GM Adds More Cameras for Towing Safety

As part of the ever-escalating Tow Wars that have all the big heavy-duty truckmakers looking for better and safer technologies to make towing a more comfortable chore, more cameras seems like the next logical step.

Backup cameras offer a driver the chance to see what's going on behind them in areas they can't without one. That's why the federal government has mandated they be standard on all vehicles by model-year 2019.

As things begin to change rapidly, it's worth noting that Ram was the first to include a single optional camera at the back of the cab, giving gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing aficionados a better view of their bed hitch.

Then we saw the 2017 Ford Super Duty at the 2015 State Fair of Texas where Ford showed a seven-camera trailering system that allows for added visibility on each side of the truck, in the bed behind the tailgate, along with the capability to add two more cameras to the back of the trailer to keep an eye on cargo. Now GM's Chevrolet (and GMC), in conjunction with longtime camera supplier EchoMaster, is bringing its version to market called IntelliHaul. In fact, it's a retrofit that will be offered for late-model half-ton and heavy-duty Silverado and Sierra pickups, meaning it can be purchased and installed on properly equipped 2014-2016 models.

We had the chance to try one out for a short period on a Silverado 2500 Z71 Midnight Edition 4x4 with the Duramax engine, which had a total vehicle price of $62,810. Although IntelliHaul was installed, the system's cost was not included in this particular truck's total price. Depending on the package, expect IntelliHaul to cost just less than $1,000, with an extra $349 for a wireless camera. EchoMaster has a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on the system and parts.

The new trailering camera system uses two small cameras on the bottom part of both side-view mirrors, a tailgate camera and a control screen incorporated into the pickup truck's dash-mounted information screen. Additionally, as noted, a wireless camera (or two) is available for the back end of any the trailer or inside for your cargo-viewing pleasure. A center-mounted brake light camera also will be available later this year for those looking to keep an eye on their gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch while driving.

With both the tailgate and active wireless unit, the backup camera, as seen on the center console navigation screen, is activated when the truck is put in Reverse, while the side cameras activate when either right- or left-turn signals are used. The viewing screen offers a large, clear, wide-angle image from each camera.

The screen settings for the IntelliHaul system are hidden, so you need to press and hold the Home button for five seconds to bring up the camera menu screen. Once the screen is up, the driver can select which type of screen setup he or she wants. There are several choices that will allow the driver to see single or multiple views continually or only in specific circumstances.

We found the setup easy to operate and recorded a quick two-minute video that shows off some of the screens and electronic gear on our PickupTrucks.com Facebook page. Although we haven't towed with it yet, we like that GM is responding to the 2017 Ford Super Duty seven-camera setup (which requires a new 12-pin trailer plug), available when the new Ford debuts later this year. This is the type of surround-view system that should allow for better and safer towing both for novice and expert alike. We should note that GM still does not offer anything like Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

For now, the Chevy/GMC system is an added install done at the dealership, but we expect the setup to be offered for much less than that, as part of a larger towing package, in the 2017 model lineup. To date, the system is offered on the full lineup of 2014-2016 Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, but we may see something like this move to the full-size Suburban and Escalade lineup as well.

Cars.com photos by Mark Williams

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/06/gm-adds-more-cameras-for-towing-safety.html

A look at Mack Trucks' 2017 powertrain lineup

Powertrain integration is all the rage in today's trucking market. With that in mind, Mack Trucks have released their 2017 powertrain lineup, and Fleet Equipment takes a look at the updates and features of these new engines and transmissions.

BrandFX Body Company Half Ton Revolution

BrandFX Composite service bodies, utility bodies, Toppers & Inserts are up to 40% lighter than comparative steel bodies, and up to 10% lighter than comparative aluminum bodies. This weight reduction means substantially reduced fuel and maintenance costs, and many times the ability to downsize to a smaller chassis for thousands of dollars in lifecycle reduction costs. Then remount your BFX composite equipment over 4-5 trucks.

2017 Chevrolet Silverado HDs Sport New Hood Design

Just as we saw on the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500, the new 2017 Chevy Silverado heavy-duties will receive a new hood design created to provide more and cooler intake air for the diesel engine.

Currently, both the 2500 and 3500 models offer a 6.6-liter 32-valve overhead V-8 turbo-diesel engine, but we're guessing it will be significantly upgraded for the 2017 model year, thus requiring the need for extra air for cooling. Gas engine models will have the intake-less hood style.

Basically, the new air inlet on the top of the hood acts as a second ducted air intake for the engine (there's also one on the grille), pulling in cooler air as needed. Additionally, when the pickup truck is moving at higher speeds, the new inlet pushes more air into the system chambers before entering the block for combustion, potentially delivering denser air into the intake — all for the sake of more power and efficiency. This new intake system also includes an upgraded separator system designed to keep moisture, in the form of droplets or mist (and snow), from getting to the filter.

From its inception, GM's Duramax diesel engine has had intake issues, which we noted in our first heavy-duty pickup comparison test. At the time, a GM engineering representative said the company was aware of the intake vibrations created during heavy-hauling situations, and it was in the process of providing an intake fix. Subsequent iterations of the intake would change significantly, GM said, in the years to come. So here we are.

We reached out to GM representatives to find out if any further structural changes were made to the heavy-duty models — such as receiving the front-end redesign the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra half-tons — did but did not get a response.

Manufacturer images

Source:

How F-150 Raptor Sticks to Trails: All-New BFGoodrich Tires Are More Capable, Comfortable Than Ever

The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever gets a specially developed set of BFGoodrich tires that improve both on- and off-road performance while increasing comfort.

American Truck Historical Society’s National Convention & Truck Show 2016

Hosted in Salem, Oregon from May 26 to May 28, 2016, the annual American Truck Historical Society National Convention & Truck Show in Salem this past week attracted hundreds of trucks and plenty of spectators.

Special thanks to Hard Working Trucks reader Gow Litzenburger for passing along photos of the event which we’ve packaged in a slide show below.

Other antique truck shows are scheduled this summer. Shows generally feature class 1 to 8 trucks that are at least 25 years old. Visit the ATHS website for more information. For those interested in vintage truck restoration, membership in ATHS and networking at truck shows can prove invaluable.

“There’s actually quite a lot of parts out there that are stashed away. It’s just a matter of knowing who has them,” said ATHS member Scott Smith, who brought a 1957 Peterbilt to the show.





- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/slideshow-antique-truck-show-attracts-hundreds-of-trucks/#sthash.Qw86ZjYN.dpuf

The annual American Truck Historical Society’s National Convention & Truck Show in Salem this past week attracted hundreds of trucks and plenty of spectators.

Special thanks to Hard Working Trucks reader Gow Litzenburger for passing along photos of the event which we’ve packaged in a slide show below.
Other antique truck shows are scheduled this summer. Shows generally feature class 1 to 8 trucks that are at least 25 years old. Visit the ATHS website for more information. For those interested in vintage truck restoration, membership in ATHS and networking at truck shows can prove invaluable.
“There’s actually quite a lot of parts out there that are stashed away. It’s just a matter of knowing who has them,” said ATHS member Scott Smith, who brought a 1957 Peterbilt to the show.
- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/slideshow-antique-truck-show-attracts-hundreds-of-trucks/#sthash.Qw86ZjYN.dpuf

The annual American Truck Historical Society’s National Convention & Truck Show in Salem this past week attracted hundreds of trucks and plenty of spectators.

Special thanks to Hard Working Trucks reader Gow Litzenburger for passing along photos of the event which we’ve packaged in a slide show below.
Other antique truck shows are scheduled this summer. Shows generally feature class 1 to 8 trucks that are at least 25 years old. Visit the ATHS website for more information. For those interested in vintage truck restoration, membership in ATHS and networking at truck shows can prove invaluable.
“There’s actually quite a lot of parts out there that are stashed away. It’s just a matter of knowing who has them,” said ATHS member Scott Smith, who brought a 1957 Peterbilt to the show.
- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/slideshow-antique-truck-show-attracts-hundreds-of-trucks/#sthash.Qw86ZjYN.dpuf

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2017 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD: Bold Hood Design Hints at What Lies Beneath

DETROIT – GMC today released the first photos of the 2017 Sierra Denali 2500HD featuring a functional hood scoop design hinting at what is beneath its bold new appearance.
In May 2016, Sierra Denali HDs accounted for 48 percent of HD retail sales.

Additional details and information on the new model will be released in the coming months.
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

All-new Intake System Feeds Duramax Diesel on 2017 Silverado HD

Cool, dry air delivers 

lower engine temperatures, maximum performance

  

DETROIT – New for 2017, Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks feature a patented air intake system that drives cool, dry air into the engine for sustained performance and cooler engine temperatures during difficult driving conditions. The intake system underwent extensive testing based on the most challenging real-world driving conditions to ensure capable performance no matter the weather.

Marked by a dramatic hood scoop, the all-new air intake system provides 60 percent of the air to the Duramax diesel engine from an inlet at the front of the hood. The air provided to the engine is very close to the outside ambient temperature and much cooler than the air under the hood.

Cooler air helps the engine run better under load, especially in conditions where engine and transmission temperatures can rise quickly. Running cooler allows the Duramax diesel to maintain full power and vehicle speed for capable trailering in even the toughest conditions.

There’s also a ram-air effect from the incoming air at highway speed that helps pack more air into the engine. The air filter housing also draws 40 percent additional air from a dry location in one of the front fenders. It blends with the cooler air from the hood inlet before funneling into the Duramax’s combustion chambers. This assures the engine can breathe even if the hood is completely blocked.

“The 2017 Silverado HD was engineered to provide maximum utility for our customers in even the most extreme situations,” said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer, Silverado HD. “While developing this all-new induction system, we considered our customers towing a maximum-weight trailer through the Eisenhower Tunnel on a hot, rainy summer day.”

At more than 11,000 feet above sea level, the Eisenhower Tunnel, is the highest vehicle tunnel in the world and one of the highest elevations for any roadway in North America.

Maximized engine performance requires more than cool air; the air must also be clean and dry. Accordingly, the functional hood scoop includes a unique air/water separator to ensure only combustion-enhancing dry air is drawn into the engine. The air charge enters an expansion chamber containing a sharp, 180-degree turn on its way to the air filter housing. That creates a velocity change that causes humidity or mist to form larger, heavier droplets that are flung centrifugally against the outside wall of the housing. The collected water drains through a valve, while the air charge continues on to the filter housing and into the engine. 

Testing the effectiveness of the system was rooted in real-world driving conditions of every degree — from misty rains to monsoon-level downpours; from powdery snow to wind-driven ice pellets; from desert dust to arctic cold.

Surprisingly, torrential downpours do not necessarily pose the biggest challenge, according to Kevin Dunn, global vehicle performance for splash engineering:  “Big, heavy raindrops from a thunderstorm are relatively easy to eliminate from air. The more challenging issue comes from the mist-like spray generated by semitrucks on wet highways. Those very fine water droplets prove more challenging to separate from the air. The air intake is an elegant solution that works well with water droplets of all sizes. For customers, the results delivers maximum engine performance and even greater towing confidence.”

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

GMC Offers Trailering Enhancements for 2016 Sierra

Factory- and dealer-installed features 

add convenience, confidence to towing duties

DETROIT – New available features including a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package and a trailering camera system complement built-in technologies to help make trailering with the 2016 GMC Sierra easier and more comfortable than ever. 

The gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package is offered on Sierra HD models and makes them ready to tow larger trailers right from the factory, while the trailering camera system is available for Sierra 1500 and HD models. It was developed with Echomaster to help reduce blind spots on the highway and when reversing with a trailer.

“GMC’s reputation was forged on the ability to perform heavy work with a premium touch, and these new options do more to make that work comfortable and confident,” said Sierra Marketing Manager Stuart Pierce. “With a 112-year legacy of professional-grade trucks behind them, the entire Sierra lineup handles the toughest tasks with the utmost ease.”

Gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package
The new gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package is a $350 option featuring a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray that accommodates a gooseneck ball hitch or fifth-wheel hitch mounting brackets.

The platform is concealed beneath the truck’s bed floor and when the hitch isn’t needed, it can be removed for full use of the bed’s cargo capacity. Caps for the openings in the floor are included and a bed-mounted seven-way trailer wiring connection comes with the prep package.

Additionally, a new gooseneck completion kit is available from GMC dealers that features a 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and two chain tie-downs. It carries a retail price of $315. GMC dealers also offer CURT Manufacturing fifth-wheel hitches compatible with the factory-installed hitch platform. They are available in 20,000-lb. and 25,000-lb. versions for $939 and $999, respectively (not including tax, installation and labor charges). 

The 2016 Sierra HDs’ fifth-wheel trailering ratings are aligned with SAE J2807 standards, with maximum capacities including:
•    2500HD trailering rating of 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg)
•    3500HD single-rear-wheel trailering rating of 17,500 pounds (7,938 kg)
•    3500HD dual-rear-wheel trailering rating of 23,200 pounds (10,523 kg)




Trailering camera system
Developed with safety feature manufacturer Echomaster, GMC’s new dealer-available blind-spot-assist towing package system is compatible with 2014-16 Sierra 1500 and HD truck equipped with the DPN- or DQS-code trailer mirrors.

It features three cameras: two side-view cameras and one for the rear of the trailer. The side cameras are integrated with the trailer mirror housings, offering improved vision on the sides of the truck and trailer, displayed on the IntelliLink screen in the cab.

The rear camera is designed to be mounted to the top, rearmost edge of the trailer, providing a view of what’s behind the trailer when reversing. It is hardwired to the trailer lights for electrical power and wirelessly transmits images to the interior display. It also features infrared lighting for enhanced images in low-light settings. 

The Sierra’s rear backup camera is activated when reverse is selected. Pressing and holding the radio Home button for five seconds brings up the camera menu screen to select the trailer camera image. The system also supports the use of an optional fourth camera, such as one inside the trailer, transmitting video to monitor horses, other livestock or additional content during transport.

Any of the camera views can be activated at any time on the IntelliLink display. Later this summer GMC will also offer a camera integrated in the center brake lamp housing that provides a view of the cargo bed contents or additional assistance when connecting a fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer.

The trailering camera system is available from dealers and starts at $999 (not including tax, installation and labor charges). It is warranted by Echomaster, a division of AAMP Global.

Built-in trailering technologies
Sierra 1500 and HD models are engineered to deliver great trailering capability with refinement and control – attributes that provide driving confidence when using that capability to the fullest.

All models feature standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with trailer sway control and hill start assist, as well as four-wheel disc brakes. An automatic locking rear axle is standard on HD models and included with the available NHT Max Trailering package on Sierra 1500.

Additional features include:
•    Integrated trailer brake controller is available on Sierra 1500 and 2500HD and standard on 3500HD
•    Available rear-vision camera system
•    Available integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking offer greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades

New Digital Steering Assist is offered on crew cab SLE, SLT, Denali and double cab diesel SLE and SLT Sierra HD models. It enhances driver control with a trailer by using technology similar to active rack-and-pinion systems to provide corrections that enhance stability on the highway.

FAST FACT: The GMC Sierra 1500 was named the 2016 Texas Truck Showdown Towing Champion in a head-to-head capability test conducted by editors from Cars.com, PickupTrucks.com and MrTruck.com.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Nearly Half of LeeTran’s Paratransit Fleet Powered by Alternative Fuel

Public transit agency reduces fuel costs 

by 20 percent with alternative fuel

LeeTran propane vehicle

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 11, 2016) — With a 20 percent reduction in fuel costs, LeeTran has added more propane autogas-fueled shuttles to its paratransit fleet this month. These new vehicles increase the public transit agency’s propane fleet to 20, or 45 percent of its entire paratransit fleet.

“We are converting our vehicles to operate on propane autogas for a number of reasons. It’s an American made fuel with significant environmental benefits; converting to propane infrastructure is more affordable; and propane autogas offers lower fuels prices,” said Robert Southall, maintenance manager of LeeTran, the public transit provider for Lee County. “Currently, we are paying about 50 cents per gallon for propane autogas compared to about $1.46 for diesel, which is on the rise.”

LeeTran provides approximately 4 million rides per year, including over 100,000 passenger trips through its Passport service. The propane autogas paratransit shuttles will be used for shared ride, advanced reservation trips for person with disabilities who are unable to use regular fixed route public transportation.

Each of the agency’s Passport shuttles, which travel 30,000 miles per year, is built on the Ford E-450 chassis with 6.8L V10 engine, and equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system with extended range 64-usable-gallon fuel tank.

Fueling a LeeTran propane shuttle bus“LeeTran wanted to reduce its emissions and operating cost without compromising range for its paratransit fleet. Our extended range fuel tank on the E-450 is exactly what the agency was looking for,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech.

By fueling with propane autogas, LeeTran is eliminating 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the shuttles’ lifetime, compared to conventionally fueled counterparts.

The ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450 shuttle bus has completed Federal Transit Administration’s New Model Bus Testing Program (“Altoona Testing”) and is certified for sale in all 50 states by the California Air Resources Board and Environmental Protection Agency. Altoona-tested vehicles can be purchased using a transit agency’s FTA funds. LeeTran secured FTA funding to cover 85 percent of the total bus purchase.

“Our passengers have told us how much they like the quiet ride of the propane autogas shuttles,” said Southall. “And, our drivers appreciate that the change to an alternative fuel hasn’t affected the vehicles’ performance.”

The agency plans to switch its entire paratransit fleet to propane autogas within the next five years.

About Lee County Transit: Lee County Transit, LeeTran, is the public transit provider for Lee County, providing approximately 4 million rides per year. LeeTran operates 24 bus routes, a paratransit service for the disabled called Passport, and an employer vanpool program. LeeTran employs over 260 people and has a fleet of 50 full-size buses, 10 trolleys and 42 paratransit vans. To learn more about the services offered by LeeTran, or for schedule and fare information, call 239.LEE.TRAN, or visit RideLeeTran.com.

About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology, is a division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia, Michigan. ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas fuel system technology for light- and medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles, and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses. As a Ford QVM-certified alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer, ROUSH CleanTech delivers economical, clean and domestically produced fueling options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.

2017 F-150 Raptor: The Devil is in the Details Ford Tough Ford Tough

The desert is a dangerous place – coyotes, rattlesnakes, scorpions and now the all new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor.

Take a 360 Look Around the 2016 Ford F-150

See why the revolutionary 2016 Ford F-150 is making every other truck history.

Revolutionary materials and engineering combine with advanced technologies to help F-150 deliver the most towing, (1) best payload (2) and highest gas mileage in its class.(3) Plus, it boasts a five star safety rating from the NHTSA.(4)

High-strength, military grade, aluminum alloy sheet metal rides on the strongest F-150 frame ever. Together, they slash up to 700 pounds from the truck compared to the 2014 model. Less weight in the truck allows more weight in the cargo box and in a trailer.

Harbor Contractor II Body Increases Storage Capacity and Effectiveness

Jordan Lewis, Commercial Truck Manager at Dow Lewis GMC in Yuba City CA shows off a great solution for many contractors who want storage, but also want the benefits of a flatbed truck. This body, mounted on a GMC 1-ton Dually chassis is a Harbor Contractor II Body. The twist with the Contractor II Body is the tall and deep compartment at the front of the body. The open lid typical upper box is retained, but the real value of this body is the combination of the two types of boxes.

You can see how much more storage capacity there is in the Contractor II arrangement. The shelves are moveable or removable and the compartment is deep enough to carry a wide variety of items, including tall items.

This unit also has a removable forklift loadable rack, fold-down contractor style gates in the rear, and a class IV receiver, and 7-pin trailer connector. It also has a great full-length step for easy rear access.

See more at http://DowLewisTrucks.com

   

Towing: The Ultimate Gauge of a Tough Truck.

Getting heavy-duty equipment to your jobsite just got easier. Especially when your equipment weighs in the neighborhood of 12,000 pounds.

Saws: Best Tool for the Job - 2016 Silverado | Chevrolet

When we give hard-working guys a simple job to do, they tend to choose the best tool for the job.