The Most Extravagant Truck in History That Nobody Wanted to Produce ▶ Steinwinter Supercargo 2040
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- The Most Extravagant Truck in History That Nobody Wanted to Produce ▶ Steinwinter Supercargo 2040
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Trying to revolutionize an entire industry, where things were already done well, can either end very well or very badly. Although most of the time failure can translate into experience and knowledge for the future, what happened with the Steinwinter Supercargo is a very particular case, where the ambition to innovate ended in self-sabotage by causing more problems than solutions.
Stay with us and discover the story of this extravagant German truck that, while it failed in its attempt to change how heavy transport is done, still exists to this day.
The content of our videos is for entertainment and the information contained is for you to know what is happening on the screen and has some educational value.+
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Email: yeeicontacto@gmail.com
Timeline
00:00 Intro
00:49 Steinwinter GmBH
01:35 Steinwinter Supercargo
02:55 Technical Specifications
04:06 The Decadence
05:20 The End for the Project
06:36 Conclusion
07:16 Outro - Auta a dopravní prostředky
As a US truck driver, this truck looks like an absolute nightmare to drive in adverse weather, as the spray from other motorists would completely blind you. Not to mention forward visibility being about zilch...
Adverse weather conditions can be challenging for any driver, especially in a truck like this.
@@GearTechHD Absotively posilutely.
Sh!t, some truckers have roll-overs driving on dry, flat pavement. They're like a retard utilizing Skittles as suppositories. Makes no damn sense, but it's weirdly funny, in a dark way...
That is a extremely good point
That actually is one of the points that I was thinking about I'm a truck driver myself
I agree but I can't lie, I kinda think I like it. 😂
You failed to mention that the cargo box could be opened at both ends allowing the driver to approach difficult docks forward. I seem to recall reading about this truck in either Popular Mechanics and/or Overdrive magazines. I think one of the reasons for its ultimate failure was driver safety. In the event of an accident the driver had virtually no frontal protection and there was a real chance of being crushed under the cargo box. Drivers did not like it at all.
So same as a modern city bus in Europe today with no real or meaningful protection for the drivers
@@BadByte who cares they are just civil servants
TRUMP 2024
It looks more like perceived v. actual safety. As load, coming loose due to emergency braking or accident, will not exit through cab, like with normal truck.
The future was more futuristic in the past. It's a shame...
To be fair this was a dead end
most of the actual positive changes didn't happen because society is oriented around money, not progress
@@kenetickups6146 Not really. A Few modifications to the design and it would have worked.
Heck, it's understeering problem could have been solved by moving the front wheels in front of the Driver's Cab. Heck, Volvo's design shows that extending The Driver's portion to _Just_ beyond the Trailer so it could stick out, would have provided a fix to the vision problem, as the whole reason it had poor vision was due to the Trailer blocking a majority of the view.
Cooling system would also have worked the same way. Just push it a little further forward for breathing room, and boom, Easy fix.
It has potential merit in low speed applications with good traffic control. With modern camera technology, it could be the ultimate dock donkey.
Not
We.have better tech now
@@mosthatedandroidtunernolim9800 Right; tech enough to not need a driver at all.
That would not make a good yard dog/hostler. this visibility problem and having to climb up out of the cab would make it a nightmare.
Since I was a kid, for some reason I've loved the concept of a passenger cab forward of the front axle. It always looked space-age to me and it must give the occupants a sense of flying over the road (just don't tell them THEY are the crumple zone in case of a crash). The Supercargo kind of reminds me of the Vixen motorhome, the 1950's Mercedes Benz Racecar Transporter, the Tatra T815 Airport tug, and some Crane/Boom trucks I've seen.
They would need a lot of Dramamine.
I feel like they need to make it like the cybertruck where all the wheels steer and cameras can be used for more visibility these days. There is definitely a way to make this idea work in the present day
That's a fantastic suggestion! The idea of using all-wheel steering and cameras for enhanced visibility like the Cybertruck is definitely intriguing
It's a great idea. However, the driver safety issue still remains. Perhaps the design can serve better as an autonomous driving platform.
For a highway long distance vehicle it fails straight away from a drive point of view. Due to its low height you can't perceive traffic ahead at distance. I.e making braking distances so short that at average speed you would have little change to brake in time with other road vehicles.
Put a camera on top. Basically equip it with all the newest car tec.
equipping this thing with a periscope doesn't really solve the problem in terms of highway safety. it's just another distraction which doesn't improve the real-time reactions necessary to negotiate hazards
with modern technology a camera could be mounted high up
I agree. Truck drivers need to be able to see “over” 4-wheelers to anticipate changes. OTOH, if you’ve got nothing but trucks in front of you, you can’t see anything anyway. 🤣
@@rogerdennison8154 that when you back off, seen so many drivers cut half for tailgating
As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew that driver visibility would be its downfall. Having owned both a class A motor home and a Miata, I can appreciate the difference in perspective.
I know where it is, but the owner dont sell it. It a shame, that this truck will be died... With best regards from Germany
Me too😊
Thanks for starting ww2……dick……….
That's a bummer. I wish we could save it :(
Why won't he sell it, and can he at least be convinced to restore it?
@@TurnAGundam I don't know if this is the case for this vehicle but there are examples of prototypes being sold/gifted to private collectors or given to small museums, cars, trucks, trains and even planes but on some strict conditions like not using it for its intended design, can't resell it or hide it for a set amount of years. This usually happens with failed or embarrassing prototypes that didn't get scrapped, sometimes because people involved are still fond of it and can't bring themselves to destroy them but financial backers or someone else wants the thing out of sight/gone.
Cant say for sure this is the reason here, but its one logical reason other than hoarding/coveting it even if its rotting.
I do remember seeing it on the 80's USA TV show "The Highwayman"
Jetto's truck I think.
@@lieutenantkettch I think you're right. Didn't Tim Russ ("DC Montana") drive it once? -- I'll have to find the episodes on CZcams.
@@lieutenantkettch Yup, played by Aussie Rules footballer "Jacko"
yes, and in this vid at 7:02 even though its not really a Steinwinter at all.
Me, too! As a kid, that show seemed to have it all: cool trucks, guys with guns, and the trucks had helicopters inside them!
Only as an adult did I realize why it failed.
As a retired OTR American trucker. No friggin way. 1st thing I thought of, was how are you going to see to back. Cant imagine Wyoming winds in that thing. Definitely designed by people with zero knowledge of trucking. Great video :) and content.
Thanks for your experienced perspective! Visibility and handling, especially in challenging conditions like Wyoming winds, are crucial for truck designs. It's great to hear from someone who really knows the ropes. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I don’t think the actual Steinwinter was used on The Highwayman. That truck I believe was a heavily modified Peterbuilt, and was much narrower than the Steinwinter. You can really tell by the windscreen. The Highwayman truck was a Hollywood chop job inspired by this truck. The other truck in the show pulls a lot from the Ford and GM concept Turbine trucks of the 60’s.
How did Steinwinter not get sued by Ferrari for that logo?!
Great observation! It's definitely a close call. Might be an interesting story there!
The horse is the coat of arms of Stuttgart, where Steinwinter had its seat. Look at the Porsche logo which also contains a Stuttgart horse in the middle. It's an interesting story how the Stuttgart coat of arms became the logo of Ferrari, but Ferrari and Steinwinter both took the Stuttgart logo and Steinwinter didn't simply copy the Ferrari logo.
@@erichkarrenmann6892
all cars use a circle in logos..just about.. call a lawyer/
dodge,chevy, renault.. whatever.
@@squarepusher645what circle? This is about the horse…
@@nymez6968 ur mom
That looks like it could make an interesting RV.
If the sports cars I've owned/driven are any indication, that seating position will be absolute *murder* on your lower back after just a couple of hours. I've found (for my back at least) it doesn't matter how well-designed the seat is: if my legs are out in front of me, it's going to suck. Conversely, I can drive an old pickup with a crappy cloth bench seat all day.
I think this would be quite literally crippling for someone trying to drive it professionally. Truckers have pretty high rates of back problems as it is. Between that and the obvious safety issues, I can see why it didn't take off. But it's cool!
I want to see the motorhome version !
Or the Fifth wheel version !! A small prime vehicle with a LARGE live in trailer would seem ideal !!!
Oooo, I think I remember this truck being included in one of those Quartets card games. Now I totally wanna drive one of those. Guess I'll have to apply at the nearest airport then lol.
It looks awesome! Impractical, but awesome! 😎
It’s interesting to hear that you find it awesome yet impractical. Thanks for your comment!
Ty
I can’t believe they turned an APC from Aliens into an airplane tug.
Time to revisit this concept with the prevalence of screens and electronics. Drive-Assist computers can adjust for the understeer and control issues. The projected savings could still be realized with those additions.
Saw this in person when it toured the U.S. in the 1980’s. Pretty awesome to see going down the road.
How cool that you got to see it in person! It must have been quite a sight on the road. Thanks for sharing your experience!
There used to be a TV show called "Science International: What Will They Think Of Next" and I remember seeing this truck featured on it.
It's interesting that the truck was featured on 'Science International: What Will They Think Of Next.' That show offered a lot of insight into new technologies. Thanks for mentioning it!
I half remember this from a book about semi trucks I had as a small child. Glad it was real and not just in my head lol
Interestingly, there was already another German "Supercargo" Truck very similar to the Steinwinter in the 1960s, it was built by Büssing from Brunswick (they got acquired by MAN in 1971, the lion badge is the Brunswick Lion, I heard they wanted to get rid of that because the factory in Brunswick is defunct for decades now, they're still in nearby Salzgitter, but the response to that was so negative that they kept it).
But it wasn't a truck for trailers but a full flatbed truck instead, where the flatbed made the whole length of the vehicle.
This construction was only possible through the under floor engine (the engine is mounted in the lower part of/under the frame, literally between the front and rear axle) and that engine concept itself was invented/developed at Büssing an patented in 1935.
Du hast den Kommentar den ich gerade verfassen wollte bereits geschrieben, also muss ich das nicht mehr tun. Als kleiner Steppke bin ich in den 80er Jahren einige Male als "Beifahrer" auf großer Tour mit Schwertransportern für riesige Stahlbleche unterwegs gewesen, unter anderem war da auch 'ne MAN-Unterflur-Zugmaschine dabei an die ich mich heute vierzig Jahre später immer noch erinnern kann ... nicht weil es die stärkste gewesen wäre - das war sie nicht - aber die hat einfach nen besonderen Sound gehabt.
It looks great
Never thought I'd see a cab-under truck 😂
Ever since I saw the truck, I thought it was absolutely cool. I would love to have one.
CZcams. The home of not being able to say Chassis, properly.
Cool AF!
I saw the thumbnail and thought, "Wait, Jacko's Highwayman truck was a real trucking product?" I had just assumed it was some sort of crazy custom vehicle they modified from an airport thing or something (like the personnel carrier in Aliens).
"Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
When I was a truck mechanic at a Cummins Engine dealership/repair facility in the 70s, I think it was Fruehauf Trailers that designed one with a V-903 Cummins Engine. I't also went nowhere and I never heard of it again. I read about it in a Cummins Engine Company publication.
Used to see this in Fellbach back in the day when going to work... Was certainly different...
Creative Research has many detourz & failurez ~ rewards for successful innovationz come to those that dream new solutionz 🍀🇨🇦
Well...One major advantage would be, in an accident, the drivers body would cushion the impact on the payload, insuring that nothing that was being hauled would be damaged.
This is like something you'd see in airports and only airports.
It's definitely got that specialized airport vibe!
GM's 1964 Bison concept truck has a very low forward control cab design with a short wheelbase.
The Bison was deceptive. The drivers compartment was lower, but behind it is this large tall structure that looked like an odd sleeper cad, that housed the twin turbines.
The sidekick's HighwayMan (1987) truck !!
Yes, the HighwayMan is such a classic! Iconic in every way. Glad to see another fan here!
I absolutely love y'all's videos. So many times i wish you made longer videos. Just so i don't have to stop watching. Especially after you started narrating them. My eyes are going & it was getting harder to read the videos. Regardless i love the content don't stop making them. I think we have the tech today to solve the problems this design faced in the 80's. I would love to see it be revived.
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback! We really appreciate your support.
Why do I remember an old movie with a vehicle like this in it.
was it '76 THE BIG BUS comedy ? It was a double-decker, cab ahead of the front axle design - a total farce, but I enjoyed watching the movie as a kid. The "bus" had an onboard swimming pool and required an airport ramp for passengers ingress/egress.
@@ivantuma7969 Yep that was the movie. I guess it wasn't the same as in the movie, just looked familiar, I guess. It was a good comedy though thank you for giving me the title so I could watch it again.
Driver : "I'm in danger." *chuckle
I remember the Highway men, it was so cool back then.
incredible prototype from volvo
Trash
I was a class 1 driver for 12 years. That cab looks comfy as but, very poor visibility unfortunately.
And not even remotely safe lol. That part I think is a bit important.
For other futuristic truck concepts, look for the magnificent ones built by Luigi Colani.
Nowadays, field of vision can be enlarged by installing camera on top of upper part of the trailer.
Absolutely, the use of cameras to expand the field of vision is a great modern solution that enhances safety and efficiency.
This thing looks like it would be an absolute nightmare to tow a trailer with but I can see the appeal of the version that has a 20ft container on its back for short haul or port operations. I think that one could still be modified and make a comeback especially as electrics become more prevalent. Edit: Lmao, I made this comment before watching the end of the video.
Cool concept. I wonder how it would hold up in crash tests
Ur fuckin dead with a damn window that big and ur fuckin traiker over top of u no chance
Not very well, I fear. That cab is so close to the ground if it rammed me (A cyclist) from behind not only am I getting stuck fast in the fifth wheel, the back of my bike is going to be crashing through the windscreen and straight into that poor drivers face. ☠
Perfect design for fully-autonomous semi trailer transport on highways and ports.
Currently European trucks are using cameras as mirrors.
Adding cameras in the front, on the top of the trailer for improved visibility could make it a hit in Europe.
Definitely a concept worth dusting off. Cameras can be placed high with feed to cockpit, and engines are a lot better now.
This marvel can be adapted for a modern use: the fact the engine is placed just in front of the rear wheels let a huge place under a standard cabin with a standard configuration (a high cabin at the front of the vehicle). If the engine is no longer under the cabin, you can modify the cabin's configuration. You can rise the cockpit and the empty room under it can be used as a sleeper. If the bunk is no longer behind the driver, there's about 1 meter of empty space so, you can add a shower or something like that, to add comfort for the driver.
Yeah, I always thought it would be cool to sleep underneath something kinda like an animal "den." But also, truck engines are in the front, even on cabovers, for a reason. And that reason is servicing. And to a lesser extent, cooling.
@@Drunken_Hamster on this one the engine is at the same place as a supercar, the main problem is to find a way to improve cooling (bed will be between the radiator and the engine) and talking about sleeping under something, don't forget that a house's roof weighs tons and if you live in a multi story building you have hundreds of tons over your head (being afraid of sleeping under cargo reflects a lack of trust into the vehicle strength)
Guessing the designers never heard of things like speed bumps, potholes, or snow.
People never mention that Steinwinter didn't truly come up with the Supercargo concept, fellow german Truck maker Büssing built their own Supercargo (even had the same name) in 1965, but designed as a rigid flatbed lorry instead of articulated. Büssing was perhaps best known for their underslung engines mounted in the center of the frame vehind the cabin and laying flat on their side, much like the engines in many light diesel Railcars. Advantage being less noise and more space in the drivers cabs, but kinda awkward to work on and pretty much completely exposed to the elements, and less flexibility in terms of chassis configuration than a conventional front engine, the Unterflurs were pretty much solely limited to long wheelbase rigid trucks. Believe it or not the underslung engine were kept in production by new owners MAN until 1986
1:18 So that’s where cybertruck came from!
That forward swing and the less f9rward view then a mazda miata while waying 80k lbs is an absolute nightmare in every way. The truck by itself is cool, using it for a actual service vehicle is just a big no
You’ve raised some important concerns about using this truck as a service vehicle, particularly regarding its weight and visibility. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on its practicality.
Rather than a truck this would make a snazzy house.
Actually probably a much more effective design for an autonomous truck, visibility and comfort wouldn’t be an issue anymore
Great point! Autonomous trucks could indeed benefit from this design, as visibility and comfort wouldn't be as critical.
@@GearTechHD Probably solve the cooling problems because you could use more of the front for air intake.
I'd be concerned about a deer crash. But it does look so cool! That would inspire me to get my CDL😂
i could see it being a yard hopper getting the trailers ready in the yard
You Did Not mention Sooo Much Details, I Knoiw Where One Stands in germany Now, yestarday I Drove By It
Probably didn’t have any sleeping facilities in it either? Presume they built several since I doubt the one in Highwaymen was turned completely back to standard after all those changes.
I always thought it was a Ferrari truck because of the badge. It’s weird that it has the Cavalino. I’m surprised Ferrari didn’t send a cease-and-desist😂😂😂
I’m for one thing that this design actually is rather innovative and likely does and will have a resurgence of sorts. Yes, we’ve got the things like from Volvo, but as stated in your video, the things from Volvo that are being built and such are purely just for operation in places like large Seaports and stuff like that. But at the same time I would think trucks like this could be Remely useful. I think the only real thing that would need to be altered would be the simple fact that there would probably need to be cameras or sensors of some kind on it to alleviate the visibility problem.
For one thing trucks like this or maybe calling it a “truck” doesn’t really work but vehicles like this. You definitely do have a place. I can certainly see the passenger coming into use simply as a essentially oversize long haul bus for traveling and such. After all accompany like Greyhound would probably jump at the opportunity to have a bus system like this, that would allow them to transport larger numbers of passengers.
The cube van design specifically, the one where the trailer part or whatever you wanna call it is literally on top is definitely another interesting idea. The only thing that I would be concerned about would be the possibility of the unit being to top-heavy and therefore running the risk of it rolling onto its side.
Either way vehicles like this definitely I feel could be useful. The only things that I think would need to change would be a combination of safety features and probably other kinds of regulations. But overall, I think they could work.
At least one of the early versions of the Transporter Erector Loader trucks for the Minuteman missiles had a similar profile, with an extremely low cab under the long trailer containing the missile.
I think it was a great idea with modern technology it would be a perfect thing for travel or carrying cargoe.
It's a interesting design i imagine it would make a great rv
I wish it would get better care, like the Schnibbelmobil (another weird german one-off truck) does.
Do you happen to have a source on the "it's condition now"-video?
(Also, 2:42, I've never seen the rear of it before)
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Modern technology could make it work, like cameras and better cooling system.
Absolutely, modern technology does open up new possibilities!
Featured in the Usborne Book of the Future from about 1980
Oh, so THAT'S where the M577 Armored Personnel Carrier came from...
It looks like a death trap, but a cool-looking death trap.
yes the truck still exists. it is on the same place as the last 20 years. The owner (the inventor Steinwinter died in 2020) still wants to sell the idea, or at least the story.
1:36 iki bentuk'e mobil aneh, weird desain but i like this.
Time ahead but these Truck will defintly
Come one day
I already have trouble seeing around high hedges in my sports car. More than once pulled in front of a vehicle because I couldn't see over an obstacle so I have to really lay on the accelerator to keep from causing an accident. Can't imagine how much worse visibility is in THAT monstrosity let alone how to recover from those situations when your 0 to 60 time is measured in minutes.
You make a good point about the visibility issues in larger vehicles compared to sports cars. It’s important to consider these challenges when designing and operating such vehicles. Thanks for your comment.
I could see it as fully autonomous on established routes.
Clearly not recommended for long haul. Ports and airports look like best use case.
I can just see so many truckers accidentally ramming the front of the trailer into a building or something while turning.
I'm fairly certain the main reason that SUVs took off the way they had was primarily for a view of the road. While lovely as a concept vehicle, this thing gives a lower viewpoint than the Ford GT40 mentioned in the video.
There may be a purpose for it in use, but I can't see it out in the wild outside of some RV/Camper Trailer hybrid, and even then, I can see it having to break design to have people wanting to use it, by extending the cab forward and raising it to at least where you would be in a common pickup truck.
@3:34 : Just wow !
the overheating could be adressed by a one seater variant
How about showing where the take the loads. And mixing it up a little.
The low cabin design is also used in mining equipment.
That is a death trap. I shudder just thinking of what would happen to the driver as that slid into a mess of cars in a winter accident.
As a concept and a challenge to convention I like this *a lot.* There's good arguments for it *not* to be on the road (And I'm shocked the _Verkehrsamt_ authorised it's use on public highways) but there are many _off-road_ (e.g: Transit centre) applications where it could perform head and shoulders above a conventional tractor unit. 👍
But commenting as a cyclist brings me to the reason for why I do *not* think this'd be suitable on the road - At least not on roads shared with pedestrians and cyclists. I see enough people get caught out by the tail-swing of conventional HGVs as it is¹ but the front-swing of these could be even worse. In my country people crossing half the road then letting traffic pass before completing their crossing is quite common, and you *don't* want to be stood in the opposite lane if one of these is turning close to you. ⚠
(¹ - My tip: *Always* stop 2+ meters short of the tail-bar, and *always* site yourself where the driver can see you in their mirrors. Don't forget to check the number plate, and *never* _assume_ the driver will be sat on the same side of the vehicle as drivers in your country do. ⬅🇳🇱🚚🇬🇧➡👍)
Thank you for your comprehensive feedback! You bring up some very valid points about the potential risks and challenges, especially in mixed traffic scenarios involving cyclists and pedestrians.
Roads have pot holes, irregularities and speed ramps. You don’t want to drive a low rider in such roads.
This thing was used in one episode of Night Man (1997)
Can I blame this truck for the creation of Rodimus Prime?
Maybe with modern tech and the relocation of the radiator.
So, they built an airline tug with road gearing. I can just hear the scraaape every time you pulled off the road.
the logo looks very sporty I must say, surprised lawsuits never happened
Absolutely, the sporty look is quite striking! It's surprising how it hasn't led to legal issues. Good observation!
The prancing horse is actually the heraldic animal in the coat of arms of Steinwinter's hometown Stuttgart. It's in the Porsche logo as well and for the same reason.
I'm curious about the cab space.
I wonder about the actual height of the trailer 🤔 because in the eastern US it can’t be taller than 13’6” or 14’ in the west.
I think this design would scare off most veteran drivers because they would like to be able to see from an elevated position. OTOH, you could have a high fwd facing camera and monitor, (not to mention rear cam). But that might not ever be legal because youre effectively “taking your eyes off the road” and driving by monitor. 🤔
That's an insightful observation about the height and visibility challenges. Using cameras instead of direct vision is an innovative idea, though it comes with its own set of legal hurdles.
It has the standard fifth wheel clearance, so could pull standard trailers.
But could it get over a speed bump or speed mountain as some of them seem to be
The suspension on the cabin would have to be stiff to support the weight of the cargo.
You're right about the need for a stiff suspension on the cabin to support the cargo weight. It's a critical aspect of truck design for handling heavy loads.
Might be an interesting concept for self driving technology. If the "camera" is high up.
Definitely! A higher camera placement could provide a better vantage point for navigation. Great insight!
Damals, vor etwa vierzig Jahren, gab es einen Artikel im PM Magazin darüber.
That's really interesting! It’s great to see how discussions and innovations have been documented over the decades. Do you remember any specific details from that article?
The future we could have had