DAF XD 450 FAX 8x2 Chassis Cab VJ Engineering · Tanker

The DAF XD sleeper cab, 2,500 mm wide, is finished in Luxury interior trim with the Vision dashboard, which descends towards the windscreen for a direct view of the road. The driver’s seat is air suspended (Comfort Air, high backed) with armrest, alongside a foldable cinema seat for the co-driver whose head rest tilts into a table tray, and the steering wheel is leather finished.

The driving area is well specced. A 5-inch colour display sits in the instrument panel with Driver Performance Assistant fuel coaching, and the Luxury Plus infotainment adds a 10.1-inch touch display with DAF Truck Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FM/DAB radio and a five-speaker system. Automatic climate control with an activated-carbon pollen filter keeps the cab comfortable, plus a 6 kW auxiliary heater with timer, and LED ceiling units give dimmable interior lighting with separate spot lights for driver and co-driver.

Externally, a translucent external sun visor in Midnight blue cuts glare, and a kerb-view window in the co-driver’s door and a rear-view camera give all-round visibility. Entry is via three steps with an anti-slip first step, and central locking comes with two remote units.

The lower bunk carries a 150 mm ‘Xtra Comfort’ pocket sprung mattress. Curtains run along the windscreen and side windows, with an additional dividing curtain between the driving and sleeping areas so the bunk can be closed off completely. A single storage drawer sits beneath the bunk, with additional storage space to its left and right, accessible with the bunk tilted.

The cab back, side walls and roof carry extra insulation suited to more extreme climate conditions, keeping the sleeping area comfortable in heat and cold, and a dimmable red night-driving light preserves the driver’s night vision after dark.

The XD 450 carries DAF’s MX-11, a 10.8-litre, six-cylinder Euro 6 multi-torque engine producing 449 hp at 1,600 rpm, and 2,350 Nm of torque from just 900 rpm. The low-rev torque means power is effectively delivered when pulling a full load from standing start, without revving the engine hard, then settling into efficient cruising on the road run.

Drive is delivered through ZF’s TraXon 12TX2210 12-speed automated direct-drive gearbox with urge-to-move manoeuvring (the vehicle creeps on brake-pedal control alone) and shift software optimised for liquid transport.

An Eco fuel shift strategy balances fuel efficiency with driveability, and an Eco off button restores full performance when needed. The SR1344 single-reduction rear axle runs a 2.38 ratio, paired with the direct-drive top gear, with a mechanical differential lock for traction on poor ground.

The 8×2 FAX layout runs twin 8,000 kg front steer axles on parabolic leaf suspension with shock absorbers and a stabiliser, and a rear pair on electronically controlled air suspension rated to 20,000 kg group load. The trailing axle steers for manoeuvrability and lifts automatically from 4 km/h when the load allows, putting up to 15,000 kg on the driven axle for traction.

Braking is ventilated discs all round on a dual-circuit air system with electronic control and anti-slip regulation. The MX Engine Brake works simultaneously with the exhaust brake, giving high combined braking power at low engine rpm on laden descents.

Wheels are 22.5 × 9.00 steel discs with protection rings, on Goodyear 315/60R22.5 tyres: steer pattern on front and trailing axles, traction on the driven axle, winter rated (3PMSF).

A 340-litre aluminium fuel tank is mounted on the right-hand side, fed through an on-engine heated fuel pre-filter with water separator. The 45-litre AdBlue tank sits on the left-hand side below the battery box.

Emission control is DAF’s Euro 6 DPF/SCR system, with a low horizontal exhaust diffuser discharging to the right-hand side. The air intake sits at the front below the cab, with a shield beneath the radiator to prevent dust disturbance from the cooling fan.

The chassis is fitted with a double gearbox power take-off (type N../10bc) mounted on the automated gearbox, with a 37/30 gear ratio on the top side for direct pump drive and a 37/20 flange-connection output on the bottom side, so two hydraulic drives run from a single installation.

Lighting is LED throughout: bi-reflector headlights with impact-resistant Lexan lenses and integrated cornering lights, daytime running lights in the headlight units, LED rear light units and side marker lights.

Electrical power comes from twin 175 Ah batteries and a 130 A alternator on a 24 V supply. Two 12 V accessory outlets and three USB-A connections sit on the dashboard, with an extractable dashboard table at the top of the centre console for paperwork.

A VDO DTCO smart digital tachograph with GNSS receiver and DSRC unit is fitted, compliant with EU Mobility Package 1 as described in the EU tachograph regulations.

PACCAR Connect, the online fleet management system, gives insight into truck, driver and location information, and wiring and connectors near the fuse and relay board allow a universal FMS system to be installed, reading information to the truck manufacturers’ FMS standard.

Cruise control with a 90 km/h limiter takes the effort out of motorway running, and an acoustic reverse warning with override switch protects those around the vehicle when reversing.

Security is covered by an engine immobiliser, with a standardised breathalyser connector allowing an alcohol interlock to be fitted. The vehicle’s electronic systems comply with UN Regulations R155 and R156, the standards for cyber security and secure software updates.

The chassis cab is supplied with DAF’s Warranty Plus package: two years on the complete vehicle and three years on the driveline, with associated breakdown cover. Additional service packages are available at additional cost.