See how F-150 delivers on towing and payload.
3/28/23
Weight Distribution Hitches Explained - How They Work, Why You Need One
Today we delve into the black magic that is the weight distributing hitch, also called "load leveling hitch" or "weight distribution hitch." This is the ultimate trifecta of poorly understood, infrequently used, and absolutely essential...
3/26/23
3/24/23
3/23/23
All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® Debut | Ford
The next level of Built Ford Tough, the All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® truck. This one is for the builders.
3/19/23
2023 Ram 2500 Rebel® | Power to the Weekend
The all-new 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel® helps make your life worth binge-watching. Power to the weekend.
3/18/23
F-150 Lightning: Ford Intelligent Backup Power | F-150 | Ford
With available Ford Intelligent Backup Power, the F-150 Lightning* automatically kicks in to power your home. Enough to power a home for 3 days with the extended-range battery.**
*Pre-production vehicle with available features shown. Available starting spring 2022.
**When home is properly equipped and home transfer switch disconnects home from the grid. Based on 30 kWh use per day using the F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery. Your results may vary depending on energy usage.
Learn more about the Ford F-150 Lightning here: https://ford.to/3wgnSD9
3/16/23
56" High Harbor Trademaster Service Body
This Red Ford has a 56" high custom Trademaster service body with raised front compartments on both sides, two upper compartments that open upward for maximum visibility. This is also a horizontal series body where the horizontal compartment goes to the end of the body. This is perfect for longer items. This unit also has a 3-piece Cargo Bed Enclosure keeping what is inside secure and out of view.
Harbor offers standard TradeMaster with 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 the most cost-effective generally.
To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at
800-433-9452. Also find us at http://htbi.net/
3/13/23
Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving for F-150® | Ford How-To | Ford
Find out about available Ford BlueCruise* — hands-free highway driving technology available for the Ford F-150.
*Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner's Manual for detail and limitations. Available on select vehicle models. The BlueCruise Prep Kit contains the hardware required for this feature. Requires purchased three-year connected service plan with regular map updates, FordPass™ App and modem activation. BlueCruise functionality expected third quarter 2021CY. Three-year Connected Service term with regular map updates begin on service start date. To continue service, a new connected service plan must be purchased. Plans are subject to change. See your Ford Account for terms and details. Service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Failure to regularly update could result in BlueCruise being unavailable.
Learn more about Ford support here: https://ford.to/36tjcC2
3/11/23
EV Battery Show: LFP & NCM Explained
Ford is adding a second battery chemistry – lithium iron phosphate (LFP) – to its electric vehicle lineup beginning later this year. Learn how this new chemistry differs from Ford's current chemistry, nickel cobalt manganese (NCM).
SUBSCRIBE: http://ford.to/SubscribeFordMotorCompany
3/10/23
USPS ordering 9,250 electric vehicles from Ford | FOX 13 Seattle
The U.S. Postal Service plans to buy more than 9,000 new electric vehicles from Ford.
Watch FOX 13 Seattle Live: https://www.q13fox.com/live
FOX 13 Seattle is Western Washington's source for breaking news, weather, traffic, politics and sports.
3/07/23
Towing Tips, Tools and Tech: A Ford Towing Video Guide | Ford
Towing Tips, Tools and Tech features over an hour of towing knowledge, plus advanced technology available on Ford trucks and SUVs that you can take advantage of. We cover everything you need to know from how to determine how much your vehicle can tow all the way up to the exciting features that add convenience to the towing experience, like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Profiles, and more.
3/06/23
Fleet 101: What is Torque?
This Fleet 101 episode of Truck Chat episode focuses on a commonly misunderstood term in truck fleets today: #torque.
Executive Editor, Lauren Fletcher, covers the basics of torque and helps you gain a greater understanding of the topic.
Today's topics include:
- What is torque?
- How is torque measured?
- Where does torque come from?
- What causes differences in torque?
- Why does torque matter to work truck fleets?
This episode is sponsored by@Goodyear
3/04/23
What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?
What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.
Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.
The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.
These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.
3/01/23
Value of Effectively Maintaining Upfits
- Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV
Your upfit is spec’ed, purchased, and installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.
Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:
A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.
“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.
At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.
“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.
Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.
“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”
When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.
“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.
Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.
“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.
6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits
While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:
Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection
Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.
“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance
When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.
“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.
To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.
“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.
Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly
Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders.
“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.
Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment
You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.
“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.
Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing
When you service certain upfit items is also essential.
“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.
Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage
Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.
“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.
Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits
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