I'm 80 y.o. retired driver. Different industries. Drifted from job to job so I drove/operated many types of vehicles. 40 years. Considerable heavy haul RGN's, oilfield winch trucks (old school 3 trannie, 3 winches, 12 ton rig up tandems, very heavy empty without trailer} moving drilling rigs, vacuum trucks, dumps, reefers, tankers, flatbeds, bin trucks, etc. too much to mention here. The equipment & tools available now are impressive, as is your attention to detail. I like to compare how things are to what they used to be. Good job, Nick. Will look for your videos. Very professional. Thank you.
Thank you! I always appreciate how you old timer's had to do things back then. Some seriously rigorous work back in the day to do this stuff. Thanks for watching!
Yea ya got that right..I listened to your Dad & he started about the same time I did,,,I learned to drive in 1970.....got my trainin from the school of hard knocks,lol....but its the best kind,,,I was always a night person, so I drove all night & hubby had it all day....but gotta tell ya, I really miss it....guess I just got it in my blood,,,,thanks for the come back & take care of your Dad...lost mine when I was 35 years old...
you guys look completely professional with the ties your truck and trailer or totally awesome you're probably hands down the most professional group that I have ever seen in trucking it reminds me of the days when my grandfather used to drive a truck he wore a tie to so it's kind of cool to see that keep up and videos thanks
That's awesome that your grandfather used to do that. There was a time where this profession was treated as such...professionally. Those old school, through and through professional truck drivers are hard to come by. We're doing our best to raise the bar again, and hopefully bring back some sense of respect to the industry. Thanks for watching!
G'day what a beautiful truck and trailer it's a real credit to both of you and it's great to see son and dad team, thanks for showing her first time viewer kind regards John Tasmania Australia
+John Kinnane Thank you! We take a lot of pride in our equipment, and our working relationship together. Thank's for taking the time to stop by and check out our videos. BTW, Australia is #1 on my travel list. I'll get there someday.
+Nick Mordaunt G'day Nick you will love Oz and Tasmania is a beautiful place unspoiled wilderness, I am not a trucker could never do it due to medical reasons but I like trucks and good videos on them I have subscribed and look forward to your travels. P S I recon your Dad would be my age 59? Keep safe regards John
+John Kinnane Yeah, I'm sure if my channel grows enough, I'll end up documenting them! I love to travel and I love the wilderness...Also, my dad is 64.
when u were custom building that trailer was built in rubber mats an option because that is what we use for our 20' cattle trailer and it helps with your traction
I mean, when you're having something custom built, anything is an option lol. There are times however, where having perminate rubber matting might prove to be an inconvienence. Our ability to grab what we need out of the toolbox, place it when and where we need it, is what really works for us.
good video Nick I would have liked to see engine maybe u have it in another video ! Peace from Long Island New York and safe motoring !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PS ur vids are never boring Its boring being in NY in the winter Love the southern hospitality and of course those sweet southern ladies !!!!! Peace
Thank you! We definitely take pride in it, and spent a lot of time figuring out the way to make things work FOR us. Too often, people just take the status quo, and their equipment ends up working against them. This set up makes us way more productive, and it makes us look like we know what we're doing ;) :-P
Mercy, love your truck & the trailer,,, only pulled a flatbed for about a year years ago, but didn;t like it when I got to where we were going,,loved pullin it but hated the tarpin,so we went to the reefers & stayed wirh it until I got ready for retirement...but love your truck....you just don't see that many of the big long nose trucks today,,,,,stay safe driver,,,,,
+ladytrucker67 Yeah the flatbed life isn't for everybody. Tarping is a sincere pain in the ass, but it's become so frequent to us, that it's just second nature now. We didn't tarp when we first started, and were missing out on too many loads...bought some tarps and haven't looked back since. Thank's for checking out the channel :)
I love the Interior, except for the shiftier LOL I think kennys and peterbuilts have the best laid out easy to read gauges. I always loved the straight hood over the engine vs the aerodynamic sloping look. That is the nicest headache rack I've seen with the emergency lights built in on top. A beautiful truck. Now all you need is some cross country runs so you spend a few weeks on the road without going home.. Thumbs up,
Thanks! I've had my share of cross country runs. Was running 7,400 miles a week when we were team driving for Werner; out 7-10 weeks at a time. I'm making more money, while being home more...I think I'll stay the course ;)
I can understand that. I was just referring to the fact the tractor is so nice, i'd never want to get out of it. I had already surmised this was not your first job, and especially Tom's. You don't spend that kind of money when your a "green horn" at trucking and being in business, however being in business is always a learning curve. I watched Sergei out of Cambridge Canada, (owner / operator), he heavy hauls with a 2016 Mack (3) axles and a low boy trailer (3) axles, and he said the same thing, spend more time at home, and make the same or more money as if he was driving OTR. He hauls primarily construction equipment. Is a shame how regulated it is, he often spends a day or so just waiting for permits. Thanks again for your reply. I'll be watching any new videos you make and going back and looking at past videos too.
I plan on getting in to oversized stuff, everyone said I was crazy for ordering a 300" wheelbase and double frame and the x15 565/600 , but like I said I am studying on it to do flatbed or rgn , I can invest laster on the tag axle for the truck , I like that headache rack, I was think maybe a wider one with a chain carousal like wreckers have for chains and binders, but thanks Nick , you and your dad besafe out there
I have a friend who made stand up boxes on his truck out of trailer toolboxes that he inverted and set on a rack he had custom built. Worked out really well. Also know a driver who did tow truck boxes on his catwalk. Seems to work for them, and they can get their equipment from the ground.
I'll have to keep that trailer company in mind till I get my own truck. I'll keep watching out for new vids from you, so far you've taught me quite a bit from the few vids you got out so far and I strive for knowledge and learning bro. Everyday out there should be a learning experience for anyone!!!
Keep that attitude and you'll make it just fine out here. I learn something every day out here...you have to; we live in a world where the situations we work in are constantly evolving to become more and more dangerous. If you're not at the top of your game, you'll end up on TH-cam for the wrong reasons...or dead...or worse, in prison.
I hear ya there dude, thats why if there ain't dash cams in the truck I drive there will be pretty damn quick, gotta watch my 6 and if your not doing the same I would suggest it, no matter if your alone or with your dad in the truck. you'll have that evidence as back to watch your own and your dads 6
Nick..nice Tee shirt...and hope You and Your Dad are doing well..i have been awaiting for more videos...busy Holiday season for all..hope to see videos soon..peace and good health and safety...Rich
Nick love what you are doing keep up the good work and don't let them want to bes tell you it's not heavy haul it is what there talking about is specialized
Awesome setup dude. Love the high level of organization. The custom trailer is hella dope with some great features. The custom headache rack is legit. Great example to set for future truckers. Do you prefer the 13spd transmission over a 18spd for heavy hauling?
Thank you! Organization is seriously the key to success. 18spd is probably ideal for heavier stuff, but for the weight we haul, our 13spd is perfectly adequate.
Holy Crap! 4 axles on that trailer!! What you should have done is figured out a way to make the landing gear motorized! I'm surprised trailers don't have this feature. How do you work out to stay in shape to be lifting those tarps and chains on top large loads? That is what keeps ME OUT of flatbed. I'd rather have a Conestoga Trailer.
You have a vid where you show the toggle switch on the rear of your trailer for the heavy haul flashing lights. You mention about flash patterns and whats easier to see. Can you give me that info or where to find out about flash patterns. Thnx.
I’m really enjoying your videos but I have a question. At 16:10 you mentioned those rubber pieces to run between your chains so you don’t decrease the WLL. I’m curious if that’s a state by state or a federal law. I have been told the chains can never touch so I really don’t know. In the business I’m in, I never let my chains touch. However, it would make my life a little easier at times if I knew I could simply place a quarter inch piece of flat rubber between them. Thanks
+KenTrea Raby Awesome man, thank's for checking out my channel and subscribing! Also, thanks for your service, brother. We very well could have been in Iraq at the same time, if you deployed. Pretty sure 1st CAV was there while we were. FOB Falcon, Baghdad, 06-07.
You must have the most prepared flatbed I've ever I countered... From the chain storage to the tool boxes, a place for everything and everything in its place, quite impressive.... But I notice the four axles on the trailer, how come you don't have a drop axle on the truck.? What's the load limit you carry now? Just wondering and thank you for the video ...
+Aaron Gilbert. Lol. No problem man, appreciate you checking out my videos and your compliments! We take a lot of pride, and go to great lengths to take care of our equipment. It certainly pays off!
Just curious, No height stick? The car hauler made me think of extendible height sticks that are light weight. compact and very accurate and convenient for measuring while standing on the ground. Cheers! Great tour!
+rooshooter No, since we're on a flatbed the laws are a little finiky when it comes to permitting over height. We shoot for loads around our max legal of 8'6" tall. For those, we just use a normal tape measure and a ladder. I have no desire to spend the $250 that those height poles cost. Thanks for watching!!
I know this is a really old video and that third axle has already been put on the tractor, but is it a drive or just a normal tag? Really love the old school paint on the tractor, overall a really clean setup.
Well as far as the axles go, they lift/lower pretty slowly so it's not really beneficial for us to be able to actuate them from inside the truck. As far as the lights go, there's no need for us to be able to turn those off/on either since we are always required to have them on when under OS/OW loads.
I've tried finding a name or branding on them, but there is nothing...I genuinely have no clue. Ravens put them on when the trailer was built, so they could very well be an in house product.
OPPS, revisited your video, 2013 is the year, but the tractor looks like new both inside and out and you have yet to install the 3rd sxle on the tractor so I understand that. What will be the most weight you can put on the trailer once the 3rd axle is installed? That truck would be good hauling steel and coils. Is that your only truck?
Thank you, yes it is our only truck for now. It looks new, because we pride ourselves in taking extremely good care of it. We can do around 115,000lbs on the deck, give or take depending upon which states we're running through.
Wow, that is a lot of weight. I surmise that should cover most heavy hauling jobs and still under 20,000 per axle. I did notice how neat everything was, and realized from the first video I watched how well kept you kept your equipment, I'm certainly impressed. When I got my 93 CH612 Mack, I got it used but in decent shape, drove it a year until I saw what I needed, then had it retrofitted and refurbished where needed including things you don't see like bearings and joints, and things you do see like cab and frame paint and some new interior. Now in 2016, like you, I diligently keep it clean and maintained. Since 97, it still looks new.
these are very nice videos about a very special equipment und job. thank you for that. i´m sure you already have been doing this, but can you tell me/us more about the whole engine unit? or can you give me a link where i can find the informations? is the power unit upgraded or more or less stock? you mentioned the upgraded heavy duty clutch. thank you and best regards from Germany
Thanks for watching and your comment. As soon as we have decent weather and I can clean the truck up, I am going to do an updated, indepth video on the truck / trailer.
Mornin Nick! I'm new to the channel and love the videos so far, your a fine driver. First thing I noticed in the MHC KW mud flaps, nice touch. I am a technician for MHC and love seeing trucks and what they do and how guys like you put them to work. Great looking truck, love the color scheme and design it has. My question for you is when you purchased the truck were you expecting to go into heavy haul or was it something that was decided after the truck was purchased? I was just curious as to why the truck wasn't spec'd out from the get go with a third drive. Another question is, the last video of yours I watched was one of you haulin a 100k lb rotor and noticed the check engine light on, and with the choice of an emission equipped Cummins it could be a hand full of things. I was just curious why not a glider such as your mentor with the c16? Sorry for all the questions just curious with the equipment. Stay safe out there driver, Alex
Thanks for stopping by, and welcome to the channel! We kind of fell into what we did. I had intended this truck to remain pulling a standard flatbed, and then purchase another heavy haul specific truck. However, we found that this truck was an incredible machine, and just decided to modify it. As far as that CEL that's showing, it's a faulty NOX sensor. No performance deration or side effects, it's just not functioning properly. A sensor that we will replace, we just have not gotten around to.
You and your dad got it set up with a load plan and everything huh? Just like in the Army. I retired in 2014 and am tossing the idea around of driving. How is it being alone all the time on the road?
Lol yeah, I guess some habits die hard :-P Well, I'm not technically alone. I got pops there, so it's not bad. The road isn't for everyone, that's for sure; but if you can make it for you, it's not the worst life you could have.
Hello! Great Videos! I have heard that set back front axle is best for heavy haul---you dont seemed trouble by the forward axle at all:) also using a 13 spd instead of 18 ...i have been told a 10 speed would suffice with heavy haul--if you have the 600hp/2050 torque setup. Are you settled on the 13spd as best? Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience:)
No sirry! Un-needed. People spec out these massive beasts of trucks, and never really need them. We regularly load over 100,000lbs on the deck, and have yet to need a set up different than ours. And our rear ends are actually only 3.70's (I know I miss stated that in the video).
What year is your tractor as they are still produced new? Also how much of it is retrofitted/custom built? Did it come with the 3rd axle and polished alum. fuel tanks and that nice paint job? I know the headache rack is custom fabricated. Truck and trailer looks so expensive compared to Show Room spec truck and trailers.
We bought the truck the way it is minus a new clutch and the added axle. So yes, the paint job, polished tanks and side boxes, they're all factory. They are very pricey when you start having them customized the way we did (extra axle on the truck, and the entire trailer), but it is a price you sometimes have to pay to be able to up your game.
+JeepSRT8andCaddyLT1 LOL thanks man, but it's my truck. We never do RGN/Lowboy work because that market is pretty saturated with drivers. We specialize in a very small array of freight, and we have a niche in the market that we provide services for. The need for the equipment we run is pretty specific, but constant. That's why we've gone the route we have with our multi-axle flats.
+tiger rule You can get chains/binders at any truck stop, dealership, trailer maintenance shop or anything along those lines. Just make sure they are G70 Transport chains.
Hey bro, great truck! Just curious, I don't know alot about trucks. What made you choose Kenworth? And I noticed when I'm driving in rugged parts of the country like the Midwest and Canada. Kenworth and Peterbilt seem to be more common than others. Is that because KW and Pete's are built more durable and reliable?
They are a more quality built truck. Freightliner designs their trucks to be cookie cutter, throw away company trucks that companies can pick up for cheap, in bulk, and throw away every 7-10 years or so. That's just the way it is. KWs and Petes are more aimed to please the owner operators who are going for a more comfortable and practical truck.
What's wrong with a 13 speed? I'll throw 110k on the deck and the 13 speed handles it just fine. 18 speeds are novelties for wheel holding reefer drivers who wanna say they're "real truckers", or people who actually do work over heavy grades, pulling insanely heavy loads, or just all around working in crap conditions. There's very few people out there who need an 18 speed. As far as the axle: We have a massively long wheelbase. It's physically impossible for us to transfer weight to the front axle. With 109k on the deck our front axle scales at like 12,7. There's no more weight to put up there, so why add an axle that offers A) a heavier weight, thus reducing our overall capacity, and B) an axle that has a weight rating that we could never possibly utilize.
Great ambition, man! Step by step though. Get in as a company driver first, and see how you like it before buying a truck and taking that leap. Good luck!
wow, im surprised u heavy haul with a standard tractor, no double frame, weak KW 8bag air ride and light wt front steer. i would've thought it had double frame, 18sp, Neway air ride or Primax 52k bags, with a 20k front steer. Arent the standard frame trucks only frame rated for 120k? before u start cracking it up? These were some of the things we were told once we started looking into a truck to move around our 80-100k excavators. i would've thought you'd just spec out a new glider before adding axles to a single frame truck. Nice set up! Truck was a little disapointing for the big stuff u move.
People will always tell you that you need all this silly shit to make money. In all honesty, our setup is perfect for what we are doing. You don't need a double framed truck from nose to tail, 18spd with aux trans, super airbags, etc. Just find a set up that works, and stick with it. No sense spending $250,000 on a new glider when what we have works as well as it does, for $100,000 less.
actually the glider set up to how u want it is cheaper then a new emissions truck off the lot! by far. And itll go alot farther then the emissions motors, which seem to be failing around 500k
its not that u need the stuff to make money, its to have a truck thats not gonna rear up and twist when u start out on a hill at 130k, which im sure u noticed that and feel it. a double frame truck doesn't twist nearly as much when starting out. plus the resale value when u sell the truck. 30k as opposed to 50-60k youll see. im sure u saw the decrease with that freightliner in a yr or 2. same goes for a run of the mill single frame truck. we all live and learn!
nice truck man nice and clean
you guys are truly the definition of what a professional truck drive should be.
+Luis Guzman Thank you. That's what we aim to do...raise the bar a little bit higher, every day. Thanks for checking out the channel!
I'm 80 y.o. retired driver. Different industries. Drifted from job to job so I drove/operated many types of vehicles. 40 years. Considerable heavy haul RGN's, oilfield winch trucks (old school 3 trannie, 3 winches, 12 ton rig up tandems, very heavy empty without trailer} moving drilling rigs, vacuum trucks, dumps, reefers, tankers, flatbeds, bin trucks, etc. too much to mention here. The equipment & tools available now are impressive, as is your attention to detail. I like to compare how things are to what they used to be. Good job, Nick. Will look for your videos. Very professional. Thank you.
Thank you! I always appreciate how you old timer's had to do things back then. Some seriously rigorous work back in the day to do this stuff. Thanks for watching!
Hmm! Oh yes that's right an amazing post! The life of a well kept owner op. Heavy-hauler flatbedder. #keepontruckin 👍🏼
Yea ya got that right..I listened to your Dad & he started about the same time I did,,,I learned to drive in 1970.....got my trainin from the school of hard knocks,lol....but its the best kind,,,I was always a night person, so I drove all night & hubby had it all day....but gotta tell ya, I really miss it....guess I just got it in my blood,,,,thanks for the come back & take care of your Dad...lost mine when I was 35 years old...
+ladytrucker67 Well you know how the saying goes...once truckin is in your blood, you can't get out of it! I've certainly got it in mine now.
Well back in 2018 needed a new headache rack contacted Ravens/Cruz about doing one they were unresponsive, loved Joe’s chain storage idea
you guys look completely professional with the ties your truck and trailer or totally awesome you're probably hands down the most professional group that I have ever seen in trucking it reminds me of the days when my grandfather used to drive a truck he wore a tie to so it's kind of cool to see that keep up and videos thanks
That's awesome that your grandfather used to do that. There was a time where this profession was treated as such...professionally. Those old school, through and through professional truck drivers are hard to come by. We're doing our best to raise the bar again, and hopefully bring back some sense of respect to the industry. Thanks for watching!
G'day what a beautiful truck and trailer it's a real credit to both of you and it's great to see son and dad team, thanks for showing her first time viewer kind regards John Tasmania Australia
+John Kinnane Thank you! We take a lot of pride in our equipment, and our working relationship together. Thank's for taking the time to stop by and check out our videos. BTW, Australia is #1 on my travel list. I'll get there someday.
+Nick Mordaunt G'day Nick you will love Oz and Tasmania is a beautiful place unspoiled wilderness, I am not a trucker could never do it due to medical reasons but I like trucks and good videos on them I have subscribed and look forward to your travels. P S I recon your Dad would be my age 59? Keep safe regards John
+John Kinnane Yeah, I'm sure if my channel grows enough, I'll end up documenting them! I love to travel and I love the wilderness...Also, my dad is 64.
+Nick Mordaunt G'day Nick he is not that much older but any way I'll keep subscribing I like the channel no BS regards John
That trailer is phenomenal
Good to see RAVENS back in the flatbed business. I've pulled many brands and they are easily one of the BEST out there.
Yessir. Love the trailer. Huge fanboy of Ravens now.
Thank you for showing us all of your setup..thats a nice setup you have in the truck. And the truck and trailer are beautiful
when u were custom building that trailer was built in rubber mats an option because that is what we use for our 20' cattle trailer and it helps with your traction
I mean, when you're having something custom built, anything is an option lol. There are times however, where having perminate rubber matting might prove to be an inconvienence. Our ability to grab what we need out of the toolbox, place it when and where we need it, is what really works for us.
Man I love everything about this truck setup
Thank you!
Beautiful setup
good video Nick I would have liked to see engine maybe u have it in another video ! Peace from Long Island New York and safe motoring !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PS ur vids are never boring Its boring being in NY in the winter Love the southern hospitality and of course those sweet southern ladies !!!!! Peace
Thanks! I'll give y'all a look around of the truck here soon. Once it's warm enough to be outside. Gotta love our southern women. The best out there!
Probably the most well thought out set up I've ever seen!
Thank you! We definitely take pride in it, and spent a lot of time figuring out the way to make things work FOR us. Too often, people just take the status quo, and their equipment ends up working against them. This set up makes us way more productive, and it makes us look like we know what we're doing ;) :-P
Mercy, love your truck & the trailer,,, only pulled a flatbed for about a year years ago, but didn;t like it when I got to where we were going,,loved pullin it but hated the tarpin,so we went to the reefers & stayed wirh it until I got ready for retirement...but love your truck....you just don't see that many of the big long nose trucks today,,,,,stay safe driver,,,,,
+ladytrucker67 Yeah the flatbed life isn't for everybody. Tarping is a sincere pain in the ass, but it's become so frequent to us, that it's just second nature now. We didn't tarp when we first started, and were missing out on too many loads...bought some tarps and haven't looked back since. Thank's for checking out the channel :)
Great idea on storing your binders, I hang mine vertically and hate hearing them bang around. Very nice setup!!
LOL yeah, we were trying to alleviate the reasoning for the term "headache rack" ;) Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Very nice setup!
Not bored amigo, great stuff. I'd like you to share more about the business aspect of of your operation too
I saw your unit to day parked at your spot . absolutely amazing truck in person
I love the Interior, except for the shiftier LOL I think kennys and peterbuilts have the best laid out easy to read gauges. I always loved the straight hood over the engine vs the aerodynamic sloping look. That is the nicest headache rack I've seen with the emergency lights built in on top. A beautiful truck. Now all you need is some cross country runs so you spend a few weeks on the road without going home.. Thumbs up,
Thanks! I've had my share of cross country runs. Was running 7,400 miles a week when we were team driving for Werner; out 7-10 weeks at a time. I'm making more money, while being home more...I think I'll stay the course ;)
I can understand that. I was just referring to the fact the tractor is so nice, i'd never want to get out of it. I had already surmised this was not your first job, and especially Tom's. You don't spend that kind of money when your a "green horn" at trucking and being in business, however being in business is always a learning curve. I watched Sergei out of Cambridge Canada, (owner / operator), he heavy hauls with a 2016 Mack (3) axles and a low boy trailer (3) axles, and he said the same thing, spend more time at home, and make the same or more money as if he was driving OTR. He hauls primarily construction equipment. Is a shame how regulated it is, he often spends a day or so just waiting for permits. Thanks again for your reply. I'll be watching any new videos you make and going back and looking at past videos too.
I plan on getting in to oversized stuff, everyone said I was crazy for ordering a 300" wheelbase and double frame and the x15 565/600 , but like I said I am studying on it to do flatbed or rgn , I can invest laster on the tag axle for the truck , I like that headache rack, I was think maybe a wider one with a chain carousal like wreckers have for chains and binders, but thanks Nick , you and your dad besafe out there
I have a friend who made stand up boxes on his truck out of trailer toolboxes that he inverted and set on a rack he had custom built. Worked out really well. Also know a driver who did tow truck boxes on his catwalk. Seems to work for them, and they can get their equipment from the ground.
they make heavy duty rubber bands for those 4 inch straps. would really recommend those to help keep all that organized. looks good tho.
We have them on all of our straps.
Awesome rig and trailer my new friend ! Keep the videos coming ! Stay safe !
+abikerinpa Will do! Thanks for watching :)
An organized, clean truck is a happy truck. I agree that the shifter is to tall.
Awesome trailer setup you have and the new setup on your truck after the mods you've done.
Thanks!
I'll have to keep that trailer company in mind till I get my own truck. I'll keep watching out for new vids from you, so far you've taught me quite a bit from the few vids you got out so far and I strive for knowledge and learning bro. Everyday out there should be a learning experience for anyone!!!
Keep that attitude and you'll make it just fine out here. I learn something every day out here...you have to; we live in a world where the situations we work in are constantly evolving to become more and more dangerous. If you're not at the top of your game, you'll end up on TH-cam for the wrong reasons...or dead...or worse, in prison.
I hear ya there dude, thats why if there ain't dash cams in the truck I drive there will be pretty damn quick, gotta watch my 6 and if your not doing the same I would suggest it, no matter if your alone or with your dad in the truck. you'll have that evidence as back to watch your own and your dads 6
Beautiful setup, love the color of your truck.
+jjustrich Thank you!
FANTASTIC! 👏
I waching all of your videos I think now every day morning I start my day after finishing the video 🤣🤣👍👍👍
Nick..nice Tee shirt...and hope You and Your Dad are doing well..i have been awaiting for more videos...busy Holiday season for all..hope to see videos soon..peace and good health and safety...Rich
We just posted one the other day! Thanks for sticking around.
nice salary! my friend Mike is a flatbed trucker and think I should go that route than dry or reefer.....
Awesome video
I'm surprised it's only a 10 speed... Sweet truck!
Nick love what you are doing keep up the good work and don't let them want to bes tell you it's not heavy haul it is what there talking about is specialized
Very well done! You Sir are a true Professional.
You could probably stack the wood in center compartment of the headache rack
We normally just chain / strap it down to the deck when we're empty. We generally don't carry big pieces of wood, unless we know they will be needed.
Thanks for your service man! Would ask more questions but I know some viewers are sensitive.
id love to get a set up like this in the distant future if i become an o/o. its awesome
You can get there man. Find the niche you want to attack, and build your equipment to meet the needs of that market.
Awesome setup dude. Love the high level of organization. The custom trailer is hella dope with some great features. The custom headache rack is legit. Great example to set for future truckers. Do you prefer the 13spd transmission over a 18spd for heavy hauling?
Thank you! Organization is seriously the key to success. 18spd is probably ideal for heavier stuff, but for the weight we haul, our 13spd is perfectly adequate.
Holy Crap! 4 axles on that trailer!!
What you should have done is figured out a way to make the landing gear motorized! I'm surprised trailers don't have this feature.
How do you work out to stay in shape to be lifting those tarps and chains on top large loads? That is what keeps ME OUT of flatbed.
I'd rather have a Conestoga Trailer.
awesome video . That is a really nice truck you have
Miguel Rodriguez thanks man!
hey Nick, that is some rig you have there....impressive!!
Thank you!
Thanks for the great video. Very interesting.
Gord,
Vancouver,
Canada
Thanks for watching!
I'm glad I found your channel your vids are inspiring im gonna keep watching
Awesome, glad you like them!
very nice set up mate new sub here wishing you all the best
+Phil Williams Thanks! Yeah, we're pretty proud of what we've got. Thank you for checking out the channel!
Hey Nick really nice setup really love....
You have a vid where you show the toggle switch on the rear of your trailer for the heavy haul flashing lights. You mention about flash patterns and whats easier to see. Can you give me that info or where to find out about flash patterns. Thnx.
Very Nice Set Up Driver👌👍
Watching again in July 2022. TH-cam algorithm booster comment.
great truck and trailer dude, love them, keep on rollin' man
Thanks, that's the plan!
I’ve been doing heavy haul and trucking my entire life.. this is a flatbed. Going to find a lowboy or double drop video now.
Love the videos . Are you doing Videos in 2019??
You did a nice job with the video.
Thanks!
I’m really enjoying your videos but I have a question. At 16:10 you mentioned those rubber pieces to run between your chains so you don’t decrease the WLL. I’m curious if that’s a state by state or a federal law. I have been told the chains can never touch so I really don’t know. In the business I’m in, I never let my chains touch. However, it would make my life a little easier at times if I knew I could simply place a quarter inch piece of flat rubber between them. Thanks
You just got one new subscriber like your video..... Btw 88m 07-11 1st cav.....
+KenTrea Raby Awesome man, thank's for checking out my channel and subscribing! Also, thanks for your service, brother. We very well could have been in Iraq at the same time, if you deployed. Pretty sure 1st CAV was there while we were. FOB Falcon, Baghdad, 06-07.
No problem... It was a honor... They was just coming back in 2007 when joined... Enlisted July 2007 ft. Knox... 1st tour was late 08 early 09
+KenTrea Raby Oh ok, I gotcha.
drooling..
Great vid, very informative. Thank you.
Thank you, glad you like it.
beautiful machine!
Thanks!!
Nice rig..!!
You must have the most prepared flatbed I've ever I countered... From the chain storage to the tool boxes, a place for everything and everything in its place, quite impressive.... But I notice the four axles on the trailer, how come you don't have a drop axle on the truck.? What's the load limit you carry now? Just wondering and thank you for the video ...
Sorry I missed the first part of the video, so forget the axle questions....
+Aaron Gilbert. Lol. No problem man, appreciate you checking out my videos and your compliments! We take a lot of pride, and go to great lengths to take care of our equipment. It certainly pays off!
Doing heavy haul for 1 year now and I love it I am Buying my first truck next month What’s the HP on that truck...?
Where the hell you been, haven't seen much of you lately
Best truck. Kenworth w 900
Rig looks good!!
Thanks!
Nice setup
Thanks man. It works well for us!
Nice rig!
Thank you! We love her. She's come a long way since that video though...check out some of our newer ones!
love the trailer.. who did you say make it?? what is the length and weight capacity??
The company is now called Ravens By Cruz. It's a 53' and it's a 66.5T capacity, (135,000lb).
Just curious, No height stick? The car hauler made me think of extendible height sticks that are light weight. compact and very accurate and convenient for measuring while standing on the ground. Cheers! Great tour!
+rooshooter No, since we're on a flatbed the laws are a little finiky when it comes to permitting over height. We shoot for loads around our max legal of 8'6" tall. For those, we just use a normal tape measure and a ladder. I have no desire to spend the $250 that those height poles cost. Thanks for watching!!
Very impressive.
Thank you!
I been watching your videos but I haven't seen any more lately. Are you still in trucking business
Forgot I would like to know what kind of boxes or on the trailer mine have the t handle and I keep having to replace them
I know this is a really old video and that third axle has already been put on the tractor, but is it a drive or just a normal tag? Really love the old school paint on the tractor, overall a really clean setup.
The last axle on the tractor is what's called a dead axle. It's on the ground all the time, but does not have any driveline components attached.
Where did you buy your tarps? I got mine from Joplin Tarp in Missouri.
why isnt the switches on the trailer set up with another cable so you can operate the axles and lights from the truck
Well as far as the axles go, they lift/lower pretty slowly so it's not really beneficial for us to be able to actuate them from inside the truck. As far as the lights go, there's no need for us to be able to turn those off/on either since we are always required to have them on when under OS/OW loads.
Sweet setup, who makes your trailer boxes. They are the first ones iv seen not held closed with bungee cord
I've tried finding a name or branding on them, but there is nothing...I genuinely have no clue. Ravens put them on when the trailer was built, so they could very well be an in house product.
OPPS, revisited your video, 2013 is the year, but the tractor looks like new both inside and out and you have yet to install the 3rd sxle on the tractor so I understand that. What will be the most weight you can put on the trailer once the 3rd axle is installed? That truck would be good hauling steel and coils. Is that your only truck?
Thank you, yes it is our only truck for now. It looks new, because we pride ourselves in taking extremely good care of it. We can do around 115,000lbs on the deck, give or take depending upon which states we're running through.
Wow, that is a lot of weight. I surmise that should cover most heavy hauling jobs and still under 20,000 per axle. I did notice how neat everything was, and realized from the first video I watched how well kept you kept your equipment, I'm certainly impressed. When I got my 93 CH612 Mack, I got it used but in decent shape, drove it a year until I saw what I needed, then had it retrofitted and refurbished where needed including things you don't see like bearings and joints, and things you do see like cab and frame paint and some new interior. Now in 2016, like you, I diligently keep it clean and maintained. Since 97, it still looks new.
Holy crap
Wow that's a bargain. THANKS
Thank you.
these are very nice videos about a very special equipment und job. thank you for that. i´m sure you already have been doing this, but can you tell me/us more about the whole engine unit? or can you give me a link where i can find the informations? is the power unit upgraded or more or less stock? you mentioned the upgraded heavy duty clutch.
thank you and best regards from Germany
Thanks for watching and your comment. As soon as we have decent weather and I can clean the truck up, I am going to do an updated, indepth video on the truck / trailer.
Mornin Nick! I'm new to the channel and love the videos so far, your a fine driver. First thing I noticed in the MHC KW mud flaps, nice touch. I am a technician for MHC and love seeing trucks and what they do and how guys like you put them to work. Great looking truck, love the color scheme and design it has. My question for you is when you purchased the truck were you expecting to go into heavy haul or was it something that was decided after the truck was purchased? I was just curious as to why the truck wasn't spec'd out from the get go with a third drive. Another question is, the last video of yours I watched was one of you haulin a 100k lb rotor and noticed the check engine light on, and with the choice of an emission equipped Cummins it could be a hand full of things. I was just curious why not a glider such as your mentor with the c16? Sorry for all the questions just curious with the equipment.
Stay safe out there driver,
Alex
Thanks for stopping by, and welcome to the channel! We kind of fell into what we did. I had intended this truck to remain pulling a standard flatbed, and then purchase another heavy haul specific truck. However, we found that this truck was an incredible machine, and just decided to modify it.
As far as that CEL that's showing, it's a faulty NOX sensor. No performance deration or side effects, it's just not functioning properly. A sensor that we will replace, we just have not gotten around to.
Awesome!... I’m a long haul truck driver and have seen this trailer (Ravens 4 axle) out on the road, is it possible that I’ve seen your rig?
Certainly is! We (well, now just pops) run all over the country.
You and your dad got it set up with a load plan and everything huh? Just like in the Army. I retired in 2014 and am tossing the idea around of driving. How is it being alone all the time on the road?
Lol yeah, I guess some habits die hard :-P Well, I'm not technically alone. I got pops there, so it's not bad. The road isn't for everyone, that's for sure; but if you can make it for you, it's not the worst life you could have.
Hello! Great Videos! I have heard that set back front axle is best for heavy haul---you dont seemed trouble by the forward axle at all:) also using a 13 spd instead of 18 ...i have been told a 10 speed would suffice with heavy haul--if you have the 600hp/2050 torque setup. Are you settled on the 13spd as best? Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience:)
I wouldn't use a 10 speed, but a 13 is definitely prime for what we're doing. And no, we have no issues with our standard set forward axle.
he did that on my birthday lol nice truck
Lol, happy belated birthday.
13 spd and 3.73s seems high for heavy haul work, would have guessed 18 and 4.10s at least.
No sirry! Un-needed. People spec out these massive beasts of trucks, and never really need them. We regularly load over 100,000lbs on the deck, and have yet to need a set up different than ours. And our rear ends are actually only 3.70's (I know I miss stated that in the video).
What year is your tractor as they are still produced new? Also how much of it is retrofitted/custom built? Did it come with the 3rd axle and polished alum. fuel tanks and that nice paint job? I know the headache rack is custom fabricated. Truck and trailer looks so expensive compared to Show Room spec truck and trailers.
We bought the truck the way it is minus a new clutch and the added axle. So yes, the paint job, polished tanks and side boxes, they're all factory. They are very pricey when you start having them customized the way we did (extra axle on the truck, and the entire trailer), but it is a price you sometimes have to pay to be able to up your game.
Wow, what a find, congrats! Regardless, you have a rig to be proud of. Thanks for your reply.
You should come out to the Pacific Northwest 53-foot for axle trailers and 4 axle trucks are all over the place
Living the dream. Your father has great taste in equipment. Do you guys ever pull rgn/lowboy?
+JeepSRT8andCaddyLT1 LOL thanks man, but it's my truck. We never do RGN/Lowboy work because that market is pretty saturated with drivers. We specialize in a very small array of freight, and we have a niche in the market that we provide services for. The need for the equipment we run is pretty specific, but constant. That's why we've gone the route we have with our multi-axle flats.
+Nick Mordaunt You have great taste in equipment lol. Gorgeous W9. Quality videos as well sir
JeepSRT8andCaddyLT1 I appreciate it.
where can you get all your chains and binders and stuff
+tiger rule You can get chains/binders at any truck stop, dealership, trailer maintenance shop or anything along those lines. Just make sure they are G70 Transport chains.
thanks
@@awd4g63ix
Why
when using your printer... what do yall use to get internet? do yall tether from your phone? internet card? truck stop wifi?
We have a wireless hotspot in the truck.
What’s the most weight you can put on your drives?
VERY cool :)
that trailer is sick bro really well set up....whats the HP in your KW
Whatever it is from the factory. I believe it's what they call their "490" motor, so realistically it's probably around the 460hp range.
how do you drive loads onto that trailer? or does everything need to be craned up there or fork lifted?
It's all either crane / forklift / or backed up to a dock like a van trailer.
Hey bro, great truck! Just curious, I don't know alot about trucks. What made you choose Kenworth? And I noticed when I'm driving in rugged parts of the country like the Midwest and Canada. Kenworth and Peterbilt seem to be more common than others. Is that because KW and Pete's are built more durable and reliable?
They are a more quality built truck. Freightliner designs their trucks to be cookie cutter, throw away company trucks that companies can pick up for cheap, in bulk, and throw away every 7-10 years or so. That's just the way it is. KWs and Petes are more aimed to please the owner operators who are going for a more comfortable and practical truck.
Thanks bro and congrats on a great looking truck!
cool truck but 13 speed, and why not a 20,000 front axle ?
What's wrong with a 13 speed? I'll throw 110k on the deck and the 13 speed handles it just fine. 18 speeds are novelties for wheel holding reefer drivers who wanna say they're "real truckers", or people who actually do work over heavy grades, pulling insanely heavy loads, or just all around working in crap conditions. There's very few people out there who need an 18 speed.
As far as the axle: We have a massively long wheelbase. It's physically impossible for us to transfer weight to the front axle. With 109k on the deck our front axle scales at like 12,7. There's no more weight to put up there, so why add an axle that offers A) a heavier weight, thus reducing our overall capacity, and B) an axle that has a weight rating that we could never possibly utilize.
I'm 17 And when I'm older I wanna start my own trucking business and own peterbilt 389s and kenworth w900s
bit first thing is getting a cdl then driving for a company
Great ambition, man! Step by step though. Get in as a company driver first, and see how you like it before buying a truck and taking that leap. Good luck!
379s are better
+Landon One man's opinion.
Lol I know I know
Can you add more axles for the flatbed?
Could, yes. Will? Probably not. It just does so well as a 4 axle.
Where did you get those portable battery flashers? Been trying to find some but no luck
Any truckstop. We got these ones at a TA or Flying J or something.
Nick Mordaunt sweet I'll take a look soon! Thanks!
wow, im surprised u heavy haul with a standard tractor, no double frame, weak KW 8bag air ride and light wt front steer. i would've thought it had double frame, 18sp, Neway air ride or Primax 52k bags, with a 20k front steer. Arent the standard frame trucks only frame rated for 120k? before u start cracking it up? These were some of the things we were told once we started looking into a truck to move around our 80-100k excavators. i would've thought you'd just spec out a new glider before adding axles to a single frame truck. Nice set up! Truck was a little disapointing for the big stuff u move.
People will always tell you that you need all this silly shit to make money. In all honesty, our setup is perfect for what we are doing. You don't need a double framed truck from nose to tail, 18spd with aux trans, super airbags, etc. Just find a set up that works, and stick with it. No sense spending $250,000 on a new glider when what we have works as well as it does, for $100,000 less.
actually the glider set up to how u want it is cheaper then a new emissions truck off the lot! by far. And itll go alot farther then the emissions motors, which seem to be failing around 500k
its not that u need the stuff to make money, its to have a truck thats not gonna rear up and twist when u start out on a hill at 130k, which im sure u noticed that and feel it. a double frame truck doesn't twist nearly as much when starting out. plus the resale value when u sell the truck. 30k as opposed to 50-60k youll see. im sure u saw the decrease with that freightliner in a yr or 2. same goes for a run of the mill single frame truck. we all live and learn!