INNOVATIVE SLEEPING

INTERVIEW WITH ARWED BUTTERWECK | BRANCH MANAGER IN BAUNATAL

INNOVATIVE SLEEPING

L.I.T. develops a roof sleeper cab for ultra-light trucks with the patent-protected Efficiency CAB

We wanted to create a modern workplace for our drivers with maximum space, without having to accept any compromises in terms of loading capacity or truck efficiency. It was important to us that, despite the efficient and space-saving design, the highest possible level of comfort is provided for our drivers. Neither in the roof sleeper cabs we had used previously nor in those currently available on the market could we find solutions that met our qualitative and spatial expectations. The decision to develop an in-house design, especially for the interior, was therefore an obvious one and was quickly met with great approval within the L.I.T. Gruppe.

The development team consisted of Willi Kemmnitz from the company Orten Fahrzeugbau GmbH, technicians from Gniotpol Trailers Sp.o.o., and myself on behalf of L.I.T. Cargo GmbH. Spojkar from Poland supplied the roof structure and was also responsible for the interior fittings. Only through a close partnership and collaboration was it possible to achieve the optimum result. To ensure suitability for everyday use, we involved and integrated approximately 200 drivers. After all, they are the ones who will ultimately sleep in the Efficiency CAB and should benefit from the comfort. Their wishes and suggestions were immensely important to us and therefore played a decisive role in the final product.

How long did the development take and what practical tests had to be carried out?

The Efficiency CAB is precisely tailored to the MAN TGL 8.220 4×2, model year 2017. Seven months passed from the planning stage to the first delivery. During this time, numerous adjustments, load tests, and strength tests were carried out. Our main focus was on ensuring that our drivers feel comfortable. They often spend several days at a time in the truck. The cab is then their living room and should ideally meet their individual requirements. During our discussions, it became clear that good lighting conditions and the greatest possible storage space are particularly important in everyday life. The cab should allow plenty of light to enter, but at the same time, it should be very well insulated for summer and winter and include a stationary air conditioning system. Good ambient lighting and a ventilation system were also among the requirements.

What specifications, such as safety standards and technical conditions of the MAN TGL 8.220 4×2 model year 2017, had to be taken into account during development?

Pretty much all of them: starting with the roof cutout, the strength of the cab, the modification of the cab mounting, the conversion of the cab suspension to air suspension, the subsequent certification, and the preparation of the expert report in accordance with the guidelines.
The difficulty with ultra-light vehicles is that they have a very small cab. Finding a spacious and high-quality equipped solution without having to accept any compromises in loading capacity posed several problems for the entire development team. Weight, dimensions, interior fittings, insulation, the creation of a new mono-form, etc. – that was a truly major challenge in development.

What are the special advantages of the Efficiency CAB compared to previous roof sleeper cabs?

With dimensions of 2.5 x 1.4 x 2.1 meters, the sleeper cab is larger than the previously used roof sleeper cabs, but still more efficient. Due to the shape, which is optimally adapted to the cab, the aerodynamics could be significantly improved, which leads to up to ten percent lower fuel consumption. Thanks to the fact that previously wasted space on the sides and in the wind deflector is now better utilized, we were able to satisfy the desire for more space. In combination with the foldable bed, this not only creates additional storage space but also makes it possible to stand in the cab. The improved interior lighting, air conditioning and heating, or USB ports ensure a comfortable sleeping area. From my point of view, the new roof sleeper cab is an irrefutable example that personal comfort and performance-efficient superstructures do not contradict each other, but can go hand in hand perfectly.