In the world of over-the-road truck sleepers, bigger is always better.

This was the logic of Western Star officials a few years ago when they decided to boost the vertical space inside their Star Light sleeper. The task, however, was much more complicated than simply adding a few inches of aluminum and polypropylene to the compartment's walls. The new design had to be bigger, yet retain the brand's classic rugged appearance that has kept a small legion of devotees loyal through the years.

The first prototype, a "condo" style, debuted in 2001 at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. Its roof was devoid of the chrome horns and marker lights that characterize the "Star" look. Purists were unimpressed, says Matt Stevenson, Western Star's product marketing manager.

Honest, unfiltered customer input can be useful for guiding product development. After receiving feedback from truck show visitors, company officials went back to the proverbial drawing board to create a more traditionally styled and authentic Western Star sleeper. The result of this effort, the 82-inch Stratosphere Star Light, was introduced in March of this year.

Visually, the Stratosphere is something of a rolling contradiction, featuring traditional design elements atop a fully aerodynamic and seemingly integral sleeper. The combination is attractive and effective. It's also misleading. The Stratosphere is not part of the truck's cab, but it appears to be because both compartments share a common roof. The person responsible for this bit of engineering genius should be nominated for a Nobel prize. The approach neatly achieves the company's somewhat divergent design goals: boosting interior dimensions while maintaining exterior convention. It also makes daycab conversion possible - and, surprisingly, trims about 50 pounds of vehicle weight.

From the outside, the Stratosphere's heritage is obvious. The trim, side extenders (fairings) and slightly curved sidewalls are identical to those found on the most recent non-Stratosphere models. The unit's chief identifying element is its soaring fiberglass top, which mimics a normal cab roof for the first 18 or so inches behind the A pillars - enough space to accommodate chrome horns and marker lights - then rises sharply to full height above the truck's seats. The location of this steep incline allows most drivers to walk unbent between the cockpit and sleeper.

The new configuration's benefits aren't limited to just headroom, however. Designers used part of the extra space for an overhead storage console, mounted beneath a newly enlarged optional skylight window. They also eliminated any structural boundary between cab and sleeper. A single, overarching ceiling and flat floor throughout add to the notion of an integral enclosure. This impression is compounded by a noticeable lack of flexing between front and rear rooms while the truck is moving.

An assortment of options are available for decorating the Stratosphere's abundant interior. At the higher end of the spectrum, fine upholstery, real-wood cabinets and machine-like hardware - all borrowed from the company's other Star Light models - convey a richness not found in many competing products. Doors and drawers move smoothly and close on small rubber pads that prevent rattling en route. Latches are precise and secure, announcing their function with a solid "click." The choice of such accessories was not an afterthought, says Stevenson at Western Star.

"Touch and feel are important for our image," he says. "Everything must be of premium quality. In fact, the cabinetry is so luxurious, it reminds me of a nice piece of furniture you might find in a home, something you wouldn't want to nick or scratch."

Truckers worried about nicks and scratches can, of course, opt for the Dakota package - one of three trim levels - featuring abuse-resistant vinyl surfaces. It's a safe bet, though, that most prospective Stratosphere buyers envision themselves surrounded by as much luxury as they can afford.

That might be a good deal for Western Star. Given the growing number of hopeful predictions about an impending economic recovery, the company's new premium sleeper could be well positioned to capitalize on all the luxury it can offer.

Trim Levels

• Dakota: vinyl with buttons
• Mesa: diamond-stitched vinyl with buttons
• Phoenix: diamond-stitched cloth with buttons

Comfort Options

• Air Conditioner in Sleeper
• Digital Automatic Temperature Control
• Deluxe Spring Mattress Available in all Sizes
• 48" Extra-Wide Mattress
• Raised Upper Bunk with Optional Storage Cabinet
• Sleeper Engine-Start Kit
• Dinette Sleeper Seating Package
• R-2300 Nova Kool Fridge DC
• TV Antenna
• Panasonic Color 9-inch and 13-inch TVs
• Sanyo 600W 100V Microwave
• Shore Power Systems, Including 110 AC Hook,Up, Cable and Phone Jacks

Specs on Stratosphere

Western Star's Stratosphere Star Light Sleeper is an 82-inch sleeper with a flat floor, letting most drivers walk from the cockpit to the sleeper without having to bend over. There's lots of opportunity to customize the luxurious sleeper, as well. Check out these standard features and options:

Standard features:

• Foam mattresses
• Single lower 42" bunk w/netted bunk restraint
• Cabinet w/refrigerator prep and two drawers w/slide-out work surface and upper area storage
• Sleeper privacy curtain
• Flip-up lower bunk
• Left and right-hand luggage compartment doors
• Ribbed rubber mat in luggage/tool compartment
• Two incandescent lamps in luggage/tool compartment activated by luggage door switches and bunk switch
• Convenience door on sleeper's left wall and large window on right wall
• Four overhead halogen lamps with individual and main switch control
• Incandescent floor lamp
• 12V power outlet mounted in control panel
• High capacity heater w/sleeper control panel
• Painted aluminum skirts

Options:

• Convenience door on right wall and large window on left
• Convenience doors on both sides
• Large windows on both sides
• Sliding rear window
• Stainless steel sleeper skirting with or without lighting
• Side extenders
• Right-side cabinet, featuring clothes closet with doors, upper storage area and shelves for TV and microwave
• Rear wall storage cabinet with doors
• Air conditioner in sleeper
• Digital automatic temperature control
• Wide range of vent windows
• Deluxe spring mattress
• Raised upper bunk w/optional storage cabinet
• Sleeper start kit: ignition switch, stop engine light, check engine light and digital clock
• Dinette sleeper seating package
• R-2300 DC Nova Kool refrigerator
• TV antenna
• Panasonic Color 9-inch and 13-inch televisions
• Sanyo 600W 110V Microwave
• Shore power systems including 110 AC hook-up, cable and phone jacks
• Stereo systems, including Monsoon stereo
• Enhanced lighting packages