The owner of this 4-million-mile Kenworth implemented some clever modifications over time.

The owner of this 4-million-mile Kenworth implemented some clever modifications over time.

      Overdrive Magazine via YouTube

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      Truck owner and operator Alan Kitzhaber drives a 1995 Kenworth T600 that has accumulated over four million miles. This journey hasn’t always been straightforward. Throughout its 30-year lifespan, Kitzhaber has consistently serviced his truck, making numerous modifications not only to keep it operational but also to prevent past issues from reoccurring. It has truly been a labor of love.

      “Consistent maintenance significantly helps keep that truck running,” Kitzhaber shared with Overdrive Magazine in a recent video. However, he has gone beyond just routine preventive maintenance. Whenever the truck faced challenges or breakdowns, he found solutions. For example, the harsh winters in Wisconsin can cause even well-treated diesel fuel to gel. To combat this, he installed an Arctic Fox fuel heater, ensuring his truck starts reliably and extends the engine's life.

      The engine in question is a Caterpillar 3406E with 550 horsepower. Although it's three decades old, it has been serviced and “overhauled” three times by Caterpillar. Nonetheless, it remains the original power unit and has 4.1 million miles on it.

      While the engine itself remains largely unmodified, Kitzhaber has implemented several upgrades to ease its operation. For example, he replaced the standard 13-speed manual transmission with one that has two overdrives, allowing the engine to run more smoothly at higher speeds. He also switched from a dual-drive axle to a single-drive axle, converting the rear axle to a tag axle. This change reduced the total weight of the rig by 1,200 pounds and minimized drivetrain loss, leading to decreased strain on the engine and better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Airdog filter helps eliminate air from the fuel.

      Alan Kitzhaber poses with his truck. Overdrive Magazine via YouTube

      One of Kitzhaber’s most significant enhancements is the tire pressure monitoring system, made up of specialized air sensor valve stem caps that transmit tire pressure data to a central control unit in the cab.

      “I can’t express how many times this has truly been beneficial,” Kitzhaber mentioned to Caterpillar. “It allows you to pull over and make repairs before any severe failure occurs.”

      The most noticeable modification is the large front bumper guard, which has protected his truck from four deer collisions so far. Preventing these incidents has spared Kitzhaber the cost of replacing four hoods, radiators, and other components that would have been damaged in high-speed deer collisions, as well as the associated downtime.

      Kitzhaber never planned to commit to a truck for 30 years, nor did he expect to build a career driving one. However, a while back, while looking for work, he came across an advertisement that read, “Drive a truck. See the country.” He thought he would do it for a few years, yet here he is, 33 years and over four million miles later, still driving a truck, seemingly unready to part ways.

      Whenever someone manages to drive a Honda or Toyota to one million miles, the automaker typically rewards the owner with a brand-new vehicle. What will Kenworth do for Kitzhaber? Buy him a house? Just joking.

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The owner of this 4-million-mile Kenworth implemented some clever modifications over time. The owner of this 4-million-mile Kenworth implemented some clever modifications over time. The owner of this 4-million-mile Kenworth implemented some clever modifications over time.

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The owner of this 4-million-mile Kenworth implemented some clever modifications over time.

Alan Kitzhaber has intelligently enhanced his truck to boost its comfort and ensure its longevity beyond 30 years.