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Last Changed 2/11/2007 |
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The decision was made to get a HDT Conversion. The question then was, which HDT? Most HDT trucks use the same engines, transmissions, and axles. So what makes one more desirable than another? Larry Zeigler contributed a lot of the information that help make the Volvo decision. What Larry said about Volvos was verified by talking to over-the-road truck drivers as to which trucks they preferred. |
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In the 1980's Volvo designed the first integrated sleeper cab. Not only did Volvo have a one piece sleeper cab, but they also
suspended the whole works on air springs. Prior to that, most trucks were sold with day cabs and sleepers were bolted on. In 1997, Volvo started with a clean sheet of paper and designed the VNL series to fit European and American standard. Granted, most of the other manufacturers have brought out similar styled trucks, but Volvo was the first and has continued to evolve the truck. Volvo America Trucks |
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Volvo trucks are designed to make the driver comfortable. The integrated sleeper cabs are air tight and well insulated.
Following the engineering Volvo used for its cars, there is an air filter for all the outside air entering the cab. Volvo also has shaped the hood to allow the closest forward vision while still allowing enough space for the engine. The Volvo is designed to be as streamlined as possible and still have utility. For example, air horns, a classic truck accessory, are not mounted by Volvo outside the cab because of the air drag they would incur. So drivers add air horns, but they are usually mounted under the cab. |
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Also following the safety related engineering that Volvo pioneered in its automobiles, the dash has been designed to minimize harm to
the driver or passenger in the event of an accident. Add to that,
Volvo trucks also have driver air bags, daytime running lights.
Another Volvo feature is the frame and motor mounts are designed to drive the motor downward in the event of a head on collision. This video from Volvo does a great job of explaining Volvo truck safety features. |
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Another design feature that the Volvo has is the integrated antenna system. The wiring for an antenna to be mounted on each mirror is built into the body. The antennas are attached to a mixer box that allows the CB radio, the AM/FM radio, and the driver’s cell phone to be attached to the same antennas. Volvo even integrates a TV antenna in the fiberglass roof so that there does not need to be an external antenna. |
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The Kenworth T2000 has a similar format like the Volvo but when comparing the Volvo 770 to the T2000, we preferred the layout of the Volvo 770. | |
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A Volvo VNL was the truck of choice, but which model. Our choice turned out to be a VNL 770. |
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Disclaimer: The information in this site is a collection of data we derived from the vendors and from our personal experiences. This information is meant as a learning guide for you to make your own decisions Best practices and code should always be followed. The recommendations we make are from our personal experiences and we do not receive any compensation for those recommendations. |