3/30/20

CTECH at The Work Truck Show 2020 | SuperCut


The CTech booth and beyond with this supercut! We had our brand new Shelving Drawers and MotionLatch™ 'Full-Bank' lock on full display as well as a variety of Tool Drawers showcased in other areas of the show.

3/28/20

General Motors Truck Production at the Fort Wayne Assembly Plant


General Motors is making a new round of upgrades to its Fort Wayne Assembly plant to further increase production of the all-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups – especially crew cab models.

“We are building Chevrolet and GMC crew cab pickups at record volume and mix levels to meet customer demand and the $24 million investment will allow us to build even more,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO. “The team here at Fort Wayne has done an outstanding job helping us satisfy customers throughout this launch. Our product ramp-up was very smooth and the quality has been exceptional. Crew cab sales have been very strong, and we are expanding customer choice with new models, more cab choices and innovative new powertrains.”

Combined sales of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab pickups, which launched in the second half of 2018, were up 20 percent in the first quarter of 2019 versus a year ago. GM is projecting another significant increase for the second quarter. Customer deliveries of the double-cab models built in Fort Wayne began during the first quarter.

The $24 million will be invested to further enhance the plant’s conveyors and other tooling to support the increased production. The work will be completed this summer. With today’s announcement, GM has invested more than $1.2 billion in the plant since 2015.

Since 2009, GM has invested $23 billion in U.S. manufacturing – more than one-quarter of every dollar spent by automakers. SOURCE:


The Wheel Network

The Wheel Network

3/26/20

F150 Factory Tour | How Ford Builds An F-150 Every 53 Seconds - The Haul


Justin's At Ford's F150 plant to see how the best truck on earth is built from start to finish. Ford's massive F150 plant is able to crank out an F150 every 53 seconds which helps satisfy the huge demand for the best selling truck on earth.

3/24/20

LIFTGATE GLOSSARY




Above Floor Travel
On specific rail-type models, this option allows your cargo to travel above the  floor level of the truck or trailer based upon the bed height of your application.
Bed Height
The vertical distance from ground level  to the floor surface of the vehicle.
Bed Height Range
When specifying a liftgate, the lesser  dimension refers to the bed height when the vehicle is loaded to maximum weight capacity. The greater dimension refers to the bed height when the vehicle is empty.
Below-Bed-Height Storage
Option found on many railgate models that  allow the liftgate platform to be stored so  its highest point is below the bed height  of the vehicle, thus allowing unobstructed  access to the rear of the vehicle without  having to operate the liftgate.
Cart Stops
A device used to prevent wheeled cargo from rolling off the ramp end of the  liftgate platform.
Conventional Liftgate
A liftgate that is welded or bolted to  the frame of the vehicle chassis. In the  stored or travel position, the lifting  platform is in the vertical position at the rear of the vehicle.
Dock Bumpers
Optional protective steel structures used commonly with Flipaway models that are welded below bed level at the rear of  the vehicle to protect the liftgate from damage caused by loading dock impact. May have the capacity to also house the vehicle tail lights.
Flipaway Liftgate
A liftgate that is welded to the frame of  the vehicle chassis. The loading platform is designed with two or three folding  sections. In the stored or travel position, the platform is folded and stored beneath the body floor allowing access to the cargo area without activating the lift.
Cantilever Lift
A Cantilever liftgate is a self-adjusting platform that stays level relative to the truck bed throughout the entire raise and lower cycle. Options are also available to convert the platform to a dock board or for use as a rear door.
Gravity Open, Power Close
Hydraulic close, torsion spring/gravity open.
 
Galvanization
The process of applying a protective  zinc coating to steel or iron, in order  to prevent rusting.
Load Capacity
Maximum amount of cargo weight that a  given liftgate is rated to handle during one cycle. Full rated capacity is based on the cargo being centered on the platform as close to the vehicle as possible or the weight being evenly distributed over the entire platform surface.
Mount Frame Clearance
Distance required between the rear-most  obstruction on the chassis and the end  of the vehicle body in order to mount  a liftgate.
Power Open, Power Close
Hydraulic operation of the liftgate platform during the open and closing portion of  the cycle, which allows for consistent  opening and closing speed regardless  of the climate conditions.
Power Up, Gravity Down
Hydraulic operation raises the liftgate  platform, while its own weight lowers it.
Power Up, Power Down
Hydraulic operation of the liftgate platform during the raise and lower portion of the cycle, which allows for consistent lifting  and lowering speed, regardless of the climate conditions.
Rail-Type Liftgate
Medium / Heavy / Bottle Gas / Pick-Up / Service Body / Dump Thru

Railgates have vertical tracks that weld  or bolt to the rear frame of a truck body  or trailer. The loading platform travels up  and down on these tracks through the  use of cables or chains in conjunction  with a hydraulic cylinder, or the use of  two hydraulic cylinders directly attached to the loading platform. In the travel  position, the platform stores over the rear door, although an option is available to allow storage below the door. 

• Medium Rail-Type Liftgate
–   References the lift capacity. • Heavy Rail-Type Liftgate –   References the lift capacity. • Bottle Gas (BG) Rail-Type Liftgate –   Offers design features targeted    to the bottle gas delivery industry. 

Reduced Maintenance

Standard on all Waltco liftgate models,  independently or a combination of  fiberglass-reinforced Teflon™ bearings,  slide pads and grease zerks to allow  additional protection to the major pivot points on your liftgate.

Retention Rail
Railing around the platform perimeter  that supports and restrains bottled  gas cylinders during delivery. Used on  MDLBG, PTBG, RBGL and WDVBG Bottled Gas models.
 
Sideloader Liftgate
A liftgate that is typically mounted below the side door of a truck body or trailer  and can be either frame or body mounted, depending on the application. In the stored or travel position, the platform stores under the body and is either unfolded or extended out from under the door.
Snubber Kit
A structure consisting of a steel brace and a rubber bumper pad used commonly with Flipaway models. The snubber kit stabilizes the liftgate platform while in the transit  position, minimizing potential for damage due to bouncing and/or road vibration.
Torsion Bar Assist                              
Reduces platform opening and closing forces with the use of spring loaded  counterbalanced torsion bars or rods.

Source: Waltco Liftgates - https://www.hiab.com/en-US/waltco/

3/22/20

3/19/20

All-Electric F-150 Prototype: Tows 1M+ Pounds | F-150 | Ford


We’ve confirmed we are bringing an all-electric F-150 to market. Now, we’re showing you the capability you asked for by having it tow more than 1 million pounds.* This is Built Ford Tough.

*The F-150 battery-electric prototype is towing far beyond any production truck’s published capacity in a one-time short event demonstration. Never tow beyond a vehicle’s towing capacities. Always consult the Owner’s Manual.

Learn more about the All-Electric Ford F-150 Prototype here:
https://ford.to/32L24kS

3/17/20

NTEA Work Truck Show 2020 Booth Highlights


The Buyers Products booth is always a hot spot at the Work Truck Show hosted by the NTEA, and this year the team went all out to make it the best it's ever been. With a mind blowing amount of bold new videos and displays, it was a must-see stop for any show-goer walking the floor.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth. We hope you had a great experience and were inspired by the exciting new equipment we have in the works.

In case you missed it, here's a rundown of the biggest announcements from the 2020 Work Truck show:

• New SnowDogg® XPII Next Generation Expanding Wing Snow Plow (
https://bit.ly/2WjB8bx)
• RapidLink™ Attachment System on all SnowDogg pickup truck snow plows (
https://youtu.be/LHJj2KIiOLU)
• New SnowDogg Super J Municipal Snow Plows (
https://bit.ly/2W9A1e8)
• Newly redesigned crossover truck tool boxes (
https://bit.ly/38IER4D)
• New expanded line of landscape trailer racks and accessories (
https://bit.ly/38Kt9GV)
• New line of WideOpen™ Step Boxes for Class 8 trucks (
https://bit.ly/33jT2Mz)

3/15/20

Ranger Design Fold Away Shelving


Ranger Design’s Fold-Away foldable van shelving system is:
- Lightweight & Strong
- Silent & Rattle-Free
- Safe & Simple to Install
Find out more here:
https://rangerdesign.com/products/?ca...

3/13/20

FORD MARKS 35 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LEADERSHIP; FORD E-SERIES, FORD F-650 AND F-750 UPGRADED WITH NEW OPTIONS



  • Ford marks 35 years of commercial vehicle leadership by adding more customer-driven options, including gaseous fuel prep package for vehicles powered by its new 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine
  • Fleet and commercial customers can now order all-new 2021 Ford F-600 Super Duty chassis cab – available Summer 2020
  • Fresh off their best sales in more than 20 years, Ford F-650 and F-750 Medium Duty trucks get more versatile than ever with an available air compressor that lets customers combine the cost savings of a gasoline powertrain with the stopping power of air brakes
  • New flex fuel capability for Ford E-Series offers fleets an affordable option for meeting alternative fuel requirements
INDIANAPOLIS, March 3, 2020 – Ford marks 35 years as the country’s best-selling line of commercial vehicles* by adding even more customer-driven options to its F-650 and F-750 Medium Duty trucks and E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis.
“We are just as passionate about the success of our customers’ businesses as they are,” said Mark Buzzell, Ford director of fleet, lease and remarketing operations. “So, we have devoted decades to developing deep insights into their wants and needs. This focus has led us to create a winning portfolio of commercial vehicles that our customers love and rely on every day.”
One of Ford’s latest innovations, the all-new F-600 Super Duty chassis cab is now available to order. Ford F-600 delivers the capability of a Class 6 truck in a familiar Class 5 package, giving a new choice to fleets and vocational customers who need additional payload or want to mount heavier upfits without moving into a bigger truck. It will be available for delivery Summer 2020.
For customers who prefer alternative fuels, Ford is offering a gaseous fuel prep package for its new 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine in current model year Super Duty F-450, F-550 and F-600 chassis cab, Medium Duty, E-Series and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis vehicles. The package includes upgraded valvetrain components to withstand higher operating temperatures and lower lubricity of gaseous fuels so the vehicle can be converted by a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to run on CNG or propane.

Air power offered for Medium DutyFord sold more of its biggest work trucks last year than it has since 1997. Sales of F-650 and F-750 are up 37 percent year-over-year, with total volume of 16,510 trucks for 2019. Building on this momentum, Ford further enhances the versatility of its Medium Duty trucks for model year 2022 with a new option for the available 7.3-liter gas engine.
For the first time, an integrated air compressor will be available for the 7.3-liter engine. The compressor can be used to power air brakes, air suspension and other accessories like air horns or air ride seats. Currently, air brakes are only available on diesel-powered trucks.
Ford is the only manufacturer offering a choice of gasoline or diesel engine for Class 6-7 conventional cab trucks – its 7.3-liter gas V8 or updated 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8.
Ford Medium Duty trucks with the 7.3-liter gas engine can cost up to $9,245*** less than those with the 6.7-liter diesel. They are recommended for applications with lighter duty cycles, annual mileage and torque requirements. Adding the air compressor to the 7.3-liter engine lets customers combine the cost savings of a gasoline powertrain with the stopping power of air brakes.
“We expect this new offering to be popular in several vocational segments including propane delivery, municipalities, utilities and tree service,” explains Nathan Oscarson, Ford commercial truck brand manager. “Many customers have told us they’d like to take advantage of the cost savings provided by a gas truck, but they also want the peace of mind provided by air brakes.”
Ford E-Series gets more flexible, but passengers don’t have toFleets looking for an affordable solution to meeting alternative fuel goals will see new choices with 2022 E-Series cutaways and stripped chassis as Ford adds available flex fuel capability for the 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine in both premium and economy calibrations. E-Series with flex fuel capability can run on gasoline or blends of up to 85 percent ethanol, or E85. Ford expects this to be a popular option for state and federal fleets.
Also new for E-Series cutaway next year is a scalloped engine access cover that provides additional legroom, in response to customer requests primarily from the recreational vehicle industry. E-Series is the most popular platform for Class C motorhomes, with 58 percent market share**.
Production of 2022 Ford F-650, F-750 and E-Series begins in January at Ohio Assembly Plant.
*Based on IHS Markit calendar year 1985-2019 TIPNet Registrations excluding registrations to individuals. TIP Registrations prior to 2010 do not include all GVW 1 and 2 vehicles.
**According to calendar year 2019 data from Statistical Surveys Inc., a market analysis company specializing in the RV, marine and manufactured housing industries.
***Based on 2021 F-650 gas versus diesel in CVT, base truck MSRP difference, with no options or add on. 7.3-liter V8 gas engine: $59,810 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel: $69,055

3/11/20

Daimler Trucks launches additional electric Freightliner Customer Experience fleet


Stuttgart/ Portland (Oregon) – Daimler Trucks launches additional electric Freightliner trucks for customer testing in North America. The Customer Experience (CX) fleet from Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) consists of six heavy-duty Freightliner eCascadia and two medium-duty Freightliner eM2 106. Over a period of 22 months 14 different customers from a range of sectors will operate the all-electric trucks within their daily transport business. These customers are some of the largest fleet owners in the USA representing more than 150.000 heavy and medium-duty trucks (Class 6-8) on US roads. The CX test fleet complements the innovation fleet of 30 Freightliner eTrucks which, since 2018, have been in operation and recently surpassed more than 160.000 cumulative kilometers. The market launch for both the Freightliner eCascadia and the eM2 truck is scheduled for late 2021.

Freightliner eCascadia and eM2
The Freightliner eCascadia is based on the Cascadia, the most successful heavy-duty long-distance truck (class 8, 80,000 lb. gross combined weight rating (GCWR) in the North American market. At start of series production, the eCascadia is planned to have up to 730 peak horsepower. The batteries are planned to provide 550 Kwh usable capacity, a range of up to 250 miles and have the ability to charge up to 80 percent (providing a range of 200 miles) in about 90 minutes. The Class 8 tractor is designed for local and regional distribution and drayage. The Freightliner eM2 is intended for local distribution operations and last-mile delivery services (class 6, 26,000 lb. GCWR).The eM2 truck is planned to have up to 480 peak horsepower. The batteries are planned to provide 325 Kwh of usable capacity, a range of up to 230 miles and have the ability to charge up to 80 percent (providing a range of 184 miles) in about 60 minutes.


Electric truck and bus portfolio at Daimler Trucks & Buses

The Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are part of Daimler Trucks’ global electrified truck initiative, joining Thomas Built Buses all-electric Saf-T-Liner eC2 Jouley school bus, the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation MT50e, the Mercedes-Benz eActros, the Mercedes-Benz eEconic, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro bus in Europe and the FUSO eCanter in Asia, Europe and North America.
SOURCE: https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko.xhtml?oid=45823295&ls=L2VuL2luc3RhbmNlL2tvLnhodG1sP29pZD00ODM2MjU4JnJlbElkPTYwODI5JmZyb21PaWQ9NDgzNjI1OCZib3JkZXJzPXRydWUmcmVzdWx0SW5mb1R5cGVJZD00MDYyNiZ2aWV3VHlwZT10aHVtYnM!&rs=0

3/09/20

BOLT Receiver Lock


If you drive a truck, haul gear or pull a trailer, then the BOLT Receiver lock is for you. The BOLT receiver lock opens with your vehicle ignition key. Simply insert your key, turn it once and your key is memorized.

Other features:
-Fits class 3,4 & 5 hitches
-Stainless Steel pin for durability
-Auto return spring longs automatically when key is removed
-Weatherproof
-Stainless steel lock shutter keeps out dirt and moisture
-Limited lifetime warranty

3/07/20

Ranger Design Max Drop Down Ladder Rack


The Ranger Design Max Rack 2.0 drop-down ladder rack is designed for high roof cargo vans. Perfect for the Ford Transit, Sprinter, Promaster, and NV. It is TOUGH - Made of military-grade aluminum and stainless steel components. There will be no corrosion over the lifetime of the rack. It is SAFE - Easy access from the ground. It has a lower profile on the roof. It is SIMPLE to use - Single-stage operation for fast loading and unloading of ladders on high roof vans.

At Premier Truck Center, we sell the entire line of Ranger Design products to fit any van or need. Call us today at (941) 729-8196 or visit us on the web at

3/05/20

Venturo Van Cranes - An Industry First!



The newest addition to the product lines include the all-new Venturo VC1000 Van Crane for the Ford Transit model.  This crane is revolutionary in the industry for its maximum weight capacity of 1,000 LBS and reach of 6 FT for the work van market.  The crane utilizes a unique dual floor and ceiling mounted telescopic mast that integrates with the van structure itself to ensure maximum structural integrity.

The telescopic mast will allow it to fit within the Transit Mid & High Roof models.  The crane also features two unique rotation control features for the primary and secondary booms which utilize two hand levers that operate multi-positional locks.  This key feature adds an additional safeguard for the operators as the load is being loaded and unloaded.  The Venturo VC1000  allows safe and productive material handling without the need for a forklift or a heavy, expensive liftgate.

Compact footprint for interior cargo area
The VC1000 allows van owners the cargo space while including a lifting application in their work van.  With very little space utilized by the crane, you can still still install shelving units and other van accessories.

Rotation Load Stops
To safely operate and swing loads in/out of the van, the VC1000 includes (2) rotation stops that keep the load from swinging loosely and damaging the van or causing injury.

3/03/20

2020 Ford Transit rolls out to dealers with new crew van, all-wheel-drive & standard safety tech features


Ford announced today that its 2020 Ford Transit is now available to dealers with plenty of updates including a new crew van, new power sliding door, new seat fabrics, all-wheel drive, 10-speed transmission, standard collision mitigation features and new exterior colors.

Along with cargo van, passenger van, chassis cab and cutaway, a new crew van, which can carry five people in two rows and features side curtain airbags, joins the lineup. Tailored for owners who need to move larger crews plus gear to a job site, the crew van is an enhancement to the 2020 Ford Transit family based on customer feedback.

Exterior updates are subtle but functionally driven. A new power sliding door is available for cargo van and passenger van, while premium high-intensity discharge headlamps with signature LED surround are available.

Three grilles will adorn van, chassis cab and cutaway configurations – a three-bar design with black or chrome bars and an open mesh design for maximum cooling. Vans equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine get a larger grille for maximum cooling. A new interior features durable new fabrics on the seating surfaces, plus myriad cupholders and compartments for storing gear and gadgets.

Grab handles are improved, vents are updated to better direct heated and cooled air, and overall ergonomics are enhanced. Optional swivel front seats are available for the first time in response to recreational vehicle customer requests. The center stack can be optioned two ways – either with a standard 4-inch full-color multifunction display or 8-inch slim-line touch screen display, each with the latest in SYNC 3 plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

A 4.2-inch productivity screen in the cluster provides vehicle information and phone call status. SYNC AppLink allows customers to control select apps on the touch screen without plugging in their Android or iOS device. FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and connectivity for up to 10 devices is standard, along with USB outlets in every row of the passenger van. New Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services, which puts an array of tools at the disposal of fleet managers, is now available.

For the first time, Transit offers an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that’s always on and does not raise the load floor or seat height, making this van configuration as easy to enter and exit as the standard rear-wheel drive model. New and improved powertrains are designed to meet a wide range of customer needs. These include an all-new standard 3.5-liter port fuel direct injection V6 and the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost gas engine that now features Auto Start-Stop.

Both gas engines can be ordered with dual 250-amp alternators to provide additional power for upfit equipment and are paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. New standard driver-assist features include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Post-Collision Braking, LaneKeeping System and auto high-beam headlamps. Additional available features include Adaptive Cruise Control, front and rear split-view camera, adjustable speed limiting and Enhanced Active Park Assist to simplify maneuvering into parallel or reverse perpendicular parking spots.

Available new wheels include a 16-inch heavy duty silver design with black hubcaps, a 16-inch heavy-duty silver steel wheel design, 16- inch forged aluminum wheels and 16-inch heavy-duty forged aluminum wheels. New colors include Agate Black, Diffused Silver and Kapoor Red.

SOURCE: Working Trucks Staff | December 3, 2019

3/01/20

SpitzLift at the WWETT Show


SpitzLift demonstrating lifting a Spartan Tool sewer machine at a trade show for the plumbing industry.