2/29/16

Highway Products Tonneau Cover



                                           The new Tonneau Cover by Highway Products

2/27/16

GM to Make More 6.2 Liter V-8's for Pickups and SUV's


In case you've had trouble finding that crew-cab Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 or a full-size GM SUV with the powerful and efficient 6.2-liter V-8 and eight-speed transmission, you're likely to have more options in the future.

GM has announced it will invest $148 million to repurpose machinery at its Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee to create a third production site for the popular 6.2-liter small-block V-8. It says the move will retain 200 jobs at the plant.

The larger V-8 for full-size GM vehicles (some of which also are offered with the 5.3-liter V-8) currently is built at Tonawanda, N.Y., and St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, but with fuel prices likely to stay low for a while and demand for half-ton pickups and full-size SUVs (such as the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade) high, GM decided to make the investment.

The Spring Hill plant currently produces four-cylinder engines, but GM has invested there in recent years in flexible equipment and machining capability. That will allow, GM said, the new engine line to be up and running much faster than the typical two or three years for a new line. GM said the 6.2-liter V-8 production is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016.


Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/02/gm-to-make-more-62-liter-v-8s-for-pickups-and-suvs.html


2/25/16

ACT Expo May 2-5.2016 - More Diverse than Ever

 ACT Expo May 2-5.2016 - Long Beach, CA


The fast-approaching Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, Calif. May 2-5 will be the most diverse ever, with co-hosts including the California Hydrogen Business Council, the Electric Drive Transportation Association, NGVAmerica, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, and the Propane Education & Research Council.

ACTExpo2016_Graphic“One size does not fit all when it comes to the myriad duty-cycles, climates, load and scheduling demands and regional infrastructure availability faced by North American fleets,” Neandross said.

Multiple Vehicle Showcases
CHBC, EDTA, NGVAmerica and PERC will each host vehicle showcase areas in the ACT Expo 2016 exhibition hall, highlighting the offerings of their member companies. A Trucking Efficiency Showcase will be hosted by NACFE in partnership with the Carbon War Room.

“At ACT Expo, all of the options are represented,” Neandross says: “all weight classes and vehicle types, powered by hydrogen, electricity, natural gas, propane autogas, and biofuels.”
Telematics and Autonomous Vehicles, Too

ACT Expo attendees will also learn about the increasing role played by telematics-based fleet management techniques, and even the emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.


Source: http://www.fleetsandfuels.com/fuels/cng/2016/02/act-expo-2016-more-diverse-than-ever/

2/23/16

NTEA Enhances Work Truck Show for 2016


The NTEA has announced three new features at The Work Truck Show 2016 (held March 1-4 in Indianapolis), which are designed to give a glimpse into the future of vocational trucks.

A demo truck displayed near the Show entrance highlights the lifecycle cost benefits of spec’ing trucks that weigh less and use less fuel. A bright red, life-size Shelby Cobra convertible replica on the Show floor will draw attention to the power of 3-D printing to reduce manufacturing and R&D costs, and maximize innovation. And, outside, attendees can test drive commercial vehicles incorporating the latest advanced technologies and alternative fuel applications to identify those that might work in their fleets.

The Lightweight and Advanced Technology Demo Truck display consists of an Isuzu NRR diesel Class 5 truck upfitted with lightweight components. The truck itself is lightweight — weighing 760 pounds less than a conventional cab — and equipped with a driver feedback reporting system, speed limiting and idle shutdown to maximize fuel efficiency.

The truck is upfitted with:
  •     Alcoa one-piece forged aluminum wheels with corrosion-resistant Dura-Bright finish. These wheels are typically about 50 percent lighter than the same size steel wheel.
  •     A Switch-N-Go hoist system from Deist Industries Inc. This detachable body system permits total unloading of a full, partial or empty body onto the ground, removing body weight and load. Switch-N-Go equipped vehicles operate with no body at all during transport trips. Utilizing a detachable truck body system may allow fleets to use one chassis for multiple applications, such as dump, dumpster, chipper and flatbed.
  •     Voth Truck Bodies’ lightweight aluminum detachable dump body. Aluminum bodies provide an average weight reduction of 50 percent compared to steel units, which results in reduced fuel consumption and greater payload capacity.
The GTA, an NTEA affiliate division, teamed up with its Lightweight Materials Technology Council to build the lightweight concept truck. To analyze the vehicle’s life cycle costs, GTA worked with the National Renewable Energy Lab, which is part of the Department of Energy and is associated with the Clean Cities program that seeks to cut petroleum use in transportation. The results of the National Renewable Energy Lab’s in-depth analysis will be available in the display at The Work Truck Show.

To demonstrate the potential of 3-D printing technology, The Work Truck Show will feature a full-size 3-D-printed replica of a Shelby Cobra convertible and an SAF Holland truck and bus suspension in Booth 3400 next to NTEA’s booth. Both models were built by Cincinnati Incorporated. The company will have representatives on hand to answer questions about 3-D printing and its Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) product line.

Formerly known as the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive, the NTEA is expanding the focus of this popular Show feature to include the latest advanced productivity technologies as well as alternative fuel applications. The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive is open to all Show attendees on Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The event gives Show attendees the opportunity to drive a variety of vehicles on city streets or in a closed course.

The vehicles available to drive in The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive include:
  •     Alliance AutoGas — Bi-fuel propane autogas Ford Transit 15-passenger van equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine running on propane autogas.
  •     BEAU-ROC/Palmer Power & Truck Equipment — Kenworth T370 with a municipal BEAU-ROC body and bed.
  •     Cummins Inc. — Greenhouse gas 2017 compliant ISB6.7 high-efficiency diesel box truck, optimized for pickup and delivery.
  •     Eaton — International DuraStar 4300 crew-cab chassis with the all-new Procision 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
  •     Eaton — Kenworth dump truck featuring an automated VCS UltraShift PLUS transmission.
  •     Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation — S2G propane-powered medium-duty truck featuring an 8-liter engine with a CleanFUEL USA liquid injection propane fuel system and equipped with a bobtail bulk propane delivery tanker body.
  •     Hino Trucks — Hino COE 195H Class 5 electric hybrid truck.
  •     Hino Trucks — A second Hino COE 195H Class 5 electric hybrid truck.
  •     Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. — Isuzu low cab forward N-Series Class 4 truck upfitted with an IMPCO bi-fuel system.
  •     Kenworth Truck Company — Kenworth T-880 straight truck equipped with a roll-off system and powered by a Cummins ISX12-G natural gas-fueled engine.
  •     Lightning Hybrids — Ford E-450 cargo truck featuring the company’s energy recovery system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
  •     Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. — FUSO FE E-Cell prototype all-electric, battery-powered medium-duty cabover work truck.
  •     Peterbilt Motors Company — Peterbilt 337 tractor equipped to operate on natural gas utilizing a Cummins Westport ISL-G engine and Agility CNG fuel system.
  •     VIA Motors Inc. — 2015 Silverado with VIA’s eREV electric hybrid powertrain.
Participation in The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive is free, and no advance registration is required. The Ride-and-Drive is sponsored by Hino Trucks.

Produced annually by NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry, the 2016 Show will be held March 1–4 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Educational sessions begin March 1, and exhibits open March 2.


Source: http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2016/02/ntea-announces-new-work-truck-show-features.aspx

2/19/16

Harbor Service Body False Floor keeps the cargo separated, secure and easily accesible


Here’s a great solution for contractors, utilities and municipal water departments, etc. - a false floor for the Harbor service body. The Dual Tailgate keeps contents secure while allowing access to each independently.


The best of both worlds, space for your equipment above and other storage below. For instance the storage below could serve as a sign box, storage for road signs or long tools while keeping the cargo area free for equipment.




Note that the lower compartment is lockable.

Find out more: Harbor Truck Bodies 800-433-9452

2/17/16

VMAC - Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors Company Profile



VMAC (Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors), founded in 1986, is the world-leading manufacturer of truck mounted mobile air compressors, used in a wide spectrum of industries: oil and gas, mining, transportation, mobile tire service, municipal operations and public works.

Our success comes from designing and manufacturing the most compact mobile air compressors available, which provide high power and demonstrate extraordinary quality, durability and fuel- efficiency.

The company operates globally and has a wide international network of 400 dealers, distributing VMAC’s products to the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Australia.

We attribute our success to our people - highly professional, passionate and ambitious engineering and design team, manufacturing and service specialists. Thanks to them the company can surpass customer needs with leading edge technology and exceptional customer care.

2/15/16

Switch-N-Go Operational Video



Switch-N-Go Operational Video shows the use and operation of the Switch-N-Go Product

2/13/16

Ron Sadler Explains How the Harbor Service Body with a Cargo Bed Enclosure Keeps Stuff Out-Of-Sight



This is an example of a new GMC 2500HD chassis upfitted with a Harbor 8' Service Body with a Forklift-Loadable Rack, Class IV Receiver, and a 3-Piece Cargo Bed Enclosure. It's a great way to keep your stuff accessible and yet out of sight. Ron Sadler is the Fleet/Commercial Manager at Lehmer's Buick-GMC in Concord CA. See more at http://www.lehmersgmc.com

2/11/16

Transfer Flow's TRAX 3™ Fuel Monitoring System!



The next generation of Transfer Flow's TRAX auxiliary fuel tank operating system is here! TRAX 3™ is a computer controlled, self-diagnosing fuel monitoring system that transfers fuel from your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank to your main fuel tank. For your peace of mind, the TRAX 3™ computer module constantly monitors fuel levels in both tanks. Now, you’ll always know the percentage of fuel in your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank and main fuel tank!

2/09/16

Vanair Air N Arc 150 All-In-One Power Unit



The Vanair Air N Arc 150 is a combination air compressor, welder, generator and jump starter that saves you money and space in the back of your work truck. Available from Realworktrucks.com. This video is an excerpt from a longer video on the show Truck-U.

2/07/16

BrandFX Body Company Half Ton Revolution



 BrandFX Composite service bodies, utility bodies, Toppers & Inserts are up to 40% lighter than comparative steel bodies, and up to 10% lighter than comparative aluminum bodies. This weight reduction means substantially reduced fuel and maintenance costs, and many times the ability to downsize to a smaller chassis for thousands of dollars in lifecycle reduction costs. Then remount your BFX composite equipment over 4-5 trucks.

 Today’s work truck market demands solutions that address environmental concerns, and improve the bottom line. BFX engineers the next generation of lightweight Truck Service Bodies, Line Bodies, Inserts and Toppers, meeting growing demand for green, sustainable solutions. Thanks to a 40% weight reduction with composite over steel bodies, you can decrease fuel and maintenance costs significantly with BFX truck service bodies. In fact, major telecom and utility Fleet Managers across the world rely on BFX to reduce their carbon footprint, and fuel and maintenance costs.

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

2/05/16

GMC Sierra 1500 is PickupTrucks.com Towing Champ

Strong performance, efficiency pulls Sierra to front 
of light-duty truck segment




DETROIT – The GMC Sierra 1500 today was named the 2016 Texas Truck Showdown Towing Champion, in a head-to-head capability test conducted by editors from Cars.com, PickupTrucks.com and MrTruck.com.

They praised their Sierra 1500 SLT test truck, which was equipped with the available 6.2L V-8 engine – the segment’s most powerful gas engine – and eight-speed automatic transmission, for its effortless performance. It offered a max trailering rating of 12,000 lbs.

“This is a mild-mannered pickup that is ready to don its cape and do some heavy lifting, saving the day from a long list of work chores,” said Mark Williams, PickupTrucks.com editor. “The engine and transmission are synced up like a smooth-flying jet rocket.”

And while it had the largest, most powerful engine in the test – 420 hp and 460 lb-ft – the Sierra also ranked first in fuel economy with a trailer. The other competitors included:

•    Ford F-150 Lariat with the 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost
•    Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ with the 5.3L V-8
•    Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn with the 5.7L V-8
•    Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition with the 5.7L V-8.

“This recognition validates everything GMC stands for: powerful truck capability uniquely coupled with premium appointments and refinement,” said Sierra Marketing Manager Stuart Pierce. “Combined with bold new styling for 2016 and its crafted interior, the Sierra handles the toughest tasks in the utmost comfort.”

A five-part series outlining the evaluation begins today at www.pickuptrucks.com. As one of their most extensive comparison tests, which was conducted over a weeklong period in the Houston area, it included 20 objective tests, as well as six additional categories.

Technology was one of the categories and the Sierra scored high for its new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

“Apple CarPlay simplifies using an iPhone in the truck easier than any other multimedia system,” said Joe Bruzek, Cars.com.

The 2016 Best Light-Duty Truck for Towing award is the third recent accolade for GMC from PickupTrucks.com. The Canyon took the crown in their 2015 Midsize Truck Shootout and the 2015 Sierra 3500HD claimed the top spot in the Ultimate Heavy Duty Challenge.

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.

2/03/16

Knapheide - Turnkey Solutions And Vocational Vehicles



Knapheide Commercial Vehicle Services is the leader in providing turnkey vocational vehicles to commercial fleets and fleet management companies. Regardless if you need complex truck bodies or simple van interiors, from vehicle concept to delivery, KCVS provides the total package for fleet and fleet management customers.

Bodies, Equipment, & Accessories

Knapheide has the largest and most comprehensive selection of bodies, equipment and accessories. Knapheide only utilizes the industry's top suppliers of truck and van bodies, van organizational interiors, cranes, compressors, welders, generators, liftgates, ladder and material racks, snow plows, spreaders, mechanics drawers and more. Knapheide acts as the single source provider for all of your commercial vehicle needs.

Knapheide Installation

Knapheide Commercial Vehicle Services utilizes massive installation centers, regional upfit facilities and the largest network of truck equipment distributors to form the industry's most comprehensive collection of installation points. This installation network enables Knapheide Commercial Vehicle Services to offer centralized or local upfit capabilities, whichever the customer prefers.napheide - Turnkey Solutions And Vocational Vehicles

Read more at: https://www.knapheide.com/solutions/fleet-and-fleet-management-companies

2/01/16

A Harbor Workmaster Utility Body for the Plumber


Warren gives us a great presentation of the features of the Harbor Workmaster enclosed service utility body. Also know as a Plumber Body. See more at http://www.htbi.net