11/30/14

CURTMFG: SEMA 2014 New Products - Gooseneck Hitches





CURT offers up 30 new applications for our gooseneck line. That almost covers every truck on the road today! Look no further for durability,superior craftsmanship and dependability when it comes to heavy duty towing. Bring IT with CURT!

11/28/14

The Premium Stakeless Body - Rugby's Landscape Uni-Body


Rugby's "Landscape Uni-Body" is a 12 foot, fully welded, premium stakeless body with centered horizontal formed rib,
offered with either the traditional 2-piece uni-punched barn door over a
drop down tailgate or with a 2-piece full height, double rear swing out
doors.

STANDARD FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
  •     Fully welded stakeless body.
  •     Standard outside dimensions: 12'4" long outside (12' inside) 96" wide outside (86" inside)
  •     10 gauge, 48" tall stakeless sides with centered horizontal formed rib
  •     Curbside front has 54" wide door opening for easy access for most pallet sizes.
  •     Stakeless front panel 48" tall of 10 gauge steel, with centered horizontal v-bend.
  •     10-gauge 2 piece smooth steel floor, center seam welded underneath.
  •     9" formed channel long sills from 7-gauge material with interlaced 4" crossmembers spaced approximately 14" apart.
  •     Easy access to all door handles from ground level.
  •     Outset heavy-duty greaseable hinges allow doors to be opened completely and be pinned back with provided door holders.
  •     Rugby products’ lighting locations have been designed to assist the installer in meeting FMVSS / CMVSS 108 requirements.
TAILGATE FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
  •     Two-piece uni-punched 34" rear barn doors over tailgate with over-center pull action latch mechanism.
  •     Fold down tailgate, 14" tall has double walled design, 12 gauge material inside, 14 gauge outside, fully boxed frame and two vertical braces.
  •     Tailgate has heavy-duty 1 ¼" top and 1" bottom hinge pins.
  •     Patented EZ-LATCH upper release mechanism to allow easy opening of tailgate.
12’ LANDSCAPE BODY                           
Options:

  •     HR 550 Hoist In Lieu of HR 540    
  •     Full Cab Shield Assembly     
  •     Side Door Ladder     
  •     2-Piece Full Height Double Rear Doors

11/26/14

Happy Thanksgiving from Northside Ford Trucks



Happy Thanksgiving from Northside Ford Trucks

2015 Ford F-150 SEMA DIY Raptor: Yes, a Do-It-Yourself Raptor



( http://www.TFLtruck.com ) Next year in 2015 there will be no Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Pickup Truck because the 2015 Ford F-150 is all new.But that doesn't mean you can't build your own or even buy a pre-built wannabe Raptor as Roman found out at this year's SEMA Auto Show. If you are lusting for the ultimate desert truck next year, you have two good options.

( http://www.patreon.com/tflcar ) Please visit to support TFLcar & TFLtruck.

11/24/14

Best Practices for Preparing Your Fleet for Winter Driving


 The past few winters, we have seen snow and ice, with temperatures falling below -10 C.
This winter is likely to be more of the same, freezing with persistent snow and subzero temperatures:

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ireland-set-for-worst-winter-in-100-years-say-experts.html

During the winter months, fleet safety and winter driving should be a top concern. Winter is the season that requires the most care and preparation for your fleet, as crashes and breakdowns are more likely to occur.

Driving in winter means you will need to be extra careful about your driving style and vigilant with servicing your vehicle.
  •     Check your tyres frequently to ensure they are adequate for use on the road.
  •     Turn on your headlights during hazardous weather conditions, such as snow, fog, hail, or rain, as visibility will be reduced.
  •     Maintain a greater distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you, as the stopping distance tends to increase on snowy, icy, or wet roads.
  •     Do not drive through moving water deeper than 10 cm.
  •     Drive carefully and wear dry, warm, and comfortable shoes which will reduce slipping on the pedals.
  •     If you drive uphill, try to keep your speed constant and choose gears in advance.
  •     While driving downhill, reduce your speed before descending, use low gears, and minimise the use of the brake or apply it gently.
Vehicle check for winter


Here is a checklist that will assist in keeping your vehicle suitable for winter driving conditions.
  •     Antifreeze: Make sure your vehicle has antifreeze and check its level often in order to ensure adequate cold temperature protection and avoid breakdowns. Check your handbook or ask a dealer for advice.
  •     Battery: If your vehicle is older than 5 years, check your vehicle's battery as well as it might struggle during cold temperatures. Replace it if necessary to avoid malfunctions that might cause you to stop.
  •     Fuel: Always keep your tank at least a quarter full in case of unexpected delays. Ensure you are using fuels that are suitable for winter driving conditions. If you are unsure, check with your garage or manufacturer of your vehicle.
  •     Lights: Regularly check and clean all lights so you can see and be seen.  Always carry spare bulbs.
  •     Tyres: Winter tyres should have at least 3mm of tread and check pressure on a regular basis, at least every 15 days. Consider winter tyres for improved safety.
  •     Windscreen: Keep your vehicles windscreen clean and clear as lower visibility is possible during the winter.
  •     Screenwash: Use good quality screenwash to reduce the chance of freezing.
  •     Locks and door seals: Use polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals to prevent them from freezing.
Before travelling:
The first few days you start driving in winter again, try to get up earlier so you have enough time to prepare your vehicle.

Make sure all windows are clear and you have top visibility, if necessary, using de-icers and scrapers to free your windscreen of any ice or debris.

Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key in a frozen lock, while avoiding breathing on it as the moisture will condense and freeze.

Plan routes that favour major roads which are more likely to have been cleared.

Always put safety before punctuality when in bad weather and make sure your mobile phone battery is always charged.

Your car winter kit:
Below is a must-have winter kit for your vehicle. Make sure you have all these items on board for a safe driving journey.
  •     Ice scraper
  •     De-icer
  •     Cleaning sponge
  •     De-mister pad
  •     Torch and batteries
  •     First aid kit
  •     Jump leads
  •     Screen wash
  •     Shovel
Hope you found these tips useful!


by Eleonora Malacarne

If you have some more good practices for winter driving, share them with us in the comments below.

For further information on best winter driving and car care practices, download our new ebook!

http://www.fuelimprove.com/blog/

11/22/14

Special Unit F650 Mechanics Truck with CNG Power

Here's a bargain on a Mechanic's Truck:

(The truck shown may not be the unit advertised)

New Demo 2012 Ford F650 Crew Cab Chassis Cab with V10, 6-sp Ford 6R140 transmission with PTO opening, 6.50 axle ratio, Goodyear 11Rx22.5 Load Range G tires, 25,999 GVWR Rating, Carb Compliant 50 state emissions, Auxiliary switches (4), Front tow hooks, Backup alarm, Power coat anti-rust wheel paint, Engine block heater, XL Trim package, 40/20/40 cloth front seats with cloth rear seat, AM/FM Stereo w/CD & MP3, Heated Stainless Steel Mirrors with convex mirrors, Chrome front bumper, Chrome grille, Hydraulic brakes, 177 amp alternator, front axle 8,500 capacity, Air Conditioning, 18,500 rear spring suspension,

CASECO Master Mechanic Series, Model MM266. 133" Body Length, Fully Integrated Substructure and Side Pack Assembly, 24" Workbench Bumper, Exterior LED Work Lights, Interior LED Work Lights, Split 10-Drawer Unit on Driver's Side, GRACO Filter, Lubricator, Regulator Assembly, Stellar Model 10621 Hydraulic Telescopic Crane, 60,000 ft./lb., 10,000 lb. Maximum Lift, 21' Hydraulic Reach, Stellar SRS40P Rotary Screw Hydraulic Air Compressor with 22 Gallon Air Tank, Manual In/Out, Hydraulic Up/Down Outriggers, CASECO CNG Cross Box, 2-21x80 CNG Tanks (58 GGE), Impco CNG Conversion.

This is a new demo unit Mechanic's Body that was mounted on our own F650 chassis and shown at a few shows around the country. It was trucked to each event. It was converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and now is ready for sale. Because of the fact it was used as a demonstrator, we have secured extremely discounted pricing. This unit comes with full factory warranty. Want a CNG truck bargain? Here it is.

For more information, please contact Joe Hughes, Northside Ford Truck Sales at 253-709-0001 or Don Beezley, Commercial Director at 503-282-7777, ext 180 or email him at dbeezley@northsidetrucks.com.

11/20/14

SEMA 2014: Everything You Need to Know

For the automotive industry, attendance at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas is a must. It's the greatest exhibition of aftermarket automotive products in the nation, and it's all under one roof (actually seven roofs at the Las Vegas Convention Center).

We spent three hectic days on the convention center floor and didn't manage to see everything before we had to leave. For your convenience, we've collected all of our stories and videos from the show and deliver here in one easy-to-find listing

We've also put together an album with some of our favorites from the show, which include quite a few photos that you may have never seen before. We've posted that on our Facebook page. Enjoy.

Cars.com photos by Evan Sears

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/

11/18/14

Retractable Roll Top From Royal Truck Body



Fred from Royal Truck Body goes over their new power retractable roll top at an event in Woodbridge CA.  See more at http://www.royaltruckbody.com


11/16/14

Wow! Remember These Ford Econolines? Even A Pickup Model?







Here's a blast from the past with some shots of a 1961 Econoline pickup truck. Look at the steering wheel and interior with the engine between the seats, sitting all the way at the front, and so light weight, especially in the rear, that even with a small engine, spinning the rear wheels wasn't hard to do. And, check out that strange green color. Whew! We're so glad the new Transit is here!

11/14/14

Boss Ice Control - Tailgate and Slide-In Spreaders


For BOSS, it all starts here in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where designing, innovating and manufacturing world-class snow and ice removal equipment is what we're all about. We are a worldwide leader in snow and ice control with a growing lineup of plows for trucks, UTVs, and ATVS, salt and sand spreaders and box plows built for the professional.



Developing the tools that make snowplow professionals' jobs easier and more efficient is our ultimate goal. It's been that way for nearly 30 years. We know what is takes to design, engineer and build products that work in the worst conditions imaginable. And we're working harder than ever to deliver the toughest, most reliable, most innovative snow and ice removal equipment. Because at BOSS, we're always here to back you up.

www.bossplow.com

11/12/14

SEMA Video: Custom 2015 F-150 Is Ready to Drift


We knew this 2015 Ford F-150 was something special the moment we saw it, which is not a small feat given there were a half-dozen customized F-150s sitting all around it. Built by champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., this truck had an impressive adjustable air-ride suspension and pearlescent lime-green rims. Take a look at this quick video we put together during the recent 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.



www.pickuptrucks.com
Cars.com image by Mark Williams

11/10/14

Roush CleanTech for Asplund F-650's

Vegetation Management Specialist Has Propane Autogas Trucks




Roush CleanTech is spreading the word that Asplundh, an international provider of vegetation management services to utilities and municipalities, is deploying propane autogas-fueled work trucks and is one of the first in its industry to do so.


Charlotte, N.C.-area bucket truck with a 58-foot aerial lift is one of two Roush CleanTech propane autogas-fueled Ford F-650s operated by Asplundh.


Asplundh operates a Roush propane-powered Ford F-650 bucket truck with a 58-foot aerial lift to prune trees in the Charlotte, N.C. area.


And an Asplundh affiliate operates a propane-powered chip dump truck in California, Roush says.


“We were searching for a cost-effective alternative fuel that provides an adequate refueling infrastructure and also meets our environmental initiatives,” Asplundh Tree Expert fleet services director John Talbot said in a Roush release.


“Propane autogas was our answer.”


 http://www.fleetsandfuels.com

11/08/14

The Ultimate Guide to Snowplow Accessories

When purchasing a snowplow, you get much more than just the plow. There are many pieces of equipment that typically come standard with a snowplow, such as a coupler tower, a-frame, undercarriage, wiring and controller, and attachment system. With all of these components you are ready to get out there and start plowing. However, many people opt to buy additional items to supplement their snowplow, whether it be an accessory to make their plow easier to use, to add an element of safety or to protect the plow from damage. Read on to learn about some of the accessories commonly available for snow and ice equipment.


Truck Plow Accessories

BOSS DXT SnowplowBallast Retainer – A ballast retainer can be a useful accessory to keep ballast from sliding all over in the back of your truck. The purpose of ballast is to act as a counter weight to your plow, so it should be positioned behind the rear axle, taking some of the weight off the front axle. Bagged sand is the most common material used for ballast because is it easy to load and unload and doesn’t slide around as easily as other ballast options. Although sand is less prone to slide than other materials, it is still important to keep all ballast right be behind the rear axle. The ballast retainer will ensure that the ballast stays in that place. Remember to refer to your snowplow manufacturer for recommendations regarding required ballast. 

Curb Guards – Curb guards, whether attached separately or built in, are the part of the cutting edge that wraps around the outer edge of the base angle to protect it from damage that could occur from scraping against a curb. A curb guard, as well as a snow catcher, are built in standard to a formed cutting edge on BOSS DXT and VXT models. If your curb guard is not built in, you should replace it at the same time you replace your cutting edge.

Cutting Edge – This is the actual edge on the plow that touches the ground. It is removable and must be replaced as it wears away to prevent damage to the plow. Cutting edges generally come in 1080 grade steel or urethane. Here at BOSS, we offer a portion of our cutting edges made from Hardox® wear resistant steel, which has about double the wear life of 1080 grade steel or urethane. Although steel and Hardox® are very rigid, urethane has its benefits too, like being more quiet and performing best on slush and fresh snow. Which material you choose depends on several factors like the type of customer you’re servicing or the quality of ground surface you plow on. For more information to help you determine which cutting edge is best for the accounts you service, refer to this blog article. Replacing the cutting edge depends on how often you use your snow plow, the wear life of the material of your cutting edge and the condition and type of the ground surface you’re plowing. You’ll want to replace your cutting edge before the plow frame is exposed and rubbing starts to occur on the moldboard.

Dolly Wheels – Dolly wheels are removable wheels for the bottom of your plow, typically used in the off season. If you store your plow in a garage or shop, sometimes it’s not always beneficial to have your plow stuck in one spot. With wheels, you can easily move your snowplow from one area to another. BOSS offers kits for both V plows and straight blade applications.

Front Bumper Replacement – Sometimes on a truck, the front bumper is blocking where the attachment system needs to be installed. Usually you have to have the factory bumper cut to make room for the attachment system. However, for select model Chevy trucks, you can opt for a custom made, pre-cut bumper offered by BOSS through your dealer. These pre-cut bumpers give your truck a finished, factory look and greatly reduces the amount of cutting needed on the OEM bumper. Speak with your BOSS dealer to see if your Chevy is compatible with this option.

Plow Guides – Plow guides are the thin pieces of tubing that can be attached to the upper two ends of the snowplow. They extend far enough above the hood of the vehicle so the plow operator can see where the two ends of the plow are from within the cab. This is helpful so you don’t accidentally hit anything with the ends of your plow due to lack of sight.

Snow Deflector – A snow deflector is typically made of a rubber material or poly and is attached to the top edge of the plow. Its purpose is to increase visibility while plowing by reducing the amount of snow that flies up over the plow and onto the windshield. You should replace your snow deflector when you start to see major wear, like tears or rips.

Snowplow Shoes – Plow shoes are attached to the bottom of the snowplow blade. They help raise the blade up slightly to prevent a bulldozing effect and instead to float over soft surfaces such as gravel, dirt or grass. When plowing snow on more solid surfaces like concrete, you could opt to remove the snowplow shoes to prevent wear. When it comes to replacing your snowplow shoes, it all depends on how often you used them and the quality of the ground surface they are used on. Be aware of how much wear there is and how much material is left on the shoes.

Snowplow Sight System – Exclusive for BOSS plows, the sight system makes aligning and hooking up to your plow faster and easier by using a sight pin, attached to the front of the hood of the vehicle, and a sight decal, placed on the back of the plow headlight. The sight system makes aligning your truck and plow for hookup quicker and easier every time, all you have to do is align the sight pin to the sight decal. For more information and installation help, check out this technical service video.

Snowplow Wings – Additional width can be added to the plow unit by adding removable blade wing extensions. These can be easily taken on or off the blade depending on the area needing to be plowed. The wings add additional plowing width thus, cutting down on the time to clear a lot. You can replace the cutting edges on your wings the same way you and at the same time as you would on the main blade cutting edge. Take a look at this article for more details about BOSS snowplow wings and installation information.

11/06/14

2015 Ford Transit Wins Van Comparison



Our friends to the North that run the Canadian Truck King Challenge have just finished their first full-size euro-style commercial van test, and the Ford Transit, powered by the turbo-diesel 3.2-liter PowerStroke inline-five-cylinder engine, beat both the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ram ProMaster in a tightly held contest.

The test was conducted over two days with six experienced journalists driving more than 2,000 kilometers, including several maneuverability road tests, payload hauling and even making a few real-world deliveries. They also conducted a midsize category challenge, which included the Nissan NV200 and Ford Transit Connect. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet City Express and Ram ProMaster City were not available at the time of their test. The Nissan just squeaked past the Ford.

For more information about the 2015 Canadian Truck King Challenge Winner-Commercial Van division, click here.


Manufacturer images

www.pickuptrucks.com

11/04/14

Vandemonium: You Won’t Believe How Five Aftermarket Shops Designed the First Ford Transit Customized Vans for SEMA


  •     Custom-built project vehicles from five coach builders will showcase different expressions of Ford Transit van flexibility and capability
  •     The custom Transits will be on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, Nov. 4-7
  •     A range of concepts will be represented, including Formula DRIFT, off-road adventure and high-end luxury versions
The first-ever all-new 2015 Ford Transit custom vans will debut at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Five Transit project vehicles were crafted to showcase the van’s toughness and flexibility for customers looking for a vehicle that can fit a variety of needs – from high-tech luxury limo to sport exhibitions to off-road adventure.

“Ford Transit vans and passenger wagons are designed to be upfit-ready so customers have an easier time customizing the vehicle to work best for them,” said Yaroslav Hetman, brand manager for Ford Transit, Transit Connect and E-Series. “We are very excited about what our SEMA customizers have done with these vans. They preview the first of what is expected to be a renaissance in custom vans, led by the all-new Ford Transit.”

Customized Transit vehicles on display at the SEMA show Nov. 4-7 include:


Vegas Off-Road Experience Transit
Vegas Off-Road Experience in South Boulder City, Nevada, provides the ultimate adventure for those who have always wanted to drive an off-road desert race truck. The VORE group applied its expertise in preparing off-road trucks to the new Transit, creating a vehicle that provides luxury transportation with an off-road theme. This Transit, equipped with off-road wheels and tires, will be used for guest transportation at VORE events.

“Transit offered us so much capacity to work with that we were able to take our plans further than we could with a typical van,” said Mike Self, Vegas Off-Road Experience chief marketing officer. “It will be a great vehicle for taking guests out on course in high-end comfort.”

Off-road and premium features of the VORE Transit include:
  •     Custom LED interior lighting
  •     Five LED flat screens
  •      60-inch LED flat-screen partition
  •     Large-screen TV for external viewing
  •     Video gaming station
  •     Touch-screen tablet controls
  •     LED light bars
  •     HID headlamps
  •     Extended fender flares
  •     Off-road wheels and tires

Designed Travel Transit
For long-distance road trips, Forest Lake, Minnesota-based Waldoch Crafts and 3dCarbon and Air Design of Newport Beach, California, customized a long-wheelbase, medium-roof Transit with a solid hickory wood floor and four reclining captain’s chairs with heating, cooling and massage functions, along with power headrests.

“The larger platform of Transit gives us room for creativity,” said Ernie Bunnell, vice president of sales for 3dCarbon and Air Design. “Transit provided us with a lot of capability, so we were able to include more technical features than the average conversion.”

Other features of the Designed Travel Transit include:
  •     Integrated front bumper with air dam and fog lamps
  •     Side skirts and lower rear skirt with integrated trailer hitch cover
  •     20-inch wheels and tires
  •     Rear seat with fold-down sofa
  •     Tablet control system
  •     4K ultra-high-definition 50-inch TV
  •     LED interior lighting
  •     Backup camera with 360-degree capability
    
Formula DRIFT Transit
This Formula DRIFT Transit is more than a concept – it is a functional vehicle that will be used at series events in 2015. The Formula DRIFT series, based in Long Beach, California, has taken a medium-roof, short-wheelbase Transit and transformed it into the ultimate track support vehicle. With high-horsepower vehicles sliding around at more than 100 mph in Formula DRIFT events, accidents do occur, and this custom Transit will be one of the first responders to help with fire and safety equipment at the accident site. Complete with a custom interior workspace with TV, LED lighting, a custom entertainment system from Clarion and a matching Kawasaki Mule support vehicle, this Transit will be a standout at the track.

”Track vehicles fulfill a lot of needs, and Transit is able to do it all,” said John Pangilinan, public relations director for Formula DRIFT. “The extra roof height Transit offers really adds a lot of usable space for all of our equipment, including the Kawasaki Mule.”

Formula DRIFT Transit highlights include:
  •     Matching Kawasaki Mule track support vehicle that will be housed inside Transit between events
  •     Storage bins for fire extinguishers, tools and cleanup equipment
  •     Workspace
  •     Fire suit and helmet racks
  •     Door-mounted flat panel monitor
  •     Performance air intake kit
  •     Performance exhaust system
  •     Performance suspension

Business Class Transit
This sleek, all-black Transit was created by Detroit Custom Coach of Oak Park, Michigan, and offers amenities for VIP travel, whether for business or a night out on the town. This long-wheelbase, high-roof Transit features seating for as many as eight people and a wide array of premium amenities, including cocktail stations.

“We are excited to show what the Ford brand can do when it comes to the VIP transportation industry,” said Detroit Custom Coach owner Chris Ramos. “We feel strongly that the new Ford Transit will give other vehicles in its class a run for their money.”

Premium and convenience features of the Business Class Transit include:
  •     Actuated passenger entrance step
  •     Wood-grain flooringLaptop station
  •     Cocktail station with glass holders
  •     Reclining, heated and massaging seats
  •     Color-changing LED lighting
  •     Flat-screen TVs
  •     Integrated iPad controls
  •     Wi-Fi
  •     Motorized privacy shades
 

Galpin Auto Sports Transit Skyliner
Transit Skyliner, created jointly by Ford and Galpin Auto Sports of Van Nuys, California, embodies the spirit of premium motor coaches and builds on the heritage of custom vans. The custom vehicle shows how Ford Transit can be transformed to fit the needs of limousines and high-end transportation services, as well as commercial fleets, shuttle providers and small-business owners.

Transit Skyliner features custom-designed “throne” seats that are controlled by a smartphone or tablet.

“We are sincerely excited to work with Ford in creating the future of travel,” said Beau Boeckmann, president of Galpin Auto Sports. “Tapping our history of creating the conversion van segment in the 1960s and ’70s, as well as our recent high-tech work, together with Ford we have brought the modern ultra-premium van to life.”

Premium features of the Galpin Auto Sports Transit Skyliner include:
  •     52-inch retractable movie screen
  •     Focal Utopia 7.2 surround sound with custom-made speakers
  •     Satellite TVKaleidescape media server
  •     Integrated bar
  •     Matching luggage
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 189,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

11/02/14

Rugby Scissor Hoists



Rugby's line of durable Scissor Hoists range in capacities from 2.6 to 35.7 ton and fit bodies from 7 to 22 feet long. The HR series hoists come standard with a sub-frame that accomodates all popular domestic chassis, are black powder-coated to provide you with a durable and rust-resistant finish and have an unmatched 3-year warranty!

  •     Range in capacities from 2.6 to 35.7 ton
  •     Fit bodies from 7 to 22 feet long
  •     Black powder-coated to provide you with a durable and rust-resistant finish