Do They Still Make Cabover Semi Trucks
There was a time when people thought nothing could compete with a cabover semi-truck, especially in commercial transportation. People used to go crazy after their unique and small designs.
However, some years back, their use gradually declined, and people have shifted to rigs as a better alternative.
Have you already started thinking about do they still make cabover semi trucks or if they will ever come back in the future?
Well, yes, there are different brands still constructing cabover trucks.
If you need to know more about these dedicated brands, keep continuing this journey of learning about cabover semi-trucks and why they were stopped.
What Are Cabover Semi Trucks?
Cabover semi-trucks, also known as (COE) trucks, were used to commercialize goods and other supplies. One of the significant changes which separated them from conventional semi-trucks was their different designs.
The unique design of cabover semi-trucks features a cab that sits above the engine instead of behind it. This design allows for a shorter overall length and greater maneuverability, particularly in urban areas with limited space.
It was all fine until these trucks no longer met the transportation regulations and were replaced.
Well, You have already waited a lot, here’s your answer.
Also Read: How Many Miles Will A Semi Truck Last
Do They Still Make Cabover Semi Trucks?
Most of the trucks have already shifted towards producing rig semi-trucks, but…
Yes, there is still a brand that focuses on manufacturing cabover semi-trucks.
Wondering who this might be?
None other than Freightliner. The brand is still busy producing some of the best current cabover semi-trucks. Some of the most recent releases from Freightliner include eM2 and Cascadia 125.
However, many brands have stopped and publicly announced they won’t be manufacturing cabover trucks, including huge names like Mack, Ford, and Kenworth.
This is mainly because of many disadvantages and the public decline of cabover trucks.
Why Did They Stop Making Cabover Trucks?
There were a lot of reasons for brands to stop constructing cabovers. They had old designs, didn’t support new technology, and, most importantly, didn’t fulfill user requirements.
Here’s a deeper insight into why cabovers were replaced.
Changes in transportation regulations
One of the biggest problems truckers were facing was related to transportation regulations.
As commercial vehicle size and weight limits increased, cabover semi-trucks often could not meet the new requirements. This was because their unique design made it difficult to increase the size and capacity of the trailer without also increasing the size of the cab.
No trucker would ever want to end up with a truck that couldn’t fulfill the user requirements. In the end, this resulted in many trucking companies being forced to switch to conventional semi-trucks with longer trailers to comply with these new regulations.
Advancements in truck design and technology
Anything in the world can be replaced with a better alternative. Regardless of how good cabover trucks were, conventional semi-trucks surpassed them by offering improved safety features, fuel efficiency, and a more comfortable driving experience.
Furthermore, they have a more spacious cab, providing a more comfortable driving environment for long-distance trucking.
Shifts in consumer preferences
Companies design what their buyers love. As more and more consumers began to demand larger and more comfortable vehicles for long-distance trucking, conventional semi-trucks became increasingly popular.
Cabover semi-trucks simply could not compete in size and comfort, so many trucking companies began to phase them out. This also played a key role in the increasing decline of cabovers.
Increased efficiency
Since these rigs came with longer attachable trailers, they offered several advantages in terms of efficiency and productivity compared to cabover semi-trucks. Truckers always had the option of choosing the trailer according to the situation.
With a longer trailer, conventional semi-trucks can carry more cargo, allowing more efficient and cost-effective deliveries. Additionally, the longer trailer makes loading and unloading cargo easier, which can further increase productivity.
Improved safety features
Finally, conventional semi-trucks often have improved safety features compared to cabover semi-trucks. For example, conventional semi-trucks generally have a more stable center of gravity, which can reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
Moreover, they have advanced braking and suspension systems, which can improve overall safety and stability.
Are Cabover Trucks Safe?
Depending on the modern driving styles where everyone drives at high speed, no theory can define cabovers as safe, especially in frontal collisions.
The reason is that normal conventional trucks have a stretched-out hood or a crumple zone, whereas, in cabovers, there’s only a windscreen. During a collision, nothing stops the driver from jumping out of the truck, through the windscreen, onto the road.
However, aside from this, there are some advantages as well. One of the greatest advantages of cabovers is maneuverability. Because of the small designs, truckers can easily drive into small or crowded places without worrying about the turning radius.
Still, this doesn’t justify that the cabover’s design is unsafe for driving.
Where Are Cabovers Made?
North America used to be a great production place for cabovers, but sadly that’s not the fact anymore.
I believe most of the modern cabovers are being made and used in Japan, Asia, and Europe, as the people there still love the classic vibe of these trucks.
Despite many disadvantages, better visibility, maneuverability, and lower-cost ownership are some factors that symbolize attraction for many people across these states.
Are Cabovers Making A Comeback?
We cannot ignore the sheer domination of the cabovers back in the early 1970s to late 60s. Every trucker with little truck know-how would always dream of owning the latest cabover. Their design acted incomparable in the market, but sadly, all of this is long gone.
As of now, yes, cabovers can be expected to come back, but that will take a lot of hard work from the companies and manufacturers. Not only the outer design needs modification, but the engine bay and everything would need to be changed according to the modern requirements and era without disturbing their signature vibe.
We can hope for an international comeback within a decade or so.
Final Words
As we have discussed cabovers for quite some time, let’s come towards what you should keep in mind even when buying one;
I understand it can be a personal preference to feel attracted towards the designs of these trucks, but never forget the disadvantages they may come with.
Even if you are buying a cabover, try to get your hands on the latest model, like the Freightliner eM2 produced in the 2020s. This will help you cope with modern transportation regulations, and you can also complete your classy vibe.
Most of the old cabovers are just outdated versions. Buying them for a garage collection is a great idea, but if you buy them for commercial use, I won’t recommend doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a cabover engine?
A: It is a truck design where the cab is positioned directly over the engine. The term “cabover” refers to the cab being “over” the engine instead of being behind the engine, as in a conventional truck design.
This design allows for a shorter and more compact truck, which provides several advantages, including increased maneuverability, improved visibility, and reduced weight.
Q: Why are cabover trucks not as popular in North America?
A: In North America, conventional trucks are more commonly used, partly due to the prevalence of longer trailers and larger loads. People need a truck carrying larger loads at higher speeds with increased safety.
Cabover trucks are more popular in Europe, Asia, and South America, where they are used for various applications, including city delivery and long-haul transportation.
Q: Can cabover trucks handle heavy loads?
A: Generally, yes, cabover trucks are capable of handling heavy loads, but the exact weight capacity will depend on the specific model and configuration.
Some cabover trucks are designed for heavy-duty applications and can accommodate heavy loads, while others are designed for lighter-duty applications.
However, if we are discussing extreme weight loads, cabovers can be slightly disappointing with speed.
Recommended Posts
