Let's steep on it
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Following incessant carping, not least from CM, Scania's new R-series has finally got a bottom bunk to be proud of. So why not make it standard issue?
Words / images: Brian Weatnerkey / Additional images: Scania It was always a source of bewilderment to how a truck manufacturer could deliver such high levels of driver comfort and driveability behind the wheel, yet get it so wrong behind the B-post.
We're talking about Scania's bottom bunk — that DIY arrangement requiring extra foam fillets and pull-out trays just to convert it into a full-width bed. However, after endless grumbles, last September saw the arrival of a new, extendible one-piece bunk in the latest revised R-series. since crowned Truck of the Year 2010.
Only, some things don't change. While the latest optional bottom bunk features a one-piece, 2,040mm-long mattress (2,240mm, including end cushions over the sidewall storage trays), Scania's bunk 'cut-outs' remain behind both seats. Why? To keep as much rearward seat travel and leg-room as possible, without extending the rear of its modular cab.
Clever and comfortable
The solution to this, though, is as clever as it is comfortable. The new bottom bed now pulls out by 170min, taking its width at the centre from 730mm (in its stowed position) to 900mm in sleep mode, while behind the seats, the bunk width increases from 600mm to 770min when fully extended. And the clever part is that the pull-out mattress contains pocket springs, which deliver full support regardless of whether the bed is In' or 'out'.
Right now, availability of the pull-out bed is limited — although a full supply is expected from May.
But what has only now become evident is that it is an option, rather than a standard fit. This is surprising, considering the criticisms levelled at the old bed.
We expect the pull-out bunk option to add between E500 and £600 to the list price. Meanwhile, good news for those looking to upgrade is that Scania Great Britain technical manager Clive Burnet confirms: "There is an intention to offer the new bed as a retrofit kit."
With the standard (non-extending) R-series bed, to get sufficient shoulder room behind either seat, you still need to push the seats forward and fold down the back squab — making cross-cab access somewhat awkward.
With the new extending bed, there's no need to adjust the rake of the seat backs, just push them forward.
But why all the fuss about a bed, especially from CM?
It's long been one of the most obvious criticisms of Scania's product range. Moreover, long-haul drivers shouldn't have to compromise on the most precious pieces of in-cab equipment — their bed.
Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and CM road-tested the new pull-out bed in an R440 Topline sleeper, parked at Scania's snow-swept demo centre.
With reports of overnight temperatures hitting as low as minus -1TC, what seemed like a good idea started looking less attractive.., not least when we were handed a rather thin-looking, fibre-filled Ikea (naturally) duvet. We needn't have worried. The 'Scandinavian-spec' night heater, which uses the truck's normal heater matrix and vents (as opposed to the usual Eberspacher-type air heater found in UK sleeper cabs) provided excellent warmth. Moreover, the ability to tine-tune the system using the wander lead control by the bed (also fitted to right-hand-drive models) ensures you get exactly the right in-cab temperature, regardless of how cold it is outside.
A simple process
Extending the bunk is child's play: push down on the locking foot pedal and both seats glide forward smoothly.
Then. once sat on the centre of the bunk, you reach down and raise the release bar and push your lower body forward, whereupon the bunk extends to the fullest width. 'lb return it back into the travelling position, lift the release bar and push back.
Whether in or out, the pocket-sprung mattress provides superb support. and we enjoyed the best night's sleep in a top-weight sleeper, never mind a Scania, for many years.
Even with the scalloped section behind the seats. the extending bed ensures there's more then enough shoulder room, too. Kneeling on the mattress, you can feel the pocket springs through the robust cover. We'd probably fit a thin padded 'topper' just for personal taste — but that's not necessary.
The centre-mounted night-heater hand control on a wander lead means you can sleep comfortably at either end without having to get up to turn anything up, down or off. The hand control also houses switches for the roof vent and cab lights.
There's a usual reading light on the nearside (o/s on a right hooker) and a net for glasses and books etc on the rear wall behind the driver's seat (n/s on UK models). However, we'd like lights and nets at both ends. •