Posted by Sherman in Idaho [72.47.153.28] on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 11:48:04 :
In Reply to: Re: Powerwagon Dreams posted by Cliff in Wisconsin [65.29.148.160] on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 08:04:06 :
What are the qualities of a modern truck that make it NOT be a real work truck like a PW? I would say a streamlined body isn't, by itself, anti-work. Problems would be things like insufficient articulation in the suspension, easily-damaged plastic and thin metal body parts in places that are likely to get banged, fabrics and electronics in the interior likely to get damaged by water and dirt, and a drive train dependent on complicated and fragile systems in order to simply make the truck go.
It seems to me an EPA/CAFE/CARB compliant truck could be built with a "hose-down" interior, plenty of wheel well clearance, no fragile plastic pieces where they're likely to get hit, and a transmission, transfer case, and hubs that are mechanically engaged rather than using electronic or vacuum contraptions. That might not be enough, but it would be a big step in the right direction.
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