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)