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An advantage of the CF cab is the high position of the bed in the single-bunk version.
Page 30
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The current Daf CF has been around for just about two years now, and in that time has earned itself a fine reputation among fleet operators as a good drive. Inside also, the truck looks like a true driver's machine. However, drivers do more than just drive, and it is interesting to see how the Daf fares when judged on criteria like sleeping and resting.
The first thing that stands apart in the cab is the big bed, containing a thick mattress. Actually, at 140mm, the Daf's mattress is, together with the Foden's, the thickest in this year's Cab Test. Initially we wondered if this would make the mattress a little too soft for comfort; most of the other cabs contain mattresses of about 120mm thick. Only the MAN's top bunk and the Renault Premium's single bunk have mattresses ofjust 90mm, which is arguably too thin.
A disadvantage of the Daf is that the mattress's width is reduced by a hefty 100mm behind the seats. This limits head and legroom during the night. Apart from the Daf, the Mercedes Axor and the Renault Premium were the only ones with restricted bed widths.
During cold periods, a driver first has to switch on the night heater. The switch in the Daf is on the middle console of the dash, grouped with interior light switches which make it easy for the driver to find his way around the cab overnight. Thr: ET 's the only cab displaying the comfy red lights, which come in very handy while driving in the dark. A nice touch is that even the ashtray displays these small but effective red lights.
The last time a CF attended the Cab Test, in 2001, it was a last-minute addition whose engine coolant-based night heater caused us some confusion. This time we had a more conventional and easier to use installation. Once the heater is switched on, the main contact switch can remain off. A little display in the rear cab panel makes it very easy to adjust the night heater to your wishes. Also, one can simply open the roof, which is operated electrically, according to one's taste. The engine tunnel provides good support when getting dressed. Measured off the engine tunnel, a space of 1,910mm remains, which is plenty to stand upright in for most of us, enabling the driver to get dressed without contortions.
Despite our initial doubts, the mattress proved of decent quality during a long and restful night, not harmed by the restful blues and greys of the colour scheme, An advantage of the CF cab is the high position of the bed in the single-bunk version. This results in significant stowage space under the bed, as well as a comfortable seating function. Together with the MAN, the Daf is the one which comes with a fridge. The overscreen lockers give considerable extra volume, while the large, flat engine hump tray prevents odds and ends vanishing into oblivion.
Those everyday chores, such as making tea and watching TV are assisted by the large, flat surface atop the dash. During the night, the curtains keep the light sufficiently out of the cab and there are no hidden details lurking in the OF to obstruct a well deserved, good night's sleep.