What do the letters in a DAF chassis number mean?

Did you know that the letters in a DAF chassis number reveal a lot about the truck’s configuration? Each letter has a specific meaning. Let’s break it down step by step based on current DAF models.

First Letter: Steering Type

F = Forward Control: Cab positioned above the engine and front axle (standard for modern trucks).
Y = Military Vehicles: For example, those built for Belgian defense.
N = Normal Control: Used on older DAF torpedo models.

Second Letter: Chassis Length and Application

T = Tractor unit (4x2 configuration).
A = General use, meaning rigid truck.

A DAF FT95 is therefore a 4x2 tractor unit, and a DAF FA95 a 4x2 rigid truck. Straightforward: the front axle is steered, the rear axle driven. But of course, there are many other chassis variations. That’s where a third letter comes in.

Third Letter: Extra Axle Configuration

The third letter shows if an extra axle is added and how it’s positioned.

Tandem Axle (T)

T = Both rear axles driven: the powerful 6x4 setup.

Trailing Axle (R, N, S)

R = Trailing axle with 2 wheels.
N = Trailing axle, steered.
S = Trailing axle with 4 wheels.

Leading Axle (P, G)

P = Lightweight extra axle (“baby axle”), often on tractors in sectors where axle load matters, now also on rigids.
G = Steered leading axle, positioned before the drive axle.

Four-Axle Trucks and Beyond

Letters like D, K, Q, W, C, X, A, M are reserved for four-axle trucks. The newly introduced FAF is even a five-axle model! These are less common but do exist.