I’ve read there are low percentage of driver’s commenting. I think they are tired and ready to give up. I am trying to be optimistic.

Please do away with the 14 hour rule and the 70 hour rule. These rules limit flexibility and in many cases force us to drive when we are tired.

Here is a fresh example.

Recently I took a load from Georgia to Oregon everything went smoothly I was able to keep a normal early morning driving schedule sleeping at night.

After delivering I only had 1.5 hours left on my 70 hours. Now I am having to rush my next load barely making it with only minutes to spare in the middle of the afternoon.

It takes 9 hours for the shipper to get me loaded I do my best to try and sleep (against my natural sleep schedule) during the day but just cant get any rest.

Now it’s around midnight and I’m really tired. I get permission to stay at the shipper until morning. I wake up 8 hours later just after sunrise feeling well rested after sitting in my sleeper for nearly 16 hours. I’m ready to go but don’t have any hours to drive.

OK so now I have to wait until midnight until I am legal to drive. I go to the truck stop and wait with nothing to do all day.

Again I am doing my best to get some sleep before I go against my daytime driving schedule knowing I have to drive all night across the cascade mountains where there is really no good place to stop for about 400 miles.

Over the next 4 days I have to keep an overnight driving schedule getting very little sleep during my now daytime rest breaks. I make it to my delivery in Ohio a day late on Saturday and the shipper is closed until Monday.

Most shippers and receivers work a Monday to Friday 9-5 schedule. The goal is to get empty early Friday then get an easy load allowing a day off to rest on Sunday and delivering Monday.

Had it not been for the 70 hour rule I would have been able to leave well rested early Tuesday morning having plenty of time to make the Friday appointment in Ohio. I would have also been able to drive during the day which is my natural schedule.

So not only did I have to stop in sketchy parking spots to take short 2-3 hour naps at 4-5AM every day. I also lost two days revenue by not making my Friday appointment.

As an Owner / driver this just stinks. No one is happy the customer gets their freight late. I loose two days revenue and have to pay for two days of extra fuel for the refrigerated trailer waiting for them to open on Monday.

As an OTR owner operator who has no one pressuring me the current rules make it extremely difficult to keep a safe regular schedule.

Another common occurrence is where it takes 8 hours to get loaded after showing up fresh and well rested I have to leave the shipper and push myself to drive knowing if I stop for a short 3 or 4 hour nap I now have to take another full 10 hour break.

These rules also put a one truck owner operator at a competitive dis-advantage to the large mega carriers who can just send take the load and just send another truck to take that trailer and make it on time.

I’m 45. I’ve had my CDL since 1996. I’ve never had an accident. I always find a place to stop and take a short rest when I am tired. Why should I be put at a competitive disadvantage to these large carriers who are pushing for these ELD”S and rules that put the majority of safe owner drivers at a disadvantage.

The HOS should be simplified 11 hours driving and 10 hours rest breaks with no 70 hour limit and no 14 hour rules. 30 minute breaks are useless and just cause unsafe parking issues.

We should be able to take a nap when tired allowing flexible split sleeper breaks of 2 hours, 3 hours 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 hours instead of only being able to take a full 10 hour break or the ultra complicated 8-2 split sleeper currently in place.

Save money and the aggravation of being stuck on the side of the road with emergency spares to avoid emergency road service. In this post I have compiled a list of Truck Driver Spare Parts to avoid being stuck on the side of the road – self rescue.

Here is a list of hard to find part numbers for my 1998 International 9400 Cummins N14 engine.

I have all of this stuff written down in old fashioned notebooks however whenever I need to find something it takes forever. I figured I would post them up here in one spot and it would help you too.

Must have Cummins N14 spare parts

Here are a few parts that I wish I has carried with me from the beginning. It sucks being stranded and at the mercy of emergency road service. Even if you cant fix the problem your self you save a ton of money by on labor for a parts run and on the parts markup as well.

You’ll save at least $200 each time one of these parts fails if you have them in your side box ready to go.  You’ll also be able to self rescue if you breakdown at a shipper or on the side of the road.

These are my top 4 spare parts every N14 owner – driver must have. I have broken down due to all four of these parts failing.

1. Cummins Fuel Shutoff Solenoid Kit
2. Bendix D 2 Air Governor
3. AD 9 Purge Valve
4. Spare turbo boot clamp 4 or 4 1/2 inches diameter- double check for your application

Other emergency spares

• Silicone emergency rescue tape
• Spare belts and hoses for your truck
• I carry full set of belts and some hoses

Tools to carry for roadside repairs and small truck stop fixes

Adjustable wrenches

Screwdrivers

Socket set

Electrical wire strippers and crimps

Dot Required Spares and emergency equipment

When you are inspected roadside or at a scale house you’d better have the following items if the officer asks to see them. It’s a violation to NOT have these three things in your truck.

Spare fuses – every type of fuse your truck takes

Fire extinguisher  – working needle must me in the green

3 Reflective triangles

AD9 Air Dryer Part Number 065647

I’ve had the wrong parts installed a few times by professional shops’ mechanics.

If your truck is having these problems after changing the air dryer you might have the wrong part number installed

• pushing too much oil
• excessive air purging
• turbo boost loss

AD9 air dryer drop in for cummins N14 with the Holset air compressor

Here is a nice pdf guide showing air dryers that are compatible with the QE and E Type air compressors on Cummins N14 engines.

Video Explaining the special air dryer with makeup line and check valve needed with Cummins engines

It also shows the two correct ways your air lines should be hooked up depending on if you have a compatible air dryer or a work around installing a non comparable air dryer.

065647 is the part number for the special “compatible” AD9 Air Dryer.

I had two shops install the non compatible standard AD9 on my truck.

In their defense the air lines were similar to the schematic show in the guide I linked to above but it was not exact so I purchased the correct part number 065647 and removed the jury rigged fittings and hoses.  I’ll keep those fittings and hoses as spares in case I get in a pinch and can’t get the right dryer with the make up hose factory installed.

More part numbers and tips to follow for the International 9400 or any truck with a Cummins N14

N14 filter part numbers and upgrade filters

Oil

Oil Filter basic LF 3000

Upgrade oil filter LF9009

Newest Upgrade oil filter LF9039

Alternate quality oil filter – Napa Brand I think 51748XD

Fuel

Fuel filter FS100

Water Filter

WF2017 – standard 25K miles

WF2123 upgrade 150K miles

Air Filter International 9400 with N14

AF25033M

NAPA Gold 6745

Not Sure what this one is for it was written in my notebook below the part numbers listed above

BD 103

11876421

Air Bag – Air Spring Part Numbers for 1998 International 9400

These were a pain to find on the road most Fleet Prides should have them or at lease be able to cross reference them for you. The guys a the truck stop shops could not find them for me. My originals were too rusty to get anything except the Bellows number on the rubber part.

OEM part Numbers OEM # 2027911C1, 2027911C2, 2027911C3

W013589648 – This is the Firestone number I used to purchase ConiTech brand air springs at Fleetpride.  It cross references to the first Navistar part number above 2027911C1

International hood spring cables 9.53 Inches

INTERNATIONAL HOOD CABLE 2023042C1 2023042C2 3A470702 EE0200421

Carrier APU – Model 200INT

Air Filter: 30-60049-20

Oil: 96-101-33K

Fuel: 96-101-24K

Inline Fuel: 30-186-01K  or – 02K

Cab Air Springs and Shocks

Firestone air spring 1101-0034 Lasted 2 years last Replaced August 2019

Shocks

Transmission Eaton 9 (Direct) Convertible Now 13 Speed Single OD

RTLCF16609E

Reverse and Low 14.71

13th OD my guess is .86 and 12th Direct

N14 Replacement Engine 99 N14 525

DR1652RX

CPL 2592

ESN 605411761

Rear Axel Info from Tags

RR20145nfnn522

2014315C91

ratio 279

RT40145 ???

312IL1728

3200LI676??? (2nd TAG

Can’t take the summer heat, save money and reduce winter idling. Custom Fit Semi Truck Window Sun Shades for all of your truck windows. This is what you need to keep your truck more than 20 degrees cooler in the summer heat.

There a few specialty websites where you can order custom fit window shades. They aren’t cheap either.

Unfortunately for me none of them have complete sets for my old truck, a 1998 International 9400 with the flat windshields.

I decided to make a trip to the local hardware store to see what type of insulation I could buy and cut it to fit each of my windows and of course the windshield as well.

I was surprised to find 3 different sized rolls of plastic silver foil insulation. They had 16 inch by 25 feet, 24 inch and 48 inch rolls. The claimed summer R value was just as much or more as the solid foam insulation sheets.

Most of the “store bought” sets come in 3 or 4 fold able parts.

I wanted sun shades for my sleeper windows too.

How To Make Custom Fit Sun Shades For Your Big Rig Truck – 4 to 6 Piece Set

Supplies and materials needed

1. One roll of insulation material
2. Two 5 piece boxs of heavy duty outdoor Velcro, industrial strength
3. Clear packing tape or blue painters tape
4. Marker or Dry Erase Marker
5. Poster board or craft paper

Tools Needed

•  Scissors
• Tape Measure

Step 1

Measure all windows and make patterns with the poster board or craft paper. You may have to tape them together to make one part large enough for a pattern.

Tip: You can make them over-sized and attach to the door frame and windshield gasket or trim. This will block out all sunlight. The R value also goes up if there is an air gap between the window and the sun shade. 

You’ll be using the Velcro to attach your shades to directly to the window, window frame or trim. 

Depending on your vehicle it may be easier to make the pattern from the outside of the truck.  

Step 2

After test fitting and double checking your patterns. Unroll the insulation material and tape on your first pattern. Then cut it out and test fit to the window or window frame.

Trim as needed.

Repeat step 2  until you have all of your shades cut out and trimmed to fit.

Step 3

Cut Velcro strips into squares or rectangles.  Starting at the top of the window or window frame. Attach one piece of Velcro in each upper corner. If there is a curve place the Velcro before the curve on the straight part.

Next cut the opposite Velcro (hook or loop) to it’s partner and remove the film exposing the adhesive backing.

Then carefully stick your shade to the exposed Velcro adhesive. Press firmly. Then unhook your shade and double check the Velcro which should be adhered well one part to the window frame and one part to your sunshade.

You can now place more Velcro squares as needed to the bottom corners and middle edges as needed.

Tip: Cut the Velcro attached to the sun shades larger than the part attached to the window frame, this will allow you to adjust the fit slightly and make it easier to put up your shades. 

 

That’s it your all done!

I take some photos of mine so you can see how I completed each step.  Check back soon for the pics.

Results

I used an infrared thermometer to check the difference in window temperatures before and after on a hot sunny day in Florida.

Before

Without my window covers the drivers window was 104 degrees. .

The front windshield readings were about the same 104 without and 81 with the sun shades tucked into place.

In very hot climates like Southern Arizona and Texas my old truck’s AC could not keep up and I was sweating with the AC on full blast in the afternoon until the outside temperatures started to drop before dark. It was about 86 degrees inside my truck with outside temps over 100 degrees.

The floor of my truck cab gets into the 90’s – it’s not insulated either. Guess what my next project will be?

After

With the sun covers placed it was 82 degrees directly on the back side of the insulation.

I’ll update the after results once I have to do a reset or take my 10 hour break during a hot day. I am confident my 20 year old aluminum bodied International will be able to maintain an inside temperature in the 70’s with the shades put up quickly after parking.

An added bonus – It will be pitch black inside during the day making it easier to sleep in a little or take a mid day nap.

 

 

Searching for the best heavy duty truck wiper blades, too many choices!  You won’t believe all of the different options available. Don’t worry this post will point you in the right direction no matter what vehicle you have. Heavy duty commercial, RV, car. We’ve got you covered.

I know you’ve heard the phrase “you get what you pay for” and You also know that in many cases this does not really apply especially shopping online. With windshield wipers however, this does apply. The best quality longest lasting windshield wipers are the most expensive and pretty darn pricey.

That being said the extra upfront expense of silicone wipers will pay for itself over time.

Rubber Blades

Most wipers are made with rubber blades. The basic metal frame rubber wipers can be had at a rock bottom price. So if you are looking for the cheapest wiper blade then the good ole ANCO’s are the way to go The set I had on my truck were just over a year old before I changed them.

Besides having to change them every six months or so the biggest problem I have with the rubber is they leave behind a film which at night with oncoming headlights can make visibility terrible in a light rain at night.

Metal Frames vs Beam Blade Style wipers

Metal frame are the old fashioned style which work well enough unless you drive in winter climates. The ice and snow build up really quickly and cause the blade to lift off the windshield  making them completely useless. You have to stop and knock all of the ice out of the metal frames.

Winter wiper blades

If you have any chance of driving in winter conditions then go with the low profile sleek “beam blade style” wipers. This style works better in winter because there are no little spaces for the snow get into melt and re-freeze into a big ice blob.

There is one other option for winter conditions – ANCO 30 series Winter Wipers. These are metal frame style that come with a rubber cover or boot the covers up the metal frame so the snow and ice can’t get in there. This wiper is a favorite among commercial heavy truck drivers.

Silicone

I let the cat out of the bag earlier – This is the only way to go if you’re not looking for the cheapest wipers in terms of up front cost.

Many drivers report getting 5-7 years use out of good quality silicone wipers.

I ordered click here this one the PIAA Si-Tech Silicone Wiper Blade. They are universal fit on all vehicles except euro cars. Just measure the length of your existing blades (the’re stocked in 16″ to 26″) and don’t forget to select a quantity of  2 before you check out.

See I promised to make this easy on you just get the one pictured above and you’ll be all set.

Ok I know you want to learn more before you spend 3 times the cost of a standard metal frame wiper.

If you will not ever see Ice or snow then PIAA makes a metal frame version called the “Super Silicone Wiper Blade” click here to get this one if you’ll never see snow and ice.

The only complaint some people have with the silicone is prep work required. You have to clean the windshield really well removing any road grime, sap, etc. Then you have to apply the pre treatment with a special wet wipe which is included in the package. Next after waiting ten minutes you polish the windshield with a clean dry or slightly damp cloth. That’s it two extra steps that will take you less than 15 minutes.

No matter which wipers you choose you should clean the glass really well with soap and water.

The most recommended

If you don’t want to go with the best then the Bosh Icon is the most recommended by auto mechanics and shops. It’s a rubber blade, remember these won’t last as long or perform as well as the silicone.

The Icons are a low profile beam blade style, so they’ll preform well in winter weather road conditions.

My personal recommendations

In summary I recommend going with either the ANCO brand because these work well for rubber blades and the are usually the cheapest OR if you want the very best go with the number one pick PIAA silicone wipers – this is what I am currently using on my old 1998 International 9400 semi truck.

Top 10 windshield wiper blades

1. PIAA Si-Tech Silicone
2. ANCO 30 series winter blades
3. Silblade Premium Black
4. Wipe Away
5. Bosch Icon
6. AERO Premium
7.  Rain X
8. Valeo Frameless
9. Michelin Stealth Ultra
10. TRICO Ultra

Technology has made trucking so much more enjoyable today compared to the 90’s. But today’s food on the road is the worst.

How to eat good healthy home cooked meals over the road without cooking in the truck.

That’s the goal that’s been on my mind for the past two years now.

I’ve thought about bringing raw veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and carrots as snacks but mixed in with all of the fast food at the truck stops that’s just not going to cut it.

I’ve always hit Wal-Mart before leaving home for a few weeks at a time – loaded up on groceries, mostly sandwiches (rye, turkey, swiss), dry microwave dinners and lots of granola bars, chips, and pretzels.

On my most recent vacation I decided to go all out and give frozen meal prep a try. This is a pretty popular YouTube subject. What’s stopping us from cooking mass quantities of food at home a day or two before heading out.

A large truck friendly portable 12 volt freezer that and a microwave to heat up your frozen meals.

Most of us have a microwave and power inverter to provide the electricity to run it already.  These items are fairly inexpensive, however a good truck friendly portable freezer is another story, this is a high ticket item. I put off buying mine for over a year – trying out a dorm / office fridge freezer combo, that only lasted about six months before it died and spoiled my food.

I finally splurged on a Dometic CFX 65DZ this was the largest 12 volt freezer I could fit behind my drivers seat without having to put it in front of the bunk and climb over it – giving up all of the  stand up floor space. I did remove the factory fridge cabinet and it fits well in that floor space. behind the drivers seat.

A soon as I ordered the fridge from Amazon Prime I started watching the meal prepping mom videos on YouTube to get some ideas and take notes on what to buy at the grocery. Then I hit the grocery store and got all the supplies, cooked everything in about 4 hours.

I’m not gonna lie it was a ton of work the first time. I’ve never cooked more than one simple meal at a time. Now all of the sudden I’s cooking 5 large dishes all at once.

Here’s what I cooked

I’ll add the links to the YouTube channels and recipes below.

They were all very simple meat and veggie dishes. I bought some square plastic entree containers, 16 ounce, I think. I dished out about one half of the food into 15 of those but soon realized they were going to take up too much space in my home freezer and the truck fridge still will not be here for a couple of days.

I bagged up the rest as individual portions in one gallon freezer bags. I quickly learned this is the best way to freeze the food for trucking. I can fit 15 meals in the same space 5 of the plastic containers take up.

I made two pots of rice in the rice cooker to ad to the bottom of the containers. Next time I’ll try mashed potatoes.

List of simple truck friendly freezable meals

Chicken Avocado salad – see first video below

I was hungry from all of the shopping and cooking so we ate this one for lunch. I think you’ll have to leave out the Avocado to freeze this one.

Beef and Broccoli – this one is in the 3rd video

I used a pack of pre cut stir fry meat it was not tender like the sliced chicken from the grill Next time I’ll cook sirloin steaks on the grill rare and use that for the beef instead.

6 lb chuck roast in the crock pot – recipe here 

Blueberry chicken with asparagus, broccoli and mini potatoes – I did not care for the blueberry topping sauce so next time I do this one with a marinade for the chicken instead – this dish came from the second video I embedded below. My son loved the sauce, I may leave these behind for him in the freezer.

Stir Fry – Chiken, Steak, Veggie – I made one chicken and one steak – also in the third video

Pot of carrots and onions for the pot roast cooked in beef broth – not pictured above

How to distribute weight in your semi trailer, I’ve taken notes for all of the heavy loads loaded in my 53 ft reefer trailer. Use the tips and tricks in this post to get even axle weight distribution every time you get loaded. Many dock workers are using this information to help you get it right, avoiding a rework, saving you both time and money.

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