10/31/20

CTECH at The Work Truck Show 2020 | SuperCut


The CTech booth and beyond with this supercut! We had our brand new Shelving Drawers and MotionLatch™ 'Full-Bank' lock on full display as well as a variety of Tool Drawers showcased in other areas of the show.

10/29/20

DECKED | Organized. Durable. Secure. Storage.


DECKED is ready to help you get more use, organization, storage and utility out of your truck or vanr. With a 2000lb load rating and 200lb capacity per drawer, you'll get more out of your truck and more out of your day with DECKED in the bed.

10/27/20

2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1’s Outstanding Performance Powered by Ultium


 

  • Ultium 24-module battery system
  • Three-motor Ultium Drive system with GM-estimated, best-in-class 1,000 horsepower and combined axle torque of GM-estimated 11,500 lb-ft
  • Segment-exclusive available driving modes, including Watts to Freedom1, CrabWalk2 and available Extract Mode3
  • 800-volt 350-kilowatt DC fast charging capability4
  • First GMC EV with brand-first Regen on Demand5, Super Cruise6 available driver assistance feature for compatible roads

DETROIT – The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 will be the first vehicle in production with GM’s all-new Ultium battery architecture and will offer impressive on- and off-road features and a broad range of vehicle dynamics and performance features.

This new architecture provides the framework to integrate advanced technologies for optimal driving range and — in the case of the HUMMER EV — will enable performance and capabilities that would not be possible with a conventional vehicle architecture and propulsion system.

The 24-module Ultium battery pack and three-motor Ultium Drive system will provide this all-electric supertruck best-in-class power output.

“As the first of GM’s next-gen EVs, the HUMMER EV will fundamentally alter conventional off-road and truck paradigms,” said Ken Morris, GM vice president, Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs. “It will also debut new technology, including our all-new Ultium batteries, Ultium Drive units and the industry’s first wireless battery management system.”

Ultium cells

Ultium batteries are unique in the industry because of their large-format, pouch-style cells, which can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. In the Edition 1 HUMMER EV, two layers of vertical cell modules will be used to produce a combined 24-module pack offering a GM-estimated range of 350+ miles7.

In addition to power and range, the Ultium battery pack will contribute to the HUMMER EV’s driving dynamics and structure. The pack’s low mounting position in the chassis contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing the vehicle’s overall feeling of control and stability. The compact construction of the Ultium battery pack also contributes to HUMMER EV’s ideal off-road proportions, including a short front overhang and short front breakover angle.

With GM’s state-of-the-art nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum (NCMA) chemistry, HUMMER EV’s Ultium batteries will have some of the highest nickel and lowest cobalt — a rare and costly material — content of any large-format pouch cell. The breakthroughs of the Ultium chemistry allow GM to use 70 percent less cobalt than GM’s previous generation of EVs.

HUMMER EV will also be the first vehicle in GM’s lineup to feature its wireless battery management system, which maintains balance within the truck’s battery cell groups for optimal performance and battery longevity.

Electrifying off-road

This is the first truck that we have ever designed around an EV propulsion system,” said Adam Kwiatkowski, GM executive chief engineer, Global Electric Propulsion. “Designing the truck and the propulsion system together enhances HUMMER EV’s unique performance capabilities, while also making this the stiffest truck GM has ever built.”

Edition 1’s three electric drive motors within Ultium Drive will yield a combined GM-estimated 1,000 horsepower, and when multiplied through the front and rear drive unit gear ratios, there will be more than a GM-estimated 11,500 lb-ft of torque available at the wheels.

The single-motor front drive unit will have a 13.3:1 fixed gear ratio and will offer an electronic lockable differential, capable of delivering up to 100 percent of the motor torque to one wheel, in case traction is lost on the opposite wheel. All four wheels can be fully synchronized for true e4WD propulsion.

Two rear motors contained in one Ultium Drive unit will independently power the rear wheels through a fixed gear ratio of 10.5:1, with the capability of varying torque output to each wheel to optimize traction in off-road driving and highway-driving conditions. Motor output can also be synchronized to simulate a locking differential.

The system’s pure electric propulsion holds peak torque much longer, through a wider speed range (up to 40 mph) than even diesel engines, which is optimal for off-roading, but also thrilling on-road. For straight-line performance, the Ultium batteries and Ultium Drive will offer enough power to enable the Watts to Freedom performance feature, launching the HUMMER EV from 0-60 mph in approximately 3 seconds (based on GM estimates).

DC fast charging

HUMMER EV will have the ability to take advantage of the industry’s fastest 350-kilowatt DC fast chargers4. This vehicle will offer a GM-estimated 350+ miles7of range based on preliminary testing, with a unique ability to switch its battery pack from its native 400-volts to 800-volts for charging. A disconnect unit and mechanization within the pack enables the battery to switch from “parallel” to “series,” allowing it to add nearly 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging8.

The charging system is also designed to support legacy 400-volt charging infrastructure, without the need for a converter box or other accessories, allowing HUMMER EV to use a variety of charging stations.

The HUMMER EV’s charging hardware will be complemented by in-vehicle and available smartphone apps that help customers find available charging locations and can even precondition the battery to get the most efficiency out of their upcoming charging session.

Energy Assist

The HUMMER EV’s in-vehicle Energy Assist, also part of the myGMC mobile app9, will monitor the vehicle’s energy use, and sets up a charging schedule, preheating the battery en route to the charging station for optimal charging and learning to drive more efficiently to maximize range and more. It is accessible through the infotainment system12 and designed with a simple, intuitive interface with easy-to-understand icons.

Regen on Demand5, one pedal drive10

HUMMER EV is the first GMC vehicle to offer variable Regen on Demand5, a driver-controlled regenerative braking feature, which converts the kinetic energy of the truck’s forward momentum into electricity stored in the vehicle’s battery packs for maximizing the driving range.

This standard feature is compatible with all of HUMMER EV’s available drive modes. Unlike other EV regenerative braking features, Regen on Demand allows the driver to decide when and to what extent the system should be used. With the pull of a steering wheel paddle, drivers can even slow the vehicle to a full stop without engaging the brake pedal. If the driver anticipates the need to decelerate the truck, he or she can engage Regen on Demand before lifting off the accelerator pedal, for a greater measure of control.

HUMMER EV also features one pedal driving10 through a driver-selectable Terrain Mode, which provides low-speed, one-pedal control for driving over off-road terrain and obstacles.

Super Cruise6

The GMC HUMMER EV will launch with the latest version of Super Cruise6, which includes a new automatic lane changing feature, where the system can determine when a lane change is optimal and initiate the maneuver, while following signaling protocols. Super Cruise capability with three years of service comes standard on HUMMER EV and is available on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.

Super Cruise is the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance systemUnlike others, it uses two advanced technology systems: a driver attention system and precision LiDAR map data. Recent enhancements to Super Cruise include performance and ease-of-use updates, including richer map information, improved software controls and user interface improvements to make Super Cruise more intuitive.

The HUMMER EV is the first full-electric vehicle in GMC’s portfolio and is powered by General Motors’ new Ultium battery system. Production begins in late 2021, at GM’s Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center11— a nearly 40-year-old facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to electric vehicle production. Future production vehicles out of the factory will offer zero emissions.

Performance targets, estimates and capability specifications based on computer-aided analysis and simulation using virtual engineering tools. Estimates may vary depending on model and trim. Additional model and trim details can be found at GMC.com. Actual production model and results may vary.

More information and reservation details are available at www.gmc.com/HummerEV.

About GMC
With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

10/25/20

What to Know About Towing | Consumer Reports


There are so many vessels and vehicles to satisfy your inner adventurer. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you need to know about getting these beauties from point A to point B.

10/23/20

Van Equipment to Increase your Time Savings at Work


Best Van Equipment for Time Savings at Work

Time savings is a large part of a successful business. Keeping on track and on time is key to increasing your sales and overall gross profit. On a daily basis, there are simple things that can help you and your employees stay on track. Creating prioritized task lists for example, helps give perspective on what needs to be accomplished during the course of a day.

However, it’s also important to ensure you have the correct tools for time savings. Whether you’re a fleet owner or a sole proprietor with one van, it’s important to ensure the van equipment you have is going to help you save a couple extra minutes of your day.  Below is a list of van equipment designed for company time savings:

Rear Access Partition
Increase time savings by accessing your cargo space directly from your cab, with a walk-through partition. These partitions still offer you the safety you need while on the road, but also eliminates the need for you to exit your vehicle to access your cargo.

Learn more 

Drop-Down Ladder Rack
Load and unload your ladder in under a minute with our Max Rack. With a single stage drop, the Max Rack lowers your ladder down to eye level, eliminating the struggle of trying to load and unload your ladder from the top of a high roof, multiple times a day. It’s an incredible time savings option and also a much safer option for your employees.

Learn more

Fold-Away Shelving
Are you looking for van equipment for delivery? If so, fold-away shelving is the quickest and most efficient way to deliver cargo of any volume. The flexible shelves can be folded up or down in multiple configurations to accommodate whatever size packages you may be carrying.

Learn more

Partskeepers
Keep your small parts organized and reduce the time spent searching for them. Partskeepers allow for small tools to be stored neatly in an easily accessible spot, with divided compartments to keep each piece separate. The partskeeper cases can also be brought directly onto the jobsite to eliminate trips back and forth to the van and increase time savings.

Learn more

LED Lighting
Don’t waste time searching through your dark cargo van for the tools you need – light up your cargo area with LED light strips. These small, inexpensive pieces of van equipment are actually a surprising time saver, especially in winter when the days get darker a lot faster.

Learn more

These are just some of the van equipment products that were designed to keep you organized and help save time on this job. Like we mentioned before, time savings is key to increasing profit. In fact, we’d like to prove it to you! Check out our times saving calculator to get an idea of the annual gain that comes with saving a few moments everyday.

Learn more at; Ranger Van Equipment

10/21/20

Bolt Lock Family


If you drive a truck, haul gear or pull a trailer, then the BOLT Series of locks is for you. The BOLT Series of locks lets you set all your truck, trailer and equipment locks to work with one key – your ignition key!

Simply insert the truck’s ignition key into the BOLT lock, turn it once and the lock mechanically and permanently learns the key code.

Whether you are a truck pro or a weekend warrior, you can’t beat the convenience of BOLT locks. Why carry all those extra keys?

10/19/20

GM Marks Progress Toward All-Electric Future with Unveiling of Factory ZERO




DETROIT – General Motors today announced its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center will be known as Factory ZERO, reconfigured to an all-electric vehicle assembly plant. The name Factory ZERO reflects the significance of this facility in advancing GM’s zero-crashes, zero-emissions and zero-congestion future. Factory ZERO will be the launchpad for GM’s multi-brand EV strategy. The facility has advanced technology and tooling and was designed with a focus on sustainable manufacturing. The GMC HUMMER EV pickup and the Cruise Origin, a purpose-built electric, self-driving, shared vehicle, and other GM EVs will be built at Factory ZERO. Production of the GMC HUMMER EV pickup will begin in late 2021.

“Factory ZERO is the next battleground in the EV race and will be GM’s flagship assembly plant in our journey to an all-electric future,” said Gerald Johnson, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing. “The electric trucks and SUVs that will be built here will help transform GM and the automotive industry.”

GM’s $2.2 billion investment in Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center for retooling and upgrades will position the facility to build EVs at scale. It represents the single largest investment in a plant in GM history. Once fully operational, the plant will create more than 2,200 good-paying U.S. manufacturing jobs.

Both the upcoming GMC HUMMER EV and the Cruise Origin will be built on GM’s Ultium battery platform. Ultium is flexible enough to build a wide range of EVs — cars, trucks and more — and is the heart of GM’s future EV lineup.

Factory ZERO is being transformed with sustainability in mind. During the plant’s physical transition, concrete waste was repurposed to create temporary roadways. The site also recycled stormwater to reduce discharge costs and offset the cost of potable water. Treated stormwater will be used in cooling towers and the fire suppression system. Recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council, the site also features a 16.5-acre wildlife habitat and is home to species such as monarchs, foxes and turkeys.

GM is committed to sourcing 100 percent of its U.S. facilities with renewable energy by 2030, and all global facilities by 2040. All DTE-supplied GM facilities in southeast Michigan, including Factory ZERO, will be powered by renewable energy by 2023. The factory also features a 30-kilowatt solar carport and 516-kilowatt ground-mount photovoltaic solar array from DTE.

“This manufacturing plant will be the epitome of GM’s vision by sustainably manufacturing electric and shared autonomous vehicles that can help reduce crashes, emissions and congestion,” said Dane Parker, GM chief sustainability officer.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, CadillacHolden, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

10/17/20

Survey Results: THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE TRUCKS


Survey respondents were asked to pick the two most important pieces of equipment on their service vehicles, out of air compressors, cranes, generators, welders, or other.

A significant portion of respondents chose “air compressor” as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Generators, cranes, and welders were split closely, with 32%, 31%, and 27% of respondents selecting these pieces of equipment as their top two most important. The other category includes responses such as hand tools, bucket lifts, liftgates, vacuums, and pumps.

OPERATORS/MECHANICS FAVOR AIR COMPRESSORS



Air compressors ranked even higher in popularity when segmenting the 47 Operators and Mechanics who answered the survey. 94% of these respondents chose air compressor as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Interestingly, Operators and Mechanics were the only segment that considered welders to be the second most important piece of equipment on their service truck.


10/15/20

WEATHERGUARDnation Brand


WEATHERGUARDNation welcomes Outdoor Channel's Chipper Jones from Major League Bowhunter, Tiffany Lakosky from Crush with Lee & Tiffany, Greg Zipadelli and Hal Shaffer from Drop Zone, Don and Kandi Kisky from Whitetail Freaks and Jana Waller from Skull Bound TV!

10/13/20

Health and Safety Tips for Commercial Van Drivers



Health and safety. It is a number one priority while at work. And for tradesmen and commercial van drivers especially, now is the time to be extra careful while on the job. Follow our health and safety guidelines to ensure your commercial van stays clean and sanitary.

Keep the Air Fresh
Ensure that the air in your cab and cargo space is constantly moving, and not staying stagnant in your vehicle for long periods of time. One product that helps with this, is a Flettner vent. Installed on the roof of the commercial van, it sucks in fresh air as you drive while forcing the stale air out. This lowers the chance of germs settling on surfaces, reducing the risk of sickness.

Put Up a Barrier for Yourself
For commercial vans designed to carry passengers or materials that may be contagious, it is a good idea to put up a barrier to protect you. Composite safety partitions for cargo vans are a great option. Their tight fit to the van walls prevent germs from seeping into the cab while you drive. For smaller passenger vans, a clear plexiglass shield offers just as much protection and also allows the driver and passengers to see and hear each other clearly.

Clean Your Work Space Regularly
Giving your commercial van a quick clean, as often as required by company guidelines or government regulations, is a good way to rid yourself of germs and bacteria. However sometimes it can be difficult to wash the things you touch the most; your seat for example. That’s why we suggest Seat Covers. Sturdy and fitted, they are also removable which means you can throw them in the washing machine as needed.

Keep Protective Equipment Close
Hand sanitizers, gloves, masks… these are essential items to be carrying around in this current time. However, these are relatively small items which means they can be easily lost in the equipment of a commercial van. The solution to this is the 3-in-1 Sanitizer Caddy. This aluminum holder mounts anywhere in your van and stores all the essential items you need when coming into contact with other people.

Here at Ranger Design, your health and safety is top priority. We have designed these products to provide you with a way to keep your commercial van sanitary while on the job. Learn more on how to better protect yourself with partitions.


Learn about all Ranger Design products at: https://rangerdesign.com/




10/11/20

How to set up your myGMC Action on Google


Use these simple steps to set up your myGMC Action on Google to send remote commands to your compatible GMC vehicle.

10/09/20

LIFTGATE GLOSSARY




Above Floor Travel
On specific rail-type models, this option allows your cargo to travel above the  floor level of the truck or trailer based upon the bed height of your application.
Bed Height
The vertical distance from ground level  to the floor surface of the vehicle.
Bed Height Range
When specifying a liftgate, the lesser  dimension refers to the bed height when the vehicle is loaded to maximum weight capacity. The greater dimension refers to the bed height when the vehicle is empty.
Below-Bed-Height Storage
Option found on many railgate models that  allow the liftgate platform to be stored so  its highest point is below the bed height  of the vehicle, thus allowing unobstructed  access to the rear of the vehicle without  having to operate the liftgate.
Cart Stops
A device used to prevent wheeled cargo from rolling off the ramp end of the  liftgate platform.
Conventional Liftgate
A liftgate that is welded or bolted to  the frame of the vehicle chassis. In the  stored or travel position, the lifting  platform is in the vertical position at the rear of the vehicle.
Dock Bumpers
Optional protective steel structures used commonly with Flipaway models that are welded below bed level at the rear of  the vehicle to protect the liftgate from damage caused by loading dock impact. May have the capacity to also house the vehicle tail lights.
Flipaway Liftgate
A liftgate that is welded to the frame of  the vehicle chassis. The loading platform is designed with two or three folding  sections. In the stored or travel position, the platform is folded and stored beneath the body floor allowing access to the cargo area without activating the lift.
Cantilever Lift
A Cantilever liftgate is a self-adjusting platform that stays level relative to the truck bed throughout the entire raise and lower cycle. Options are also available to convert the platform to a dock board or for use as a rear door.
Gravity Open, Power Close
Hydraulic close, torsion spring/gravity open.
 
Galvanization
The process of applying a protective  zinc coating to steel or iron, in order  to prevent rusting.
Load Capacity
Maximum amount of cargo weight that a  given liftgate is rated to handle during one cycle. Full rated capacity is based on the cargo being centered on the platform as close to the vehicle as possible or the weight being evenly distributed over the entire platform surface.
Mount Frame Clearance
Distance required between the rear-most  obstruction on the chassis and the end  of the vehicle body in order to mount  a liftgate.
Power Open, Power Close
Hydraulic operation of the liftgate platform during the open and closing portion of  the cycle, which allows for consistent  opening and closing speed regardless  of the climate conditions.
Power Up, Gravity Down
Hydraulic operation raises the liftgate  platform, while its own weight lowers it.
Power Up, Power Down
Hydraulic operation of the liftgate platform during the raise and lower portion of the cycle, which allows for consistent lifting  and lowering speed, regardless of the climate conditions.
Rail-Type Liftgate
Medium / Heavy / Bottle Gas / Pick-Up / Service Body / Dump Thru

Railgates have vertical tracks that weld  or bolt to the rear frame of a truck body  or trailer. The loading platform travels up  and down on these tracks through the  use of cables or chains in conjunction  with a hydraulic cylinder, or the use of  two hydraulic cylinders directly attached to the loading platform. In the travel  position, the platform stores over the rear door, although an option is available to allow storage below the door. 

• Medium Rail-Type Liftgate
–   References the lift capacity. • Heavy Rail-Type Liftgate –   References the lift capacity. • Bottle Gas (BG) Rail-Type Liftgate –   Offers design features targeted    to the bottle gas delivery industry. 

Reduced Maintenance

Standard on all Waltco liftgate models,  independently or a combination of  fiberglass-reinforced Teflon™ bearings,  slide pads and grease zerks to allow  additional protection to the major pivot points on your liftgate.

Retention Rail
Railing around the platform perimeter  that supports and restrains bottled  gas cylinders during delivery. Used on  MDLBG, PTBG, RBGL and WDVBG Bottled Gas models.
 
Sideloader Liftgate
A liftgate that is typically mounted below the side door of a truck body or trailer  and can be either frame or body mounted, depending on the application. In the stored or travel position, the platform stores under the body and is either unfolded or extended out from under the door.
Snubber Kit
A structure consisting of a steel brace and a rubber bumper pad used commonly with Flipaway models. The snubber kit stabilizes the liftgate platform while in the transit  position, minimizing potential for damage due to bouncing and/or road vibration.
Torsion Bar Assist                              
Reduces platform opening and closing forces with the use of spring loaded  counterbalanced torsion bars or rods.

Source: Waltco Liftgates - https://www.hiab.com/en-US/waltco/

10/07/20

CTech Work Truck Cabinets and Drawers


A big day for CTech as we participate in our first-ever virtual conference with the 15th Annual North American Caterpillar Dealers Procurement/Fleet Group. We've been hard at work gathering and editing footage for a feature-length commercial to show during the conference.

10/03/20

How to Set Up Weight Distribution | BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale


This video describes how to use the Weight Distribution feature of the CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale. With this feature, you can easily set up your weight distribution hitch without the need for a measuring tape, pen and paper. The CURT BetterWeigh™ #51701 is a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 device that wirelessly syncs with your smartphone to provide a variety of vehicle and trailer weights. This includes vehicle weight, GCW, payload, tongue weight and pin weight, as well as weight distribution setup and trailer brake gain. To begin setting up your weight distribution hitch with the CURT BetterWeigh™, choose the weight range that best suits your vehicle-trailer setup. To set the range, tap the gear icon and select Weight Distribution. Then, select a weight range. Next, select the Weight Distribution feature on the BetterWeigh™ app homescreen. Before pressing Ready, make sure your vehicle and trailer are aligned and ready to be coupled. Turn off the engine. Then, step back from the vehicle and tap Ready. BetterWeigh™ will take an initial reading of your vehicle’s pitch. Once the vehicle pitch is analyzed, lower the trailer tongue until the coupler is resting on the ball. BetterWeigh™ will then display the trailer tongue weight. Tap Ready again to see the weight distribution relative scale. Weights will be shown across the front, rear and trailer axle. The goal is to redistribute the weight toward the front vehicle axle. Next, attach the weight distribution spring bars to the trailer. Then, raise the trailer jack off the ground to see the initial weight distribution reading. Adjust the weight distribution hitch until the front end axle is in the green zone on the app. Finish connecting your trailer, and you’re ready to tow! BetterWeigh™ is compatible with Apple and Android phones. Download the BetterWeigh™ app from Google Play or the App Store. Learn more at www.curtmfg.com/betterweigh

10/01/20

BEDBIN by BEDSLIDE


Take a closer look at the BEDSLIDE accessories. See how the BEDBINS work with everyday items and why they are a great addition to your BEDSLIDE.