8/20/24
Brief Intro To The Switch-N-Go® Truck Body System
8/18/24
1925 Ford Model TT Truck
This year at Old Car Festival we’re celebrating a century of factory-built trucks. Ford Motor Company introduced its Model TT – essentially a Model T with a heftier frame and drivetrain – in 1917. Ford built only three trucks that first year, but more than 40,000 TTs left the factory the following year. Learn more about this truck and the then-young truck market in this video from our Curator of Transportation Matt Anderson.
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8/16/24
Building a "Legend" for Liebherr | Crane Service Van Upfit Featuring Legend Fleet Solutions
We were asked by Lieberr, to customize and outfit a new service van that would allow their teams to handle remote calls on heavy-duty cranes. It was an exciting project in many ways, and at the same time, it was also business as usual for the Expertec team.
The first products we recommended came from Legend Fleet Solutions to provide a solid base to build from the ground up. Legend’s slip-resistance flooring was going to be critical to keeping the Lieberr team safe on the job in a variety of climates and temperatures.
We then added in DuraTherm wall and ceiling liners to ensure a quieter and more pleasant ride and to provide “ax proof” protection for the van as well as the tools, shelving, and equipment that would ultimately find their home in the van.
As a company with firm footing in technology, it was no surprise that the Lieberr team requested a specialized workstation, with some additional power to support the needs their crews would encounter.
A GoPower inverter, as well as a Vanair, Super Boost-All system, were wired into the van, to give the team the power resources they needed.
Ultimately, this Lieberr service van has all the tools, and comfort, to provide long-term service, from the most remote outpost in the country, to the middle of the busiest neighborhoods in Calgary.
Expertec is proud to be able to call on Legend Fleet Solutions, and so many of its perfectly designed products, to meet our clients’ needs in a fast and economically responsible way.
For more innovative driven solutions, visit https://expertec.ca
8/12/24
Future-Proof Your Fleet | Ford F-150® Lightning™ | Ford Pro
The all-electric F-150® Lightning™ The F-Series® capability your business relies on with 45% lower scheduled maintenance costs* vs. a gas-powered F-150®
*Scheduled maintenance costs for the F-150® Lightning™ pickup/truck are estimated to be more than 45 percent less than the average scheduled maintenance costs for a gas-powered F-150® over 5 years/75,000 miles (whichever comes first). Analysis reflects Ford Motor Company’s standard method for calculating scheduled maintenance cost and reflects data available in 2023.
8/10/24
WARN New Products Video
8/08/24
VMAC's UNDERHOOD70-G System Customer Testimonial
After using the amazing UNDERHOOD70-G air compressor on his high-demand roofing jobs, Dale Clozza of Aurora Roofing in Nanaimo, BC, had a lot to say about the efficiency, fuel savings and compact power of one of VMAC's newest, innovative air compressor system - including its ability to TURN HIS TRUCK ON AND OFF as his air tools need air. Learn More: http://vmacair.com/product/underhood-...
8/06/24
Service Department - Northside Ford Truck Sales, Inc.
Why come to our dealership for service?
- We have genuine expertise when it comes to your vehicle, which means your service or maintenance will be performed promptly, and done right
- We have Genuine Ford and Motorcraft Parts made specifically for your vehicle
- Our technicians are factory trained specialists on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles
- We offer competitive prices on everything your vehicle needs
Northside Ford Truck Sales, Inc.
6221 N E Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97218
Phone : (503) 282-7777
Hours Of Operation :
7.00 AM - 12.00 PM ( Monday - Friday )
Hours Of Operation :
8.00 AM - 4.00 PM ( Saturday - Saturday )
Maps and Directions
7.00 AM - 12.00 PM ( Monday - Friday )
Hours Of Operation :
8.00 AM - 4.00 PM ( Saturday - Saturday )
Maps and Directions
8/04/24
Titan Automatic Tarp and 3-Way Tailgate: Zoresco Equipment
This Titan Dump has a fully automated tarp and a 3 way tailgate.
8/02/24
Why Ford Pro™ | Ch. 1 | This is Ford Pro™
Watch as Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley discusses the history of Ford’s commercial vehicle success and the direction in which the company is headed. He details the inspiration behind Ford Pro and shares how our physical products combine with software and services to provide a comprehensive solution made for CEOs, local governments, and businesses of all sizes.
About Ford Pro: Ford Pro™ is a productivity accelerator designed to drive business forward, delivering solutions to commercial customers of all sizes. We offer the right tools, software and services designed to keep your business on track and your crew on the road.
7/31/24
Driving Defensively for CDL Drivers
This training video is for Commercial Drivers License CDL holders and teaches them how to drive defensively while operating big rig, semi trucks and other large delivery vehicles.
7/29/24
The AL-RS CM Truck Bed
Enoven Truck Bodies & Equipment is a distributor and upfitter of CM Truck Beds, a market leader for many years in ranch-style flatbeds and their product line is constantly expanding. Enoven is always looking for quality partners like CM Truck Beds to be able to offer the best products and value for our clients.
See more about CM Truck Beds at https://cmtruckbeds.com/
See more about all of our products and services at Enoven.com
7/25/24
Next Step in the UPFIT Process: Ensuring Proper Maintenance.
- Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV
Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:
A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.
“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.
At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.
“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.
Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.
“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”
When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.
“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.
Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.
“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.
6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits
While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:
Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection
Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.
“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance
When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.
“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.
To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.
“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.
Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly
Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders.
“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.
Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment
You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.
“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.
Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing
When you service certain upfit items is also essential.
“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.
Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage
Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.
“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.
Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits
7/22/24
The Rise of Catalytic Converter Thefts from Work Trucks / Premier Truck Center Finds Solution for Isuzu's
A concerning trend has emerged that has left many work truck owners scratching their heads in disbelief - the surge in catalytic converter theft from these vehicles. It seems that no work truck is safe from these brazen criminal acts, leaving professionals perplexed and frustrated.
Why are catalytic converters becoming the prime target of thieves, specifically from work trucks?
Read: The Rise of Catalytic Converter Thefts from Work Trucks HERE:
Stolen Catalytic Converter Picture:
Premier Cat Guard Installed:
ISUZU CAT GUARDS AVAILABLE FROM PREMIER TRUCK CENTER
The Cat Guards from Premier Truck Center can be easily installed on your Isuzu protecting it from Catalytic Converter Theft.
These guards come packaged as a kit and can be easily installed in about one hour. They will be assembled around the Converter and provide a barrier that will make it virtually impossible to remove your Catalytic Converters!
Call 941-729-8196 and ask for Dylan
or email at sales@premiertrucksfl.com
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