ERF EC Sovereign
Page 27
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ERF's EC Sovereign cab is a high-spec sleeper that can stand alongside most of the continentals in its class. But to compete with the best on equal terms you need a high-roof version—and it will be launched next month at Commercial Motor Truckft '94, Peterborough.
The cab's trim and fabrics are a pleasant mixture of greys with green banding in the seat cloth; the fully adjustable air sprung driver's seat has an integral safety belt This feels much easier than some, which have it secured to the cab B-post where it can pull during braking on uneven roads.
Slipping between the steering wheel and the seat to reach the bunk is awkward, so the best routine is to walk around the front.
It's three easy steps up into the cab where only the shortest driver can stand up straight. There's very little space in the passenger footwell where the bulky header section protrudes at shoulder level; changing clothes here is very restrictive and exacerbates a driver's backache.
If the seat could be folded backwards (a la Scania Topline) it would be much easier for the driver to change his gear, otherwise it's a case of sitting on the edge of the bunk.
Like the Volvo F1-1, that bunk is a comfortable 140mm deep with a generous 820min of headroom. The header section has locker space and there's a large pocket in the centre into which the roof vent cover slides.
The cab is better lit than many streets with four large reading lights and handy switches in the centre of the ceiling. These can be reached from the bunk; not so the radio controls. Turning off the music means leaving a warm sleeping bag, so how about fitting an on/off radio button on the back wall?
There's plenty of storage space under the bunk, including a locker with security box behind the dri
vers seat. Above it is a hanging zip-up suitcase. The external locker on the nearside is handy for tools but could do with a light in it.
ERF's Sovereign cab comes with full timer/alarm thermostatic controls for the Eberspacher heater, which worked quietly and efficiently.
This turned out to be a particularly welcome feature as the heater has to work hard against the cold that enters via the drivers footwell area and creeps into the cab from behind the wrapround curtains.
Wise drivers will regularly check the angle of the blower outlet to ensure the hot air is being directed up into the cab and not into some restricted area.
Ours was turned down towards the floor but once adjusted and the curtains drawn the temperature rose rapidly to its pre-arranged setting.