Show On The Road

If youve been to a truck show this year, chances are youve seen Dafs Showtrekker there. We find out the story behind the truck, the trailer and its colourful driver

- Ronnie Hitchens

For Richard Pepper, driver of Showtrekker, Daf Trucks’ new state-of-the-art hospitality trailer, arriving at his destination no longer entails hours straining with ratchets and handles in an attempt to set up the unit before nightfall. Now, it’s done in a fraction of the time and all at the touch of a button.

During the 2018 show season (March-September), Richard toured the length and breadth of the UK to set up and break down at 24 separate events, and T&D accompanied him at Truckfest Peterborough at the start of May for one of Showtrekker’s first outings of the season.

It was a double-whammy for T&D as it was the first time the new unit was coupled to another of Daf’s prize assets: its latest New XF530 low-deck tractor unit, assigned specifically to Showtrekker duties and adorned with stunning 90th Anniversary artwork. [Daf celebrated the milestone at a special event in Eindhoven in April, where T&D drove some fantastic machinery from yesteryear – as featured in our Summer issue.]

The new Showtrekker began work in earnest in 2017, one of its first outings being in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire at the groundbreaking ceremony for Daf Trucks’ new HQ and training facilities. Upon request, Showtrekker is also used by the Daf Dealer Network for regional and local events. Its high level of equipment and state-of-the-art climate control also provides an excellent mobile venue for meetings and presentations. Richard says he serves more than 10,000 cups of coffee every year from his trusty drinks machine!

Striking resemblance