Equipment editor, Jim Park, recently took a Peterbilt's 579 Epiq on a 1,000-mile trip between Scottsdale, Arizona, and Denton, Texas. His test drive story appears in the July issue of Heavy Duty Trucking. Photos by Jim Park
Test Drive: Peterbilt 579 Epiq with 80-inch UltraLoft Sleeper [Photos]
The lower bunk of the UltraLoft sleeper features a full-size single bed with a pocket coil mattress.
This ladder to the upper bunk folds into the front frame of the bunk and deploys with a light tug on a latch. When stowed, you'd never know it was there making it a great space-saving option.
Big grippy steps make climbing into the 579 easy and safe.
The trailer we had for the test drive was one of Peterbilt's fuel economy evaluation trailer. It was equipped with a Transtex gap reduction device.
The aero mirrors are large and set at the just the right height for optimum visibility without interfering with the view to the side of the truck.
HDT Equipment editor, Jim Park, recently took a Peterbilt's 579 Epiq on a 1,000-mile trip between Scottsdale, Arizona, and Denton, Texas.
The driver's side cabinet features a pull-out desk, the sleeper compartment HVAC and audio controls, door lock switches and more. There's room above for a nearly full-size microwave oven.
Above the fridge on the passenger side is a tall cabinet with adjustable shelving or a wardrobe cabinet. The TV mount on the wall can accommodate a flat screen TV up to 32 inches.
The upper bunk has a folding mattress, half of which tucks up to create a little more headroom when it's not in use.
There's plenty of storage space above and around the driver that's easy to reach from the seat without standing up.
The dash layout hasn't changed much since the truck was introduced in 2012. It's functional and use friendly with all the important stuff within easy reach.
The Epiq aero package on the Model 579 includes front wheel well close-outs to streamline airflow around the wheels.
The rear end had a FlowBelow Tractor Mounted Aerodynamics System and aero wheel covers.
The sun visor adds a classic touch to the truck without interfering with the airflow over the front of the truck.
The Model 579 Epiq with an 80-inch UltraLoft sleeper offers all the comforts a driver could want in an attractive, aerodynamic cab.