Sleeper Berth Modification Kits
| Entry Date | October 13, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Issue Number | 07-050-DRV |
| Name | Michael Millard |
| Address | 25823 S Brookfield CourtChannahon, IL, 60413United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab) |
| Phone | (815) 955-0605 |
| [email protected] | |
| Committee | Driver-Traffic Enforcement Committee |
| Status | Closed |
| Summary of Issue | Hotshot drivers are being sold devices that modify window openings on quad cab pick-ups. The manufacturers are stating the devices expand the size of the cab to meet 393.76 as a sleeper berth. The devices fit in the rear window openings without changing the actual dimension of the cab. I know of two manufacturers that market and sell the kits and have heard that Woodhouse Dodge/Ford in Omaha, NE is marketing a quad cab pick-up as DOT compliant for sleeper berth. The link provided is to a manufacturer in Canada: http://crewcabsleeper.com/ http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?t=167184&page=2 I measured the dimensions of a Dodge Quadcab. The cab does meet some of the requirements of Part 393.76; however, the dimensions are as follows: Mattress at widest point of cab 77"; at appx 6" above the mattress the width is 73"; at appx 10" above the mattress the width is 65 and 1/2" at the roof the width is 38". |
| Justification or Need | Hotshot owners are being sold a product with claims the product meets DOT requirements. I believe the compartment is insufficient to meet the requirements of Part 393.76 as the shape does not meet the requirements of Part 393.76(a)(2), i.e. generally rectangular except the horizontal corners and roof may be rounded to a radii not exceeding 10 1/2. In my opinion the sleeper berth being marketed for quad cabs does not meet Part 393.76 as there is not a pocket of space above the mattress that measures 24 x 24 x 75. The window inserts do not provide sufficient space to meet the basic requirements of Part 393.76. When a sleeper berth fails to meet the requirements of Part 393.76, a driver's record of duty status would be false if the driver logged sleeper berth time. Thereby, creating a situation where drivers may be placed OOS for recording sleeper berth when the vehicle is not equipped with a space that meets the requirements. |
| Request for Action | Part 393.76 should have further interpretation to clarify the meaning of generally rectangular\"and the requirement a mattress fills the area specified in Part 393.76(a). |