Don't quote me on this but

[kw]

After sitting around for the last couple of weeks awaiting the arrival of my digital tacho smart card it finally arrived this week.

Last week I drove an Actros of another driver who was off sick,and I have to admit that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.The driving position is good,the seat comfortable and the bed is fantastic,especially after the Volvo top bed I’ve been used to.
Friday I picked up my new truck and have been busy sorting out where everything goes,there is certainly a lot more storage than the Volvo.

Here it is…

Inside it has a fitted fridge,although it is fixed on the engine cover instead of the sliding type which goes under the bed…

The batteries and air tanks are now fitted on the back of the chassis,which means I have two full size diesel tanks with a total capacity of 1,300 litres.

The air filter is now positioned under the cab,which means a large gap between the fuel tank and the front mudguard.I am thinking about having a box made so that I can fit my Volvo fridge in it,as well as all the span sets we carry.It will have to have footsteps built into the door as the steps for the catwalk will have to go.

I am going to get a price from Denmark for the storage box,but if anyone knows somewhere in the UK that can build a similar spec box,then please let me know.

Still don’t know exactly how the digital tacho works,or whether I’m supposed to remove the card at weekends,there are conflicting words of advice from all sides.
One of our drivers got stopped in Belgium this week for a control,in the end there were six coppers in the cab looking at it as they’d never seen one.

So,all in all,although I’ve only driven mine from Eupen to home,it’s not a bad motor and I’m quite pleased with it.
Just don’t quote me on it.

And certainly don’t let on to Craig 111 !!!

[geebee45]

KW;
you don’t have to remove the digital tacho card from the VU (vehicle unit) at the weekend or end of a days’ duty, provided you or nobody else is going to move the unit. Remember though, if you take the card out and the unit is moved, it will show on the days’ record as ‘vehicle moved without card in.’ Guess the six coppers in the cab would then be asking questions
Just remember to enter the ‘location of duty end’ prior to starting your weekly or daily daily rest and SELECT THE REST MODE.

[carl]

looks a nice tidy motor keith, just two questions ive always wondered what the v number means that all belgian motors have and why no airkit on betz motors

[kw]

Carl:
looks a nice tidy motor keith, just two questions ive always wondered what the v number means that all belgian motors have and why no airkit on betz motors

The ‘V’ number is a part of the number on the registration documents,as far as I know all Belgian trucks have to have it displayed on the side of the truck.

Spoilers? SPOILERS■■? They cost money!

The low-ride units used to pull mega-trailers have top spoilers,and some of the Mega-Space Merc’s based in Austria and Italy have the full monty.

[wheel_nut]

The V number on a Belgian truck is the equivalent of the OB number on our trucks. Its the operators licence!

Keith have you bumped into Mick Pigg from Maldegem?

[dennisw1]

It will have to have footsteps built into the door as the steps for the catwalk will have to go.

I think this wasted spaced can be used up with an optional larger fuel tank which has steps built in.

Rather than make a box with steps built in, i think you could make a hinged ladder onto the cat walk. I’m thinking you could get one of those slide out and drop down ladders that fit on the back of some trailers and rigids?

[kw]

Wheel Nut:
Keith have you bumped into Mick Pigg from Maldegem?

I try not to bump into anyone.
But no,I haven’t met him.

[carl]

keith try this firm for your locker box www.baileytruckparts.com.theres also sb components and trucklogic all three are in cambridgeshire the last 2 have websites but i dont now the web address,s sorry mate

[jonah_1]

You could try Simon at Specialised Vehicle Welding in Chatham
01634 892129

He’s done all my tank work + some other chassis work for me.He does a top job and basically can make whatever you want to your spec out of ally.

[kw]

Cheers lads,I’ll check 'em out.

[robbies_dad]

Keith have you bumped into Mick Pigg from Maldegem?

Hey Wheel Nut i know him,how do you know him?

[betz]

great to see you have betz blue merc actros! i m suprise you like with your new actros!, is your official number 5455 ? i will keep watch out for this number you will going put add Keith name plate on dashboard like as previous volvo ?

thanks for share show the pics!
Cheers Ben

[mad28]

Try here KW its the one Carl suggested. http://www.sb-components.com Cant find a storage box there that you wanted but do offer some other examples.

That looks smart, get those tanks mirror finished and some wheel trims, then it will look even better.
Are Betz pretty relaxed on what you put on them? As i thought most big firms was a big no?

Heres another website Carl said http://www.trucklogic.co.uk

If i find any more ill post them on here.

[taskman]

KW,
Don’t want to put a damper on ya pride and joy but all the gearbox is good for is running up and down motorways, 28 tonne in mid wales on those hills is another story, give us a shout the first time you have to stop and engage a low gear because the box is just to bloody slow changing down when you are half way up some hill.

[kw]

Betz:
great to see you have betz blue merc actros! i m suprise you like with your new actros!, is your official number 5455 ? i will keep watch out for this number you will going put add Keith name plate on dashboard like as previous volvo ?

thanks for share show the pics!
Cheers Ben

Yes Ben,5455 is now my fleet number

Betz don’t mind too much about what you put on the truck,as long as it’s fitted properly.
The first time it goes into the workshop for a check,they will fit the CB and 24v socket for coffee maker etc.
One of our driver’s got them to fit a train horn,so I’m going to purchase one and get it fitted,the original horn is about as loud as a sparrow’s ■■■■!
I might also fit some extra spot lamps above the bumper.

[mad28]

KW:
Betz don’t mind too much about what you put on the truck,as long as it’s fitted properly.
The first time it goes into the workshop for a check,they will fit the CB and 24v socket for coffee maker etc.
One of our driver’s got them to fit a train horn,so I’m going to purchase one and get it fitted,the original horn is about as loud as a sparrow’s ■■■■!
I might also fit some extra spot lamps above the bumper.

Sounds good, should look nice once its finished, makes a change from the norm Betz, your’s will stand out.