LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Stratosphere is Western Star’s new 82-inch walk-through light sleeper designed for over the road drivers.

It was introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville.

The sleeper offers full stand-up room and a flat floor throughout the cab and sleeper.

The Stratosphere’s exterior allows for the installation of roof-mounted air horns and marker lights.

“The Stratosphere delivers the ideal combination of modern engineering and traditional styling for truckers who want only the best,” says John Merrifield, senior vice-president of sales and marketing.

“In this new sleeper, the owner/operator will enjoy one of the most open and spacious living compartments available without giving up traditional style.”

The Stratosphere is available in three trim levels – Phoenix, Mesa and Dakota – with many cabinet, storage, window and lighting options.

Four different bunk configurations are available, and new optional skylight windows add to the sleeper’s open concept.

Merrifield says Western Star offers a broad range of features and options so a driver can customize the cab and sleeper to his or her preferences.

“This sleeper will be our customers’ home and office on the road, so we want them to be able to set it up just as they like it,” says Merrifield.

Cary Gatzke, director of engineering for Western Star, says over 1,600 drivers responded to a market survey about what they look for in a truck and a cab.

“Market surveys and interviews indicated there were more teams out on the road, including husband and wife teams and they need more room and more features,” says Gatzke.

The Stratosphere can be converted into a day cab after being used as a sleeper and, according to Merrifield, this feature increases the resale value of the vehicle in the truck market.

Stratosphere sleepers are available on all Western Star 4900 models, including the EX, FA and SA, and can now be ordered.

For more information visit www.westernstartrucks.com.