3/30/14

Great Dane Provides a Glimpse into the Future of Trucking



Visitors to Great Dane’s booth at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) will be among the first to explore the Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience, the latest in tractor and trailer technology.
The project is the result of a multi-year collaboration between a team of vendor partners including Walmart, Peterbilt, Great Dane and Capstone Turbine. Almost every component on this vehicle is cutting edge and showcases innovations of the future that will drive increased efficiencies.

The vehicle’s tractor, built by Peterbilt, includes advanced aerodynamics; a Capstone prototype advanced turbine-powered range-extending series hybrid powertrain, combined with an electric motor and battery storage system; a sliding driver’s door; a centered driver’s seat; electronic dashboard with customizable gauges and performance data; and a comfortable full-size sleeper.

The vehicle’s trailer, manufactured by Great Dane, offers a host of fuel-saving features. The trailer body is built almost exclusively with carbon fiber, including one-piece carbon fiber panels for roof and sidewalls, saving nearly 4000 lbs. compared to traditional designs. The trailer’s convex nose also enhances aerodynamics while maintaining storage space inside the trailer.

Walmart’s U.S. trucks log millions of miles every year, so when it comes to sustainability and fleet efficiency its goal is simple: Deliver more while driving fewer miles on efficient equipment. It’s the driving principle behind the company’s commitment to double fleet
efficiency by 2015.

3/29/14

GMC Easy-to-Use Trailering App



DETROIT – GMC owners can pull off their next trailering chore without a hitch – at least figuratively – thanks to a new trailering guide app available today at the iTunes store. The free app is designed to give GMC customers a better understanding of trailering techniques and capabilities. It, even helps identify the appropriate GMC model for specific trailering needs.

“Our customers believe in the right tool for the job, and this app helps them get the most out of their GMC trailering capability in a convenient and accessible way, whether they’re hauling a utility trailer across town or a fifth-wheel cross-country,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president, GMC Marketing.

The app packages trailering tips and information from the trailering section of gmc.com, including maximum trailer weight ratings by model. When consumers open the app, they can access information either by selecting a specific GMC model or by entering their trailering needs to identify the right GMC model for the job.

Also featured is a dedicated learning center that caters to both first-timers and veterans, with features that include:

  • Trailering 101
  • Hitches and equipment
  • Pre-trailering checklist
  • How GMC trailering technologies work
  • Power and performance information
  • Safe trailering techniques
A third section contains a glossary of commonly used terms, and a fourth category focuses on dinghy (flat) towing. Video content includes Trailering 101 videos developed earlier this year in conjunction with the launch of the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup. Additional “How To” video content will be added over time to enhance the app’s user experience. 

“Even for customers who’ve been trailering for years, our continuing enhancements in features, power and technology make the GMC Trailering Guide App a handy resource,” said Hugh Milne, GMC Training and Accessory manager.

The new Sierra 1500, equipped with a 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 offers segment-best standard V-6 torque with trailering capacity of up to 7,200 pounds (3,266 kg) and segment-best V-8 fuel economy.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC is the only manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid trucks with the Yukon, Yukon Denali SUVs and the Sierra pickup. The Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks in the market. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

3/28/14

CASE Introduces One-of-a-Kind Ram Laramie Longhorn-Inspired 580 Super N Wide Track Backhoe

On display for the first time at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014, the Ram Truck-inspired 580 Super N Wide Track backhoe loader will tour the country at Ram- and CASE-sponsored events throughout 2014 with a new Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4. 
March 4, 2014 , Racine, Wis. - CASE Construction Equipment unveiled a one-of-a-kind, Ram Laramie Longhorn-inspired 580 Super N Wide Track backhoe loader at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014. The backhoe, which features the iconic Ram Laramie Longhorn two-tone black and white gold paint scheme, will tour the country at Ram- and CASE-sponsored events with a new Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 truck. The machine also features a newly detailed cab designed to match the look and feel of the Ram Laramie Longhorn interior, as well as new chrome detailing and badges to give the backhoe the distinctive Ram appearance.







“Countless contractors rely on both the durability and performance of Ram Trucks and CASE Construction Equipment,” says Katie Pullen, brand marketing manager, CASE Construction Equipment. “Matching this truck and backhoe showcase two of the construction industry’s most enduring jobsite images – the rugged Ram 3500 dually and the tireless CASE backhoe loader. Ram Truck is an excellent partner to CASE, and we’re excited to spend 2014 showcasing these technologies together.”

"The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty is by far the most capable pickup truck on the market, and like CASE Construction Equipment, is no stranger to hard work. With its long list of best-in-class claims -- including payload, power and towing – the Ram 3500 is well suited for the jobsite," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The award-winning Laramie Longhorn model is loaded inside and out with distinctive Western-style design cues. With its matching CASE backhoe, this rig is a show-stopper."

The 580 Super N Wide Track features a 3.4-liter, turbocharged 95 HP engine that burns cleaner while delivering superior horsepower, faster response and up to 5 percent better fuel efficiency under load. The N Series models’ lifting capabilities outperform competitive backhoes by as much as 39 percent while running at low RPMs. Additionally, these machines deliver significant increases in breakout force, lift and reach when compared to previous models.

The Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn is among the most luxurious and most powerful pickup trucks ever produced by the Ram Truck brand. The truck claims a 30,000-pound trailer capacity thanks to a class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch high-strength steel frame, an improved transfer case, a higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with a best-in-class 850 foot-pounds of torque, and other significant driveline upgrades. The Ram 3500’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) -- which is defined by the maximum combined weight of the truck, payload and trailer -- has been raised to 37,600 pounds, which surpasses the closest competitor’s 30,500-pound GCWR.

Stay tuned to
CASEce.com for updates on where this exclusive backhoe will be seen and additional details on this one-of-a-kind package.

About CASE Construction Equipment

CASE Construction Equipment sells and supports a full line of construction equipment around the world, including the No. 1 loader/backhoes, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, vibratory compaction rollers, crawler dozers, skid steers, compact track loaders and rough-terrain forklifts. Through CASE dealers, customers have access to a true professional partner with world-class equipment and aftermarket support, industry-leading warranties and flexible financing. More information is available at www.CASEce.com.

CASE Construction Equipment is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). More information about CNH Industrial can be found online at www.cnhind.com.

About Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

3/26/14

Harbor Dealers in Nevada and Arizona

GMC - Nevada & Arizona Dealers

Here are dealers who consistently stock a good selection of Harbor Bodies. Because they are stocking dealers, they receive special discounts they can pass on to their customers. Give them a call!

Michael Hohl GMC
3700 S Carson St
Carson City NV 89701
Stew Evans
stew-fleet@michaelhohl.com
775-882-4462 Main
775-884-8620 Fax
www.michaelhohl.com/GM/fleet.asp

Reno GMC Izusu
Commercial Trcuk Center
955 Harvard Way
Reno NV 89502
Dan Nichols
dannichols@renogm.com
775-833-8701 Main
775-323-6272 Fax

3/16/14

Diesel Slides, CNG Rises in Commercial Truck Engines


Diesel-powered engines remained the dominant fuel powering newly registered commercial trucks in 2013, as vehicle owners continued pushing adoption of natural gas powerplants, according to Polk.

Diesel engines are powering 77.9 percent of the commercial trucks registered in Class 3-8 in 2013, a decline from the 81 percent of newly registered diesels in 2012.

The modest decline came as a result of an increase in Ford and Chevrolet gasoline and flex fuel engines mostly in Class 3 vehicles, according to a Polk report released Wednesday.

Overall, new commercial vehicle registrations reached 572,478 in 2013. In the government sector, registrations continued to advance from 2011 lows as federal, state, and local agencies added 58,049 vehicles into service. Government agencies registered 52,155 vehicles in 2011.

Diesel engine market penetration fell in all six gross vehicle weight classes. The sharpest decline came in medium-duty Class 6, where it fell to 73.6 percent from 81.2 percent.

At the same time, newly registered commercial trucks with dedicated natural gas engines rose 5.8 percent from 2012. There were 4,330 factory installed compressed natural gas engines during 2013.

Cummins retained its dominant share of CNG engine installs with 89.3 percent of factory installed natural gas engines. Westport accounted for 4.8 percent of the installs.

From: www.government-fleet.com

3/14/14

Stocking Isuzu Dealers - Harbor Truck Bodies



Here are dealers who consistently stock a good selection of Harbor Bodies. Because they are stocking dealers, they receive special discounts they can pass on to their customers. Give them a call!


Future Isuzu Truck
4824 Madison Ave
Sacramento CA 95841
888-573-5489 Main
916-349-3383 Fax
www.futurefordofsacramento.com
   
Victory Isuzu Truck
1360 Auto Center Dr
Petaluma CA 94952
888-276-2300 Main
707-762-6587 Fax
www.victorycommercialtrucks.com

Reno GMC Izuzu
Commercial Truck Center
955 Harvard Way
Reno NV 89502
775-833-8701 Main
775-323-6272 Fax
dannichols@renogm.com


3/12/14

Cascade Truck Body and Trailer Sales -3 Dually Service Body Line-Up




This line-up of  3 trucks with Harbor Trademaster Service Bodies were installed by Cascade Truck Body and Trailer Sales in  Eugene, OR. The Ford Extended Cab Dually is fitted with a crane on the rear corner of the passenger side. It has a nice raised table style rear tow bumper, a drop in style tailgate and a single ladder rack on the driver’s side. The 2 Dodge Standard Cab Dually units are standard Trademaster.  

Harbor Truck Bodies standard TradeMaster offerings and the 8' and 9' Single Rear Wheel models, along with 8', 9', 11' Dual Rear Wheel models. We also offer a 6.5' for HD short bed trucks and a 13' for longer wheelbase trucks. Since we manufacture this product, we can build bodies to specific needs, but the standardized models will be generally be the most cost-effective.

Cascade Truck Body and Trailer Sales offers a wide range of other truck equipment including, dump bodies, trailers and van equipment.

Service Body accessories available from Cascade Truck Body include slide out drawer units, cranes, cab guards, ladder racks, beacons, light bars, brake controls, fuel tanks and industrial coatings.​

Contact them at:

Cascade Truck Body
PO Box 2009
29512 Airport Rd
Eugene OR 97402

541-342-5317
www.cascadetruckbody.com

3/10/14

Harbor Cargo Bed Enclosure Option on Horizontal Series Body




This 9' Harbor Service Body is mounted on an uplevel Ford 56"CA Box Delete Chassis. The body is a Harbor horizontal series, which it a no charge option. The horizontal box over the wheels extends to the end of the body and instead of a vertical compartment in the rear, it includes a smaller square box below. This option allows a wide variety of tools, parts and other gear to fit in that long horizontal box. It's a great option.

Also note that it has a Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure, but this one has a permanent top instead of the typical roll top or sliding roof. Notice the light on the inside roof and also how closely the rack fits to the top. It also has a conduit box mounted in the center which is more often mounted on one side rather than in the center. There are some other minor options, like the Stainless Steel Vise Bracket, but all in all, this is one sweet looking truck!

3/08/14

Mitsubishi Fuso Introduces Higher-GVWR Class 3 Work Truck



Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America (MFTA) introduced its 2015 Canter FE130 cabover work truck, which increases payload capacity over the earlier FE125 model, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

The Canter FE130 boosts gross-vehicle weight by 700 pounds to 13,200 compared to the 12,500-pound rating for the FE125 model. The new Canter extends the truck's wheelbase to 169.3 inches, which will allow the installation of 20-foot bodies. The company had added a long-wheelbase version to the 2014-model FE125. The longer wheelbase allows greater cargo volume capabilities, said Todd Bloom, MFTA's president and CEO.

"For our customers who transport high-bulk items, this is a real benefit," Bloom said about the extended wheelbase. "Those who haul heavier items could only take advantage of the longer wheelbase if the GVWR also increased. That's where the new FE130 comes in."

Individual axle ratings for the FE130 come in at 5,360 pounds front and 9,880 pounds rear. The ratings total 2,040 pounds more than the FE130's GVWR, according to the company.

"That GVWR-to-axle-rating margin provides the loading flexibility for the FE130 that FUSO owners have come to rely on and expect," said Leighton Good, MFTA's manager of product and applications.

Engine specs won't change. The FE130 is powered by a DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that generates 161 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. However, company engineers have adjusted the engine's operating parameters, transmission shift points, and emissions control system to improve performance. The truck meets OBD II and EPA 10 emissions requirements.

Other improvements include relocating the oil dipstick to the driver's side so it can be checked without tilting the cab and a bright blue DEF tank cap color for maintenance.

The additional capacity will especially pay off for transport fleets, Bloom said.

"That 700 additional pounds means two more zero-turn landscaper mowers or 700 pounds more mulch per trip," Bloom said. "Or 33 additional cases of soda, 560 loaves of bread or 1,806 bananas."

The Canter FE130 and other 2015 Fuso models will be available at dealers by mid-April.

3/06/14

Ford F-650 and F750 Turn to Power Stroke Diesel Engine

The biggest power pullers in the Ford Commercial truck lineup — the new-for-2016 F-650 and F-750 pickups — will drop the Cummins/Allison engine and transmission option in favor of the newly upgraded gen-two 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel and Ford six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission.

The new medium-duty trucks debuted in Indianapolis at the National Truck Equipment Association's Work Truck Show, which runs today through Friday, where Ford is showing off the F-650's and F-750's new interior and exterior design. In fact, some are saying the new trucks look a touch like the old GMC TopKick and Chevrolet Kodiak medium-duty trucks, which were essentially chased out of the market by Ford product domination.

The new F-650 and F-750 will come in three cab designs — regular, SuperCab and crew — and include several segment-exclusive features such as power telescoping and folding tow mirrors, as well as interior reconfigurability. Additionally, the new engine will offer a more aggressive Tow/Haul mode and a new dedicated switch for activating engine braking. Ford has not released the horsepower and torque numbers for the big trucks, but we'd guess its likely to offer the new engine in various power outputs to accommodate different industries.


From PickupTrucks.com

3/04/14

Harbor Truck Bodies Teams Up With Mark Christopher Chevrolet At PHCC


We thought it would be pleasing to the eye to share a photo of the Mark Christopher Chevrolet and Harbor Truck Bodies display at the PHCC Show in Long Beach, CA on February 22nd, 2014. Thank you to Mark Christopher Chevrolet for the opportunity.

The 2014 Work Truck Show Starts Tommorow!

http://ntea.com/worktruckshow/index.aspx?id=938

3/02/14

Aluminum + Steel = Efficiency + Strength

 
Decades of research and development are about to pay off. Combining high-strength, military grade, aluminum with high-strength steel has created a lean machine that's heavy on capability.