2/27/17

Diamond Plate Package by Highway Products



Highway Products "Diamond Plate Package" consists of a diamond plate single lid aluminum tool box, a diamond plate headache rack with LED lighting kit, mounting hardware and installation instructions.

2/25/17

Knapheide Win-A-Truck Sweepstakes: Jason's Story: Part 1


We're pleased to announce the winner of our Win-A-Truck Sweepstakes, Jason Jackson. Jason is the owner of Jackson Electric in Hardy, Arkansas. Watch the first part of Jason's story as he visits our headquarters and specs out his new work truck.

2/23/17

Expanded choices: Fleets are set to take advantage of alternative powertrains


More and more suppliers of medium-duty vehicles are adding options for alternative powertrains. For example, Dana recently introduced Spicer Electrified motor, control and e-drive technologies for electric vehicle propulsion systems.


Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana’s new e-axles for city delivery vehicles and electric transit buses will feature a fully integrated motor and gearbox. The company is also working with automotive manufacturers to develop all-wheel-drive (AWD) e-axles paired with traditional front-wheel-drive hybrids.

Also in the news is the new XLP Fleet-Ready plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) solution for half-ton pickup trucks from XL Hybrids. The PHEV system will be installed as a ship-through upfit that will leave the original OEM engine, transmission, and fuel and exhaust systems intact, and will not have any special maintenance requirements. XLP will also include the XL Link cloud-based analytics system, which measures MPG performance and reports emissions reductions.

XL Hybrids surveyed fleet managers to understand their requirements and to develop the new technology. The XLP solution builds on the platform used on the company’s XL3 hybrid-electric powertrain, which has covered more than 35 million miles on Class 2-6 vehicles since 2013. The XLP lithium battery pack will accommodate Levels 1 and 2 charging using an industry-standard plug.
“Expanding our offering to include plug-in solutions is the next step in our plan to electrify fleet vehicles with technology that saves money while reducing fuel consumption and emissions,” says Tod Hynes, founder and chief executive officer of XL Hybrids. “The XLP system allows fleets to purchase the same OEM pickup trucks with the powertrain and warranty intact with an electrified powertrain to increase MPG.”

“Major fleets that have already adopted the XL3 hybrid-electric upfit system know that ‘fleet ready’ means it does not compromise the ability to provide customer service,” adds Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and chief operating officer. “With our new XLP system, we’re equally committed to not impacting service, delivery or field operations.”

A number of utility and municipal fleets, including San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E), Liberty Utilities, Hawaiian Electric Co. and Montgomery County Maryland, are among the XL Hybrids customers that intend to purchase the new XLP PHEV system for pickup trucks. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2017 and SDG&E has already announced plans to purchase up to 110 of the XLP systems between 2017 and 2020.

Liberty Utilities and its parent company, Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., are also planning to add the new XLP systems. “The number and delivery timelines will be defined by our budget, but from a fleet perspective, we see a potential need for one to one-and-a-half percent of our fleet, or approximately 10 to 15 units, as assets come up for retirement,” says Stephen McCrodan, purchasing manager for Liberty Algonquin Business Services and director of fleet purchasing at Liberty Utilities.

“We adopted a fairly strong green fleet policy as we took steps to ensure that we’re doing all we can to minimize our impact on the environment,” McCrodan says. “We have shifted much of our fleet over to cleaner burning CNG and continue to; however, there are some Liberty Utilities service areas that do not have a natural gas infrastructure, and that prevents the use of CNG in those locations. Also, some of our locations are small, and the infrastructure required to support CNG would be too big a burden. For sites like those, a PHEV is an excellent alternative.

“OEMs have reduced their alternative fuel offerings for vehicles used by utilities,” McCrodan adds. “We have certain job functions which require or are optimized by a compact SUV or light-duty
pick-up truck and now we have fewer alternative fuel choices from manufacturers. Systems such as XL Hybrid’s XLP will help to fill the void.”

2/21/17

Green Fleet of the Month: Cleaning up


Time and money are two critical components of any successful business plan. When a business can cut time and save money, all in one step, that is a plan worth exploring. If there is a customer service improvement as well, then that is a plan worth doing. And that’s what Michigan-based Hagopian Cleaning Services did by installing routing software from Paragon Software Systems. With offices around the world, including Dallas, Paragon offered up a solution to help Hagopian cut the miles ...

Source: http://fleetowner.com/running-green/green-fleet-month-cleaning


2/19/17

IMPCO Automotive - Bi-Fuel System Manufacturer and Installer for General Motors

IMPCO Header

IMPCO Automotive is the System Manufacturer and Installer for General Motors on the 2015 & 2016 Bi-Fuel CNG Silverado 2500HD and 2015 & 2016 Express/Savana CNG van.

The engine and all CNG fuel system components are engineered to meet GM’s rigorous standards for reliability, dependability and safety. GM’s validations tests include: full barrier testing (six separate tests), 10–year corrosion, mud trough, water fording, hot-weather evaluation (including trailering), cold-weather chamber testing, altitude testing and fuel gauge accuracy among others.

The Bi-Fuel Trucks and Dedicated Vans have a comprehensive 5-year/100,000 mile Transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty backed by the largest dealer network in the U.S.!
Independent Aftermarket Program

Are you adding GM OEM CNG Trucks and Vans to your fleet and looking to take advantage of the cost savings on your existing vehicles as well? We’ve got you covered! IMPCO Automotive engineers, designs, and manufactures the components in our CNG and LPG aftermarket systems. This allows us to engineer total compatibility into every system from testing and calibration through production and installation. This is not truly achievable with the “off-the-shelf” components used by most aftermarket companies. This superior engineering means components are matched for dependability, performance, efficiency and improved cost savings. Best of all these systems can be installed locally via one of our Certified Installers to minimize downtime in your fleet. Contact our nearest certified installers for a complete list of options available.

2/17/17

The 2017 GMC Sierra: Wave Commercial



From the moment you see it, the 2017 GMC Sierra commands your respect. And the only way to master its immense power is to venture inside. Go ahead and dive in. Learn more about the 2017 GMC Sierra: http://www.gmc.com/trucks.html

2/15/17

Municipal Dump Spreader (MDS) by Buyers Products


New Municipal Dump Spreaders from Buyers Products combine dumping and spreading for year-round use. Available with optional pre-wet system.

2/11/17

BOLT Locks with Justin Lucas


Check out how professional angler Justin Lucas uses BOLT Locks on his truck as he travels for the BASS Master open tour!

2/09/17

Transfer Flow Refueling Tanks


The only completely assembled refueling tanks on the market. No hassle — you can legally leave the pump in place when driving!

When it comes to in-bed refueling tanks, it’s hard to know what’s legal and what’s not. With a Transfer Flow refueling tank, you don’t have to guess! Our refueling tanks are Department of Transportation (DOT) legal to carry and transfer gas, diesel, ethanol, methanol, kerosene and jet fuel in all 50 U.S. states. Having a DOT legal refueling tank from Transfer Flow means you won’t get red tagged and fined by your Highway Patrol for carrying an illegal fuel tank in the bed of your truck. Click here to see our Special Permit from the Department of Transportation.

Transfer Flow refueling tanks are manufactured and engineered in the U.S.A., unlike many of our competitors. Each refuelling tank is designed with the heavy-duty user in mind, and comes pre-assembled with a 12-volt refueling pump, 12 foot hose with nozzle, locking fuel cap, wire harness with dash-mounted power switch and mounting hardware.

We choose premium suppliers for our refueling tank parts: Great Plains Industries supplies our fuel pumps, Goodyear supplies our hose, and our locking fuel caps come from SpinSecure. The result is a tank that is trusted by Industry professionals, as well as municipalities, fire departments, and several government agencies. They chose Transfer Flow because they want safe, durable and LEGAL refueling tanks, just like you do!

Transfer Flow refueling tanks come in a variety of shapes and gallon sizes, including 40, 50, 82, 100, 109 gallons. They’re made from 12-gauge aluminized steel for superior rust resistance and strength, are baffled for extra support, and are powder coated black for a durable finish.
refueling tank
Toolbox and Refueling Tank Combos

A Transfer Flow toolbox and refueling tank combo is your solution to more fuel plus additional storage space on your pickup! Available in 30, 40 and 100 gallons; the 30 and 40-gallon units fit short and long bed pickups, while the 50 and 100 gallon units fit long bed pickups only.
Department of Transportation Special Permit issued to Transfer Flow for Refueling Tanks
Features and Benefits:

    Available in 40, 50, 82, 100, 50-50 split and 109 gallons
  •     All refueling tanks come with 12 gallon per minute fuel transfer pump, 12 foot hose with nozzle, mounting hardware, SpinsSecuree® locking fuel cap and wiring harness with dash-mounted power switch
  •     Made from 12-gauge aluminized steel and powder coated black for strength and maximum rust resistance
  •     Baffled to reduce fuel sloshing
  •     Refueling tanks are US DOT approved for gas, diesel, ethanol, methanol, kerosene and aviation fuel
  •     Over 300 authorized fuel tank installers in the US and Canada
  •     Optional Spray-on coating available for added durability
  •     3-year/unlimited mile warranty
  •     Designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
Find out more at:  http://www.transferflow.com/fuel-tanks/refueling-tanks

2/05/17

Learning to Operate a Crane

The Stellar 7621 Telescopic Service Crane was mounted on a Stellar service body and constructed by Pomona, Calif.-based Phenix Enterprises. (Photo: Mike Antich)

Bobit Business Media received a visit from Stellar Industries, a manufacturer of hydraulic truck-mounted equipment, and Phenix Enterprises, a custom truck builder, at our office in Torrance, Calif. on November 29th, 2016.

Editors from Work Truck, Automotive Fleet, Business Fleet, and Government Fleet magazines all got the opportunity to learn how to operate a truck-mounted crane.

Mike Butsch, strategic accounts manager for Stellar, and James Day, sales manager for Phenix, a Stellar upfitter, brought the Stellar 7621, a telescopic service crane that was mounted on one of Stellar’s service bodies and built at Phenix’s headquarters in nearby Pomona, Calif.

Read more at: http://www.worktruckonline.com/channel/utility/article/story/2017/01/learning-to-operate-a-crane.aspx

2/03/17

PolyBody® Line Bodies, Service and Aerial Bodies by United Plastic Fabricating



The PolyBody® Line Bodies, Service and Aerial Bodies are all made from polypropylene, a tough, durable, impact resistant plastic material. The PolyBody® will not rust or corrode, can resist day-to-day dings and dents and offers lighter weight than conventional steel or fiberglass bodies. The PolyBody® is a true long-life body that is transferable from chassis, with the outstanding appearance that only a hand crafted body can provide.

Find out about poly products at: http://www.unitedplastic.com/product/line-bodiesserviceaerial-bodies/

2/01/17

Winter Treads



When much of the country is getting pounded by winter storms and deep snow, our thoughts turn to tires. Some pickup truck owners have separate wardrobes for summer and winter. Nome, Alaska, and Miami residents maybe not so much.

Pickup winter wear can include anything from a fresh wax to do-it-yourself undercoating to lighter lubricating fluids to a block heater to winter diesel fuel. But does your truck's cold-weather wardrobe include winter tires?

Winter tires are designed for cold weather and associated precipitation. Tires rated for mud and snow (M+S) may not qualify as winter tires and often don't excel in either mud or snow. A winter tire's specific compound, tread design — and studs if you want them — is far more suitable and safer on cold roads and the various forms of water you might find on them.

In every road-based comparison in which I've participated, dedicated winter tires were more valuable than the number of driven wheels. However, while winter tires can improve performance, they are no substitute for common sense and can be pushed beyond their limits. They also add expense and create the issue of storage logistics.

The U.S., unlike some countries, does not mandate winter tire use, although some states and cities have laws about the use of studded tires or chains. It's worth noting that some insurance companies offer discounts for using winter tires.

Do you think winter tires should be required for new drivers or general safety, and if so, under what parameters? And if you don't believe in running dedicated winter tires, studs or chains, how do you deal with marginal winter traction? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2017/01/talking-trucks-tuesday-winter-treads.html#more

By G.R. Whale

Cars.com graphic by Paul Dolan; cars.com image by Bruce Smith