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Trucks in the US
by Camaion Vaytoi
http://www.ruatruck.com
Many people say the are confused the phenomena of Monster
Trucks - they do not understand it! But trucks are fairly
fundamental to the history of America.
Trucks were not born in the US. In the final decades of the
19th century America was not the undisputed world economic
leader it is today. That prize was disputed between the
German and British Empires, and it was the Germans that
made the first trucks.
Back in 1985 two very different types of trucks competed
for attention. One, driven on petrol, the other was a
steam truck... yes really, a truck driven on coal. The
steam trucks had many supporters and in fact they were
manufactured right up until the second world war.
It was also a German, Benz (of Mercedes Benz of course)
that brought in diesel as a fuel - the fuel made economic
sense being cheaper and making the engines last longer.
These improved trucks came in 1924.
The US trucks, just like the Jeeps, came into their own in
the Second World War. These trucks were also four wheel
drives and were the best performing trucks of the time.
In the 50s things like the forward tilting cab tractors and
massive trucks were seen moving goods of all sorts all
across the huge distance of the United States. Big cargo
trucks have been an American icon ever since, as testified
by the large number of films and songs that have paid
homage to American trucking.
Domestic-sized trucks have also undergone a seismic shift
over the years. Not only are pick up style trucks very
popular (and powerful, comfortable and fast), but family
vehicles have been moving nearer to trucks for years. In
fact many SUV are more truck than family sedan.
In fact some family motors that are based on truck designs
are so huge that they are politically divisive. However,
the vehicle has always been a controversial object that
often reflects the personality and beliefs of the people
who drive it. However, there continues to be debate
between many who want cars to be more smaller and more
energy saving and others who will always want a large,
family car.
America probably leads the world in big cars (or trucks
with four doors if you prefer). Indeed there are some of
the most amazing piece of engineering appearing all the
time at show ground and festivals - and sometimes in the
streets - the Monster Truck is a wonder to behold.
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