Thought I Was Going To Die

My driver side window switch died last night, with the window in the down position. It was 22 degrees at 18:00, with 30mph + winds.

My company would have sent out road service, but what is the chance they would have a 2015 Freightliner window switch assembly?

I’ve carried a set of Torx screwdrivers for 2 years. I almost took them out a few months ago since I’ve only used them once but decided they didn’t take up much room so I kept them. Thank God I did.

I took the door apart, and switched the wire from the driver side switch to the passenger window switch. Problem solved until I can get to the shop.

On a side note, I’m parked at a closed receiver. Easily 100 empty spots. I was looking forward to a nice quiet night. Prime reefer pulls in and parks right beside me. This happens to me all the time.

Are these guys lonely or something? LOL

Grumpy, well played! Making DIYODS repairs to continue and complete the mission safely is another hallmark of the professional driver. I created a sheet of equipment for new drivers. "Must have, nice to have, completely unnecessary but other drivers will be amazed". Torx bits were in the must column....

This was a great example of using a little initiative and getting it done. This is the kind of stuff that makes great truck drivers. This is also one of the reasons why I often compare truck driving to being self-employed. Most people who have been self-employed have the mentality that they are responsible to get things done. It becomes part of their nature. Being quick on your feet to develop solutions is a great characteristic for a truck driver. Even if it's a temporary fix - it keeps you moving and that's how we make money. I have seen drivers in a situation like this who will sit for hours waiting on somebody at their office or terminal to come up with a solution. It's a terrible waste of time, and a condemning lack of initiative.

Congratulations Grumpy, and thanks for sharing this with us!

Way to adapt and overcome, sir!

Prime drivers are friendly people. We find the sound of a running reefer soothing and it helps us fall asleep. If one parks next to you, they are just trying to help you sleep too.

Last night I was in one of my secret spots in Atlanta, it a ware house that went out of business and the old employee parking lot is wide open. I’m parked about two hours later a flat bed parked. I guess he thought he was the only one knew about place. He’s slamming doors and talking, I just turned the apu on and went back to sleep. The only time prime drivers don’t sleep well is when we have a dry load!

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

My driver side window switch died last night, with the window in the down position. It was 22 degrees at 18:00, with 30mph + winds.

My company would have sent out road service, but what is the chance they would have a 2015 Freightliner window switch assembly?

I’ve carried a set of Torx screwdrivers for 2 years. I almost took them out a few months ago since I’ve only used them once but decided they didn’t take up much room so I kept them. Thank God I did.

I took the door apart, and switched the wire from the driver side switch to the passenger window switch. Problem solved until I can get to the shop.

On a side note, I’m parked at a closed receiver. Easily 100 empty spots. I was looking forward to a nice quiet night. Prime reefer pulls in and parks right beside me. This happens to me all the time.

Are these guys lonely or something? LOL

Excellent!!! This was on the only available empty yesterday where I dropped . Seems several other drivers left bobtail. I have a small tool kit and various nuts, washers and bolts onboard just in case. I managed to reattach the crank handle enough to raise the landing gear the got an appropriate bolt at a Loves Speedco. Now I'm on a 970 mile run instead of sitting the weekend out. I also managed to reattach the broken right side arm rest on this truck instead if having to wait for the body shop at a terminal. DIY repairs are great!!!

Way to adapt and overcome, sir!

Prime drivers are friendly people. We find the sound of a running reefer soothing and it helps us fall asleep. If one parks next to you, they are just trying to help you sleep too.

I slept fine. I just don’t understand the need to crowd up next to people Lol

My driver side window switch died last night, with the window in the down position. It was 22 degrees at 18:00, with 30mph + winds.

My company would have sent out road service, but what is the chance they would have a 2015 Freightliner window switch assembly?

I’ve carried a set of Torx screwdrivers for 2 years. I almost took them out a few months ago since I’ve only used them once but decided they didn’t take up much room so I kept them. Thank God I did.

I took the door apart, and switched the wire from the driver side switch to the passenger window switch. Problem solved until I can get to the shop.

On a side note, I’m parked at a closed receiver. Easily 100 empty spots. I was looking forward to a nice quiet night. Prime reefer pulls in and parks right beside me. This happens to me all the time.

Are these guys lonely or something? LOL

Excellent!!! This was on the only available empty yesterday where I dropped . Seems several other drivers left bobtail. I have a small tool kit and various nuts, washers and bolts onboard just in case. I managed to reattach the crank handle enough to raise the landing gear the got an appropriate bolt at a Loves Speedco. Now I'm on a 970 mile run instead of sitting the weekend out. I also managed to reattach the broken right side arm rest on this truck instead if having to wait for the body shop at a terminal. DIY repairs are great!!!

Way to go. I just got a new seat because of a broken armrest. I had shoved a bolt in the hole where the spring clip went so I had a working armrest until I went back to the shop. I was surprised they didn’t just fix it since I’ve got 650,000 miles on it. I’ll probably upgrade to a new truck before 700000

This was a great example of using a little initiative and getting it done. This is the kind of stuff that makes great truck drivers. This is also one of the reasons why I often compare truck driving to being self-employed. Most people who have been self-employed have the mentality that they are responsible to get things done. It becomes part of their nature. Being quick on your feet to develop solutions is a great characteristic for a truck driver. Even if it's a temporary fix - it keeps you moving and that's how we make money. I have seen drivers in a situation like this who will sit for hours waiting on somebody at their office or terminal to come up with a solution. It's a terrible waste of time, and a condemning lack of initiative.

Congratulations Grumpy, and thanks for sharing this with us!

Thanks. Got to keep rolling if at all possible.

Donna, the only thing that keeps me awake is the sound of trailers being dropped in drop lots by yard dogs. I wake up every time. I think I must think something hit my truck.

Good quick thinkin on the fly Grumpy lol I got my set of em on the truck too. Had to access the fuse panel behind glove box. Then I went and bought a $20 elect lil bit driver. To hell with hand removing them dang screws lol.

Have tool bag with a few wrenches and big screw drivers grabbed my dead blow hammer at home last time.

Used my grease tubes for 5th wheel I had on hand since I dont use the grease gun much.

Not puttin my snap on wrench sets on board lol plenty old craftsman for truck. Forgot to grab couple rolls of wire, terminals and crimpers.

Had to buy the cheapest amber mid trailer light, a while back $12 wasn't spendin $35 for an LED type ( was a drop empty trailer anyways) 1 of our other trailers beside it had a different plug.(@a drop lot)