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INTERVIEW WITH ARWED BUTTERWECK | BRANCH MANAGER IN BAUNATAL

INNOVATIVE SLEEPING

With the patented efficiency cab l.i.t. develops a top sleeper for ultralight vehicles

INTERVIEW WITH ARWED BUTTERWECK | BRANCH MANAGER IN BAUNATAL

INNOVATIVE SLEEPING

WITH THE PATENTED EFFICIENCY CAB L.I.T. DEVELOPS A TOP SLEEPER FOR ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES

INTERVIEW WITH ARWED BUTTERWECK | BRANCH MANAGER IN BAUNATAL

INNOVATIVE SLEEPING

WITH THE PATENTED EFFICIENCY CAB L.I.T. DEVELOPS A TOP SLEEPER FOR ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES

What was the pivotal reason for the development of the Efficiency CAB?

We wanted to create a modern workplace for our drivers with maximal space, without having to compromise load capacity or efficiency of the truck. It was important for us to offer the highest comfort to the drivers, despite the efficient and space saving design. Neither our previously used top-sleepers, nor any available on the market offered solutions concerning spaciousness, comfort, insulation and handling that complied with our ideas of quality and space. The decision for an internally developed construction, especially in the interior area, was therefore obvious and found a lot of approval within L.I.T.

Who was included in the development of the Efficiency CAB?

The development team consisted of Will Kemmnitz from the company ORTEN Fahrzeugbau GmbH, engineers from GNIOTPOL Trailers Sp.o.o. and myself from the L.I.T. Cargo GmbH. SPOJKAR from Poland delivered roof constructions, and was also responsible for the interior. Only with close cooperation based on partnership we were able to achieve the optimum. To ensure everyday suitability, we involved and integrated 200 drivers in the project. In the end, they will be the ones to sleep in the Efficiency Cab and to benefit from its comfort. Their wishes and suggestions were very important to us and therefore crucial for the final product.

How long did the development take and what practical testing had to be done?

The patented Efficiency CAB is tailor-made for the MAN TGL 8.220 4×2 from 2017. Seven months passed from planning to the first delivery. During this time we did several adjustments, and performed load and durability tests. Our main focus was the drivers‘ comfort. They often spend several consecutive days in the truck. The cab then becomes their living room and should satisfy their individual needs. During our conversations we discovered that good visibility and maximum storage space are important for the daily routine. A lot of light should be able to enter the cab, while it should be well insulated for summer and winter and have stationary air conditioning Additionally it should have ambient lighting and a ventilation system.

Which guidelines – such as safety standards and technical properties of the MAN TGL 8.220 4×2 construction year 2017 – had to be taken into account during the development?

Basically all of them: Starting with the roof cut-out, stability of the cab, modification of the cabin suspension, its conversion to air suspension, the subsequent certification and creation of a report according to the guidelines. The difficulty with ultralight vehicles is the small size of their cab. Finding a spacious and well-equipped solution without having to compromise the loading capacity posed a great challenge for the entire development team. The weight, measurements, interior construction, insulation, development of a new monoform etc. All that ended up being a great challenge.

What are the particular advantages of the Efficiency CAB compared to earlier top-sleepers?

With measurements of 2.5 x 1.4 x 2.1 meters the cabin is larger than previously used top sleepers, but nevertheless more efficient. With a shape that perfectly fits to the cab, aerodynamics were improved drastically, which leads to up to 10 % less fuel consumption. Thanks to the fact that previously unused space on the sides and by the wind deflectors is now used properly, we were able to fulfil the wish for more space. This plus a foldable bed does not only create additional storage space but also allows the driver, to stand up in the cab. The improved interior lighting, air conditioning, heating, and USB-ports create a comfortable sleeping area. From my perspective, the new top-sleeper is irrefutable evidence that personal comfort and efficient structures do not contradict each other, but go brilliantly hand in hand.

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