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W hich cab offered the highest ceiling? Not the giant Leyland

9th March 1995, Page 29
9th March 1995
Page 29
Page 29, 9th March 1995 — W hich cab offered the highest ceiling? Not the giant Leyland
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Des 2.20m but ER F's EC Olympic, at 2.34m. The ERF appears to gain from its floor height which, at 1.29m, is among the lowest in the group. Interior height helped access to the top bunk, Despite the sloping roofline, there was enough clearance between the roof and front of the bunk for reasonable entry, aided by the step and fold-down ladder beneath the bunk. Six-footers can stand up on the engine cover too.

Lights at both ends of the bunks are controlled by master switches within reach of either end; they're grouped with controls for the electric roof hatch and radio (which also has a hand-held remote control). Vampires will appreciate the heavy grey curtains which keep daylight at bay; the roof hatch and opaque panel have roller blinds too.

The Olympic has stacks of stowage space. There are three compartments under the bunk, two deep lockers in the header rail, a hanging locker, door pockets and more lockers with oddments space and netting for additional stowage.

The 6,0kW heater was unstoppable: functions include a timer and alarm, with maximum and minimum temperature controls but it managed to turn our Olympic into a tropical zone.. .either we programmed it wrongly or you need less heat than ERF says. We particularly liked the swivelling passenger seat and pull-out table. With the seat facing to the rear, standing upright for changing or negotiating the bottom bunk was a doddle.

The large bunk with its deep-sprung mattress was very comfortable. With the top bunk down there was space to sit up in the bottom bunk; it also made access easier. The swivel seat encourages sleeping head-tonearside but heater controls are above the driver's door, so a night-time re-heat could entail a cross-cab scramble.

The Olympic scored well in our noise penetration test. A drenched track prevented us from gaining fair readings for the constant-speed noise measurements but our

impression was that this was one of the quieter cabs.

The chassis, cab and seat suspension gave a decent ride with plenty of reaction from the front suspension on the broken surface, Our figures were among the best, due in part to the 6x2 configuration. Overall, we were

mighty impressed by the Olympic. Its use of space is an object lesson to rivals, though its finish may not be up to the highest standards. Skylights and pale trim prevent claustrophobia; low noise levels and a good ride also contribute to a capable allrounder.

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