Responding to demand for an overnight cab for occasional use, Sterling has added the 60-inch NightShift model to its range of Class 3 through 8 work trucks.

At 60 inches and with full stand-up height from the driver's seat back, it boasts the most cabinet storage of any sleeper in the industry. An under-bank fridge/freezer in included in the standard configuration.

The sleeper also has plenty of daylight, with opening side glass and a fixed window in the rear wall, all with snap-on coverings for privacy or shade when required.

The NightShift cab is available on both 113- and 122-inch BBC Sterlings and is targeted at regional LTL and vocational users that require drivers to spend several days with the truck. There is only one, mid-roof configuration derived from the rooftop for the recently introduced Freightliner Cascadia. For van trailer applications, the roof has an aerodynamic fairing to smooth air flow up and side skirts for the full aero package.

The sleeper has only a few options for the very thoroughly equipped interior. One is for a pull-out table/writing surface with the cabinet options. The demonstration unit at the launch featured a microwave in the usual TV cabinet opening and a neat under-the-counter flat screen TV combo mounted underneath. Cabinets are very generous with different mesh or door options. Under the bunk is a pull out refrigerator drawer (from the cabover Mercedes-Benz Actros) which can double as a freezer. This unit can be deleted for additional storage under the bunk. The profile of the roof over the driver and passenger seats is well used for added, deep storage around the header area.

Trim is a combination of gray and tan to complement the seat trim of the cab. Overall, the sleeper is light and airy from the side and rear windows, with a very thoroughly color-keyed look with the driving space.

Driver comfort was a priority in the development of the NightShift. It comes with an 8-inch quilted spring mattress standard. There's full standing height for a 6-foot, 4-inch driver, and there's a good walk through between the seats from the wide cab. A flat floor between cab and sleeper makes access easy. For additional access, a right-hand door is provided in the sleeper. On the other side, a baggage compartment door provides roadside access to the under-bank, which can also be reached inside by flipping up the bunk.

This was an prototype at the launch. Production is scheduled for December with pricing 'competitive' with trucks like the International ProStar and the Mack Pinnacle.