Kenworth adds mid-roof sleeper to T680, T880

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Updated Jul 1, 2015

Kenworth announced Wednesday at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. the launch of a new 76-inch mid-roof sleeper for its T680 and T880.

Full production is expected to start in the fall.

Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president Preston Feight said the 76-inch mid-roof sleeper is optimized for liquid bulk tankers, flatbed haulers and operators looking for a lighter-weight, more-aerodynamic truck with all the driver comforts of a full-height sleeper.

The mid-roof sleeper provides 100 pounds of weight savings when compared to Kenworth’s 76-inch high-roof sleeper and up to a 5 percent fuel economy savings for tanker and flatbed applications, depending on load conditions, Feight said. “For many truck operators, obtaining additional payload capacity can make a big difference in potential profit. The efficient mid-roof design has lower drag, and provides a reduction in fuel expenses.”

Kenworth’s 76-inch mid-roof sleeper features a liftable lower bunk and side storage towers, including hanging storage for drivers to store their clothes. A bunk for team drivers or a back wall sleeper storage unit is also available as an option, as is a factory-installed Kenworth Idle Management System. LED lighting is also used heavily throughout.

With the new addition, the T680 can be spec’d in 76-inch mid- and high-roof sleepers, 52-inch mid-roof sleeper and day cab.

Kenworth’s T880, the 2015 ATD Commercial Truck of the Year, can be spec’d in day cab, 52-inch sleeper and 76-inch mid-roof sleeper configurations.

TruckTech+ real-time diagnostics

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Kenworth also unveiled two communications tech offerings to improve vehicle diagnostics.

TruckTech+ will be available for new Kenworth Class 8 trucks spec’d with an MX-13 engine beginning this summer — with Cummins engines following — and offers real-time vehicle health monitoring technology provided by PeopleNet.

The system allows the engine to “talk” with, as appropriate, the fleet manager, Kenworth call center and/or designated Kenworth dealer to optimize truck uptime and productivity, providing clear information to the driver and fleet manager on the proper next steps.

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Kenworth Chief Engineer Kevin Baney says fault codes and engine performance data are sent via the truck’s standard modem to Kenworth’s analytics center, where possible root causes are diagnosed and solutions are recommended via email notification.

Notifications may include: keep driving, no action required; keep driving and have the fault addressed during the next service interval; head to a dealer for service; or pull over to prevent damage. If the customer needs to take the truck in for service, the system maps out the locations of the three closest repair facilities. In addition, the data is sent to a secure web portal where the fleet manager can review the truck’s location, status, identified issue and recommended solution.

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Baney says the system ensures owner-operators and fleets, Kenworth and its dealers are working closely together to maximize uptime.

“If a repair is needed quickly, the data can be sent to the servicing dealer in advance so they can be prepared to work on the truck – saving customers time and money in initial diagnostics,” said Preston Feight, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president. “When the truck arrives, the dealer’s service team can move quickly to remedy the problem.”

Both the fleet and the driver have access to all the data the truck is transmitting.

“This new level of analysis and interpretation allows customers to stay on the road longer, or get out of the shop quicker,” Feight says.

The system is included for the first two years a new Kenworth Class 8 truck is on the road, or during the duration of an extended engine warranty period, if purchased. After that period, Kenworth’s remote diagnostics tool can be maintained by subscription.

Also announced Wednesday is Kenworth Nav+ HD, a next-generation, multi-function communication and entertainment system now standard on Kenworth Class 8 trucks spec’d with premium interior packages.

It is also available as an option for all new Kenworth Class 6-8 conventional trucks. Nav+ HD features a 7-inch high-definition touch screen, plus integration into the Kenworth SmartWheel steering wheel. The system offers hands-free Bluetooth phone capability, truck navigation through Co-Pilot, iPod and MP3 integration, integrated SiriusXM satellite radio, virtual gauges, camera inputs and a host of other features. In addition, it offers WiFi capability.

When Co-Pilot is activated, map updates can be checked and easily downloaded, said Jason Skoog, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.

The high-definition display screen offers “pinch and zoom” capability for better scalability and viewing.

If a rearview camera is added to the truck, it can be integrated into Nav+ HD. When the truck is put into reverse, Skoog says, the backup camera can be programmed to automatically pop up on the screen allowing for easier loading-dock connections.