This video features an interview with Shorty Barnes and his son Walker Barnes at the 2025 Midwest Classic Truck Show, where they discuss their Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, respectively.
Truck Details: He owns a 2004 Kenworth W9 (0:34) with a new engine, 13-speed transmission, and 355 rear ends, producing around 650 horsepower
Hauling: He hauls steel for Norfolk Iron and Metal using flatbeds (1:29) and travels across states like Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, Wisconsin, Washington, Texas, and Oklahoma (1:37).
Preference for Kenworth: Although he started as a Peterbilt fan (2:07), he "fell into" a Kenworth and has stuck with the brand due to its diamond tuck interior, solid build, ride, and look (2:28).
Changes in Trucking: Shorty notes a shift from the past where communication was common on radios (3:33) to a present where drivers are less communicative
Advice for Owner-Operators: His main advice for new owner-operators is to:
Choose older trucks: They have fewer issues with emissions and allow for paper logs (4:35).
Budget money: Don't buy anything in the first year (5:07) and save every check (5:13).
Maintain the truck: Keep up with repairs, grease regularly, and change oil every 13,000 miles (5:23).
Choose the right tires: He recommends Cooper and BF Goodrich, specifically low pro 24s (5:55).
Find a loyal shop (5:46).
Walker Barnes (8:37):
Truck Details: He recently bought a 2000 Peterbilt 379 (9:01) with a 550 CAT engine, 18-speed transmission, and 336 rears.
Attraction to the Truck: He was drawn to its unique paint scheme (9:15), the matching interior (9:27), and its stretched length (9:34). He considers it his dream truck (9:49).
Hauling: He also pulls flatbed and Conestoga for Norfolk Iron and Metal, primarily running nightly trips between Norfolk and Minnesota (10:13).
Herd Bumper: Walker highlights the importance of his herd bumper for protection against deer (10:41), having hit six deer with it (10:59). He recommends it as it pays for itself with one impact (12:42).
Future Customization: He plans to add more lights, particularly in between the half fenders and inside the truck (11:46). He prefers a "cleaner look" with fewer lights (12:15).
Commitment: If you're "dead set about it," you'll make money based on how hard you're willing to work (13:41). The video concludes with a light-hearted discussion about the friendly rivalry between Kenworth and Peterbilt within their family, emphasizing mutual support over competition (14:15).
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