The Dongfeng K7 water tanker fire truck is equipped with a double-row cab design, capable of carrying up to 6 people in a 3+3 seating configuration. This layout allows multiple firefighters to be transported quickly and efficiently to the scene of a fire or other emergency, ensuring that rescue operations can commence without delay. In China, the double-row cab is one of the most common and practical designs for fire trucks, offering a balanced combination of passenger capacity, operational convenience, and interior comfort.
The driver’s area features a multifunction steering wheel that integrates audio controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control, and other handy functions. These built-in controls allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel while managing essential tasks, enhancing both focus and safety during high-pressure emergency runs. For a fire truck, such a multifunction steering wheel can be considered a modern and intelligent upgrade, adding a layer of operational efficiency.
Behind the steering wheel, the truck uses a round analog instrument cluster. While it hasn’t been upgraded to a fully digital or smart display, the traditional design remains effective and easy to read. The black background, crisp white markings, and bright red needles create a clear visual contrast, allowing vital information—such as speed, engine RPM, and fuel levels—to be identified at a glance. However, pairing the multifunction steering wheel with a modern digital instrument panel could further elevate the cab’s level of intelligent functionality.
The center console retains its traditional button-based layout without incorporating touch-screen or smart features. Despite the lack of modernization, this arrangement offers familiarity and reliability, which can be important during high-stress operations when quick, instinctive control is needed. Positioned next to the console is a fire service loudspeaker, which plays a crucial role in on-site communication, allowing commands and instructions to be broadcast clearly to team members or civilians in the area.
The control box for the vehicle’s warning lights and loudspeaker is conveniently located to the lower right of the driver, close to the gear shift lever. This panel operates the roof-mounted emergency lights, the fire siren, and a range of warning tones. These functions are vital for alerting surrounding traffic and pedestrians, ensuring the fire truck has a clear path to the emergency scene.
The gear shift lever itself offers 6 forward gears, providing a more refined driving experience. The smaller gap between gear ratios means smoother acceleration and deceleration, reduced engine RPM, better fuel economy, and more stable power output. This smoothness not only helps maintain passenger comfort but also prevents unnecessary strain on the vehicle’s drivetrain during urgent responses.
Inside the cab, the seating arrangement is designed for versatility. The front passenger seat and the rear seats share an integrated structure, allowing them to serve as standard seating or to be used for resting when the situation allows. This simple yet practical feature is especially useful during long standby periods or extended rescue missions.
In terms of window operation, the front row in the double-row cab benefits from one-touch electric windows for easy, quick control. In the rear, the windows use manual cranks instead, offering a dependable, low-maintenance solution. Each rear window can be operated independently, allowing passengers in those seats to adjust ventilation to their preference without affecting others. This approach strikes a balance between modern convenience in the front and rugged simplicity in the rear, ensuring both safety and comfort for all occupants.
Overall, the Dongfeng K7 double-row cab water tanker fire truck blends practicality with select modern upgrades, ensuring it remains functional, reliable, and well-suited for the demands of emergency response.
