FROM ADVENTURE TO PACKAGE DELIVERY, FORD ADDS NEW RECREATIONAL AND BUSINESS OPTIONS FOR 2021 TRANSIT CUSTOMERS

This year has been big for the van market; recreational vehicle (RV) demand has spiked to record highs while burgeoning delivery businesses serve customers working from home

Ford is making it simpler for outdoor enthusiasts to order 2021 Transit their way by creating all-new Adventure Prep and RV Prep packages

Fleets and entrepreneurs get new business-oriented Parcel Delivery and Livery packages, while all Transit vans up to 9,500 pounds GVWR now have a clear aisle between the front seats, making access to the cargo area easier than ever for hardworking drivers

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 13, 2020 – New for 2021 model year, America’s best-selling van – Ford Transit – is updated with recreational vehicle and parcel delivery option packages for those who work hard and play hard.

“With many Americans working from home and practicing social distancing during the pandemic, the popularity of recreational vehicles has soared at the same time package delivery has seen incredible growth,” says Tiffany Chang, Ford fleet brand strategy manager. “Our new 2021 Transit options help people design the recreational vehicles of their dreams and help enable our commercial customers to more efficiently deliver goods and services across the country.”

Transit vans for play – motorhomes, RVs and adventure vans

July RV shipments were the highest in 40 years at 43,035 units, and 46 million Americans say they plan to take an RV trip in the next 12 months, according to the RV Industry Association.  

More than half of all motorhomes sold in the United States are built on Ford chassis. Ford is using its expertise and responding to growing demand with appearance updates for the 2021 Transit, including new wheel choices and three new exterior colors that keep their good looks even when covered in campsite dirt. Three new and improved option packages include the updated Transit Motorhome Prep Package for cutaway, the new RV Prep Package for cargo van and a new Adventure Prep Package for cargo or crew van.

The Motorhome Prep Package now includes Adaptive Cruise Control for added confidence on long trips. Customers can also choose an available new economy-rated version of the popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine designed to support high frontal area conversions like larger motorhomes.

The RV Prep Package includes driver-assist features including a side-sensing system and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as a heavy-duty trailer tow offering so RV-ers can bring along bikes or other toys. Exterior enhancements include front fog lamps to help light up dark country roads. Inside, four-way manual swivel driver and passenger seats are standard, as is an eight-speaker sound system.

The Adventure Prep Package bundles together popular camper van options including all-wheel drive, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, 3.73:1 limited-slip differential rear axle, heavy-duty front axle and privacy glass. Driver-assist features include Adaptive Cruise Control, reverse and side-sensing systems, and Blind Spot Information System for peace of mind. And when standard technology includes an 8-inch color touch screen with SYNC® 3 and dual USB ports, power point and dual absorbent glass mat batteries, adventure doesn’t have to mean roughing it.

Transit vans for work – parcel delivery and livery

A new Parcel Delivery Package focuses on the needs of an industry seeing incredible growth. It starts with a number of design refinements standard for 2021 Transit that provide improved access to the cargo compartment. The manual parking brake on the floor by the driver’s seat has been replaced in all Transit vans up to 9,500 pounds GVWR by an electronic parking brake, creating a 50 percent wider clear aisle between the front seats.

An optional center console with right-side shifter further improves walkthrough and offers more than 7 inches of additional driver legroom. The overhead shelf is now optional, providing more clearance when standing. The Parcel Delivery Package adds 50/50 hinged rear doors featuring a wide 253-degree opening and full interior lighting to facilitate early morning and late evening deliveries. The armrests have been eliminated from both the driver and passenger seats to further improve cargo access.

The new Livery Package serves the premium transportation market with a ready-made configuration focused on comfort and style. Available for Transit passenger van XLT, the Livery Package includes 10-way power seats finished in ebony leather seating surfaces for all passengers, power sliding side door, HID headlamps, full privacy glass and 16-inch silver wheels.

A honeycomb mesh grille is standard on all 2021 Transit models. Production begins this fall at Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

 About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ranger Design Cargo + Van Ladder Rack for Commercial Vehicles

Optimize the space on your van roof with this new aerodynamic and quiet cargo roof rack. If you're looking for a van ladder rack you can rely on no matter what the job, this cargo roof rack is the answer! This cargo roof rack is light-weight with a carrying capacity of up to 300lbs. It features a full width rear roller for easy transport of racks, building materials, pipe transportation and scaffolding. The T-Track technology for easy crossbar positioning gives you the ultimate flexibility. It is quick to install - No drilling required as it fits on factory mounting holes.

Health and Safety Tips for Commercial Van Drivers

Health and safety. It is a number one priority while at work. And for tradesmen and commercial van drivers especially, now is the time to be extra careful while on the job. Follow our health and safety guidelines to ensure your commercial van stays clean and sanitary.

Keep the Air Fresh

Ensure that the air in your cab and cargo space is constantly moving, and not staying stagnant in your vehicle for long periods of time. One product that helps with this, is a Flettner vent. Installed on the roof of the commercial van, it sucks in fresh air as you drive while forcing the stale air out. This lowers the chance of germs settling on surfaces, reducing the risk of sickness.

Put Up a Barrier for Yourself

For commercial vans designed to carry passengers or materials that may be contagious, it is a good idea to put up a barrier to protect you. Composite safety partitions for cargo vans are a great option. Their tight fit to the van walls prevent germs from seeping into the cab while you drive. For smaller passenger vans, a clear plexiglass shield offers just as much protection and also allows the driver and passengers to see and hear each other clearly.

Clean Your Work Space Regularly

Giving your commercial van a quick clean, as often as required by company guidelines or government regulations, is a good way to rid yourself of germs and bacteria. However sometimes it can be difficult to wash the things you touch the most; your seat for example. That’s why we suggest Seat Covers. Sturdy and fitted, they are also removable which means you can throw them in the washing machine as needed.

Keep Protective Equipment Close

Hand sanitizers, gloves, masks… these are essential items to be carrying around in this current time. However, these are relatively small items which means they can be easily lost in the equipment of a commercial van. The solution to this is the 3-in-1 Sanitizer Caddy. This aluminum holder mounts anywhere in your van and stores all the essential items you need when coming into contact with other people.

Here at Ranger Design, your health and safety is top priority. We have designed these products to provide you with a way to keep your commercial van sanitary while on the job. Learn more on how to better protect yourself with partitions.

Learn more at: https://rangerdesign.com/blog/blog/health-and-safety-tips-for-commercial-van-drivers/

Learn about all Ranger Design products at: https://rangerdesign.com/

CargoGlide Testimonial Commercial Application

With 2200 lb capacity:

• 100% of the Cargo Tray Length Slides Out for Total Access to your Cargo.
• Real plywood deck with a TPO rubber laminated surface for strength and durability.
• 22 Industrial Cam Follower Needle and Ball Bearings provide Dependable Lasting support for the Cargo You Haul in Your CargoGlide.
• Powder Coated Industrial 4 in. high extruded 6061-T6 Thick Aluminum Side Rails with integrated Full Perimeter Tie-Down Tracks
• 4 Infinitely Adjustable Eyebolt Tie-Downs to make securing cargo easy and versatile.
• Includes 8 inch High Side Extensions on the first four feet of the rails at the cab end that helps contain more cargo.
• Comes fully assembled for easy installation by either 2 people or an available National Dealer Installer.

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/

CTech Work Truck Cabinets and Drawers

A big day for CTech as we participate in our first-ever virtual conference with the 15th Annual North American Caterpillar Dealers Procurement/Fleet Group. We've been hard at work gathering and editing footage for a feature-length commercial to show during the conference.

How to Set Up Weight Distribution | BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale

This video describes how to use the Weight Distribution feature of the CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale. With this feature, you can easily set up your weight distribution hitch without the need for a measuring tape, pen and paper. The CURT BetterWeigh™ #51701 is a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 device that wirelessly syncs with your smartphone to provide a variety of vehicle and trailer weights. This includes vehicle weight, GCW, payload, tongue weight and pin weight, as well as weight distribution setup and trailer brake gain. To begin setting up your weight distribution hitch with the CURT BetterWeigh™, choose the weight range that best suits your vehicle-trailer setup. To set the range, tap the gear icon and select Weight Distribution. Then, select a weight range. Next, select the Weight Distribution feature on the BetterWeigh™ app homescreen. Before pressing Ready, make sure your vehicle and trailer are aligned and ready to be coupled. Turn off the engine. Then, step back from the vehicle and tap Ready. BetterWeigh™ will take an initial reading of your vehicle’s pitch. Once the vehicle pitch is analyzed, lower the trailer tongue until the coupler is resting on the ball. BetterWeigh™ will then display the trailer tongue weight. Tap Ready again to see the weight distribution relative scale. Weights will be shown across the front, rear and trailer axle. The goal is to redistribute the weight toward the front vehicle axle. Next, attach the weight distribution spring bars to the trailer. Then, raise the trailer jack off the ground to see the initial weight distribution reading. Adjust the weight distribution hitch until the front end axle is in the green zone on the app. Finish connecting your trailer, and you’re ready to tow! BetterWeigh™ is compatible with Apple and Android phones. Download the BetterWeigh™ app from Google Play or the App Store. Learn more at www.curtmfg.com/betterweigh