12/26/13

Plenty of Space in SRW Harbor Workmaster


The Harbor Lo-Pro Workmaster on a SRW Cut-Away

If you could use a truck that has storage for tools and parts and want a space that you can stand up in and is enclosed to do your work in or keep larger items out of the weather and public view, the WorkMaster is your truck. The Harbor WorkMaster is a Service Body with a roof and additional useful features. Available in a 10' (10' 4") for the single rear wheel cutaway chassis, perfect plumbers or HVAC truck, and is also useful in any number of different professions such as remodeling, mobile mechanic, locksmith, and other service industry uses to name a few.

Interior Ladder Rack keeps them out of sight. Standard with Rear Grab Handles, Interior Dome Lamp and a Rear Access Panel that is flush with the first shelf to handle occasional longer cargo. The Master Lock System is standard. A Florescent upgrade package is available.

See more beautiful hard working Harbor bodies at our website at http://www.htbi.net or give us a call at 800-433-9452.

12/22/13

Gilroy Chevrolet - A Harbor Dealer in Gilroy, CA


Welcome to Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac - A local San Jose, South Bay, Monterey Chevrolet Cadillac dealer . We are your New and used car Chevrolet and Cadillac dealership with great deals on all of our vehicles. All of our new and used car sales come with affordable financing options. As your local Chevrolet dealer, we invite you to come to our dealership and test drive a new or pre-owned vehicle and see for yourself why we are the best Chevrolet and Cadillac dealer for San Jose, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Salinas and Hollister.   

Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac is centrally located right off of Hwy 101 in Gilroy, California With easy access to Hwy 152 and Hwy 101 we are also within easy reach of the Santa Cruz / Monterey area and the Central Valley. We have been serving our local and extended communities since 1964 with a great community presence. Need directions to our dealership? Check our hours and map page for more detailed instructions or you can contact us directly.

Chevrolet or Cadillac? Which brand of vehicle do you want to buy? Well, the sales experts at Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac will help you to decide. Models such as the Equinox, Malibu, and Silverado. Chevrolet also has 11 models which offer an EPA estimated 30 MPG Highway or better. Vehicles such as the Volt, Cruze, Sonic and Traverse as well as several others. Cadillac is the luxury brand as this is evident with the CTS, Escalade and SRX models offered by Cadillac.

Ok, so maybe a pre-owned vehicle is what you want instead of new. No problem as your local Santa Cruz Chevrolet Cadillac dealer has a nice selection of pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from.
Our inventory changes daily, so if we don't have a particular vehicle you are interested in, please let us at Gilroy Chevrolet and Cadillac know and we will do our best to locate it.

Chevrolet and Cadillac service and parts for our San Jose, Salinas, Gilroy and Santa Cruz Chevrolet and Cadillac customers

Finding a service and parts dealer that serves Chevrolet or Cadillac customers living in San Jose, Salinas, Santa Cruz or Gilroy can be a difficult task. However, Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac dealer services all Chevrolet and Cadillac and other General Motors vehicles. We have GM Certified Service trained technicians here to work on your vehicle. Our parts departments supplies quality GM OEM parts. You can call Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac dealer to schedule your next service appointment or request information about a part. Or, you can submit your parts request or schedule your next service appointment online with us as well. As both your local Santa Cruz and San Jose Chevrolet Cadillac dealer, we welcome you to bring your Chevrolet or Cadillac vehicle to our dealership for service. We are here to help keep you on the road.

Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac
6720 Bear Cat Court, Gilroy, CA 95020

12/20/13

Ram to Offer Compact Cargo Van



The Ram ProMaster City will bring familiar Ram Truck styling cues to the Fiat Doblo. Photo via Fiat.

Ram Commercial Truck will begin offering an all-new small commercial van in North America based on the Fiat Doblo, Chrysler announced today.

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City, which will be available for order in late 2014, will compete with the Ford Transit Connect and the Nissan NV200. General Motors is offering its NV200 version as the Chevrolet City Express.

Additional details about seating configuration and powertrain offerings will come when Chrysler formally unveils the ProMaster City in 2014. The van will be built in Turkey.

The ProMaster City will likely be adopted for the North American market similarly to the 2014 Ram ProMaster full-size van, which is based on the Fiat Ducato.

"Our successful relationship with Fiat Professional, one of the world's foremost commercial truck manufacturers, gives Ram a competitive advantage with access to proven products and technology that will resonate with our U.S. and Canadian customers," said Reid Bigland, Ram Truck's president and CEO.

From: www.automotive-fleet.com

12/18/13

Transverse Compartment - An Option for Harbor Service Bodies


The Transverse Compartment in the front compartment of an 11' Harbor Service Body is opened up to go across the bed are to the back of the opposite compartment on the other side of the service body. Notice how the shelf that lines up with the floor is a permanent steel shelf welded in place and the additional shelves are removable and movable.

The Transverse Compartment gives more space that can be locked and secured. You lose a bit of the front of the cargo area, but we think you'll agree that it is a very worthy trade-off. This is not an expensive option and Harbor does them all the time in various ways on a number of Harbor products. This is just one of the many modifications we can make to our standard products inexpensively to make them more useful for your business.

Give Kimberly and her team a call at 800-433-9452, and visit our website at http://www.htbi.net/.


12/16/13

Custom Race Truck built by Harbor Truck Bodies





At first glance, one might think that they are looking at two deck chairs perched on the rear! But it's an example of a specialized body that can be built for customer requirements. The "chairs" are actually "racks" provided for carrying race truck tires. 

This is a body built as a Race Truck. The welded racks are custom fabricated from bent steel tubing. The Harbor Service Body has the last 2' compartment deleted and a 3' floor level platform added. The platform has an underside locked storage compartment accessed on either side. This configuration provides for access between the two racks in the cargo area. The cargo area is backed up with a "drop-in" type tailgate.

Altogether, this unit mounted on a crew cab chassis, provides plenty of room for the crew and storage for tools, parts and equipment! 

If you have a particular need for a custom body, give Harbor Truck Bodies a call 
at 800-433-9452.  Also find us at http://htbi.net/




12/08/13

Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove, CA is a Harbor Truck Bodies Dealer

 
Welcome to Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove

Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove, formerly Nicholas Chevrolet, is the latest addition to the Simpson Automotive family. We bring a dealership network to Garden Grove which has been proven to be valuable to Los Angeles and Orange County. Whether you're in the market for a new or used car, need service for your current vehicle, or would like to customize your ride, we have what you need. Check out our hours and directions and we look forward to seeing you this weekend.

A Garden Grove Chevrolet Car Dealership near Los Angeles

Searching for a new car or truck is easy with Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove. Let us help you find the perfect Chevy car today. Our new car lot is full of the latest Chevrolet models. Take the Chevy Cruze for example. This sporty car has power and grace packed into a fuel efficient compact size. Or take a Chevy Silverado for as test-drive. These ever popular trucks have proven themselves useful in business and home life. No matter what you need, we have it. And when you've found it, become prequalified for a car loan before visiting us in person. When you're checking out other Los Angeles Chevrolet dealers, be sure to come back here and compare selection and price.

Used Car Lot in Garden Grove

If a new car is out of your price range, then check out our used car lot in Garden Grove. Because we accept any car as a trade-in, we have a lot of different makes, models, and price ranges for you to choose from. We can also help you find that specific used car that you're after. Just tell us about it and we'll use the Simpson Automotive network to find it for you!

Auto Repair and Service in Garden Grove

Are your brakes squealing? Do you smell gas when you start your car? Bring your vehicle in for a service inspection and we'll tell you what it needs. From simple tire rotations to oil changes in Garden Grove, we are fully equipped and highly trained to take care of you and your vehicle.

SIMPSON CHEVROLET OF GARDEN GROVE
10150 Trask Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92843
Sales: (877) 545-1182 | Service: (877) 546-7445

12/06/13

Baja Chase Trucks - Harbor Service Body Retrofits by Tim Sanchez



Tim Sanchez, in addition to being a racer himself, provides “Chase Truck Services.” Harbor Service Body's with other components to carry bikes, spare tires, tools, etc.  These bodies originally installed by Harbor, are then retrofitted with other components to carry bikes, spare tires, tools, etc. Looks like the cargo area is fitted with an elevated platform with storage beneath. 




 Tim Sanchez and Company, Tim is in black shirt


Tim has logged nearly a half million miles of travel all over the Baja peninsula and is always eager for more time south of the border. He has an ongoing love affair with Baja and his new role with the Desert Assassins racing team. 

Find a great article about Tim at http://www.bajabound.com/us/client_spotlight/tim_sanchez.php

Ask Harbor to build a truck for you, call them at 1-800-433-9452. Find Harbor Truck Bodies at:
http://htbi.net/

11/30/13

American Eagle Updates SHD-60 Hydraulic Drive Air Compressor



Garner, Iowa – American Eagle Accessories Group has recently updated the SHD-60 hydraulic drive truck-mounted air compressor for improved installation, maintenance and serviceability.   The updates include a new metal enclosure with a flip-up lid, and new front-mount bulkhead connectors.
    
The new flip-up lid simplifies the maintenance process with easy access to check oil level and change the air filter.  The reconfigured front-mount bulkhead connectors improve the installation and maintenance process as well.
    
The SHD-60 is designed to provide reliable air output using a hydraulic direct-drive system.  It has no belts to break or adjust and provides a quick 30 CFM at 100 psi.  It is built around a heavy ductile iron balance crankshaft with heavy-duty journal bushings and micro-honed connecting rods that are lubricated by an integral oil pump to provide smooth operation and a long life.  
    
The SHD-60 is available for immediate sale and will be on display at the NTEA Work Truck show in Indianapolis, IN and also at the Con Expo/CON AGG show in Las Vegas.  
    

American Eagle Accessories Group was founded in 2002 as a division of Stellar Industries, Inc. and quickly became a major supplier of compressors and drawer systems to the work truck market.  American Eagle manufactures and distributes truck mounted hydraulic air compressors, heavy-duty drawer sets, and other work truck accessories to the OEM and retail sectors.

For more information regarding American Eagle visit www.americaneagleacc.com or call 800-392-3015.

11/26/13

Underbody Basket for Harbor Truck Body's





Here’s a nice option that could be mounted under your flatbed, stake-bed or contractor body. It’s an under-body basket! Plenty of space here for a variety of tools, traffic cones, wheel chucks, etc. It’s  accessible from the open rear, doesn’t need a door, and it's "down-sloped" bottom keeps items from rolling out the back!  It’s got plenty of holes in it which gives it's contents visibility and likely will keep the basket from rusting because it’s well ventilated and drained.

Also gives the body a nice finished look, doesn't it?

To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452.
Also find us at http://htbi.net/

11/24/13

Cabovers Gain Popularity in Medium-Duty Truck Fleets




Although ubiquitous across the globe, the cabover engine (COE) truck — so named because the passenger cabin literally sits on top of the engine compartment — is a relative niche player in the U.S., where conventional cabs own the lion’s share of the Class 4 to 7 medium-duty truck market.
Yet the COE (also called cabover) has become increasingly popular in recent years for a growing number of fleet applications, including urban delivery, lawn maintenance, pest control, and other jobs. In these applications, the cabover’s signature “flat nose” and wide windshield make it easier — and often safer — for drivers to maneuver in tight city and residential areas.

How do cabovers and conventional cabs compare? When choosing between the two types of trucks for specific applications, what should fleet managers consider?
Review these six comparison points:

1. Increased Maneuverability
The primary reason for choosing a cabover is maneuverability, according to Mark Sugar, manager truck engineering for PHH Arval, a fleet management services provider in the U.S. and Canada.
“In highly-populated, urban geographic areas the cabover is the best option for navigating traffic-filled, narrow and challenging streets,” he said.

Ken Gillies, truck ordering and engineering leader for GE Capital Fleet Services, a global fleet management company based in Eden Prairie, Minn., agreed, but with a caveat.

“Where a customer is operating in tight streets, the cabover can be very beneficial,” Gillies said. “But, many of the newer conventional cabs have very short front bumper to back of cab (BBC) lengths, although not as short as a cabover, and may offer the required maneuverability while still allowing a fleet the advantages of a conventional cab.”

Fleet decisions makers must ensure there is a balance. “While considering the benefits of a cabover vs. a conventional configuration, decision makers should balance the visibility and maneuverability of the cabover against the traditional benefits of the conventional cab configuration,” said Rob Baran, manager of fleet services for ARI.

Advantage: Cabover.
2. More Engine Power Options
One of the advantages of conventional cabs that Gillies referred to is a wider range of diesel engine power ratings to choose from, which enables the fleet manager to more precisely match the truck’s capabilities with the job.

As a frame of reference, Kenworth builds both cabovers (K270 and K370 models) and conventional cabs (T270 and T370 models) for its Class 6-7 lineup. The cabover models offer three horsepower and torque ranges — from 220 hp to 250 hp and up to 660 lb.-ft. of torque — whereas the conventional cabs substantially widen that range, to nearly a dozen options — from 200 hp to 325 hp, with up to 750 lb.-ft. of torque.

The truck’s application is a key factor here. If the truck is going to be used primarily for over-the-road, long-haul applications or needs to pull a heavy trailer, then the conventional cab, equipped with a higher horsepower and torque engine, would be the better fit.

Advantage: Conventional truck.
3. The Fuel Economy Edge
Which type of cab has the edge in terms of fuel economy?
“Cabover models tend to experience a fuel economy advantage, mostly due to their smaller displacement engines,” said Gillies.

This difference in engine displacement is mostly found in Class 4-5 trucks, where cabovers, such as the Isuzu N-Series, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, and Hino 195, are equipped with four-cylinder diesel engines, compared to conventional cabs, such as the Ford F-550, which is powered by larger V-8 or even V-10 engines. In Class 6-7 trucks, the engine displacement gap is minimal, with both cabovers and conventional cabs being equipped with big bore I-6 diesel engines in most cases.

Which cab type is more fuel-efficient ultimately depends on truck class; the larger the truck, the smaller the difference.

4. Ensuring Driver Comfort
Conventional cabs allow flexibility and customization, especially important for the driver’s comfort, that you don’t get with a cabover in lower GVWs, according to Don Scare, regional fleet services manager for PHH.

“Cabovers are very cookie-cutter, not even allowing for a seat choice. When you’re a driver on the road for long hours a day, a seat is a key contributor to comfort,” he said.

According to Gillies, “Some of the cabover model offerings are challenging for drivers to get in and out of, with limited space between the front edge of the door frame and the seat riser where the driver’s feet pass during every entry and exit of the cab. Also drivers feel like they are driving a ‘real truck’ when it’s a conventional cab configuration.”
In short route, stop-and-go applications, such as urban delivery or residential landscape service, driver comfort may not be as much of a concern because drivers and crew don’t spend as much time in the truck.

“Cabover configurations have gained popularity with less experienced drivers and in applications requiring multiple local deliveries or in speicific industries such as landscaping. In these situations, we have found the cabover as the preferred alternative,” said Baran of ARI.
In these cases, according to the experts, cabovers would work fine, especially considering the maneuverability advantage in tight spaces. But, in long haul, over-the-road situations, driver comfort would be of paramount importance, giving the edge to the conventional cab.

Advantage: Conventional truck.
5. Reviewing Acquisition Costs
Gillies said that, on balance, cabover models tend to run approximately 3- to 5-percent higher in price than comparable conventional cabs. “Lower production volume could be considered as one potential reason. Fewer competitors in a particular model/GVWR affect pricing as well,” he said.

Advantage: Conventional truck.
6. Ease of Maintenance
One of the advantages of a cabover, from a maintenance perspective, is the ease of accessibility under the hood — or, in this case, under the cab — to most of the important engine components, helping reduce repair time (and costs). However, according to Gillies, other factors tend to drive maintenance cost of cabovers higher than the conventional cabs.
“Some reasons could be: higher parts costs for cabovers, fewer dealer choices and fewer shops in general that are willing to tackle the maintenance, especially where the shop may have lower familiarity, and fewer repair parts suppliers to choose from,” Gillies cautioned.
Advantage: Cabover.

Conventional Cabs vs. Cabovers

GE Capital Fleet Services provides details on which fleet applications are best suited for conventional cabs or cabovers:
Conventional Cabs:
● Where overall length of the completed truck is not in conflict with state/federal length regulations.
● When cab interior room is of high importance — where drivers need increased steering wheel to seat position room and where passengers are routinely present.
● Where broader drivetrain option content is needed to get the proper match-up to the job required.

Cabovers:
● Tight inner-city operations where streets are narrow and parking availability is poor.
● Residential delivery and service applications can be a good vocation, especially considering how frequent the truck needs to be using the customer’s driveway or parking at the curb since the overall space that’s needed is somewhat less than with a conventional cab.

From WorhTruckOnline - 





11/22/13

The 2015 Ford F-450 6.7L Diesel Super Duty Debut at the State Fair of Texas


Ford introduced its 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup at the Texas State Fair and the big news is a better Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine. They've also beefed up the F-450 to make it even tougher. The new Power Stroke features a larger GT37 turbocharger that measures 72.5 millimeters in diameter versus the smaller GT32 it replaces which came in at 64 millimeters. This means exhaust gases have a larger surface area to spin the turbo so you'll get extra power. By Fast Lane Truck

11/20/13

Green Alternative Systems



"We’re the largest converter of transit and fleet vehicles in the United States,” says Sean Connolly, GM of Chino, Calif.-based GAS. “We’ve done over 5,000 conversions.”

Fleet customers include UPS and the uniform providers AmeriPride and Aramark.

For transit operators, GAS offerings include Altoona-certified Ford E-450 chassis shuttle buses.
GAS now boasts a nearly a dozen locations nationwide, with the latest in Brooklyn, N.Y., where the company perceived a market need.

CNG-Powered Pizza
Customers there include Neapolitan Express, which operates CNG-fueled pizza trucks – and which garnered national attention early this year when Mayor Michael Bloomberg and T. Boone Pickens grabbed some pie outside City Hall in Lower Manhattan (F&F, February 21).

GAS uses equipment from Westport for Ford conversions and from Landi Renzo USA-Baytech for GM vehicles. The firm also does propane autogas upfits.

GAS is emphasizing not only aftermarket conversions, but after-sales service: “Second to none,” Connolly says.


GAS was formed in 2006 by Chino-based Creative Bus Sales, which had been doing CNG conversions since 1997. In 2009, GAS set up shop in Elkhart, Ind. to take advantage of shuttle bus activity there.

Today, in addition to Chino and Elkhart and Brooklyn, GAS performs vehicle conversions in Hayward and Sacramento, Calif., in Irving, Texas; in Las Vegas and Phoenix, and in Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla.

 Source: Fleets & Fuels

11/18/13

Mono County Gets A Harbor Short Bed Custom Service Body

This body may be short, buts it's still tall! 



Mono County, CA chose a Ford Super Duty Crew Cab as the chassis for a Harbor Custom Service Body. This gives them a truck that can handle carrying the full crew and plenty of storage space even though it has a short cab-axle! What they lose in length is made up in height!

In addition to the traditional service body cabinets on the drivers side and the passengers side, this custom body has a set of boxes on top that have doors that open upward giving additional space for storage and unique size storage. Because the doors open upward assisted with gas shocks, the items inside are easily seen and accessed. A great choice for someone needing a bit more storage in a great looking package!

There is plenty of open space when you open the rear barn doors as well, enough for a lot of equipment. The rear is finished off with a nice step bumper and a tow package. 

To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452.
Also find us at www.htbi.net