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SPONSORED CONTENT: This 2013 FH 540 Globetrotter is a rare example of the series, featuring an extra-long XXL cab

 

Sick of tunnel jumping? You might just need a XXL solution…

When this Volvo prime mover showed up on the books, we knew straight up we had something special.

And it turns out this 2013 FH 540 Globetrotter is definitely a rare example of the series. While the normal XL cab gives you the interior headroom for a fully standing position, there’s consensus that it can be a fraction tight when you want to bunk down for the night. That’s where this XXL cab changes the whole ball game.

Volvo Group Australia (VGA) actually builds its trucks locally, in Brisbane, making it comparatively easy to cater to local market requests, something overseas manufacturers may find challenging.

There had been a call for a bit more wriggle room, so Volvo took up the task. That’s where 245mm added to the cabin length translated directly into filling the brief – extra bunk width.

The cockpit is as impressive and practical as you could hope for

 The only thing stopping more of this variant being sold was the relatively hefty price tag, so while it was much lauded, the hip pocket nerve won out. And that’s a pity, because it presents a compelling package.

Approaching from the front, you’ll notice the after-market Alcoa bull-bar. It’s a nice addition.

Opening the driver’s door reveals a wide four-step climb, aided by two handy grab rails.

From there the cockpit is as impressive and practical as you could hope for. Look around and you’ll notice that wide mattress with separate air-conditioning above – handy for when you draw the curtains and only need control of your immediate environment.

The cab features a wide mattress with separate air-conditioning above

Then there’re the overhead storage compartments that combine with the other lockers situated around the cab, giving enough storage for even the longest haul.

A bonus is that flat floor, so no tunnel jumping required.

The 6×4 layout runs a two-way, eight-airbag suspension. You’re not only getting a better quality ride, but a very handy trailer hitching advantage.

Turntable height can be adjusted to get in or out from under a trailer without having to raise or lower its landing gear heights. That makes for easy hook-up no matter the surface quality – pot-holed gravel or runway tarmac.

The 13-litre Euro 5 engine (AdBlue) develops 540 horsepower (402kW) and 1,850ft/lbs (2,500Nm) of torque, and drives through a dual-plate clutch 12-speed, I-Shift transmission.

The rare XXL cab delivers an extra 245mm in cabin length

Load sensors on the driven wheels figure out what gear you’ll be starting off in, dependent on terrain/slope and load weight. From there it determines the sequence of gear changes using those inputs combined with road speed. For instance, with a half load on the flat, it could start off in second and skip a ratio or two as it shifts up. As a bare prime-mover, it might even chose to take off in fourth or fifth.

This example has spent its four years doing 34-pallet B-double duty, working the roads west of Melbourne for one of the big retail food chains. The contractor runs a tight ship, as you’d expect with the efficiencies needed for a gig that’s hard to get, yet too easy to lose, so this Globetrotter comes with a full factory service and maintenance history.

With 659,000 km’s on the clock, it’s yours for just $169,500 including GST. For more information contact Robert at Truck Wholesalers Australia on 0418 334 094.

SPECIFICATIONS

Make/Model: 2013 FH 540 Globetrotter XXL cab

Engine: 13-litre Euro 5 (AdBlue)

HP/Torque: 540hp (402kW);1,850ft/lbs (2,500Nm)

Transmission: Dual-plate clutch 12-speed, I-Shift

Suspension: Two-way, eight-airbag

Km’s: 659,000

Price: $169,500 including GST.

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