As a US truck driver, this truck looks like an absolute nightmare to drive in adverse weather, as the spray from other motorists would completely blind you. Not to mention forward visibility being about zilch...

@GearTechHD

Ай бұрын

Adverse weather conditions can be challenging for any driver, especially in a truck like this.

@fobbitoperator3620

Ай бұрын

@@GearTechHD Absotively posilutely. Sh!t, some truckers have roll-overs driving on dry, flat pavement. They're like a retard utilizing Skittles as suppositories. Makes no damn sense, but it's weirdly funny, in a dark way...

@user-rl3rq2zn3g

29 күн бұрын

That is a extremely good point

@davidcaudill7779

24 күн бұрын

That actually is one of the points that I was thinking about I'm a truck driver myself

@scyban12

19 күн бұрын

I agree but I can't lie, I kinda think I like it. 😂

You failed to mention that the cargo box could be opened at both ends allowing the driver to approach difficult docks forward. I seem to recall reading about this truck in either Popular Mechanics and/or Overdrive magazines. I think one of the reasons for its ultimate failure was driver safety. In the event of an accident the driver had virtually no frontal protection and there was a real chance of being crushed under the cargo box. Drivers did not like it at all.

@BadByte

25 күн бұрын

So same as a modern city bus in Europe today with no real or meaningful protection for the drivers

@viktorakhmedov3442

20 күн бұрын

@@BadByte who cares they are just civil servants TRUMP 2024

@trex2621

4 күн бұрын

It looks more like perceived v. actual safety. As load, coming loose due to emergency braking or accident, will not exit through cab, like with normal truck.

The future was more futuristic in the past. It's a shame...

It has potential merit in low speed applications with good traffic control. With modern camera technology, it could be the ultimate dock donkey.

@mosthatedandroidtunernolim9800

Ай бұрын

Not

@mosthatedandroidtunernolim9800

Ай бұрын

We.have better tech now

@Shotblur

26 күн бұрын

​@@mosthatedandroidtunernolim9800 Right; tech enough to not need a driver at all.

@mbdzel

5 күн бұрын

That would not make a good yard dog/hostler. this visibility problem and having to climb up out of the cab would make it a nightmare.

For a highway long distance vehicle it fails straight away from a drive point of view. Due to its low height you can't perceive traffic ahead at distance. I.e making braking distances so short that at average speed you would have little change to brake in time with other road vehicles.

@earlyorlater

Ай бұрын

Put a camera on top. Basically equip it with all the newest car tec.

@lazylion420

Ай бұрын

equipping this thing with a periscope doesn't really solve the problem in terms of highway safety. it's just another distraction which doesn't improve the real-time reactions necessary to negotiate hazards

@nutzeeer

29 күн бұрын

with modern technology a camera could be mounted high up

@rogerdennison8154

26 күн бұрын

I agree. Truck drivers need to be able to see “over” 4-wheelers to anticipate changes. OTOH, if you’ve got nothing but trucks in front of you, you can’t see anything anyway. 🤣

@jadeboswell-rz2ly

26 күн бұрын

@@rogerdennison8154 that when you back off, seen so many drivers cut half for tailgating

I feel like they need to make it like the cybertruck where all the wheels steer and cameras can be used for more visibility these days. There is definitely a way to make this idea work in the present day

@GearTechHD

26 күн бұрын

That's a fantastic suggestion! The idea of using all-wheel steering and cameras for enhanced visibility like the Cybertruck is definitely intriguing

@Tanzim03

Сағат бұрын

It's a great idea. However, the driver safety issue still remains. Perhaps the design can serve better as an autonomous driving platform.

I do remember seeing it on the 80's USA TV show "The Highwayman"

As a retired OTR American trucker. No friggin way. 1st thing I thought of, was how are you going to see to back. Cant imagine Wyoming winds in that thing. Definitely designed by people with zero knowledge of trucking. Great video :) and content.

@GearTechHD

26 күн бұрын

Thanks for your experienced perspective! Visibility and handling, especially in challenging conditions like Wyoming winds, are crucial for truck designs. It's great to hear from someone who really knows the ropes. Glad you enjoyed the video!

As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew that driver visibility would be its downfall. Having owned both a class A motor home and a Miata, I can appreciate the difference in perspective.

I know where it is, but the owner dont sell it. It a shame, that this truck will be died... With best regards from Germany

@renebenecke1567

Ай бұрын

Me too😊

@1776-or-die

Ай бұрын

Thanks for starting ww2……dick……….

@1950sFordGuy

Ай бұрын

That's a bummer. I wish we could save it :(

@TurnAGundam

Ай бұрын

Why won't he sell it, and can he at least be convinced to restore it?

@Tuberuser187

Ай бұрын

@@TurnAGundam I don't know if this is the case for this vehicle but there are examples of prototypes being sold/gifted to private collectors or given to small museums, cars, trucks, trains and even planes but on some strict conditions like not using it for its intended design, can't resell it or hide it for a set amount of years. This usually happens with failed or embarrassing prototypes that didn't get scrapped, sometimes because people involved are still fond of it and can't bring themselves to destroy them but financial backers or someone else wants the thing out of sight/gone. Cant say for sure this is the reason here, but its one logical reason other than hoarding/coveting it even if its rotting.

I don’t think the actual Steinwinter was used on The Highwayman. That truck I believe was a heavily modified Peterbuilt, and was much narrower than the Steinwinter. You can really tell by the windscreen. The Highwayman truck was a Hollywood chop job inspired by this truck. The other truck in the show pulls a lot from the Ford and GM concept Turbine trucks of the 60’s.

How did Steinwinter not get sued by Ferrari for that logo?!

@GearTechHD

Ай бұрын

Great observation! It's definitely a close call. Might be an interesting story there!

@erichkarrenmann6892

Ай бұрын

The horse is the coat of arms of Stuttgart, where Steinwinter had its seat. Look at the Porsche logo which also contains a Stuttgart horse in the middle. It's an interesting story how the Stuttgart coat of arms became the logo of Ferrari, but Ferrari and Steinwinter both took the Stuttgart logo and Steinwinter didn't simply copy the Ferrari logo.

@squarepusher645

Ай бұрын

@@erichkarrenmann6892 all cars use a circle in logos..just about.. call a lawyer/ dodge,chevy, renault.. whatever.

@nymez6968

29 күн бұрын

@@squarepusher645what circle? This is about the horse…

@viktorakhmedov3442

20 күн бұрын

@@nymez6968 ur mom

If the sports cars I've owned/driven are any indication, that seating position will be absolute *murder* on your lower back after just a couple of hours. I've found (for my back at least) it doesn't matter how well-designed the seat is: if my legs are out in front of me, it's going to suck. Conversely, I can drive an old pickup with a crappy cloth bench seat all day. I think this would be quite literally crippling for someone trying to drive it professionally. Truckers have pretty high rates of back problems as it is. Between that and the obvious safety issues, I can see why it didn't take off. But it's cool!

It looks awesome! Impractical, but awesome! 😎

@GearTechHD

15 күн бұрын

It’s interesting to hear that you find it awesome yet impractical. Thanks for your comment!

Rather than a truck this would make a snazzy house.

Guessing the designers never heard of things like speed bumps, potholes, or snow.

When I was a truck mechanic at a Cummins Engine dealership/repair facility in the 70s, I think it was Fruehauf Trailers that designed one with a V-903 Cummins Engine. I't also went nowhere and I never heard of it again. I read about it in a Cummins Engine Company publication.

I half remember this from a book about semi trucks I had as a small child. Glad it was real and not just in my head lol

I want to see the motorhome version !

@stupitdog9686

16 күн бұрын

Or the Fifth wheel version !! A small prime vehicle with a LARGE live in trailer would seem ideal !!!

There used to be a TV show called "Science International: What Will They Think Of Next" and I remember seeing this truck featured on it.

@GearTechHD

19 күн бұрын

It's interesting that the truck was featured on 'Science International: What Will They Think Of Next.' That show offered a lot of insight into new technologies. Thanks for mentioning it!

Why do I remember an old movie with a vehicle like this in it.

Driver : "I'm in danger." *chuckle

Saw this in person when it toured the U.S. in the 1980’s. Pretty awesome to see going down the road.

@GearTechHD

Ай бұрын

How cool that you got to see it in person! It must have been quite a sight on the road. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Ever since I saw the truck, I thought it was absolutely cool. I would love to have one.

The sidekick's HighwayMan (1987) truck !!

@GearTechHD

26 күн бұрын

Yes, the HighwayMan is such a classic! Iconic in every way. Glad to see another fan here!

I remember the Highway men, it was so cool back then.

Used to see this in Fellbach back in the day when going to work... Was certainly different...

KZread. The home of not being able to say Chassis, properly.

Nowadays, field of vision can be enlarged by installing camera on top of upper part of the trailer.

@GearTechHD

5 күн бұрын

Absolutely, the use of cameras to expand the field of vision is a great modern solution that enhances safety and efficiency.

incredible prototype from volvo

@mosthatedandroidtunernolim9800

Ай бұрын

Trash

It looks great

Ty

Well...One major advantage would be, in an accident, the drivers body would cushion the impact on the payload, insuring that nothing that was being hauled would be damaged.

1:18 So that’s where cybertruck came from!

This is like something you'd see in airports and only airports.

@GearTechHD

Ай бұрын

It's definitely got that specialized airport vibe!

Currently European trucks are using cameras as mirrors. Adding cameras in the front, on the top of the trailer for improved visibility could make it a hit in Europe.

GM's 1964 Bison concept truck has a very low forward control cab design with a short wheelbase.

@andrewtaylor940

23 күн бұрын

The Bison was deceptive. The drivers compartment was lower, but behind it is this large tall structure that looked like an odd sleeper cad, that housed the twin turbines.

Interestingly, there was already another German "Supercargo" Truck very similar to the Steinwinter in the 1960s, it was built by Büssing from Brunswick (they got acquired by MAN in 1971, the lion badge is the Brunswick Lion, I heard they wanted to get rid of that because the factory in Brunswick is defunct for decades now, they're still in nearby Salzgitter, but the response to that was so negative that they kept it). But it wasn't a truck for trailers but a full flatbed truck instead, where the flatbed made the whole length of the vehicle. This construction was only possible through the under floor engine (the engine is mounted in the lower part of/under the frame, literally between the front and rear axle) and that engine concept itself was invented/developed at Büssing an patented in 1935.

Never thought I'd see a cab-under truck 😂

Definitely a concept worth dusting off. Cameras can be placed high with feed to cockpit, and engines are a lot better now.

I was a class 1 driver for 12 years. That cab looks comfy as but, very poor visibility unfortunately.

@MythionVR

Ай бұрын

And not even remotely safe lol. That part I think is a bit important.

That forward swing and the less f9rward view then a mazda miata while waying 80k lbs is an absolute nightmare in every way. The truck by itself is cool, using it for a actual service vehicle is just a big no

@GearTechHD

15 күн бұрын

You’ve raised some important concerns about using this truck as a service vehicle, particularly regarding its weight and visibility. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on its practicality.

Cool concept. I wonder how it would hold up in crash tests

@mosthatedandroidtunernolim9800

Ай бұрын

Ur fuckin dead with a damn window that big and ur fuckin traiker over top of u no chance

@dieseldragon6756

26 күн бұрын

Not very well, I fear. That cab is so close to the ground if it rammed me (A cyclist) from behind not only am I getting stuck fast in the fifth wheel, the back of my bike is going to be crashing through the windscreen and straight into that poor drivers face. ☠

i could see it being a yard hopper getting the trailers ready in the yard

The suspension on the cabin would have to be stiff to support the weight of the cargo.

@GearTechHD

19 күн бұрын

You're right about the need for a stiff suspension on the cabin to support the cargo weight. It's a critical aspect of truck design for handling heavy loads.

1:36 iki bentuk'e mobil aneh, weird desain but i like this.

I'd be concerned about a deer crash. But it does look so cool! That would inspire me to get my CDL😂

It's a interesting design i imagine it would make a great rv

Modern technology could make it work, like cameras and better cooling system.

@GearTechHD

19 күн бұрын

Absolutely, modern technology does open up new possibilities!

This marvel can be adapted for a modern use: the fact the engine is placed just in front of the rear wheels let a huge place under a standard cabin with a standard configuration (a high cabin at the front of the vehicle). If the engine is no longer under the cabin, you can modify the cabin's configuration. You can rise the cockpit and the empty room under it can be used as a sleeper. If the bunk is no longer behind the driver, there's about 1 meter of empty space so, you can add a shower or something like that, to add comfort for the driver.

@Drunken_Hamster

Ай бұрын

Yeah, I always thought it would be cool to sleep underneath something kinda like an animal "den." But also, truck engines are in the front, even on cabovers, for a reason. And that reason is servicing. And to a lesser extent, cooling.

@themetalslayer2260

Ай бұрын

@@Drunken_Hamster on this one the engine is at the same place as a supercar, the main problem is to find a way to improve cooling (bed will be between the radiator and the engine) and talking about sleeping under something, don't forget that a house's roof weighs tons and if you live in a multi story building you have hundreds of tons over your head (being afraid of sleeping under cargo reflects a lack of trust into the vehicle strength)

I always thought it was a Ferrari truck because of the badge. It’s weird that it has the Cavalino. I’m surprised Ferrari didn’t send a cease-and-desist😂😂😂

Featured in the Usborne Book of the Future from about 1980

I absolutely love y'all's videos. So many times i wish you made longer videos. Just so i don't have to stop watching. Especially after you started narrating them. My eyes are going & it was getting harder to read the videos. Regardless i love the content don't stop making them. I think we have the tech today to solve the problems this design faced in the 80's. I would love to see it be revived.

@GearTechHD

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback! We really appreciate your support.

@3:34 : Just wow !

At least one of the early versions of the Transporter Erector Loader trucks for the Minuteman missiles had a similar profile, with an extremely low cab under the long trailer containing the missile.

Cool AF!

Clearly not recommended for long haul. Ports and airports look like best use case.

I can just see so many truckers accidentally ramming the front of the trailer into a building or something while turning.

I’m for one thing that this design actually is rather innovative and likely does and will have a resurgence of sorts. Yes, we’ve got the things like from Volvo, but as stated in your video, the things from Volvo that are being built and such are purely just for operation in places like large Seaports and stuff like that. But at the same time I would think trucks like this could be Remely useful. I think the only real thing that would need to be altered would be the simple fact that there would probably need to be cameras or sensors of some kind on it to alleviate the visibility problem. For one thing trucks like this or maybe calling it a “truck” doesn’t really work but vehicles like this. You definitely do have a place. I can certainly see the passenger coming into use simply as a essentially oversize long haul bus for traveling and such. After all accompany like Greyhound would probably jump at the opportunity to have a bus system like this, that would allow them to transport larger numbers of passengers. The cube van design specifically, the one where the trailer part or whatever you wanna call it is literally on top is definitely another interesting idea. The only thing that I would be concerned about would be the possibility of the unit being to top-heavy and therefore running the risk of it rolling onto its side. Either way vehicles like this definitely I feel could be useful. The only things that I think would need to change would be a combination of safety features and probably other kinds of regulations. But overall, I think they could work.

Probably didn’t have any sleeping facilities in it either? Presume they built several since I doubt the one in Highwaymen was turned completely back to standard after all those changes.

The low cabin design is also used in mining equipment.

l'époque quand automobile et motorisation, rimaient avec passion.

@GearTechHD

Ай бұрын

Absolument, une époque où chaque moteur avait une histoire à raconter.

@deniskarmichael9730

Ай бұрын

@@GearTechHD C'est exactement ça. Chaque moteur racontait son histoire avec sa propre identité sonore, reconnaissable par les initiés.

You Did Not mention Sooo Much Details, I Knoiw Where One Stands in germany Now, yestarday I Drove By It

yes the truck still exists. it is on the same place as the last 20 years. The owner (the inventor Steinwinter died in 2020) still wants to sell the idea, or at least the story.

That is a death trap. I shudder just thinking of what would happen to the driver as that slid into a mess of cars in a winter accident.

This thing was used in one episode of Night Man (1997)

I already have trouble seeing around high hedges in my sports car. More than once pulled in front of a vehicle because I couldn't see over an obstacle so I have to really lay on the accelerator to keep from causing an accident. Can't imagine how much worse visibility is in THAT monstrosity let alone how to recover from those situations when your 0 to 60 time is measured in minutes.

@GearTechHD

12 күн бұрын

You make a good point about the visibility issues in larger vehicles compared to sports cars. It’s important to consider these challenges when designing and operating such vehicles. Thanks for your comment.

I wonder about the actual height of the trailer 🤔 because in the eastern US it can’t be taller than 13’6” or 14’ in the west. I think this design would scare off most veteran drivers because they would like to be able to see from an elevated position. OTOH, you could have a high fwd facing camera and monitor, (not to mention rear cam). But that might not ever be legal because youre effectively “taking your eyes off the road” and driving by monitor. 🤔

@GearTechHD

26 күн бұрын

That's an insightful observation about the height and visibility challenges. Using cameras instead of direct vision is an innovative idea, though it comes with its own set of legal hurdles.

Maybe with modern tech and the relocation of the radiator.

the logo looks very sporty I must say, surprised lawsuits never happened

@GearTechHD

Ай бұрын

Absolutely, the sporty look is quite striking! It's surprising how it hasn't led to legal issues. Good observation!

@wuslon70

Ай бұрын

The prancing horse is actually the heraldic animal in the coat of arms of Steinwinter's hometown Stuttgart. It's in the Porsche logo as well and for the same reason.

Taking a tight turn and the obtruding trailer hits a lamppost, no thanks...

the overheating could be adressed by a one seater variant

Damals, vor etwa vierzig Jahren, gab es einen Artikel im PM Magazin darüber.

@GearTechHD

26 күн бұрын

That's really interesting! It’s great to see how discussions and innovations have been documented over the decades. Do you remember any specific details from that article?

That doesn't even look right 😂

I want to be able to see the line of cars ahead of me.. Visibility alone makes this the worst idea for a highway truck ever.

@GearTechHD

19 күн бұрын

You make a good point about the importance of visibility in highway trucks. It's essential for safety and efficiency on the road. Thanks for your comment.

Time ahead but these Truck will defintly Come one day

As a concept and a challenge to convention I like this *a lot.* There's good arguments for it *not* to be on the road (And I'm shocked the _Verkehrsamt_ authorised it's use on public highways) but there are many _off-road_ (e.g: Transit centre) applications where it could perform head and shoulders above a conventional tractor unit. 👍 But commenting as a cyclist brings me to the reason for why I do *not* think this'd be suitable on the road - At least not on roads shared with pedestrians and cyclists. I see enough people get caught out by the tail-swing of conventional HGVs as it is¹ but the front-swing of these could be even worse. In my country people crossing half the road then letting traffic pass before completing their crossing is quite common, and you *don't* want to be stood in the opposite lane if one of these is turning close to you. ⚠ (¹ - My tip: *Always* stop 2+ meters short of the tail-bar, and *always* site yourself where the driver can see you in their mirrors. Don't forget to check the number plate, and *never* _assume_ the driver will be sat on the same side of the vehicle as drivers in your country do. ⬅🇳🇱🚚🇬🇧➡👍)

@GearTechHD

25 күн бұрын

Thank you for your comprehensive feedback! You bring up some very valid points about the potential risks and challenges, especially in mixed traffic scenarios involving cyclists and pedestrians.

and your first line of defense is a collision is your feet. just like a VW bus

I used to drive bus with the seat as low as a car's one. I hated it.

To be able to drive a double semi is trick in itself and I’m sure you need plenty of hours behind the wheel to drag two trailers. I couldn’t imagine driving a cab over sports car dragging two trailers. (But I’d definitely try it) 🤪••👈

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

wait.... I got to 7:20 and heard that they designed the bottom aerodynamically. They really looked at making the bottom aerodynamic when it's hauling a giant rectangle on top of it? Who were they fooling? Seriously, who?

Might be an interesting concept for self driving technology. If the "camera" is high up.

@GearTechHD

Ай бұрын

Definitely! A higher camera placement could provide a better vantage point for navigation. Great insight!

It looks like only super short people could fit into this truck, and I am quite tall, 6' 7" or 201 centimeters.

I want just the cab it's a supercar lorry

Lesson of the day: the Ferrari advisors should be occupied with the comfort of the driver, while the Mercedes advisors should be occupied with the functionality and safety of the vehicle. Managers that propose such ideas, there is a window wide open in the 20th floor.

@GearTechHD

26 күн бұрын

Point well taken! It seems like there’s always room for improvement when it comes to balancing comfort, functionality, and safety in vehicle design. Thanks for the sharp observation!

The future we could have had

I'm curious about the cab space.

The ground clearance looks very low, and that approach angle is almost 0. On approach to any kind of slope, the front end would just hit the ground and the whole thing would get stuck.

I think it's interesting concept but I can easily see visibility issues trying to back a semi truck up into a tight spot does a bigger semi truck actually has mirrors on there to where you're able to see what you're doing better and where exactly would me the driver sleep at on a 3-day Hall I don't see a sleeper cab in the truck

@GearTechHD

24 күн бұрын

You've raised some valid points about the practical challenges of operating a larger semi truck, especially regarding visibility and accommodations for long hauls.

@davidcaudill7779

24 күн бұрын

@@GearTechHD it's a trucker's perspective and I'm pretty sure that's part of the reason why it didn't go anywhere but still a very interesting concept I would like to drive one just for the heck of it once just to see how they do handle

They made the mistake of displaying the Cavallino Rampante shield, received notice from Ferrari to cease and desist.

This truck was developed at the time because trucks were allowed to have a maximum length and they wanted to make the most of the loading area. However, the law was later changed and a maximum loading area was set, so this concept was obsolete and useless. There were also problems with cooling the engine, not to mention visibility in good and bad weather conditions.

@GearTechHD

26 күн бұрын

Really insightful comment! It's interesting to see how changes in law can render certain innovations obsolete. The technical problems like cooling and visibility must have been quite a hurdle.

Couldnt the cargo crush the cabin if it hit a big enough bump?

How about showing where the take the loads. And mixing it up a little.

The way I see it, it looks like they over-focused on one aspect of the design at the cost of the most important one - usability. It just does not look like a very practical and safe thing to drive. The hilariously low position of the driver causes massive issue with visibility, but also other problems - my guess is... Your side window would be much lower than most checkpoints - good luck paying on a highway checkpoint or showing your documents on border crossing without leaving the vehicle. Also, low position means any splatter goes directly onto your windshield, far more than in taller vehicles. Also - in case of crash, it is your face vs opposing car's engine block. Not the most attractive prospect, I'd imagine.

@GearTechHD

19 күн бұрын

Thanks for pointing out these design concerns. Your detailed observations help us understand the practical challenges drivers might face. It’s great to get such insightful feedback from experienced users.

3:44. There is no ‘g’ in Cummins.

This is basically the polar opposite of the International Harvester Sightliner. 😁

It was 1983 but look at the new electric trucks without a driver now, verry simular models from Volvo and Scania !!!

Anyone see a Tesla Badge on a design similar to that in the next 10 years

1:46 follow the "W" in Steinwinter and the door frame down, between the 2 people turned away and just below the man with glasses. Tf is that?

@dieseldragon6756

26 күн бұрын

Looks to me like a child or small adult writing something on a clipboard whilst holding some other note or piece of paper in his mouth. ✍ (N.B: I'm on a low bandwidth connection, so this is based on how it shows in 360p)