8/30/21

A Very Sharp Looking and Highly Efficient Work Truck!

 


This Contractor’s truck is not all show! It’s Set Up to Work and to Carry the Whole Crew as well.

The body is a 12ft Premier built Steel Flatbed with a 53-inch-high punched headboard and a forklift loadable material rack.

In addition to the drop-down tailgate, this body has drop-down side gates as well. This allows for loading and unloading from both the rear and the sides

This is a truck set up for a contractor that will make their work so much more efficient. It’s got six total 18X18inX48 inch weatherproof, lockable toolboxes, four mounted topside and four mounted under the body.

Loading the overhead rack with materials frees up the bed area for other equipment and supplies.


Note that the over-the-cab portion of the rack has 10-inch-high sides, an aerodynamic nose with punched air-flow holes and with a solid floor. The solid floor allows for carrying materials that might drop through with other crossbar designs.

Body Specs:

·       12ft x 96” wide Premier built steel flatbed

·       53” Headboard with punched window

·       3/16-inch-thick smooth one-piece floor

·       3” channel crossmembers- 12 inches on center

·       6-inch channel long-sills

·       Outside Rub-rail with pockets

·       Full width rear skirt

·       LED body Lights

·       Hitch Plate Bumper with 2-inch Receiver and 7 way plug

·       Six 18x18x48 inch Toolboxes, 4 over and 2 under the bed

·       18inx48in toolboxes, 4 over and 2 under bed

·             18 inch High Rear and Side Drop-Down Gates

·       Back-up Camera

·       Forklift Loadable Material Rack with 10-inch-high side rails and a “Punched Enclosed Nose” extends over cab. The Over-cab extension has a solid steel floor

·       The two Rearmost Crossbows are removeable

·       Body and Rack are Epoxy Primed and Top-Coated “Shiny Gloss” Black paint

This crew-cab truck has plenty of room for the crew and a reasonable turning radius with the 84-inch cab to axle dimension.

The chrome wheels, the shiny gloss black body and the aluminum rock guards on the toolboxes make this a very sharp looking work truck!

Learn more about Premier Truck Bodies at: Premiertruckbodies.com

Learn more about current available trucks at: premiertruckcenterllc.com

Contact us at: 941-728-8196

8/28/21

Survey Results: THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE TRUCKS


Survey respondents were asked to pick the two most important pieces of equipment on their service vehicles, out of air compressors, cranes, generators, welders, or other.

A significant portion of respondents chose “air compressor” as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Generators, cranes, and welders were split closely, with 32%, 31%, and 27% of respondents selecting these pieces of equipment as their top two most important. The other category includes responses such as hand tools, bucket lifts, liftgates, vacuums, and pumps.

OPERATORS/MECHANICS FAVOR AIR COMPRESSORS



Air compressors ranked even higher in popularity when segmenting the 47 Operators and Mechanics who answered the survey. 94% of these respondents chose air compressor as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Interestingly, Operators and Mechanics were the only segment that considered welders to be the second most important piece of equipment on their service truck.


8/26/21

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...

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/

8/24/21

Commercial Van Equipment & Upfits by Ranger Design


Video demonstrating commercial van equipment manufactured by Ranger Design: See our website for more info http://rangerdesign.com/ - Tradesman Packages - Van Tool Drawers - Axess Tray Cargo Slides - Van Ladder Racks - Revolutionary Max Rack Drop Down Ladder Rack - Van Partitions: Crash Tested for Your Maximum Safety - Contoured Van Bulkheads for Maximum Cabin Comfort - Van Bin Storage Units - Partskeepers Storage Units - Van Shelving - "Fold-Away" Foldable Van Shelving - Sliding Door Van Safety Partition Visit our website http://rangerdesign.com/ or call our friendly staff at 1-800-565-5321 for your next upfit.

8/22/21

The 2021 Ford F-150 Walkaround


The 2021 F-150 is tougher than ever and is still the only truck in its class* with a military grade aluminum alloy bed and body and a steel frame. We also made it smarter, starting with the first-ever hybrid engine available in an F-150. *Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR. Learn more about the Ford F-150 here: http://ford.to/3nA35Wm

8/20/21

Curt BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale Smartphone Ready


This video is about the BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale – a Bluetooth-enabled, smartphone-compatible device that plugs into any OBD-II port and weighs the vehicle, trailer, cargo, tongue weight, pin weight, weight distribution and trailer brake gain.

Equipped with TowSense™ technology, BetterWeigh™ provides real-time, live measurements to take the guesswork out of towing and hauling. With it, you can know exactly how much weight you’re towing, and whether it’s safe to tow with your vehicle.

It has virtually no installation requirements. BetterWeigh™ simply plugs into the OBD-II vehicle diagnostic port below the steering wheel, wirelessly links with your smartphone and comes with a free, downloadable app.

Unlike physical towing scales and tongue weight scales, BetterWeigh™ gives you a digital readout, sent right to your smartphone -- no more walking to the back of the vehicle to check the weight.

BetterWeigh™ also makes brake controller setup fast, easy and accurate by calculating the exact trailer brake gain needed for your particular load size.

The CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale is compatible with Apple iOS and Android OS. The downloadable app is intuitive, easy to use and completely free.

BetterWeigh™ Features & Benefits

  • Measures real-time vehicle-trailer weights for safer, easier towing and hauling
  • Bluetooth connection provides active readouts on the driver’s smartphone
  • No-install, plug-and-play setup into vehicle diagnostic port (OBD-II) below the dash
  • Weighs vehicle, trailer, cargo, tongue and pin weight and weight distribution
  • Provides easy brake controller setup by measuring exact trailer brake gain needed
  • Wireless, compact, portable design
  • Downloadable app available for Apple iOS and Android OS
  • Limited lifetime warranty

8/18/21

The specific application needs of vocational truck suspensions

Kenworth_DrainBro_Dump-2-from-SAF-HOLLAND


The first question you need to ask when spec’ing trucking equipment is a simple one: What’s it going to be doing? Understanding the application and what’s necessary for the equipment to perform properly is the most important thing to know before making any purchasing decision.

Take vocational suspensions, for example. They have different needs than over-the-road suspensions because they will be tackling different jobs, and so there are a few application factors unique to vocational suspensions that fleet managers will need to keep in mind.

To start with, there are three different types of suspensions: air ride, leaf spring and walking beam.
Of the three, market share in the vocational space is divided between air ride and walking beam, dependent on the particular target segment. Many fleets tackling severe-duty applications might prefer a walking beam suspension, for instance, while other vocational segments will prioritize driver comfort and spec an air ride suspension.

Peter Schimunek, marketing segment manager for Western Star Trucks, says that many vocational fleets will choose air ride suspensions because of the stability and cushioning that they offer, which reduces freight damage and driver fatigue. However, he notes, “some air suspension models are best suited for highway applications, so we recommend adhering to manufacturer recommendations for your specific application and weight carrying capacity.”

Of course, “vocational” is a wide umbrella that covers quite a few different types of trucks, and suspension needs will be different for each of them.

“Capacity, stability, ride quality and durability are some of the main considerations when spec’ing a suspension system for a vocational truck,” says Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing director. “Vocations with a high center of gravity, such as mixers and dump trucks, require suspensions that provide maximum roll stability. In these applications, we typically recommend a walking beam style suspension system. Air suspensions are recommended when ride quality is one of the most important considerations. While air suspensions don’t typically have the same stability as beam style suspensions, there are several air suspension offerings that are specifically designed for vocational applications.”

“The needs of the vocational market are very specialized, and each application focuses on a different aspect of the suspension as the primary requirement,” says Sean Whitfield, director of marketing for Hendrickson.
For example, he notes that the key attributes needed for a suspension in concrete mixer and refuse applications are that it has the ability to maximize carrying capacity while still preserving stability and that it provides lower maintenance costs.

“Weight is an important factor when spec’ing a concrete mixer,” Western Star’s Schimunek notes. “The lighter the truck, the more concrete you can haul, which affects productivity. Choosing the right rear suspension for the job may also result in additional weight savings. However, mixers can get into some rough jobsites, so be sure to spec a suspension with good articulation, ride quality and durability.

“Chassis height is also an important factor as the mixer body must be able to fit beneath the hopper,” he adds. “A lower frame height results in a lower center of gravity, which provides increased vehicle stability. Customers should work closely with their dealer to spec the right suspension for their specific job demands.”

As for dump and crane trucks, Hendrickson’s Whitfield says that loaded stability and empty ride performance must be paired together to survive the terrain and loading cycle of these applications.
“When the vehicle is empty and/or traveling on-road, the equipment and driver must be protected from excessive road inputs,” he says. “When the truck is on-site and either being loaded or being used to lift a load, it must be supported by a suspension with high roll stability.”

Lastly, in heavy-haul applications, Whitfield says that equipment protection and ride quality are crucial to help ensure safe transport of cargo and driver. This, he says, must be done without sacrificing durability and roll stability, demanding a true vocational suspension, and he mentions Hendrickson’s Primaax EX as an example.

Additionally, there are some factors that apply across the board for vocational suspensions, regardless of the vocation.

“Vehicle weight, axle capacity, loaded and empty CG height, creep rating, and the operating environment are important application factors to consider,” says Bryan Redeker, powered vehicle systems product manager for SAF-Holland. “These factors are equally important regardless of the type of vehicle.”

Redeker says that it is important to know if outriggers will be present and where they are on the truck, as they may play a role in packaging. It’s also important, he mentions, to know whether there will be lift axles on the truck, how many, and how they will impact loading of the suspension when they are up or down. Additionally, frame rail spacing and package size of the lift axle assembly should be considered, he added.

 Suspension

 SAF-NEWAY-ADZ-Tandem

With specific application considerations for equipment come specific maintenance considerations, and you’ll need to keep them in mind, especially those that are unique to vocational segments.
“Maintenance of vocational suspensions is similar to other suspensions—visual inspection of components and bushings. For those vocational suspensions installed with U-bolts, follow the OEM recommended practices for checking torque,” Kenworth’s Swihart says.

“A key to maintaining a vocational suspension is following proper inspection intervals,” Hendrickson’s Whitfield says. “For these applications, inspections should follow the vehicle OEM and suspension manufacturer’s service instructions, which usually list recommended inspection intervals based on hours and/or miles of operation.”

According to Whitfield, some essential items to check for, especially on vocational suspensions, include potential signs of overloading such as bent or cracked steel components.

“Reviewing the transverse torque rod (TVTR) bushing wear and replacing the TVTR when necessary is particularly important in vocational suspensions,” he adds. “The transverse torque rod keeps the axle aligned laterally on rubber-based suspensions and plays a large factor in supporting the other suspension components. Once that torque rod is fully worn, it is important that it is replaced in order to properly maintain the suspension as a whole.”

SAF-Holland’s Redeker says that it is important to monitor bushings, shock, air springs and fastener torque per the routine maintenance schedule.

“These components are always important to check, regardless of the application,” he notes, while adding, “A fleet operating in severe vocational applications may wish to increase the frequency of checks. Performing the initial 5,000 mile (100 hour) re-torque is critical to suspension longevity—especially the pivot bolt connection.”

Source: Fleet Equipment by

Alex Crissey

8/14/21

A New Frontier: How Ford Is Engaging Silicon Valley Startups to Transform Transportation


Ford Motor Company was one of the first tech startups 118 years ago to put the world on wheels. Today, we are seeking out like-minded innovators as Ford once again looks to transform the way people move through electrified, connected and autonomous vehicles.

This means we have to again compete like a challenger, including collaborating with future-focused innovators that are disrupting many parts of how we live, work and play. That is why we helped lead a new way of connecting Detroit with Silicon Valley with the creation of Ford Greenfield Labs in Palo Alto, Calif.. Established in 2016, our Greenfield Labs team already has engaged with 2,000 startups to understand their ideas and visions — and already has collaborated with dozens to bring their ideas closer to production while helping us disrupt the transportation and tech industries.

It sounds like an oversimplification, but a huge part of what we do is really just a matter of getting to know people. We have become obsessed with fostering frank and open conversations to determine if a company’s ideas could be a fit for our vehicles or services, and what kind of support they might need to keep moving forward.

It’s easy to think that startups are most interested in cash support, but many times that’s simply not the case. While Ford certainly makes its share of investments, oftentimes our most important contribution is our vast amount of expertise in engineering, manufacturing, advanced research and product development. This can take on multiple forms, including reaching out to our own experts for feedback on certain technologies, providing guidance on how a startup can incorporate its ideas into a supply chain, and even connecting them with existing suppliers to help make their next move.

This kind of collaboration takes time, dedication and a sincere desire to work together to make life better for millions. It also helps Ford, as a whole, understand exactly what it needs to do in order to create great customer experiences or improve its manufacturing processes. Establishing great relationships, in turn, exposes us to even more exciting work through the network effect we help create. We’re already starting to see some success, too — here are a few examples:

Symbio Robotics: A robotics company utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, Symbio has been working with Ford on a software platform that allows industrial robots to adapt to uncertain environments. Using AI, force feedback and computer vision, Symbio enables robots to perform complex assembly tasks and improve manufacturing efficiency. After developing proof of concepts with Symbio and successfully completing pilots with the Ford Advanced Manufacturing Center, this technology has been deployed in our Livonia Electric Powertrain Center.

Cruz Foam: You may not have heard of it, but chitin — found in the shells, scales, skin, and bones of crustaceans, insects, and even in mushrooms — is the second most abundant biopolymer on the planet. Cruz Foam takes that material and turns it into a sustainable structural foam that can be used for a variety of applications, including vehicle interiors, soundproofing, and packaging for shipping parts. And, since it’s fully compostable, it does not pose a negative impact on the environment like traditional plastics do. Ford is working with Cruz Foam on a proof of concept to explore how this material could be used in the auto industry.

Cepton: An intelligent 3D-sensing solutions provider, Cepton develops LiDAR sensors for automotive and smart infrastructure markets using a unique imaging approach called MMT that enables scanning of environments without any mirrors, or rotating or friction components, creating a low-cost, high-resolution perception device. Ford has been engaged with Cepton almost since their inception in 2016, both for R&D collaboration and small-scale deployments. Cepton LiDAR are deployed in some of our smart city projects. Based on Ford’s guidance, Cepton delivered a custom version of their LiDAR to enable R&D on advanced ADAS features.

It’s not easy to get to the point where you’re developing proofs of concept — we only reach this stage with a select number of the startups we engage. Beyond that, there’s even more scrutiny to determine the true value of a project. Yet this is indispensable work that helps Ford filter ideas that can ultimately make a positive impact on customers, whether that’s through all-electric vehicles, more enjoyable connectivity experiences or introduction of self-driving vehicles.

These examples just skim the surface of all the fascinating work going on at Greenfield Labs and the startups we’re collaborating with, and they provide a glimpse of what’s possible when established and emerging company leaders truly work together. If you’re interested in learning more, check us out at Ford Greenfield Labs.

By Dragos Maciuca, Greenfield Labs Technical Director, Ford Motor Company

8/12/21

What If You Forget To Change Your Oil?


What if you forget to change your oil on time? Can you damage your car's engine by not changing the oil late? Do you really need to change your oil every 3,000 miles? Obviously, you should change your oil regularly, but exactly how much damage you will cause by changing the oil late? This video looks to answer this question. We'll discuss what happens to oil viscosity as it ages, and what happens to oil additives in over time.

8/10/21

WARN 16.5ti Winch Lineup


The 16.5ti and 16.5ti-s feature the full diagnostic ability of WARN thermometric technology, plus the extreme sealing, durability, and reliability that the WARN ti winches are known for.

+ Massive 16,500 lb. (7484 kg) capacity

+ Thermometric indicator (ti) provides motor temperature feedback via LED on remote control

+ Extreme-duty sealing helps protect the winch from the outside elements

+ Metal control box for added protection for the electronics

+ Contactor control for the ultimate in durability and reliability

+ Class-leading cone brake holds the winch’s full-rated load

+ Chip-resistant powder-coated finish with primer undercoating for superior corrosion resistance

+ Industry-leading warranty: Limited lifetime (mechanical components); seven year (electrical components)

+ Available with lightweight, easy-to-handle, Spydura Pro rope and Epic Hook or durable steel rope and standard hook

8/08/21

BRAKES: How They Work | Science Garage


Brakes are the unsung heroes of performance. Everybody loves going fast, but slowing down is important too. There’s disk brakes, vented brakes, brembo brakes and drilled brakes-- let’s “brake” it all down! Bart talks about the principles that make your brakes work. From drums and discs, to friction and heat, we get to the nitty gritty of how Brakes systems keep you safe.

8/06/21

2022 Ford Super Duty gets bigger touchscreen and more package options


Whether it comes to your home or truck, it’s hard to beat a big screen.

The 2022 F-250 has become Ford’s latest pickup to get the automaker’s 12-inch touch screen with SYNC 4 which will come standard on Lariat and above models.

Physical controls will accompany the screen to allow for quick access to commonly used functions. And that’s a smart idea since flipping through screens can be a pain not to mention the haze of fingerprints that often builds up on the screen from constant touching.  

Learn more at:   https://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/pickup-trucks/article/15064243/2022-ford-super-duty-gets-bigger-touchscreen-and-more-package-options

8/04/21

KEEPING IT FRESH: NEW FORD REFRESH95 CABIN AIR FILTER CAN HELP IMPROVE VEHICLE INTERIOR AIR QUALITY


DEARBORN, Mich., July 22, 2021 – Starting this year, Ford will roll out all-new standard certified cabin air filters called Ford Refresh95, with plans to cover a majority of its lineup by the end of 2023.

Assembled in the U.S.1, Ford Refresh95 is Ford’s new standard advanced cabin air filter. As air moves through a vehicle’s heating, air conditioning and ventilation system, Ford Refresh95 aims to help reduce microscopic particles that can originate both inside and outside a vehicle’s interior. This is particularly important because, according to the EPA, particles less than 10 microns in diameter, particularly those less than 2.5 microns, pose the greatest risk to health2. 

Here are 5 ways Ford Refresh95 certified air filters can help improve vehicle interior air quality:

Filters air particles 30 times smaller than a single human hair: The average human hair is about 70 microns in diameter. Ford Refresh95 certified air filters can help remove at least 95 percent of 2.5-micron size traffic exhaust, organic material, metals and road dust particles3  

Helps reduce allergens: Ford Refresh95 certified air filter can trap up to 99 percent of some allergens, including common pollens and dust particles4

Traps bacteria-sized particles: Ford Refresh95 can help reduce airborne concentrations of bacteria-sized particles5

Isolates smog and soot: In dry climates with dust storms or wildfires and urban areas with heavy stop-and-go traffic during commutes, Ford Refresh95 can help filter the particulate matter found in smog and soot5

  Laboratory tested: Ford Refresh95 was put through comprehensive third-party lab certification testing, including pressure drop testing to verify Ford Refresh95 will work throughout the recommended service interval6

Ford Refresh95 availability is expected in fourth-quarter 2021 for select vehicles, including the Bronco Sport, Escape, Explorer, Mustang Mach-E, Police Interceptor Utility and Maverick (available Fall 2021).

You won’t need to purchase a new vehicle to experience the benefits of Ford Refresh95. Customers with compatible vehicle will be able to purchase a Ford Refresh95 air filter from their local Ford dealer, starting later this year.

# # #

[1]Assembled in the US with globally-sourced filter media and domestic parts.

2 https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics

3 Based on filter collection efficiency testing at 300m3/hr flowrate using ISO 12103-1 Arizona Test Dust Grade A2 Fine

4 Based on Ford  internal collection efficiency testing using mulberry pollen, which has a typical diameter of ~10 microns

5 Based on Ford internal collection efficiency testing using sodium chloride and dust particles that have a size range (0.05 to 10 microns) representative of the size of many common bacteria, smog and soot

6 See owner’s manual for recommended maintenance schedule. 

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 186,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

8/02/21

2022 GMC Super Cruise


When the new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 arrives, it will feature significant updates to design, capability and technology – including the latest version of Super Cruise1 available on the Sierra Denali.

Super Cruise introduces on the Sierra the capability to trailer while driving hands-free on compatible roads, along with the new automatic lane change feature.

Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance system, utilizes a driver attention system and precision LiDAR generated map data in addition to real-time cameras, sensors and GPS. The driver attention system uses a small camera located on the top of the steering column and works with infrared lights to determine where the driver is looking whenever Super Cruise is in operation. If the driver attention system detects the driver has turned their gaze away from the road ahead for too long, the steering wheel light bar will prompt the driver to return their attention to the road.

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

1Even while using the Super Cruise driver-assistance technology for compatible roads, always pay attention while driving and do not use a hand-held device. Requires properly equipped vehicle, active Super Cruise subscription, working electrical system, cell reception, and GPS signal.