6/30/15

2015 GMC SAVANA CARGO OFFERS TRADEMARK VERSATILITY



GMC Savana Cargo is a versatile van designed to make work easier and more accommodating. It is available in regular (135-inch / 3,429-mm) and extended (155-inch / 3,937-mm) wheelbase lengths, in heavy-duty 2500 Series and 3500 Series models.

The 2500 Series includes models rated at 8,600 pounds (3,901 kg) GVWR, with the 3500 Series includes full-bodied models rated at 9,600 pounds (4,354 kg) GVWR with a standard 6.0L gas V-8 and 9,900 pounds (4,490 kg) with the available Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel.

A wide range of features and configurations offers many competitive advantages, with standard and available features including:
  •     Standard 4.8L and available 6.0L gas engines
  •     Available dedicated compressed natural gas package
  •     Available 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine with B20 biodiesel capability
  •     Fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions
  •     Available locking rear differential
  •     Trailer rating of up to 10,000 pounds (4,535 kg)
  •     StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models
  •     SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available.
The Savana Crew Cargo Van offers a three-passenger rear bench, with additional equipment including full-length black rubberized-vinyl floor covering, fixed full-body window package glass, swing-out passenger-side door, head- and side-curtain air bags and a Medium Pewter interior color. On extended wheelbase models, it also includes rear air conditioning.

Savana design and exterior features:
  •     Chrome appearance package is available and includes chrome front and rear bumpers and chrome grille with dual composite headlamps. Black-painted bumpers are standard
  •     Swing-out 60/40-split passenger-side doors are standard.
  •     Sliding passenger-side door is available
  •     Heated power-adjustable outside folding mirrors are available on all models.
  •     Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard
  •     Ambulance prep package and hotel shuttle package are available
  •     Exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Black, Dark Green Metallic, Summit White, Victory Red, Wheatland Yellow, Emerald Green and Bronze Alloy Metallic.
Savana interior standard and available features:

  •     Power locks are standard
  •     Air conditioning (single-zone) is standard
  •     Rear air conditioning is available
  •     A range of audio systems, including CD/MP3 capability and USB port, and navigation is available on all models. An audio system provision package is standard
  •     SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available
  •     Driver information center is standard on all models. A compass and outside temperature features are available
  •     A rear auxiliary heater is available
  •     An enhanced interior lighting package three light-emitting diode roof-mounted lights in the cargo area is standard
  •     Two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets are standard and located on the dashboard
  •     110-volt outlet located on dash is standard
  •     Remote keyless entry is available
  •     Remote vehicle starter system is available
  •     Six-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats are available
  •     Leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel audio controls are available
  •     Custom vinyl or cloth upholstery is offered in Neutral or Medium Pewter colors.

Savana powertrains – 6.6L Duramax diesel
The available Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 delivers best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its “LGH” engine code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb-ft of torque (711 Nm).

The LGH Duramax was designed with a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most competitors’ systems, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between regenerations – a 300-mile (482 km) increase over the previous Duramax engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns surrounding the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder.

The Duramax also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, with  microprocessor-controlled glow plugs capable of gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 C), without a block heater. The engine has been developed to operate for at least 200,000 miles (322,000 km) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul; and it is backed with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

A fuel-operated heater (FOH) also is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quickly provide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. The seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Savana chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system. The electronically controlled, fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and whether the engine is running. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

The Duramax engine is backed by GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L90 heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission.

Savana powertrains – gas engines
GMC Savana offers a choice of two gas engines: a standard 4.8L V-8 rated at 285 horsepower (213 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) and an available 6.0L V-8 rated at 342 horsepower (255 kW) and 373 lb-ft of torque (506 Nm). Each is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family and designed for quiet operation, including:
  •     Special friction-reducing polymer coating on piston skirts
  •     Full-floating piston pins
  •     Damping patch on the oil pan (externally mounted)
  •     Timing chain tensioner
  •     Quieter alternator.
Backing the engines’ quietness is the assurance of long-lasting performance. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs. The iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets are some of these items.

Some of the stringent durability testing included cycling engines between the peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

The engines are mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic and a fast-idle option makes it easier to run accessories at a work site.

The 6.0L is also offered in a special version with hardened valve seats for the available dedicated compressed natural gas models – the industry’s only CNG vehicles that are fully integrated at the factory, crash tested and backed by GM’s 100,000 mile/five-year transferable powertrain limited warranty. Two systems are offered:

  •     A three-tank system (RPO code UFM) provides a range of up to 200 miles and allows complete use of the cargo area
  •     A four-tank system (RPO code UFP) provides a range of up to 300 miles, with the additional tank in the driver’s side of the cargo area, just inboard of the wheel well.

Savana chassis and suspension
The Savana is built on a strong, ladder-type full frame architecture. The frame features fully boxed sections for greater strength and rigidity, while extended and tapered front frame rails are used for improved crashworthiness. Also, additional tubular frame cross members are used to increase torsional stiffness.

All models feature an independent short-long arm (SLA) front suspension, with a 35mm front stabilizer bar. Two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs are used in the rear suspension and help locate a semi-floating axle.

Additional chassis and suspension features include:
  •     Hydroboost four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and dynamic rear proportioning
  •     StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models
  •     A locking rear differential is available
  •     31-gallon (117.3 L) fuel tank is standard on all models (except for dedicated compressed natural gas package)
  •     8,600-pound GVWR on 2500 models
  •     9,600-pound / 9,900-pound GVWR on 3500 models.
Savana safety and crash-avoidance features
Savana is equipped with a host of safety features, including available head curtain side air bags, which provide a higher level of protection in the event of a side impact or a vehicle rollover. Additional safety features include:
  •     StabiliTrak is standard
  •     Tire pressure monitoring system is standard
  •     Flat and convex exterior mirrors for a wider field of vision are standard
  •     Four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system with Hydroboost is standard
  •     Driver and front passenger air bags are standard
  •     Daytime Running Lamps are standard.

6/28/15

Adrian Steel Releases New Interior Ladder Storage Solution

Introducing the Interior Ladder Rack 
brought to you by Adrian Steel 
 

Adrian Steel introduces an innovative solution for the transport of step ladders inside of work vans.  This solution provides a safe and efficient means of transport for your step ladder from job site to job site.  Such transport is possible thanks to a new product, the Interior Ladder Rack, which allows you to store your ladder inside of your van by mounting it to either the partition or shelf panel.

Out of the Way, Never Out of Reach. The Interior Ladder Rack from Adrian Steel…

•    Allows you to store your ladder inside while providing quick and easy access to your ladder from the outside of your vehicle. 
•    Does not take up, limit, or reduce vertical standing room in your van, allowing you to make full use of your vehicle. 
•    Eliminates the outside wear and tear on your ladder, as it will be stored inside and thus protecting your ladder from the elements, theft, and road grime. 
•    Customers will appreciate your use of clean, well taken care of equipment rather than bringing the outside mess into their home.
•    Features plastic coated clamps to protect the ladder rungs during transit. 
•    Perfect for carrying 4ft and 6ft step ladders and works best in medium and high roof vans.

About Adrian Steel
Our goal is to optimize the value of the customer’s commercial vehicle by understanding the role of the vehicle in the customer’s business.  Adrian Steel provides solutions for a range of vehicles from crossovers to cargo vans.  Our customers include those with one vehicle in their fleet to 50,000 vehicles in their fleet.  Adrian Steel has upfitted over 1 million vehicles in our 60 plus years in business and has leveraged that expertise in engineering our innovative product line.  Adrian Steel’s installation network provides you options to get your vehicle upfitted regardless of where you need to get them done: at the factory, out of dealer stock, at your place of business, or through a bailment pool.  Adrian Steel’s strong reputation in cargo management solutions is only matched by our resolve to offer the industry’s best lead times and highest quality. 

Learn more at www.AdrianSteel.com or call (800) 677-2726.

Adrian Steel.  Because your work demands the best.

6/26/15

A.R.E. Truck Cap Review and Walkthrough



Fishermen, hunters and outdoors-loving folks looking for a way to secure their gear in and do more with their truck bed, should check out this walkthrough of the A.R.E. cap. Ryan of Wired2fish reviews his purchase and what he likes about this particular cap on his Toyota Tundra truck.

6/24/15

Brute BedSafe Slide-Out Bed Box



Westin Brute Slide-Out box

Westin aluminum heavy-duty roller drawer boxes are 53-percent lighter than steel boxes

Expanding bed cargo storage and security is easy with the new Westin Automotive Brute BedSafe Boxes. This box design offers a secure cargo solution that mounts in the truck bed and is available in six configurations

Westin Brute BedSafe aluminum heavy-duty roller drawer boxes are 53-percent lighter than steel boxes, and the drawers are made of .125 inch thick smooth mill and have a 350 lb. capacity.
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The top and side have a 500-pound capacity for evenly distributed weight with .100″ thick reinforced diamond tread casing.

BedSafe Boxes have a rain gutter feature for water resistance and are base reinforced for strength and durability. Inside, each features movable dividers for item organization as needed.

Made in the U.S.A. and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Westin Products; 800-345-8476

Bruce Smith June 15, 2015

Source: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/brute-slide-out-bed-box/

6/22/15

2015 GMC Canyon


A decked-out 2015 GMC Canyon is by far the most luxurious and mild-mannered midsize truck in its class, and that upscale feeling doesn't come at the expense of payload and towing.

There's no denying the 2015 GMC Canyon is a game changer — mainly because the minimally changed Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier have allowed the midsize truck segment to go stale over the past decade. The Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado sibling offer modern technology worthy of full-size trucks, with performance and refinement to match — at a fraction of that segment's size and price. Granted, it'll be a smaller fraction of the price once you start optioning a Canyon with its available standout technology and premium features. Compare the Canyon with its competitors here.

Canyons come in SL, base, SLE and SLT trim levels. SLT trims, like the one I tested, are the most feature-laden, while an SLE All-Terrain offers off-road-specific suspension tuning and a notable full-time all-wheel-drive system. A Canyon can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped and carry a payload of 1,620 pounds.

Two cab styles and two bed lengths are offered. An extended cab comes only with a 6-foot-2-inch box, while a crew cab comes with a 5-foot-2-inch box or a 6-foot-2-inch box riding on a longer, 140.5-inch wheelbase.

Exterior & Styling
The Canyon may slot below the half-ton Sierra in the GMC lineup, but it isn't any less attractive. A tall, upright grille, squared-off front styling and liberal use of chrome on higher trim levels give the Canyon a big-boy look in a much more manageable footprint. The Canyon has a commanding presence on the road for a midsize truck. It's a considerably more traditional look than the Chevrolet Colorado, which has taken on more carlike styling up front.

The GMC's premium approach means there are features on the Canyon you won't find on many other trucks in the segment, like the standard LED daytime running lamps with projector headlights for low and high beams. Top-of-the-line SLT trims include 18-inch polished wheels; heated, chrome, power side mirrors; fog lamps; and a chrome rear bumper.

For $725, the SLT can have dealer-installed chrome tubular side steps to help entry and exit; they're much needed, given it's still a decent jump into the cabin even though the Canyon's footprint is smaller than the Sierra's.

How It Drives
The Canyon's two engines for 2015 include the base 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an available 305-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. While the four-cylinder's output is impressive for a base engine in the midsize segment, it certainly drives like an entry-level engine in a bare-bones Canyon with the six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic is optional. The novelty of a six-speed-manual, four-cylinder truck wore off rather quickly thanks to a transmission gear ratio spread that didn't seem to match the four-cylinder's powerband very well. And of course, the huge shifter throws from gear to gear aren't exactly satisfying.

An extra two cylinders and 105 hp (and 78 pounds-feet of torque) do wonders for the nearly 4,000-pound truck. The 3.6-liter is a highly refined engine that pairs with an equally sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission to provide crisp, clean shifts and enough grunt for almost any situation in which a midsize truck needs to be used. There aren't any optional rear-end gear ratios; GMC doesn't give you as many choices as the full-size trucks do to tailor gear ratios to specific uses or towing needs. Four-cylinders come with a 4.10 axle, while the six-cylinder axle is 3.42.

Fuel economy shouldn't be a deciding factor between the two engines, as stepping up to the V-6 costs only a 1 mpg ding in EPA combined ratings. The four-cylinder gets an estimated 20/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined with the six-speed automatic and two-wheel-drive models, while the V-6 is rated 18/26/21 mpg. The Canyon's gas mileage is a big leap over the aging Tacoma and Frontier. A similarly equipped V-6 Tacoma is rated 17/21/19 mpg and a Frontier comes in at 16/22/18 mpg. During PickupTrucks.com's real-world fuel economy testing, the GMC's 21.56 mpg easily bested the Nissan's 18.84 mpg and the Tacoma's 17.33 mpg.

The Canyon's ride quality and interior noise levels are downright impressive no matter which engine is under the hood. The Canyon SLT has ride quality that's more comparable to a crossover SUV than any similarly sized truck, boasting the kind of isolation from wind and road noise we've grown to expect in a full-size pickup. GM's midsize twins have an on-road confidence to how they accelerate, brake and ride that's unlike any other midsize truck. Jam the brake pedal in an emergency move at 60 mph, and the Canyon's brakes slow the truck with carlike precision.

The truck I spent the most time in had the base suspension, but the All-Terrain package includes off-road-specific suspension tuning. Canyons with the base suspension and tires are best suited for on-road use. The taut suspension inspires confidence on the road, but once the dirt comes the GMC bounces around and loses composure at moderate speeds (20-30 mph). I drove a Canyon with the base suspension for PickupTrucks.com's 2015 Midsize Challenge, where it was pitted against off-road packages on the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. As you'd expect, those off-road packages handled the same course with more stability.

When optioned with four-wheel drive, Canyons use a typical four-wheel-drive system with manually selectable two- and four-wheel drive as well as a low-range four-wheel drive; all modes are selectable via an electronic dial controller.

Four- and six-cylinder Canyons can be equipped with four-wheel drive, though only with automatic transmissions. All-Terrain trims take four-wheel-drive capability to the next level with full-time all-wheel drive and the ability to split torque automatically when situations demand more traction. All-Terrain Canyons have 2WD, Auto, 4WD High and 4WD Low settings. They use an Autotrac transfer case similar to what's in the Sierra; it's a feature you won't find in a comparable Colorado; that truck comes only with part-time four-wheel drive, which must be activated and deactivated manually to suit conditions.

Interior
The distinction between Chevrolet and GMC interiors hasn't been much to get excited about in the past, but there's a definite lean toward an upscale interior in the Canyon versus the Colorado. The GMC's more uniform interior color combinations and accent stitching go a long way toward making the Canyon the more luxurious truck of the two. Both are light years ahead of the 2015 Tacoma ($21,880) and Frontier ($18,875), though they come with a higher starting price of $21,880 for a SL GMC truck. With that price comes a decent set of standard features, though: power windows with one-touch down/up, a backup camera and a four-way power driver's seat with manual recline.

The larger crew-cab Canyon has more backseat room and a rear bench seat for three passengers, versus two flip-up rear seats in the base extended-cab version. In the crew-cab model I tested, backseat room is spacious and comfortable compared with the rest of the segment. There are more similarities between the Canyon and full-size trucks than between the Canyon and anything else in the midsize segment.

Ergonomics & Electronics
If you're starting to observe a theme here — that the Canyon is a step above the segment in many ways — the following won't come as a surprise: The Canyon is available with an 8-inch touch-screen and featuring 4G LTE with wireless hot-spot capabilities, multiple USB ports, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio, plus an app for Pandora internet radio. Called IntelliLink, the system shares features and usability with other GM products, including its full-size trucks and the Chevrolet Impala. IntelliLink is standard on the midrange SLE trim and the higher-end SLT, and it's optional on base trucks. Standard features for the base model include a 4.2-inch color display, a USB port and an MP3 jack.

Cargo & Towing
Now to the meat and potatoes of any truck: cargo and towing. GMC says the longer bed of the crew-cab Canyon can support 8-foot-long items when the tailgate is lowered.

Maximum payload for a V-6 Canyon is 1,620 pounds with two-wheel drive, 1,590 pounds for four-wheel drive and an extended cab, and 1,550 with four-wheel drive and a crew cab. The V-6 handles a full payload like a champ, with the same responsiveness and smart transmission operation that makes driving the unloaded truck a joy. Payload capability is at the top of the segment, and when fully loaded the Canyon's rear end doesn't sag or give much indication it's hauling over 1,500 pounds. Max out the payload on a Frontier or Tacoma and there's a noticeable degradation in braking and acceleration.

The four-cylinder Canyon's payload is an equally impressive 1,490 pounds with two-wheel drive and automatic transmission, though the 200-hp engine is much less adept at hauling that weight. If you have to max out the payload, get the V-6 or leave yourself plenty of room on the road.

Stepping into the Canyon's bed to retrieve your cargo is easy thanks to a standard footstep built into the bumper. The bed also features a locking tailgate with a soft-open function, so you can let the tailgate lower without slamming off its hinges. GMC says this is a first for the segment. It's standard on SLE and SLT models and optional on the base Canyon.

A trailering package is required to max out the Canyon's towing capabilities of 7,000 pounds with the 3.6-liter; otherwise, standard towing capacity is half of that, at 3,500 pounds. The Canyon's trailering package includes a 2-inch receiver hitch and four- and seven-pin connectors for $250, and it requires the 3.6-liter model to be equipped with an automatic locking rear differential. That feature is standard on the SLT and available on other trims for $325. Four-cylinder Canyons are rated to tow only 3,500 pounds.

Safety
The crew-cab Canyon earned a rating of good (out of a possible good, acceptable, marginal or poor) in one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's two frontal crash tests, but the full complement of tests hadn't been conducted as of publication.

An extended-cab Canyon scored an overall four out of five stars in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, but the crew cab remains untested.

The Canyon offers optional advanced safety features, including a forward collision warning system with audible and visual alerts when a potential collision is detected. Paired with a lane departure warning system in the Driver Alert Package for $395, the two features are impressive safety offerings in the class, along with the Canyon's standard backup camera.

See the Canyon's available safety features here.

Value in Its Class
The high-end SLT crew cab I drove, with four-wheel drive and a number of options, totaled $40,465. That included a $925 destination charge, navigation, an upgraded Bose stereo, a spray-on bedliner, the Driver Alert Package and more.

Forking over $40,000 for a midsize truck sounds outrageous, but the Canyon's level of driving refinement and high-tech feature content put it leaps ahead of anything else in the segment — as verified by Pickuptrucks.com's Midsize Challenge, where the Canyon beat out the Colorado, Tacoma and Frontier.

A feature-loaded midsize Canyon approaches full-size pricing, at $40,000, but there's still a big gap considering a similarly equipped GMC Sierra SLT retails for $50,500. The Canyon mirrors many of the Sierra's notable driving characteristics, but with a much more manageable price and size for those who don't need full-size truck capabilities.

Source: http://www.cars.com/gmc/canyon/2015/expert-reviews?reviewId=63440#expert-reviews


6/20/15

Pest Control Truck Cap Changes the Game



Mike Soich of Knapheide Manufacturing shows off a new Knapheide and SnugTop collaboration that brings Knapheide's KnapKap truck topper program from steel only to choices of steel, aluminum and fiberglass, and all can be ordered directly through Knapheide.

In this case, Mike is showing off a Pest Control turn-key package that includes hose reel, tank, pump, lockable chemical storage, easy rear access with back up camera, HD 500 lb. capacity rack by Prime Design with hydraulic drop down assist. This one also sports the new Sortimo HD drawer unit with two drawers to show them off.

This is the Ultra Cab Hight Utility model with several options packaged for the Pest Control industry. See more of the standard and optional features of this new product from Knapheide and their partnership with SnugTop at http://www.knapheide.com

2.8L diesel still on pace for 2016 Colorado/Canyon



GM’s new midsize pickups remain relatively unchanged for 2016; 2.8L Duramax diesel still on schedule

It’s no surprise 2016 Chevrolet Colorados/GMC Canyons aren’t any different mechanically or visually  from the 2015s that marked GM’s return back to the midsize truck market.

The biggest news: a sliding rear window will be standard on the loaded 2016 GMC Canyon SLT models and optional in the SLE trim level.
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The only other news is the 2.8L Duramax diesel will be offered some time in 2016. Actual production dates have yet to be announced.


Road Test: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado A midsize pickup for those who want a smaller pickup to help cut down on operating costs while still keeping comfort, ...

GM touts the standard 200hp 2.5L I-4 has the most power and best fuel economy (27 mpg) among the midsize 2wd class, and the the 305hp 3.6L’s 26 mpg tops the 2wd V-6s.

The latter also has the highest towing capacity in the class at 7,000 pounds when “properly equipped.”

First quarter sales of the 2015 Colorado/Canyon have exceeded GM’s lofty expectations, outselling the competitors and having the least amount of time sitting on dealer lots, even beating out Ford’s F-150 in that category.

What is surprising is GM says 53-percent of the Colorado buyers are first-time Bowtie owners.

 Source: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/2016-coloradocanyon-update/?utm_source=daily-responsive-1&utm_medium=email&utm_content=06-09-2015&utm_campaign=HWT&ust_id=e2e69cf73e

6/16/15

Palfinger Pickup Lifts


America's NEW Standard in Liftgates

Palfinger liftgates are a cost-efficient market leader in the light-medium sized truck market. Reliability and versatility are offered with liftgates in both cable and direct lift styles for general transportation and the municipal sector. Palfinger liftgates are multi-functional workhorses in the standard design or fitted with some of our many options.


Find out more at: www.palfinger.com/



6/14/15

GM to Invest $1.2 Billion in Full-Size Truck Plant



Fort Wayne construction to continue 
award-winning pickup manufacturing  



FORT WAYNE, Ind. – General Motors is investing $1.2 billion in its full-size pickup truck plant for upgrades and technology that will improve the plant’s competitiveness in assembling high-quality light- and heavy-duty models.
 
Construction of the new pre-treat, electro-coat paint operation and sealing facility, expanded body shop, expanded and new material sequencing centers, and upgraded general assembly area is expected to begin in June and take several years to complete. Full-size truck production schedules will be unaffected by the construction.

“This investment is more evidence that the customer is at the center of every decision we make,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing vice president. “Truck customers demand top quality. The upgrades at Fort Wayne Assembly will enable our team to continue delivering for them for years to come.”

The investment includes many technological and environmental upgrades:

·         New pre-treatment facility featuring thin-film paint pretreatment
·         E-coat paint customized to each vehicle style, resulting in superior coverage and curability
·         GM-patented radiant tube ovens for exceptional paint finish and lower energy use
·         New equipment that accommodates the many variations of the truck cab and box being placed on the chassis
·         New skillet conveyance systems for instrument panel assembly intended to improve worker ergonomics, leading to better product quality.

“These new technologies and equipment will help fulfill the mission of the men and women of Fort Wayne Assembly and UAW Local 2209 to build the best full-size trucks available,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada. “The investment improves the plant’s competitiveness so we can continue contributing to the community as well.”

Said Indiana Gov. Mike Pence: “Around the world, Indiana is known as a proven leader in advanced manufacturing. Powered by a pro-growth business environment and a highly-skilled workforce, GM is leveraging Indiana’s strengths to help it remain competitive across the globe. Today’s announcement marks a significant promise to the Hoosier State and ensures GM’s presence in Indiana and its support of Hoosier jobs long into the future, reaffirming that Indiana is a state that works for business.”

Fort Wayne Assembly began building light-duty trucks in 1986. Today, it is a three-shift operation with approximately 3,800 employees who build light- and heavy-duty regular and double cab full-size trucks.

The investments in Fort Wayne are part of the $5.4 billion that GM said April 30 it would invest in U.S. facilities over the next three years. 

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

6/12/15

Transfer Tanks for Pickup Trucks - Highway Products



Aluminum transfer tanks are very convenient when you need to transport diesel, bio-diesel or water to your worksite. We have four different transfer tanks to choose from or you can customize a fuel tank that will meet your needs. We use 3/16 inch marine grade aluminum and Heliarc® all transfer tank shells. All transfer tanks for pickup trucks and custom transfer tanks come with a Lifetime Warranty.

Find out more at:  http://www.highwayproducts.com


6/10/15

GMC Applauds Precision in Design with ‘Sharp’



Third installment in Precision campaign features 
leading American designer Michael Bastian



DETROIT – The parallels between the GMC Yukon Denali and the world of impeccable dressing, from apparel to accessory and grooming, is the focus of “Sharp”, the third installment in the brand’s Precision advertising campaign launching today.

The Precision campaign is part of a major advertising investment this year that showcases GMC’s full line of premium trucks, SUVs and crossovers, including its popular Denali sub-brand. The two previous spots in the series, “Fastball” and “Swish”, focused on how precision influences athletic performance.

In “Sharp,” GMC collaborates with leading fashion designer Michael Bastian, who makes a cameo appearance in a new TV ad. The “Sharp” ad sparks the beginning of a creative dialogue between the designer and the GMC brand around what it means to be professional grade, juxtaposing the details of an impeccably dressed man, right down to the designer stitching in his suit compared to the precise features in a Yukon Denali.

The Yukon Denali is the ultimate expression of professional grade, blending unique design elements with upscale amenities, including premium interior materials.

To complement the TV spot, GMC created a short film exploring precision in fashion, photography and music, entitled “The Sharp American.” Directed by acclaimed storyteller Arnaud Boutin, the film features perspectives from Bastian, photographer Michael Avedon and musician Twin Shadow on how precision shapes their respective crafts. The piece celebrates sharp Americans who stand out from the crowd through their commitment to creating at a professional grade. The feature-length film will be screened during the inaugural New York Fashion Week: Men’s, which is taking place July 13-16 in New York City.

“Attention to detail, precision and craftsmanship are at the core of the GMC brand and there are obvious similarities between the design of our vehicles and the precision and craft which go into other aspects of premium design,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. ”We enjoyed exploring these parallels with Michael Bastian and in the film, ‘The Sharp American’.”  

Said Bastian: “I was excited when GMC approached me with this opportunity to explore this concept of ‘sharpness’ and the design parallels between our two worlds. As a luxury brand, we understand the necessity for attention to detail and craft in everything we do, much like GMC. As we put the finishing touches on our upcoming Spring ’16 runway show at the first dedicated New York Men’s Week, GMC gave us an invaluable perspective on how a premium brand outside of fashion explores cut, detail, and precision.”

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

6/04/15

Knapheide EC Series - A superior service body with the weight of fiberglass yet at the price (and durability) of steel



The EC Series Service Bodies are compatible with half ton and compact pickups that have a factory approved pickup box removal or bed delete option. It is the industry's exclusive service body solution for half ton and compact pickups.

Put your half ton or compact truck to work with Knapheide's EC Series Service Body.  EC Service Bodies have been specifically designed for half ton and compact trucks with a factory approved pick up box removal or bed delete option.  With weight savings of over 25% compared to standard steel service bodies, EC Service Bodies give the owner/operator more than enough applicable payload for their half ton or compact pickup. The EC Series Service Bodies feature an optimized understructure for superior strength to weight ratio and possesses all the same tried and true standard features found on all other Knapheide Service Bodies.

EC Service Bodies provide work truck owners with increased organization and functionality leading to more productivity and efficiency on the jobsite. The combination of a rugged steel construction and full immersion in Knapheide's exclusive E-Coat prime paint system ensure owner/operators can depend on EC Series Service Bodies for years to come.


Find out more at: http://www.knapheide.com/product/ec-series-service-bodies/


6/02/15

Cargo won't fit? Rack-it rack allows carrying it on top of the KUV!




Can't get materials in the back, Rack-it rack allows placing and securing them on top of the roof. Are they too wide or too long? This rack allows materials as wide as the body to be placed on top. Maybe you just want to keep stuff off the floor, secure it on top!

Designed and built for a Knapheide KUV body, this rack is constructed of 2x2 square tubing. Because of the way the roof slopes,the feet of the rack were designed to to pivot ensuring a solid connection to the roof.

It has six cross bars for support,an extremely stout load handling solution for this application. The rack was finished off with a heavy duty, industrial grade black powder coat finish. 


To find out more, you may call Rack-It truck racks at 800-445-7666.
Also find us at http://rackitinc.com/