The integrated sleeper isn’t just a box attached to the back of the cab. It was designed with ease of repair in mind in areas where damage has historically been a problem, namely, the rear quarters that are subject to trailer strikes during tight backing maneuvers.

Engineers did jackknife tests on the sleeper and sought the input of body shop workers on how best to build the sleeper for ease of repair. They kept the huck fasteners in this area for ease and cost purposes. The rear side panels can be replaced without removing the roof, which saves downtime and labor cost.

Driver Environment

Inside the cab and sleeper is where the T680 really shines. One of the more significant changes is the width of the cab. At 83 inches, it’s 10 inches wider than a T660, and about eight inches narrower than a T700. T680 will appeal to solo ­drivers who like larger cabs, but not necessarily the barn-like cab of the T700, which is very well suited to team operations. There’s 23 inches between the seats for easy access to the 76-inch sleeper. This truck has all the room any solo ­driver could ask for and it sure wouldn’t leave team drivers wanting.

Getting to 83 inches was in interesting exercise. Bechtolds says engineers took a cab mock up and literally cut it into quarters — right front, left front, right rear, and left rear — and mounted them on motorized tracks. They then invited more than 800 drivers to fit the cab sections around themselves using a hand-held controller to position the sections. The dimensions of the T860 cab reflect the preferences of that crowd of test pilots. So, while the cab dimensions won’t appeal to everyone, I’m sure they will enjoy a pretty broad cross section of fans.

In a similar fashion, the drivers designed their own dash panel, right down to the gauge and switch placement.

In designing the T680’s storage cabinets, Bechtold says engineers visited dozens of truck stops and interviewed drivers about their storage requirements.

“Not only did we ask the obvious questions, we took an inventory of everything those drivers had on board, and then we went out and bought tool boxes, boots, oil jugs, hardhats, etc, and brought them back to the labs,” he says. “We then made it our mission to find a place to store the gear drivers carry.”

One of the results of this innovative research was the cabinet above the doors. According to Bechtold, it easily accommodates a hardhat — one of the toughest items to store.

Another interesting innovation is the pivoting work table located on the right-hand side of the sleeper. It swivels 270 degrees for better space utilization, and drivers can use it equally comfortably while sitting on the bed, or from the passenger seat if the optional seat swivel feature is selected. The seat turns to face rearward, and the table swivels forward to meet the seat, creating a convenient work space. The table will support up to 400 lb, Bechtold says, so it’s built with longevity in mind.