Kenworth Dashboard Height

I’m out of a truck right now because of medical leave and I doubt if I’ll get my last one back. My DBL asked me how tall I am (5’ 11” dripping wet). I asked her why she asked. She said that if they put me in a KW I needed to be tall enough to see over the dashboard. I’ve never been in a KW so how much of a difference will I notice compared to my former Frightliner? Also, what other differences would I notice if I do get assigned. KW?

I am 5 11, 6ft if you ask I had a Kenworth T680 and i had no problems seeing over the dash.

I only had a day can so can not speak to the sleepers, but the cab on the FL is much roomier and the button layout was better. The KW rides better and is quieter had better front visibility but worse rear visibility but since you do not have a rear window that wont be a issue.

Biggest thing was I put 50k miles on the KW since the end of October and other than PMs it only went to the shop once for a minor dash light issue.

The KW is higher and a deeper dash than all other makes I’ve driven, as far as OTR rigs go.

Forgive me, but, don't the seats raise up? I'm 5'3" and I drive a kw now. I don't even like the seat high, as it takes my little stumps off the floor.

Forgive me, but, don't the seats raise up? I'm 5'3" and I drive a kw now. I don't even like the seat high, as it takes my little stumps off the floor.

Sounds like they might have a low base seat installed?

You can swap the seat base to lower the seat. You know so it looks like your sitting on the floor.

Forgive me, but, don't the seats raise up? I'm 5'3" and I drive a kw now. I don't even like the seat high, as it takes my little stumps off the floor.

I have legs that reach all the way to the ground, but I still keep the seat at it's highest adjustment in the Frightliner. I like the visibility it gives me. I think it might be a bit of a safety advantage, too.

Im in a kenworth t680 and its fine for me. I have the seat raised all the way up.

Of course im 6'7" though.

Im in a kenworth t680 and its fine for me. I have the seat raised all the way up.

Of course im 6'7" though.

Do you find everything looks a little off when your using your mirrors?

I have legs that reach all the way to the ground, but I still keep the seat at it's highest adjustment in the Frightliner. I like the visibility it gives me. I think it might be a bit of a safety advantage, too.

This is a common rookie mistake and misconception. Most experienced drivers keep their seat down low. Having it up high really cuts off the circulation to your legs. A lot of drivers start seeing their ankles swelling from keeping the seat too high. You want to easily be able to slip your hands under your legs with your feet flat on the floor.