Open Cab Fire Trucks

Does anyone know why most fire trucks from the 1920`s to 1950`s or so had open cab`s?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by George Frankenfield on April 20, 2011 at 2:33pm

The rear facing (Jump seats) were first used on the American la-france
700 hundred series in 1947.Also on their Jo-Jox Ladder trucks AKA:The ugly american! Alot of fireman called them bathtubs because the men in the jumpsaets looked like they were in a bathtub.
Anyway NYFD started using plywood in the '60's for protection from rioters.
And that was the start.Then Whitten made a fibreglass roof that would close the cabs.Don't forget about the fight( Horses VS Self propelled trucks.)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by August Martin on October 25, 2011 at 10:25am

I remember the open cab apparatus and rode the beaver tail to catch a hydrant at speeds up to 15mph. The open cab allowed the officer to give voice commands and hand signals to the pipeman riding the beaver tail. If the left hand went up get ready the hydrant was comming up on the left side, when the hand dropped the hydrant was at the left front bumper of the apparatus. Commands were given by the officer from the front seat. We had 13 basic commands for operations, The officer would stand up belt out commands for the crew and we would get the job done. We did not have portable radios, once the commands were given and we went into action, our line of commo was the apparatus driver to the Chief's driver who would communicate information to the Chief, Chief would send a runner to the crewi . After making rank of Lt. I remember standing up in the officer position and belting out, "parallel lines to the standpipe,reverse two to the hydrant and lay into the ladder siamese, pump hook up,bring hand lines to the standpipe meet on the floor below the fire for standpipe supply" .

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrew on October 25, 2011 at 10:41am

My department just got a new truck less than a year ago. Our old one had an open cab, which I loved dearly.

However, I'll admit there were dangers involved with the open cab; One night, while responding to an automatic alarm, as a probationary member at the time, the driver made a sharp turn. I almost fell out of the back of the rig due to the turn.

It also was bad during extreme weathers - hot and cold - and during rain/snow, but I think we were ok toughing it out.

Overall, I love the new truck though. It's a beaut!