4/29/16

Chevy Pickup History - Decades Of Trucks

Chevy Trucks Pictures, Images and Photos

Chevy pickup history began in 1918 when the first trucks went on sale. They were a far cry from the Chevrolet trucks of today, but they made a huge impact on the world. Man would now use motor power instead of animals for work and travel. A proud farmer or rancher standing beside his Chevy truck becomes a common sight.
William Durant and Louis Chevrolet 
The Chevy truck grew out of one man's idea to build a truck that the average citizen could afford to purchase. William Durant teamed up with Louis Chevrolet to accomplish this task. They became a forceful pair. Chevrolet was driven by his love for racecars and Durant had an issue with General Motors. He had been forced out as head of General Motors, which he had founded. His Chevrolet earnings would get him back in.
Chevy Pickup History 
The first trucks were crude compared to the streamlined versions of today. Their basic feature was a chassis cowl with a 4-cylinder motor and transmission. It was the buyer's responsibility to provide the cab. These were usually purchased from outside companies, but often the buyers would build the cab themselves. It would be several years later before the trucks were offered with, or without, a cab.
Chevy trucks revved up for a ride to the top of the market. No trucks were manufactured in the company's early years. Eventually Chevy engineers began to design the vehicles for everyday family use to meet ever-changing roles. From Saturday night dates, to family vacations with a camper on the back, the trucks became a family icon.
1980s Bring Economic Problems 
Chevy trucks had climbed upward at a steady pace from the beginning, edging out competitors. William Durant had certainly supplied the consumer with a dependable and affordable means of transportation. Then the energy crisis of the nineteen eighties hit the country. Chevrolet sales took a sharp decline. Chevrolet was faced with the challenge of making the truck more fuel-efficient. The engineers went to work and came up with a lighter version of their truck that once again drove their sales to the top.
Chevy pickup history has seen many changes from the first ones built in 1918. Today you can recline in leather seats, while enjoying air conditioning and music from your radio or DVD player. Do not be fooled by the frills. There has been a constant upgrade under the hood. Improved V8 truck engines, improved aerodynamics, along with features to keep up with the ever-important safety and environmental issues, has kept the Chevy truck at the top.
Once again, an energy crisis looms over the country. Look for Chevrolet to lead the way, as the car manufacturers endeavor to address the problem.
Old and Still Running 
The fan clubs of Chevy trucks tells a story. This vehicle has earned the unwavering loyalty of its owners. When you see these thirty and even forty year old models in the car shows and on the roads, it is a tribute to their durability.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1648023

4/27/16

Smarter Suspensions Are on the Way for Pickups




In the future, unique suspension systems used today likely will find wider acceptance and offer better control and more flexibility. We expect more air suspension options and magnetic ride technology to provide better fuel economy, load-carrying capability, comfort and handling. It wouldn't surprise us if the computer systems on new vehicles will be better able to predict what's likely to happen next on the road, possibly leaning into a turn at the first steering input to make a big truck feel more like midsize car.

Active anti-roll-bar systems already found in Range Rover SUVs, luxury sedans, and Toyota's and Lexus' active suspensions could improve highway and trail performance for small and large pickups. The Toyota 4Runner SUV's cross-linked shock system is an impressive active suspension system that works as well in four-wheel drive as it does when entering a 240-degree curving freeway on-ramp.

We also predict that as sales of luxury-model pickups increase, we'll be more likely to see more canyon-carving trucks with independent rear suspensions. The new 2017 Ridgeline will have coil rear springs and an IRS, and is anticipated to have a payload of 1,600 pounds; likewise, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris midsize commercial van (also with coil springs and IRS) has a minimum payload rating of 1,800 pounds, more than many half-ton pickups. 

Bushing technology also is likely to improve, perhaps adding a self-adjusting or computer-controlled aspect to them, allowing them to quiet engine vibration or wheel chatter while allowing precise steering. Less vibration means quieter and less-stressed parts and pieces.

And we expect broader application of magnet ride systems, perhaps even grouped with towing packages where damper behavior would be modified simply by engaging Tow/Haul mode or when sensing heavier loads.

Front suspensions may adopt a dual ball-joint lower coupling and have been used on everything from VW Passats to BMW SUVs and the new Lexus LS. This arrangement pays big dividends in bump absorption, handling and directional stability, and leaves more room for axle shafts and bigger brakes to move freely and stay cool.

Further down the road, we expect tuning of active suspension pieces like air springs, self-adjusting shocks or active anti-roll bars to link with cameras and navigation data to prime the suspension before it hits a bump or comes to a sharp bend, making the suspension more predictive than reactive. No matter what happens, we're confident we'll be getting more sophisticated and smarter suspensions to keep our pickups under control.

Read more at:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/04/smarter-suspensions-are-on-the-way-for-pickups.html

4/25/16

2016 Work Truck Show: RAM Commercial Press Conference



RAM Commercial Press Conference at the 2016 Work Truck Show

4/23/16

We Own Work: Reinvestment of Weight Savings for the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty



Follow our group of real-world truck customers as they go behind the scenes to meet with Ford Super Duty experts and engineers to learn how weight savings from the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body were reinvested into other areas of the truck for improved performance and capability.

Upgrades include a fully boxed steel frame, stronger axles, beefed-up suspension, bigger brakes and a higher capacity trailer hitch. These are just some of the reasons the all-new 2017 Super Duty is the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever.

Discover the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty: https://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...

4/21/16

Safe Fleet inView 360 Fleet Monitoring System Demo



inView 360™ from Safe Fleet brand SEON is a revolutionary fleet monitoring and protection system that gives drivers a 360° view of their surroundings to avoid accidents, and provides fleet managers greater insight into fleet incidents.

4/19/16

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Truck Presentation at 2016 NTEA



Chevrolet Commercial Vehicle Product Specialist Mitch Koory presenting on the new 2016 Medium Duty Low Cab Forward (LCF) Truck in Indianapolis at NTEA.

4/17/16

Trailering Camera System Available for Silverado

Innovative system with up to four cameras 
adds to Silverado’s leading suite of towing technologies



DALLAS – Chevrolet announced today that a new trailering camera system will be available for 2014-2016 model year Silverados.

It joins a new factory-installed, fifth-wheel prep package, compatible with either gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches available from Chevrolet Accessories.

“These are great examples of our commitment to provide truck customers with the most confident towing experience in the industry,” said Jeff Luke, Chevrolet truck executive chief engineer. “The fifth-wheel prep package has been designed by our structural engineers, to make the most of Silverado’s fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. The trailering camera system was designed in partnership with our Chevrolet MyLink team to seamlessly integrate views from trailering cameras into the existing radio display.”

As with all offerings from Chevrolet Accessories, these packages are warranted and integrated to work with the customer’s vehicle and are available through Chevrolet dealers.

Trailering Camera System by Echomaster

Chevrolet partnered with Echomaster to develop the blind-spot-assist towing package system, which includes three cameras: two side view cameras, and one for mounting on the rear of the customer’s trailer. It is compatible with all 2014-2016 model year Silverado HD trucks, and Silverado 1500 trucks with the available trailer-towing mirrors.

The two side cameras are seamlessly integrated into the housing for the side-view mirrors, for improved vision along the sides of the truck and trailer. When the driver activates the turn signal, the system automatically displays the correlating side view in the center screen.

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. This camera is hardwired to the trailer lights for electrical power, and wirelessly transmits images to the display using a closed wireless network. It also features infrared lighting, enabling enhanced images in low-light settings. 

The Silverado’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. This can include    an additional camera installed inside the trailer, transmitting video to monitor horses, cattle, other livestock, or content during transport. Later this summer, Chevrolet will introduce a camera integrated into the center brake light, to show the contents of the bed or to assist with connecting a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer.

Any of the four camera views can be activated at any time on the radio screen to bring up the camera menu screen.

The trailering camera system will be available for purchase through Chevrolet dealers in April, and is warranted by Echomaster (a division of AAMP Global). Prices start at $999 (not including tax, labor and installation). More information will be available at www.chevrolet.com/accessories.

Factory-installed fifth-wheel prep package
Also new is a factory-installed, fully-integrated fifth-wheel package, available on all 2016 model Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks for $350. It features a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray, concealed under the truck bed.  A factory-installed 7-way trailer wiring connection in the pickup box is also available.

With a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch installed, the tray takes full advantage of the fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. With the hitch removed, the frame is completely concealed, with caps over the bed openings, preserving the flat bed floor for unencumbered cargo carrying. 

The hitch platform is compatible with the Chevrolet Accessories Gooseneck Completion Kit, including a 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and two chain tie-downs, for $315.

Chevrolet also offers a CURT Manufacturing hitch that is compatible with the factory-installed hitch platform. The fifth-wheel packages from CURT Manufacturing are currently available for purchase through Chevrolet dealers at $939 for the 20,000 lbs. hitch and $999 for the 25,000 lbs. hitch (both not including tax, labor and installation.)

More information on available gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches will be available at www.chevrolet.com/accessories.

Silverado HD towing technologies

With the new trailer towing camera system and factory-installed fifth-wheel prep package, Chevy Truck offers a comprehensive suite of technologies and features to provide the most confident towing experience in the industry.  Other advanced towing technologies on Silverado HD trucks include:
•    Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models
•    Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking, for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades
•    Available Digital Steering Assist, which enables easier handling and maneuverability, greater steering response, greater road-holding capability and greater stability control assistance.

About Chevrolet
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 around 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.

4/15/16

Ford Superduty goes to work with a Harbor 11 Foot Crane Body



This 11' Harbor Crane Body has a Stellar EC3200 crane http://www.stellarindustries.com/craneec3200.php, stainless steel open top lids on streetside, closed top curbside, dual front raised compartments, shelves on streetside and bottle brackets and rings on the curbside.

It has a 12" step bumper (std), mounted on this Ford F4/550. It has a crank outrigger on curbside at rear, and a crane rest. The spray-in bed liner in cargo area and on curbside top provide an anti-slip surface and will keep the truck body protected for years to come.

Find out more at
http://htbi.net/

4/13/16

We Own Work: Inside the Manufacturing of the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty



Five truck customers head inside the Kentucky Truck Plant for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to witness the unique manufacturing innovations involved in creating the smartest, toughest and most capable Super Duty ever.

In this episode, our teams of Insiders see the innovative joining techniques used to build the Super Duty’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body. From self-piercing rivets to flow-drill screws and powerful structural adhesives, this is truly manufacturing at its best.

Discover the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty: https://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...

4/11/16

SpaceKap - How Its Made




See how a SpaceKap Fiberglass Cap is manufactured

4/09/16

Tommygate G2 Liftgate on a 2016 GMC with Harbor Combo Body



This is a unique installation of the G2 Tommygate Liftgate. It is very rare to see this installed on a Combo Body. This Harbor Combo Body has a 36" work platform on the rear and this customer of Dow Lewis GMC in Yuba City CA needed a liftgate installed. Kevin made it happen.

See more a http://www.vacavalleytruck.com

See more about Harbor Truck Bodies at http://www.htbi.net

And more about Dow Lewis GMC at http://www.dowlewistrucks.com

4/07/16

The Smartest Super Duty Ever



With up to seven available cameras & LED lighting, the 2017 Ford Super Duty is the smartest Super Duty ever.

Towing is at the center of the Super Duty mission. Equipped with up to seven available cameras, the 2017 Super Duty can help make hitching up a standard or gooseneck trailer a snap. And the first-ever, factory-available trailer camera can be attached to a trailer to improve visibility while backing up.

Explore the 2017 Ford Super Duty: http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty/...

4/05/16

Transit Cab Chassis w/ 124" Harbor Service Body vs F350 Cab Chassis



Here is a view of the most popular chassis and service body on Ford Commercial Truck dealer's lot: The F350 60"CA Cab Chassis Single Rear Wheel with a 9' Service Body as compared to the new Ford Transit Cab Chassis (in this case, a dual rear wheel unit, although available as a single rear unit) with a Harbor 10' 4'' or 124" standard height Service Body. Not mentioned in the video is that the cargo capacity on the Transit Service Body in this case is 4,100 lbs., or 1,000 lbs. more than the F350. Both Service Bodies have the same height body but because they are mounted on differently designed chassis, on the Transit, the body sits much lower to the ground making it very easy to access items within the body aa well as in the open top lid section.

Perhaps the Transit Service Body is worth a serious look for your business. The advantages are many, and profound.

This video was filmed at Future Ford of Concord in Concord CA and I appreciate the opportunity that Sandy and Berger afforded me to spend some time on their lot and demonstrating the advantages of the Transit Cab Chassis. See more about the commercial truck/fleet department at Future Ford of Concord by visiting http://www.futurefordofconcord.com/fo....

Also see more about Harbor Truck Bodies at http://www.htbi.net.

4/03/16

DRW Ford Transit Cab-Chassis with Harbor Service Body and Rack - Plenty of Storage, Great Visibility and Easy Access!

Harbor Service Body is 10 foot Plus 4 inches 
Length Inside Cargo Area


This Ford Transit Cab-Chassis has an 80 inch Cab to Axle dimension. It allows for a
longer body and provides for a lower bed-to-ground height.


The view of the Harbor Body from the rear shows the low access into the cargo area. This allows for easier loading and unloading of materials and equipment. The extra long ladder rack access is also lower than it would be on a standard chassis cab body.


Note the Great Visibility the wide rear window provides. The low profile of the Harbor Body allows a wide, virtually unobstructed rear view over the tailgate and side boxes.


The compartment depth on this Dual Rear Wheel body is 19 inches, the Single Rear Wheel version would be 15" deep. The DRW version floor width is 50", plenty of room to slide in that 4 foot wide plywood!


The body is standard height (about 40") and sits lower because of the chassis design.


This body has the  Master Lock System, a Non-Forklift Rack, Standard One-Hand Latch, Self-Opening Stainless Steel Lids with Two Gas Shocks. Lighter and stronger and rust free! (Aluminum Treadbrite overlay is available as an option). Matching Stainless Steel Gravel Guards are standard. (Closed top models are standard steel and offer Aluminum Treadbrite as an option). 

Find out more at: 
http://htbi.net/

4/01/16

Make more money and Save Time with VMAC VR70 UNDERHOOD air compressor


Looking for new ways to save time and make more money in tire service business? Find the secret industry leaders have known for years: the VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor systems helps you get to more jobs every day and reduces your average job time by 10 minutes. Time is money and the VMAC VR70 UNDERHOOD air compressor system gets you more of both.