Cabover Semis

[RSKY]

Why do you never see any 'cabover' semis anymore. We met one on the Interstate a few days ago and it looked strange. I realized you don't see them anymore.

RSKY

 

[Gary Fowler]

Having driven my class a motorhome, I can say that without some forward reference line (like a hood) it is a bit harder to judge where you are at in the lane. That could be one reason, another could be because having all that metal in front of you is safer for the driver than a cabover.

 

[coldsteelva]

Extra wheelbase provides stability for heavier and longer loads.

 

[boomer1025]

The market fell off and the OEM's quit making them in the US.

 

[Birdhunter1]

I've only been in and driven one cab over, from what I have been told by old truckers and farmers is that they were more difficult to get in and out of being the door/entry way was smaller and they didn't ride as well. However a few did say it was easier to swing into places as you can see everything within a few inches of the bumper. A few guys also said anytime you tilted the cab forward to get to the engine then anything you had in the floor went for a ride.

 

[Rustyiron]

Never been there, but from tv & videos, it seems that's all they have in Europe. Go figure:confused3:

 

[RobertN]

Yes... Volunteered at the fire station for years. Most Engines were cabover. When you tilted the cab to do inspection or maintenance, you had to make sure any loose items were removed or otherwise secured. Otherwise your "stuff" went all over. Gear, lights, mic's etc.

A few guys also said anytime you tilted the cab forward to get to the engine then anything you had in the floor went for a ride.

 

[bigtiller]

I drove a cabover straight truck for a couple years and it always bothered me how little protection my feet had. There was just a piece of sheet metal and a bit of insulation protecting me in an accident. It made me a very defensive driver.

 

[CWB Wyo]

I think part of is was the federal government made the length and weight limits standard a cross the US.
When I was driving over the road some states length limits were 55 ft and the weight limits was 73,280 lb.
You could pull a 45 ft trailer with a cab over, but for the most part not a convention tractor.
I got a few tickets for being 60 ft.
Just my thoughts.
CWB

 

[Rustyiron]

I drove a cabover straight truck for a couple years and it always bothered me how little protection my feet had. There was just a piece of sheet metal and a bit of insulation protecting me in an accident. It made me a very defensive driver.

Yeah, in a wreck, you were definitely the first one there.