Freightliner has partnered with Fontaine Modification to engineer an innovative right-hand drive steering conversion for Freightliner M2 cabs used in vocational applications.
Fontaine says the new conversion is unique because it fully mirrors the OEM cab configuration, providing the same leg and belly space as the original left-hand driving position. This solution enables drivers to operate from the right side to improve visibility, without being cramped behind the wheel. Fontaine adds the solution is ideal for applications where the driver needs to clearly see the area to the right of the truck, such as street sweeping, curbside refuse collection, leaf removal, highway paint striping and pesticide spraying.
“Fontaine Modification has a long history of steering conversions, and we combined that experience with the voice of the customer feedback to develop a unique solution for the M2,” says Jamil Young, president, Fontaine Modification Heavy Truck Operations. “Our engineers worked hard to ensure that our solution addressed the customer’s concerns without causing new issues such as reduced interior cab space.”
Fontaine says other features of the modification include:
- Full cab reversal with mirrored dash
- Throttle, brake and column moved to right hand side
- Pedal spacing comparable to OEM configuration
- Windshield wiper arm reversal
- All OEM vent locations are functional
- HVAC moved to left-hand side of the cab
The right-hand drive conversion solution was developed at Fontaine Modification’s state-of-the-art innovation center for research and development in Charlotte, N.C., and will be installed on Freightliner M2 trucks at the Charlotte modification center.
