Never thought I’d say “I’m at the GYM”. Used to think that I got my exercise throwing chains. 30+ days in and feeling much better! Less aches and pains. Better Stamina. Had another wake-up call yesterday… had to drop a wagon/park a a truck for another friend loaded in an ambulance… #livingwithtrucks

Road breakfast! Two eggs, splash of water. Air fried diced potatoes (frozen), diced sausage ( breaking diet!) microwaved and topped with sriracha. Instant coffee (an acquired taste) Not perfect but beats something from a roller grill! #livingwithtrucks

Cooking for the road! Today is Shepard’s pie! Eating healthy on the road is tough to near impossible. I pre-portion & freeze meals. Enchilada casserole, Mac& cheese, quinoa w/ rice & black beans etc. My cooler half full of ice packs is good for 7 days. Many weeks I buy nothing! #livingwithtrucks.

Let’s talk Uhaul and rental trucks! 25 miles behind one varying speed from 40 mph downhill riding the brakes then 60 uphill. Following the car with her too close to pass individually. Finally got a passing lane and they decided they wanted to race when I was alongside…70+ to clear #Livingwithtrucks

Good Morning Hands! Technical load… top left is large electric motor and compressor. Be aware of your center of gravity! Squirrelly AF! #livingwithtrucks

2) Marge has a 10 speed unsynchronized transmission. When loaded, skipping gears is not an option. For each gear change, engine speed increases by approx 400 rpm then must drop back the same before engaging the next gear. Drivetrain weighs nearly 5,000 lbs. Serious rotating mass! #livingwithtrucks

Why do trucks leave such a gap at stoplights?? 1) Acceleration from a full stop is slow and energy intense. The gap allows us to be rolling and shifting gears before the vehicle ahead begins moving . I typically shift a minimum of five times before clearing an intersection. #livingwithtrucks

2/2 2) look back forward to see Murphy raise and stretch to look at my right fender! 3) In that second a compact car cut across and squeezed diagonal between my bumper and the car ahead. I COULD NOT SEE ANY PART OF THE DUMBASS! 12” forward would have been the driver door. Good girl!#livingwithtrucks

Fast forward 2020 NB TX12 Irving,TX. 14 wide double T’s. Running right two lanes, blocked in heavy traffic 30-40 mph. Grey Isuzu Trooper “merged” under load/left half disappeared in mirrors! No contact but I doubt they saw their seat cushions for a day or so… yes dash-cams 24/7 #livingwithtrucks

Christmas Vacation log truck scene is great, reality not much! 1) early 90’s Nebraska City, NE crawling out of the valley with full hopper bottom. Car backed out as passing. Saw reverse lights come on and start to move. Stopped and it went in gap between the hoppers. No contact #livingwithtrucks

Oversize continued! 1) If I need an inch of another lane, I will split and take two lanes (liability) 2) lane widths vary and change often. 3) running (overhanging) the shoulder is not always an option eg. a) at on-ramps we immediately enter another lane b) overpass support columns #livingwithtrucks

I’ve been taking break from media! But I’m back…Professional drivers do not do random. Literally every action is about safety 1) do not hang out beside an O/D 2) If the turn signal is on, back off, allow room for a lane change. This is not the signal to shoot around! #livingwithtrucks

There reality is that we are a necessary “evil”. Unless you are walking down the side of the road naked and hungry while shouting your social media at the sky …you depend on trucks! #Livingwithtrucks

Accepting that many people really dislike sharing the road with trucks. Nearly every aspect of heavy truck behavior on the road is about safety. I look forward to sharing and welcome questions. Professional drivers live and breath safety! #Livingwithtrucks

Going a different direction as a break from the chaos of the “flaming yam” ( thanks BB ) circus. Focus on trucking #Livingwithtrucks. Something for four wheels sharing the road with big trucks, gear heads, those just interested in trucks, new drivers, old hands and an occasional OG rant!