9/30/16

Chevrolet Joins Trailering Leaders to Create Integrated Experience


Industry Collaboration Key to Improved Trailering

 

DETROIT — Each year, approximately 1.2 million horse, boat, RV and work trailers are sold in the United States. These trailers are primarily pulled by fullsize trucks and SUVs, and Chevrolet believes there is an opportunity to help trailer manufacturers and industry leaders better understand the future direction of truck and trailering technology.

As an award-winning industry leader in trailering, Chevrolet is partnering with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to create a more integrated trailering experience for trailer owners.

“Our owners are often towing something, from an RV to construction equipment, that is more valuable than their truck,” said Tim Herrick, General Motors future truck executive chief engineer. “Unequivocally, they tell us that they are looking for a better towing experience. Safer, easier, with more integration between their trailer and their truck.”

By working directly with the industry, Chevrolet will help trailer manufacturers develop technologies that improve combined trailer and truck safety and industry safety standards. The partners will also work to increase communication between truck and trailer to provide the driver with more information and help alert customers to prevent trailer tampering or theft.

“This partnership with Chevrolet is part of the trailer industry’s continued commitment to improving safety,” said Pam Trusdale, executive director, NATM. “We are confident that we can collectively improve not only the towing experience for consumers but also public safety, which is why NATM is excited about working with Chevrolet.”

 “Safety and ease of use are key considerations for families that use RV trailers,” said Bruce Hopkins, RVIA vice president, Standards. “We’re pleased to partner with Chevrolet and NATM on this project to create a safer, simpler and easier towing experience.”


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 more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
With offices in Reston, VA and Elkhart, IN, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association is the leading trade voice representing the $50 billion RV industry. RVIA represents approximately 400 manufacturers and component suppliers producing 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States. As owner of the National RV Tradeshow and California RV Show, the association promotes and protects the RV industry and its members by focusing on government affairs, standards development, technical education, networking events, and industry research and trends. In addition, RVIA partners with leading RV dealers to expand the RV lifestyle through the Go RVing advertising and promotional campaign.

About the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers
National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is the Association of light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers and suppliers to the industry. Founded in 1987, NATM is dedicated to improving trailer safety and performance. The Association seeks to promote awareness of safety and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers and their suppliers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. NATM’s dedication to improving trailer safety is achieved in a myriad of ways, but primarily through the Compliance Verification Program. The Program is mandatory for all trailer manufacturer members, and requires biennial verification that members have the manufacturing processes in place to build trailers that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and industry best practices. To find out more about NATM please visit www.NATM.com.

9/28/16

Patented Adaptive Steering Technology Has Ford Competitors Spinning Their Wheels



Drive smarter not harder with the class-exclusive* new Adaptive Steering System in the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty, which adjusts the steering ratio in response to vehicle speed. It adapts automatically to the driving situation, whether you’re doing a low-speed maneuver like parking, or backing up a trailer, or traveling at cruising speed on the highway. At lower speeds, the steering ratio increases, requiring fewer turns of the steering wheel – and less steering effort. At higher speeds, the steering ratio gradually decreases, providing a steering feel that is firming and more controlled. *Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation. Learn more about the Ford Super Duty, here: http://ford.to/SuperDuty2017

9/26/16

VMAC RAPTAIR-G30 Gas Drive Air Compressor at work



Get all the power you need in this small air compressor. No air tank required. The G30 gas drive air compressor with 30 CFM rotary screw air power.

9/24/16

2016 GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY 3500 / 4500

 

New for 2016:
•    Standard digital AM/FM radio with auxiliary port
•    Optional GMC IntelliLink with navigation radio
•    OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot
•    Six standard air bags: frontal, side curtain and seat-mounted thorax (models under 10,000 pounds GVWR) 
•    Optional 220-amp generator

2016 GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY ENABLES EASY UPFITS FOR EVERY JOB

The GMC Savana Cutaway van is known for versatility, flexibility and durability, offering of its three available wheelbases, single or dual rear wheels and three engine choices – including the powerful Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel.

For 2016, the Savana Cutaway features a single rear wheel 9,900-pound GVWR (4,490 kg) on 139- and 159-inch wheelbase chassis, and an optional 10,100-pound (4,581 kg) GVWR. Dual-rear-wheel models start at 10,050 pounds (4,559 kg) GVWR and extend to 12,300 pounds (5,591 kg) GVWR. They are available on 139-, 159- and 177-inch wheelbase chassis. 

Also offered on the dual-rear-wheel are 4500 models that have a 14,200-pound (6,441 kg) GVWR, available with the 159- and 177-inch wheelbase chassis.

New for 2016 is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected all the time. The hotspot allows passengers to connect up to seven personal devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets to high-speed wireless Internet whenever the vehicle is on.

Also new is an available navigation radio with the GMC IntelliLink infotainment system. Additional highlights:
•    4.8L and 6.0L gas V-8s with six-speed automatic transmission
•    Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 with six-speed automatic transmission
•    Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock
•    Available locking rear differential (standard with YF2-code ambulance package)
•    110-volt outlet on the instrument panel
•    Standard digital AM/FM radio with auxiliary port
•    Available 220-amp generator.

Special-equipment packages also are available for ambulance, RV, shuttle bus and school bus construction.

Savana exterior features:
•    A chrome appearance package including a chrome front bumper and a chrome grille with dual composite headlamps is available. Black-painted bumper is standard
•    Heavy-duty light-emitting diode flashers are standard
•    Heated and power-adjustable outside folding mirrors are available on 3500 models
•    Wide-stance sail-panel-mounted outside mirrors are available
•    Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard
•    Exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Onyx Black, Emerald Green Metallic, Summit White, Cardinal Red, Wheatland Yellow, and Bronze Alloy Metallic.

Savana interior features:
•    Air conditioning is standard (air conditioning delete is available)
•    Cruise control, power windows and power locks are available
•    A standard digital radio including AM/FM/MP3 capability
•    A range of optional audio systems, including, USB port, CD and navigation is available on all models. An audio system provision package is available
•    SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available
•    Driver information center is standard on all models
•    Brake warning indicator is available
•    Two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets located on the dash are standard
•    110-volt outlet standard on dash
•    Side cut keys
•    Leather-wrapped steering wheel is available
•    Remote keyless entry is available
•    Remote vehicle starter system is available.

Savana powertrains: 6.6L Duramax diesel
The powerful Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 is offered in Savana Cutaway, delivering best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its “LGH” engine code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb-ft of torque (711 Nm).


The LGH Duramax employs a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most competitors’ systems, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between regenerations – a 300-mile (482 km) increase over the previous Duramax engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns about the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder. 

Savana Cutaway also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, thanks to the Duramax’s microprocessor-controlled glow plugs, which are capable of a gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 o C), without a block heater. The engine has been developed to operate for at least 200,000 miles (322,000 km) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul. It is also backed with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
(Certain commercial and government fleet customers receive the 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty.)

A fuel-operated heater is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quickly provide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. This seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Savana chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system. The electronically controlled, fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and engine use. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

The Duramax engine is backed by GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L90 heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission featuring Tow/Haul mode.


Gas engines
A 4.8L V-8 is standard on 3500 models and generates 285 horsepower (212 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (398 Nm), while a 6.0L V-8, available in a flex fuel configuration, is standard on 4500 models and available on other models. It is rated at 342 horsepower (255 kW) and 373 lb-ft of torque (506 Nm).

Each is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family and designed for quiet operation, including:
•    Special friction-reducing polymer coating on piston skirts
•    Full-floating piston pins
•    Damping patch on the oil pan (externally mounted)
•    Timing chain tensioner
•    Quieter alternator.

Backing the engines’ quietness is the assurance of long-lasting performance. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs. The iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets are some of these items.

Some of the stringent durability testing included cycling engines between the peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

The engines are mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission.


Additional powertrain special features include:
•    Dual 145-amp alternators are on Duramax-equipped models
•    diesel engine
•    220-amp alternators are available
•    600-CCA battery is standard with 6.0L engine; 770-CCA battery is available
•    Dual heavy-duty 770-CCA batteries are standard with Duramax-equipped models
•    Fuel-operated auxiliary heat generator is available with Duramax-equipped models
•    Cold-climate package with engine block heater is available on all models
•    High-idle switch for greater accessory performance at a job site is available on all models
•    Oil life monitor is standard on all models
•    Transmission cooler is standard on all models.

Chassis and suspension
Cutaway models are built on a strong, ladder-type full frame architecture. Varying frame sections support the 139-inch, 159-inch and 177-inch wheelbases. Soft-mount body-mount “donuts” and bolts, which attach upfit bodies to the chassis, are available on all models.

All Cutaway models feature an independent short-long arm (SLA) front suspension, power steering and four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel anti-lock. At the rear is a hypoid drive axle and multi-leaf springs.

Additional chassis and suspension features include:
•    A locking rear differential is available on all models
•    Axle ratios include: 3.42, 3.54, 3.73 and 4.10.

Savana safety and crash-avoidance features
Savana is equipped with a host of safety features, including six standard air bags: frontal, head and side curtain, and thoracic air bags, which provide a higher level of protection in the event of a side impact or a vehicle rollover.

9/22/16

PTO Driven Underdeck Systems Walk Around Video



Understand the unique and powerful components of Vanair's PTO Driven Underdeck Air Compressor/Generator Systems, their benefits and features.

9/20/16

Tommy Gate - Railgate Series, RTC Models Operation



Operation Video for the Tommy Gate Railgate Series, RTC Models.

9/18/16

Ram Trucks | Full Line | Add it Up



Ram has won countless awards and has best in class capabilities along with a smooth ride. This all adds up to making Ram the longest-lasting pickups in America.

9/16/16

PTO Driven Underdeck Systems



Experience the power, streamline design and cost savings of Vanair's Underdeck Systems of mobile air compressors and generators.

9/14/16

Ford Partnering with Global Cities on New Transportation Solutions



Ford is teaming up with major global cities – starting with San Francisco – to solve congestion issues and help people move more easily, today and in the future.

9/12/16

GMC | The Path to Precision: Certified Service Explores a 1916 GMC Truck



From wooden wheels to kerosene headlamps, we tracked down a 100-year-old GMC truck to see where Professional Grade started. Read story at: http://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/path-to-p...

9/10/16

Stories From the Road - Christy Webber



Watch Christy Webber and Jason Sloat explain how tough trucks and expert customer service from General Motors Fleet help Christy Webber Landscapes maintain parks, stadiums and public buildings across Chicago.

9/06/16

Tommy Gate - Tuckunder Development Video



The Tommy Gate Tuckunder Development Video depicts the hard working staff at Woodbine Manufacturing Company and the production of the Tuckunder Series hydraulic lift. It was filmed on location in Woodbine, Iowa.

9/04/16

Ram Trucks | Heavy Duty & 1500 | America's Longest-Lasting Pickups



The Ram Heavy Duty is the most capable full-sized pickup on the road today, and the Ram 1500 is the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup ever. Ram. America's longest-lasting pickups.

9/02/16

Riding the roads with Big Red

 

Fleet Owner recently got a second crack at one of Ford Motor Co.’s full-size Transit vans – affectionately dubbed “Big Red” – for a week-long test drive, putting the vehicle through its paces (loaded and unloaded) over 602.4 miles of highway and urban driving conditions across the state of Virginia. One big perk included with this Transit test model: satellite radio. That premium option provided 24/7 access to classic heavy metal music. (All photos by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)

See the whole story at: http://fleetowner.com/equipment/riding-roads-big-red#slide-3-field_images-199251