Volvo FM Globetrotter LXL
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The FM/FH brands have been on the go since 1998. They were revamped in 2001 and again in 2005. Today, FM has five cabs: day, sleeper, low sleeper, Globetrotter and Globetrotter LXL, plus there is a sixth, the crew-cab for the fire service.
For CM’s cab test, Volvo provided the Globetrotter LXL, which is available only with the 11-litre engine. The two steps into the cab sit slightly forward of the entry point onto the cab floor, which can make getting out of the driver’s side a little awkward as descent is at a slight angle. That said, the 1.28m cab entry height doesn’t leave the driver feeling they have to be Sir Chris Bonnington to clamber in and out of the cabin.
There is 7% more overall interior height in the LXL over the standard Globetrotter and about 8% more height above the engine cover. Like all fleet-spec trucks, internal space is the main thing, and without a second bunk the driver can sit up on the bottom bunk without bashing their head. This might sound uneventful, but there is nothing worse than having nowhere to move or turn to once the alarm clock has gone off. It’s feasible, using a modular bunk, that with a single bed Volvo could be a little more inventive and raise the bunk to provide some genuine under-the-bunk storage.
The lockable safe is a welcome addition to the truck, and even if it only slows the thief, it increases the chances of him getting caught.
With seven closed storage units located above the level of the windscreen, the driver isn’t dogged by unimportant items in the day-to-day activities, and bags, tins and maps (if they are still used) can be stowed out of sight. The pull-out drawer from under the bunk maximises the under-bunk storage, and it can also house a fridge.
More importantly, it has 12V and 24V sockets with auxiliary and USB connections too.
The bunk delivered an exceptionally peaceful night’s rest, and its dimensions should cater for most shapes of drivers. To stand and dress, the sloping front of the cabin makes standing headroom a little awkward but not overwhelmingly difficult.