After much anticipation, I finally have my 2010 Select Certified SelecTruck on the road. Boy was it a tough first week for it too. My first order of business was multiple trips across the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains transporting vehicles from St. Albans, WV to Roanoke, VA. The route is packed with constant elevation changes from 600’ to 3200’ up and down several times with tight turns through the many gorges carved out years ago when they built the West Virginia Turnpike. 12 toll
booth stops stood ready to take my $6.75 each time I traversed my way back and forth through God’s country. On a side note; haven’t they paid for that road yet?
The Cascadia was a head turner to say the least. The aggressive graphics package was causing a lot of “rubber necking” as I rolled along. I even had a toll booth attendant compliment the graphics as I pulled up to empty my pockets. The LED lights by TruckLite were the real hit out there. I had a lot of drivers walk by the truck at the truck stop and stare at them and try and figure out what they were. “They’re not LED’s are they?” I heard this question on more than one occasion. They asked how they were and I told them that my night visibility was greatly improved and the sides of the road were lighted so well that I could see a grasshopper if I looked hard enough. One driver asked me if I drove up north a lot and I answered no. He reminded me that the LED lights don’t generate heat and during heavy snow I would have to get out and brush them
off periodically. I hadn’t thought of that so I’ll be interested to hear what other users experience in the snow.
The quietness of the ride was quickly noticed during my trip. This is due to a number of factors beginning with the Detroit DD15 power plant itself. My former Freightliner Columbia was powered by the Caterpillar C13 which was significantly louder than the DD15. Add to that a very tight cab with solid door closures, weather stripping and improved insulation and you have a quiet ride indeed. I am not exaggerating when I say that I could talk on the phone at normal conversational levels; a first for me in a truck.
For interstate travels, this first route with the Cascadia was one of the most challenging due to the geography. I look forward to many more trips across America and to document the performance and cost savings along the way. Until next time, keep the shiny side up! Ever Forward.