Ram Truck Brand Celebrates ‘Year of the Farmer’ with $1 Million Donation to National FFA Organization (FFA)

Brand presents first ‘The Farmer in All of Us’ book to FFA president

October 31, 2013 , Louisville, Ky. - The Ram Truck brand celebrated the passion ignited around its “Year of the Farmer” initiative by presenting Clay Sapp, 2012-2013 National FFA President, with a $1 million donation at the 2013 National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 30.

Ram Truck brand declared 2013 the “Year of the Farmer” during the Super Bowl last February, when its much-talked-about television spot, “Farmer,” kicked off a yearlong initiative to bring national attention to the significance of the American farmer. Ram pledged to donate up to $1 million to FFA for views of the “Farmer” video on the Ram Truck brand website. The brand reached the 10-million-view milestone, equating to the $1 million donation, in less than a week.

“To date, ‘Farmer’ has been viewed online more than 22 million times, underscoring America’s interest in and support for the important role farmers play in our country,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It is a pleasure to present the check to FFA and to be among thousands of dedicated FFA members who convey the spirit of what we at Ram Trucks value most of all – courage, dignity, integrity and example-setting through hard work.”

Bigland presented the donation to Sapp alongside country music artist and former FFA member Easton Corbin, who has worked with the Ram Truck brand throughout 2013 to promote the “Year of the Farmer.” Corbin is visiting FFA members in 12 cities across the United States from October to February, providing private concerts and furthering the notion that FFA plays an important role in reducing hunger issues in America.

“It is so wonderful to see our country rise up and show support for those who work hard every day to provide vital resources to the nation,” said Sapp. “The response we’ve received from Ram’s ‘Year of the Farmer’ has been overwhelming, reinforcing the pride we have in our work and what it means to be a farmer.”

The “Farmer” video was inspired by the stirring “So God Made a Farmer” oration delivered by legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey in 1978, and since used as a national anthem in grassroots videos created by farm families. To honor American farmers, the Ram Truck brand aspired to create greater awareness, support and appreciation for farming families, communities and providers. The Ram Truck brand commissioned 10 noted photographers to document American farm life, yielding a beautiful and comprehensive catalog of farming images. Many of these artful and compelling stills provide the visual mosaic for “Farmer,” while Harvey’s passionate oration provides the narration.

Ram Truck brand also presented a first copy of its “The Farmer in All of Us,” a coffee table book to be published by National Geographic. It is a beautiful and comprehensive collection of original agriculture, farming and family farm photography, including many of the images commissioned for the “Farmer” video. Proceeds from the book will go toward the FFA’s “Give the Gift of Blue” program, which donates traditional FFA blue corduroy jackets to members who would not otherwise be able to own one. The jackets are an important symbol of the hard work and dedication to farming by these young people.

An exclusive, limited number of “The Farmer in All of Us” books will be available for order in the coming weeks.

About the Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its identity and clearly define its customers since its launch as the newest Chrysler Group LLC vehicle brand. Creating a stand-alone brand for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they’d like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hardworking Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

About the National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 579,678 student members as part of 7,570 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at www.FFA.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.

Minivan 30th Anniversary

Chrysler invented the minivan, and now the segment is 30 years old. Chrysler Digital Media's Ed Garsten takes a look at the minivan's birth and where it is now, speaking with Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. sales for Chrysler as well as Pres., Chairman, CEO of Chrysler Canada Inc., a couple of employees of the Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant who are still there, 30 years after the first minivan was built, as well as the plant manager. The plant is the only assembly plant that builds Chrysler and Dodge brand minivans

Clean Cities: McShan Florist

This family-owned florist, based in East Dallas, Texas, is delivering clean air along with its flowers, thanks to a fleet of dedicated compressed natural gas Ford vans.

Ford Interview 2013 - Andy Barratt



VansA2Z was at the opening of the first Transit Centre in Europe, Hartwell in Abingdon, and Rob James caught up with Ford of Britain's Sales Director, Andy Barratt. www.VansA2Z.com

Warner Bodies’ New Select II Has FlushFinish Door System That Stops Corrosion, Theft and Maintenance Issues at Their Source

Sleek FlushFinish door system gives Warner’s Select II service body a unique, signature appearance, while greatly enhancing strength, security and service convenience.

NOBLESVILLE, Ind.—Warner Bodies, a leading manufacturer of service bodies, crane trucks, haulers, fire/rescue trucks, brush trucks and custom vehicles, formally announced the introduction of its new Select II service body today. The Select II features Warner’s radically new FlushFinish door system. The rugged doors look and function unlike anything else in the marketplace. The Select II concept is the result of extensive qualitative research conducted with end users and distribution channel partners who identified service body doors as the primary source of corrosion, theft and maintenance problems.

 

When closed, the doors on the new Select II are entirely flush with the body panels and don’t overlap. Recessed doorjambs, polymer seals, water management systems and drains have all been redesigned for optimal performance. The doors are constructed of A60 galvannealed steel with 50 percent greater corrosion-inhibiting properties than most service body doors.

 

All doors are mounted to the Select II’s body structure using removable Nut Zerts and a vertically slotted system that enables doors to be adjusted, serviced or replaced easily without welding. The tough, 5/16-inch, stainless steel, piano-style door hinges are 25 percent beefier than the industry standard and are intentionally left unpainted to prevent chipping paint from migrating from the hinges to the body and causing corrosion.

 

“In the past, a variety of problems have literally emanated from the doors of service bodies and Warner has set out to eradicate this at its source,” Richard Manasek, president of Warner Bodies, said. “We’ve methodically addressed the inherent weaknesses in traditional service body doors, and in the process have created a new breed of service body that is highly corrosion resistant, more secure and easier to maintain and repair.”

 

The doors system has been completely re-imagined and re-engineered. Most service body doors have lighter-weight steel outer skins that overlap the periphery of the door cavity. The outer skins of the new Select II’s FlushFinish doors are constructed of more robust, corrosion-resistant, 14-gauge A60 galvannealed steel. The outer door panel and 16-gauge inner door panels are pan-formed and spot-welded with a strong, central vertical reinforcing member. Warner’s new doors are specially constructed to remain watertight, and to resist denting and deformation even under the most adverse service conditions.

 

The sturdy, double-panel, FlushFinish doors on the Select II are difficult to breach even with a pry bar. Doors are available with standard locking hardware as well as compression T-style latches for added moisture resistance. Shelving systems are highly adjustable, and panels between compartments can be removed to accommodate longer equipment.

 

“As a truck dealer with a large fleet customers, vehicle durability, serviceability and cost of ownership are critical factors in our purchasing equation,” Nancy Schlagenhauf, operations manager for Badger Truck Center, said. “We’ve spec’d Warner’s new Select II bodies on recent vehicle builds because they have the best business case and ROI among all the offerings we explored.”

 

Marketplace feedback indicated that once a door is damaged, it can start a cascading sequence that may dramatically shorten a vehicle’s service life. Doors take a lot of abuse in the field, and door repair, adjustment and replacement are common activities. Service body doors are commonly welded in position, and when realignment or replacement become necessary, new weld locations can compromise corrosion resistance and emerge as a source of internal and external rust. In contrast, Warner’s new FlushFinish doors can be replaced and precisely adjusted in minutes with no loss of product integrity.

 

“As a Warner dealer, I see this as a perfect alignment of reliability, quality and affordability,” Larry Rose, president of Industrial Truck Equipment, said. “The unique look of the Select II sets it apart from everything else out there, but the ‘better mouse trap’ value proposition is what excites me and my fleet customers the most.”

 

Beginning in January 2014, the Select II will be manufactured in Warner’s new 240,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Elwood, Ind. The new plant has been designed using the latest lean principles and will feature CNC cutting, bending and forming equipment as well as powder, liquid and e-coating capabilities. Bodies will be constructed on a 600-foot-long linear assembly line, and completed bodies will be stored inside. The new facility is expected to exponentially increase Warner’s manufacturing speed, productivity and efficiency.

 

For more information about Warner Bodies’ new Select II service body, please visit:

http://warnerbodies.com/index.aspx?param=select_II

 

For high-resolution product images of Warner Bodies’ new Select II service body, please visit:

http://warnerbodies.com/index.aspx?param=select_II

 

For video of Warner Bodies’ new Select II service body, please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d07HOg3aGKI&feature=youtu.be

 

 

 

About Warner Bodies

Founded in 1939, Warner Bodies has been building service bodies and custom trucks for more than half a century.  During the company's early years, Warner manufactured specialized van bodies for the sales and service industries. Warner Bodies was purchased by Manasek Acquisition Company (MAC) in March 2010. Today Warner manufactures a wide variety of standard and custom truck bodies with superior quality, including utility/service trucks, crane trucks, haulers, fire/rescue trucks and brush trucks. The company serves a variety of markets including utilities, construction, fire, mining, railroad, agriculture and airport ground support.

The Work Truck Show® 2014 Offers Modern Solutions for Truck Equipment Distributors

Registration Open for North America’s Largest Work Truck Event

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (Oct. 16, 2013) — Truck equipment distributors can learn how to adapt their businesses to meet changing customer demands at The Work Truck Show^® 2014. North America’s largest work truck event features more than 60 educational sessions, including two Special Sessions designed specifically to help distributors thrive in the evolving work truck industry.

The Work Truck Show is held March 5–7, 2014, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Educational programming, including the Green Truck Summit, begins March 4. The event includes the 50th Annual NTEA Convention.

“Our 50th year is a milestone, but The Work Truck Show 2014 is all about the future,” says Mark Woody, NTEA 2014 Convention chairman and president of Palfinger North America (Niagara Falls, ON, Canada). “For the show and beyond, there is a real focus on new technology, equipment and ways of thinking that are necessary for industry professionals to thrive.”

The Special Session Customer Service: Creating a World-Class Service Organization is presented by Dennis Snow, who spent 20 years managing various operations at the Walt Disney World Company. Snow’s discussion highlights key points of contact that make or break the customer experience. Snow covers how to orchestrate the customer’s entire experience and introduces processes that companies can implement to make excellent service a core piece of their operations.

The shift over the past decade toward more professional and profitable product support operations is outlined in the Special Session Parts & Service Marketing: Making a Difference. In this session, Ron Slee, president of R.J. Slee & Associates (Rancho Mirage, CA) addresses contemporary customer expectations and how distributors can use their parts and service divisions to strengthen their companies. Slee outlines six key elements of a successful parts marketing plan, including customer categorization and tools for measuring success.

Both Special Sessions are held Tuesday, March 4, 8:30am–11:30am. A separate ticket is required for each.

Other educational opportunities for distributors include “Calculating Weight Distribution and Payload for Work Trucks Made Simple”; “Planning for Your Company’s Future: Identifying Upcoming Industry and Economic Trends”; “The Holy Grail of Federal Excise Tax Concepts”; “Equipping Your Shop to Handle Alternative Fuel Vehicles”; “How to Inspire Loyalty and Effort in Your Team”; “Understanding the Ins and Outs of NAFTA”; and “Tactics for Building a Dynamic, Cohesive Team.”

Many of the world’s leading chassis manufacturers use The Work Truck Show to give updates about product line developments, including new technical information on specifications and installation. In 2014, 14 OEMs are scheduled to present Chassis Update sessions: Chevrolet and GMC Commercial Truck; Daimler Vans USA LLC; Ford Commercial Truck; Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation; Freightliner Trucks; Hino Trucks; International Truck; Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.; Kenworth Truck Company; Mack Trucks, Inc.; Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc.; Peterbilt Motors Company; Ram Commercial; and Western Star Trucks.

Studies have shown that poor employee communication skills cost the average organization 25–40 percent of their budgets every year. Young work truck industry professionals learn how to improve communications within their organizations at the Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception: How to Become a Superior Communicator Special Session on Wednesday, March 5, 3:00PM–5:00PM. The session covers all aspects of the communication process, including non-verbal cues, effective listening and how to convey directions. It is presented by Doug Cartland, president, DCI (Sharon, WI).

Event highlights also include the Opening Reception at the JW Marriott Indianapolis on March 4 and the President’s Breakfast & NTEA Annual Meeting, featuring keynoter Condoleezza Rice, on March 6.

Registration for The Work Truck Show 2014 is open. To register or find more information, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-6832.

Connect with the NTEA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTEA.TheAssociationForTheWorkTruckIndustry, and join the Work Truck Show conversation on Twitter at @WorkTruckShow and @nteanews with the official hashtag: #wts2014.

About NTEAEstablished in 1964, NTEA, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, represents more than 1,600 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the Association. NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces The Work Truck Show. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC.

Pro Tech Aluminum Pickup Cross Box at the NTEA Work Truck Show

Eric talks about the beautiful Pro Tech aluminum pickup cross box. See more about Pro Tech at http://www.protech.net.

Priority Tree Care blossoms with Isuzu

As Australia’s hub for federal government activity and a visiting place for many influential people, Canberra is a city that must always be well presented. To assist in this task, arboricultural business, Priority Tree Care, has been keeping Canberra’s trees in top shape since the business was established in 1989.

Started from scratch by two friends who each invested $10,000 to get the business up and running, Priority Tree Care has progressed over the years through word-of-mouth and hard work.

One of those friends is Scott Wallace, who is still involved in the business today and says the early days were tough due to tight budgetary constraints.

“We first let people know about our business by delivering advertising pamphlets by pushbike between jobs. We also aimed at keeping our customers happy so that we would benefit from word of mouth endorsements,” Mr Wallace said.

“At the start it was just the two of us and a small truck, trailer and the basic climbing gear. There was a lot of hard work and long days, but after a few years the business developed into a successful little enterprise.”

Today Priority Tree Care employs six staff, four arborists and two groundsmen, who operate a range of trucks and equipment, including an Isuzu FRR 600 and Isuzu NPR 300 Tipper."

With the trucks and equipment yard based in Parkwood, Priority Tree Care operates within the Canberra area and provides arboricultural services to a range of customers including the Australian National Botanic Gardens, universities, embassies, real estate businesses and has a particular focus on residential customers.

“We ensure all of our arborists are professionally qualified and work as a team to the highest industry standards. We pride ourselves on the number of repeat customers that choose to use our services year after year and we continue to do the best job we can to keep them all happy,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace and his team offer a range of specialist services including the dismantling and removal of trees, directional pruning and deadwood removal, power line clearance, stump grinding, root pruning and barrier installation, supply and or transplanting of trees, audits and reports, consultancy and programmed maintenance.

“The new FRR 600 has a custom built mulching bin body and tows a wood chipper trailer. We have also had an Isuzu bullbar and some work cupboards fitted to store our tools, safety equipment and spill kits,” Mr Wallace said.

“The NPR 300 Tipper is used to tow the stump grinding machine. With its drop sides it makes loading the grindings and wood a lot easier.”

Mr Wallace said the Isuzu trucks are driven in the Canberra city and residential areas, as well as the occasional trip on dirt roads.

“The FRR 600 is a great truck. It offers us plenty of power. With a full mulch bin and the chipper on the back there is plenty of drag and resistance, but this truck offers us more power than our previous truck and goes up hills easily,” he said.

“One of our drivers loves this truck and doesn’t want to give up driving it. It’s very nice to drive with all of the mod cons.”

To provide an enjoyable ride, the Isuzu FRR 600 features a comfortable state-of-the-art Isri 6860 air suspension driver’s seat, cruise control, Hill Start Aid and an Anti-lock Braking System. With its six cylinder diesel engine rated at 176 kW power and 706 Nm torque, it easily handles heavy truck bodies and trailers.

Although Priority Tree Care doesn’t follow a selection process when in the market for a new truck, with the truck simply chosen to suit its application, Mr Wallace said the new Isuzu FRR 600 was selected due to the performance of the NPR 300 Tipper over the years.

“We purchased the NPR 300 Tipper in 2004 and have had no dramas with it. We decided to follow suit with the new truck and opt for another Isuzu. If we require an additional truck in the future, we would consider Isuzu again,” he said.
See more about Isuzu Trucks in Australia at www.isuzu.com.au

B&W Trailer Hitches Boosts Load Capacity of Whisper-Quiet Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch to 20,000 Pounds

New Companion hitch meets consumer preferences for heavier RV payloads and accommodates changing truck beds while keeping its convenient, single-point attachment design and smooth, quiet ride.

HUMBOLDT, Kan.—B&W Trailer Hitches, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of heavy-duty, engineered trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories, introduced its new RVB3500 Companion fifth wheel aftermarket trailer hitch today. The new Companion hitch employs B&W’s unique Turnoverball mounting design that promotes quick, single-point hitch installation. The quiet riding hitch is designed to handle today’s heavier trailers and pickups with varying truck bed configurations.

 

 

 

B&W’s earlier Companion model had an18,000-pound towing capacity and had gained a solid reputation within the RV community for its ease of installation, robust design, smooth ride and, most of all, its low noise characteristics. The original Companion hitch has remained virtually unaltered since its inception in 1998. The new 20,000-pound rated Companion fifth wheel trailer hitch has all the features that RV owners and dealers favored in its predecessor and then some.

 

“The combination of product quality and reliability, along with B&W’s reputation among customers, have made the B&W Companion fifth wheel hitch our most popular,” Don Collins, president, DC’s RV Centers, said. “With its 20,000-pound towing capacity, enhanced height adjustment and flexible installation design, we anticipate that the new Companion will be even more commercially successful than its forerunner.” 

 

B&W’s new Companion fifth wheel aftermarket trailer hitch is designed for today’s trucks and trailers and for tomorrow’s as well. RV trailers are becoming bigger and heavier, and the towing capacities of the pickup trucks that haul them have continued to increase. The new Companion hitch features two adjustable pivot arms that can be oriented horizontally, relative to the truck’s axle, and vertically to allow trailers to clear the taller truck bed walls now on many late-model pickups. The new hitch also features adjustable plastic feet that allow the hitch to adapt and mount snugly to an ever-increasing variety of truck bed corrugation patterns.

 

 

 

The entire system is made of top-quality American steel and is finished top to bottom with a tough, durable powder coating. Once installed, the substructure leaves the truck bed totally unobstructed. The substructure’s socket accommodates any of seven different Turnoverball-style hitches, including the RVB3500 Companion. A smart, solid foundation has allowed B&W to build the industry’s best performing fifth wheel trailer hitch on top.

 

The single-post hitch base drops easily into the socket and, once married to the substructure uses adaptable leveling feet for stabilization and bolts to lock it securely into position. Pivot arms are also fully adjustable with a height range of 16 1/4 inches to 18 1/4 inches. The arms feature thick polyurethane bushings that allow the locked coupler head to pivot effortlessly, and the coupler head itself is fitted with a hydraulic dampening mechanism that absorbs road shock and tilts up to seven degrees. The whole hitch system operates so smoothly and quietly that drivers and passengers sometimes have the sensation that there is no trailer being towed.

 

“Our new 20,000-pound rated Companion hitch is a response to recent trends in the structure and shape of truck beds, along with the increasing lengths and weights of trailers,” Cleat Stockebrand, product design engineer for B&W Trailer Hitches, said. “The new Companion hitch base takes advantage of the structural features of late model truck beds, optimizing the capacity of the hitch and giving customers the needed adjustments to accommodate their towing needs.”

 

 

The new Companion fifth wheel aftermarket trailer hitch makes unhitching the trailer easier as well. The hitch features massive one-inch-thick cast locking jaws that have set a new industry standard by being twice as hefty as traditional mechanisms. The jaw’s robust cam-lock design allows any operator to uncouple a trailer even when parked on significantly uneven terrain.

 

The RVB3500 Companion fifth wheel aftermarket trailer hitch fits virtually any pickup truck make and model, including any 2013 RAM 3500, without a factory-installed hitch prep package. The product has been extensively tested and meets or exceeds the J2638 standard for a 20,000-pound vehicle tow rating (VTR). As with any towing scenario, B&W strongly recommends that users never exceed a VTR.

 

B&W Trailer Hitches specializes in designing and engineering trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories, and has a proud reputation as a U.S.-based manufacturer and innovator. The company’s workforce makes all of its products entirely in Humboldt, Kan.

 

The RVB3500 Companion fifth wheel aftermarket trailer hitch can be purchased through members of B&W’s extensive dealer network and a dealer locator is available at:

http://www.Turnoverball.com/find-a-dealer

 

To access high-resolution images of The RVB3500 Companion fifth wheel aftermarket trailer hitch, please visit:

http://www.turnoverball.com/companion-model-3500-rv-hitch-press-images

 

To view an installation video for B&W’s RVB3500 Companion fifth wheel aftermarket trailer hitch, please visit:

http://www.turnoverball.com/products/rvhitch/companion-5th-wheel-hitch?quicktabs_2=4 - quicktabs-2

 

 

 

About B&W Trailer Hitches

Based in Humboldt, Kan., B&W Trailer Hitches engineers and manufactures trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories. B&W offers a broad selection of products designed to seamlessly integrate with and enhance the use of trucks and the vehicles and equipment they tow. All B&W products are proudly manufactured in the USA, in a state-of-the-art facility that houses a skilled workforce of craftsmen and the most technologically advanced equipment available. B&W is recognized as an innovator and invented the Turnoverball gooseneck hitch, which revolutionized the industry in 1992. To learn more about B&W Trailer Hitches, please visit: http://www.Turnoverball.com

 

_{Turnoverball and Companion are trademarks of B&W Trailer Hitches.}

_{RAM is a trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. The terms RAM, 2013 RAM 3500 and references to models and product designations are for reference purposes only. Neither B&W, nor its products are sponsored or endorsed by RAM, and there is nothing else in the use of the RAM brand designation that should lead a reader to believe that there is an association between B&W and RAM.}

2013 Ford Living Roof At Rouge Center's Dearborn Truck Plant

Installed in 2003, the living roof on top of Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant is flourishing as an environmental touchstone amid the iconic Rouge Center. At 10.4 acres -- the size of eight football fields -- the living roof sustains a diverse ecosystem, removes CO2 from the atmosphere and reduces energy use at the F-150 assembly plant below. It also is part of an innovative storm water management system that reduces run-off and costs two-thirds less than a conventional treatment process.

Auburn Gear Engineers New, Super-Reliable Electronic Open-to-Lock Differential for Dana 60 Front and Rear Axles

Superior strength, dependable electronic operation and exceptional torque transmission characteristics make Auburn’s new Dana 60 differential an intelligent choice.

AUBURN, Ind.—Auburn Gear, Inc., a leading U.S.–based manufacturer of high-performance differentials, revealed that it will present its new patent-pending electronic open-to-lock differential at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The new differentials’ case strength and unique gear geometry will make it the toughest and most efficient aftermarket diff on the market. Dependable electronic operation allows the driver to conveniently transition from an open to a locked differential mode as the need arises, all without leaving the driver’s seat.

 

Auburn Gear has designed an aftermarket differential that instills confidence by eliminating the gear and pneumatic system failures that have been known to occur among those asking more of their Dana 60 axles and aftermarket selectable lockers. Auburn created its new differential in response to marketplace demand for a more reliable solution and to consumer dissatisfaction with the status quo.

 

“Skilled and unskilled drivers alike can put tremendous stress on a locked differential when one wheel is in the air, or when their vehicle is on terrain that doesn’t require a locker,” Sam Shirley, administrator for Jeep Owners of Central Arkansas (JOCA), said. “It’s not uncommon to see traditional locking differentials fail when folks push them beyond their limits.”

 

Typically, a selectable locker differential relies on a mechanically complex gear arrangement that is vulnerable to torque stress and has more parts to break. The mechanisms used to engage and disengage the lockers may fail as well. Lockers operating on compressed air can be a hassle to install and maintain and can suffer malfunctions from condensation in the lines that may render the controls inoperable.

 

“The gear geometry of our new differential minimizes mechanical complexity, locks the gears to the differential housing and thus transfers torque directly from the differential case, not through the gears,” Jamie Forrest, senior product engineer for Auburn Gear, said. “A reliable electronic control, coupled with superior mechanical design and high-strength ductile iron construction, means we’ve engineered absolute confidence into our new Dana 60 aftermarket diff.”

 

Auburn’s rugged 4-pinion gear design arrangement is designed to exceed the performance of OE and aftermarket differentials alike. “This diff will give drivers total assurance that they won’t break gears when pushing their vehicles to the limit in locked mode,” Forrest added.

 

When Auburn’s differential is unlocked, or open, it allows each individual wheel to rotate at a variable rate. In its open mode, the new differential provides equal rotational torque to each wheel. Although the wheels may rotate at varying speeds, each applies a similar rotational force, even if one wheel is stationary while the other is revolving.

 

When the new differential is locked, it forces both wheels to rotate at an equal speed regardless of terrain or traction. In locked mode, each wheel applies a rotational force equal to the conditions and its tractive capacity, so the torque exerted on the differential hemispheres, each side-shaft and wheels can be significantly unequal.

 

The new differential is backed by an industry-leading one-year warranty and Auburn’s exclusive Differential Replacement Exchange (D-REX) Program. Under the terms of the D-REX Program, Auburn will replace any differential within the first four years after purchase, regardless of circumstances. The replacement differential is one-third of the original cost, or the equivalent of the price of a competitor’s clutch pack. The replacement differential comes fully assembled, tested, certified and ready for installation. No rebuilding is required, and thus no mixing of old or worn parts with new parts is necessary.

 

Auburn Gear engineers and manufactures a wide range of performance-enhancing and high-performance aftermarket differentials and is proud of its reputation for being exclusively American Made. Auburn Gear makes all of its products in the town of Auburn, Ind., located in the nation’s heartland. A complete product catalog can be accessed on the Auburn Gear website.

 

Auburn’s Dana 60 aftermarket differentials, model numbers 545022 (4.10:1 & down) and 545023 (4.56:1 & up), are expected to begin shipping on or about March 15, 2014. Product information is now available and can be obtained by contacting Auburn Gear or members of its extensive North American and worldwide distributor network. A distributor locator is available at: http://www.auburngear.com/aftermarket/distributors.aspx

 

Questions regarding Auburn Gear’s new Dana 60 aftermarket differential may be directed to Justin R. Smith at (260) 920-1359 or jrsmith@auburngear.com

 

To access high-resolution images of Auburn Gear’s new Dana 60 aftermarket differential, please visit: http://goo.gl/wumTUp

 

 

 

About Auburn Gear

Auburn Gear, Inc. was organized in 1982 and has decades of gear manufacturing experience. The company serves international builders of vehicles and machinery for the automotive, truck, bus, aerial lift, agriculture, light and heavy construction, mining, forestry and marine industries. Capabilities include full line design, development, testing and manufacturing of a wide range of geared products. Facilities include development, gauge, gear and metallurgical laboratories. Production process capacities include turning, gear cutting, spline rolling, heat treat, shot peening and finished grinding.

 

^{Dana and Dana 60 may be trademarks of their respective organizations. The terms Dana and Dana 60 and references to models and product designations are for reference purposes only. Neither Auburn Gear nor its products are sponsored or endorsed by Dana and Dana 60 and there is nothing else in the use of the Dana and Dana 60 designation that should lead a reader to believe that there is an association between Auburn Gear and these organizations.}

Titan Presents Revolutionary Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System at 2013 SEMA Show

30-gallon polyethylene tank fits into the existing spare tire cavity of virtually all American-made pickup trucks, doubling fuel capacity without encroaching on bed space.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho—Titan Fuel Tanks, a leading manufacturer of high-performance, engineered aftermarket fuel tanks, announced that it will introduce its new cross-linked polyethylene, Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The innovative 30-gallon tank and fuel transfer control unit have a patent pending and will be shown to the industry for the first time in Titan’s booth 35111 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The first-of-its-kind fuel system is designed to repurpose the space commonly used to stow a vehicle’s spare tire and fits most American-made diesel pickup trucks made after 1999. The tank essentially doubles the fuel capacity of most pickups and, unlike in-bed auxiliary fuel tank solutions, its underbody location means that it has no impact on the truck bed’s storage capacity.

The lightweight, one-size-fits-all 30-pound tank is easy for one person to install and includes mounting hardware, a filler kit and an electronic fuel transfer control unit that can be operated from the comfort of the cab. Titan has engineered the system for fast installation, and all components come in a standardized package.  

“Titan’s new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System has tremendous potential, and is the most creative and efficient use of space I have seen,” said Kyle Shiminski, category director, Keystone Automotive Operations. “We are very excited to be one of the first to be stocking their product in our warehouses.  The lightweight material, ease of installation and concealed mounting location make Titan’s system an excellent universal solution for adding fuel capacity.”

Titan’s single-tank design accommodates all applications, while mounting hardware unique to the host vehicle’s make and model allows the tank to securely attach to the cross members of the vehicle’s frame. Mounting brackets attach easily and are completely noninvasive, requiring no cutting, welding or drilling. Like the spare tire it replaces, a mounting stud slides through the middle of the tank, which is then secured with a mounting plate.

“Diesel truck owners are always interested in extending their range and fuel capacity without compromising space in their trucks cargo bed and Titan’s new spare tire tank is an innovative solution to this challenge,” said Paul Nishanian, executive vice president for Xtreme Diesel Performance (XDP). “XDP stocks a complete range of Titan fuel tanks and we’re excited about expanding our Titan offering with their new spare tire tank.”

Titan’s electronic fuel transfer control unit gives the vehicle operator total flexibility in managing the use of extra fuel capacity. The additional fuel can be held in reserve or transferred on the go and as the need arises. The controller’s illuminated user interface indicates the tank’s fuel level in increments of one-tenth and features a single-touch button that starts the fuel transfer sequence. With one touch, fuel begins transferring from the Spare Tire Fuel Tank to the vehicle’s primary fuel tank and continues to flow until it is automatically stopped by the controller or the button is touched again. A red LED on the controller illuminates during the fuel transfer process.

“This new tank is available at Summit Racing Equipment now, for any diesel truck owner who wants to add extra fuel capacity,” said Jeff Winters, chief marketing officer, Summit Racing Equipment. “In fact, using this new tank in conjunction with one of the other Titan auxiliary tanks we offer, a truck owner can have up to 100 gallons of diesel fuel onboard, all in underbody locations.”

Titan’s new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System fits most full-sized, American-made, diesel pickup trucks and its polymer material is highly resistant to the corrosive effects of diesel and bio-diesel fuels as well as fuel additives that have been known to degrade the linings of steel diesel fuel tanks.

The tanks come with a universal filler kit featuring a brushed aluminum door that can be installed on the vehicle’s exterior sidewall or on an inside wall of the truck bed. The tanks include a rollover vent valve and a vent hose.

Titan’s entire line of polymer replacement and auxiliary fuel tanks are formed from military-grade cross-linked polyethylene (XLHDPE). The rugged polyethylene material is 200 times less thermal conductive than steel, and the polymer’s insulating properties eliminate condensation, boosting mileage efficiency by keeping fuel cooler and closer to optimal combustion temperatures than metallic tanks. All Titan fuel tanks come with a limited five-year warranty.

Titan’s tanks are designed by a staff of fuel tank engineers. Titan serves fleets and other end-users of Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and Dodge diesel pickup trucks. Titan uses finite element analysis (FEA) in its design process, enabling it to simulate a wide array of dynamic stresses on systems and components. Virtual impact testing, off-road conditions and accelerated aging can all be simulated using FEA. For safety purposes, Titan requires that all trucks using their new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System be equipped with a heavy class-5 hitch, standard on most full-sized diesels.

Titan’s distributors in the United States, Canada and Australia are expected to have the new polymer Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System in stock on or about December 1, 2013. For those who consider spare tires critical, dealers will also offer a Titan kit that allows the displaced spare tire to be vertically mounted in the truck bed.

To access high-resolution images of Titan’s innovative new cross-linked polyethylene, Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System, please visit: http://www.titanfueltanks.com/sparetirepr-images.html

-

About Titan Fuel Tanks

Based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Titan Fuel Tanks engineers and manufactures ultra-durable, extra-capacity
aftermarket fuel tanks made from advanced military-grade, cross-linked polyethylene. Titan offers a broad selection of replacement fuel tanks, designed to seamlessly integrate with and extend the fuel capacity and driving reach of a broad range of truck models, including Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and Dodge vehicles. Titan serves the aftermarket fuel tank needs of the United States, Canada and Australia, and is recognized as an innovator in aftermarket fuel tank design. Titan’s engineering staff employs the latest technology in its design process, including finite element analysis (FEA). To learn more about Titan Fuel Tanks, please visit: http://www.titanfueltanks.com

Titan is a trademark of Supertanks, LLC.

2015 Silverado HD, Sierra HD Pickups Revealed in Texas

Highest convention trailering rating of 19,600 pounds among advancements

DETROIT – Chevrolet and GMC today revealed the all-new 2015 models of the Silverado HD and Sierra HD full-size pickups, featuring segment-leading capabilities across the range including the highest payload – 7,374 pounds – and the highest conventional trailering rating – 19,600 pounds.
Silverado HD’s all-new exterior communicates strength and capability, while also enhancing aerodynamics for improved efficiency and reduced wind noise,  It also improves cooling for more consistent power under tough conditions.

The new Sierra HDs arrive in the first quarter of 2014, including 2500HD and 3500HD models, and the Sierra Denali HD, which matches do-it-all capability with an exclusive package of design and upscale interior amenities.

Additional new and enhanced features for the 2015 Silverado and Sierra HDs include:

• CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, standard upper tie-downs and other features that make cargo handling easier
• Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models, including 3500HD dually
• Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking (diesel models), for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades
• Enhanced cooling airflow, which enables the Duramax turbo diesel and 6.0L gas engine to better maintain full power, even under heavy loads and high ambient temperatures

The 2015 Silverado HD and Sierra HD pickups will be assembled in Ft. Wayne, Ind. and Flint, Mich.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About GMC
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. The 2014 Sierra half-ton pickup boasts all-new powertrains and design, and the Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks ever built by GMC. Every retail GMC model, including Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs, is now available in Denali luxury trim. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Pros and Cons of Gas Vs. Diesel in Class 3-4 Trucks

Gasoline or diesel: Which engine type works best for Class 3-4 truck applications?

This is an age-old question without a clear-cut winner. Each offers advantages and limitations. The key is determining exactly how the truck will be used and then selecting the engine type that strikes the right balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and budget.

What factors should fleet managers consider when deciding between gasoline and diesel engines in Class 3-4 (10,001- to 16,000-lb. gross vehicle weight rating) trucks? Here are nine points to serve as a guide:

Pros and Cons of Gas Vs. Diesel in Class 3-4 Trucks

Calculating Commercial Vehicle Weight Distribution & Payload Made Easy

Axle capacities are limited either by the axle capacity or the legal weight limits, whichever is lower. Performing a weight distribution analysis can achieve the proper axle loadings before a truck is built.

Calculating Commercial Vehicle Weight Distribution & Payload Made Easy