12/27/16

Norstar Truck Bed 2015 Model Overview


This video showcases all truck bed models for 2015 available at Norstar. Our beds are suitable as replacements or cab and chassis applications on virtually all makes and models.

12/25/16

12/23/16

Adrian Steel - New Composite Partition


Your mobile office just got more comfortable with an Adrian Steel composite partition. Sound deadening reduces driver distractions, climate control shortens idle time, and generous leg room helps ensure that you have the space you need to enjoy the ride.

12/21/16

Switch -N-Go Dumpster / Drop Boxes - Ideal for Light Duty Trucks

Switch-N-Go's® dumpster / drop box also known as roll-offs are built to the high quality standards that our company has brought to the waste hauling industry for years.


Switch-N-Go® dumpsters or drop boxes are available in six standard lengths, from 9 to 14 feet long, with capacities from 8 to 17 yards. Additionally, Switch-N-Go® dumpster come in three classes, standard, medium duty and heavy duty. These containers all come with our top quality powder coated finish which is boosted by our triple stage wash to ensure proper curing and rust resistance.

Our Switch-N-Go® containers come standard with industry respected features side swing or barn door gates, greased wheels and sloped fronts that allow for easy cleanout. Options for our dumpsters include mesh tarps, side doors and factory mounted D-rings.

The Switch-N-Go® system when paired with a supply of dumpster containers allows for a hauler to create a successful waste hauling business. Where they have an advantage over traditional roll-off rental businesses due to their smaller trucks and lighter containers.

Find more at: http://www.switchngo.com/product/dumpster-drop-box/



12/19/16

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR SPARTAN SERVICE TRUCK BODY


Built to save time, the Spartan Service truck body delivers convenience. You’ll find compartments and custom shelving to keep you organized, and a large, bright work space that provides shelter from the elements while at the worksite. You can even work standing up inside, and the low-profile design allows easy access to your cargo and equipment.

Features
  • Gain added convenience at job sites by using the horizontal compartment door as a workbench
  • Save time by organizing and storing tools with up to 5 spacious compartments per side (based on truck body length); two adjustable shelves per vertical compartment accommodate bulkier tools and equipment
  • Access your cargo and tools with ease in our low-profile design tht features low floor heights
  • Enjoy a bright work space with white 3/8″ FiberPanel® PW (FRP) side wall panels
  • Load large cargo – even sheets of plywood with the extra room of true interior truck body lengths and 48-1/2″ double-swing rear doors
  • Work comfortably in the cargo area with the stand-up truck body height interior (72″ and 78″ heights only)
Options
  • Enjoy more cab room and stand up to move between cab and cargo area with a full-height cab-access door (cutaway only; availability based on chassis); Note: Shortens interior truck body length
  • Load, store and quickly access long items, such as PVC, conduit, or copper pipe, with a pipe door
  • Organize and store cargo and equipment with custom interior fixed or adjustable shelves above compartments.
  • See and access tools more easily from the interior with a sliding, reach-through Plexiglass® door for the horizontal compartment (availability based on chassis)
  • Save time by storing and accessing your ladder more efficiently  with a ladder rack and rear access ladder.
  • Get additional towing capabilities with a hitch receiver
Find out more: http://supremecorp.com/truck-bodies/spartan-service/

12/17/16

Zonar Ushers in a New Era of Fleet Management Technology with Zonar Connect

ELD-Ready Smart Fleet Tablet and Seamless Software Platform Allows Fleets to Customize and Upgrade for Future Growth


Seattle Wash. – October 1, 2016 – Zonar, the leader in smart fleet management technology, today announced Zonar ConnectTM, a next generation tablet and software ecosystem that empowers commercial fleets to take greater control of their operations. Connect allows fleets to seamlessly enter the next era in fleet management technology using a smart fleet platform which is faster, more responsive, readily customizable and more user-friendly than current solutions in the commercial fleet marketplace. This ruggedized, high-performance, easy-to-use tablet delivers management tools for commercial vehicle operations including compliance, safety and efficiency monitoring.

“We are entering an age in connected commercial vehicles where the capabilities go beyond the individual vehicle and extend to fleet management and industry decisions regarding job bidding, safety, efficiency and compliance,” said Ian McKerlich, President of Zonar. “Connect is designed to exceed industry needs with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) readiness, Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting (EVIR) and a growing number of apps built in a scalable environment to address needs further down the road. We believe that Connect is the path forward for designing and delivering the next generation of solutions for the smart fleet management era.”

Connect is always connected whether it is docked or undocked representing a significant milestone in smart fleet management. For example, a driver can submit a completed EVIR inspection back to dispatch without returning to the cab of the truck. The tablet-based platform further connects vehicles, driver/operators and fleet managers with critical information such as vehicle health, efficiency, driver hours of service, performance, data capture, compliance, safety and asset utilization.

“Just as smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, you soon won’t be able to run your fleet operations efficiently without a smart fleet technology like Connect,” said Brett Brinton, co-founder and CEO of Zonar. “Connect will help operators manage their fleets more effectively as technology changes with hardware that supports over-the-air updates to give them greater flexibility and scalability to grow.”

Connect has the ease of use of everyday consumer devices with the power and ruggedization needed for commercial vehicles. With it, drivers and operators can streamline daily tasks, such as pre- and post-trip inspections; hours of service logging with Roadside ViewTM for compliance inspections; communicating with fleet management; documenting deliveries; navigating routes and – in the case of passenger services – verifying ridership. The tablet also equips drivers and operators with tools that ensure adherence to a broad range of safety and compliance regulations.

Key features:
  • owered by a Quad-Core processor, 2GB of built-in memory and 32GB of storage for enhanced speed and responsiveness
  • Scalable Android™ platform supports options for third-party and custom Zonar apps to increase driver productivity and fleet compliance
  • Compliant with Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRD) and Hours of Service regulations
  • Ready for the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate with capability for over-the-air software update service
  • LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity keeps drivers connected to fleet managers, dispatch, and operations
  • Constructed with a ruggedized hardware design and a DragontrailTM Glass screen to endure harsh conditions
  • Seamlessly integrates with Zonar’s Ground Traffic Control® web portal and third-party programs including maintenance, payroll, navigation, workforce management software and more

“Zonar Connect tablet and platform represent an extremely compelling offer for fleet managers across a variety of industry verticals,” said Clem Driscoll, president of consulting and research firm C.J. Driscoll & Associates. “It’s a very rugged, state-of-the-art piece of hardware connected to a software ecosystem that offers new flexibility for customers to add third-party apps and upgrade easily as technology advances. It’s clear that Zonar listened to customers and upgraded an already-compelling product based on what they learned.”

For more information on Zonar Connect visit: www.zonarsystems.com/connect

About Zonar
Founded in 2001, Zonar has pioneered smart fleet management technology by providing innovative technology that has changed fleet operations in the vocational, pupil and commercial trucking industries. With a unique focus on this field, the Company offers a complete suite of solutions and specialized platforms for our customers in multiple markets. Our patented, award-winning technology keeps fleet owners and managers connected to their fleets and drivers to dispatchers. Headquartered in Seattle, Zonar also has a Technology Development Center in downtown Seattle, a regional office in Cincinnati, and a distribution center outside of Atlanta.

For more information about Zonar Systems, go to www.zonarsystems.com

12/15/16

Winter Tire Test: Some Treads Are Better Than Others



By Bruce W. Smith

Every so often I find myself checking out the tires of the vehicles around me when stopped in traffic, wondering how this or that one performs compared to the factory tires on my pickup truck. My questions become even more pointed in winter: Should I invest in a set of winter tires? Would mud tires be a good choice or all-terrain? Would it be worth the investment to buy a dedicated snow tire and run them half the year?

To find out, we went to the snow-covered hills just a few miles outside Steamboat Springs, Colo. Carved into the deep snow were three perfectly groomed snow courses with big berms and a variety of twists, turns and elevation changes. These tracks are the training grounds for the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. They also serve as the perfect location to test tires — and for us to see how popular pickup tire tread patterns compare when pitted against each other under controlled winter driving conditions.

And even though it's spring, the information we're offering here should help you decide what kind of tires you want next winter.

The Contenders
We spent two days this past winter with Woody Rogers and T.J. Campbell, product information specialists for Tire Rack, comparing popular 275/65R18 tires on a twisting, curving half-mile section of track three behind the wheel of two identical 2016 Ford F-150 4x4s. The tire comparison contenders were:
  • Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT OWL SL (P-metric)
  • Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 SL (P-metric)
  • Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT LT (E load range)
  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 RWL LT (C load range)
  • Firestone Destination MT LT (E load range)
Source: www.pickuptrucks.com

Read more at: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/03/winter-tire-test-some-treads-are-better-than-others.html

12/09/16

THE ALL-NEW FORD F-150 RAPTOR TACKLES BAJA 1000, THEN DRIVES THE LONG WAY HOME


  • A fully street-legal stock 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor completed the 49th SCORE Baja 1000 in 35:59:08 – placing third overall in the stock full class competition – the same truck that is now headed to Ford dealers.
  • Ford Performance and Greg Foutz Motorsports raced a pre-production 2017 F-150 Raptor – the toughest, smartest, most capable Raptor ever – full-tilt across 850 miles of rocks, potholes and miles and miles of sand and dust
  • Having proven its robustness and performance as part of the Ford Performance team’s validation process for the new Raptor, Foutz and crew tossed their tools in the back of the race Raptor and drove it nearly 400 miles to their home base outside of Phoenix, AZ
DEARBORN, Nov. 29, 2016 – As Ford starts sales of the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor, the Ford Performance team completed one final grueling endurance test – running in the 49th SCORE Baja 1000 across the famed desert in the Baja California peninsula in Mexico.

Led by Greg Foutz and the team from Foutz Motorsports, the 2017 F-150 Raptor finished the race in 35 hours, 59 minutes and 8 seconds to place third in the stock full class. Then, the crew decided to toss their tools and spare tires in the back of the race truck and drove it back to their home shop near Phoenix.

“That’s why the new Ford F-150 Raptor is bad-ass! It’s a race-proven off-road monster that can race off-road an entire weekend, then take you and your friends on a road trip the next day,” Foutz said. “That and the $49,520 starting price make it a clear winner on the showroom floor.”

Powered by an all-new high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus an all-new Ford-built 10-speed transmission, the F-150 Raptor race truck showcases the level of performance this purpose-built off-road vehicle will deliver to customers once it goes on sale in December.

Given the 2017 F-150 Raptor’s extreme all-terrain capabilities, the race truck utilized its factory equipment across all 850 treacherous miles, including its stock engine, transmission, brakes, wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires – and even its factory air conditioning, satellite radio and windshield – often unheard of in race vehicles. The Foutz Motorsports team only added a chromalloy steel safety cage, puncture-resistant fuel cell, racing seats and full race harness to meet SCORE rules. The factory-spec Raptor springs and Fox Racing shocks were adjusted to accommodate the added weight from the safety cage and fuel cell.

Other production vehicle updates that carry over to the race truck include the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame, all-new six-mode Terrain Management System™ and advanced four-wheel-drive torque-on-demand transfer case.

Foutz said the team drivers quickly adapted to the performance of the Raptor engine and drivetrain, which was entirely stock. “We used the Raptor Terrain Management System to select Baja Mode and just tweaked two-wheel versus four-wheel drive depending on the terrain we were on,” Foutz said. “When we hit the road for home, we dropped it in the Sport Mode and took off for the highway.”

Ford Performance engineers used the Raptor race truck program as a platform to share technology and prove out their trucks in the real world. Jamal Hameedi, Ford Performance chief engineer says the testing helps to create exciting products that not only raise the performance bar, they deliver Built Ford Tough capability and durability.

“We’re completely thrilled at how well the all-new F-150 Raptor performed throughout the Baja 1,000 race as it’s one of the most brutal environments you can ever compete in, “Hameedi said, “Having race-proven, real-world performance experience and data to validate – further solidifies Ford’s truck leadership position and Raptor as the ultimate from-the-factory high-performance off-road truck.”

Ford Performance Expands as Brand Halo
Set to deliver 12 new vehicles by 2020, Ford Performance leverages its racing efforts and expertise to speed innovations on dedicated performance models and performance parts. The group works to quickly iterate the latest technologies that can ultimately be applied across Ford Motor Company’s entire passenger vehicle lineup.

The performance segment is a growing business for Ford, as the company recognizes a customer desire for vehicles that offer fuel economy, leading technology and a great driving experience. Along with F-150 Raptor, the Ford Performance lineup includes the Ford GT supercar, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R Mustang, Focus RS, Focus ST and Fiesta ST. 

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.




12/07/16

Muncie V080 HYBRID SYSTEM - Optimizes Plow, Hoist and Spreader Operation



This unique circuit design optimizes operations with full flow but also insures cylinders and spreader operations can work together when required. It is all-automatic. Paired with our entry level electronic controls for a customized and budget conscience solution.

Optimizes operation with full flow and flow sharing capabilities

  • Plow and Hoist Functionality
  • Proportional cable control or air control cylinders
  • Configurable spools for all common applications
  • Easy to use, setup and install
  • Spreader Control
  • Save salt / save money – electronic spreader system with groundspeed control
  • Compatible with all common v-body and tailgate spreaders (stainless steel enclosure)
  • Smart flow technology – keep the spreader running when the cylinders are actuated



12/05/16

UTILIVAN - Built on a cutaway chassis - set-back walk-through bulkhead.



Utilivans are the industry standard for medium-duty commercial delivery. Traditionally built on a cutaway chassis, Utilivans are built to be tough, constructed with durable materials such as fiberglass reinforced plywood, aluminum, and a variety of composite materials such as DuraPlate.® The innovative cab can be designed to fit as many as five crew members and can be configured with a set-back walk-through bulkhead.

See more at: http://www.spartanmotors.com/fleet-vehicles/baking-snack-foods/utilivan/


12/03/16

Sortimo Boxxes - Van Storage Bins For Increased Organization & Mobility


Sortimo Boxxes are the most innovative and functional series of van storage bins available. Boxxes van storage bins serve dual purposes acting both as a drawer and mobile storage. Slide the van storage bins out on the provided tracks to quickly grab a part or remove it completely from the shelf so you can carry multiple tools to the job site with one hand.

Choose from a variety of van storage bins to accommodate your needs. There are Boxxes designed to store efficiently nearly any piece of hardware, part, or tool you may carry within your cargo van. From small components to large power tools, van storage bins can help you increase your organization and mobility.

Find out more at: https://sortimo.knapheide.com/van-storage-bins-p14