Thread: Got to do something I always wanted to do

Originally Posted by V8Ian

I doubt that the average driver would change his/her habits even after a stint behind the wheel of a big one, Ean. I have found that a lack of appreciation of the dynamics of a roadtrain isn't usually the issue, the problem seems to be the self-centred attitude of so many drivers today. For all the whinging that is heard about nomads, I find them to be the most courtious as a group. I've spoken to many caravaners in rest areas and they have a genuine interest in learning to share the road with heavies.
Recently I caught up to a small (car licence) truck, I was travelling at 90-95k (best speed for economy/time balance), he slowed to 75-80k baulking me for 30ish kilometres. I finally rounded him up and he increased his speed to follow 100 metres behind me. After a while he started a conversation with me on the UHF. He explained that he had slowed to make it easier for me to pass. He didn't know he'd actually made it harder. He also went on to say it was a pleasure following me as I stuck to the speed limits and stayed between the lines.

Gday Ian,


Funny we never seen any grey nomads, altho I drove during the night so likely they were off the road. All I can say is lucky that bloke wasn't following me, the 3rd trailer travelled a lot more ks than the rest of the truck when I was driving, got a good old wobble up that's for sure.




Cheers Ean

Originally Posted by isuzurover

I also need to get an HC Licence...

That will get you 1 trailer
Andrew

Back off when approaching another truck, power on just before passing, they don't sway under power. If the sway bothers you, don't look in the mirrors. That third can need up to ten feet of width.

How'd you cope with the Gilbert Ean? Or was Brad driving?

I get to drive our semi from time to time.Always wanted to drive them,honestly I find it boring.Give me a grader anyday.
Andrew

Reading about Ean`s trip in a Road Train brought a tear to my eyes. I retired about 3 months ago after having spent the last 43 years driving trucks mostly Interstate, the last 15 years in B-Doubles running up and down the East Coast of Oz, and doing runs from Melbourne to Brisbane then across to Adelaide then across to Sydney and back home down to Melbourne, or to any of the Cities mentioned. It is a hard life, low pay rates, strict law enforcement(logbook fines can be $1000`s of dollars)and away from family and friends for weeks at a time. Now I am enjoying my enforced early retirement due to health reasons, so now spend my time working on Discoverys.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

How'd you cope with the Gilbert Ean? Or was Brad driving?

I never found it a real problem Ian, I worked on the theory he was overtaking me so when I seen him coming round just concentrated on keeping it straight and very gradually slowed once he drew level.


He was empty so was motoring and I was loaded, think Bradley said 115ton, so there wasn't much chance of me trying to stop him


Cheers Ean

Originally Posted by discoverybob

Reading about Ean`s trip in a Road Train brought a tear to my eyes. I retired about 3 months ago after having spent the last 43 years driving trucks mostly Interstate, the last 15 years in B-Doubles running up and down the East Coast of Oz, and doing runs from Melbourne to Brisbane then across to Adelaide then across to Sydney and back home down to Melbourne, or to any of the Cities mentioned. It is a hard life, low pay rates, strict law enforcement(logbook fines can be $1000`s of dollars)and away from family and friends for weeks at a time. Now I am enjoying my enforced early retirement due to health reasons, so now spend my time working on Discoverys.

Did one for the postman about ten years ago. Thirty two pallecon thingies. Found the DC in Adelaide and pulled back the A curtains, started to open the B when the forkie told me I wouldn't need them opened. He came out with thirty two empty and folded pallecons.........four pallet spaces and two straps. Got paid for a full load though. Gotta be satisfied with little wins.