Goodaye all, now this post may be a bit boring for some, but I have to thank many people for their support of the new TIV. Without them, it would not exist. The list is long, some have contributed more than others and there are still bits to complete and trailers to come.
Kenworth make exceptional trucks, they stand up well on our roads and many are running well into their third decade or more and last year was 50 years since they started manufacturing in Australia, we make design and test more trucks here now than cars. I am very happy with the improvements over the last K200 TIV, this one rides better, is quieter inside, has the upgrades I missed out on with the last one, the smart steering wheel, front curtains and new dash. It has double bunks and I have some more work to do to complete the inside, as I will be living more in it than anywhere else for the next 5 years. As Luke says on the Nightshift, Rod is off to bed in the hotel Kenworth. Sounds like a good title for a song!!
Cummins engines are world renowned and they now have a joint venture in the USA with another supporter, Eaton, so we will see new and even better product from that in the future. Both have supported the TIV and given me help and even allowed me to help them in the past, particularly with the programming of the Ultrashift (and will be talking to them again soon).
GME supply UHF and CBs and aerials and again, did the fit out for me moving and fitting things to suit and to get the most out of truck to truck communication. There were a couple of others I targeted for in-cab things, but had no success, though still have a couple of plans if I can get that support to make it more, inside.
Tramanco supplied the on-board scales and that incredible technology that sees the truck (and later the trailers too) “read” the road and both define and locate the failures we all feel each day. CTI Central Tyre Inflation Australia, was on the last TIV and is now on the steer as well on this one. It is the first thing many ask about, as you only usually see it on log trucks etc, but the safety and tyre life benefits are well worth the fitting, it could be said, above the safety aspect that you may never realise has saved you, the improvement in tyre life should pay for itself.
Icepack from Haultech Services have a vastly improved service level and include a heater function as well in the new Icepack, so no matter where you are in Australia, you can get good and consistent temperature control for that all important, good nights sleep.
King Bars went to a lot of trouble to both design and then listen and work with me to have the front piece that will protect and make a statement for the new TIV. It is a new design with the first aluminium backing plate and we will test it out. They did a terrific job with the painting as well.
SAF Holland supplied the turntable and painted it to match and will be involved with the new trailers as well. Thanks to Kenworth at Bayswater for fitting it, just have to hook up the telltale lights now. Michelin tyres came specced with the truck, but we have plans for something a bit different in the future if we can get approval, so watch this space.
Inland Trucks, Kenworth and DAF dealers both at Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Griffith have helped with improving the exterior lights and some chassis plate, some in Wagga Wagga and the rest in Dubbo and are again, long term supporters of my efforts.
NARVA have supplied the showy parts of the lighting (and there is more to do inside and out when I get time) and the serious parts as well, the new Mark 2 LED driving lights are incredible and I can say they nearly turn night into day. I am not scared of the dark, but both want to see and be seen.
DANA axles, with discs right around is a step forward in technology and safety and makes a big difference when bobtail as well.
3M even fitted the conspicuity tape for me that both make the paint job and the truck stand out, both in the day and perhaps even more safety wise, in the night. As with much of the other bits and pieces, there is more to come.
Lockleys in Melbourne did the painting, I am very impressed and think it has come out well. TRUCKWRITERS in Caboolture completed the scrolling, like many others fitting me in late and well past our booked times, there are some words and a mural to add in recognition of Kenworth’s 50 years of manufacturing and then with the last lights, outside will be nearly done.
Rod Pilon Transport have not contributed to the truck as all these participants have as such, it will be their truck in the end, but without their support, I could not have even started down this path. If I win the Lotto, I might buy it and do more for the industry, but as an employed driver, I could never do this alone, so I thank Rod and Ben and all there who have in any way, supported this initiative thus far.
To all who have helped so far, thank you for making a dream become a reality. Off the see what roads are left and if I can get through to Brissie after unloading in Gundi in the morning. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.
TRUCKRIGHT 