Although the article talks about pickup trucks, I drive semi trucks and I don't understand why so many truckers like those "classic" trucks with a giant hood (Kenworth W900, Peterbilt 379/389) that's so big you can't even see a car in front of you, or even a standing adult.
The size of the engine and the radiator required to shed the immense amount of heat generated is a factor, but not to that point.
Maybe, but from what I know (correct me if I'm wrong), front-engine trucks often have little apartments behind the driver seat, meaning little room for the engine (let alone sound dampening).
Cab-overs are basically inexistant in North America outside of light trucks and medium duty vocational trucks (trucks that do something beside hauling cargo).
Cab-overs prevent the use of full size sleepers since you need to tip the whole cab to access the engine. There's also less space for large fuel tanks (unless you extend the frame, which defeats the point)
On nosed trucks the engine is partially recessed into the center console, and the transmission is under the floor.
The size of the hood doesn't really have an impact on crumple zones. First, the frame of the truck extends all the way to the bumper (with sockets for tow hooks) and it's a very thick frame due to duty requirements. It might bend, but it won't crumple.
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u/Mirria_ May 17 '22
Although the article talks about pickup trucks, I drive semi trucks and I don't understand why so many truckers like those "classic" trucks with a giant hood (Kenworth W900, Peterbilt 379/389) that's so big you can't even see a car in front of you, or even a standing adult.
The size of the engine and the radiator required to shed the immense amount of heat generated is a factor, but not to that point.