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| Thursday, October 22, 2015, 2:48:47 AM |
Freebird IV     This iteration of the Freebird is a 2016 International ProStar. The interior is a lot different than the Freightliner Cascadias I have been driving for the last five years. There is a lot more room to move around, a lot more floor space so it doesn't have that slightly claustrophobic feeling. There is more than enough storage space for all the things I need to get through my six week runs. It even has a bunk bed, or a guest room as someone said to me. The guest room even has its own set of windows, seen in the attic. Being a company truck, she is still turned down to 62 miles per hour, with a concurrent cutting of available power. I have to get used to a different set of gauges and switches. There are some things that have been changed for the better and some that aren't, in my opinion. Probably the best change is in the engine brake programming. There is a one second delay after I lift my foot to allow for easier shifting before the rpm's drop off. Unfortunately, there is also a rev limiter set at 1450 rpm, so I cannot wind out the gears before shifting. But the engine (2016 Cummins ISX, NOT the MaxxForce dog) is strong and will grab hold and accelerate even from just under 1000 rpm. So I just have to adapt my driving to fit the truck. Once we both get used to the other, and I shake her down a little to find her other quirks, I think we will get along just fine. I am looking forward to a long career with 'Bird IV and will continue to let everyone know about our adventures and misadventures along the highways and by-ways of this wacky life we call TRUCKIN'  See y'all out there, where the highway meets the sky. |
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