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Following His Father's Footsteps
This month’s Readers And Their Rigs spotlights owner operator Robert Rocha of Escalon, California and his super-sharp 1997 Pete 362 cab-over. The dark blue metallic rig, powered by a 475 Cat and a 13-speed transmission, features dual Dynaflex stacks with integrated mufflers, LED lights wherever possible, polished stainless boxes on each side, polished tanks, and a custom-made bed and headboard built by Precision Trailer in Stockton. The headboard features a mirrored stainless finish and the edge of the bed (the rub rail) has a half-round piece of stainless running the entire length. The truck, along with a 28’ pull trailer, hauls hay from Northern California and Nevada to Central Valley dairies. Robert ordered this truck just the way he wanted it, and it hasn’t changed much since then. Having been a trucker all his life, Robert followed in the footsteps of his father (who began driving trucks in World War II) who is now 76 years old and still trucking! When Robert began his career he was running hay, but in the early 1980s he got an account with an insulation company and began running rigid board insulation. A few months ago, after 20 years of hauling the insulation, he switched back to hay after the company he was running for was sold. Living out in the country and having some “space” was something Robert always wanted, so he and his wife, who just celebrated their 21st anniversary, purchased five acres of land with an old house. Along with the now remodeled house, their property also includes a shop, a pull-through barn and a 336-tree orchard that keeps Robert pretty busy when he’s not on the road. Robert Rocha Transportation has always been a one-truck operation and that’s just the way Robert likes it. After spending lots of money buying most of his accessories from Bob at Cherokee Truck Parts in Stockton, Robert isn’t planning on replacing this trusty rig anytime soon. |
