When I worked for May, I specifically asked for a Volvo and got one. Since then, I have driven a 2005 Peterbilt 379 and in the 3 weeks before I left for my current job, I never once felt like it was big enough for me.

I'm about 6'6", still I had room to stand up and get dressed. But my cooler didn't fit behind the seat. I don't have a TV, so I never tried. I just had a bit of trouble getting situated in it. I expected to be comfortable and have things in their place within 7-10 days, but it never happened. Maybe it was my reluctance to be OTR again, but the truck was definitely small for me.

 

all the hype about petercars, sorry I like to be able to stand up when I get outta the pilot seat or walkin' to the front from the sleeper. a 63'' does not have enough storage let alone breathing space especially when it's your home-20 for 3 weeks at a time, I'm used to 70"/72" sleepers. otr that is the minimum to be comfortable. be safe

 

well I know in volvo's there is room for tv, cooler, etc..... what about these peterbilts? never been in any... do they have a place to put a 13 " tv/dvd player? or to put ur cooler?

 

They do cranky,if the sleeper is big enough.

If you get a 359 Pete that's 230 wheel base,with a Texas Bumper,lights on the bottom of the bumper,on the air cleaners,along the bottom of the sleeper,and 6" straights,with a 36" sleeper 8) ,you may not have much room. :P

 

I have been watching this thread very informative keep it up!

As for my preference for equipment I have driven all different kinds of truck from a Century, Classic, T2000 and a Pete 379. Definetly the Pete 379 with a 63" sleeper has the least room but for my 2 cents worth it is the best truck to drive. Since the 379 sits lower than the rest it is more stable in adverse weather conditions. I drove the T2000 through a winter storm and promptly asked for another truck. That thing is like 2 billboards, your trl and truck, with a wind tunnel between them. Very unstable.

I am in the truck to drive so that is the priority. I am 6'6" tall and the 379 does give you enough room to live. More room would be nice but driving for me is the priority.

 

My husband has a 2005 Peterbilt 379. He doesn't mind it because he was used to a flat top for our car carrier. However, he is having a problem with their system and is only hoping that it improves. As a I mentioned before he has 20+ years of driving. When he left orientation in Layton they sent him to ID to pick up his truck, then to Brooks, then to Phoenix, then to LA, and then to Mira Loma. He had been asking them to route him back to Las Vegas so he could load his "stuff" in the truck (bedding, etc.). Dispatcher said she would "try". She got him this load from Mira Loma going to Cheyenne WY and said it had a Sunday midnight delivery time. All well and good, BUT, when he left the yard a message came on saying that it was a priority load and that he had to go directly to drop. He called, dispatcher was gone, and the gal on duty didn't have any authority and told him to "just spend the night" at the yard and talk to his dispatcher in the morning. Mind you, it's 6 hrs to get home and he has just that time left that he can drive that day, spend two days at home and then leave Sat. A.M. which will get him there with "plenty" of time to spare. He was P---ed! I told him to get going and come home and to talk to dispatch Monday after he dropped the load. He was out of hours when he got home. They must have someone to talk to after hours. A company that size has to. Also, the Qual messages are over the top and I equated it to "Big Brother". I also told him that he should do what his dispatcher said and forget the Qual message. Anyway he is on his way. Not a good way to start with a new company. He is truly hoping that this is an isolated incident because he feels like the proverbial nameless cog in the wheel at this point and he isn't used to being treated so rudely. He has been exposed to the worst but knows how to run safely and smoothly. I hope someone can give him some positive feedback.

Iceman's Wife

 

Mrs. Iceman that whole thing sucks. Some companies will assign there new drivers a temp. dispatcher while they are on a probationary period, after that time they will assign the driver there permanent dispatcher. What this dispatcher did was wrong especially to there new hire, most dispatchers are wolves in sheeps clothing. You should look at what happened to your hubby as a blessing, most crappy dispatchers usually wait a couple of weeks then gradually start treating the driver like crap. I have drove for two companies and I had a bad dispatcher w/each co. it truly sounds like his lady disp. had her butt in a sling and she was using your hubby to get out of it plus she went home and didn't leave any directives w/night dispatch or your hubby Totally Irresponsible on her part she probably never asked, truly thanked or appoligized to your hubby. your hubby has to TELL may to assign him a new dispatcher now, and don't back down or take the crap. You may want to post this predictment under experienced drivers. I believe there answers will be similiar. good luck and be safe.

 

CB Richochet: Thanks for your opinion. My husband left this A.M. We talked about it and he decided to just drop the load and on Monday call his dispatcher and clear the air with her so to speak. What happened was wrong but let's just get past it, know what I mean? He was so disgusted he was ready to quit already. I convinced him to blow it off and talk to his dispatcher and take it from there. I could just imagine this gal on the other end of the line saying, "Oh, just stay there tonight and call your dispatcher in the morning." As if! Take care.

Iceman's Wife

 

My husband went with the Pete because he felt it was more dependable and likes to drive it. The cab is small but he feels like you the driving is the priority.

Goin Fer It's Wife

 

When did your husband get home? So did they not want him to go home?

I am sorry that he is not happy. The Qual messages don't bother my husband. And he does not feel like a number yesterday he was assigned to his permanent OSL/dispatch and she sent a message on the qualcom welcoming him to her team. Maybe he feels like that because he was known much better at his old company.

I do hope that things go better for him and that he likes the company as much as my husband does.

Keep us posted after he talks with his OSL on Monday!

Goin Fer It's Wife