15 Most Captivating Facts About Trucks That Not Many Realize

Fans of automobiles would always have a soft spot for big sturdy trucks! First built in 1896, trucks have continued to grow in their utility and popularity. The technology for manufacturing trucks has also come a long way. In fact, the first truck was only powered by a four-horsepower engine with a two-speed belt drive.

Every company that wants to save on transportation costs must choose trucks as a mode of transportation to carry their merchandise. Over time, trucks continue to be used as the best mode of transportation if you want to move items in large quantities. In fact, being a trucker is one of the most crucial jobs in the USA. It’s the backbone of the economy.

And so, if you are a trucker or truck enthusiast, here we have prepared some unique facts about this type of vehicle! Let’s check them out.

1. The World’s Strongest Truck! It Can Move Mountains!

Trucks are closely associated with colossal power. This type of vehicle typically has a large and reliable engine for hauling massive loads. It is versatile and is capable of performing heavy tasks such as transporting goods and heavy-duty equipment. However, have you ever asked about what truck has the most power in the world? What can this overpowered truck do?

There is, in fact, a truck that holds the title of the strongest. It is the BelAZ-75710! It has been named the most powerful truck in the world. Do you know the reason? 

BelAZ 75710 is a supreme class haul truck produced in 2006 by a Belarusian automotive manufacturer, namely BelAZ. The advantage of this truck is the largest and highest capacity and carrying capacity on earth. This truck is almost as tall as a house, with steel tires measuring about 4 meters.

This truck is powered by a mighty engine that can produce power equivalent to 1800 motorcycles or 20 sports cars!! BelAZ 75710 comes with 2 diesel engines of 16 cylinders each. This most robust truck is also capable of shifting objects weighing 450 tons at a time. No doubt, many people say that this truck can move mountains. What a tremendous capacity!

2. The Sultan’s Truck Worth $1 million!

The strongest is not always priced at the highest. Design, construction, and features have a crucial role in determining the price of a truck. In fact, it is true in the case of the Mack Super-liner! It is the most expensive truck in the world.

An Australian automotive manufacturer, Mack Trucks, built a truck with the most expensive price tag ever. This truck is valued at $1 million. It was an order from the Sultan of Johor, Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail. Moreover, it is capable of transporting the sultan’s electric boat.

The Mack Super-liner utilizes a powerful 695 horsepower engine. The futuristic design and a comfortable interior make this truck super comfy to drive. There is a microwave, small refrigerator, chairs, and table in this truck, allowing the owner to relax while drinking tea or coffee on the road!

3. Tough and Reliable for War

The toughness characteristic of a truck makes this vehicle also excellent for war. In fact,  war trucks have been widely developed by various automotive manufacturers. Almost every country, if not all, has also widely used this type of truck as a combat vehicle.

For instance, the Unimog U 4000 produced by Mercedes-Benz is the most versatile and most powerful military truck today. The army typically utilizes the Unimog U 4000 as a vehicle mode to transport personnel and armament cargo. These trucks will usually come with special warfare equipment such as snowplows, hydraulic winches, cranes, and dozer blades.

Those features allow the truck to pass through various heavy and steep terrain. This war truck can carry 16 soldiers with multiple defense features. Moreover, the level of protection is a four-tiered ballistic system, mines, and explosively coupled projectiles.

4. Diesel Fuel Preferred

Unlike conventional cars that use gasoline fuel, trucks prefer diesel fuel to drive their engines. Do you know why? The main reason is that diesel fuel is less flammable and explosive than other fuel types. Another supporting reason is that diesel engines are more widely applied to trucks. This is so that the possibility of crashing is much slighter than that of a gasoline-fueled engine. Thus, diesel fuel is preferred to create efficiency and safety in a truck.

5. Emits 444 million Metric Tons of CO₂

The size and large engine capacity of a truck will certainly produce large gas emissions. This is the government’s concern to monitor the number of emissions released by trucks. Based on the Statista survey agency, medium and heavy trucks in the United States emitted at least 444 million metric tons of CO₂ in 2019. 

The emissions released by trucks are greenhouse gas emissions, harmful to the earth’s ozone layer. The emission value of this truck has increased significantly from 1990, which is about 90%! Gas emissions produced by trucks are equivalent to 18% of the total CO₂ emissions of global road transport.

6. Trucks Have Longer Life Today

The lifespan of a truck is highly dependent on various aspects. In today’s era, trucks have a longer service life. The brand, model, year of release, and engine type have the biggest role. Newer trucks have a more reliable service life.

Modern trucks can at least last up to a distance of 100,000 miles or as long as 10 years. This service life is relatively better than the previous truck. However, if you take proper care of the truck, you can extend its lifespan up to 200,000 miles.

7. Only 6% of Truck Drivers are Women

Trucks are identical to men. The large size and uneasy handling make the truck easier for men to drive. Do you know that women only make up a very low percentage of truck drivers? Yes, you heard it right. In fact, only about 6% of truck drivers are women. The tough women who drive trucks are just as skilled as the men. They can drive and handle trucks well. So don’t underestimate girls!

8. 80,000 Pound Gross Vehicle Weight Limit

Can a truck have unlimited weight? The answer is no! Based on a circular issued by the US Department of Transportation. A truck must comply with the weight limits allowed to operate on the highway.

Every state in the United States of America strictly enforces this regulation. The commercial truck’s gross weight is 80,000 pounds with a single wheel weight limit of 20,000 pounds and 34,000 pounds for tandem axle truck tires. This weight limit will prevent the truck from exceeding its capacity and keeps the road smooth.

9. It Can Reach 169 Km/H at the Top Speed!

Who would have thought that a large truck could reach an extraordinary maximum speed? The Iron Knight from Volvo holds the record for a truck with the highest speed globally. The truck utilizes a 2400 horsepower engine with an astonishing 6000 Nm of torque.

The truck also has a very efficient power-to-weight ratio of 0.5 hp/kg. It is this extraordinary engine construction that allows this truck to reach an average speed of 169 km/h (105 mph) and a time of 21.29 seconds. What a reliable, fastest truck!

10. What Goods Are Transported the Most by A Truck?

Trucks are identical to the mode of transportation used to transport goods. However, do you know what types of goods trucks deliver the most? Clothing is the product most trucks ship. This happens because clothing is the most widely produced primary need.

Clothing is also an item that is very easy to transport by truck and doesn’t spoil as quickly as food. The second rank is agricultural commodities including vegetables and fruits. Farmers will send their crops by truck to reach the market quickly and in large quantities. Paper products and building materials are the next most common items transported by trucks. Trucks can also efficiently accommodeate large volume of building materials.

11. Truck Can Cover 125,000 Miles Per Year

The mileage of commercial truck drivers all year round is surprisingly amazing. In general, truck drivers cover an average of 80,000 to 110,00 miles per year. The distance is the accumulated distance traveled in delivering commercial goods.

However, there are also truck drivers who cover up to 125,000 miles in one year of work. What a tremendous distance! If we review and calculate, in general, truck drivers can record a distance of 300-450 miles per day. The work is tiring but worth it.

12. Most Powerful Truck Engine

For automotive lovers, the engine is the most important thing. The engine is the driving component that determines whether a vehicle is reliable or not. If asked what is the most powerful truck engine you can get on the market.

Then the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 with the TRX2021 engine is the answer. This powerful engine can produce 702 horsepower with 650 pound-feet of torque. Therefore, this commercial truck has been named the strongest truck engine in the world.

13. Truck Racing Series

Apart from being a vehicle for transporting goods, it turns out that trucks can also be used as racing cars. Did you know that there are truck racing competitions? Yes, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is a truck racing series. This series is the only NASCAR series for modified trucks.

This truck racing series started in 1995 and changed its name to Camping World Truck Series starting in 2021. The newest Drivers’ Champion is Ben Rhodes who won his first championship in 2021. Ron Hornaday Jr. is a truck racing driver who holds the record for the most titles with four titles.

14. Why Do Trucks Use Air Brakes?

The braking system is one of the most essential components of a truck. The heavyweight and power of the truck are more difficult to control, especially when it reaches top speed. This is what causes trucks to use air brakes.

With the systems and mechanisms offered by the air brake, truck drivers can stop quickly and safely. Trailer brakes can be attached to the control system via the air brake system. It is very practical and compatible with hydraulic systems on trucks.

15. The Truck Has Spikes on Its Tires

Did you know that trucks have spikes installed on their tire rims? This not only adds to the rugged and tough feel of a truck but also has important uses. The spikes in truck tires are designed to protect the wheel nuts from wear. These nails will protect the tires from damage due to weathering and rust due to rain and stagnant water. The spike design will remove moisture levels when the truck wheels are turning.

Those are the most interesting facts about trucks that not many people know. Which fact do you think is the most impressive? Give your answer in the comment column!

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