Total Traction presents
Two books. 136 pages. Everything you need to know.
The men who built American trucking are in their 70s and 80s.
Their stories — and their secrets — are disappearing. We wrote them down.
Choose your book
Volume I
The Golden Age
Trucker's Manual
Trucks, recipes, routes and road culture — 1960 to 1980
66 pages · Downloadable PDF
$14.97 Get Vol I →Volume II
The Classic Trucker's
Maintenance Bible
Basic mechanics, diagnosis and savings — no shop needed. Save $1,200/year.
70 pages · Downloadable PDF
$19.97 Get Vol II →Complete Bundle
Volume I + Volume II
together
136 pages. Everything a trucker needs to know — in one package.
136 pages · 2 PDFs · Instant download
$34.94 $29.97 YOU SAVE $4.97 GET THE BUNDLE — $29.97⚡ Launch prices — ending in:
Is this book for you?
This is not a repair manual. It is a book about life —
about the men who chose the open road as a way of being.
What's inside
The Giants We Never Forgot
The full story of 10 legendary rigs — Kenworth W900, Peterbilt 359, Mack Bulldog, International Transtar, Diamond T and more. What each truck said about the man who drove it. (p. 7–18)
The Trucker's Cookbook — 15 Authentic Recipes
Biscuits & Gravy, Chicken Fried Steak, 3 AM Coffee, Country Ham & Eggs, Patty Melt, Chili, Apple Pie and 8 more — each with the trucker's secret tip no recipe card ever printed. (p. 19–33)
Road Secrets & Tricks
The veteran's 20-item cabin checklist, 18 CB Radio codes every driver memorized, how to read weather by looking at the sky — the tricks no school taught. (p. 34–47)
Magazines & Ads of the Era
Like flipping through a 1975 Overdrive: Kenworth & Peterbilt ads, the Goodyear vs. Michelin war, Cobra CB radio that sold 4 million units, and the sleeper cabs everyone was dreaming about. (p. 48–54)
Legendary Routes
Route 66 town by town, I-40, I-80, I-10, US-1, the Alaska Highway (the ultimate run), Mexico-Laredo and the great Latin American routes. The roads that never leave you. (p. 55–64)
Keeping the Nostalgia Alive Today
Building a memory corner at home, RC trucks, classic truck shows across America, restoring old photos step by step, and how to connect with the Total Traction community.
+ Trucker's Dictionary (30+ terms) · Curious facts & records · Measurement conversion guide
SEE PRICE AND BUY →What readers say
I drove a Kenworth for 38 years — Oklahoma City to Los Angeles, over and over. This book brought it all back. The CB codes, the diners, the Biscuits and Gravy at 5 AM in Flagstaff. I cried reading it.
Don Miller, 71
Tulsa, Oklahoma · Retired Kenworth driver
My dad drove a Mack for 30 years and never talked much about his work. Reading this made me understand him for the first time. I wish I had this book when he was still alive to share it with him.
Sarah T.
Nashville, Tennessee · Daughter of a trucker
My grandfather drove the Mexico-Laredo route in a DINA for twenty years. This book describes his world perfectly — the roadside stops, the CB radio, the whole culture. He would have loved it.
Carlos R.
San Antonio, Texas · Fan of Total Traction
I restore classic trucks as a hobby and collect anything related to the golden era. This is the best written history of the culture I've found. The chapter on Route 66 alone is worth the price.
Robert M.
Bakersfield, California · Classic truck restorer
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Frequently asked questions
How do I download the book after buying?
Right after payment, you'll receive a download link by email. Click it and the PDF downloads directly to your phone, tablet or computer. It takes less than a minute and you'll have it ready to read immediately.
Do I need a Gumroad account to buy?
No account needed. You can buy as a guest using your credit card or PayPal — no signup, no passwords to remember.
Can I read it on my phone or tablet?
Yes. It's a PDF that opens on any device — iPhone, Android, iPad, Kindle Fire, computer, everything. The text is set at a comfortable size for easy reading. You can also print it if you prefer a physical copy.
Does the book cover only the United States?
Primarily the US — about 60% of the content is focused on American trucks, diners, routes and culture. The remaining 40% covers Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela and the Latin American trucker experience. The CB radio codes are provided in both English and Spanish.
How long does the launch price last?
The $14.97 price is for a limited time only. Once the countdown reaches zero it goes up to $19.97. There's no set announcement for exactly when — if you're interested, now is the time to grab it.
Can I give this as a gift to a retired trucker or a family member?
Absolutely — it's a perfect gift. Buy the PDF, download it, and send it by email, WhatsApp, or print it out. For an older family member who might not be comfortable with digital downloads, printing a copy and wrapping it makes for a genuinely touching gift.
"The road always gives back more than it takes."
And this book keeps everything the road gave us.
Instant download · Launch price · Secure payment