Where is BigRigSteve?

[G-CPTN]

LIVE TRUCKCAM LETS YOU LOOK THROUGH MY WINDSHIELD!
http://www.bigrigtravels.com/
HERE YOU WILL JUMP IN THE CAB OF A BIG TRUCK AND RUN THE ROADS OF AMERICA.


http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/5887451_UGyaU

[Western SMT]

It didn't work for me the first time I tried it and after some technical adjustment - loose connection, it works.

This photo is OTT - http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/6355628_egE7y/1/447615860_rR8CF/Medium

[G-CPTN]

Parked-up today.
Wonder where his cab pussy is?
http://bigrigtravels.smugmug.com/gallery/4300748

[Western SMT]

Part of one of the comments to that story was -

For a while, I had a parrot that drank orange juice out of a glass, and he would bark when I would come home work.

Do Parrot's bark?

[G-CPTN]

A parrot will immitate any sound that it hears.

[Energumen]

Thank you so much for that link. I love the videos and I love the heartwarming story of the cat. And I do not like cats. Or rather, their owners, who do not want a dirt box in their houses, and send them out to sush on my garden as quickly as I clear it.

[les turnbull]

Bigrigsteve is allways square wheeled every time ive had a look.
Whats the time diference between here and USA and what shift dose he work any one no.

[G-CPTN]

He's -5 GMT (and was driving until 17.30 local yesterday).
He swapped trailers here at 17.00 local:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.0661832&lon=-76.7620754&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2
Give the guy a break! It's the weekend.

His statistics:- As of 01/09/09 -- 3,810 miles have been driven in 2009. He'll be off to Salt Lake City (via Malaga NJ) after his weekend break:- http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/5887451_UGyaU

[G-CPTN]

http://www.bigrigtravels.com/

[coastie]

When I first saw this thread, I thought it was a welfare question about one of our members!

[G-CPTN]

He's heading down from Carlisle PA to Malaga NJ now.
Seems he stopped for lunch here:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.0830297&lon=-75.4400253&z=18&l=0&m=a&v=2
Anybody know what 'drivers' hours' rules there are in the US?

[G-CPTN]

He's not much good at reverse parking!
Dropping the trailer now I expect he'll collect another and then head off to Salt Lake City.
Wonder how long he'll take? (2173 miles)

[Energumen]

Hi G-CPTN, I have managed to see the map and pre -recordings, but how do I see live images please.

[G-CPTN]

I just click on http://www.bigrigtravels.com/ and the screen appears alongside the flag.
Have you got any blocking software? (to remove ads)

[G-CPTN]

What I see:- http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/GroupCaptain/BigRig.jpg

[Energumen]

Hi, G-CPTN, I have a blank screen come up, centred on the page, but apart from being able to select and play a pictured pre recorded video, nothing I click on, gives me a picture. Yes I do have, fairly heavy security on.

[G-CPTN]

Yes I do have, fairly heavy security on.

Maybe thats it.

[les turnbull]

sounds like your flash player and shockwave player is out of date

or java player is out of date download from SUN MICROSYSTEMS.

u can download both flash and shockwave players from the internet from ADOBE.
reguards Les.

[Energumen]

Hi Peeps, have been off line for a bit, but before doing so, I thought about what G-CPTN said about security and removed the 'Active X' control on that site.

Only to find him square wheeled, in a trailer park by the looks of things.

[G-CPTN]

Indeed, he moved earlier today from Carlisle (!) to Malaga (!!) . . .

[Western SMT]

Anybody know what 'drivers' hours' rules there are in the US?

This seems to be the answer -

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/truck/driver/hos/brochure2005.htm

[Energumen]

Clearly longer driving hours, and working week, and shorter rest periods than our standards. I mean, come on, 11 hours a day, behind the wheel and where are the breaks in the driving/working day.

On first reading of that, they do not seem to be mandatory. No wonder they need those spacious apartments on their tractors, to get maximum relaxation in their off duty time.

[Western SMT]

A story from the USA re driving hours -

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/977774/truck_driver_on_duty_laws_need_to_be.html

[Energumen]

He is on the move again, horrible weather.

[G-CPTN]

Looks like he's heading east - either to switch trailers or to negotiate Philadelphia.

[Energumen]

Why the hell is he not using his wipers, I wonder?.

I can only assume it is for dramatic effect, but it is a dangerous game. If he did strike something that film would hang him.

Have you noticed, no rear fog lamps used, whatever.?.

[G-CPTN]

Don't think it's raining and the camera might be outside the wiper arc anyway.

[G-CPTN]

Think he's lost.

[G-CPTN]

Well he's reached his drop location (and he's no better at reverse parking).
Don't know where he's going to get his backload (to Salt Lake City) . . .

[G-CPTN]

Square-wheeled here (looks like an empty lot) :- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=39.559118&lon=-75.05722&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2
Yet another unbranded 'depot'.
He's been here over an hour (it's 09.30 local).

[G-CPTN]

This looks like an abandoned airfield:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=39.5553794&lon=-75.0637007&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2

Wonder what Malaga Camp is/was . . .

[G-CPTN]

Just watched a 'big-rig' driver come in, do a sweeping 180 degree turn and reverse straight in alongside another trailer (so some drivers can do it; . . . ;-).

[les turnbull]

Heres another truck webcam stream.

http://weazz.camstreams.com/

reguards Les.

[G-CPTN]

He's off again (though I don't know whether he's swapped trailers yet).
He's still on minor roads.

[Western SMT]

Addictive watching others work like this.
Smooth cam compared to the weazz one.

[G-CPTN]

He's just pulled into a truck-stop (16.30 local).

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.22817&lon=-76.739502&z=14&l=0&m=a&v=2

[G-CPTN]

Just a short stop - he's away again.

[G-CPTN]

He's just driven slowly through a truck-stop (without stopping). 18.40 local.

Simply stated the new rules mean:-

* Drivers may drive up to 11 hours in the 14-hour on-duty window after they come on duty following 10 or more consecutive hours off duty.
* The 14-hour on-duty window may not be extended with off-duty time for meal and fuel stops, etc.

I don't know how he fares with this:-
* The prohibition on driving after being on duty 60 hours in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, remains the same, but drivers can "restart" the 7/8 day period anytime a driver has 34 consecutive hours off duty.

I don't understand this:-
* CMV drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two.

(Edited to add that having reread the final paragraph seveal times I now understand it.)

[G-CPTN]

Another truck-stop this time covered in snow! 19.15 local. He could possibly manage another couple of hours driving. I think . . .

[G-CPTN]

I haven't checked 'local' time for here:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.0003666&lon=-79.0445709&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2

but he should be able to leave after 10.15 GMT

(Just checked and it is still EST - GMT-5, so he's clear to leave @ 05.15 local)

Further edited to add he's achieved one tenth of his journey (270 miles out of 2700 miles). He's driven for 5 hours so far (average speed 54 mph - sounds a lot! Have I counted right? Includes a 20 minute stop . . . )

[G-CPTN]

He's just got moving . . .
Fair covering of snow.

[G-CPTN]

Truck stop 08.20 local
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.9403601&lon=-80.5862617&z=16&l=0&m=h&v=2
Rolling again 08.44 local - snowing . . .

[G-CPTN]

127 miles in 2 hours - average 60 mph - not bad . . .
Not much traffic about now, also snowing heavier now.

[G-CPTN]

Another truck stop:-
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.4899992&lon=-83.3683777&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2
550 miles done - 2100 left

[G-CPTN]

He's just stopped.
Was the previous fix 'anticipated'?

[G-CPTN]

Rolling again.

[G-CPTN]

He's just cleared the Ohio toll road and is heading for a truck stop.

[G-CPTN]

That was a quick stop. Seems he breaks every two hours. Heading for Chicago now.

[G-CPTN]

Still going . . .

[G-CPTN]

He's just stopped for fuel.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.3961274&lon=-89.4307709&z=12&l=0&m=a&v=2
Rolling again 22.47 - parking up

880 miles so far (from Malaga) 1820 to go.

[G-CPTN]

11 hours driving today - 600 miles - 55 mph - good going!
He could reach his goal in 3 more days . . .

[Western SMT]

Davenport weather forecast -

Cloudy with light snow likely early in the morning...Then mostly cloudy.
Areas of blowing snow in the late morning and early afternoon.
Little or no snow accumulation.
High around 11.
Temperature steady or slowly falling in the afternoon.
Northeast wind 10 to 20 mph increasing to northwest 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon.
Chance of snow 70 percent. Wind chill readings to 22 below.


Omaha weather -
Temperatures falling to zero to 5 above by late afternoon.
North winds 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Chance of snow, 20 percent.
Wind chill values 15 below to 25 below zero in the afternoon.

[G-CPTN]

Still square-wheeled with snow obliterating the windscreen (again). 08.00 local (GMT -6 hrs)

[Energumen]

Hi G-CPTN, please do not book any holidays for 2009, until you have mailed Steve, and asked if you can ride shotgun with him for two weeks.

I am thinking that that would be your perfect holiday.

[G-CPTN]

I'm intrigued to learn about this type of operation. I suppose many of you here will have done similar work. I drove down to the southern tip of Italy but only carried concrete blocks (and brought them back).
He's just cleared the windscreen again.

[G-CPTN]

Rolling 09.20 local - plenty of snow . . .
He seems to be refuelling (again)?
Pick-up truck ploughing the parking lot.

[Western SMT]

The Laptop he uses is the Toshiba Satellite P205. 1.85GHz, 2GB RAM, 32-bit Windows Vista. Cobra 400 Watt Power Inverter to power the laptop from the truck's 12VDC system.

The web camera in use is the Logitec Orbit AF.

The Mobile Internet provider used is Sprint Broadband Access Plan.

Sprint Compass 597 USB Modem.

The Modem is also connected to a Wilson Cellular Truck Antenna to help give a better range.

The webcam video is processed by Windows Media Encoder 9 then uploaded to Camstreams.

Above from BigRigSteve website

[Energumen]

That all sounds very technical and expensive. Have you uploaded any of yours to the site?.

[G-CPTN]

I've seen folk with laptops (and digital cameras) 'spotting' near airports.
I know that some mobile 'phones can access the internet, but how does a laptop get connected (and are the costs similar to having a mobile 'phone running all the time)?

Sure looks purdy (with all that snow) . . .

[Western SMT]

Sprint Broadband as used by Steve -

Who can benefit from Sprint Mobile Broadband service?.
The clear winners are businessmen who travel a lot, whether it's flying in and out of airports or driving around the city while on-call. A mobile Internet service allows these people to continue to be productive, enjoying the benefits of a virtual office wherever they go.

[G-CPTN]

He's stopped - looks cold . . .

[Western SMT]

Trucker talk from BigRigSteve -

http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/5118352_GFHMd

[G-CPTN]

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.681118&lon=-93.139343&z=15&l=0&m=h&v=2
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.681118&lon=-93.139343&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2


Do they still use CB radios?

Weather for Newton, IA, USA
-15°C
Current: Haze
Wind: N at 18 mph
Humidity: 78%
Wed
Chance of Snow
-16°C | -27°C


Wonder what this is:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.6974017&lon=-93.2424957&z=18&l=0&m=h&v=2

[G-CPTN]

Seeing the wide expanse of flat snow reminds me that I did antilock-brake trials on a special low-mu (0.1) surface with a 38 ton 6x4 rigid and 4 wheel drawbar trailer.

He's rolling again.

[Western SMT]

Requirements to operate a big rig in the USA -

http://www.mifotowa.com/Trucking-And-Big-Rigs/the-requirements-to-operate-a-big-rig-in-the-united-states.php

Differences between Owner and Company driver -

http://www.mifotowa.com/Trucking-And-Big-Rigs/the-differences-between-owner-operators-and-company-drivers.php

[G-CPTN]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska

[G-CPTN]

Passing Omaha . . .

Sunset.

950 miles to go (to destination) and he can drive another three hours today if he wants to . . .

370 miles so far today.



.

[G-CPTN]

Off-highway (in a city) truck-stop.

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.8683531&lon=-97.5894928&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2
Extra 105 miles - 475 total today - not bad considering the weather.
845 to go - too far for one day, but he should make it on Friday . . .

[BigRigSteve]

:) Well, I got an email today that asked me to check out this forum, and possibly answer some questions. LOL I have read ALL the posts.

First, it made me laugh and cringe at what I read. LOL Not sure if it is a good thing to be talked about or not. LOL

At any rate, I will do my best to help answer questions best as I can.

Things that come to mind are: "He sure can't reverse"! LOL. Well, sure I can. What you folks don't see is what is behind me. I have doors to line up with that has all of 6 inches varience either way. In snow, there are no markings to help guide me in. Another issue is the other day while in New Jersey, the docks I backed into had metal plates sticking out that if you hit, or even off a little bit, they will tear the insulation on the doors. Also, keep in mind, I have a big sleeper, and the truck is 72 feet long bumper to bumper, so in order to get in perfect alignment, I have to approach at an angle. Alot of the woring space I have to back up in is shorter than the length of the truck and trailer itself. :( The other guy you saw back up easily??? Could it have been the yard dog? They have very short tractors, and have twice the steering ability than I do since all they do is move trailers and they are not street legal.

But then, sometimes, I DO have trouble backing up. LOL. Nobody (not me anyway) is perfect. Sometimes I win, othertimes I lose. LOL. As long as I dont get into an accident or damage the truck, trailer, cargo, etc, I figure it is a good day. LOL

Ok, on to the good stuff. I do NOT run every available hour that i can legally drive. It is not a race. If I do get to a receiver early....I just end up sitting. Every shipper and receiver operates to a strict appointment. That is why you see me sitting sometimes and not driving. MOST of them will not load or unload you early at all. LOL

Don't forget the time difference between us and you as well. I perfer to drive during the day so I can see more and be safer than run at night when the drunks, animals, etc are out.

Not every place is a drop and hook. Most are live loading/unloading. Some places I can be in and out in 2 hours or so. Other times, I have sat there for as long as 23 hours!!!

I have to get fuel where my dispatch tells me to. Sometimes that means 1-2 times in a single day. The computer tells me which stations are the lowest prices for fuel.

I am a company driver, and this is a company tractor.

I haul freezer loads. produce, etc.

I agree, the US drivers rules can get confusing at times. LOL.

Basically, I cannot drive more than 11 hours in any day.
I cannot drive AT ALL after my 14th hours since the start of the day.
I must get 10 hours total rest. 8 of which must be continous sleeper berth.
I cannot work on duty and/or drive more than 70 hours in a rolling 8 day period.

Hope this answered or explained some stuff. I will check back tomorrow and see what else I can offer in the way of help.

[BigRigSteve]

Passing Omaha . . .

Sunset.

950 miles to go (to destination) and he can drive another three hours today if he wants to . . .

370 miles so far today.



.

??? LOL I stopped for the night just West of Omaha, NE (York, Nebraska) and show I have logged 479 miles for today. Yep, 3 hours driving available today.....but I fought snow and ice just about all day. Plus, why burn up all my available hours early? LOL. That means I would run into using up all 70 hours in 8 days and then cheat myself out of another trip after I deliver this one. LOL :)

[BigRigSteve]

Still square-wheeled with snow obliterating the windscreen (again). 08.00 local (GMT -6 hrs)

LOL I cracked up when I read this one. LOL Sometimes I do have to get some sleep. LOL I cant run the wipers all night to keep the windshield clear. LOL. I knew it would snow, but dnot think it would snow that much. :)

Speaking of which......I saw another previous post about me not using wipers.....I do. Because the speed of the camera framerate is slow, and when I am in dialup areas, the wipers move faster than what the camera can catch. -OR- In case of extreme cold and ice, the windshield may ice up at the bottom right where I have the camera mounted. I do try to keep the camera area clear for folks.....but you can be rest assured, I DO use wipers when needed, and DO NOT drive with iced up windshield, etc. :)

[BigRigSteve]

I've seen folk with laptops (and digital cameras) 'spotting' near airports.
I know that some mobile 'phones can access the internet, but how does a laptop get connected (and are the costs similar to having a mobile 'phone running all the time)?

Sure looks purdy (with all that snow) . . .

Looks purdy....but crappy to drive in. LOL

I have a flat rate mobile internet connection. I can stream all I want for $69.00/month. The laptop is connected via a USB modem. I do not use the cell phone for anything computer related.

[coastie]

Thanks for your comments, BigRigSteve, they are very interesting.

Any chance of some photos of the inside of your sleepercab please?

[BigRigSteve]

Do they still use CB radios?

Wonder what this is:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.6974017&lon=-93.2424957&z=18&l=0&m=h&v=2

Yup, some of us still do use CB radios. It is a good way to get information about weather, traffic, road closures, accidents, etc from drivers ccoming from the places you are about to head into....:)

I checked out that link above....and it sure looks like a steel/auto/scrap metal recycle yard. :0 Best guess anyway.

[BigRigSteve]

Thanks for your comments, BigRigSteve, they are very interesting.

Any chance of some photos of the inside of your sleepercab please?

Howdy Coastie-

Well, I have none of the interior....but it seems to be a constant request from folks all over the world. LOL Not sure why the incredible interest....LOL, but I will take some, and let the world see "behind the scenes of BigRigTravels".

Just give me a few days....Deal? :)

[coastie]

Howdy Coastie-

Well, I have none of the interior....but it seems to be a constant request from folks all over the world. LOL Not sure why the incredible interest....LOL, but I will take some, and let the world see "behind the scenes of BigRigTravels".

Just give me a few days....Deal? :)


Hi BigRigSteve.

Absolutely! At your conveniance, Sir! Whenever you can spare the time. I think a few of us are curious (I know I am) as to how things fit out in there. Is it cramped, is there plenty of space??

:)

[BigRigSteve]

Dangit!

Just noticed that there is an "I" missing from bIg. LOL. Wonder how the heck I can fix that. Anybody know?

[coastie]

If you P.M. Ian, he can change it for you, or he may read what you have posted and change it anyway, but I'd be tempted to P.M. him. I think it's a "staff only" thing.

You could also try G6 UXU!

[Ian]

Done thanks to Andy (admin)

A warm welcome to the forum BigRigSteve, from the staff at Truck and Bus

Ian

[G-CPTN]

High there, BigRigSteve - and thanks for the responses.
Many of us here are old crusties who no longer drive for a living, so we are interested in current conditions. Also, most of us are (or were) UK-based and your operation is interesting. I've never been to the US (and I'm unlikely to) and by following your travels I'm learning about your Country.

Reversing (or backing-up) - I'm no expert and I usually drove flatbeds rather than containers and our tractors were much shorter than yours. I had drivers that were very good at reverse parking and I see delivery drivers (such as fuel tankers and supermarket deliverers) who do it several times a day that can seemingly do it instinctively. I admire that (and, of course the 'yard dog' has no excuse for messing up).

I note that you are a company driver, so you've got someone looking over your shoulder as well as 'holding your hand' and carrying the operating costs. I wondered about trailers (if you were an owner-driver) but I guess that that's not your worry. Are they company-owned - or are you moving third-party trailers?

What load is so important that it needs moving from New Jersey to Utah? Would it not be 'better' to send it by rail?

How is your sleep-cabin heated? Do you have to run the main motor? If so, does this happen automatically?

Cat or Cummins? What size?
What is your current gross weight? (I saw you catching another rig on upgrades but losing it on the downgrades.)

What speed do you choose to cruise at (given good road conditions)? I see many rigs passing you 'easily' (here all heavy trucks are fitted with speed limiters so tend to 'follow-my-leader' - or run side-by-side trying to pass - though higher-powered rigs can overtake heavily-laden slower trucks).

[Ian]

My Wife asks "Any chance of photos of TK?"

Cheers

Ian

[Western SMT]

TK pics from his gallery, one of four pages -

http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/4200557_QfFPF

[G-CPTN]

Rolling . . .
No snow.
08.40 local soon to be 07.40 when he crosses the 'time' line.
Refuelling. Wonder how much he can carry (and how long it lasts)?

[Ian]

Thanks a lot Western SMT

Cheers

Ian

[G-CPTN]

Just stopping.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.692158&lon=-99.3820667&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2
Off again 10.45 local
758 miles to go . . .

[G-CPTN]

Sleeting - pulled into truckstop. 13.20 (or maybe 12.20) local.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.017211&lon=-102.22229&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2
Julesburg is GMT -7 hours

600 miles to go to Corinne.

[G-CPTN]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/GroupCaptain/BigRig02.jpg

[G-CPTN]

Stopped for fuel

[G-CPTN]

350 miles to go:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.7231876&lon=-106.5061426&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2
Home run:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.2654206&lon=-109.5941162&z=8&l=0&m=h&v=1

Sunset:-

[G-CPTN]

Stupendous terrain!:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.7416026&lon=-106.8269348&z=10&l=0&m=h&v=2

[G-CPTN]

He's calling it a day (312 miles tomorrow).
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.799983&lon=-107.215576&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2

Well done, Steve . . .

[BigRigSteve]

My Wife asks "Any chance of photos of TK?"

Cheers

Ian

You can find all the pics and info on both TK and myself here:

http://bigrigtravels.smugmug.com/Additional%20Galleries/610073

[BigRigSteve]

Rolling . . .
No snow.
08.40 local soon to be 07.40 when he crosses the 'time' line.
Refuelling. Wonder how much he can carry (and how long it lasts)?

I have TWO 100 gallon tanks.

Lasts easily 1,000 miles. I get anywhere from 6.0 - 7.5 MPG

[BigRigSteve]

I note that you are a company driver, so you've got someone looking over your shoulder as well as 'holding your hand' and carrying the operating costs. I wondered about trailers (if you were an owner-driver) but I guess that that's not your worry. Are they company-owned - or are you moving third-party trailers?

What load is so important that it needs moving from New Jersey to Utah? Would it not be 'better' to send it by rail?

How is your sleep-cabin heated? Do you have to run the main motor? If so, does this happen automatically?

Cat or Cummins? What size?
What is your current gross weight? (I saw you catching another rig on upgrades but losing it on the downgrades.)

What speed do you choose to cruise at (given good road conditions)? I see many rigs passing you 'easily' (here all heavy trucks are fitted with speed limiters so tend to 'follow-my-leader' - or run side-by-side trying to pass - though higher-powered rigs can overtake heavily-laden slower trucks).

Yes, I am a company driver. I find it hassle-free to drive, and they pay me. End of deal. Anything wrong with truck is at their expense. If I do have a breakdown, they pay for hotel, daily layover pay, etc.

The company I drive for has 1800+ drivers. 25% are owner-operators....the rest are company drivers. The company has over 3000 trailers scattered throughout the country.

I haul frozen food stuff 99% of the time, and I haul what is known as "JIT" (Just in Time)...meaning it cant go by rail. From the factories/plants to the stores is less than a week, usually a day before they need it on the store shelves. Rail movements are usually reserved for autos, and other not time sensitive stuff.

I have a Volvo VN670, 2008, with a Volvo engine. The speed limiter is set at 62MPH. The national speed limit is usually 65, but a handful of states require trucks to run no faster than 55MPH.

Current Gross currently is: 77,640 pounds.

The tractor is equipped with an emergency heater. Runs directly off fuel in the tank, and comsumes just ONE gallon for every 20 hours of use. It really puts out the heat, let me tell you. A small fan runs off the batteries. The truck is also equipped with an automatic sensor that when the batteries go low....the truck starts and charges the batteries ONLY. That is also good for keeping oil/engine warm during the cold winters.

[BigRigSteve]

A few more tidbits....

We have an onboard computer that dispatch talks to me with. Only time I hear from them is to deliver new load information, etc. LOVE IT. There is no slip-seating. The truck they issue me is mine to use until the truck reaches 500,000 miles in which they give me a brand new truck. :)

No hand-holding here. They give me load info, and it is up to me to pickup and deliver on time.

[G-CPTN]

Thanks for that, Steve.
It must have been great doing the final bit today after the flat bits over the previous two days.

I certainly enjoyed driving through the Alps (Europe).

[BigRigSteve]

Thanks for that, Steve.
It must have been great doing the final bit today after the flat bits over the previous two days.

I certainly enjoyed driving through the Alps (Europe).

As I roll through IH84 tomorrow, you will see some of the Utah Wasatch Mountains. Pretty nice as long as the weather is not bad. LOL You can see alot of the Wasatch Mountains and Utah things....INCLUDING where I am going....Corinne, Utah

here:

http://www.bigrigtravels.smugmug.com/UTAH

[Energumen]

Hi Big Rig Steve, a very warm welcome to our forum. It is a priviledge to have enjoyed your videos, and beautiful pictures, not to mention the heart warming story of the cat. I am not a cat person, but human compassion?, well that's another story.

Hi Ian and G-CPTN, thanks for updates and presumably introducing Steve.

[Western SMT]

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Steve and welcome to the forum.

What is the security at these truck stops like?
Do you pay tolls using an ‘E Z Pass’ transponder?
We understand there is no federal road tax in the USA but all states levy an annual registration fee, which varies considerably from state to state – could you tell us how it works and what plates you have for a truck like yours running interstate?


Two links to help us

Photo of Steve and his Volvo VN670
http://bigrigtravels.smugmug.com/gallery/4202801_iW5Xv

Volvo VN670 info
http://www.volvo.com/trucks/na/en-us/products/vn/vn670/vn670.htm


G-CPTN, have tried to grab a screenshot of bigrigtravels and always ended up with a blank screen, you have succeeded so how is it done?

[G-CPTN]

I press Prt Sc (Print Screen) then open Paint (Start, Programs, Accessories, Paint) then Edit, Paste, Select, Cut, New, Paste, Save as. Open 'Where is BigRigSteve?', Post Reply, (Quick Reply, Go Advanced), Attachment, Browse, Open, Submit Reply, etc etc . . .
Savvy?

[G-CPTN]

Steve adding oil before he set off 10 minutes ago (stunning scenery promised today):-

[G-CPTN]

Truck stop (refuelling?)

[G-CPTN]

30 minutes ago (174 miles to go):- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.553811&lon=-109.703979&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2
11.17 local, so he should make it by tea-time.

[Energumen]

This is a world away from driving in this country, metaphorically as well as literally.

[G-CPTN]

Time out to enjoy the view.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.1360032&lon=-111.860733&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2
45 miles to go . . .

[BigRigSteve]

Well, hope ya got to see some of the scenery today. LOL. Everytime I looked, I have maxed out the camera viewers at 58 almost the whole time! I have arrived just 5 miles from where I deliver...but the appt is for 1800 local, and they wont let you check in earlier than 1 hour....so I will sit here until 1645 or so....

Man, glad I have all these viewers....but I gotta find a way to allow more viewers to access the truckcam! The next level would cost me $600/mpnth, and that is WAY out of my budget range for a hobby. lol

[Western SMT]

I press Prt Sc (Print Screen) then open Paint (Start, Programs, Accessories, Paint) then Edit, Paste, Select, Cut, New, Paste, Save as. Open 'Where is BigRigSteve?', Post Reply, (Quick Reply, Go Advanced), Attachment, Browse, Open, Submit Reply, etc etc . . .
Savvy?

That was the way I was trying it (XP job) but the image from bigrigsteve either doesn't show (too slow in opening paint) or disappears soon after I paste it in paint, if your quick you can get further and even managed to save it once but it still reverts to a blank soon after.
The rest of the screen grab is fine.
Is it Norton removing the image?

[G-CPTN]

Last stop?
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.541478&lon=-112.038574&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2

[BigRigSteve]

Last stop?
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.541478&lon=-112.038574&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2

Still have to deliver in a few hours....but then will find a place to camp out for the night, then begin the next trip in the morning! :)

[G-CPTN]

That was the way I was trying it (XP job) but the image from bigrigsteve either doesn't show (too slow in opening paint) or disappears soon after I paste it in paint, if your quick you can get further and even managed to save it once but it still reverts to a blank soon after.
The rest of the screen grab is fine.
Is it Norton removing the image?

Dunno, mate - I are Injunear . . .

Corinne:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.5515629&lon=-112.1111441&z=14&l=0&m=h

Thanks for letting us ride along with you, Steve.
We old folk could maybe manage a few cents (or even a dollar) per month, but 600 is just beyond us I'm afraid . . .
Maybe you could sell some of your photos?

[BigRigSteve]

Thanks for letting us ride along with you, Steve.
We old folk could maybe manage a few cents (or even a dollar) per month, but 600 is just beyond us I'm afraid . . .
Maybe you could sell some of your photos?

LOL, I wasnt hinting at money. LOL

I figure for a free site (and free of advertisements) that 58 viewers is plenty! Maybe some sponsor will come along one day. Also, I am working on getting a secondary/overflow camera so a few more can see....but that is best as I can do for now. :)

[G-CPTN]

The United States of America has a wide spectrum of terrain, and we have seen the flatlands of Iowa and Nebraska and then the 'rockies' approaching Salt Lake City.
Here is a bit of prehistory:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Rock_Pass
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=42.3423053&lon=-112.0440674&z=9&l=0&m=h&v=2

[G-CPTN]

American Falls elevation 4357ft/1328m was the first town in the United States to be entirely moved from one place to another. This was done to facilitate construction of the nearby American Falls Dam.
Native Americans have inhabited this region for at least 10,000 years
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Falls_Dam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plat

[G-CPTN]

From Steve's webcam:-

[G-CPTN]

'Waking up' (cleaning the windscreen) though reception is intermittent.
08.27 local

[G-CPTN]

700 miles to go (to Omaha):- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.652393&lon=-108.500977&z=10&l=0&m=h&v=2

[G-CPTN]

Wamsutter Wyoming was originally settled as an outpost for the Sheep-herding business but later found it's true calling as a hydrocarbon production base. As you can see, the roads snake out from the center of town in all directions towards the small pads which contain, in most cases, natural gas exploration and production wells. These wells are primarily routed into a number of pipelines that head to California for their clean burning power production facilities, and housing among other things.
Wamsutter is also a truck stop community where many truckers get fuel and cheap food from the gas stations on the north side of the freeway which is technically not Wamsutter:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.6708923&lon=-107.9849625&z=12&l=0&m=s&v=1

[G-CPTN]

Almost halfway . . . (Corinne to Omaha)
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.133159&lon=-104.957886&z=10&l=0&m=h&v=2

[Western SMT]

Seen twice over the last week, Steve drives down a slip road and slowly drives under a gantry with a light system and rejoins the main road – is this a toll?

1 of 2 pages from BigRigSteve gallery – Road of Death
http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/6320711_9QZGC


1 of 8 pages from BigRigSteve gallery – USA Truck Show
http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/5763731_ADdjW/1

[Western SMT]

On the road early this morning.

[G-CPTN]

Dawn now breaking.

[Ian]

I take my hat off to you Steve, I have driven (a car) in Canada, and by the second week of arrow straight roads for mile after mile I was ready to slash my wrists.

Keep the shiny side up

Ian

[Western SMT]

Camstream info says Steve has 18 viewers at the moment.

[G-CPTN]

170 miles to go:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.706669&lon=-98.8357544&z=10&l=0&m=h&v=2

[BigRigSteve]

Morning fellas:)

Well, pulled into this truckstop for coffee, but 2 miles ago, the truck accelerated ts own, the speedometer went wild, and then the truck started making horrible vibration and loud noises. LOL

NOT GOOD.

Notified maintaince department, waiting on word back from them.

From the sounds and feel of things, this might be the end of the line for today. LOL

[G-CPTN]

Oh dear. Mighty Volvo gone cucumber! (sorry, that's a Scandinavian joke).

As a vehicle test engineer (retired) my first guess was inter-axle differential (if it was mechanical noise), but I'm not so sure.

Unintentional increase in speed / speedo going wild / vibration. Maybe it's engine-management / fuel?
Could've helped you more if it was a DDAD (Detroit Diesel).

[BigRigSteve]

Preliminary fact finding shows a broken leveler valve.....which supplies air to the tractorairbags. This makes the second one to be replaced for this truck. lol.

ok....update from dispatch.....since I cant move the valve arm to manually inflate airbags.....

transmission syncros have frozen. Truck gets towed to volvo dealer. :(

OUT OF SERVICE until I get fixed....but will still have the camera on as much as possible. :)

Sorry fellas.

[G-CPTN]

Will they uncouple (and what happens to the produce in your trailer)?
How far to the dealer?

Unusual symptoms for such a seemingly unrelated part failure.

I guess it's a locally (ie US) designed and manufactured part rather than a Swedish bit.
How many vehicle miles?

[BigRigSteve]

Yes, the trailer is now dropped, and I will wait until another driver comes and gets it. The load will be saved since delivery is not until tomorrow morning. :)

Nebraska is a split tow state. That means they cant tow me and a trailer....so I will be bobtail-towed to the volvo dealer in Salina, Kansas. 160 miles south of here.

The synchro "doohicks" in the transmission froze up, so down for the count. LOL.

This a 2008 Volvo VN 670, and it has 226,000 miles on it. I have not been impressed with Volvo at all. I have been in the shop many times for everything ya can imagine. I was in the shop for 10 days for electrical problems when the truck only had 6,000 miles on it, not even a month old!

Looks like another $$$ bonus gone for the quarter. :(

[coastie]

Sounds expensive as well.

Sorry to hear of your problems, Steve.

[BigRigSteve]

Well, thanks. Stuff hapens. LOL

This is exactly why I am a company driver, and not owner-operator.

Every expense is the company worry. LOL. The towing fee is $2/mile, and they pay all the stuff everytime something happens. But, truck is under warranty, so company is covered. We always turn trucks in and get a new one before 500,000 miles.

BTW, Coastie...I aint forgot about the inside truck pics....LOL, but had my hands full so far. LOL

[coastie]

Thanks Steve. As I said, at your convenience and whenever you're ready.

[BigRigSteve]

Such is the life of a trucker. LOL. Real time. Not edited. LOL

Folks that visit BigRigTravels get to see life on the road. Good, Bad, Ugly.

:)

:cool:

[G-CPTN]

at your convenience
So do you have any 'facilities' (apart from peeing in a bottle) in your cabin for when you are stuck out in the wilds?
Will the company pay board for you if you have to leave the truck for several days?
What happens with 'puss'?

[BigRigSteve]

Ya think I am a movie star? LOL

Ya do what ya need to survive. LOL

If I sit at a dealer, I get to bum around and take pics of stuff nearby, or take a taxi to places, etc. They usually have a lounge since truck dealers understand that people live in their trucks. If the repairs take days, and the dealer is not open at night, they will usually push the truck outside so folks can sleep in it. I have never heard of a dealer being all alone in the wilds. LOL Usually there are restraunts nearby, or truckstop, etc.

If it came down to it (like when dealer had truck for 10 days) the company paid for hotel. Heck, In Arizona two years ago, i was in a 5 star hotel for 3 days! NICE hotel. LOL. Cat can stay in the truck, but I do visit, feed, etc....so not like she is alone. LOL

If I had/get a motel that allows pets, then she would come with me.

Pretty much gotta take things, and see what options are available, and what I can do, where it is, etc.

I will keep ya'll posted on what is going on. :)

BTW, this is kinda cool...:) I actually got folks who are a part of me ....many miles away. LOL :)

[coastie]

Oh, we're all rootin' for you Steve and hoping you're not off the road for too long.:)

[G-CPTN]

Thanks. We enjoy having you aboard.
As I've said, many of us are 'has-beens' rather than still truckin' . . .

(Hey, folks we got us a real live Yank - hope that's not offensive to you, Steve.)

[coastie]

Sadly, I'm not even a has been, I've only ever driven one tractor unit and that, strangely enough, was a Volvo.

[Ian]

Hi Steve
Not fond of the Volvo, .......so what Unit would you like?

Ian

[G-CPTN]

I have not been impressed with Volvo at all.

I guess you have to separate 'Volvo' from 'White' as I suppose much of the truck relates to US-designed-and-sourced parts. I'm not suggesting that Volvos don't break.

Are there any Mercedes trucks in the US?

[dmackay]

Thinking about you in the north of Scotland Steve :)

[G-CPTN]

.....since I cant move the valve arm to manually inflate airbags.....
transmission syncros have frozen. Truck gets towed to volvo dealer. :(

I was puzzled by Steve's predicament - how come that failure of an air-valve could disable the truck?
Frozen synchros? He'd been driving FFS so the transmission could hardly be cold. Then I realised that by frozen he meant seized. So how did the synchros get screwed whilst driving along a freeway?
The answer is that the transmission is automated-shift which needs air to operate the shifters. Air that is leaking via the faulty air-suspension valve . . .

Driving without air-suspension isn't impossible (apart from a rough ride) and driving without synchros isn't impossible - but shifting an automated-shift gearbox without air isn't possible.

However, I believe that any breakdown-mechanic could isolate the air-suspension valve and restore air to the transmission to enable delivery of the load to Omaha . . .

Just my opinion.

Mind you, I've spent years dealing with broken trucks and more years designing air systems or trucks (including gearboxes).

[G-CPTN]

Buggah - it's gone now!

I've seen several of these white 'estate cars' passing Steve (usually only slightly faster). Not a 'van' or SUV.

[G-CPTN]

I believe that any breakdown-mechanic could isolate the air-suspension valve and restore air to the transmission

Of course the air problem could be caused by the transmission shifters (or, indeed, neither . . .) It might be just a split pipe.

The brakes will be 'protected' to provide at least secondary performance continuously (unless the compressor supply fails, then the spring-brakes would be available but couldn't be released of course). Auxiliaries (such as air-suspension and transmission controls) will 'fail' first.

[G-CPTN]

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=38.8719573&lon=-97.6113367&z=15&l=0&m=m&v=2

Edited to add that it wasn't necessary to haul Steve's truck down to Kansas. Guys - imagine being 160 miles from your nearest approved dealer (though I suppose some of you doing Eastern Europe in British trucks ran the gauntlet). I've also forgotten those of you in Haggisland.
When we did our test runs 'overseas' (Rovaniemi, Reggio di Calabria (Southern Italy) and Marrakech) we took our own fitters (and spares - though we did have to fly out a DDAD starter motor to Reggio - carried as excess baggage!).

[G-CPTN]

Webcam running again - don't know whether the truck is fixed or whether it's waiting for parts.

[BigRigSteve]

ok. well, If folks (OTRM) had listened to me, we could have had this fixed lastnight!

Ok, replaced the valve, synchros did not freeze up as they kept telling me. LOL.

Guess what? I even had time to clean up and make a gallery if inside the truck!

http://bigrigtravels.smugmug.com/gallery/7144821_3En8J/1/458416214_AXcxX/Medium

And ya think I would drive an automatic truck??? Even worse, ya think I am a YANK? LOL LOL LOL Though ya'll was my buds.

Folks who dirvie trucks with an automatic are not truckers....but rather, "steering wheel holders" only. <G>

Texas ain't a Yankee state. LOL <G> :)

[BigRigSteve]

Buggah - it's gone now!

I've seen several of these white 'estate cars' passing Steve (usually only slightly faster). Not a 'van' or SUV.

That looks like the generic Ford mini van

[BigRigSteve]

Thinking about you in the north of Scotland Steve :)

Thank ya:) I have gotten more than a few emails expressing the same. Greatly appreciate thoughts:)

[G-CPTN]

Glad you're getting sorted.
I suppose without auxiliary air you had a lazy clutch (ours used to be drybollock with air-servo-assist) and without assist you couldn't get full pedal travel so you dragged gears. Of course, once you were rolling who needed the clutch anyway?
Sorry about the slur(s). When I looked at the Volvo spec it seemed to be automated shift or nothing (and to us Limeys you're all Yanks - no offence meant). :)

Just seen that you're rolling again.

[Western SMT]

Texas ain't a Yankee state. LOL <G> :)

Term - Yankee

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee#In_the_United_States

[Ian]

Hi Steve
Have you had a tow to the dealership or are you still at the truck stop and when do you expect to be on the move again?

Keep the shiny side up

cheers
Ian

[Energumen]

On the Move

[Western SMT]

Many thanks for the photos of the inside of your cab - much appreciated.

[G-CPTN]

Many thanks for the photos of the inside of your cab - much appreciated.
Indeed! I particularly like #6 (TK on her(?) perch). (S)he's a very striking-looking cat (more than 'pretty').
Although not spacious you seem to have the essentials for survival - hell, you could even live in there. You have to restrict your possessions though . . .

Do you have a microwave oven? I read that some have fridges as well.

What you have seems to be what we would call a sleeper cab. What do you call those that have a small condo behind the cab? Our length restrictions tend to discourage such things.

[G-CPTN]

Folks who drive trucks with an automatic are not truckers....but rather, "steering wheel holders" only. <G>
I wasn't referring to 'fully' automatic (though I have driven an Allison - DDAD 8V-71 38 ton 6x4 plus drawbar - great fun, especially on skidpans), but automated shift.
Anyway in my time all big trucks were crash-boxes - synchromesh was for little local delivery trucks only. :D

[G-CPTN]

Omaha? :confused:

[Western SMT]

BigRigSteve out of action again, more problems and truck at dealer in Omaha.

[Energumen]

I really think G-CPTN, must take a quick couple of weeks holiday, riding with Steve, he would absolutely love it, and from the events of the last couple of days, I believe the truck mechanicals could use his expertise.

This is not sarcasm, I am genuinely impressed with his development and research expertise, not to mention his and Bobjork's language skills.

Well done G-CPTN.


Good luck Steve.

[G-CPTN]

No room in the cab . . .

[Energumen]

That reminds me of a 2000 + year old traveller's story.

[G-CPTN]

Still offline . . .

[coastie]

Wagon still being repaired perhaps?

[G-CPTN]

Update: 01/23/09 Still Being Repaired - Omaha, Nebraska.

[Energumen]

Hi G-CPTN, dare you to fax them and urge them to get our Steve back on the road for his international fan club.



http://www.trucktrend.com/truck_dealers/03/volvo/nebraska/omaha/index.html

[G-CPTN]

Wrong size dealer - cars and pickups only there.

http://net.volvoce.com/vtnalocator/(i4z4e055tuothe45jiphxde2)/Maps/DealerMap.aspx?did=5451D

[Energumen]

Hi G-Cptn, damn, that is the one I had originally, but followed a link looking for e mail address and it must have taken me to the van dealer.

[BigRigSteve]

REPLACEMENT title: Still getting truck worked on...

What they know so far is the brain boxes/computers were sending false signals and warnings to multiple sensors.

They replaced actual brain boxes, but problem persisted. They assume and are chasing shorted or damaged wiring in the harnesses.

No exact date of release yet.

I saw some questions earlier about plates, etc.....

We have ONE license plate for the truck. BUT, I have a book of permits for every state. alcohol permits, interstate, bridge, and a million other permits. LOL.

Half of the East coast works on Toll roads/bridges. They take (and I have) EZ Pass. Some states use toll booths, others have autoreaders hidden above the road in/under signs.

Speed limits vary widely between states. Some states are 55/trucks, 65 cars. others 65, and in Texas/AZ/NM the speeds are 75. Also WY/MT in some places.

We have electronic logging, but others use paper logs still.

Just because the state speed limit says one thing,MOST other truckers speed with as fast as they can get away with....

Hope this answered some more questions fer ya:)

[G-CPTN]

Thanks for the update (and answers).
It's frustrating when the problems seem to be the control electronics rather than the basic units themselves. Oh for a return to simpler systems . . .
What are the symptoms?

[Western SMT]

Many thanks BigRigSteve for the answers and for keeping us updated on your problem.

[BigRigSteve]

When ya mash the gas pedal, it accelerates hard, and keeps going. we reached 79 before i hit the brakes, then it slows way down sluggish, so ya hit the gas even slightly, and it speeds back up on its own, ya dont even have to touch the gas pedal.

The speedometer pegs on both end back and forth, also get low air warnings (even tho GOOD air presure is there) I get low coolant alarms/truck shuts down, and the dash goes blank and blinks. LOl. NOT a good sign(s) at all.

[G-CPTN]

Definitely gone cucumber . . .
Ya can't drive a machine that behaves like that.
Hope you're still gettin paid.

[BigRigSteve]

well, they (company) pays me a mechanical breakdown pay for each day, and they pay hotel. I rented a car so I can get out and about, and have been taking lots of pictures of Omaha and Council Bluffs area...

BUT, still getting ancy about driving again. I need to be on the road....<G>

[G-CPTN]

Steve's truck is a VN670:- http://www.capitolmack.com/Sales/VolvoTrucksOverview/tabid/65/Default.aspx

[coastie]

When ya mash the gas pedal, it accelerates hard, and keeps going. we reached 79 before i hit the brakes, then it slows way down sluggish, so ya hit the gas even slightly, and it speeds back up on its own, ya dont even have to touch the gas pedal.

The speedometer pegs on both end back and forth, also get low air warnings (even tho GOOD air presure is there) I get low coolant alarms/truck shuts down, and the dash goes blank and blinks. LOl. NOT a good sign(s) at all.


Blimey! For a Volvo, you've got a right turkey there!!

[G-CPTN]

I suspect that the bits that are misbehaving aren't Swedish . . .

(Sorry, Steve)

[G-CPTN]

01/26/09 Truck still at dealer in Omaha, Nebraska.
That's today, 26th January folks . . . :(

[Western SMT]

Hi BigRigSteve

Look forward to your return and please tell us what they did to get you back on the road.

[G-CPTN]

As of 01/27/09, 1830CDT, Truck is back in my possession. :)
Truckcam will be back LIVE ASAP
Watch this space:- http://www.bigrigtravels.com/
Just approaching 5am in Omaha.

[G-CPTN]

Back online!

[Energumen]

Uh Oh, is that the Volvo dealers sign in the distance again?. 1618

[G-CPTN]

Steve got rolling @ 16.30 GMT (he was still parked up at the dealership when you saw the sign) then he drove about an hour to collect a load.
Omaha temperature -5 deg C

B&T (here) has been offline for a couple of hours . . .

[Western SMT]

He is on a 1137 mile trip this time with 52 viewers watching..

[Energumen]

Hi Gents, yes I saw him leave at 1630 and tried to up-date you but I found the site down as well, not for the first time. Maybe they close it for maintenance. At least I now know it is not a problem my end.

[Ian]

Just one point G-CPTN it's T&B (but I do find myself referring to B&T)
cheers
Ian

[G-CPTN]

Where I worked the division was known universally as Buck and Truss - and so it will always be thus to me. :D

[Ian]

........so your into spoonerisms (but don't try it with Robin Hood's men) :D
Ian

[G-CPTN]

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.6182015&lon=-90.7783127&z=16&l=0&m=s&v=2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_80

[G-CPTN]

200 miles to go . . .
(Steve should make it tonight - late)

[Energumen]

200 miles to go . . .
(Steve should make it tonight - late)

He is going well.

[Energumen]

........so your into spoonerisms (but don't try it with Robin Hood's men) :D
Ian


I do so hope you are not referring to a rather robust, man of the cloth. Ha ha

[G-CPTN]

100 miles (two hours) to go . . .

[G-CPTN]

5.30pm local, 32 miles left . . .
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=39.993956&lon=-76.70105&z=13&l=0&m=s&v=2

[G-CPTN]

Rush hour traffic!

[G-CPTN]

Steve has arrived (the hold-up was a minor shunt).
Well done that driver!

[G-CPTN]

Trailer swapped and on his way - but where?

[G-CPTN]

Looks like that's it for today - 7.30pm local. Nosh time . . .

[BigRigSteve]

You guys are funny:)

I had a change of trips right in the middle....I ended up dropping my trailer at a drop yard in Orient, Ohio. They had no empty trailer for me, so that is what I will do in the morning...get with dispatch to try and find me an empty trailer so I can get my next load.

The dealer found 14 loose wires in the main grounding block for the sensor control unit. Without grounds, alot of electrical problems can crop up. Been driving two days now, and the truck seems to be running PERFECT.

Biggest delay was waiting for my turn to be worked on. When I arrived last tuesday, there were 32 trucks ahead of mine. :(

BUT, all seems well now:)

[Energumen]

[QUOTE=BigRigSteve;3136]You guys are funny:)

IThe dealer found 14 loose wires in the main grounding block for the sensor control unit. Without grounds, alot of electrical problems can crop up.

Sounds to me as though some mystery person has been connecting up a load of ancillary electrical equipment.

Who Me?!, Me?, Me?, not me governor, everything on here is factory fitted.

When I recall back, I actually arranged for our local Auto Electric Contractor, to fit the lads radio and stereo equipment and charge it to the account. It worked out cheaper than having burned out systems replaced when they tried to do it themselves.

[G-CPTN]

The dealer found 14 loose wires in the main grounding block for the sensor control unit. Without grounds, a lot of electrical problems can crop up.
One ponders how such problems arise. Is it because someone has been 'dabbling' or because the original build was inadequate?

In one way it's good that the dealership was busy but frustrating that Steve had to wait.

[G-CPTN]

Starting to happen - new route:-
Cincinnati, OH - Denver, CO

[BigRigSteve]

The company I drive for has for years bought Volvos. In 2007 and 2008, more than HALF of the trucks were major electrical nightmares. In fact, the problem was so wide spread, for 2009, they bought KW's and PBs. I know another company here in the US that had problems with Volvo the last two years, and has gone to 100% PB.

Before this one, I drove a 2004 Volvo, and it had zero problems the whole 347,000 miles!

[G-CPTN]

Looks like downtown Cincinnati . . .

[G-CPTN]

Looks like he's been having difficulty finding his load. Fourth location so far . . .

[G-CPTN]

Mobile again at last.

[G-CPTN]

Time for tea.

[coastie]

Looks like downtown Cincinnati . . .

"And I can see them shining
Through the Willows and the Pines,
The lights of Cincinatti
Oh, so many miles behind,
I could build myself a new life
And make it on my own,
But the lights of Cincinnati
Will keep calling me back home."

[G-CPTN]

I'm not certain that Steve will share that thought . . .

[coastie]

Oh well, just a thought!! :-)

[BigRigSteve]

Looks like he's been having difficulty finding his load. Fourth location so far . . .

Did ya think I was lost? LOL

Some places, I go to the address given me which is usually the main shipper.

Sometimes they send me to one drop lot to get/drop a trailer.

Other times, I may have several drop yards to check.

Then there are times that the actual product I am picking up is stored in another location. LOL

Just all depends on how big the shipper is, how many points of distribution they have, etc. LOL

[BigRigSteve]

Time for tea.

TEA???

Um, ya sure ya dont mean BEER? <G>

I never heard of a trucker saying over the CB, "Heys let's go get some tea.". LOL :)

Just picking on ya:)

[G-CPTN]

I meant the meal served in the afternoon/early evening. It can be afternoon tea (cakes or something cold) or 'high' tea (something hot such as beans on toast).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_(meal)#Afternoon_tea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_(meal)#High_tea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_(meal)#Main_evening_meal

I didn't think that you were lost - just thought you were being given the run-around (like being sent to the stores for a long weight). :rolleyes:

[coastie]

Beans on toast, high tea?? Hmm!

[G-CPTN]

In our house, we had something like that - poached eggs, tinned spaghetti or sardines - always on toast to 'bulk it out'. I'm talking 1950s . . .

[BigRigSteve]

Beans on toast, high tea?? Hmm!

In my military days we had that...it was called Stuff on a Shingle....... oatmeal on toast. LOL

But Beans? <G>

I STILL get a chuckle whenever I read "The truck has gone "cucumber". LOL

Ya'll are teaching me new slang:)

[coastie]

In our house, we had something like that - poached eggs, tinned spaghetti or sardines - always on toast to 'bulk it out'. I'm talking 1950s . . .


Sorry G-CPTN, didn't mean to belittle anything or anyone.

[coastie]

In my military days we had that...it was called Stuff on a Shingle....... oatmeal on toast. LOL

But Beans? <G>

I STILL get a chuckle whenever I read "The truck has gone "cucumber". LOL

Ya'll are teaching me new slang:)

Or you could say it's gone buggerup!:D

[G-CPTN]

Rolling . . .
07.30 local.

[G-CPTN]

Queuing for fuel - must be cheap!

[coastie]

Guaranteed it's cheaper than here!!

[G-CPTN]

Time for a break.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=38.903858&lon=-91.488647&z=13&l=0&m=s&v=2
Future home of Ozark Mountain Brewery:- http://www.ozarkmountainbrewery.com/

[G-CPTN]

Kansas City - here (we) come!
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=38.967951&lon=-93.790283&z=8&l=0&m=h&v=2

[G-CPTN]

The scenery (well at least the weather) has changed.
Oklahoma has been having ice-storms, Chicago has had lots of snow. Yesterday Steve was in -5 deg C (with snow), but now it's +21 deg C!

[G-CPTN]

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=39.044786&lon=-96.536865&z=10&l=0&m=h&v=2
4pm local

[G-CPTN]

Early park-up?
Or just time for a snack?

[BigRigSteve]

Early park-up?
Or just time for a snack?

Early park up?

Ya crazy? LOL. I am at 10hrs 33 minutes, 601 miles for the day. The max I can drive is 11 hours, and the next truckstop is 70 miles away so, i stop here for the night.

Easy day tomorrow. I have about 450 or so miles to go, and this load does not deliver until 1130PM on Monday! :)

I will see about dropping in our yard in Denver tomorrow, and if I am lucky, get another load that heads me back on Monday morning instead.

Ya'll have fun riding with me today? :)

[G-CPTN]

Yes, I'm learning about your geography, climate (and truck 'parc' - that's not a spelling mistake, that's how we refer to what vehicles are being used).
I'm surprised how many full size big rigs there are (and how few shorter trucks) - though I realise you are mainly 'trunking'.

Perhaps you can tell us how you feed yourself?

[BigRigSteve]

Perhaps you can tell us how you feed yourself?

Feed Myself?

Well, I grab the bull by the horns and twist off a piece of beef for me to enoy....like the ol Texas Cowpokes used to do a few years back....

<dont ya hate smarty pants?> LOL

Well, can ya explain a little bit? Not sure I follow your question?

[G-CPTN]

Do you carry 'victuals' in your 'fridge and cook using a microwave oven or do you eat at roadside diners?
I understand that meals are much cheaper in the US than in the UK. UK truckers tend to economise by eating at transport cafes that serve fry-ups such as an all-day full english breakfast:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_breakfast (not many trucks have cooking facilities in their cabs). In consequence some truckers have 'unhealthy' diets that are high in cholesterol. Couple that with a sedate 'no-exercise' lifestyle and there is a tendency for many to be overweight (though maybe this is outdated now?).
Salads aren't popular . . . Steaks aren't cheap here.

A trucker came into a truck stop cafe and placed his order. He said, "I want three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards."
The brand new blonde waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, "This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards. What does he think this place is .. an auto parts store?"
"No," the cook said. "Three flat tires means three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up, and running boards are 2 slices of crisp bacon".
"Oh, OK!" said the blonde. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer.
The trucker asked, "What are the beans for, Blondie?"
She replied, "I thought while you were waiting for the flat tires, headlights and running boards, you might as well gas up.

http://www.ownerdrivers.org.uk/cafs.html
http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/truck_stops_transport_cafes_motorways.html
http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/cafelist.html
http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/

[Western SMT]

Visited Houston, New Orleans in the 1970's and steak with fried egg was a popular breakfast dish and no doubt the dohnut is still going strong.

[G-CPTN]

Kansas:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=38.843986&lon=-98.811035&z=13&l=0&m=s&v=2

[Energumen]

I meant the meal served in the afternoon/early evening. It can be afternoon tea (cakes or something cold) or 'high' tea (something hot such as beans on toast).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_(meal)#Afternoon_tea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_(meal)#High_tea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_(meal)#Main_evening_meal

I didn't think that you were lost - just thought you were being given the run-around (like being sent to the stores for a long weight). :rolleyes:

Oh dear, 'high tea'?, in my home, that would have been 'dinner' the main meal of the day on some days.

[G-CPTN]

Taking a short break to photograph the
historic town of Ellis, Kansas. Nice day for it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis,_Kansas
Walter P. Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corporation, grew up in Ellis. When he was 17, he began his career working in the railroad roundhouse, where he became a machinist's apprentice and developed his expertise for metal working and machinery.

[Energumen]

Well, for my fourpennyworth, I am sure Steve's pictures will prove, that 'Ell is' nothing like I imagined it.

Well, it is getting late and the mental impairment normally peaks about this time.Lol

[G-CPTN]

'bout 3 hours should see Steve in Denver - 24 (+6) hours ahead of schedule.

Life's better when your wheels go round . . .

(Anybody willing to add to the food debate? )

[G-CPTN]

Just now . . .

[G-CPTN]

17.00 local

[G-CPTN]

90 miles to go:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=39.257778&lon=-103.666992&z=13&l=0&m=h&v=2

[Western SMT]

Life's better when your wheels go round . . .

Anybody willing to add to the food debate?


Some USA truck stop menus

Annie’s truck stop menu
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/fat-annies-truck-stop/menus/main.html

Vidalia's Truck Stop
http://www.allmenus.com/ma/wellesley/151106-vidalias-truck-stop/menu/

Lucy’s
http://www.mightymiramichi.com/biz/Lucys/menu.asp

Wonder what the $1 'extra' is in the omlette

Latest exchange rate $1 = £0.69

[G-CPTN]

Rolling 07.55 local.

[G-CPTN]

Arrived in Denver, Colorado
Just waiting for late night appointment to deliver
(Lots of shunting activity to watch.)

[G-CPTN]

On the move:-
Denver, CO - Fort Morgan, Co - N. Baltimore, OH (1259 miles)
http://www.bigrigtravels.com/gallery/5887451_UGyaU

[Western SMT]

State by state anti idling rules

http://www.atri-online.org/research/idling/atri_idlingcompendium7_11_08.pdf

[Western SMT]

Steve is out photographing Fort Morgan, Colorado as load not ready.

[G-CPTN]

Ah! That explains things. Thanks.

[G-CPTN]

Night trunking . . .

[G-CPTN]

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.950863&lon=-102.359619&z=9&l=0&m=h&v=2

[G-CPTN]

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.10833&lon=-100.69519&z=9&l=0&m=h&v=2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Platte

[G-CPTN]

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.784701&lon=-97.888184&z=9&l=0&m=h&v=2

[G-CPTN]

Approaching half-way:- http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.545589&lon=-93.977051&z=9&l=0&m=h&v=2