2019 Ram 5500 Limited gets CM Truck Beds ranch body

CM Truck Beds vice-president Joe Lewis shows us a rancher-style body made for a 2019 Ram 5500 Laramie Limited. A one-piece tube headache rack offers plenty of tie-off points. The 1/8-inch tread plate deck is protected by Line-X coating. Gooseneck towing for the CM truck body is rated at 30,000 pounds while rear towing is rated at 18,500.

Prime Design high roof van ErgoRack Demo

Watch how Prime Design's ErgoRack allows for productive, safe, and easy loading and unloading of a ladder. With the Ergorack you can load a ladder in 20 seconds or less without risking injury by climbing on a bumper or tire. The ErgoRack fits on almost any commercial van and truck model, wheelbase, and height. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and watch this demo of an ErgoRack on a Ram ProMaster.

Optimizing Truck and Van Specs

by Mike Antich 

Vehicle specifications should be defined by the fleet application and mission requirements. It is important to design a truck or van that will accommodate your operational requirements rather than trying to make your operation conform to the vehicle. Without fully understanding the fleet application requirements and operating parameters, it is impossible to spec the best chassis, powertrain, and body necessary to optimize productivity.

A common mistake made by inexperienced fleet managers is that they do not know a vehicle's operating parameters and payload requirements. You need to talk with the people in the field to understand what type of service the vehicle is expected to perform and how it will be used. The key objective of your discussions with drivers or technicians is to match the truck or van with the fleet application. When meeting with end-users, ask questions about their current vehicles. For example, is the powertrain right for their application? Similarly, investigate whether the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is adequate for the payload carried, or, is the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) high enough if the vehicle will be towing a trailer?

When talking with employees who are actually using trucks or vans, you may discover they have problems unknown to you. It is common to discover problems with loading height, cab access, lack of bins, limited visibility when backing, or insufficient tool storage. This is your opportunity to ask a lot of questions to determine vehicle or upfit deficiencies. For instance, ask employees about passenger requirements, how the payload is distributed, whether the vehicle will be fully loaded or operating with a diminishing load, and how they load and off-load cargo.

Look at the existing vehicle and investigate the maintenance records. What type of problems has this vehicle had, if any? This will help you determine if the current vehicle is under-spec’d. If it is, then take the necessary steps to correct it. Usually, the majority of trucks or vans that have unscheduled maintenance problems are under-powered and overloaded, which, in addition to increased shop time, results in increased driver downtime. Your maintenance records will reveal that most of the vehicles that experience repeated mechanical failures are under-spec’d.

When you’re building a medium-duty truck, there are a number of key factors that must be spec’d correctly, or you’ll make an expensive mistake. The foremost consideration when building a truck is payload. The weight of the payload determines the engine, transmission, size of tire, frame, and just about everything else.

It is also important to understand how a vehicle will be loaded and unloaded to determine whether a liftgate or pull-out ramp should be chosen for the truck body. Ask how employees will load the payload. Do they use pallet jacks or forklifts? What are the dimensions of the payload? It is important to know the height requirements of the truck. For instance, if payload will be loaded and off-loaded at a dock, what is the dock height? If a forklift is utilized in the loading or unloading payload, it is essential to have the forklift reinforcement option included in the body specifications.

Also, know where and how your drivers are securing the load. Take into consideration the height and bulk of your product to ensure the truck or van has the proper cargo restraint system.

Clean Sheet Approach to Spec’ing
When spec’ing vehicles, past history is important but one negative outcome to using last model-year specs is repeating past inefficiencies. Fleet managers need to adopt a “clean sheet” approach to how they spec their truck or van fleets.

Building a truck or van is a complicated process. Specifying the right vehicle requires hundreds of decisions and choices — and each choice potentially impacts another. When spec’ing a medium-duty truck, there are a number of key factors that must be spec’d correctly. If not, you’ll end up making an expensive mistake.

Where it gets tricky is finding the balance to avoid over-spec’ing or under-spec’ing a truck, each with its own unique set of consequences. Over-spec’ing a truck or van increases the capitalized cost of the vehicle, while under-spec’ing increases maintenance cost.

Another consequence to an under-spec’d truck or van is that it may require multiple trips due to limited payload capacity. Also, when spec’ing a smaller GVWR truck than required, the tendency is to overload the vehicle. Besides accelerating replacement of wear items, such as brakes, an overloaded vehicle also increases the company’s liability exposure if it is involved in a preventable accident.

Overextending a truck or van's payload capacity beyond the chassis’ weight specifications is a good way to shorten the vehicle's service life. Overloaded trucks will cause premature tire wear, decreased fuel economy, and downtime due to engine or transmission repair. In addition, overloading results in fines and possible impoundment of the vehicle by the authorities.

Interconnectivity Between Specs
It can’t be emphasized enough: To properly spec a truck or van you need to talk with the people in the field to understand what type of service the vehicle is expected to perform and how it will be used. You should solicit input from field personnel to ensure that local issues affecting the vehicle’s operation are taken into account.

When consulting with end-users, there are three components to determining payload requirement. The first is payload weight. How much weight will the vehicle need to carry in its daily workload? You need to determine the maximum need, not an average. The vehicle must be able to do the job every day with the maximum load at any given time. Payload weight will also help determine if the cargo can be loaded and unloaded by hand, or whether you will need a power liftgate or some other type of assist to get it up in the body or bed.

Another determinant is in the volume or size of the payload. The vehicle needs to be large enough to handle the volume. And, you need to know how the payload will be loaded. Is it stackable? Can you stack it right to the ceiling? Or, can only the floor space be used? How do you secure the product? Getting any of these factors wrong can mean the truck or van will be spec’d incorrectly.

The third component is the type of payload. Are you hauling loose gravel, pallets, or boxes of merchandise? This will determine the type of truck or van and body combination you need to choose.

The best way to determine actual payload is to take a normally loaded truck and weigh it on a highway scale. Another practical tip is to weigh the front and rear axle. This will tell you if you are overloading the whole vehicle or just one of the axles.

In addition, you need to make sure that the vehicle can carry not only the payload but also any additional equipment you put on it. The fleet manager needs to add the body and equipment weight to that of any tools or other material that could be stored or transported by the chassis.

To determine the correct vehicle size for the intended payload often requires a judgment call as to how much over-capacity to build into the payload capacity of the vehicle when spec’ing its requirements. Spec’ing the vehicle to the minimum necessary payload rating (by basing it on an average load or looking at only today’s business needs instead of trying to anticipate future needs) means that the vehicle will be operating at peak capacity most of the time, which may compromise safety and the length of its service life. Conversely, too much payload capacity is wasted capacity.

Application is King
Specifications should be defined by the application and mission requirements. Trucks must be equipped to handle very specific fleet applications, which require specifying a multitude of components such as the right drivetrain, suspension, and body. By understanding day-to-day fleet applications, you will be able to build a truck that meets the users’ daily needs. Without fully understanding the fleet application requirements and operating parameters, it is impossible to spec the best chassis, powertrain, and body necessary to optimize productivity. The same holds true with vans.

Fleet managers must understand how company vehicles are intended to be used in the field; however, it is important to be aware that intended usage often does not match real-world usage. The most important first step to correctly spec’ing a truck or van is to meet and talk with the drivers or technicians who will be using the vehicle. This understanding will influence all truck specifications. It can’t be stressed enough that vehicle specifications must be defined by the fleet application and mission requirements.

One way to increase truck or van productivity is to modify specs to increase mpg.

The drivetrain, tires, engine, and aerodynamics of the vehicle must be properly matched to maximize fuel efficiency.

Selecting vehicles with aerodynamic features can prove cost-effective. The rule of thumb is that for each 10% reduction in air resistance, mpg increases by 5%. Examples of aerodynamic modifications include specifying aerodynamic mirrors, moving air filters under the hood, and eliminating fender-mounted mirrors.

Ergonomic Considerations
Under OSHA regulations, an employer must provide a workplace (which includes upfitted work vehicles) free from recognized hazards. Across a variety of vocational segments, today’s fleet managers are devoting increased consideration to ensuring upfits will be ergonomically safe for the driver over the service life of the vehicles.

More fleets are requesting upfits with additional safety equipment, such as a rear-view camera, reverse sensing, back-up alarm, remote start, grab handles, convex spot mirrors, and drop-down ladder racks to reduce workers’ comp claims and to improve operator efficiency.

To create an ergonomically safe work environment, make sure the vehicle is properly engineered upfront for the job it is required to do. For instance, if applications require crane installation on service bodies, the chassis GVWR should be sufficient for the application. Under-engineering can lead to unnecessary safety risks to drivers. When spec’ing auxiliary equipment, be cognizant of component weights. Extra weight not only increases fuel consumption but also reduces payload capacity.

When selecting upfit equipment, review vehicle requests from the field and ask follow-up questions of drivers to verify the equipment is suitable for the job. Thoroughly train all employees handling the equipment in its operation and safe use. Develop written guidelines covering vehicle and equipment usage. Follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid unnecessary accidents.

Field managers should regularly inspect equipment to ensure it is in safe working condition and that equipment is only used for its intended purpose. Often, decisions are made in the field to modify vehicles without the fleet manager being informed. The home office is often not aware of the modification until there is an issue, such as when someone complains about an ergonomics-related health issue.

Spec to Maximize Future Resale
Trucks and vans are ultimately tools of a trade and the chassis merely provide mobility and power to operate equipment. When these vehicles are built to perform at their optimal performance, specifically in the areas of reliability, fuel economy, and driving experience, there will always be a demand and a market to resell these vehicles. While resale is a very important lifecycle consideration, the most important part of a lifecycle calculation for any type of truck, especially medium-duty applications, or van is building the right vehicle for the intended job function.

How you spec a truck or van has a direct bearing on its future resale. Nowadays you don’t want to spec a manual transmission. There are fewer qualified drivers today capable of driving a manual transmission than in the past. Automatic transmissions are required by most companies when selecting a vehicle, which makes automatics more desirable from a resale perspective. In addition to resale value, an automatic transmission assists in driver acquisition, retention, lower maintenance costs, and more uptime.

In addition, for trucks, always specify the power take-off (PTO) provision. Even if there’s no need for a PTO for the truck’s initial use, the availability of the PTO provision will make the truck more attractive to buyers in the secondary market because it saves the future owner from having to pay to add the provision.

Ultimately, mileage and general condition will likely play the greatest role in determining desirability and resale value.

Source: http://www.worktruckonline.com/channel/operations/article/story/2017/05/understanding-the-variables-to-optimize-truck-van-specs.aspx

Review 2017 Nissan Frontier King Cab - Nissan Of Vacaville

Rich with Vacaville Nissan shows off the new Nissan Frontier King Cab, a perfect compact work truck!  See more at http://www.vacavilleworktrucks.com.

Highway Products | Custom Fabrication [Roll Up Tool-Boxes]

Roll-Up Boxes are an ideal choice for those who need storage with a lid that can move completely out of the way of your workspace. Fire-fighters, emergency workers, on-site contractors and many other professionals across various industries find the extra storage invaluable in their every day work environment. 

Roll-Up Boxes are a type of custom truck toolbox made by Highway Products Inc.

Knapheide EC Series Service Body Walk Around

Watch Mike Soich, Regional Sales Manager, point out the industry-leading features found on Knapheide EC Series Service Bodies. See more about Knapheide products at www.knapheide.com

Fold Away Van Shelving by Ranger Design

Ranger Design’s fold-away van shelving is very versatile allowing you to make the best use of your space. http://rangerdesign.com/products/fold...

NISSAN TITAN XD Cummins. A real 3/4 Ton truck? Let's see!

A review of  2018 NISSAN TITAN XD Cummins.

Hartford Truck Equipment visits the 2019 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis

Hartford Truck Equipment visits the 2019 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis 

2019 Work Truck Show Part 4 Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab

Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab Limited with higher towing and more features. Ram Multi Function Tailgate (barn door). Turbo demonstration, unveiling new 2019 HD Tradesman.

(https://mrtruck.com/popup.htm)2019

As trucks get more complex, so does fleet maintenance

Technicians are turning to new tools and technologies to overcome these challenges and reaping dividends through predictive maintenance and less vehicle downtime. 

The growing complexity of modern trucks is driving changes at maintenance shops and for the workers who have to navigate this increasingly digital world.

“Electronics allow vehicles to have a better conversation with technicians than ever before,” said Kristy LaPage, business manager of the commercial vehicle group at Mitchell 1. “In the transition from mechanical to electronic control systems, there has also been a shift from technicians to diagnosticians. Vehicle electronics are the source of information that can become actionable, so shop solutions are evolving with this change.”

“The digital shop is not only changing inspection and maintenance practices,” said Jeff Sweet, solutions engineer at Decisiv, a provider of a service relationship management (SRM) platform. “Advancements in sensors and monitoring continue to improve fault condition filtering and help prioritize work based on fault severity.”

Photo: Noregon

A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is now essential as an intake tool for technicians.

Also constantly under development are the tools technicians need to service advanced electronic systems.

“A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is now essential as an intake tool,” stated Tim Bigwood, CEO at Noregon Systems, a provider of JPRO commercial vehicle diagnostic and monitoring solutions. “And those tools have evolved because while previously there were limited fault trees to consider based on symptoms, today’s vehicles are more complex, so the aid of a diagnostic and repair solution is a necessity.”

The increase in electronics on vehicles is allowing for real-time access to the equipment’s operating conditions and fault data, noted Renaldo Adler, industrial principal, asset maintenance, at Trimble Transportation Enterprise.

“Fleets now have access to a vast amount of diagnostic data needed to repair assets faster,” he said. “Inspections can also be improved with the use of electronic diagnostic tools, which analyze the equipment’s condition and any active faults, so maintenance departments are able to be proactive.”
Remote diagnostics

All of the original equipment manufacturers offer systems on their new trucks that provide diagnostic data. These sensor-based and telematics-driven solutions can improve maintenance efficiency and vehicle uptime.

Kenworth dealers, for example, use diagnostic data from TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics.

“We have found it can cut the time a unit is in our shop by 30%,” said Josh Hayes, branch manager at NorCal Kenworth – San Leandro. “We’ve also found that among trucks with TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics, we’re seeing about a 15% reduction in the number of trucks that must be towed because remote diagnostics allow us to monitor fault codes and diagnose issues to determine if a truck can be driven into the shop.”

Photo: Mack Trucks

For OEMs, part of the value of remote diagnostics systems is that the vehicle is effectively reporting its own status.

Sanjiv Khurana, general manager of digital vehicle solutions at Daimler Trucks North America, said with the Detroit “virtual technician” system, maintenance managers get real-time alerts and a plan for critical faults. When the truck arrives at the service location, the diagnostic information and fault history allow the technician to get a jump-start on the repair process.

At Peterbilt, SmartLinq remote diagnostics have been integrated with reasoning engine technology to enable more precise diagnostic information, fault code collection, and enhanced analysis by linking cascading faults.

Volvo, Mack, and Navistar also offer their own systems, aimed at reducing downtime and allowing for over-the-air software updates.

“With the increase in electronics on commercial vehicles, fleets have a better understanding of vehicle health,” said Brian Mulshine, director of customer experience for Navistar’s OnCommand Connection.

In short, the value in all of these remote diagnostics systems is that the vehicle is effectively reporting its own status to a maintenance operation.

“The key for truck fleets is to apply electronics to enable a proactive system that adds value and not cost,” said Wally Stegall, technical fellow, director at Morey Corp.

Robert Braswell, executive director of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), noted that greater vehicle complexity makes preventive maintenance more of a challenge. “Until enough fleet data in the field is gathered, it makes it more difficult to optimize service and inspection schedules for new electronic systems,” he explained. “But increasing complexity can bring with it sensor-based maintenance strategies that can help with self-diagnostics.”

Source: https://www.fleetowner.com/maintenance/trucks-get-more-complex-so-does-fleet-maintenance?NL=FO-02&Issue=FO-02_20190321_FO-02_446&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPENT000004488230&utm_campaign=23847&utm_medium=email&elq2=5bd8750c9eba4791abe0019c109758f6

The fastest Snow plow ever made -16' Monster back plow Finishes a driveway in seconds Bat Wing Plow

20 seconds-I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it. This Pull plow is better than anything snow plowing & snow removal - Plus welding shop tour! This is the epic 16 foot monster Bat Wing Plow- ok its actually a back drag plow but bat wing plow sounds so much cooler.... Made by: http://www.shortironfab.com/#

UPS’s Carlton Rose: Electric is the future, but we are not there yet

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana. Electric is the future of commercial trucking, said Carlton Rose, but the industry is not there yet. Rose, president of global fleet maintenance and engineering for UPS (NYSE: UPS), told attendees at the Green Truck Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Tuesday morning that UPS is committed to exploring all possible propulsion systems, but that ultimately, he believes electric will become the dominant option, with a caveat.
“I have one big problem with predictions,” he said during his keynote address, “they are wrong more than they are right. … [because] predictions rest on the assumption that the future is like the past.”

Rose oversees more than 340,000 global assets in his division, managing over 8,000 managers and supervisors and 454,000 employees.

“Fleets want solutions that work,” he noted later in his speech. “If the technologies don’t work, it doesn’t matter what they cost or how much in subsidiaries are available.”

Most of his speech was focused on the potential for electric, and he pointed out several predictions that he believes will contribute to an electric future. By 2050, 68 percent of the world’s population will live in cities, creating more congestion and environmental concerns, he said. The continuing rise of e-commerce – online orders have grown 12 percent annually three years in a row - is also driving change.

“We have become accustomed to getting what we want when we want,” Rose said of online ordering, adding that all these factors are leading to a growth in urban freight delivery, which is expected to grow more than 40 percent by 2050. This growth is also fueling greenhouse gas emissions, with heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks contributing 23 percent of those today.

“We can be part of the problem or part of the solution,” Rose said. “UPS wants to be part of the solution.”

UPS’ more than 1,000 electric and hybrid-electric fleet vehicles are just part of the company’s current approach, but Rose expects those numbers to grow.

“We’ve always been an early adopter of innovative technologies,” he said. Six percent of everything shipped globally moves through UPS’ system at some point, giving it the ability to help move markets. UPS was an early backer of the Tesla Semi electric tractor. Rose said that Tesla continues to insist it will start producing the truck “soon,” but it was Tesla’s entry to the market that has helped drive more options.

“Our goal is to get original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) entering the market and when Tesla came in, other OEMs started jumping in and that’s what we want, options,” Rose said.

Electric vehicles are still not the ideal solution, but they are a growing option, he added.

“Commercial electric trucks are still a work in progress,” Rose said, noting range anxiety, even at UPS, is a concern.

“On our electric fleet, range has certainly been an issue,” he said. “If you have a vehicle with a 100-mile range, you can’t send a driver out 51 miles because he won’t get back.”

The success of electric trucks remains the advancement of battery technology, improving charging infrastructure, and the ability to get “everybody to work together.” This includes fleets, manufacturers, utilities and regulators, Rose said.

Electric is not the only option UPS is studying in its Rolling Laboratory, Rose said, leaving the door open to future innovations. In fact, UPS currently operates over 6,000 natural gas vehicles.

“We play in all option and we do that on purpose,” he said. “We know that trying different propulsions, other people will get in and [those solutions] will improve.

“We’re a company that will not let perfect get in the way of good,” Rose added.

While he views electric as the future, he said that widespread adoption remains out of reach until electric vehicles can prove themselves, and even then, they may not be for all fleets.

“I know what works for UPS’ fleet won’t work in all fleets,” Rose said. “But we should try” to get all parties working together and letting OEMs and government know what works and what doesn’t.

Rose encouraged all those in attendance to proactively bring about change.

“Customer expectations are changing faster than ever before,” Rose said. “In today’s business world, it’s not enough to react to change, you must be leading the change, otherwise you won’t be around long. Solutions won’t just appear, we must be stubbornly forcing them.”

Source: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/equipment/electric-trucks-are-coming-says-ups-executive

Knapheide Upfit Guides Enable Customers to Spec their Truck Bodies

Platform Body Upfit Guide 
Create the Ultimate Heavy Hauling Work Truck

When it comes to hauling bulk materials, a platform body (or flatbed) is the ultimate solution. With ample platform space, numerous opportunities for tie-down integration, and varying sizes and configurations to match applications large and small, a platform body is a versatile addition to your fleet.

Determine your work environment and truck needs.

Depending on how you’ll use it, there’s more to a platform body than deciding how big or robust it needs to be. There are different types of platforms, ranging from varying sizes of basic hauling platforms to fully-contented, vocation-specific bodies containing integrated storage, material racks or sides.

Follow this to the Platform Guide:

https://www.knapheide.com/platform-body-upfit-guide?utm_campaign=apb-push-email-2-201902&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eloqua&utm_content=truck-compatibility&elqTrackId=f69a93612f3a46feb33db8dde17fd0bc&elq=cde85ce9882f455db0553b89b97a17a4&elqaid=1023&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=490

Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: 2019 Truck Comparison Test | Edmunds

With the Ford Ranger's return, the midsize truck segment grows more interesting. The time is right for a midsize pickup truck comparison test. We've pitted the new 2019 Ford Ranger against the established segment leaders: the Chevrolet Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma. All three have four-wheel drive and a crew cab because that's the most popular configuration. The examples here are equipped with their popular entry-level off-road equipment: the Chevrolet Colorado Z71, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and the Ford Ranger FX4. Why no Honda Ridgeline? We like it, but the Ridgeline doesn't have the basic off-road gear. It lacks a low-range transfer case, underbody clearance is marginal, and it's not offered with an off-road equipment package. About the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 The Colorado is a solid all-around truck, and it has excellent road manners. Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, and it is bolted to a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission. The Z71 comes with different tires and suspension tuning ― that's it. A low-hanging front airdam hampers the approach clearance, but it can be removed. The interior is functional and logical, though the controls are a bit small. The touchscreen audio and navigation interface is easy to use, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's plenty of interior space up front, and the rear accommodations are about average. The simple back seat's folding strategy doesn't reveal much in the way of storage. Chevrolet Colorado Review: https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/col... About the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road The Tacoma is a popular truck among those who actually do go off-road. (We used a 2018, but it's largely the same as the 2019.) Its chassis reflects the priority that Toyota places on off-road performance. Its suspension has the most articulation, its underbody clearance is far superior, and its off-road package has the most gear: a locking rear differential, a sophisticated terrain management system and more. The 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic can be frustrating because the engine is peaky and the transmission is reluctant to downshift. The combination offers fine throttle control off-road, but that nuance may be lost on daily drivers. Its off-road stance also makes for an odd legs-out driving position. The interior is nicely made, and some of the controls are chunky and inviting. Toyota's own in-house Entune system leaves something to be desired. Toyota Tacoma Review: https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacoma... About the 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 The Ranger dates back to 2011 in Australia and other parts of the world. The U.S. version has been modified by the addition of a turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed transmission. The combination generates the most torque in the segment. It also boasts class-leading fuel economy that is 2 mpg better than the other two. Ford advertises class-leading payload, but that's not true for the crew-cab 4x4, which is mid-pack. The interior looks and feels dated, and the back seat is a one-piece affair that can't be rigged to hold cargo on one side and a person on the other. As for driving, the ride is much springier and bouncier than we ever expected. It has the off-road gear to match the Tacoma, but it doesn't work out that way. The truck's suspension articulation is atrocious, and the traction control system can't cope with simple scenarios. We had to lock the rear differential in places where it should not have been necessary. Ford Ranger Review: https://www.edmunds.com/ford/ranger/2... Ford Ranger Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8VXw... Test Results We expected the Ranger to do better. The bones of this truck feel older, and it appears Ford spent all of its development dollars on the engine and transmission ― which do perform well. Both its on-road ride and off-road flexibility were the worst of the bunch. The Tacoma? It's really great for weekend warriors who will venture out into the dirt, but you'd better be willing to put up with some on-road compromises. What we weren't prepared for is how the Colorado rose to the top. It's the best daily driver because its powertrain and its suspension are easy to live with. Its interior is functional and effective, and we like its comfortable driving position. The surprise came off-road. Removing the airdam is annoying, but once we did we found good suspension articulation and a willing traction control system. This truck is the one to get for a balanced mix of on-road civility and off-highway capability. Make sure to subscribe to Edmunds to get all of the latest videos on car reviews, automotive news, car comparisons and shopping advice. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/Edmundsv... Edmunds – we help you find your perfect car with unbiased and useful reviews, advice, pricing and tools. Visit us at https://www.edmunds.com/.

Commercial BEDSLIDE at the NTEA Work Truck Show

See how the BEDSLIDE is the perfect solution for commercial fleet needs. Video from the 2019 NTEA Work Truck show

4-Wheel Drive Systems | Ford How-To | Ford

This helpful video will explain how your 4WD system works and how to switch between modes using the Electronic Shift on the Fly feature on your truck. Learn more about being a Ford Owner here: http://ford.to/FordOwner

Why spring cleaning is not merely a household task: your fleet will be thankful

It seems, on the calendar at least, that spring 2019 will soon be here. And, as often happens, the longer the days become, the more prone we feel to change, to renew habits and to get started with the annual ritual of spring-cleaning.

It might seem to you that this task is just a household tradition with origins in a long forgotten religious custom, but the general idea can still be applied to fleet management. With this post we want you to consider spring cleaning from the fleet manager’s perspective and we’d also like to offer you a few ideas along those lines—this is the perfect opportunity to tackle aspects of your fleet that might require a bit of sprucing-up...

#1 – Spring-cleaning (literally). You probably have a process already in place whereby you have your vehicles washed and cleaned on a regular basis, though in winter they are more likely to suffer from the weather. A clean vehicle runs better, is treated better, and represents your company image better. If you haven’t done so, organize a plan to get all of your vehicles thoroughly cleaned with the help of your team. Have them check also that nothing unnecessary is stored inside the vehicle as it does not just demonstrate untidiness, but can become a hazard when the vehicle is driven.

#2 – Tidying up. Take advantage of the spring-cleaning spirit to tackle any small repair that might be needed. If there is any small thing that needs to be tidied up in the depot or in your workshop or office, then now is the time to address it. You might even find some Marie Kondo-like inspiration is good for your business in general. We don’t want to be too obsessive, but when you have a tidy, clean space, your mind functions better. When we say small repair... we are not actually referring to your vehicles, as you should already have some sort of process for regular checks that shouldn’t ignore a defect, even if minimal, for the purposes of safety and compliance.

#3 – Paperwork and spring-cleaning. This is slightly off the general theme but still related to spring-cleaning. If you are among those who rely on paper-based vehicle checks, we are not about to tell you to throw them away—you should always keep records safe for compliance purposes—but why not have a look at different methods than those which simply attract dust or use up too much physical space? If you are stuck with an ever-growing pile of paperwork, then the time has probably come to consider digital walk-around checks, and you are more than welcome to give our trial program a go.

#4 – The spring-cleaning attitude. There is nothing as dangerous as claiming that just because you have always done things in a certain way, you should continue to do so. If you want to expand your business, you should welcome innovation and outside-the-box thinking. If you are looking into new ways of doing things but have never been brave enough, or told yourself you never had the time to look into alternative methods, why not take this opportunity to tap into the very spirit of spring-cleaning by clearing out some of the stale old practices holding your business back. And if you need any pointers, we are more than happy to help.

 Source: https://www.transpoco.com/blog/why-spring-cleaning-is-not-merely-a-household-task-your-fleet-will-be-thankful?utm_campaign=SynX%20Blog&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=70863457&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_hFRvpkZb73F6c-u-yAr2xcsEatBWfRJuoDQtJtyWAbYSUQLfxdgPeLCvCaaXDggtX8DpU4ayaHwfLy0Om2aKSYVqe0Q&_hsmi=70863457

CargoGlide WallSlide Testimonials

CargoGlide WallSlide Testimonials

Knapheide Work Truck Show // NTEA 2019

This year at the 2019 Work Truck Show, we introduced new chassis, new Knapheide bodies and new options. Watch to learn more!

Nissan TITAN Presents: Disaster Preparedness Kits

Keep the whole family safe and healthy during times of emergency. Learn from Chief Miller how to create the right disaster preparedness kit for all your loved ones. For more information on disaster preparedness visit redcross.org. #CallingAllTITANS

2019 Ram Chassis Cabs at Work Truck Show

David Sowers, head of Ram Commercial Vehicle marketing, talks about the new Ram chassis cab trucks at The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

The New 2019 Ford Ranger: Walkaround | Ranger | Ford

Brandon Cameron, an off-road technology engineer, talks through the new 2019 Ford Ranger with features such as available Terrain Management System™,* available Trail Control™, available Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology** and available 4G LTE WI-FI.†

*When equipped with the FX4 Off-Road Package.
**Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle.
†4G LTE WI-FI, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.

Signs of truck tire wear: What to look for and what to do next

Managing your tire program requires looking for signs of wear or damage and properly maintaining your vehicle to help avoid issues so you get the maximum return on your investment. The development of irregular tire wear is very common on trucks of all types. Some of the common causes include alignment issues, under-inflation, overloading, suspension system issues, hub and drum non-uniformity or run out, anti-lock braking system malfunctions and improper installation.

Visual tire inspections are also very important. Drivers should look for damage to a tire’s tread and sidewall area. Tires with bulges or cuts in the sidewall should be carefully inspected and even taken out of service if necessary. Tires used in delivery or urban settings with curbs and other potential obstacles should be carefully inspected each day.

Be certain to look at the inside dual tire and between duals for rocks and other debris that can cause trouble. It is also important to inspect tires regularly for signs of uneven wear. Check for cupping or other uneven wear by running your hand over the tread and look for uneven wear on the tire edges. Edge wear and lower tread in the center of the tire can be signs of under- or over-inflation.

Cooper Tire recommends that tires are serviced by qualified and properly trained service personnel who can identify tire issues that indicate the need to remove them from service. A key resource is TMC Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide, a comprehensive guide which identifies more than 100 wear conditions and out-of-service conditions and indicates the necessary actions needed. This includes when to remove a tire from service and when it can be repaired. It also includes photos and causes of different types of irregular wear, which are categorized by steer, drive and trailer positions.

Steer tires, especially in long-haul service where the rate of wear is low, tend to be susceptible to river wear or erosion wear, a wavy channel along rib edges followed by major tread voids. This wear is circumferential, meaning that it starts at the edges of ribs and gradually progresses all the way around the tire on the sides of the tread ribs. Another common issue on steer tires is accelerated shoulder wear. This may be the result of too much or too little toe-in setting.


On drive tires, the most common type of irregular wear is heel/toe wear, which causes the lugs to develop a saw-tooth pattern. This tends to be most pronounced in high torque applications. In addition, drive tires in long haul applications may also develop fast wear on the inboard shoulder which can lead to earlier removal than might have been necessary otherwise. Rotating tires among the drive positions can help to minimize the effect. Another issue to be aware of is fast center wear, which can be a sign that tires are over-inflated for the load they are carrying.

SOURCE: https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/truck-tire-wear-what-to-look-for-do-next/?eid=341566122&bid=2392091

2019 Fleet Technical Congress

Onsite at 2019 Fleet Technical Congress, NTEA's George Survant and others discuss key takeaways. http://www.worktruckshow.com/fleettec...

2019 Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference

NTEA's Doyle Sumrall and Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference attendees discuss key takeaways from the inaugural event. . http://www.worktruckshow.com/innovati...

WM Light loading Ramp for Nissan NV200

WM light series PN# 9ALN001/PREF/FIXED is 31" wide and 79" long with a 880lb loading capacity. The video shows this ramp installed in the rear of a Nissan NV200. This particular ramp features 3/4 inch holes machined out for increased traction while allowing for dirt and snow to fall through. This product is available throughout North America, please contact us to locate your nearest distributor or for more information. Many more models are available for all sizes and models of vans. www.nationalfleetproducts.com 763-762-3451

Nissan TITAN Utili-Track System

Nissan TITAN and TITAN XD are available with Utili-track, a class-exclusive, 5-channel tie-down system. 2 floor channels help with hauling odd-shaped cargo. Heavy-duty metal cleats slide along the top channels, so you can precisely psition the tie-downs – great for top-heavy loads. And with a variety of accessories designed for Utili-track, you work smarter than ever.

Featured Vehicles: 2016 TITAN XD Crew Cab Platinum Reserve 4x4 with Cummins V8 diesel engine

The Most Interesting New Truck Tech, Gear and Trends from the 2019 Work Truck Show

Here's The Most Interesting New Truck Tech, Gear and Trends from the 2019 Work Truck Show!

( http://www.TFLtruck.com )

Dept of Energy announces $18 million award at Green Truck Summit 2019

Department of Energy's Michael Berube: Awardees to develop "all-new powertrains, all-new technologies across the natural gas space." worktruckshow.com/greentrucksummit

Illinois Stories Knapheide New Plant WQEC TV PBS Quincy

The Knapheide Manufacturing Company in Quincy has been going strong for 170 years & is still looking towards the future. They have recently completed construction of a new aluminum truck bed manufacturing & assembly plant with an eye toward further global development. Come see the new plant & hear from the Knapheide family themselves about their history & their future in this episode

TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator

Use the TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator to calculate axle weights, turning radius and center of gravity of a truck, with body, equipment and payload.

DECKED for Your Service Body

We've never seen a service body bed that wasn't a total junk show which is why we're introducing drawers for yours. Identical construction and durability as full-size truck systems.

Find out more at https://decked.com/

Buller Engineering Products discusses RazerLift at WTS19

Buller Engineering Products detailed the patented RazerLift, the next generation of vehicle cargo management. The powered and automated system provides the best cargo accessibility and best cargo flexibility on the market, all with the press of a button.

Safety

• No overhead loading, unloading or operation
• Load cargo at vehicle mirror height
• Reduces back injuries and muscle strain associated with exertion and overexertion
• Eliminates slip and fall hazards from climbing on bumper or tire
• Feet stay safely on the ground

Fully Automated

• Hand held remote
• All with the push of a button

Cargo Flexibility

• Virtually limitless cargo configurations
• Customizable with bolt-to channels
• 150 lb lifting capacity per side

Increased Capacity

• Base unit occupies half of vehicle roof
• Potential for additional capacity by upgrading to a two-sided configuration
• Doubles cargo carrying potential

Easy Installation

• Industry-standard t-slot design
• Fits any commercial van
• Industry-standard electrical installation
• Designed to integrate with existing vehicle infrastructure
• A single allen key is all that’s needed for the mechanical pre-assembly

For more information, visit razerlift.com.

Knapheide Customer Story: Roman Pools

Rob Roman, owner/operator of Roman Pools and Spas, constantly evolves his business to remain at the top of the industry. Whether his job takes him to an emergency service call or a ground up pool build, Rob relies on his Knapheide service truck to get things done.

MRT Promo Video

The Magnum RailTrac Series from Anthony Liftgates is built to provide the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.

Pulltarps Systems Demonstration

Pullltarps Manual System, Cable System and Arm System are showcased in our mobile demonstration truck.

Lines of Code | Built Ford Proud | Ford

Service for your vehicle that is personalized for you. Register today at https://owner.ford.com to get customized maintenance reminders, special offers to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Venco Venturo Company Showcase Video

Venco Venturo Industries LLC has created a specialized line of high-caliber cranes and hoists for over 50 years and is known throughout the industry as one of the founding members of the NTEA. Our products are rugged, reliable, made in America, and built to last. Venco Venturo’s quality craftsmanship is backed by straight talk, real expertise, and superior customer service. We offer cranes and hoists for building supply, construction, public works, mining, railroad, oil/gas, propane markets and much more.

Ranch Hand Intro

The Ranch Hand Bumper manufacturing process. See more about Ranch Hand products here: https://www.ranchhand.com/

2019 Ford F-150 Walkaround | F-150 | Ford

Dhani Jones, a former professional athlete and current entrepreneur, presents the new 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum with available 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 Engine, remote tailgate release, and SYNC 3 with Waze integration.*

**Requires available SYNC 3 AppLink®. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls. Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smartphone and home technology. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos and marks are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. or its affiliates.

Register for the 2019 Work Truck Show - Indianapolis

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Registration:      http://www.worktruckshow.com/waystoregister

SmithCo Side Dump Body Demonstration - Enoven Truck Body

Sam with Enoven Truck Body shows off the Smithco Side Dump Body, which can dump to either side of the truck very quickly and easily. See more at http://www.enoven.com

2019 Nissan Frontier combines affordability and award-winning quality in a mid-size truck designed for full-size work and play

While the Nissan Frontier is known first and foremost as a workhorse – there are many other apt descriptors that fit as well:

• America's Most Affordable Pickup¹
• Initial Quality Study leader three years running²
• A true "right-sized" mid-size pickup
• Standard bearer of Nissan truck heritage

With a starting MSRP of just $18,990 USD³ (King Cab S 4x2 MT), the 2019 Frontier remains the most affordable entry model in its class¹. And as the top rated Midsize Pickup in 2016, 2017 and 2018 JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) rankings², Frontier again enters this model year with an exceptional reputation for quality. It's this unique combination of affordability and quality that stands out in the segment, making Frontier the ideal mid-size pickup to tackle both professional and personal projects.

Learn more at:  https://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/presskits/us-2019-nissan-frontier-press-kit

NTEA: More than 100 product rollouts expected at WTS

Ford, FCCC, Freightliner, International, Mack, Nissan, Ram 

among OEMs planning to deliver updates 

The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) says more than 100 companies plan to introduce new work trucks and equipment at Work Truck Week 2019.

The Work Truck Show, North America’s largest work truck event, runs March 5-8 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis IN. Educational sessions, Green Truck Summit, Fleet Technical Congress, and the Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference begin March 5, and the exhibit hall is open March 6–8.

Chevrolet Commercial Vehicles, Ford Commercial Vehicles, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Freightliner Trucks, Hino Trucks, International Truck, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Kenworth Truck Company, Mack Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Nissan Commercial Vehicles, Peterbilt Motors Company, Ram Commercial, Volvo Trucks and Western Star Trucks plan to exhibit at the event, with 15 of them delivering exclusive chassis update sessions.

During each update session, company representatives provide insights into their future plans related to the work truck industry, share technical information on latest chassis specifications and designs, and review body and equipment installation options. Ford, FCCC, Freightliner, International, Mack, Mitsubishi Fuso, Nissan and Ram also scheduled press conferences at the Show.

“There’s no better place to see what’s new and what’s coming from the industry’s leading OEMs,” the association said.

To help attendees plan which booths to visit, 90 exhibitors are showcasing new products online in advance of the event as part of The Work Truck Show’s exclusive New Product Spotlight and Green Product Showcase programs. Offerings range from transmissions and suspensions to trucks and bodies. They include a variety of innovative power solutions, cargo management systems and vocational equipment from snowplows to cranes. To learn more about these products, visit the featured exhibitors section of the online floorplan at worktruckshow.com/floorplan.

“Every year at The Work Truck Show, the industry’s leading manufacturers of vocational vehicles, components and equipment converge on Indianapolis to showcase their newest products and share what’s coming next,” says Steve Carey, NTEA president and CEO. “With all the major players here, The Work Truck Show is the best place to take the pulse of the commercial vehicle community and find the equipment and education you need to continue to improve your operations.”

Show attendees will have the opportunity to check out products from 26 first-time exhibitors in a special New Exhibitor Pavilion that opens an hour before the exhibit hall on Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7. It’s located across from the Hall I exhibit hall entrance.

The Work Truck Show main exhibit floor covers more than 500,000 square feet. The event includes an educational conference with sessions designed to help attendees improve their operations.

“Anyone who works with commercial vehicles, including public and private truck fleet operators, manufacturers, dealers and equipment distributors, can find solutions to their business challenges at the Show,” NTEA said.

For more information and to register, visit worktruckshow.com or call 800-441-6832.

Source: https://www.trailer-bodybuilders.com/truck-equipment/ntea-more-100-product-rollouts-expected-wts

Don't Miss North America's Largest Event for the Utility Industry

ICUEE The Demo Expo for the Construction and Utility Industries

 

Also known as, The Demo Expo for its equipment test-drives and interactive product demonstrations, ICUEE, The International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition, is the premier event for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking comprehensive insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations & trends.

Learn more at: http://www.icuee.com/icuee-the-largest-event-utility-industry/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAzePjBRCRARIsAGkrSm6g7nxDNw2u4Ya3Y8Ng1XxlGHMCpWX4Soe-jLSEAO7qrMf6HpybZ6EaAolPEALw_wcB

Large Tow Trucks | How It's Made

Large, specialized recovery units are welded, painted and then secured to a pre-built truck. The resulting rig is strong enough to tow buses and other large vehicles. | http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-show...