During the introduction in Sioux Center, Iowa, reporters sampled the Link ROI Cabmate’s ride quality as passengers in Link’s Peterbilt demonstration tractor fitted with the current system, then after it was converted to the new ROI configuration. I rode on the bunk next to one colleague while another occupied the shotgun seat. Driver Jason Mouw took us on a 15-minute route over Sioux Center streets and nearby country highways.
We agreed that, as described by Hof and other officials earlier, the ROI’s ride was a little better than the non-ROI Cabmate on smooth and moderately bumpy pavement, but much better going over rough railroad crossings, which can pound a truck and its driver. The difference over the tracks was noticeable and welcome.
I also drove the rig on the same route, and my impressions were the same, even while sitting on the air-ride driver’s seat. If I could be guaranteed smooth pavement over all the freight lanes I traveled, I’d stick with the current Cabmate. But the more rough pavement and rail crossings I encountered, the more I’d want the new system.
