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By Dominic Teahan
This fantastic looking Western Star 4900 is owned by Stephen Trucking Company Limited STC and is based out of Dovedale, Nelson. Contracted to TNL the combination hauls general produce around much of the mainland including to Christchurch and Dunedin and makes occasional trips to the North Island.
Not satisfied with the Australian version of the Western Star, the truck was directly imported from the States, Portland complete with a high roof 62" sleeper. The star was brought into the country in its present colours and the flames and murals on the sleeper were added by Tony hill signs of Tauranga.
The stainless was done by Koromiko of Mt Maunganui, including the chassis plating, guards, dummy fuel tanks for eXtra storage(see insert photo) and rear bumper (see insert photo). The drive wheels are Alcoa Dura - Bright (black label) which are surface treated instead of coated and do not require polishing. After a year on the road driver Kerry says he has only ever washed the back wheels and yet they still look like new.
The Western Star has a 6.5m wheelbase and is powered by a Cat C15 550 hp engine coupled to an 18 speed Roadranger transmission. The rig pulls a 13 metre (43 foot) self steering Freuhauf step deck 4 axle trailer, which runs on chrome steel wheels.
On board the interior includes a DVD player, plasma TV, fridge/freezer, microwave (see insert photos) and the sleeper provides full standing height for someone 183cm tall (6 foot).
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The 62" sleeper is fitted with all the mod cons.
