1/30/21

BOLT Off Vehicle Coupler Lock Attack Video


Not only are BOLT Locks convenient, allowing you to use just one key- our locks are tough. The BOLT Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock is a great theft deterrent for any unattended trailer.

1/28/21

Ask An Expert - Towing and Hauling Tips with Mark Hellwig


Hellwig Suspension Products CEO, Mark Hellwig has been in the load and sway control business his whole life. Over the years he has learned a few things about towing and hauling.

Mark shares a few tips and pieces of advice for proper and safe towing and hauling in this video.

1/26/21

GM Launches BrightDrop, a New Business That Will Electrify and Improve the Delivery of Goods and Services

  


  • GM’s new business will offer an integrated ecosystem of electric products, software and services for the first to last mile
  • BrightDrop’s electric pallet, the EP1, will be available in early 2021, and its electric light commercial vehicle, the EV600, will be on roads in late 2021
  • BrightDrop introduces GM’s Ultium platform to the commercial vehicle segment, and features Level 2 and DC fast charging capabilities
  • FedEx Express will be the first customer of the new, integrated solution

DETROIT – General Motors announced today a new business, BrightDrop, which will offer an ecosystem of electric first-to-last-mile products, software and services to empower delivery and logistics companies to move goods more efficiently. These BrightDrop solutions are designed to help businesses lower costs, maximize productivity, improve employee safety and freight security, and support overall sustainability efforts.

“BrightDrop offers a smarter way to deliver goods and services,” said Mary Barra GM Chairman and CEO. “We are building on our significant expertise in electrification, mobility applications, telematics and fleet management, with a new one-stop-shop solution for commercial customers to move goods in a better, more sustainable way.”

BrightDrop was born out of GM’s Global Innovation organization and joins the lineup of other recently launched Global Innovation startups, such as OnStar Insurance, OnStar Guardian and GM Defense. From a growth strategy standpoint, this new business will unlock areas of B2B, expansion of the Ultium platform and software and service opportunities.

GM estimates that by 2025, the combined market opportunity for parcel, food delivery and reverse logistics in the U.S. will be over $850 billion. According to the World Economic Forum, demand for urban last-mile delivery, fueled by e-commerce, is expected to grow by 78 percent by 2030, leading to a 36 percent increase in delivery vehicles in the world’s top 100 cities. At the same time, this increase in demand is expected to cause delivery-related carbon emissions to rise by nearly one-third.

To help meet this surge in demand, while reducing the impact on the planet, BrightDrop is developing an integrated set of solutions to help improve almost every aspect of first-to-last-mile delivery. The BrightDrop ecosystem includes:

First-to-last-mile products

BrightDrop EP1 – BrightDrop’s first product to market, the EP1, will be a propulsion-assisted, electric pallet developed to easily move goods over short distances – for example, from the delivery vehicle to the customer’s front door. Available in early 2021, the EP1 can help reduce package touch points, costs and physical strain on delivery drivers. EP1 features and benefits include:

Built-in electric hub motors with adjustable speed up to 3 mph depending on operator’s walking pace.

Maneuverable in tight spaces. 

Carries and secures approximately 23 total cubic feet of cargo.

Payload capacity of 200 pounds.

Adjustable shelving organizes contents.

Lockable cabinet doors allow for secure, remote access to contents.

BrightDrop EV600 - BrightDrop’s second product to market will be the EV600 — an electric light commercial vehicle purpose-built for the delivery of goods and services over long ranges. It will combine zero-emissions driving with a range of advanced safety and convenience features more common in consumer electric vehicles. EV600 features and benefits include:

Powered by the Ultium battery system, the EV600 is targeted to have an estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge1.

Peak charge rate of up to 170 miles of EV range per hour via 120kW DC fast charging.

Over 600 cubic feet of cargo area.

Available at a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.

Segment leading safety features

Standard safety features2 include: Front and Rear Park Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam automatic high beams and HD Rear Vision Camera.

Additional available safety and driver assistance features include: Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Reverse Automatic Braking, HD Surround Vision, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, among others.

Cargo area security system with motion sensors to help keep cargo secure.

A 13.4-inch-diagonal, full-color infotainment screen.

Front sliding pocket doors, wide cabin walkways and a large auto-open cargo bulkhead door all contribute to optimize driver efficiency.

Early customer interest in the EV600 has been strong, with the first vehicles to be delivered by the end of this year. BrightDrop expects to make the EV600s available to more customers to order starting in early 2022.

Software-enabled services

BrightDrop offers an integrated, cloud-based software platform, which provides customers visibility and access to their BrightDrop products through both web and mobile interfaces. Built-in connectivity provides businesses with detailed data and insights that can help improve overall operations, including route efficiency, asset utilization and product upgrades. Drivers and couriers can utilize the mobile application for a variety of tasks.

BrightDrop mobile asset management – EP1 connectivity provides customers real-time features, including location monitoring, battery status, remote commands to lock and unlock, and over-the-air updates of connected features.

BrightDrop EV fleet management – EV600 connectivity provides fleet operators remote access, real-time location, battery and charging management, driver safety coaching and incident recording, remote diagnostics, safety alerts and predictive maintenance insights, and over-the-air updates.

Future concepts – The EP1 and EV600 are only the beginning. BrightDrop will continue to grow its product offerings over time to include a portfolio of integrated, zero-emissions products to help drive further efficiencies and address emerging customer needs. A number of concepts are being explored, such as a medium-distance solution that transports multiple EP1s, and a rapid load delivery vehicle concept.

Innovating with FedEx Express

BrightDrop is the result of extensive research and listening to challenges faced by delivery customers and then leveraging GM expertise to develop real-life solutions. An EP1 pilot program has already been completed in partnership with FedEx Express. During the pilot, FedEx Express couriers were able to effectively and safely handle 25 percent more packages per day with the EP1s. FedEx Express couriers shared feedback that the EP1s were easy to maneuver and reduced physical strain.

With plans to continue innovating, BrightDrop and FedEx Express have another pilot scheduled to take place in one of the biggest urban centers of the U.S. this quarter. FedEx Express is also slated to be the first customer of the EV600, receiving their vehicles later this year.

“Our need for reliable, sustainable transportation has never been more important,” said Richard Smith, FedEx Express regional president of the Americas and executive vice president of global support. "BrightDrop is a perfect example of the innovations we are adopting to transform our company as time-definite express transportation continues to grow. With this new suite of products, we will help improve the safety, security and timeliness of FedEx Express deliveries, while reducing our environmental impact and protecting the well-being of our couriers."

BrightDrop operations

Travis Katz has joined BrightDrop as president and CEO from venture capital firm Redpoint Ventures where he was an entrepreneur-in-residence. Katz has an extensive background as a technology leader, entrepreneur and investor. This, combined with his track record of scaling global businesses, will help BrightDrop further GM’s vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.

BrightDrop will initially serve customers in the U.S. and Canada. It will have a customer support team to assist with every aspect of operating and servicing BrightDrop products, including supporting charging and infrastructure installation, advising on upfitting services, and retrofitting a current fleet vehicle to integrate with BrightDrop products. BrightDrop support services will also assist with maintenance needs, including securing parts and scheduling repairs.

Customers will connect with BrightDrop through an independent sales and service network, leveraging a newly established BrightDrop dealer network to support vehicle sales and service.

For more information on BrightDrop and its products and services, visit gobrightdrop.com.

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General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries can be found at https://www.gm.com.

1 GM estimate based on a full charge and subject to change prior to production.  GM Estimated range based on current capability of analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017 - MCT. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle. 

2 Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner.  The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times.  Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle's owner's manual for more important feature limitations and information.

1/24/21

BEDSLIDE Adventure Packing


If anyone knows adventure, it's the Days. From @somedayadventure and @somedayilllearn. We got a first hand look at how they get set for travel and adventure.

1/22/21

Turnoverball: Still the Best Gooseneck Hitch


The history of the Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch as told by co-creator, Joe Works, and why it's still the best gooseneck towing option.

1/19/21

Find the Right Van Accessories for Your Work Van

Find your Work Van with the Most Useful Van Accessories

An Upfit Package with Ranger Design


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 holdersbottle 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.

For more info call us today at (800) 565-5321, contact a product specialist or request a quote.
Learn more at: https://rangerdesign.com

1/18/21

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