NEARLY 300 fleet operators were questioned by Mr. Laurie to gather data for this paper on what features the users of trucks would like to have the manufacturers incorporate in post-war trucks.
The cooling system is one important item that came in for its share of criticism. For example, maintaining the proper coolant level is most important, and yet many of today's systems require filling into the filler neck before the liquid level can be seen. Petcocks or sight gages properly installed could solve this problem, according to Mr. Laurie.
Accessibility for maintenance should also be improved in the post-war truck. Some of today's trucks have batteries that are not located for ease of servicing and spark plugs that it is almost impossible to remove and replace.
Improvements should also be possible in cold starting of the engine, based on the experience of the Army in cold climates.
Truck cabs could be much improved, so that they could accommodate the long-legged and the short-legged driver equally comfortably and provide satisfactory vision for both.
Another item on which the operators agreed was that they weren't interested in fancy hardware or grille work, such as is found on passenger cars. More important to them are sturdy construction and well-designed safety features.
