Automatic DAF is a smart mover

Smart looks and good performance from an earlier model have led South Wales operator RPM Vehicle Logistics to put another DAF LF45 into their 16-vehicle car transporter fleet.

The truck is operating from the Tredegar site of parent company Ron Skinner and Sons Limited. They run the largest independent car supermarket in South Wales, selling around 7,500 cars a year.

For a 7.5 tonner that’s doing mainly local work, the new DAF is very well specified. To start with it’s a sleeper cab model, although driver Mark Loxton will only ever use the sleeping area for daytime rest and as extra storage space for his personal gear. RPM have also opted for the AS-tronic automated transmission, making Mark’s job both easier and safer.

Sitting atop the sleeper cab is a large air deflector to help overcome the problem of wind drag, which particularly affects car transporters. Further help comes from the 160 bhp delivered by the 4.5 litre engine, resulting in a comfortable power to weight ratio of over 21 bhp per tonne and also helping to ensure good fuel economy.

General Manager, Phil Skinner, said that good performance over five years from another DAF 7.5 tonner made the LF45 a natural choice when replacement time came round.

“We’ve found the model to be reliable, popular with our drivers and exceptionally fuel efficient,” he says. “We also like to provide our drivers with a good level of comfort and whether they’re at the wheel of this truck or one of our larger XF105s, the DAFs seem to tick all the boxes.”

Cheshire company PRG Trailers fitted the two-deck bodywork, designed to carry two cars. The wheelbase of the new truck is 5.4 metres, which is the longest in the LF45 range at this weight. Even with the sleeper cab, this allowed a 7.4 metre beaver tail body to be fitted with the first car carried on an upper deck raised by a pair of hydraulic arms.

The body is made from steel with pierced aluminium decking and ramps and the whole is galvanised following assembly and prior to fitting. An electric winch is fitted for loading disabled cars.

DAF dealer Cardiff Truck Centre supplied the truck and will maintain it under a Repair and Maintenance contract.