So I’ve been driving rigids for a couple of month now, mainly agency work so I have driven several different types of truck now.
I’m interested to know whats everyone’s favourite.
Since passing I’ve driven DAFs(CF,LF), Renault 380, ISUZI (7.5tn), MAN (7.5 tn) Mercedes (Various)
My favourite is the DAF CF, it was a 64 plate and was really comfortable drive with what felt like plenty of power, Radio actually managed to pick up Talksport which was a bonus.
My most hated so far is a Mercedes 2533, it had a 8 speed gear box which was a pig to drive, I kept struggling to change from 4th to 5th, most the time going back to 3rd by mistake.
My workaround in the end was to change 4th straight to 6th.
It also took all my strength to the bugger into reverse.
Agree with you on the Mercs, I’ve had a few and don’t like them at all. There’s nothing particularly offensive about them, but they’re just ‘meh’.
With the issue of going from 4th to 5th - some trucks change ratio really bloody slowly which is probably your issue. Preselect the range, knock it into NEUTRAL, slowly draw it up to 5th position, by that time it should have changed over. Gentle pressure on the stick, and it should slot in when it’s ready.
Not a fan of mercs either, Daf’s I think are so so but I did like a MAN 26t with an auto box which surprised me as I have grown old on manual boxes with split shift/ range change etc. It was comfortable and quiet which helps on those long trunks. One of the mercs I drove was so loud I couldn’t hear my satnav or phone up loud on hands free… end of the shifts I had a banging headache.
adam277:
Would like to try the volvo fe they look nice inside.
Cab is a bit pokey if you’ve only got the day cab… like mine was. However it had the new twin clutch Ishift in it and that in my opinion is a brilliant bit of kit so smooth and can actually get them to crawl unlike many other “autos” but then Volvo is the best in my opinion lol loved the FE and also love the FH [emoji846][emoji51]
Having driven an 8w Volvo auto,an 8w Daf auto, and old(ish) 6w P320 with 4 over 4 (all beaver-tails), the Scania everytime. I like to ‘drive’ a truck, not just attend the wheel. A proper manual 'box is better off-road if it’s a bit boggy, where i spend a fair amount of time.
The 15 plate Daf was the worst, with all the traits of the ‘Dear Daf’ thread
The Merc 18t I drove at my old job was the best lorry I’ve ever driven
And that’s because it was just right for the job it had to do. It matters not the marque, or the spec; but that it has been specc’d properly for the job!
My current truck , Mercedes Actros 26t 350 2.3m stream space cab with 16cm tunnel curtain side body with tuck under tail lift, 8 speed auto , full climate control , single bunk ,storage hammock above bunk ,pull out drawer fridge ,electric sunroof
built for tramping
