Join me as I give a thorough van tour and walk-through of my new Ford Transit 250, which will be used primarily for HVAC service work. I detail the ways I optimized space, organize and customize the vehicle to work for me and suit my needs. https://www.kit.co/akhvac
12/30/19
HVAC Transit Service Van Tour
Join me as I give a thorough van tour and walk-through of my new Ford Transit 250, which will be used primarily for HVAC service work. I detail the ways I optimized space, organize and customize the vehicle to work for me and suit my needs. https://www.kit.co/akhvac
12/28/19
All-New Ford 7.3-Liter V8 Set To Drive Best-In-Class Gas Power and Torque For Heavy-Duty Pickups
- All-new 7.3-liter engine in Super Duty pickup cranks out best-in-class gas V8 output of 430 horsepower and best-in-class gas torque of 475 ft.-lb.
- The 7.3-liter engine is paired with the all-new 10-speed heavy-duty TorqShift® transmission on Super Duty pickups and is designed for robust power, long-term durability and ease of service that truck owners demand in both personal and business applications
- Windsor-built engine will be an option on 2020 F-Series Super Duty pickup, standard on F-550, F-600, F-650 and F-750 Medium Duty trucks and E-Series, as well as F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis
DEARBORN, Mich., Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 42 years, is once again raising the bar for capability with its all-new 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine. The 7.3-liter engine in Super Duty pickup cranks out best-in-class gas V8 output of 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and best-in-class torque of 475 ft.-lb. at 4,000 rpm.
No other competitor provides such a powerful and advanced gasoline engine in such a broad range of offerings – from Class 2 Super Duty pickups through Class 7 commercial trucks.
“The 7.3-liter is designed for maximum durability in the harshest environments given that our customers live and work in these conditions every day,” said Joel Beltramo, Ford manager for gas V8 engines. “This engine has the largest displacement in its class and is designed to provide benefits in key areas like power, durability, ease of maintenance and total operating costs.”
Based on decades of commercial engine experience, the 7.3-liter V8 delivers class-leading performance in a compact package. The 7.3-liter V8 features an overhead valve architecture that generates power low in the rev range to help get heavier loads moving sooner and with greater confidence. It also features a variable-displacement oil pump, extra-large main bearings, forged steel crankshaft for durability, and piston cooling jets to help manage temperatures under heavy load.
The all-new 7.3-liter will be available first in Super Duty F-250 and F-350 pickup models. It joins the 6.2-liter V8 gas engine in Super Duty’s lineup, along with the upgraded third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8. Additional power and capability numbers, including Super Duty, towing and payload ratings, as well as power numbers for the upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel, will be announced later this year.
A dyno-certified version of the 7.3-liter V8 producing 350 horsepower at 3,900 rpm and 468 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm will be standard on F-450 chassis cab, F-550, the new F-600, F-650, and F-750 Medium Duty trucks, and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis models. The upgraded E-Series will also feature the 7.3-liter V8. An optional calibration intended to help customers reduce their fuel consumption will also be offered; more information will be made available at a later date.
For F-250 through F-600 models the 7.3-liter engine is paired with the all-new Ford-designed and Ford-built 10-speed heavy-duty TorqShift® automatic transmission. All other commercial models retain the TorqShift® heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission.
12/26/19
9 Reasons To Keep Your Tow-Behind Air Compressor
Tow-behind air compressors have been popular in many industries, including construction and utilities, for decades. This equipment made it easy for contractors and operators to ensure they were able to take their air compressor with them to the job site.
Today, owners, operators, and fleet managers have more options for mobile compressed air than just tow-behind air compressors. Manufacturers continue to innovate with a variety of options, from hydraulic, gas, and diesel powered above-deck air compressors, UNDERHOOD™ air compressors, and underdeck PTO-driven air compressor systems. But even with these innovative air compressor solutions, which pack a lot of power into compact packages, many
people still have a problem letting go of their trusty tow-behind air compressors. Here are 9 reasons to keep your tow-behind air compressor:
9. ENJOY THE CHALLENGE OF DRIVING AND PARKING WITH A TRAILER
Your experience towing your bulky air compressor has given you the skills of a precision driver! You’ve successfully merged onto busy freeways, reversed without jack-knifing, and managed to find parking in even the most crowded job sites. You have a sense of pride in the skills you’ve honed over the years of navigating your truck and trailer in all sorts of tricky (and frankly, stressful!) situations.
8. TAKE YOUR TIME TRAVELLING TO JOB SITES
Trailers can hinder your access to job sites, especially mobile service work in remote or off-road areas. If you enjoy taking extra time and care to navigate your way to hard-to-reach job sites, then it’s best to stick with your tow-behind.
7. MONOPOLIZE YOUR HITCH
tow-behind-on-hitchYour truck came with a tow hitch for a reason, so you’re going to use it! Now you can always use your tow hitch for your air compressor. If you need more equipment, then you will have to have another vehicle and driver sent out to bring all the required equipment to the same spot. That means the second truck will have the opportunity to use its hitch too.
If you feel like doing it all yourself, you can make two trips to the job site—one to drop off your air compressor, and one to drop off the rest of your equipment. Driving around is fun!
6. ONLY TRAVEL WITH YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR SOMETIMES
Every service job will present you with the opportunity to guess: will I need my air compressor for this job? You can bet on the odds of whether you’ll need to bring your tow-behind with you to the job site or not. Keep track of how many times you guess right, and how many times you must turn around to go back and collect your trailer.
5. SPEND LOTS OF TIME TAKING EXTRA SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & MEASURES
We hope everyone is passionate about workplace safety, and if you have a tow-behind air compressor, you’ll get to indulge this passion practically every day. Tow-behind air compressors have a lot of parts to check frequently. You’ll need to ensure the hitch, taillights, and tires are all in working condition. If any of these parts are failing, then you’ll get to spend part of your day fixing them, instead of actually getting down to work. If you’re a procrastinator, this is the best!
It also takes vehicles pulling heavy tow-behind air compressors longer to stop. To be able to stop quickly and safely, you’ll have to drive at reduced speeds whenever you’re towing your air compressor. You can learn and observe tow bar regulations and adjust your driving to make up for a larger blind spot.
In addition to all the safety checks you’ll enjoy doing, you’ll also have the opportunity come up with safety measures to ensure thieves don’t steal your tow-behind. It’s much easier to steal a tow-behind than to steal an above-deck air compressor, or a vehicle integrated compressor, like an UNDERHOOD or a transmission-mounted PTO drive air compressor. But since you like a challenge, and you’re passionate about safety and security, you’ll enjoy taking extra precautions to ensure your tow-behind is not stolen. Channel your inner Kevin McCallister in Home Alone and have some fun setting up booby traps every time you need to park your vehicle.
4. LOTS OF ENGINE MAINTENANCE
engine-tow-behind-air-compressorTow-behind air compressors come with their own engine, in addition to the engine that’s part of the service truck or van that’s doing the towing. This means that you’ll have two engines to maintain, and you’ll spend more time and money making sure both engines are in tip-top shape.
Several mobile air compressors use the vehicle’s existing power sources to run, such as gas and diesel vehicle engines, transmissions, or PTOs that run hydraulics, but where’s the fun in only maintaining one engine?
3. SPEND MORE TIME WORKING ON EACH JOB
Tow-behind air compressors take time to position properly and set up on the jobsite. They require a lot more prep work than a vehicle-mounted mobile air compressor. If you enjoy spending additional time each day setting up your equipment before you actually start to work, then a tow-behind is a great option.
2. USE MORE FUEL, INCREASE YOUR TRUCK’S WEIGHT
Tow-behind air compressors are beasts. They’re thirsty monsters when it comes to fuel, when you account for the extra consumption to run the tow-behind, as well as the extra fuel your truck will use to lug a 1,000+ lb air compressor. Your local gas station attendants will love seeing your truck and trailer chugging into the station for another big sale!
Speaking of weight, do you like adding extra weight to your truck? If so, you’re in luck—even though the Atlas Copco XAS 110 is considered to be a smaller sized tow-behind air compressor, producing up to 110 CFM, it still weighs 1,100 lb. It’s much heavier than the UNDERHOOD™ 150 air compressor, which weighs in at only 200 lb.
1. STAY TRADITIONAL WITH YOUR 1980s COMPRESSOR
tow-behind-air-compressorAnd the number one best reason to keep your tow-behind air compressor is that you are a traditionalist! You enjoy the nostalgia of using the tow-behind. All the extra time spent driving around, setting it up, maintaining it, and keeping it safe is time well spent! The challenges driving, maneuvering, and parking build up your character. And of course, you love utilizing your truck hitch to carry around your 1,000+ lb tow-behind.
Do you have second thoughts about keeping your tow-behind air compressor? There’s another option. Vehicle mounted air compressors are the right choice for people who:
- Need mobile air regularly
- Have light to medium duty applications
- Want more space for cargo, tools, and other equipment
- Prefer less weight on their vehicles
- Want to minimize maintenance
- Desire the freedom and convenience of trailer-free driving
Learn more about VMAC Underhood Air Compressors at: https://www.vmacair.com/
12/25/19
12/24/19
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD Unveiling - Work Truck Show
Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of General Motors Fleet, talks about the new Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, bringing Chevrolet back into the medium-duty commercial truck market.
Read more about the three new medium-duty commercial trucks: http://www.worktruckonline.com/news/s...
12/22/19
Understanding Trailer Hitch Receiver Classes I Know Before You Tow
Learn which hitch is right for you, your truck, and towing equipment.
12/20/19
Liftgates for Pickup Trucks
The Tommy Gate G2-Series is the premier line of hydraulic liftgates for modern pickup trucks. With a wide variety of platform materials, sizes, and lifting capacities, Tommy Gate has a liftgate model for every cargo-handling need.
To learn more, visit the G2-Series Pickup page: http://www.tommygate.com/liftgates/pi...
Find all our truck bodies and other truck equipment at http://www.premiertruckbodies.com
At Premier Truck Center, we sell the entire line of Tommy Gate products to fit any commercial need. Call us today at (941) 729-8196 or visit us on the web at http://www.premiertruckcenterllc.com/
Find all our truck bodies and other truck equipment at http://www.premiertruckbodies.com
At Premier Truck Center, we sell the entire line of Tommy Gate products to fit any commercial need. Call us today at (941) 729-8196 or visit us on the web at http://www.premiertruckcenterllc.com/
12/18/19
A Parts Organizer for every Tradesman’s Top Tools
It is essential to have the right tools on the job for every tradesman. Below is a list of the most useful tools for tradesmen to keep in their parts organizer to increase organization.
Top Tools for Tradesmen to Carry:
Pliers: Be sure to keep several in your parts organizer to accommodate your specific tasks. Side-cutting pliers, for example, come in handy when cutting through wires or metal cables. Then there are needle-nose pliers whose thin jaws allow you to reach into tight spaces or to hold small nuts while turning a screw. Pliers with insulated handles are the best choice for electricians as they reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Screwdrivers: A screwdriver set is a must have for every tradesman. Many contractors swear by the brand Klein as the best maker of screwdriver sets, due to their tough quality. It is important to buy ones that will last you for years and that are comfortable to grip. Again, have a collection with each piece fully insulated for extra protection.
Claw Hammer: If you are doing work in a construction zone, you will definitely want a hammer. The claw hammer is an extremely useful, multi-purpose tool. In addition to the hammer side, the claw-like prongs on the other end are great for removing nails and wood pieces from walls and floorboards.
Tape Measure: Depending on your job, you will probably want one that reaches more than 25 feet to ensure you never run short when measuring large areas. We also recommend you splurge and get one that is high quality and brightly bright colored so it is easy locate if you set it down on a job site.
Utility Knife: A Utility or Stanley knife is handy to have in your parts organizer. It cuts easily through most material and is small enough to be taken anywhere. Most utility knives have either ceramic blades or snap off metal blades. Ceramic blades tend to be sharper, however the snap off blades mean your knife with probably last longer so it is up to you to see what best suits your job.
Flashlight: Having to pull up floorboards, work in drains or feel behind refrigerators is a dark and dirty job. Always ensure that you can see what you are doing to avoid injury. Your job will be a whole lot safer and easier with the use of a a powerful flashlight.
Allen keys: Allen Keys are small, handheld tools that drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. Shower heads, bicycles, locks and a lot of furniture are held together with these bolts. They are easy to attach and remove if you have the correct sized key.
Wrenches: Although wrenches are mostly associated to plumbing, they are also used with many HVAC systems involving natural gas lines. Like your screwdrivers, keep a set of different sizes in your parts organizer just in case.
Safety Glasses & Gloves: Play it safe – always have a pair of safety glasses and gloves somewhere nearby. Finger splinters are never enjoyable, and eye splinters are even less fun. These are little items that you might forget about, until you rue the day you did not wear them. At least have them at the ready in your parts organizer if needed.
Scratch Awl: This tool is probably not the most used of them all – no pun intended – but it can come in handy as well. The awl, or more precisely, the scratch awl is used to puncture and to scratch markings on wood or metal. This replaces a pencil or marker that might leave a line that is either too thick, or not even visible on the material.
Screws, Nails, Nut, Bolts: Always use your parts organizer to store the little bits and pieces that you use everyday. Do not let them roam free all over your van – keep them together where you can easily access them and boost your efficiency on the job.
Top Storage & Organization Solution:
The best storage option for carrying these smaller and most essential tools that we mentioned above, are Ranger Design’s Partskeeper Cases. These durable cases are made from tough plastic and come with 10 removable containers of different sizes. These are also flexible. Create your own custom case by rearranging the containers inside or removing them all together.
They also can be kept in a specifically designed Partskeeper cabinet, that holds up to 8 cases securely. Turn each case into a specific storage area for your different tool groups. For example, if you have a few main tasks that you accomplish almost everyday, then designate a case for the most needed parts. You will be more organized and will not need to bring as many tools with you onto the job.
For more accessories to help you become better organized, check out our blog to help you Find the Right Accessories for Your Work Van.
Call Premier Truck Center 941-729-8196 for more information on Ranger Van Interiors and other truck equipment.
For more information on our product lines, find us at https://premiertruckbodies.com/
12/17/19
C-TECH Aluminum Tool Boxes
C-TECH Aluminum Tool Drawer - PONSSE North America, Field Technician - Dustin Conley
“CTech provides storage that is custom made any size needed to maximize usable storage out of our trucks. Servicing heavy equipment in all environments from heat, cold, snow and rain, I push my equipment and CTech aluminum drawers never falter. With the ability to create all the organization needed I am able to carry a large inventory of parts that are easily accessible. My CTech units have never caused any trouble and are loaded with large amounts of weight with the truck is used off-road daily. All in all great product and great group of people to work with. Thanks CTech
.”After the Motion Latch handle was such a success in CTech's other products other industries found areas to utilize this product. Drawer units are not a new concept in the Service Truck Body market but CTech drawers changed the market forever with our parametric designed module aluminum drawer units. We offer standard configured tool drawers for all the major truck body manufacturers and in most cases the CTech drawer unit can be added as an option directly from the factory.
Aluminum drawer units are not only used to fill compartments in truck bodies. They can be added to any opening including existing cabinetry you may have in your garage, shop, trailer, truck, van or any other opening. There are 3 different style of drawer inserts which covers any possible mounting solution.
Learn more at: https://www.ctechmanufacturing.com/#/drawers
12/16/19
C-TECH - Aluminum Tool Boxes
C-TECH Aluminum Tool Drawer - PONSSE North America, Field Technician - Dustin Conley
“CTech provides storage that is custom made any size needed to maximize usable storage out of our trucks. Servicing heavy equipment in all environments from heat, cold, snow and rain, I push my equipment and CTech aluminum drawers never falter. With the ability to create all the organization needed I am able to carry a large inventory of parts that are easily accessible. My CTech units have never caused any trouble and are loaded with large amounts of weight with the truck is used off-road daily. All in all great product and great group of people to work with. Thanks CTech
.”After the Motion Latch handle was such a success in CTech's other products other industries found areas to utilize this product. Drawer units are not a new concept in the Service Truck Body market but CTech drawers changed the market forever with our parametric designed module aluminum drawer units. We offer standard configured tool drawers for all the major truck body manufacturers and in most cases the CTech drawer unit can be added as an option directly from the factory.
Aluminum drawer units are not only used to fill compartments in truck bodies. They can be added to any opening including existing cabinetry you may have in your garage, shop, trailer, truck, van or any other opening. There are 3 different style of drawer inserts which covers any possible mounting solution.
Learn more at: https://www.ctechmanufacturing.com/#/drawers
12/14/19
"The Axe Test" - LEGEND Duratherm vs. Other Interior Liner
Legend's high quality insulated duratherm takes on a competitor's interior liner.
Learn more about Legend's Insulated Duratherm here:12/12/19
VMAC G30 SOLVES COMMON AIR COMPRESSOR CHALLENGES
To celebrate the recent launch of the VMAC G30 Gas Engine Driven Air Compressor, now powered by Honda, VMAC ran a G30 Giveaway Contest. (Watch the video on our Facebook page!) In this contest we asked entrants to answer three simple questions. One of these questions asked fleet managers and operators what their top challenges with their current truck-mounted air compressors are. Here are the results:
Common Air Compressor Challenges
With seven options to choose from, the top three results were size, air output and weight, accounting for almost 60% of the responses. The VMAC G30 was designed and engineered to address the concerns fleet managers and operators have with their current equipment.
SIZE
VMAC G30 Gas Drive Air CompressorAir compressor size was the number one challenge our survey identified. The VMAC G30 is 50% smaller* than other competitive air compressors, measuring just 34” (l) x 21.5” (w) x 24” (h), making it small enough to fit on the side pack of a single rear wheel service body. The compact size frees up to 15 cubic feet on the truck body, and leaves more room in the back of the truck for supplies, tools, and equipment. Another bonus is that visibility is improved, as the short height of the G30 means it won’t obstruct the view in the rear window.
AIR OUTPUT
Not only is the G30 compact, it is also powerful—50% more powerful* than other competitive air compressors. Producing 30 CFM 100% of the time, the G30 can operate at 100% duty cycle, which means you won’t have to wait for air to build, and you can work without interruption, thanks to continuous air supply. The G30 doesn’t need a large air receiver tank either, which aids in the size challenge.
WEIGHT
Weight challenges are minimized with the VMAC G30, which weighs 50% less* than other competitive air compressors. Weighing just 205 lbs (93 kg), the G30 is over 200 lbs lighter. Not only does every pound of GVW count when building a truck service body, especially because vehicle weight restrictions vary by state, but the Environmental Protection Agency reports that for every 100 lbs of weight reduction, a vehicle’s fuel economy can increase by up to 2%. This means that with 200lbs less weight, the VMAC G30 can save you up to 4% in truck fuel costs.
*Compared to competing 22 to 30 CFM reciprocating gas engine driven air compressors, with 30-gallon air receiver tank.
OPERATING IN COLD TEMPERATURES
Respondents in Canada and the Northeast and Midwestern states noted operating air compressors in cold temperatures to be particularly challenging. To ensure the air compressor can operate in extreme cold, a cold climate kit can be installed on the G30. The G30 with cold climate kit is proven to start-up at temperatures of -30°C (-22°F).**
**Due diligence and additional care may be required for prolonged operation in temperatures reaching below -15°C (5°F).
TRANSFERABILITY
The VMAC G30’s lightweight and compact design makes it easier to transfer than heavier air compressors weighing over 400 lbs. The lifting hook makes for easy installation on the service truck as well.
MAINTENANCE
The VMAC G30 is easy to maintain, with servicing recommended every 200 hours or every 6 months. The compressor is oil injected; oil forms a seal between the rotors so they don’t wear against each other. The G30 compressor doesn’t contain any gears, reed-valves, piston rings, or components that will fatigue or become fouled, which means with proper servicing and operation, the compressor should never require rebuilding. The G30 comes with a VMAC Lifetime Limited Warranty, and the reliable Honda GX390 engine comes with a 3-year warranty (limited).
OPERATING IN HOT TEMPERATURES
Operating air compressors in hot temperatures was a concern for some operators and fleet managers, predominately those located in areas like Texas, Virginia, Arizona, and California. The G30 is proven to operate at temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) and is protected by a compressor oil temperature switch that opens at 140°C (284°F) and shuts down and disables the engine until the oil temperature drops below 139°C (282°F).
MINIMIZE CHALLENGES WITH THE VMAC G30
Each of these seven challenges can be addressed with upgrading your air compressor to the VMAC G30 Gas Engine Driven Air Compressor. Not only is it 50% smaller, 50% lighter, and 50% more powerful, but it is also proven to operate in the most extreme climates. It’s also easy to transfer and maintain, allowing you to spend your time on the job, not struggling with your equipment.
Learn more about the VMAC G30, or find a dealer. You can also find a VMAC Sales Rep—they’ll be happy to answer your questions, and provide you with a demo of the air compressor, so you can see the G30 in action for yourself.
12/10/19
Haul Your Trailer AND Advertise Your Business - Premier Gooseneck Body!
Whether this truck passes you by or you pull up behind it,
you cannot miss this spiffy Service Works Logo
Premier Truck Bodies builds the finest work truck bodies in the Southeast US featuring all structural channel long-sills and cross-members as well as heavy welded-in Headboards. The bodies are finished with underside undercoating and top side primer and heavy coat shiny black paint.
Our Rack Platform Bodies come standard with Aluminum Racks, easy to lift into place and remove.
We manufacture and install our own platform bodies, sell and install Warner Service Bodies, Venturo Hoists and Venco Cranes, Liftgates by Tommy Gate, Waltco, and Maxon as well as Ranger Van Interiors and Ladder Racks.
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12/08/19
Venturo VC1000 Euro-Style Van Crane Demo
Check out this quick demonstration of the proper procedures to operate the Venturo VC1000 Van Crane.
12/06/19
2019 Isuzu NPR HD Crew Cab Gas Stake Body
Running footage of the NPR-HD Gas Stake Body in Portland, OR
12/04/19
Ford Offers Connectivity to Past Model Year Owners
Ford is offering its SmartLink OBD II dongle to owners of vehicles from the 2010 to 2016 model years to enable them to use connectivity features previously offered on 2017 model-year vehicles.
Ford SmartLink, which plugs into a Ford or Lincoln vehicle's OBD II port below the steering wheel, will enable smartphone-based remote start, lock and unlock; 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capable of accepting up to eight devices; vehicle health and security alerts; and vehicle location assistance. Ford will begin selling SmartLink at dealerships this summer. The dongle was developed with Delphi Automotive and Verizon Telematics.
12/02/19
WALTCO - BRAND MOVIE
We build reliable, quality liftgates that won’t let you down. Our range is engineered for unrivalled durability in even the toughest conditions, and backed up by professional service to help keep you on the road.
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