Kenworth Truck Company announces the introduction of a new 52-inch
mid-roof sleeper for its flagship Kenworth T680.
The mid-roof sleeper features a liftable lower bunk and upper storage units on the sleeper's back wall, including hanging storage for drivers to hang their clothes and jackets, or an optional upper bunk for driving teams. A bunk heater, flat screen TV and premium sound system can be added for even more driver comfort. (Photo: Business Wire)
“Kenworth’s new mid-roof sleeper offers greater efficiency for operators
in regional haul applications,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth chief
engineer.
“The 52-inch sleeper delivers a big package in a small footprint; it’s a
very efficient design. The sleeper is ideal for regional haul
applications where drivers spend two to three nights on the road.
Specifying the optional passenger swivel seat further expands the living
space, and enables the driver to use both the cab and the sleeper as a
comfortable space for relaxation when they’re not behind the wheel,”
said Baney.
“Plus, the smaller package yields excellent weight savings for Kenworth
customers. The 52-inch sleeper will save up to 700 pounds versus the
76-inch sleeper available with the T680,” Baney added. “It is available
with an aerodynamic roof fairing for customers who operate van body
trailers or without a roof fairing for flatbed or tanker operators.”
The 52-inch mid-roof sleeper provides excellent interior height for a
mid-roof sleeper. “A driver or passenger up to 6-foot-4 can easily stand
up between the seats,” said Baney.
The mid-roof sleeper features a liftable lower bunk and upper storage
units on the sleeper’s back wall, including hanging storage for drivers
to hang their clothes and jackets, or an optional upper bunk for driving
teams. A bunk heater, flat screen TV and premium sound system can be
added for even more driver comfort.
“Many regional haul applications don’t utilize full-height trailers,”
Baney said. “Operators who run tank, flatbed, heavy haul, lowboy and
container trailers typically have lower trailer heights or lower payload
heights than traditional 53-foot dry van trailers. The mid-roof sleeper
is a more application-specific design and can be more efficient because
it pushes less air.”
Still, gaining greater fuel efficiency is not the only benefit of
choosing a 52-inch sleeper. “With a mid-roof sleeper, the truck’s
heating and cooling system doesn’t have the additional 3 feet of volume
in a full-height sleeper to heat or cool. That means the sleeping area
can reach a comfortable temperature much more quickly, which is
important to drivers,” he said.
“By offering the mid-roof sleeper, Kenworth is providing customers more
options for fuel-efficiency and a comfortable, space-efficient living
and working environment,” Baney said. “That’s an important consideration
for haulers whose drivers aren’t out on the road for several weeks at a
time, but still demand comfort in their home-away-from-home.”
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best(R) heavy
and medium duty trucks. Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com.
Kenworth is a PACCAR company (NASDAQ:PCAR).
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