8/31/15

Harbor Low-Pro Sighting On Ford 4x4 Super Cab




I was at Ford Lincoln Fairfield in Fairfield CA last week and noticed this very interesting truck. It may have been in for service, but I had to take some shots of it so I could share it. First, it is on a Ford 60"CA 4x4 Super Cab F350 Chassis so it has a great foundation. Next, it has a 9' low-pro Harbor Service Body. On the low-pro model, which you don't see very often, the top of the Service Body lids is at about the bottom of the rear window. The standard height body is up to the middle of the rear window. The low-pro looks more like a pickup in that respect.

What's more interesting about this is the camper style shell or truck cap that just happens to fit perfectly in the bed area and makes this to be like a raised cargo bed enclosure. The barn doors make it easy to get in and out, and a custom rack has been added. What would make this a dream would be a bed slide inside the compartment. Based on the sticker, the shell was provided by Campway, and based on another sticker, this may have been sold as a used vehicle by Victory Commercial Trucks in Petaluma CA, since they are a Chevrolet, RAM, and Isuzu Truck dealer.

All in all, this was quite a sighting. An unusual and interesting combination of products. The owner of the truck is on the door: Euro-Machines, Vineyard and Winery Equipment, whose west coast location happens to be Fairfield CA. Nice rig.

8/30/15

Raised Compartment Sighting On Harbor Eleven Footer



A few weeks back coming into Yuba City CA, I spied a Ford F450/550 crew cab with an 11' Harbor TradeMaster Service Body with dual front raised compartments, master locking system, liftgate and cab shield. Sometimes they call this a Welder's Body, as those raised compartments are good for the gas bottles storage, but those raised compartments are quite nice with just shelves or drawers. So much more storage area. This one appears to be owned by Spray-Chem Chemical Company, out of Durham CA, between Yuba City and Chico CA. www.spraychem.com. Nice unit!

Guest post by Terry Minion, Commercial Truck Success.

8/29/15

F-150 transmission has Mustang feel with pickup capability

Have to make a difficult choice between a Ford Mustang and an F-150? Well Ford’s new F-150 has got you covered. Kind of!


Jason Cannon

The all-new 2015 Mustang and F-150 were developed on a similar time line and share certain automatic transmission technology. Engineers often drove both vehicles on the same trips used for testing.
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“Our team realized how well the new F-150 handled and responded to acceleration due to its reduced weight,” says Karl Jungbluth, Ford transmission calibration engineer. “So we decided we could adapt the sport mode capabilities of the six-speed automatic transmission from Mustang to F-150 to enhance the overall driving experience for truck customers.”

Sport mode on F-150 is activated by pushing the tow/haul mode button twice. An amber S appears in the lower-right portion of the tachometer indicating that sport mode is active.

The feature changes the frequency of gearshifts, allowing the truck to stay in the powerband “sweet spot” and holds lower gears longer to, as Ford puts it, “make driving more fun.”

There is some practicality of Sport mode beyond fun. It provides for less shifting on twisty roads and rolling hills. Instead of shifting gears up and down for peak efficiency, the transmission holds a specific gear longer to make driving more responsive.

Sport mode also reduces the frequency of having to step on the gas pedal to reach peak torque, resulting in quicker acceleration with less pedal travel.

An advanced feature of F-150’s six-speed automatic transmission is its ability to match engine rpm as it downshifts in slowing for a corner. Electronics calibration for this feature comes straight out of Mustang.

Sport mode makes Mustang come alive, and we feel it does the same thing in F-150,” Jungbluth says.

F150 SportMode is similar to F-150’s tow/haul mode, which also changes shift points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range while driving over rolling terrain for an improved towing experience. The technology limits the transmission from shifting up when the vehicle crests a hill, and provides downhill brake support that allows engine-compression braking to slow the vehicle and maintain a steady speed.

Sport mode is standard with every F-150 engine and can be activated in two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive automatic and four-wheel-drive high settings.

By Jason Cannon 

Source:  http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/f-150-transmission-has-mustang-feel-with-pickup-capability/

8/27/15

Autogas: Propane as an Engine Fuel

Propane autogas, the term for propane when fueling an on-road vehicle, has the attention of fleet and transportation managers for a few reasons: economics, energy security, and the environment. It is a safe, sustainable, and domestically produced fuel with a robust infrastructure and economic efficiencies.

As an approved clean alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990, propane autogas qualifies as an alternative fuel eligible for various federal tax incentives and programs. Currently propane autogas powers more than 270,000 propane autogas vehicles in the U.S., including school buses, shuttle buses, trucks, vans, and taxis. More than 15 million vehicles run on propane autogas worldwide. Countries such as South Korea, Poland, Indian, and Japan have a significant percent of their transportation vehicles running on propane autogas. About 40 percent of vehicles in Turkey are fueled by propane autogas.

There are two different ways vehicles may be powered by propane autogas — dedicated and dual-fuel:

    Dedicated vehicles, fueled only by propane autogas, can be converted from gasoline powered vehicles or can be delivered direct from select original equipment manufacturers.
    Dual-fuel vehicles, installed by certified technicians, can run on either propane autogas or gasoline.

Propane autogas vehicles operate in a similar way as gasoline fueled vehicles. Only a few modifications to the vehicle must be made. The system can be a vapor or a liquid fuel injection. In a vapor injection, propane is vaporized and mixed with combustion air in the intake plenum (enclosed chamber) of the engine. Traditionally, vapor systems are less expensive but result in a loss of power. In a liquid system, liquid propane autogas is injected directly into each cylinder’s intake port. The liquid fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, cooling the air and resulting in no loss of horsepower, torque, or engine performance.

Propane autogas vehicles have the longest driving range of any alternative fuel — more than 250 percent farther than compressed natural gas, about 60 percent farther than methanol, and 25 percent farther than ethanol. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that propane autogas requires a smaller storage vessel than other pressurized alternative fuels to go the same distance.

Propane autogas vehicles meet the same standards for safety as conventionally fueled vehicles. Propane autogas vehicle tanks are constructed from carbon steel under code developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME4196), are 20 times more puncture resistant, and can withstand far more pressure than typical gasoline, methanol, or ethanol tanks. ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel tanks are designed to hold a capacity that maximizes the number of miles driven between fill ups.

Propane autogas offers more energy per unit mass and has a higher octane rating than gasoline. Propane as an auto fuel does have a slightly lower fuel economy, due to the lower British thermal unit (Btu) content of propane as compared to gasoline — it takes more fuel to create the same amount of power.

Many propane autogas vehicle fleets have reported two to three years longer service life and extended intervals between required maintenance when compared to their gasoline vehicles. The cleaner burning nature of propane and the lack of carbon build up in the engines leads to this unique benefit of propane autogas. ROUSH CleanTech customer testimonials prove the on-road performance of propane autogas matches research documented in trials, including the same horsepower, torque, and towing capacity as gasoline-fueled vehicles.

Ease of refueling a propane autogas vehicle has helped grow the use of this alternative fuel. With thousands of refueling stations across the U.S., a robust national infrastructure is in place to support its implementation as a primary fuel. In addition, some fleets choose to work with their local propane marketer to establish a propane autogas refueling infrastructure on-site at little or no cost.
To learn more about propane autogas, visit:

Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy

Clean Cities Coalitions

Propane Education & Research Council

Autogas for America

8/25/15

GM Invests $877 Million for Flint Assembly Upgrades


New body facility links assembly plant with Flint Metal Center
FLINT, Mich. – General Motors’ oldest assembly plant in North America, a popular destination for pickup truck customers who want to watch their vehicles being built, will undergo transformation in the coming years.

GM officials today announced plans to invest $877 million to build a new body shop for the assembly plant, locating it closer to the Flint Metal Center, which supplies sheet metal and other parts used in the Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups produced in the assembly plant.

The investment will also cover improvements to the general assembly area inside Flint Assembly, as well as retooling and the installation of new equipment at the plant.

“This investment will allow us to use a more innovative approach to deliver material between two critical facilities, reducing handling and the time it takes to ship parts,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations vice president.

Since 2011, GM has announced investments topping $1.8 billion for Flint Assembly. This includes $600 million for plant upgrades and a new standalone paint shop that is under construction and slated to open in 2016. Work on the 883,000-square-foot body shop is expected to begin in the first half of 2016, with completion slated for 2018.

“In the last several years, GM’s investments in the city of Flint have topped $2.5 billion, creating hundreds of construction jobs and an economic boost for the community,” said Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. “This investment not only strengthens the ties between GM and the city, it demonstrates that Flint continues to play an important role in the resurgence of manufacturing in Michigan and the rest of the United States.”

Opened in 1947 as part of a post-World War II building boom by GM’s Flint Assembly has produced more than 13 million vehicles. The plant’s “View Builds,” as they are called, allow customers to see their heavy-duty Silverados or heavy-duty Sierra trucks being assembled and roll off the line after a series of quality checks by members of UAW Local 598.

“While the plant has received numerous awards for initial quality and long-term durability and reliability, our latest investments in the plant will raise the bar in vehicle quality and customer satisfaction,” Clegg said.

For starters, when the new paint shop opens in 2016, trucks will be painted using a wet-coat process that results in a smoother, more durable finish. The new body shop will be constructed north of the Flint Metal Center, reducing transportation time and handling between facilities.

“This announcement is due to the hard work and dedication of our UAW members in Flint,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who leads the UAW GM Department. “This proves once again that when we work together in a collaborative approach, UAW members continue to come up with innovative ways to grow the business, which provides jobs and improves the quality of the products we produce. This is both good for the Company and good for our members.”

Today’s announcement completes the $5.4 billion in investments GM and the UAW announced at the end of April. Since June 2009, GM has announced U.S. facility investments of approximately $17.8 billion, including $12.4 billion since the end of the 2011 UAW-GM National Agreement. These investments have created approximately 6,250 new jobs and secured 20,700 other positions. 

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

8/23/15

2015 Ford Transit Because your van IS your office.



The all-new, full-size Ford Transit with available EcoBoost® engine fits any business like a work glove. See how this full-sized, completely-customizable van can make a hard workday a lot easier.

The official YouTube channel of Ford Commercial Trucks. Learn more about our Transit and Transit Connect wagons, and how we designed them to be Built Ford Tough.® You’ll also see examples of how Ford trucks and vans can help any business boost productivity.

Ford Transit: http://www.ford.com/trucks/transitvan...
Ford Transit Connect:
http://www.ford.com/trucks/transitcon...

See the all-new 2015 Ford Transit at http://www.ford.com/trucks/transitvan....

8/21/15

Two Tire Rotation



Video shows how every car should get the new tires on the REAR of the car. Brought to you by BestWheelsOnline.com

8/19/15

Equipment Positioning Critical When Towing Equipment With Pickups



2014 Silverado towing rear_BS26003Load placement key to keeping within factory towing guidelines for a safe tow

One of the biggest mistakes pickup owners make in towing is exceeding the truck’s hitch tongue weight.

This leads to overloading the truck’s rear suspension, creating significant handling, braking and potentially serious  business liability issues.
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Moving a piece of equipment, such as a 9,000-pound Bobcat compact loader, six inches forward or back on a tandem-axle equipment trailer can change the tongue weight 600 pounds.

So load positioning is critical if you want to be in compliance with the pickup manufacturers’ towing guidelines.

Every pickup has a set limitation on how much tongue weight can be placed on the hitch (noted in the owner’s manual), and every hitch shank has a load limit (noted on the shank) as to how much it can safely support.

The two capacities ratings are not always equal, but the lowest number always takes precedence.

For instance, the majority of ½-ton pickups only allow 500 pounds of tongue weight while ¾- and 1-tons with 2-inch receivers generally max out at 1,200 pounds.

The newer HD pickups with 2 1/2-inch receivers may be rated to support up to 1,700 pounds tongue weight.


Weigh-Safe Hitch shows tongue weight right on the hitch ball mount for accurate reading.

Note: Vehicle manufacturers also require 10- to 15 percent of the trailer’s loaded weight on the hitch ball.

So if you are towing a loaded trailer that tips the scales at 9,700 pounds, you should have between 970 and 1,115 pounds on the tongue (hitch ball), with 12- percent being ideal as that gives you a little leeway toward being too heavy or too light.

Too little tongue weight leads to trailer sway — and too much adversely affects the pickup’s braking and steering.

The easiest way to ensure tongue weight is set in accordance to the pickup manufacturer’s requirements is to use a scale such as those offered by Sherline or using a built-in hitch unit from Weigh-Safe.

Sherline’s scales are capable of reading tongue weights up to 5,000 pounds, although the 2,000-pound-capacity model is sufficient for most pickup trailer towing applications.

The easiest, fastest way to check tongue weight is to use Weigh-Safe’s adjustable-height drop-shank system. It has a built-in scale that shows tongue weights up to 1,500 pounds.



Sherline scale accurately measures trailer tongue weight.

Using Sherline’s scale requires placing the scale under the trailer coupler and slowly lifting it with a floor jack into the coupler until the jack is supporting the weight of the trailer tongue.

For both weigh systems, read the dial on the scale. If the weight is too high or too low, adjust the position of the load or equipment on the trailer until the number is correct.

If a piece of equipment is going to be hauled on the same trailer all the time, it’s good to paint or mark the trailer bed to indicate where the bucket edge or a tire needs to be positioned to keep that weight balance correct. – Bruce W. Smith


By Bruce W. Smith

Source: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/equipment-positioning-critical-when-towing-equipment-with-pickups/?utm_source=daily-responsive-1&utm_medium=email&utm_content=07-24-2015&utm_campaign=HWT&ust_id=e2e69cf73e

8/17/15

Six Tips for First Time Towing


 You've just bought your first camper, horse trailer, boat or cargo hauler, and now you have to tow it from the place you bought it to where you're going to store it. Don't get caught unprepared. While towing might seem intimidating at first, the following tips, coupled with the right equipment and practice, can make you a master tower.

These are the most important issues to consider when towing:


1. Weight compatibility

The most important factor to consider when towing anything is weight compatibility — cars and trucks have specific towing weight limits. Know how much your tow rig and your trailer weighs. A simple trip to the local scales will get you started. Make sure that your tow vehicle can handle the weight you plan to tow. Follow manufacturer recommendations wherever possible. Every vehicle capable of towing will have a posted maximum tow rating. Check your owner's manual first, but manufacturer websites should also have the information.
2. Understand the language of towing

Towing has a language all its own, and you need to learn it for buying, towing and following the law in your state. There are many acronyms in trailering and most have to do with weights and capacities. Below are just some of the most important:

    Max tow rating: The largest total weight recommended by the tow vehicle maker that a particular rig can tow safely.
    Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): This is the total amount of weight a fully loaded truck can carry safely as determined by the manufacturer. The total number should include passengers, fluids, cargo and any applicable tongue weight.
    Gross combined weight rating (GCWR): This is the total allowable weight of a fully loaded tow vehicle and trailered vehicle that includes all tow vehicle occupants, cargo, fluids, tongue weight and accessories. One mistake often made is underestimating the total weight of your truck and trailer. Making another trip to the local scales with a fully loaded setup is recommended.
    Gross trailer weight rating (GTWR): You should be able to find this on a metal tag attached somewhere on the trailer frame. It states the maximum allowable weight of the cargo and the trailer combined.
    Gross axle weight rating (GAWR): This describes the maximum weight a single trailer axle can safely carry, independent of the rest of the rig.

3. Hitch balls are critical safety gear

The hitch ball is attached to the tow vehicle receiver hitch. Many vehicles come with a factory-installed receiver that are typically attached to the frame or reinforced section of a unibody. Higher-quality aftermarket hitches are available as well, but all should be clear about exact weight rating capabilities. The ball itself supports some trailer weight and couples the trailer with the truck or car. Trailer hitches are categorized by tongue weight, and as hitch numbers climb, so does the tongue weight it can handle.


Towing Mirrors II

Tongue weight, or the amount of weight on the vehicle's hitch, is an important issue. If your tongue weight is less than 10 percent of the weight of the fully loaded trailer, the trailer will probably sway a bit, making it difficult to control. On the other hand, if you have too much weight on the tongue (let's say more than 15 percent of total trailer load weight), your tow vehicle's rear tires can overload (and overheat) and push the rear end of the vehicle around; this makes stopping and handling curves and cornering difficult.

4. Always use safety chains

Nobody who wants to tow safely would fail to make sure the trailer and tow vehicle are attached, not only between ball and tongue, but also with strong safety chains. Experienced towers cross the chains under the trailer tongue so in case of a catastrophic separation, the trailer and the hitch are less likely to separate. Be sure there is enough chain slack to make turns, and always be sure the chains will not drag on the pavement.
5. Trailer load balance is important

Most manufacturers recommend you distribute 60 percent of the weight of the trailer load over the front half of the trailer. After you have the load balanced correctly, make sure that cargo is secured with straps or tie-downs. When cargo shifts, your load becomes unbalanced, making your trailer unstable and less predictable.
6. Driving with a trailer

At the risk of oversimplifying the point, driving with a fully loaded trailer — when done properly and safely — is not much more difficult than driving your tow vehicle empty. However, do not confuse the two as the driving techniques and vision strategies are very different. Most people tow a boat, a camper or perhaps a car trailer to a show or race.

First, use common sense. Second, when driving with a trailer, everything you do should be done at half the speed without the trailer. This means turning and stopping will take more time — so allow twice the distance for the increased mass. Also, remember to allow for your extra length when you change lanes. And, finally, be sure to watch for objects and/or situations far enough ahead of you to react with plenty of time. Look much farther ahead than normal so you'll have plenty of time to slow or change course if an unanticipated person or vehicle comes into your path.

Most experienced towers prefer pickup trucks over SUVs and full-size cars. Pickups generally have better power-to-weight ratios and more torque than cars, and extra power is needed for hauling trailers up hills and mountains. Generally speaking, full-size pickups can handle more trailer weight than a car or SUV mainly due to their stronger frame construction, but you'll need to weigh quite a few factors when deciding on the right vehicle for your needs.

For more information about towing or products you might need to do it safely, visit Curt Manufacturing.

Cars.com photos by Mark Williams



Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/07/six-tips-for-first-time-towing.html

8/15/15

Find Masterack Commercial Van Equipment at Harbor Truck Bodies



When it comes to choosing high quality, professional grade commercial vehicle equipment, Masterack is an industry leader with over 40 years of experience in product design, manufacturing, and installation. Our large selection of steel and composite van interiors, pickup equipment, ladder racks, and accessories are available as pre-designed trade packages or can easily be mix-and-matched to customize your vehicle.



Find out more at: http://masterack.com/

8/13/15

2015 Ford F-150 Leads Light-Duty Truck Segment in Safety Ratings


DEARBORN, Mich., July 30, 2015 – Ford’s all-new F-150, the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever is the first pickup in America to earn an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for its SuperCrew model.

The new Ford F-150 is also the only full-size, light-duty truck in the industry to earn the government’s highest possible 5-star rating for the driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.

The excellent crash test performance of the new Ford F-150 is enabled by its up to 700-pound weight savings through the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering.

A cross-functional group comprised of Ford truck product development veterans and researchers worked to optimize vehicle weight savings and manufacturing design to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and crashworthiness. The team created 31 safety-related innovations including new structures, materials and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

Breakthrough innovation also applies to the reparability of the new F-150, thanks to its innovative modular structure that simplifies repairs.

Ford does not agree with the reparability costs and findings by IIHS and other stunts.  Ford’s view is based on real-world accident repair data. In fact, real-world repair costs on the new 2015 Ford F-150 average $869 less than last year’s F-150 model, according to Assured Performance, an independent body shop certification company that works with leading automakers.

Insurance companies also agree with the new F-150’s repair costs – with both Allstate and State Farm saying insurance costs for the new F-150 will remain comparable with 2014 models.

Truth About Trucks: Safety Fact Sheet (PDF)

Truth About Trucks: Collision Repair Fact Sheet (PDF)

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 194,000 employees and 66 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

8/11/15

A Venturo ET18KX Crane is Ready for the Heavy Loads - Harbor CraneMaster Body




This Harbor 11' CraneMaster body is mounted on a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 4500/5500 Dually. The crane is a Venturo ET18KX.  A CraneMaster body begins as a standardized Harbor TradeMaster Service Body. The right rear compartment is reinforced for the mounting of the 18,000 ft. lbs. crane with 4,500 lb. lifting capacity. 
The crane has electric functions for the winch, elevation, rotation and extension. We typically add a leaf to the spring on the crane side to help keep the body level after the installation of a crane.  Notice the crane rest for cradling the boom. We can also install outriggers for stability, particularly on larger cranes mounted on higher bodies. 

This unit also has an optional 18" bumper extension with tool box compartments.

Visit our website at www.htbi.net and call Harbor at 800-433-9452.

8/09/15

Custom Search and Rescue Body by Harbor Truck Bodies






Look at all the room in this Search and Rescue Body! This custom SuperStructure 9' Service Body was manufactured by Harbor Truck Bodies. This is a great looking, and very functional body with room for lots of things.

The 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.

Harbor Truck Bodies would love to build your next body! Give them a call at 800-433-9452 and visit the website at http://www.htbi.net/.

8/07/15

Ford Transit Model Configurations

Transit does everything from hauling cargo to carrying people.

  • Cargo van available in three roof heights and three body lengths – flexible cargo volume/payload configurations
  • Wagon available in three roof heights and three body lengths – configurations covering 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-passenger seating
  • Vans and wagons available in single- and dual-rear wheel models
  • Ford vans provide the lowest fleet lifecycle cost in America*
*Based on Ford Transit results in Vincentric 2015 Fleet awards analysis of full-size vans.

Multiple wheelbases and body lengths offer a variety of choices.
  •     Three body lengths, each offering unique volume and payload capability
  •     130-in. regular wheelbase
  •     148-in. long wheelbase
  •     148-in. wheelbase with extended body
Three Roof Heights
Carry cargo - and lots of it.
  •     Three van/wagon roof heights available: low, medium, high
  •     Choose cargo load floor length and floor-to-roof height for the box size needed
  •     Cargo van volumes from 246.7 cu. ft. (130-in. regular wheelbase with low roof) to 487.3 cu. ft. (148-in. long wheelbase/extended body and high roof)
  •     Wagon with high roof accommodating a passenger standing 6 ft. 5 in.


8/05/15

Helping Fleets with Rousch CleanTech Propane Autogas



Todd Mouw of Roush Cleantech talks with Joe Hughes of the National Ford Truck Club about Roush's success in expanding their propane autogas expertise into larger trucks that serve larger fleet companies helping them to save a lot of money in fuel costs and at the same time being better on the environment. See more about these products and services at http://www.roushcleantech.com/Rousch CleanTech

8/03/15

Easy-to-Use Trailering App for GMC



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.

8/01/15

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Reveals New Styling


The design gurus at General Motors are giving their GMC pickup trucks a new look, retouching the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 with a few front-end and tailgate upgrades. Like clockwork, now that the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 made its debut earlier this week, it's GMC's turn.

The 2016 GMC Sierra half-tons will get a larger grille and freshened look on all 2016 models (to go on sale by October). The new models revealed in this just-released YouTube video (see below) show that the new Denali, SLT and All Terrain trim levels have bolder grille designs, each offering a unique flavor.

The Denali will continue to lead the way with the most chrome and the flattest grille surface. The SLT will likely continue to be the most popular mid-trim model, and the All Terrain will fit into that mix as the new entry-level trim, with a unique color-coded bumper and grille. All grilles have a deeper trapezoidal cut into the lower bumper, a larger GMC logo and newly harmonized LED projector headlights. Additionally, all rear taillight designs have a C-shaped LED look to match the front daytime running lights.

Although not announced yet, we would expect GMC to follow with powertrain changes similar to Chevy's recent moves, making the eight-speed transmission more widely available for the smaller V-8 (5.3-liter) option. The V-6 and 6.2-liter V-8 engine options remain unchanged.

Manufacturer images

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/07/2016-gmc-sierra-1500-reveals-new-styling.html#more