10-4 Magazine October 2024

10-4 Magazine / October 2024 13 of squirrel nests and such, and it needed a lot of TLC to get it back to being right. On the trip home, the shifter went out on the high side, and Brandon had to drive the final 45 miles at about 10 mph, which took over four hours! Once the Freightliner, fitted with a 400 Big Cam Cummins, a 13-speed, and 3.55 rears, was in their shop, Donnie and the boys got after it. Using a Volvo cutoff, they stretched the length of the frame to 270 inches and upgraded the suspension to an air-ride system. They also installed a new grill, a new front bumper, an RLK visor, a new 7” intake and 5” exhaust system, and polished the heck out of the old white paint it already had. Some green vinyl stripes were added, as well. They also customized Donnie’s existing 2005 Great Dane 48’ stainless reefer trailer with a lift axle by painting it to match the truck, just like they did on Brandon’s trailer. After just a few months, the “El Troubador” cabover was ready to hit the highway, but then someone got the bright idea to take it to the big Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, KY in March 2024. For that to happen, the Emmons boys were told, “You need to step up your game!” So, they did. They essentially took it all apar t again so they could have the frame sandblasted and repainted. Showing it at MATS as a bobtail (without the trailer), this striking white and green cabover turned a lot of heads. And since taking a week off after MATS, this truck and trailer has been running hard ever since, with Donnie at the wheel. And he loves it! Donnie said it is one of the best riding trucks he has ever driven, and Brandon agreed. In addition to his brother and dad, Tyler (22) also drives an older truck. Not as “classic” as a B-model KW or a Freightliner cabover but still iconic, Tyler’s rig is a dark blue 1996 Western Star 4964 Heritage with a red frame. Powered with a 470 Detroit hooked to a 15-speed, Tyler pulls a 53’ spread-axle reefer. He just star ted running when he turned 21, but he has been driving trucks since he was 10 years old. And, in addition to driving full time, he also does a lot of painting and other work on the trucks. Simply put, Donnie said, “Tyler can do anything!” Helping to run the company, Donnie said, regarding his wife Jody, “Without her this place would lock up!” Donnie is still a pen and paper type of guy, so computers aren’t his thing (he still logs his IFTA mileage numbers by hand when he crosses a state line). He likes things simple, and even though he has an associates degree in accounting, he is not a “numbers” guy. And although he is not looking to retire anytime soon, he is star ting to pass some responsibilities down to his boys. When not driving, working on trucks, or spending time with family, you can find Donnie (and Jody) spending time at their home on Padre Island in Texas or at their newly purchased piece of proper ty (just bare land) in Wyoming. Married to Erin since 2019, Brandon and his wife have twin girls that are just a year and a