Sonic extra good ideas for cabs
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But 'bolt-on goodies' are a waste of money says Stephen Gray
'SINCE the influx of foreignmade vehicles onto the British market in the mid sixties, many cab fitments, previously regarded as extras have now become accepted as standard equipment.
But there are still plenty of 'extras available that can make a basic vehicle even more comfortable and help the driver.
On the other hand, a lot of the so-called accessories are simply 'bolt-on goodies' of no benefit • and, in fact, a waste of money.
To see 'what is useful and what is not, I visited a number of lorry manufacturers and found a surprisingly large range of equipment available over the counter.
DAF Trucks, at Marlow, showed me examples of some of the accessories it offers, fitted to a tractive unit for TIR work. This particular vehicle is left-hand drive, but the same parts are available for right hand-drive models.
One of the most useful pieces of equipment fitted to the DAF was a large exterior sun visor. This is an essential investment for those hauling to the Middle East, although in view of the hot summers we've had in the last few years, it could be worthwhile for UK haulage.
In the case of the DAF, the sun visor was made of steel, painted to match the vehicle and priced at around £40. Ailsa Trucks on the other hand offers blue or red translucent visors which are bolted to the cab roof. These are of similar material to the optional extra dirt deflectors that Ailsa also offers for the Volvo range.
The theory of the deflectors is that they cut short the air that would normally swirl up the cab sides bringing with it dust and dirt onto the rear-view mirrors. It is claimed that the deflectors stop this happening and, in our ,experience, this is true.
DAF also markets similar deflectors. '
Another essential for Middle East haulage is air conditioning. Most lorry manufacturers offer this for their larger tractive units.
Leyland and Volvo use units made by Kysor, while DAF uses a BEHR model.
Air conditioning plants are expensive, though, ranging from £600-£1,000.
And for those unable to afford air conditioning, an extra interior fan can be fitted, possibly with a Happich roof ventilator. Obviously this isn't as effective as full air conditioning, but it's the next best thing.
The Happich ventilator can be opened either at the front to allow the full air stream into the cab, or at the rear to provide through flow ventilation in conjunction with an interior fan.
Leyland supplies plug-in extra fans for its Marathon cab, and DAF has a K-L fan for the back of the cab.
Still on the subject of driver-comfort, seating is or primary concern.
Most modern lorries at supplied with suspension sea from new, but Volvo offe extras for these.
A head restraint to match th seat material and arm rests available, while for the own driver who wants to beautify tlinterior of his vehicle, stretc seat covers can be bough These seem somewhat unnece sary, though, because mo modern seats are covered quite hard-wearing brushe nylon.
The Volvo' seat accessori( are part of Ailsa's TIR comfo pack that includes a fridge IN as well as the normal sleeper ca facilities.
Finding a place to put mar and books without having thei flying around inside the cab sometimes a problem: th solution is to fit door pockets.
These can be fitted quick and easily and are a worthwhi accessory, taking away the need for the driver to struggle to find his cigarettes or sweet: while driving.
A map-reading light is an( ther useful in-cab accessory ft
he long haul driver. Flexibly nounted, they can be posiioned to reach any area of the nap.
One interior cab accessory vhich I consider essential is a ire extinguisher. Often, an lectrical short can destroy the vhole vehicle and its load ,imply because. a fire extinguiher is not available.
Siting the extinguisher is very mportant. It should be readily iccessible to the driver but not jet in his way either when intering or leaving the cab or furing driving. Under his seat is he best location.
Among the less useful inteior cab accessories on offer rom the manufacturers are such hings as suit bags and thermos lask holders. Although, no loubt, some drivers believe :hem to be essential to their -.:omfort, they are gimmicks.
One accessory which anyone who has slept in his cab in winter conditions will think is )ssential however, is an electric dlanket. DAF offers one that is • iimply plugged into the socket )f a cigarette lighter.
Externally, accessories can De divided into those that improve the appearance of the truck and those which aid the driver to do his job better.
In the main, the former serve no real purpose other than, perhaps to give the driver more pride in his vehicle. But a number of important and useful items fall into this category.
Grille and lamp guards are very necessary for the rough roads encountered on. some long distance haulage runs.
They are usually made from tubular steel framing and have wire mesh to protect the radiator, or light glasses. Clips retain the grille guards and hinges allow them to be lifted for access.
A number of optional mirrors, other than the conventional plain type, are available. Volvo supplies heated mirrors — very useful in freezing conditions — white Leyland has a divided mirror on the Marathon.
For parking, DAF has a kerb view mirror which is mounted on the nearside door above the side window. This shows the driver how near he is to the kerb.
As part of its safety equipment, washer /wipers are available for the Volvo F88's headlamps. No doubt these come in use in very poor conditions, but at £72, they seem expensive.
Externally mounted air horns may seem somewhat irrelevant, but the driver tackling a twisting alpine road will soon appreciate their worth. Standard vehicl horns hardly make a sound loud enough to rise above that of the engine, let alone give adequate warning.
Coupling a tractive unit to a trailer at night can be tricky, so most manufacturers offer a coupling light. These are usually adjustable and mounted on the offside behind the cab. This is a very useful fitment which can eliminate the risk of accidents or damage to the vehicle.
Most accessories I was shown were thoroughly worthwhile either giving the driver more comfort or making his job easier.