Trucker feeling even on holiday
Professional drivers with diesel fuel in their blood – this description fits many truckers. Dirk Schanz got an extra-large portion of it. Driving is his everyday work, hobby and purpose in life – he even spends his holidays in his MAN!
“We also privately drive a Lion through Europe.” Dirk introduced himself to our community with this line and pictures of his MAN TGL 8.220 with Phoenix motorhome body. On enquiry, we learn that the man from Hörschwag is a true frequent driver and also has some not-quite-everyday things to report from his driving life.
About two years’ experience as a trucker in Canada: “Trucking in Canada is completely different,” he recalls. For example, there would have been no obligation for tachographs. “The driver documented his working, driving and rest times on a form using a Biro. That always left a lot of room for manoeuvre,” says Dirk. “Among the drivers, the form was also referred to as a comic book. Thirteen hours of driving time plus one hour of work such as refuelling or trailer exchange is allowed. Routes of 1200 kilometres a day were no problem, which is of course due to the low traffic density.” What impressed him most personally was the long distances and the winters.
Remained true to driving in Germany as well
The 52-year-old has turned his back on life in Canada again, but not on driving. After his return, he did gain a foothold in the family business, which produces recirculating and shuttle packaging made of foams for the automotive and medical technology industries. “But driving hasn’t let me go,” says Dirk. Which is why he now also drives voluntarily for the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief, in “a MAN, of course,” laughs Dirk, who has always had a soft spot for the brand and eventually also acquired a Lion for his private use – a MAN TGL 8.220 with a Phoenix motorhome body.
“MAN was always my favourite. Now owning one is a great feeling.”
The MAN TGL with a body from Schell Fahrzeugbau GmbH in Aschbach has been used by Dirk since the beginning of the year. Together with his wife and Labrador dog Deacon, he often simply spends a long weekend on the road in the MAN motorhome. So far, they haven’t made it out of Germany due to time constraints, but a trip to Norway and a North American tour are planned. “Our plan is to ship the Phoenix via Rotterdam to Halifax on Canada’s east coast and then spend a few months touring Canada and the US.”
The whole thing is still a dream for the future, but until that time comes, the three of them are enjoying the benefits of travelling with their MAN TGL here in Germany. Thanks to the equipment of the motorhome, that’s a pleasure at any time of year. “Living is really pure luxury,” enthuses Dirk. “The vehicle has hot-water underfloor heating, which also heats the storage compartments. This makes it 100 per cent winter-proof, as the 500-litre fresh water tank as well as the waste water tanks are also heated and thus cannot freeze.” Warmth is also provided by the heaters installed in the living space, which can be operated either via the 120-litre gas cylinder or electricity connection. So you can travel whenever time permits and Dirk’s “diesel fuel in his blood” is once again calling for driving and his MAN.
