farmer52

Also the fuel economy of a COE is not as good as a conventional (hood) truck.

I use Stanadyne Performance Formula.

That is what really bites. Grandpa and grandma (no offense anyone) can drive their motorhome and not worry about CDL, drug tests, HOS, and DOT. It does not make sense but then again we are dealing with the government. I only have one truck (the MH) but drive my personal vehicle over 30K miles per year. I am employed in a business that is not directly related to the trucking industry but DOT counts my time "in the office" as "on-duty not driving". I was told driving my personal vehicle does not count for HOS. I asked the DOT official if I could drive 12 hours in my personal vehicle and then get in a truck and drive legally? He said "yes".

I have farm plates on the truck and the fee is based on the empty weight (12,970#). The plates (~$220/yr) and insurance are very resonable. Farm plates are limited to 150 mile radius of home but that will get me out of the state. The plate looks like a normal vehicle. To be licensed in OH as a Historical vehicle it must be 25 years old (only 8 more years to go!). Of course I could run "bare" and hopefully the DOT would not notice. I decided today to put it up for sale. (Check the For Sale forum)

Previous employers - even though none of them are trucking related? Again, a bunch of BS. Sounds like BIG BLUE may have a FOR SALE sign in the window soon. Otherwise I will have to stay inside the Ohio border. At least I hope I can drive within the state without doing all this BS. So much for tractor shows (my tractors are in PA), Watts show, Lititz show, etc.

I am about ready to sell my truck. I received a letter earlier in September from the DOT asking me to schedule my initial DOT audit. I called the number several times and was finally able to talk to a person. I explained my operation (if you want to call it that) and that I am not for hire nor do I plan to be. I explained this is a hobby and I am planning to take my truck to shows and also plan to purchase a trailer to haul my tractors to shows. The DOT person agreed I was "not a motor carrier" but I still need to have all the "items" in order. The DOT person said I needed this if I ever get stopped for a road side inspection. I suggested "maybe you could issue a letter" explaining that I am exempt. The DOT person agreed with me but I could "feel" the "it will be a cold day in Hxxx" over the phone. The DOT person said they would "run it up the flag pole" and get back to me. That was over a week ago. This DOT stuff is a bunch of crap. I am required to have an employment application, a random drug test program, and my name plastered on the side of the truck. I understand the importance of operating and maintianing the truck for safe operation but is all this other stuff necessary for a private individual? It appears the DOT does not understand there are persons that do this for a hobby. Sorry for the rant.

You do not need SCR until January 1, 2010. Any engine built before that date only needs a DPF. The truck manufacturers are offering both before 2010 but you must pay the ~$8K premium (varies by company) for an SCR engine.

My suggestion is to call your Mack dealer or contact the Mack Museum. Good luck!

Greg - sorry to hear about your misfortune. I hope things work out for the best. Let me know if I can be of help. I too am short of free time. Brewster is not too far from me but in the other direction.

Are you talking about the Centri-Max filter? Did you change the Centri-Max filter and gasket? The Centri-Max filter is used to remove soot from the oil. Can you post a picture?

I heard a story when I worked at Mack that UPS did not want the bulldog on the hood. Mack said it was a handle so UPS decided to keep it (safety item). If you notice, UPS Mack trucks to not have the letters M-A-C-K on the grille.

Thanks Barry for the article and images. Somehow the Bulldog looks out of place!

I personally know Dave (the Mack SCR guy) and he IS DIE HARD MACK!!! Matter of fact I know several guys from Mack and they do not like having Volvo as their "leader".

Hey Rob, nice drill. You can come and practice on my frame anytime. I will even grill possum.

A fleet I know has been trying to order five (5) single axle Volvo tractors with sleeper. No can do says Volvo. He will probably go to Fruitliner (his other brand of truck). I suggested he look at a new Mack.

M as in MH?

Thanks Greg for the hospitality on Saturday. The A is a nice looking truck. I can tell Greg's priorities, the cars sit outside and the Mack sits inside the garage. Next time I will call ahead and maybe Rob will send some grilled possum. Is possum the "other" white meat? I bet you need a lot of "sauce".

I heard a story about no fuel gauge on Roadway trucks. The trucks ran from terminal to terminal and did not refuel in between. There was enough fuel to get the truck to the next terminal where it was refueled. So there was no need for a fuel gauge. They used air starters to eliminate batteries to save weight and additional maintenance. They also ran a small oil line from the engine to the fuel tank and burned the used oil. They only topped off the oil and changed the filters thus eliminating oil changes. Roadway trucks were all business with no frills.

Greg, Sorry to hear you will not be at Dover. I plan to be there bright and early Saturday morning and hope to be out by noon. I need to get "big blue" ready for the Watts show so I will be in your neighborhood on Saturday afternoon. If I have a few minutes I will try to stop by and say hello. Sunday the wife wants to go to the craft show in Columbiana. Too many things on my "to do" list and so little time. Take care!

I live in OH and just renewed my CDL in July. The BMV did not ask to see my medical card. It is interesting to learn how different each state is when it involves something that is to be commonized. Just like going through airport security, each airport is different.

Greg, Yes, the Dover show is one of the nicer shows in my opinion. I am planning to attend on Saturday morning (not bringing my MH). Will you have your truck? Let me know where you will be and I will plan to stop by and introduce myself. Are you planning to go to the Watts show the following Saturday?

Barry, I am still planning to attend and still have a lot of things I want to do before hand. I think I registered. I will need to get a trip permit and fuel sticker and USDOT number installed so I am legal. Is there a truck wash close to you just in case?

Welcome to the site. Where in PA are you? I am originally from the Altoona area.

Shell offers Rotella T in single grades but will be difficult to find. You will probably have to special order it from a Shell distributor.