Western Star Unveils New Canadian Spec’d Sleeper

by Ingrid Phaneuf

MONTREAL, Que. – Western Star Trucks unveiled the new 68-inch Stratosphere Star Light Sleeper at Expocam 2003 held at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, Oct. 23 through 25.

Product marketing manager Jim Crowcroft was on hand to give a guided tour of the new walk-through sleeper, which provides the flat floor, interior stand-up room and external cab configuration that allows for roof-mounted air horns and marker lights, just like its longer 82-inch U.S. cousin, introduced earlier this year.

“We shortened the sleeper cab to meet Canadian length rules, without giving up the long hood,” Crowcroft explained.

Crowcroft also pointed out the aerodynamic design of the fiberglass sleeper roof – which slopes back rather than rising up abruptly like a “condo-style” sleeper.

The integrated cab is also being offered with a “convertible” option: namely a package that allows for the owner to remove the roof and sleeper area and convert it to a day cab.

Company officials say the new 68-inch sleeper will be available in all markets beginning in the second quarter of 2004. It will be an option for all Western Star 4900 models, including the EX (132″ BBC set forward front axle), 4900 FA (set forward front axle in both 109″ and 123″ BBCs) and 4900 SA (set back front axle in both 109″ and 123″ BBCs).

The Stratosphere is available in two trim levels – Phoenix and Mesa – all with cabinet, storage, window and lighting options. Three different bunk configurations are available, including the optional dinette sleeper seating package, with two seats and a table. A skylight window is also available as an option.

Standard sleeper features include: a foam mattress; a single lower 35-inch bunk with bunk restraint; LHS mid-height solid colour cabinet with two shelves; cab-to-sleeper privacy curtain; easy access to under-bunk storage area; left and right-hand luggage compartment doors; ribbed rubber mat in luggage/tool compartment; two incandescent lamps in the luggage/tool compartment activated by the luggage door switches and bunk switch; convenience door LHS and glass panel RHS; four overhead halogen lamps with individual and main switch control; incandescent floor lamp; 12V power outlet mounted in control panel; high capacity heater with sleeper control panel; painted aluminum skirts; integral cab/sleeper air-ride support.

Comfort spec’s include: convenience door on both sides; glass panels on both sides; sliding rear window; stainless steel sleeper skirting with and without lighting; side extenders; roof fairing.

Optional storage configurations include: RHS cabinet including clothes closet with doors, upper storage area and shelves for television and microwave; LHS cabinet with fridge prep and two drawers with a slide-out work surface and upper area storage; rear wall storage cabinet with doors. Cabinets are available in three finish levels: solid colour cabinet with wood doors and full cherry wood cabinets.

Other comfort options include: air conditioner in sleeper; digital automatic temperature control; wide range of vent windows; deluxe spring mattress available in all sizes; raised upper bunk; sleeper start kit including ignition switch, stop engine light, check engine light and digital clock; dinette sleeper seating package; R-2300 Nova Kool Fridge DC; television antenna; cabinet prep for television; a wide range of shore power systems, including Monsoon stereo; cab-mounted privacy curtain, enhanced lighting packages. For more information on Western Star products, visit www.Western StarTrucks.com


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