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With light commercial vehicles making increasingly Ion journeys, cab conversion specialist Hatcher Components ha clearly been thinking small. reports

4th October 2007, Page 62
4th October 2007
Page 62
Page 63
Page 62, 4th October 2007 — With light commercial vehicles making increasingly Ion journeys, cab conversion specialist Hatcher Components ha clearly been thinking small. reports
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Once, long-distance running and nights out for the driver were strictly the preserve of big trucks, Now, many operators use small vehicles on increasingly long joumeys.There's nothing wrong with that, except not every light truck maker offers a factory-fit sleeper cab. Although you can get one on most European 7.5-tonners, it's not so easy on a Japanese light-middleweight. If you want an on-line sleeper on a van or van-based chassis cab, it's even harder.

With an eye to these changing light CV operating patterns, cab conversion specialist Hatcher Components is looking to create the same name for itself in the sub-7.5-tonne market as it has in the medium-to-heavy sector. The Framlingham,Suffolk-based Hatcher brand, is known for its own popular Sky Cab and Night Cap high-roof and top-sleeper conversions and its range of aerodynamic bodywork for trucks and trailers. It is also the UK distributor for the Czech-made Pony top pod.

The company has extended its Deep Sleeper light truck cab conversion range to meet the requirements of operators of Japanese 7.5-tormers and light chassis cabs such as the Mercedes Sprinter, iveco Daily and Volkswagen LT.

Hatcher managing director Brian Getley admits recent years have seen a noticeable shift in the way the company conducts its business. 'Historically, the things we did were options you'd get through a dealer," he says. "Now, we're either standard-fit or factory-fit and, while we're still involved in the aftermarket, we want lobe the original equipment supplier direct to the OEM."

The most recent example has been Hatch er's tie-up with Mitsubishi to create a Deep Sleeper conversion on the Canter, to be sold directly through its dealers as a £2,400 fitted (ex-VAT) cost option,The conversion includes mattress, lining, cab tilt and curtains; a night heater is available for a further £700.-Mitsubishi wanted something that would differentiate it from other Japanese man u facturers," says Getley,"and we could do it. Since then, we've also had similar enquiries from Isuzu dealers."

While the majority of Hatcher's business is still above 7.5 tonnes, there are clearly opportunities to grow new business at, or more likely below, that traditional breakpoint. A Deep Sleeper conversion for the Transit chassis cab is scheduled soon.

Hatcher has just developed an unusual alternative to its current range of sliding bulkhead bed conversions for 3.5-tonne panel vans.The OverNighter is a bed mounted halfway up the bulkhead which, when not in use, folds up to create the top half of the bulkhead, separating the cargo area from the driving compartment. When required, it folds down 900 back into the cargo area, ready for use. Because it's mounted high on the bulkhead, there's room for freight underneath.

Getley says: "it's such a simple idea, you wonder why we didn't come up with it before! Many LCV sleeper options have an impact on the cargo area to some degree, but that's not the case with OverNighter. The weight is supported from the roof, and the space below the bunk is unaffected. Even in the sleeping position, there's enough room easily to accommodate a euro-pallet."

One of the first operators to try an OverNighter was Lightning Freight of Seaham, County Durham, and feedback so far has been positive.The retail price is £935 fitted at Framlingharn,(£767 supply only) with fitting time taking three to four days.

CM saw the Canter DeepSieeper conversion close-up, and we were impressed by how much space the 820mm-long cab extension created. In particular, there's plenty of room to stow kit under the 650mm-deep bunk, which is raised easily by hydraulic struts.The standard of fit and finish is equally impressive. We had no trouble stretching out on the bed, or sitting upright on it.

Local operator flemisphere Freight bought one of the earliest Canter conversions. Manager Richard Davies says: "We looked at a number of 7.5-torme vehicles, but the Canter gave us an extra tonne of payload. Even though the DeepSleeper is located in the rear of the cab, we can still carry a higher payload compared with other vehicles, and our drivers have a more accommodating sleeping compartment, as there's space to sit and read or wateh TV." •

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Locations: Durham

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