Building the Ultimate Work Truck | A Guide for Contractors and Equipment Suppliers

A good work truck shouldn’t just be reliable transportation—It needs to be a toolbox, a mobile office, a hauler, and more… Here’s a complete guide to building a work truck that works as hard as you do. Work Truck Job Requirements When it comes to the different work truck functions, here are some questions to get you started… Passengers. How many people will you have to fit? Some trucks offer a way to easily reconfigure the interior to accommodate more people or more cargo. Load. How much weight do you need to haul? If you regularly haul heavy equipment to job sites, you may want a truck with a high towing capacity. Tools. What kinds of tools do you need to keep handy in the truck? You’ll want a way to organize and secure them and may want to consider aftermarket accessories as well—But more about this later. Distance. How far do you travel each day? If you’re clocking in some heavy miles, a hybrid or all-electric work truck could save you some dough. Terrain. What kind of terrain will you travel on? You may not need an all-wheel-drive (AWD) if you’re just driving on regular pavement. Truck Size You want to be comfortable! One indication that the truck may not be the right size for you is your need to move the seat to maximum positions—For example, do you need to move all the way up and forward in order to see over the wheel? Or will you want to lower the seat and recline it in order to avoid hitting your head? Don’t judge a truck by a photo, alone—You’ll want to take a seat inside the real thing! Truck Hauling and Towing If you regularly move equipment and other heavy items, we recommend getting the highest rated towing capacity that you can afford. For some, sacrificing interior space for a longer truck bed will suit their hauling needs. It is not necessary to buy a work truck large enough to tow items that you rarely have to transport. In the event you have a super heavy load, you can always just lease a larger truck. Truck Wheels You’ll want the type of wheels that can handle the terrain you are most likely to encounter on a regular basis. Some like the look of oversized tires, but it can be harder to get into a truck that is high off the ground. You can be dazzled by expensive rims, but you’re going to work, not a truck show. These are opportunities to save money to buy more practical accessories. Truck Safety Airbags are standard these days, but some newer work trucks include some impressive safety features, including braking when a living being is detected in front of you or warning you if you start to drift into another lane. And backup cameras are getting more sophisticated with guides to help you back into spaces and warning signals when you’re getting too close to a wall. Tools

There are several ways to organize your tools. Here are just a few options: Decked offers a unique drawer system that doesn’t take away your bed space. Bedslide makes it easy to slide your tools and equipment out from your truck. Weather Guard has their line of Pack Rat pull out storage in various sizes.

Buyers Products Pro Series - Aluminum Tool Boxes for Trucks

Our Aluminum Pro Series of Truck Tool Boxes are built to withstand the harshest conditions with the features a pro would demand. Proudly designed and constructed right here in Northeast Ohio, these boxes are our most reliable line yet.

View our entire selection of Pro Series Truck Tool Boxes here: https://www.buyersproducts.com/catalog/truck-boxes-11/xd-truck-box-785

Fleet 101: What is Torque?

This Fleet 101 episode of Truck Chat episode focuses on a commonly misunderstood term in truck fleets today: #torque. Executive Editor, Lauren Fletcher, covers the basics of torque and helps you gain a greater understanding of the topic. Today's topics include: - What is torque? - How is torque measured? - Where does torque come from? - What causes differences in torque? - Why does torque matter to work truck fleets? This episode is sponsored by@Goodyear

Cognitive Distraction

Think you know all about distracted driving? Think again! New research reveals that voice-activated in-car technologies dangerously undermine driver attention.

Keeping Your Car (and Truck) Sensors Clean | Consumer Reports

Today's cars come with cutting edge technology designed to help keep you safe. Consumer Reports' expert explains how these revolutionary innovations can stop working with one simple thing: dirt.

THE UTILITY DECK by Highways Products

The Utility Deck is the industry’s first load bearing bed cover with utility boxes and a utility gate, creating the ultimate alternative to a service body. The utility deck comes loaded with standard features. With the secure storage beneath the cover combined with the compartment boxes, there is over 2.5X as much secure storage compared to a long bed single rear wheel service body. And, you still have deck space for materials, equipment, and tools Patent pending. To learn more, call 1-800-TOOL-BOX (1-800-866-5269) or visit us online at https://HighwayProducts.com/Custom/Ut...

GMC Sierra Offers More Innovative Trailering Tech as Americans Continue to Hit the Road for Outdoor Adventures

Jack-Knife Alert, Trailer Length Indicator and enhanced Rear Trailer View join existing available camera technology on GMC Sierra 1500 and Sierra Heavy Duty to help drivers tow like a pro

                                                        

DETROIT – At a time when towing is on the rise, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Sierra Heavy Duty will offer several new available features that build on the trucks’ strong suite of customer-focused trailering technologies.

“Trailering is essential for pickup truck customers. More than half of our Sierra customers use their trucks to primarily tow equipment for outdoor adventures,” said GMC Marketing Director Rich Latek. “We continually listen to customer feedback, which tells us they want class-leading safety, technology and comfort to tow what they need, whether it’s a boat, an RV or a trailer hauling off-road toys.”

These updates arrive as an ever-growing number of Americans are turning to outdoor activities that require a trailer. In a recent study, the RV Industry Association found that more than 46 million Americans are planning to take an RV trip in the next year. As a result, shipments of RVs have been increasing this summer and towable RVs make up about 90 percent of those sales.1

New or enhanced trailering tech available on both 2021 GMC Sierra light-duty and heavy-duty models includes:

Trailer Length Indicator: New for 2021, when enabled and driving forward with the turn signal activated, the center console screen displays a red overlay twice the length of the compatible trailer and shows when other vehicles are present and may interfere with a lane-change maneuver.

Jack-Knife Alert: New for 2021, Jack-Knife Alert tracks the position of the compatible trailer in relation to the vehicle. If the front of the trailer approaches the rear of the vehicle, an alert is displayed when there may be a potential jack-knife situation.

Rear Trailer View now features guidelines and Trailer-Angle Indicator: Rear Trailer View has been enhanced to include guidelines that assist when backing a trailer into place and a Trailer-Angle Indicator to show the relationship between the truck and compatible trailer. Rear Trailer View requires the customer-installed available GM auxiliary accessory camera.

Rear Side View enhancement: When driving forward on the 2020 GMC Sierra, Rear Side View provides a split view of the left and right sides of the truck and compatible trailer that is automatically biased based on the trailer’s angle. In the 2021 GMC Sierra, drivers will have access to this view while driving in reverse, making it easier to see surrounding vehicles and objects while positioning a trailer.

Cargo Bed View enhancement: New Cargo Bed Zoom View and Bed Hitch Guidance are now available, which can be helpful for aligning and hooking up a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer.

Select trailering features require a conventional-hitched box or camping trailer and additional setup may be required. Customers can see their dealers for full details.

Additional updates for 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

• Other additions to the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 include increased availability of the MultiPro Tailgate on SLE and Elevation trims, as well as a new selection of colors. New available features on the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 include 20-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires and an off-road high-clearance step.
• The available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, which provides an ideal balance of performance and efficiency with 460 lb-ft of torque and best-in-class horsepower while offering up to an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway, is a popular choice for GMC Sierra customers. For 2021, the MSRP of the popular engine will be reduced by $1,500, placing it at $995 MSRP above the Sierra 1500’s 5.3L V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management.
• Additional updates for 2021 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty
• New additions to the 2021 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty include enhancements to the trucks’ popular premium trims. HD Surround Vision and Bed View camera technology are now standard on Denali. The new Sierra HD Denali Black Diamond Edition will have several unique features, including exclusive 20-inch high-gloss black wheels and new power-retractable assist steps.
• Similar to the Sierra 1500, the Sierra Heavy Duty AT4 will now have available 18-inch Mud Terrain tires and an available off-road high clearance step accessory.
• Other additions to Sierra HD include the MultiPro Tailgate standard on SLE and three new colors.

1 Source: RV Industry Association, https://www.rvia.org/reports-trends

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 sub-brand 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.

GMC Sierra | “Shock and Awe” | GMC

Here’s your first glimpse of the all-new, all-electric GMC Sierra Denali. The all-electric Sierra Denali will further evolve the technology, capability and premium innovation you expect in a GMC. Get ready for the full electrifying reveal in 2022.

Norstar SD Service Bed | Norstar Company

Our SD truck bed is our best selling model and in this video we show you exactly why. The Norstar SD Service bed is perfect for the tradesman. Our Service Bed offers multiple standard tool boxes and many options for your on the go needs. This bed comes with 2 vertical cabinets, 2 angled boxes, 2 top boxes, and 2 rear underbody boxes plus a bonus locking rear shovel compartment for tons of storage. Multiple option choices allow you to build this bed to your industry. All doors are gas shock equipped and locking paddle latches are standard as well as a serviceable, tamper-resistant integrated door hinge system – new for 2020. Our 2.5” receiver allows you to add a hitch for bumper pull cargo and a 2 5/16” gooseneck ball is standard in case you are hauling a heavyweight. Our receivers are lab tested and certified for 18,500 lbs bumper capacity and 30,000 lbs gooseneck capacity. Standard adjustable galvanized tool trays with available cabinet tool drawers can add the finishing touch if you have a lot of parts or tools for your work load. Dual LED rear work lights and cast aluminum light housings as well as tail gate are standard features on the SD. These beds are a perfect complement for any single or dual wheel work truck with smooth 12 gauge sides, 11 gauge bumper and gloss black powder coating. http://www.norstarcompany.com/index.cfm https://norstarparts.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/norstarcomp... Facebook https://m.facebook.com/norstarcompany/

Dual Rear Wheel Service Body Has More Room!

We show off a Knapheide 9' service body on a GMC 3500HD dual rear wheel chassis. This setup is close to the same length as the popular 8' service body on a 2500HD, but has deeper compartments and carries considerably more weight for those heavy tools. See more about our commercial truck department at http://www.lehmersgmc.com

GMC Sierra AT4 2500 and Denali 3500 HD Dually Pickup Trucks at Chicago Auto show

Love the tailgate on here, two crew cabs. Standard box and long box with duallies.

Always thought of GMC as having the best heavy duty and optioned-out trucks., the 2500HD and 3500HD both with the Cummins 6.6 diesels. An industry leading 1100ft-lbs of torque, 10 speed automatic transmission manufactured by Allison gives you all the tree stump pulling you can want with almost 30 highway mpg's!

There is also a new 6.4 Gas engine for those that don't need diesel power! You can see that the vehicle is equipped with a fifth wheel for towing goose-neck trailers. Max trailer weight of 27,000 lbs Optional supercharger package on the cyclone.

Source: Internal Combustion

CURT Multipro/Multiflex Tailgate Sensor

Martin tells us a little bit about this award-winning new product. When towing with your GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado, it is important to protect your tailgate. A ball mount or other hitch accessory inserted in the receiver can become an obstruction for the inner tailgate operation. This hitch cap sensor is a tailgate saver, working in sync with the truck’s electronics to prevent the tailgate from folding down and being damaged by the hitch accessory. Installing this Chevrolet / GMC tailgate sensor is simple with no wire cutting or splicing required. It fits virtually any 2" x 2" receiver hitch, and it requires no extra electrical components for a complete installation.

Reading Truck Body // Aluminum Classic Service Van Body Walkaround

Walkaround video for Reading Truck Body's Aluminum Classic Service Van Body. Watch the recording of Reading Truck's Driving What's Next webinar which featured the Aluminum Classic Service Van Body to learn more. Watch here: http://webinar.readingbody.com/Alumin...

Fleet 101: What is Torque?

This Fleet 101 episode of Truck Chat episode focuses on a commonly misunderstood term in truck fleets today: #torque. Executive Editor, Lauren Fletcher, covers the basics of torque and helps you gain a greater understanding of the topic. Today's topics include: - What is torque? - How is torque measured? - Where does torque come from? - What causes differences in torque? - Why does torque matter to work truck fleets? This episode is sponsored by@Goodyear

Value of Effectively Maintaining Upfits

 - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Having the right "tools" for the job is essential.

Your upfit is spec’ed, purchased, and installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.

Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:

A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.

“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.

At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.

“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.

Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.

“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”

When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.

“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.

“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.

6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:

Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection

Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.

“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance

When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.

“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.

To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.

“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.

Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly 

Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders. 

“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment

You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.

“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.

Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing

When you service certain upfit items is also essential.

“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage
Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.

“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits

CURT QuickPin™ No-Latch Coupler | Hassle-Free Trailer Hookup

A tradition coupler latch is a hassle to use. So, the QuickPin™ coupler doesn’t have one! Introducing the CURT QuickPin™ no-latch trailer coupler. QuickPin™ is a revolutionary design, doing away with the traditional latch mechanism for simple, stress-free trailer hookup. Most couplers use a complicated hinging latch that's prone to wear out and become corroded, leading to difficulties and frustration. Instead of a latch, QuickPin™ uses a simple hitch pin to create a safe, reliable, hassle-free towing connection. It's as easy as dropping the trailer tongue onto the hitch ball, inserting the QuickPin™ hitch pin, and that's it! No more wrestling with a rusty latch, and no adjustment or tightening needed. This trailer hitch coupler is fully tested according to SAE-684 specifications. It is available in standard hitch ball sizes and trailer tongue beam widths. It also has standard mounting holes to fit most existing trailer tongue bolt patterns (mounting hardware not included). Features and benefits of QuickPin™ - Innovative design allows fast, hassle-free trailer coupling with just one pin - No jamming or complicated hinging components prone to wear - Easier to use than traditional couplers - Fastens securely with included pin and clip - No adjustments or tightening needed - Lasso lanyard secures pin to coupler to avoid missing pieces - Stamped steel construction for dependable strength - Passes SAE-684 performance testing - Available to fit standard trailer ball diameters and trailer frames - Compatible with most existing coupler mounting hole configurations - Protected by a durable black powder coat finish - Limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts)

Built to Last: Aluminum Truck Bodies from Knapheide

Our aluminum truck bodies were designed from the ground up, and they're manufactured in our brand new, state-of-the-art facility using aerospace technology. We've invested in aluminum manufacturing to deliver you the strongest and highest quality aluminum bodies in the world. Learn more about our aluminum bodies: http://bit.ly/KnapheideAluminum

Reading Truck Body // Aluminum Classic II Service Body Walkaround

Walkaround video for Reading Truck Body's Aluminum Classic II Service Body. Watch the recording of Reading Truck's Driving What's Next webinar which featured the Aluminum Classic II Service Body to learn more. Watch here: http://webinar.readingbody.com/Alumin...

Find the Right Van Accessories for Your Work Van

Find your Work Van with the Most Useful Van Accessories

Getting the most from your work van is easy when you choose the right van accessories to help you become more organized and efficient. Good truck and van accessories will always pay for themselves by allowing you to maximize your cargo space and productivity, while also keeping your most expensive equipment protected.

With so many van accessories to choose from, the best way to find which ones work for you is to take some time to consider your needs. All tradesmen work differently, and every trade has their own basic tools. Make a list of all the equipment that you use daily. Consider ladders, large and small parts, and inventory. With a list in hand, you’ll be able to visualize your needs and determine which of the van accessories below will be the most beneficial.

Van Accessories for Organization:

Paper holders, bottle holders and reel holders are designed to increase organization by giving you a specific spot to store your equipment. Instead of rolling loose on the floor, your bottles and reels can be fastened down and within easy reach from the door. As for your paperwork and files, keep them all together in a paper holder where they won’t get ripped or crumpled.

Partskeepers are a great way to keep your smallest parts together and secured. With small, dividable bins, they offer a great storage system to take with you onto the job site. Sturdy yet lightweight, you can never have too many Partskeepers for your tools.

Storage bins are available in several sizes, and can be accessorized with bin dividers. These are ideal for holding items and inventory so you can find what you need quickly and easily. Like the Partskeepers, if you have many items to carry with you on the job, then these bins are the ideal solution.

Hooks come in several different styles and can be used to organize tools and equipment near the van doors to be most effective. Hard hat holders can keep frequently used hats within easy reach and safely stowed while on the road.

Van Accessories for Driver Comfort & Safety:

Lighting keeps the cargo space bright, making it easy to find your tools, no matter what time of day or night. It also eliminates any chance of receiving cuts and bruises when searching through your tools in the dark.

Rear Steps are extremely beneficial for tradesmen with high roof vans. Climbing in and out several times a day can put quite a strain on your legs and back, especially when carrying heavy items at the same time. The steps also provide a rugged grip in the winter, so there is no fear of slipping when getting in or out.

Grab Handles, like the rear steps, are designed to provide you with easier access into your van. Whether installed in a high roof of low roof work van, it is always useful to have something to hold onto. It can also be used to tie down additional cargo for safe transportation.

Flettner vents help protect you from any gasses/vapors or smells that may build up in the cargo area of your vehicle. It helps reduce heat build-up and allows moisture to escape should any materials or tools be stored while they are still wet. It is a simple way to stay healthy while working.

For more products to enhance driver comfort and safety, check out our Safety Equipment blog.

Van Accessories for Vehicle Security:

Lockable Doors and Drawers provide two advantages. They can better protect your inventory and tools by keeping them in one place on the rougher roads. Also, they can deter thieves and protect valuable tools while you’re on the job and your work van is left unattended.

Wire grills for your windows can also protect you against theft as well as prevent damage to the van during loading or unloading. They are an easy install and such a simple product that just might help save you a lot of money in the future.

Seat Covers help keep your work van seats clean and in good condition. Instead of getting dirt and grease on your seats and staining them permanently, use custom-fit covers that can be easily removed and washed. Come time to sell your vehicle, you will be grateful you kept them in such good condition.
Learn other simple tricks to help Safeguard Your Work Van Against Tool Theft.

Consider the demands of your trade and your needs, and invest in the van accessories that will pay for themselves with the time and money they save.

https://rangerdesign.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-van-accessories/

For more info call us today at (800) 565-5321, contact a product specialist or request a quote.

Learn more at: https://rangerdesign.com

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Speed Limits

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - Obey speed limits - - Slow down at high risk areas - - Keep a safe distance -

Harbor False Floor / Dual Tailgate: Keep contents separated and secure

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

When to Replace Your Tires | Consumer Reports

The lifespan of a tire can range anywhere from 25,000 miles to 100,000 miles. The experts at CR show you how to check your tires so you’ll know exactly when to replace them.

CURT CrossWing™ Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch | Features & Benefits

The CrossWing™ 5th wheel hitch #16600 by CURT gives you the best of both worlds by packing extraordinary strength into one lightweight hitch. With the main body weight of only 60 pounds, it is 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheel hitches while still offering a 20,000 lb. weight capacity, so strength and muscle are not sacrificed. Its patent-pending ShockDrop technology provides a smoother towing experience by reducing jerking and jarring, and its structure allows fore, aft and lateral head articulation when connecting on uneven terrain, so you can be comfortable and confident in your ride no matter what type of rugged roads you encounter. The CrossWing™ also features a reinforced head connection point that provides exceptional strength, along with a unique coupling system that eliminates guesswork by offering a visible contact surface. Features and benefits of the CURT CrossWing™ lightweight 5th wheel hitch: - Premium steel construction offers robust 20,000-lb. capacity - Features patent-pending ShockDrop technology to reduce jerking and jarring - Reinforced head connection point for superior strength and peace of mind - Easy, one-person installation and removal (fits industry-standard rails) - 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheel hitches (main body weighs 60 lbs.) - Unique coupling system eliminates guesswork by offering visible contact surface - Head channel guides kingpin into place for easier hookup - Allows fore, aft and lateral head articulation when connecting on uneven terrain - Easy-to-reach release handle for ergonomic operation - Three points of height adjustment from 16-3/8" to 20-3/8" - Coupling point offset 5" rearward for added turning clearance - Premium, carbide textured black finish for lasting rust resistance - High-grade steel design for added strength vs. aluminum - Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J2638

Lift the Load with a Venco Venturo ET6K Electric Crane

The standard configuration for the ET6K includes a manual extension boom from six to 10 feet and hydraulic elevation from -5 to +75 degrees. The crane’s rating is 6,000 foot-pounds with a maximum lifting capacity of one ton – falling below the OSHA requirement for operator certification – making it exempt from OSHA 1926.1427 operator certification requirements.

The ET6K winch features a high-efficiency, heavy-duty three-stage electric planetary gear drive, 12V permanent magnet motor and dual braking systems, and comes standard with a capacity overload shut-off system, aircraft-quality wire rope, and remote control pendant.

Available options include radio remote control, anti two-block system which meets ANSI B30.5 safety standards, mounting pedestals for platform body applications, outriggers and jacklegs for a variety of truck bodies and an adjustable boom rest with a load block storage hook.

The ET6K is recommended for general service applications on any truck with a GVWR of 8,000 LBS or more.

- See more at: http://venturo.com/product/et6k/

Why Getting Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly Is Essential

The mechanical condition of a vehicle dictates its safety 

as well as its performance on the road. In order to guarantee

• a smooth ride,
• prolong the life of a car,
• and increase its safety

The owner should always consider getting the vehicle serviced regularly. The main reason why this procedure is required is to ensure that any mechanical anomalies can be spotted and rectified before they can cause harm.

The routine maintenance is a small price to pay to guarantee one's safety on the roads. So what are the benefits of acquiring this service?

• It reduces the repair costs - maintenance procedures are preventative in nature and this means that it is a good way of avoiding major repair bills as a result of oversight.
• It reduces the chances of getting surprise breakdowns.
• Regular car services will lower the possible risk of getting involved in an accident
• Servicing involves various procedures that guarantee better fuel consumption. In essence it is cheaper to run a car that regularly goes for servicing

There are several kinds of servicing available and they include the following:

6 month or interim car service

This is a procedure that is intended for those individuals who cover a lot of mileage over short periods. This means that the car will require more regular checks to avoid unforeseen faults. Some of the work includes filter and oil changes as well as a comprehensive diagnostic check for all essential functions.

12 month or comprehensive car service

This is an all inclusive checkup that should be mandatory for all cars that are used on a regular basis. Most service providers do no less than 70 checks as well as some necessary adjustments. Replacement of worn out components is also done where necessary. The procedure includes Spark plug and air filter replacement among other processes.

Winter Inspection

Ensure that your car is ready to withstand winter conditions by getting a specialised check. Winter safety checks should be a mandatory practice for all car owners.

Car owners have a wide variety of options when it comes choosing a vehicle servicing company, whether you are driving a Land Rover or a Volswagen Polo. There are even new companies offering to service your car at your home or work place.

Of course, for those owners that are mechanically savvy, there is the option of servicing the car themselves. But you have to be qualified to do so and you must know exactly what you are doing.

Whether you use a professional's help or do it yourself, getting your car is very important.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7432715

Knapheide KUV Utility Van Is Very Popular With Contractors

Ron Sadler, Commercial Department Manager shows off a very popular unit on a cutaway van. This is an 11' KUV enclosed service body that is very popular with plumbers and many other contractors too. There's room inside to carry tall items, pipe, and much more, plus all the storage on the outside that is under lock and key. It is also low to the ground to make it easy to get in and out of the cab or the back end.

See more about our commercial truck department at http://www.lehmersgmc.com

Next Generation TradeMaster Service Body From Harbor Truck Body

Warren with Harbor Truck Body shows off all latest features of the next generation TradeMaster Service Body. See more at http://www.harbortruck.com

Trailer Hitch Systems - Curt Manufacturing

 

Learn more details at: https:curtmfg.com/basic-towing-components

Weight Distribution Hitches Explained - How They Work, Why You Need One

Today we delve into the black magic that is the weight distributing hitch, also called "load leveling hitch" or "weight distribution hitch." This is the ultimate trifecta of poorly understood, infrequently used, and absolutely essential...

Next Generation GMC Canyon | “Next Generation Canyon Hikearound Tour” | GMC

Join Overland Bound’s Mike Murguia for an in-depth hikearound tour of the First Ever Canyon AT4X Edition 1 Package and see what makes the Next Generation Canyon the Official Vehicle of Nowhere. Learn more at: https://www.gmc.com/future-vehicles/2...