothing quite like a 6-71 Detroit when it starts and fogs out the neighborhood.
Standard joke on a Detroit is you worry when it doesn't leak oil - means it ran out.

**Dave&Ginny** · 02-27-2015, 01:25 PM

Diesels have come a long ways from the old diesels. No more oil leaks, clean and powerful. The technology that goes into these new diesels and transmissions are amazing.

spindrift · 02-27-2015, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piper guy

6-71 Detroit

= Road Oiler

markw · 03-01-2015, 03:19 AM

Dave, your picture doesn't make you look old enough to have driven twin sticks. Now for me, the first trailer I ever backed up was a 40' Fruehauf behind a 1951 Diamond T. I was 17 at the time and hadn't yet been born when the truck was new. When we picked up the new RW, I told my wife, "you do realize it's been 40 years since I've handled a trailer this big".

Mark

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