VMAC RAPTAIR-G30 Gas Drive Air Compressor at work

Get all the power you need in this small air compressor. No air tank required. The G30 gas drive air compressor with 30 CFM rotary screw air power.

Expanded choices: Fleets are set to take advantage of alternative powertrains

More and more suppliers of medium-duty vehicles are adding options for alternative powertrains. For example, Dana recently introduced Spicer Electrified motor, control and e-drive technologies for electric vehicle propulsion systems.

Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana’s new e-axles for city delivery vehicles and electric transit buses will feature a fully integrated motor and gearbox. The company is also working with automotive manufacturers to develop all-wheel-drive (AWD) e-axles paired with traditional front-wheel-drive hybrids.

Also in the news is the new XLP Fleet-Ready plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) solution for half-ton pickup trucks from XL Hybrids. The PHEV system will be installed as a ship-through upfit that will leave the original OEM engine, transmission, and fuel and exhaust systems intact, and will not have any special maintenance requirements. XLP will also include the XL Link cloud-based analytics system, which measures MPG performance and reports emissions reductions.

XL Hybrids surveyed fleet managers to understand their requirements and to develop the new technology. The XLP solution builds on the platform used on the company’s XL3 hybrid-electric powertrain, which has covered more than 35 million miles on Class 2-6 vehicles since 2013. The XLP lithium battery pack will accommodate Levels 1 and 2 charging using an industry-standard plug.

“Expanding our offering to include plug-in solutions is the next step in our plan to electrify fleet vehicles with technology that saves money while reducing fuel consumption and emissions,” says Tod Hynes, founder and chief executive officer of XL Hybrids. “The XLP system allows fleets to purchase the same OEM pickup trucks with the powertrain and warranty intact with an electrified powertrain to increase MPG.”

“Major fleets that have already adopted the XL3 hybrid-electric upfit system know that ‘fleet ready’ means it does not compromise the ability to provide customer service,” adds Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and chief operating officer. “With our new XLP system, we’re equally committed to not impacting service, delivery or field operations.”

A number of utility and municipal fleets, including San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E), Liberty Utilities, Hawaiian Electric Co. and Montgomery County Maryland, are among the XL Hybrids customers that intend to purchase the new XLP PHEV system for pickup trucks. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2017 and SDG&E has already announced plans to purchase up to 110 of the XLP systems between 2017 and 2020.

Liberty Utilities and its parent company, Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., are also planning to add the new XLP systems. “The number and delivery timelines will be defined by our budget, but from a fleet perspective, we see a potential need for one to one-and-a-half percent of our fleet, or approximately 10 to 15 units, as assets come up for retirement,” says Stephen McCrodan, purchasing manager for Liberty Algonquin Business Services and director of fleet purchasing at Liberty Utilities.

“We adopted a fairly strong green fleet policy as we took steps to ensure that we’re doing all we can to minimize our impact on the environment,” McCrodan says. “We have shifted much of our fleet over to cleaner burning CNG and continue to; however, there are some Liberty Utilities service areas that do not have a natural gas infrastructure, and that prevents the use of CNG in those locations. Also, some of our locations are small, and the infrastructure required to support CNG would be too big a burden. For sites like those, a PHEV is an excellent alternative.

“OEMs have reduced their alternative fuel offerings for vehicles used by utilities,” McCrodan adds. “We have certain job functions which require or are optimized by a compact SUV or light-duty
pick-up truck and now we have fewer alternative fuel choices from manufacturers. Systems such as XL Hybrid’s XLP will help to fill the void.”

Ford's 2017-MY Fleet-Only Options

Fleet ordering guides provide commercial, government and rental fleets, as well as fleet management companies, with detailed information about the vehicles and option packages available to them. A closer look at these guides can unearth treasures hidden to the retail buyer.

Read more at: http://www.worktruckonline.com/channel/vehicle-research/article/story/2017/02/ford-s-2017-my-fleet-only-options.aspx

Odyne Systems - ComEd Customer Testimonial

Odyne Systems customer ComEd comments on its experience with an Odyne system installation in a walk-in van designed for ComEd's underground electrical maintenance work in Chicago. Built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis utilizing a Utilimaster walk-in van body, and onboard Fenix air handling system, the vehicle can be parked above a manhole to provide workers below with all their electrical needs, plus cooled or heated fresh air. The system significantly reduces chassis engine idling and associated fuel and maintenance cost while delivering over 14 kW of power for tools and other applications without the need for a separate diesel generator. Odyne Systems won the Work Truck Show® 2013 Green Award for this advanced hybrid commercial vehicle.

Windmaster Load Covering Solutions

Watch this amazing trailer load cover by Windmaster Load Covering Solutions              

Municipal Dump Spreader (MDS) by Buyers Products

New Municipal Dump Spreaders from Buyers Products combine dumping and spreading for year-round use. Available with optional pre-wet system.

CargoGlide Testimonial Commercial Applications

Demonstrations of various CargoGlide commercial applications 

Switch-N-Go Video

Makes Money. Makes Sense

BOLT Locks with Justin Lucas

Check out how professional angler Justin Lucas uses BOLT Locks on his truck as he travels for the BASS Master open tour!

Transfer Flow Refueling Tanks

The only completely assembled refueling tanks on the market. No hassle — you can legally leave the pump in place when driving!

When it comes to in-bed refueling tanks, it’s hard to know what’s legal and what’s not. With a Transfer Flow refueling tank, you don’t have to guess! Our refueling tanks are Department of Transportation (DOT) legal to carry and transfer gas, diesel, ethanol, methanol, kerosene and jet fuel in all 50 U.S. states. Having a DOT legal refueling tank from Transfer Flow means you won’t get red tagged and fined by your Highway Patrol for carrying an illegal fuel tank in the bed of your truck. Click here to see our Special Permit from the Department of Transportation.

Transfer Flow refueling tanks are manufactured and engineered in the U.S.A., unlike many of our competitors. Each refuelling tank is designed with the heavy-duty user in mind, and comes pre-assembled with a 12-volt refueling pump, 12 foot hose with nozzle, locking fuel cap, wire harness with dash-mounted power switch and mounting hardware.

We choose premium suppliers for our refueling tank parts: Great Plains Industries supplies our fuel pumps, Goodyear supplies our hose, and our locking fuel caps come from SpinSecure. The result is a tank that is trusted by Industry professionals, as well as municipalities, fire departments, and several government agencies. They chose Transfer Flow because they want safe, durable and LEGAL refueling tanks, just like you do!

Transfer Flow refueling tanks come in a variety of shapes and gallon sizes, including 40, 50, 82, 100, 109 gallons. They’re made from 12-gauge aluminized steel for superior rust resistance and strength, are baffled for extra support, and are powder coated black for a durable finish.
refueling tank
Toolbox and Refueling Tank Combos

A Transfer Flow toolbox and refueling tank combo is your solution to more fuel plus additional storage space on your pickup! Available in 30, 40 and 100 gallons; the 30 and 40-gallon units fit short and long bed pickups, while the 50 and 100 gallon units fit long bed pickups only.
Department of Transportation Special Permit issued to Transfer Flow for Refueling Tanks
Features and Benefits:

    Available in 40, 50, 82, 100, 50-50 split and 109 gallons

•     All refueling tanks come with 12 gallon per minute fuel transfer pump, 12 foot hose with nozzle, mounting hardware, SpinsSecuree® locking fuel cap and wiring harness with dash-mounted power switch
•     Made from 12-gauge aluminized steel and powder coated black for strength and maximum rust resistance
•     Baffled to reduce fuel sloshing
•     Refueling tanks are US DOT approved for gas, diesel, ethanol, methanol, kerosene and aviation fuel
•     Over 300 authorized fuel tank installers in the US and Canada
•     Optional Spray-on coating available for added durability
•     3-year/unlimited mile warranty
•     Designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA

Find out more at:  http://www.transferflow.com/fuel-tanks/refueling-tanks

Muncie's Advantage+ snow and ice control system

Muncie's Advantage+ snow and ice control system combines two new unique technologies to increase reliability and revolutionize the method in which snow and ice removal fleets are operated and maintained.

Our Wi-Fi powered real-time support link enables engineers to remotely view hydraulic system information and electronically adjust valves and system parameters to keep the truck on the road.

Find out more at: https://www.munciepower.com/products/detail/advantage_plus

NEW OMNICRAFT BRAND TO SELL QUALITY, COMPETITIVELY-PRICED PARTS FOR ALL VEHICLE BRANDS AT FORD DEALERSHIPS

• Ford Customer Service Division launches Omnicraft, an all-new brand of replacement parts for all makes of non-Ford vehicles. Non-Ford customers now are able to purchase parts and have their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships
• The 1,500 most commonly requested parts are now available and include oil filters, brake pads and rotors, loaded struts, and starters and alternators. The list of available parts will eventually grow to 10,000 for even more customer convenience
• Omnicraft is the first new brand for Ford’s Customer Service Division in 50 years and is an important growth opportunity for dealerships as they will be able to sell parts and offer service for all vehicles

DEARBORN, MI, January 24, 2017 – Ford dealers now have access to a complete family of parts to sell and to service all makes of vehicles as the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) launches its new Omnicraft brand.

Adding Omnicraft to Ford’s family of parts line to also cover non-Ford vehicles means an improved customer experience through competitive pricing, quality and convenience.

“Omnicraft is a significant benefit to any vehicle owner who needs parts or to have their vehicle serviced,” said Frederiek Toney, president, Global Ford Customer Service Division. “Now, owners of non-Ford vehicles have access to quality parts at a competitive price, backed by Ford and installed by Ford’s world-class certified technicians.”

For launch, Ford focused on developing the most commonly requested parts at a competitive price. Initial offerings include oil filters, brake pads and rotors, loaded struts, and starters and alternators.

“Today, 1,500 parts numbers are available with plans to eventually reach approximately 30 parts categories and 10,000 parts,” Toney said. “We targeted the most requested parts first to provide our dealers with a solid foundation of inventory.”

At launch, Omnicraft parts will be available at Ford and Lincoln dealerships and will roll out to other Ford Authorized Distributors throughout 2017.

Omnicraft is the first new brand offered by FCSD in 50 years and is an important growth opportunity for dealerships as they will be able to sell parts and offer service for all vehicles.   Ford also offers its Motorcraft® complete line of replacement parts for Ford vehicles.

ABOUT OMNICRAFT
Omnicraft is part of the Ford family of parts brands: Ford, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealership.

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

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.

Winter Treads

When much of the country is getting pounded by winter storms and deep snow, our thoughts turn to tires. Some pickup truck owners have separate wardrobes for summer and winter. Nome, Alaska, and Miami residents maybe not so much.

Pickup winter wear can include anything from a fresh wax to do-it-yourself undercoating to lighter lubricating fluids to a block heater to winter diesel fuel. But does your truck's cold-weather wardrobe include winter tires?

Winter tires are designed for cold weather and associated precipitation. Tires rated for mud and snow (M+S) may not qualify as winter tires and often don't excel in either mud or snow. A winter tire's specific compound, tread design — and studs if you want them — is far more suitable and safer on cold roads and the various forms of water you might find on them.

In every road-based comparison in which I've participated, dedicated winter tires were more valuable than the number of driven wheels. However, while winter tires can improve performance, they are no substitute for common sense and can be pushed beyond their limits. They also add expense and create the issue of storage logistics.

The U.S., unlike some countries, does not mandate winter tire use, although some states and cities have laws about the use of studded tires or chains. It's worth noting that some insurance companies offer discounts for using winter tires.

Do you think winter tires should be required for new drivers or general safety, and if so, under what parameters? And if you don't believe in running dedicated winter tires, studs or chains, how do you deal with marginal winter traction? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2017/01/talking-trucks-tuesday-winter-treads.html#more

By G.R. Whale

Cars.com graphic by Paul Dolan; cars.com image by Bruce Smith