Daily Rig: Jerry Graham’s ISO tank-hauling 389

“Jerry Graham pulls heavy ISO tanks through the mountains of West Virginia with his tuned-up Peterbilt 389. The rig sports a 565-hp Cummins ISX tuned to 600 horsepower and 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque with a 13-speed and 3.55 rears. The drivetrain has been completely rebuilt and features a PDI oil cooler to keep temps down. Graham said he’s looking to add more chrome to the truck in the near future, in the form of new tank skins, bumper, stacks and fenders.” Reader Rigs

Clear Goals with Your Big Rig Customization

Customizing a big rig truck is an exciting endeavor that allows you to create a unique and personalized vehicle that suits your needs and preferences. When embarking on this journey, setting clear goals is crucial to ensure that your customization efforts are focused, purposeful, and aligned with your desired outcomes. Here’s an expanded explanation of how to set clear goals for customizing a big rig truck:

1. Performance Enhancement: If your primary goal is to enhance the performance of your big rig truck, you’ll need to identify specific areas for improvement. This could involve upgrading the engine, transmission, exhaust system, or suspension components to increase horsepower, torque, fuel efficiency, and overall handling. Clear goals might include achieving a higher towing capacity, reducing fuel consumption, or optimizing the truck’s aerodynamics for improved highway efficiency.

2. Aesthetic Transformation: If you’re interested in transforming the visual appeal of your big rig, your customization objectives might revolve around aesthetics. This could involve painting the truck with a unique color scheme or custom graphics that reflect your personal style or your business branding. You could also explore options like chrome accents, LED lighting, and custom-designed accessories to give your truck a distinct and eye-catching look.

3. Comfort and Convenience: Customizing the interior of your big rig for comfort and convenience is a common goal. Consider upgrading the cabin with ergonomic seats, advanced entertainment systems, improved climate control, and better sound insulation. Custom storage solutions and sleeping arrangements can also be added to make long hauls more comfortable and efficient.

4. Functionality and Versatility: Your customization goals might include making your big rig more versatile and functional. This could involve adding specialized equipment or modifications that enable the truck to handle specific types of cargo more efficiently. For instance, you might install loading ramps, additional tie-down points, or specialized compartments for transporting fragile goods.

5. Safety and Technology Integration: Safety is paramount when customizing a big rig truck. You might set goals to integrate advanced safety technologies such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, customizing the truck’s technology systems, such as installing a state-of-the-art navigation and communication system, can help improve your overall driving experience.

6. Regulatory Compliance: If you’re customizing your big rig truck for business purposes, you’ll need to ensure that your modifications comply with relevant regulations and industry standards. Your customization goals should include meeting legal requirements related to emissions, weight limits, lighting, and other safety standards.

7. Budget and Timeline: Establishing a clear budget and timeline for your customization project is essential. Define how much you’re willing to invest in the project, considering both material and labor costs. This will help you prioritize your customization goals and make informed decisions throughout the process. 

Ultimately, setting clear goals before customizing your big rig truck provides a roadmap for your project. It helps you stay focused, make informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary expenses. By defining your objectives, you’ll be better equipped to create a customized big rig that aligns with your vision and serves your specific needs, whether that’s improving performance, enhancing aesthetics, increasing comfort, or achieving a combination of these goals.