Peterbilt is the first North American truck maker to make air disc brakes standard on all class 8 models, partly as a way to meet stopping-distance rules going into effect this August. The U.S. braking standard, mirrored in Canada, requires tractor-trailers to be able to come to a complete stop within 250 ft, down from 355 ft. In most cases, a properly configured drum-brake setup can meet the standard too.

Peterbilt has also announced a lightweight option package that includes a variety of weight-saving components with day cabs as low as 14,200 lb and sleeper tractors down to 15,800 lb.

The package includes composite front springs rated at 12,000 lb; aluminum cabs with lap-seam construction plus aluminum bell housing, crossmembers, and an aluminum space-saver battery box; the Holland aluminum-top-plate FWAL fifth wheel; Peterbilt’s own FLEXAir suspension; and wide-base single tires with aluminum wheels.

As well, Peterbilt says its Extended Day Cab is now available for its complete lineup of class 8 trucks — models 389, 388, 386, 384, 367 and 365. You now have the option to expand the length of a day cab by an additional 10 in. and get nearly 6 in. of added head room. A large rear window is standard.