Biglorryblog on tour (well roadtest really) with the Volvo FM11.430 LXL Globetrotter!

Answer: Because of the wind (that's the natural kind that blows across the country not the other kind)... This was taken at the end of our first day and it's outside the hotel at Gretna where we park up... Strong winds do rather play havoc with our fuel returns which is what CM tests are all about. Still with a bit of luck we'll be getting them behind us for the drive back down to MIRA!

And in case you've ever wondered how we test an artic to full gross weight our Hill Hire/SDC CM Test Trailer has a test load of concrete blocks all properly lashed down or bolted through the trailer's chassis so we can do full-pressure brake stops with the trailer... The concrete 'plates' you see at the back of the trailer, held firm by Spanset straps with proper wear collars, have tabs that sit in gooves in the blocks beneath them so it's all cleverly locked in to place to ensure there's no movement.

The REAL faff these days is filling up the AdBlue tank to the same point on all those test trucks fitted with SCR as it takes ages - unlike the diesel tank which you can fill up to the dip rod quite easily. Indeed just when you feel you've filled the AdBlue tank up to the same point in the filler neck, gurgle, gurgle gurgle and all runs back down the spout again... To make sure you've got all the air bubbles out and a decent reference point for the Adblue is a real pain. Meanwhile, Volvo's Rod Collett and I took at least 40 minutes fiddling about with the FM's plastic Adblue tank but we eventualy got it to the point where the level no longer dropped.

Last test day tomorrow when we'll be back at MIRA to re-fuel and re Adblue--not something I'm looking forward too.