New HD 6-speed Torqshift Transmission From Ford

NEW TORQSHIFT SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION HARNESSES,

CHANNELS INCREASED POWER FROM NEW FORD ENGINES

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 25, 2010 – All-new diesel and gasoline engines are key reasons why the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty maintains best-in-class towing and payload and adds enhanced off-road capability. Managing the best-in-class horsepower and torque is the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission, which delivers power quickly and seamlessly while maximizing fuel economy.

“Our new transmission perfectly complements our new diesel and gasoline engines to give the customer the best powertrain for Super Duty applications,” said Al Bruck, 6R140 transmission engineering manager. “Rigorous testing ensures our transmission and powertrain is up to the challenge of even our most demanding Super Duty customers. Overall, the 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission enables greater customer capability, efficiency and control than ever before.”

Creating a transmission to serve both diesel and gasoline engines in a Super Duty application is a challenging proposition because the gearbox needs to deliver the substantial low-rpm torque produced by the diesel engine and efficiently use the higher rotational speeds of the gasoline engine. The solution was to use a proven architecture, but adapt it for heavy-duty use.

Lepelletier powerflow: New application of tried-and-true system
Ford’s 6R140 TorqShift transmission uses a Lepelletier-style powerflow, which is a proven technology in rear-wheel-drive vehicles but not typically used with larger diesel engines. A key benefit of the Lepelletier architecture is that it reduces the complexity in connecting the gearsets and clutches. The six speeds require only five clutches, and the speeds of the clutches relative to one another are low, increasing the efficiency of the system.

To handle the torque of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel, Ford strengthened the system by employing a unique powder-metal carrier in the compound Ravigneaux planetary gearset. The carrier consists of four pressed powder-metal components sinter-brazed together to form a rigid, power-dense structure. This solution ensures robustness and makes the architecture compatible with both the diesel and gasoline engines. A Ford-patented rocker one-way clutch is integrated with the carrier and helps improve 1-2 shift quality through the gearset.
“With this architecture, the new transmission can handle the enormous low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine as well as the high speeds produced by the new gas engine,” Bruck said. “The sinter-brazed gearset enables more torque capacity and greater engine speed capability.”

A deep first gear ratio and two overdrive gears create a wider ratio span. This, combined with available lower axle gear ratios and a control system that automatically selects the most efficient shift schedule, provides an outstanding combination of pulling power and fuel economy.

“Our first gear ratio is a fair amount deeper than our competitors, so customers will get improved off-the-line performance,” Bruck said. “The six ratios we’ve selected provide greater overall span and better overdrive performance, which reduces engine speed in highway conditions and improves fuel economy.

“Because we have six gears, we make smaller steps gear to gear, which helps keep the engine in its sweet spot in terms of performance and efficiency.”

Six-speed gearbox offers best of automatic, manual transmissions
The 6R140’s heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission balances convenience and control by automatically shifting during routine operation and also allowing complete manual control. It features SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality, which includes both Progressive Range Select and manual functions.

With Progressive Range Select, a toggle on the shift lever allows the customer to reduce the range of available gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into Range Select mode, the display shows the available gears and highlights the current gear state. This feature allows the driver to limit use of upper gears when heavily loaded or while towing on grades.

For full manual function, customers also can pull the shift lever into “M” for manual mode and use the same toggle switch to select the gear desired. The display will show the selected gear, and the control system will lock the torque converter and hold that gear for a full manual transmission feel.

Proven Tow Haul mode: Taken to the next level
The 6R140 transmission also features standard enhanced Tow Haul capability, which provides better control when hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer, especially when going down grades. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors to better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control.

Torque converter provides connected feel and better efficiency
The torque converter of the 6R140 transmission is designed to be accurately controlled and efficient. A closed-piston design provides precise control of the lock-up clutch. Its torque multiplication is matched with the rest of the powertrain for better off-the-line performance, but that’s only the start. Once under way, a long-travel, high-capacity turbine damper allows the torque converter to dampen out the extreme torsional force produced in particular by the new, more powerful diesel engine.

“This damper allows us to lug down to 900 rpm while our competitors lug to around 1,100 rpm,” Bruck said. “This technology allows us to stay locked more, which means the engine can run at a lower rpm and get better fuel economy.”

Live Drive PTO: Power whenever the engine is running
Another example of taking a proven technology and applying it to the Super Duty to improve customer productivity is the availability of segment-exclusive Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off). On 2011 Ford Super Duty diesels with the PTO prep option, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, cement mixers, tow truck lifts or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.

Pioneered on agricultural applications, the Live Drive feature is particularly useful when mobile PTO function is required during start-stop operations, such as salt spreading or snow plowing. “A fully functional Live Drive mobile PTO will allow Super Duty customers to take full advantage of the equipment on their trucks,” said Bruck.

Durability testing in the lab and on the road
The 6R140 transmission has undergone extensive durability and reliability testing in Ford’s supercomputers, in the lab and on the road to ensure customer satisfaction. Extensive computer-aided engineering was completed before the hardware phase began for improved efficiency in terms of time and reduced failures.

Once the analysis was complete, physical testing in the laboratory included running the new transmission 24/7 while mated to both engines to help ensure real-world durability.

The transmission was rigorously tested – at unloaded and maximum GCW (Gross Combined Weight) duty cycles – for 250,000 equivalent miles to replicate what the most demanding, harshest Super Duty customer can dish out.

The 6R140 heavy-duty transmission will be built at the Sharonville (Ohio) Transmission Plant.

The Work Truck Show Is Coming In Ten Short Days

Time is running out! The Work Truck Show is just ten short days away. If you haven't already made plans, now is a good time. Register today to attend the largest Work Truck Show of the year in St Louis. Go to http://www.ntea.com/ for more details.

All New Ford Engineered, Ford Built 6.7 Liter Diesel Engine

ALL-NEW FORD-ENGINEERED, FORD-TESTED, FORD-BUILT DIESEL MAXIMIZES 2011 SUPER DUTY’S PRODUCTIVITY

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 25, 2010 – A new era in Ford diesel technology arrives with the Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine.

Debuting in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty truck, the new diesel engine delivers best-in-class 735 ft.-lb. of torque (at 1,600 rpm), 390 horsepower (at 2,800 rpm) and class-leading fuel economy while adding more fueling flexibility and easily meeting stringent new emissions requirements.

The new 6.7-liter diesel engine also shares the Super Duty’s legendary reliability and durability while enabling best-in-class towing capability of 24,400 pounds.

“This all-new diesel engine has been so extensively tested both in the lab and in the real world that we’re confident we’re giving our customers the most reliable and productive powertrain available today,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “Our Super Duty customers demand reliability and durability in their trucks so they can deliver the best results for their business and their customers. That’s exactly what this engine delivers.”

The diesel engine team made improvements and changes throughout the engine architecture to deliver on aggressive horsepower, torque, emissions and fuel economy targets. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke uses an “inboard exhaust” architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel engine. It combines the best of proven technology with new, patented approaches backed by an extensive laboratory and real-world testing regimen to assure customer satisfaction.

Benefits of the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine include:

• First use of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block in a Super Duty-class vehicle in North America; stronger than cast iron, Ford has successfully used CGI in engine blocks in products around the world. The block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and horsepower.
• Unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel engine, reduces overall exhaust system volume, which leads to better throttle response for the customer; additionally, reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance.
• The new engine architecture enables easier service work for all major engine components, potentially reducing downtime. On turbocharger service, for example, the body/cab no longer has to be removed from the frame to access the turbo; also, the high-pressure fuel pump, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) components and thermostats are directly accessible from the front of the vehicle.
• Honeywell’s VNT™ (variable nozzle turbine) DualBoost turbocharger features an industry-first dual-sided compressor wheel that works in a single housing. The unit is uniquely center-mounted on a pedestal low in the back of the valley for improved NVH. This turbocharger design allows the single unit to deliver the benefits of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package, combining the advantages of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (ability to compress and force more air into the engine for more power) in one unit.
• The high-pressure Bosch fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi. The system delivers up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle using eight-hole piezo injectors to spray fuel into the piston bowl. The direct-injection system is calibrated and phased for optimum power, fuel efficiency and NVH performance.
• Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; also, six head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity even with the higher firing pressures; overall the engine is about 160 pounds lighter.
• Compatible up to B20 fuel, allowing greener fueling options of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.

This is great news for Ford Truck purchasers in late 2010. To see the whole article on the All-New 6.7 Liter Ford Built, Ford Designed Diesel engine: New 6.7 Liter Diesel

Isuzu 12t CrewCab Receives Official Cart Marking

First step Forward as Isuzu 12t crewcab receives

official Cart Marking at London’s Guildhall

The first 12 tonne Isuzu ‘Forward’ crewcab, in the livery of the Automania Group Ltd, featured at this year's Cart Marking Day in the City of London. As part of a 40-strong parade and vehicle drive-past, the Isuzu ‘Forward’ 12 tonne truck received its official marking in the presence of the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of London, the Sherriff and other City officers.

Featuring a Worldwide Recovery Systems slideback body, the Isuzu ‘Forward’ 12t truck is one of a pair of new recovery vehicles recently added to the predominantly Isuzu recovery fleet at the West London based company Automania.

“The Cart Marking 2009 ceremony is an annual event within the City of London calendar and it was fitting that one of our newly introduced vehicle specifications, a 12tonne crewcab model, played a significant role in this historic event,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited.

The cart marking ceremony at the Guildhall in London is a time-honoured tradition, maintained by The Worshipful Company of Carmen. Selective vehicles, representing the history of transport, are branded with the red-hot iron on a wooden plate; also carrying a unique vehicle number and the Carmen arms. The ceremony acts as a reminder of centuries of service by transport organisations to the city of London.

Further information about Isuzu Truck UK can be viewed on the company's website at www.isuzutruck.co.uk

New 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs Deliver Complete Commercial Package

New 2011 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs

Deliver Complete Commercial Package

• All-new crew cab increases leg room six inches
• All-new design and exterior styling
• Largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons)
• Best-in-class fuel economy (Cummins Turbo Diesel – Ram 4500/5500 models)
• Largest front-brake rotors and calipers (Ram 4500/5500 models)
• Standard diesel exhaust brake
• Standard diesel 24,000 lb. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and optional 26,000 lb. GCWR package both best-in-class on Ram 3500 model
• All-new optional integrated trailer-brake controller
• Four all-new upfitter switches integrated into the instrument panel
• Ultra-clean 2011 diesel emissions-compliant with new diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection based on urea injection Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) technology
• Unsurpassed standard diesel engine warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
• HEMI V-8 with Variable-valve Timing (VVT) improves fuel economy up to 4 percent (Ram 3500)
• Six-speed automatic and manual transmission with Power Take-off (PTO) capability
• Diesel engine base alternator increased to 180-amps from 136-amps
• Comprehensive commercial-grade service and support with Body Builder Guide and hotline support from engineering team
• B20 package available to fleet customers only
  

For more information on Dodge Trucks: Dodge Commercial Trucks.

1/2-Ton Work Truck Is Inexpensive Alternative

Here is a great alternative, cost-saving way to get the work done and keep your valuable stuff out of sight and out of the weather. We start with a great Chevy 1/2-ton 8' bed pickup truck with a small V-8 for power and fuel economy too, then we add a lightweight and strong A.R.E. aluminum contractor shell with dual doors on each side. In this case we have put a cabinet in the back compartments and left the front open for a couple of reasons. One is that you can access what is in the front of the bed area easily and quickly, and the other is that a shelf across the bed would be a great place to mount an electrical inverter or other items that help get the job done.

The best part of this package is adding the IFW Bedslide. This one is rated at 1200 lbs. No more crawling up in the back of the pickup bed. My knees hurt just thinking about it. This baby rolls right out and has a stop in the middle and one at the end to lock it in place. When you're done, just turn the handle and roll it back into the park position. It couldn't be simpler. There is also a HD aluminum rack on top of the shell. It is solid.

These items don't add a lot of weight, so we can still carry a bunch of stuff. In this case, the cargo capacity is 1,027 lbs. after installing the bedslide and shell. This truck has the 4.8 gas V-8, AC, Camper mirrors, Stabilitrak, Trailering Pkg, Locking Differential and a gas conserving 3.23 axle ratio. This unit was built by Fairfield Commercial Truck and the optional items were added by Vaca Valley Truck & SUV in Vacaville, CA.

The best reason to buy this kind of rig is this: it is much less money initially, the serviceable items are much less expensive than on 3/4 and 1-ton trucks. It is low to the ground so it is comfortable to get in and out of. It looks great, and it is set up to do some solid work. There is plenty of usable space to make getting those jobs done easier.

Tymco Model 435 Regenerative Air Sweeper

Here is a Tymco Model 435 Regenerative Air Sweeper mounted on an Isuzu NQR that came in for service some time back. I took some shots because I don't really deal in sweepers and see them rarely. This one looked like it was almost new.

Learn more about this sweeper and all the models from Tymco, of Waco, Texas. You can reach them by phone at 800-258-9626. Website is www.tymco.com.

Custom SuperStructure For Search & Rescue

This is a custom SuperStructure 9' Service Body manufactured by Harbor Truck Bodies, of Brea, CA for their customer Mono County Search and Rescue. This is a great looking, and very functional body with room for lots of things.

This body has horizontal compartments on both sides, where the horizontal compartment normally over the wheels only is extended to the end of the body to allow the carrying of longer tools and items that would not normally fit in any of the service body compartments. The good news about that is that it is typically a "no charge" option. Those huge upper compartments can carry some really large items by removing the shelf. Then there are those awesome light to light up the whole area on all three sides of the body. And, last, there is the whole lockable area in the rear which will take care of what won't fit in the compartments. All that mounted on a Ford Crew Cab F450, makes for a awesome package.

Thanks to Kimberly Bellamy for the photos. See more of what Harbor builds at their website at www.htbi.net.

2010 Chevy Silverado Hybrid

2010 SILVERADO HYBRID BLENDS 25-PERCENT GREATER FUEL ECONOMY WITH CHEVY’S LEGENDARY CAPABILITY

The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is a powerful, full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy while delivering the capability expected of a full-size truck – including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity.

Partnering General Motors’ patented two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8, the Silverado Hybrid delivers highly efficient performance, including all-electric driving up to 30 mph (48 km/h). That saves fuel even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for both 2WD and 4WD models is 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. Combined with a 26-gallon (98 L) fuel tank, the Silverado Hybrid delivers a cruising range of more than 500 miles.

The Silverado Hybrid is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models. Each model is equipped with several standard, popular features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. Silverado Hybrid also offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags, and it is the only full-size truck with five-star side-impact ratings in federal crash tests.

Hybrid details

The Silverado Hybrid’s fuel-saving performance is derived from GM’s advanced Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which work with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. GM’s hybrid technology system not only enables the Silverado to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.

As part of the vehicle’s emission control system, the ESS is warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.

In the Silverado Hybrid, the hybrid system itself generates the electricity used to propel the vehicle. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity and store it in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy moves the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

The two-mode hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses in more than 70 North American and European cities. Scaled down for use in passenger vehicles, the system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. The two-mode system was first introduced on the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid. It is a core part of GM’s energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment.

Quiet and smooth

Integration of the hybrid system on the Silverado is seamless – the battery pack is beneath the rear seat – and delivers a quiet driving experience. Contributors include:

• New exhaust system and resonator tuned for the 6.0L engine’s Active Fuel Management operation
• Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing sound quality
• Low-rolling resistance, “quiet-tuned” P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise
• Electrically driven 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the standard, tri-zone HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off
• Electrically driven 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
• Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds.

Along with quietness, the Silverado Hybrid also delivers exceptional driving smoothness, thanks to specifically tuned shocks and a hydraulic body mount. Located on the passenger side of the chassis, the hydraulic mount provides a dramatic improvement in highway driving smoothness, particularly on rough or choppy road surfaces.

Trailering performance

In addition to increased fuel economy, the Silverado Hybrid’s electrically variable transmission also provides tremendous trailering capability, enhancing driving smoothness and quality when towing. Towing capacity is 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg) with 2WD models and 5900 pounds (2,676 kg) with 4WD models.

Electric drive is enabled up to approximately 30 mph (48 km/h), saving fuel even when the truck is towing a trailer.

The EVT incorporates grade braking and tap up/tap down shift control. It also benefits towing on curves or lower-speed back roads, as exceptionally smooth gear transitions eliminate the “shift shock” torque disruption that can occur during abrupt shifts, such as when slowing or braking.

In addition to the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Silverado Hybrid’s Energy Storage System, GM's Five-Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to make GM a better choice for customers. GM's coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, GM offers free courtesy transportation and roadside assistance.

See more at www.Chevrolet.com.

What A Great Idea! Full Side Access.

There is nothing quite so interesting and so useful as the window shade style shutter door on the side of this van body by Supreme. We borrowed the idea from the Safeway.com trucks that Supreme built.

This unit is as short as a pickup truck, yet has a 10' box and better turning radius. It is just tall enough to stand up straight it. With the shutter style door and the barn style doors on the rear, there is no loss of headroom, so this box can be fully loaded.

Access to load and unload is a piece of cake and the load floor height is approximately that of a half ton pickup truck tailgate. No back issues. The full length grip strut step and grap handles allows one to get inside very easily.

Another advantage is that this box can be easily loaded with a forklift. Want to carry some heavy engines in crates here and there, no problem. And this truck will carry approximately 3,000 lbs., so it will handle the job.

To see more photos, go to www.fairfieldcommercialtruck.com.

Len Deluca To Speak At Nor Cal Ford Truck Club Event

The Northern California Ford Truck Club announced its next meeting date is March 18th, 2010 and will include an optional golf tournament, with the main meeting starting at 3:00pm.

This event is a "must attend" because the guest speaker will be Len Deluca, Director of Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing leading a "Mini Grass Roots" meeting along with Craig Cannons, Ford Commercial Business Manager.

Get more information and a sign up sheet at the www.NorCalFordTruckClub.com website.

The Ford Falcon UTE - A Hit In Australia

Australia's got a pretty cool truck in the Ford Falcon UTE, which is available as a cab chassis as shown in this promo photo with the flatbed installed. Pretty swank looking rig! It doesn't look anything like a work truck, but get this: it has a capacity up to 1,240kg (2,733 lbs)!! Look how nice and low to the ground it is. Easy to work from.

The Falcon UTE Chassis Cab is available in three models. The one shown here is the top of the line. The chassis cab's come with a 4.0 litre DOHC I-6 engine and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto transmission. The XR6 has all the bells and whistles including 4-way power seat, power windows and locks, CD player and much more. There is an available E-Gas option for a factory built LPG unit using the 4.0 litre engine with a 4-speed automatic. The optional one tonne suspension gives the maximum payload. A 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs) towpack is available.

When I was in Syndey a few years ago, I saw plenty of these kind of trucks and thought how useful they were. I didn't realize that Ford was doing such a great job down under. The Falcon UTE is an excellent offering and just a portion of Ford's presence in Australia. For more information on the Falcon UTE and other Ford products in Australia, visit Ford's website at www.ford.com.au.

Nice Lighting Options For Harbor WorkMaster

Look how bright the interior of this Harbor WorkMaster is, and it is all done with very low draw LED lighting. In the custom closeable compartments on the side are several Maxxima M844280 LED Cargo Light Strips. Sweet! Won't have any trouble finding things in there! Then, the overhead are two Grote LED "WhiteLight" Recessed-Mounted Dome Lamps.

This truck should go for a long time with great visibility using these quality products. Thanks to Kimberly Bellamy at Harbor Truck Bodies in Brea, CA for the photo and information. You can contact Harbor at 800-433-9452 and visit their website at www.htbi.net for a list of distributors in your area.

Interesting Body Caught On Freeway

Down in the East Bay Area below Oakland a few months ago, I quickly got my camera to catch a shot of this truck. I cannot read the writing, but thought it was fascinating. It has two very tall boxes that have a single door rather than the more common double door opening, then 2-24" boxes stacked on top of one another behind the tall boxes, which appear to be about 36" wide, maybe just a tad more.

Then there is a conventional liftgate looking like it is holding everything on the truck (and creating some serious wind resistance too!). Can't see the other side. It may be completely devoid of boxes on that side. All mounted on a 12' flatbed mounted on a Ford F450-550. Nice rig!

Brilliant Cargo Bed Enclosure Design

Now, this is a treat! Typically, the front section of a cargo bed enclosure is permanently mounted to the truck and does not open, so if it is a 2-piece setup, it usually opens about 1/2 of the bed area, and a 3-pieces opens about two thirds of the bed area and the last section is holding the other two. In this case, the front section is mounted with hinges and gas shocks so that it can raise up to completely expose the entire bed area. How brilliant! This is the first I have seen of this kind of design for the cargo bed enclosure and I have seen hundreds of cargo bed enclosures of all varieties. Absolutely brilliant.

This one was built for Downtown Ford of Sacramento by Jack Schmidt, owner of West Coast Truck Equipment in West Sacramento, CA. You can have Jack build one for you. Call him at 916-376-0690 and visit his website at www.westcoastruckequipment.com.