CCJ

June 2018

Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal

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26 commercial carrier journal | june 2018 More room to move Peterbilt's UltraLoft 80-inch sleeper adds driver space, fuel economy BY JASON CANNON P eterbilt's UltraLoft 80-inch sleeper configuration for its Model 579 tractor fills a gap in the compa- ny's truck catalog for fleets looking for a premium sleeper that maximizes space. Pete's traditional discrete sleepers feature a flat top with an added roof fairing for better aerodynamics — a riveted assembly that creates less aerodynamic-efficient seams and drag and leaves a lot to be desired in the way of overheard storage capacity and headroom. With body panels and rivets minimized and drip trays eliminated, the integrated UltraLo features flat and smooth sides, which helps provide an aerodynamic improvement. Wind is forced over a redesigned sun visor, creating a low-pressure zone that helps pulls the cab forward. The UltraLoft offers about 2 percent more aerodynam- ic gain than its discrete counterpart, which translates to a fuel economy gain of about 1 percent. If you want to bump the fuel efficiency a little more, the UltraLoft is available with Peterbilt's Epiq aerodynamic package. The added roof fairing may do a lot for a discrete sleeper's aerodynamics, but it does nothing for the driv- er's headroom. The integral UltraLoft takes all the space previously wasted between the top of the sleeper and the roof fairing and gives it to the driver. While the difference between the two may not be obvi- ous from the outside, the amount of available extra space is noticeable the moment you pull on the grab-handle and boost yourself into the truck. I took an UltraLoft-equipped Model 579 – outfitted with a Cummins X15 Efficiency Series engine and an Eaton Endurant automated manual transmission – on a 125-mile trip from Peterbilt's headquarters in Denton, Texas, to Marietta, Okla. The cockpit environment is unmistakably larger — and downright comfortable. When seated with my arm fully extended, I couldn't reach the top of the cab, and it doesn't feel like the headliner is hovering right over you. At 5 feet 9 inches tall, I easily could stand between the seats and walk back to the bunk without smacking my head or having to stoop over. The transition from front to back also is more seamless, as the cab's integrated de- sign eliminates the step-up ridge between the cockpit and sleeper. That's one less thing to trip over. The single-bunk UltraLoft boasts 70 cubic feet of stor- age, while the double-bunk configuration offers 64 cubic feet. A split upper bunk, when folded up, provides more headroom and 14 more cubic feet of storage. Peterbilt also added lockable storage bins above both doors that have enough space for two CPAP machines. For team drivers, that potentially takes two things off the floor and helps prevent dirt from getting into the mask. The closet, with a hanging rod mounted higher in the unit, has a 42-inch hanging height — more than enough space for the big and tall. A 1.1-cubic-foot microwave option also is avail- able, and there's room for a 32-inch flat-screen TV on the lower bunk's foot wall. A new HVAC system, with rear-mounted vents close to both bunks, helps to increase T E S T D R I V E : P E T E R B I L T U L T R A L O F T 8 0 - I N C H S L E E P E R I took an UltraLoft-equipped Model 579 on a 125-mile trip from Peterbilt's headquarters in Denton, Texas, to Marietta, Okla. The upper bunk, capable of supporting 400 pounds, is accessed by an integrated telescopic ladder.

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