With social media of all types these days, it means two things. Either you can get your own channels out to the rest of world for all to see. Then the other side of the coin means that, what ever your into you can find a channel somewhere so you can watch, look at or read about what ever you fancy. I come and go through phases of American trucks and at the moment I am firmly in a deep trough of American metal. I know, I know, terrible build quality, awful ride, blah, blah, blah. But looks wise, well……
In the last couple of years, I’ve come to know about Fleenor Brothers from Missouri. A number of their drivers are on Instagram as well as a Fleenor Brothers company profile, and once you follow one of them, it makes it easier to find more. For those not on Instagram, I have to say I would recommend it. It’s photos, without the drama and sob stories of Facebook! Anyhoo, Fleenor Brothers are a small firm, running a handful of customs trucks on all types of work and seem to cover all 48 states but I may be wrong. The trucks are all named and are all drop dead gorgeous. Just look at “Ron Burgundy” in the picture below. So much is my love of this little fleet, that I have tried to buy their calendar for the last couple of Decembers. I have asked a couple of times if they will ship to the UK without much luck, so imagine my delight when this time around, the answer was yes. Calendar ordered along with a T-shirt (Mrs Blog is over the moon about the T-shirt!), then the wait and daily tracking to see where my package was. I have to say, today the package arrived and the calendar shots are just awesome, February will be a very enjoyable month, shame it’s the shortest month of the year.
Thank you to Fleenor Brothers for shipping the calendar to the UK and I look forward to seeing where your rigs get to this year. Keep the photos coming drivers!!
Peterbilt Motors Company announced today the launch of the limited-release Model 389X. The 389X celebrates the iconic status of the Model 389 with a new, distinctive special edition.
The 389X embodies the heritage of the Model 389 with its bold styling and bright exterior features. The 389X includes a highly polished hood crown surrounding a classic-style, louvered grille sheet inspired by the first 1939 Peterbilt. The hood features a brightly polished centerline trim, exclusive side-hood chrome accents and polished hood fenders. Other bright features include cowl skirts, battery box, fuel tanks, sunvisor, bumper and large, 7″ chrome exhaust stacks. The 389X also includes an elegant and distinguished exterior lighting package, with LED amber color light strips that provide stunning lighting in the air cleaners and under the rocker panels. In addition, the truck features 389X exterior badging on the mud flaps as well as on the cab or sleeper.
The interior of the 389X is as bold as the exterior. The dash panels feature a new Black Pearl burl woodgrain. Special black-finish trim accents can be found throughout the cab and sleeper. Additional special features include bright chrome grab handles, a 389X emblem on the shifter plate, embroidered 389X badging on the headrests and badging on the sleeper backwall. Each 389X includes a serialized, chrome dash plate with the production number of the truck to commemorate each special edition vehicle, as well as a kit of custom 389X merchandise.
389X389X389X389X389X389X389X389X
“The new 389X is superior in every detail. From its classic design and high-quality craftsmanship to its exclusive chrome elements and details both inside and out, the 389X will quickly become the most desirable truck on the road,” said Robert Woodall, assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “I look forward to seeing this great truck and its proud owners on road across North America very soon.”
The Model 389X can be ordered as a day cab or in a 72″ or 78″ Sleeper configuration. The 389X production will be limited to only 1,389 trucks and is available for order now through Peterbilt dealerships.
Sadly I found this release in my junk mail box from way back on the 1st of June so it’s not really new news, but I do like a bit of American news. As I read it the 567 is the fleet motor of the Peterbilt range, now available with the huge (by European standards) Ultraloft sleeper.
The workhorse of the Peterbilt product lineup, the Model 567 can be spec’d for virtually any application, from vocational to on-highway and regional haul configurations. With the addition of the UltraLoft sleeper, the Model 567 now offers a more spacious, integral sleeper option for customers that enjoy its traditional signature pod-mounted headlamps, durable Metton® hood and stainless steel grille.
By optimizing the space available, the UltraLoft sleeper includes industry-leading storage and comfort, including 8 feet of headroom and 70 cubic feet of overall storage. The UltraLoft also gives drivers the largest upper and lower bunk mattresses, best-in-class headroom in both bunks and creature comforts of home with space to accommodate the industry’s largest microwave and enough room to fit a 32-inch flat screen TV.
Interior updates to the Model 567 are highlighted by the class leading 15” Digital Display with a fully customizable user interface (UI) that delivers easy-to read information and full PTO integration so operators can fine-tune the Digital Display information to suit their individual preferences, additional new driver comforts found inside including more cabin storage, two permanent cup holders and options for 12V or USB charging ports.
The Model 567 is available with the latest advanced driver assistance systems fully integrated into the Digital Display, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with auto resume, speed sign recognition, side objection detection, safety direct integration, multi-lane emergency braking and highway departure detection.
“The launch of the Model 567 UltraLoft is another example of Peterbilt’s drive to continually innovate our product line to deliver industry leading comfort and performance for our customers and truck drivers alike,” said Jason Skoog Peterbilt, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “There is no question that 2021 has been the most exciting year for Peterbilt and our customers, with more new product hitting the road than ever before.”
Alright I’m a little behind on this one, but I am a sucker for a big American and I’ve always favoured a Pete’ over a KWhopper. I am on the Peterbilt mailing list, so here is a little bit of not so new news;
Peterbilt Motors Company announced a new era of class today with the launch of the bold and aerodynamic on-highway flagship, the new Model 579. Thoroughly redesigned, this major evolution of the Model 579 delivers outstanding improvements in Aerodynamics, Efficiency, Comfort, Technology and Uptime.
Peterbilt designers and engineers have delivered the most technologically advanced truck Peterbilt has ever built. The new 579 is also the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Peterbilt thanks to the new exterior design featuring a new sloped hood and optimized aero components, as well as the new 2021 PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 engines and PACCAR transmission. Improved comfort will have drivers feeling right at home on the road with a 10% quieter cab and sleeper, additional storage, a new smart steering wheel and an improved Bluetooth microphone. Highlighting the New 579s innovative technologies is a class-leading 15” Digital Dash Display, delivering all the information drivers need in a clean, intuitive interface. In addition, the new 579 features Advanced Driver Assistance Systems providing drivers the latest safety technologies in the form of collision mitigation, lane departure warning and the new lane keeping assist (LKA), among others. Uptime is Peterbilt’s driving force. Peterbilt worked with over 50 of our customers to understand their unique operations and needs, incorporating their input into the design of the new 579. Validation units have already accumulated 1.5 million real world miles, and combined with the durability testing done at the PACCAR Technical Center, the new 579 is the most reliable truck ever designed by Peterbilt.
“The launch of the new Model 579 is a huge moment for Peterbilt and our customers. This new product is the result of five years of relentless focus on increasing fuel economy, taking driver comfort to new heights, and maximizing uptime. This new truck delivers the next level of performance for our customers and continues Peterbilt’s legacy of being the ‘Class’ of the industry,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. The new Model 579 is available for order starting today (03/02/2021) in a day cab configuration, integral 80” UltraLoft sleeper and a variety of other sleeper sizes.
Developed over a five-year span, Peterbilt set out to perfect the look and aerodynamic shape of the new 579. Over 1,000 hours of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and over 7.8 million CPU processing hours were spent evaluating the exterior design of the new 579. This research resulted in an enhanced aerodynamic profile and a 7% improvement in fuel economy. Achieving this feat meant no stone was left unturned.
Key exterior features to the new 579 include a redesigned stronger Metton® hood that is narrower and more resistant to damage. This is topped off with Peterbilt’s iconic aerodynamic “bird” ornament, a bright stainless steel grille and improved Halogen or optional LED headlights. A new 3-piece bumper integrates the forward radar cover for collision mitigation, with a larger aerodynamic air dam, and provides both protection against damage and lower replacement costs. Improvements to the aero mirrors, fairings, side skirts and closeouts help improve the overall aerodynamic shape with the revised A-pillar vane redirecting airflow around the windshield reducing friction and helping deliver a 10% noise reduction in the cabin. Peterbilt designers infused the new 579 with a look that is both bold and elegant. Already the best in the industry, the interior of the new 579 features soft-touch materials with a fit and finish that delivers an outstanding driver experience. The 579 UltraLoft with an integral sleeper provides 70 cubic feet of space, offering more storage than any comparable integral sleeper. Drivers will feel right at home with plenty of headroom from the eight-foot high ceiling. The cabin has room for small appliances, including a 1.1 cu ft microwave, a 32” TV, a tall wardrobe closet, multiple power outlets and optional bunkbeds with a clever fold-away ladder. Multiple windows provide plenty of natural light and additional ventilation. At night, interior lighting from dome LED lights and three directional spot/reading lights provide added convenience and safety. New sound abatement technology helps minimize outside noise creating a quieter cabin, both on and off the road. Small additions like a fixed cup holder and the option for multiple USB charging ports in the center console make life on the road more comfortable.
“Beautiful on and off the road, the new Model 579 raises the bar to a whole new level of aerodynamic performance and driver comfort. The boldness of the exterior design combined with the elegance of the interior space set the new 579 apart from the competition,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.
The Peterbilt Digital Display fully integrates with electrical and safety systems found on the new 579 including the Bendix Fusion Advanced Driver Assistance System. The state-of-art 15” Digital Display features a fully customizable user interface (UI), delivering an almost endless combination of digital gauges on the main screen at any one time. Operators control the digital UI through one of three different Drive View Zones. Minimized View eliminates everything but the speedometer and tachometer for minimal driver distraction. Basic View represents traditional information found on analog dashes with Air & Oil Pressure, Fuel & DEF level and Water temperature all prominently displayed along with a speedometer and tachometer. The Enhanced View builds upon the previous views displaying the maximum number of gauges from a list of over 30 information sources. The beauty of the Peterbilt Digital Display is that operators can fine-tune the information shown to suit their individual needs through the easy to use controls found on the all-new steering wheel.
Prior to trip departure the Digital Display has the ability to run through a visual Systems Check, inspecting 13 systems and providing a green checkmark with each passed test. Post-trip, a detailed Trip Information screen provides a breakdown of important metrics of the most recent journey.
Peterbilt Motors Company is excited to announce that the Model 579EV is the first zero-emission,battery-electric, Class 8 truck to successfully reach the summit of Pikes Peak.
This significant achievement demonstrates the superior performance of the 579EV and its integrated battery-electric technology. Along with over 110,000 real-world miles on the Peterbilt EV fleet of trucks, this feat further proves that the 579EV is ready for real world, customer operations today. The significant achievement was captured on video and can be seen at https://youtu.be/dJLiFUf1h6w.
Peterbilt tackled the challenge of climbing to the top of Pikes Peak, or “America’s Mountain”, to highlight the 579EV’s excellent power capabilities and drivability, even under extreme road conditions and cold temperatures. The most famous mountain road in the United States, the ascent to Pikes Peak’s summit at 14,115 feet has an average grade of 7% and incorporates 156 turns over the last 12.42 miles.
Over a 3-day period, the 579EV made the journey up Pikes Peak multiple times with ease, each time using the recovered energy from regenerative braking on the descent to recharge the high-density battery packs to repeat each climb with ease.
“The performance of the Model 579EV while navigating to the summit of Pikes Peak was nothing short of amazing. Handling the 156 corners was made easier thanks to the lower center of gravity provided by the battery location on the 579EV,” said, Darryl Oster, Peterbilt assistant chief engineer.
“This is a huge moment for Peterbilt and everyone who has worked countless hours to bring this truck to life. Being the first battery electric powered Class 8 truck to conquer one of the most iconic roads in North America is just the beginning. Peterbilt is leading the charge on commercial vehicle electrification, with three distinctive EV configurations available for customer orders today in a variety of applications,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.
A little bit of news across the water. I’ve been doing a lot of US Trucking during lock down. Watching lots of YouTube videos and done a bit of searching for used American trucks. There is still a massive fascination with the American metal and trucking across all 48 states, anyone want a driver??!! @Peterbilt do you need someone to drive one of these around the country for you???!Have a little read of this press release if you’re keen on a new Pete’ this could be the one for you;
Peterbilt Motors Company is proud to announce the return of the Model 389 Pride & Class package due to popular demand. Introduced with a limited production run in 2014 and 2017, the Model 389 Pride & Class package’s unique styling and touches of understated elegance truly set this truck apart from all others.
Key external features of the Model 389 Pride & Class package include a highly polished hood crown surrounding a classic style louvered grille sheet, a brightly polished hood spine, chrome hood side accents, and polished hood fenders. The side of the truck is accentuated with polished rocker panels, bright cowl skirts, battery box, fuel tanks, and trimmed mud flaps. The iconic exterior look is finished off with a polished exterior sun visor, bumper, exhaust stacks and an exclusive Pride & Class emblem on the sleeper.
The distinctive features of the Model 389 Pride & Class package continue on the inside of the truck as well with a luxurious Platinum Arctic Gray interior, charcoal dash top and Blackwood-finish trim accentsthroughout the cab. Premium black leather seats are embroidered with the Pride & Class logo on the headrests and go nicely with the black, luxury carpet lines found in the spacious cab and sleeper. Bright gauge bezels, a special steering wheel and Pride & Class emblems on the dash and accent trim round out the interior experience.
“The Model 389 Pride & Class package takes a place amongPeterbilt’s most iconic trucks. With unparalleled performance and distinctive design, it furthers our proud tradition of providing trucks with industry-leading styling, quality and value,” said Robert Woodall,Assistant General Manager Sales and Marketing.
The Model 389 Pride & Class is available now for order through Peterbilt dealerships.
If you’ve never been to www.bigrigvideos.com or not found the YouTube channel then I’m close to banning you from TB! Everyone loves American trucks for one reason or another and in the land of 70mph+, no speed limiters and manual log books, we’d all love a few trips across the wide open spaces of the USA. To give you an idea on what you could be doing instead of sitting on the UK’s M6 through Birmingham or the Bruxelles ring road, please go and watch some of the Rolling CB interviews. Awesome trucks, great CB voices (All you Americans sound good on a CB speaker!) and great videos. Of them all I think this one is the best, a blue Peterbilt, with 8 inch exhausts that just sound as good as Foo Fighters at a hometown gig…… Frickin Awesome!!
Never been to the Mid America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky?? Then put it on your bucket list, trust me. The following press release issued today about Peterbilts MATS line up. Love the black one above!
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – March 28, 2019
Peterbilt Motors Company will display its product lineup at the Mid- America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky this week.
On display are Peterbilt’s new Model 579 UltraLoft with the Blackout Exterior Package, a Model 567 Dump truck as well as an on-highway Model 567, a Model 389 low roof sleeper and a Model 389 high roof sleeper. Peterbilt’s booth will also highlight the Red Oval program.
“Peterbilt remains the drivers’ truck of choice and the Mid-America Trucking Show is an ideal venue to showcase our best-in-class products to drivers and owner operators,” said Peterbilt Assistant General Manager for Sales and Marketing, Robert Woodall. “In addition to the superior styling and design of the trucks on display, Peterbilt will also highlight the PACCAR Powertrain, including the MX engines, tandem axles and the PACCAR transmission, all of which provide the power and performance to handle any job.” You are invited to stop by the Peterbilt booth #30305 to learn more.
DENTON, Texas. – July 6, 2018 – (was it not the dark of the moon on the 6th June – TB!?) Today Peterbilt Motors Company delivered the keys to the first production unit of the new Model 579 UltraLoft to David Freymiller, President and CEO of Oklahoma City based Freymiller Trucking.
Peterbilt announced the introduction of the Model 579 UltraLoft earlier this year. The UltraLoft features a high roof integral cab and sleeper design for Peterbilt’s flagship on-highway Model 579 that provides the ultimate level of driver comfort and the distinctive style and quality Peterbilt is known for.
“The Model 579 UltraLoft was designed to exceed customer demands, offering increased space and storage to create a comfortable environment for drivers,” said Robert Woodall, Assistant General Manager – Sales and Marketing Peterbilt Motors Company. “The UltraLoft is the result of the collaborative process between Peterbilt and many of our customers and drivers. They asked for the best and we delivered.”
Driver experience was the key driver in designing the Model 579 UltraLoft. By optimizing the space available, the new sleeper model includes industry-leading storage and comfort. The UltraLoft gives drivers the largest upper and lower bunk mattresses, best-in-class headroom in both bunks and class-leading creature comforts with space to accommodate the industry’s largest microwave and enough room to fit a 32 inch flat screen TV.
The improvements are not limited to the driver experience. The UltraLoft provides an estimated 2-percent aerodynamic improvement and a 220 pound weight reduction to push the limits of efficiency even further while maintaining the styling and bold look of the Model 579.
“Peterbilt trucks are the class of the industry. The superior craftsmanship, performance and design set them apart from the crowd and the pride of driving a Peterbilt is a tool we use to retain and recruit quality drivers,” said David Freymiller, President and CEO, Freymiller Inc. and
longtime Peterbilt customer. “The Model 579 UltraLoft is a game changer as it takes it to a new level. Our drivers are excited to take advantage of the increased space and premium cab design.”
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