7/31/20

WeldMaster Truck Body - For the Jack of All Trades!


The urban welder is a jack of all trades. A little of this, and a little of that. And, of course, his or her work always includes some welding. Harbor created a jack of all trades truck just for her or him.  A service body with a welders edge!
  • 63-inch raised and vented front compartment with bottle brackets and rings inside to hold standard sized oxygen and acetylene tanks
  • Stainless Steel self-opening pop-top lids w/ body length compartment bins & 4" dividers
  • Push Button locking system with red band locking indicator
  • Modern gas shocks on each side opening door to keep them open during loading and unloading
  • 8" deep recessed bumper for sure footing when entering bed
  • Armless and self supporting tailgate work table
  • Adjustable, but lockable, shelving system
  • Weather shield system around locks, doors, and hingles, preventing leaks and securing the tools of your trade. Neoprene door seals, water-proof gaskets, self-sealing stainless steel rivets, and silky smooth three-point door latches with Teflon glides.

7/27/20

Reading Truck Body's Classic II Service Body





The Steel Classic II™ is Reading’s premier steel service body, with quality components, innovative features and Reading’s legendary durability. You enjoy Reading’s trademark quality construction plus premium features like weather-tight storage, Latch-Matic® locking, small parts storage, optional aerial and crane devices and much more. This is the pinnacle among steel service body options on the market. Reading’s Classic II™ aluminum service body combines the superior fuel economy and corrosion resistance of aluminum with Reading’s legendary quality and durability. Built with premium recycled aluminum alloy, the body is bathed in a zinc phosphate bath to prep it for improved adhesion of Reading’s durable powder coat finish, to resist corrosion better than any other service truck body on the market. It features all the standard and exclusive options that have made our flagship Classic II™ a leader in the truck body industry while offering environmental benefits that today’s consumers appreciate. Standard features include a pressed diamond plate floor and inner tailgate surface, heavy-duty compartment doors and a rugged undercoated understructure for superior durability and strength. The Classic II™ aluminum service truck body also features Reading’s exclusive adjustable hidden hinges, Dual-Pro® door seals, a slam-action tailgate and much more. Add our industry-leading 5-year limited warranty for steel and 10-year limited warranty for aluminum. It’s easy to see why there’s No Body Better than the Classic II™.

7/25/20

Ranger Design Van Accessories - Vehicle Security


For long term profitability, make sure your van is always well-protected and well-kept. Have your most expensive equipment locked away out of sight, and take other protective measures to help prevent theft. By keeping your vehicle burglar-free and in good condition, you can improve the resale value for the future.

7/23/20

Value of Effectively Maintaining Upfits

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Having the right "tools" for the job is essential.  - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

 - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Having the right "tools" for the job is essential.

Your upfit is spec’ed, purchased, and installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.

Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:


A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.


“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.


At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.


“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.


Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.


“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”


When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.


“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.


Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.


“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.


6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits


While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:


Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection


Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.


“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.


Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance


When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.


“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.


To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.


“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.


Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly 


Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders. 


“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.


Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment


You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.


“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.


Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing


When you service certain upfit items is also essential.


“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.


Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage

Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.

“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.


Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits

7/19/20

VMAC's UNDERHOOD70-G System Customer Testimonial


After using the amazing UNDERHOOD70-G air compressor on his high-demand roofing jobs, Dale Clozza of Aurora Roofing in Nanaimo, BC, had a lot to say about the efficiency, fuel savings and compact power of one of VMAC's newest, innovative air compressor system - including its ability to TURN HIS TRUCK ON AND OFF as his air tools need air. Learn More: http://vmacair.com/product/underhood-...

7/17/20

Tongue Weight Scale | BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale


This video shows how to use the tongue weight scale feature on the CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale. With this feature, you can get an active readout of the tongue weight of your trailer right on your smartphone. This enables safer towing and easier setup.

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 GCW, cargo weight, tongue weight and pin weight, as well as weight distribution setup and trailer brake gain.

To measure tongue weight with BetterWeigh™, start by choosing the weight range that best suits your vehicle-trailer setup. To set the range, tap the gear icon and select Tongue Weight. Then, select a weight range.

Next, tap the Tongue Weight feature on the homescreen of the BetterWeigh™ app. Before pressing Ready, make sure your vehicle and trailer are aligned and ready to be coupled. 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. Then, load your trailer, and start getting active, real-time readouts of how your tongue weight changes as cargo is added. Remember, tongue weight should be between 10 and 15% of the gross trailer weight.

BetterWeigh™ is compatible with Apple and Android phones. Download the BetterWeigh™ app from Google Play or the App Store.

7/15/20

CTech: Online Cabinet Store + Configurator!




We're putting YOU in the driver's seat with our brand new online cabinet store and configurator! Select a base, overhead, wall, or closet to customize and purchase directly from the website! Go to shop.ctechmanufacturing.com/shop to try it for yourself. With 9.6 BILLION possible configurations, your dream garage, shop or trailer cabinet is waiting!

7/13/20

Easy Load Hoist by National Fleet Products


Steven with National Fleet Products demonstrates their Easy Load Hoist Heavy Duty Model that has a capacity of 1,100 lbs. This is a unique product that can be used in vans or other truck bodies. It also has the flexibility of being able to move from the center position when that space is needed. This video was taken at the Nor Cal Ford Truck Club annual vendor event. See more about this and other great products for work trucks and vans at https://www.nationalfleetproducts.com/

7/11/20

Partskeeper Parts Organizers by Ranger Design


The Ranger Design Partskeeper parts organizers help the mobile technician to take small parts anywhere on the job site and save return trips to the van. https://rangerdesign.com/products/?fi... These fit into our parts storage cabinets and come in a variety of sizes capable of storing many different kinds of parts in your cargo van or truck.

7/09/20

FORD AWARDS TOMTOM GLOBAL TRAFFIC SERVICE DEAL FOR NEXT-GEN SYNC TECH TO PREDICT CONGESTION


  • Ford  Awards TomTom global, real-time traffic service deal for next-generation SYNC connected vehicle technology; first available for all-new F-150 and all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV to help get more out of each trip to the job site or battery charge.
  • Ford’s navigation system1 with TomTom Traffic is fully connected to and informed by the internet with maps that are frequently refreshed with the latest available traffic and construction information, ensuring customers get the most up-to-date info for their routes.
  • The advanced TomTom service can predict traffic jams before they happen with updates every 30 seconds based on more than 70 million driving hours every day from millions of connected devices.
DEARBORN, Mich., July 2, 2020 – Similar to planning trips around weather predictions, drivers of the all-new F-150 and Mustang Mach-E will be able to adjust trips based on traffic forecasts, thanks to another new innovation from TomTom (TOM2), the location technology specialist, which powers Ford’s next-generation Ford SYNC technology navigation system.

TomTom has been awarded a global multi-year deal to provide Ford’s next-generation SYNC® with its real-time traffic service. The all-new 2021 Ford  F-150 pickup – revealed just days ago – and the soon to be delivered all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV are the first Ford vehicles available with the technology.

“The all-new F-150 is Ford’s flagship and the Mustang Mach-E is one of the industry’s most exciting vehicles this year – both are leading the next automotive revolution of connected vehicles,” said Stuart Taylor, executive director, Enterprise Connectivity. “Their next-generation SYNC technologies have twice the computing power of the previous-generation system to do much more, including real-time, smartphone-like mapping that can help you adjust on the fly to quicker routes based on their network of millions of connected devices.”

TomTom Traffic provides accurate, real-time traffic information, which will keep Ford drivers informed and can help them reduce their travel time. The advanced TomTom service can predict traffic jams before they happen with updates every 30 seconds based on more than 70 million driving hours every day from millions of connected devices.

“Automakers choose TomTom Traffic for its accuracy, freshness and reliability,” said Antoine Saucier, Managing Director, TomTom Automotive. “Ford’s decision to include TomTom Traffic in its next-gen SYNC connected vehicle technology is another step towards our vision of a world free of congestion.”

Most connected F-150 ever
F-150 represents Ford’s next big step in bringing connected vehicles to customers. All-new SYNC 4 is standard on the new truck, which arrives this fall, helping keep owners connected and make their days more productive with more natural voice control available as well as real-time mapping and customizable information on demand. The technology builds on more than 10 years of SYNC innovation by helping minimize distractions with hands-free voice control as well as core features such as making phone calls and selecting music.

Ford’s navigation system and TomTom Traffic are fully connected to and informed by the internet with maps the latest available traffic and construction information, ensuring customers are getting the most up-to-date info for their routes. Ford also equipped SYNC 4 with optional navigation with the ability to share parking space availability and prices.

By taking advantage of state-of-the-art, cloud-based voice processing, SYNC 4 can understand conversational requests, such as “Find me the best Thai restaurant” and offer data-based suggestions to drivers. Staying in contact with friends and family also becomes easier, with natural speech recognition enabling communication via SMS and email.

Seamless Mustang Mach-E Technology Easily Adapts to Your Lifestyle
Making its debut in the Mustang Mach-E is the SYNC 4A connected vehicle technology, a sleek and modern interface that uses machine learning to quickly learn drivers’ preferences will keep Mach-E SUVs at the forefront of technology better over time, thanks to advanced over-the-air updates. A 15.5-inch screen and adaptive dash card interface ditches complicated menus, making it easier to access features with touch, swipe and pinch controls like smartphones.

“SYNC 4A, which is optimized for electric vehicle customers, actively adapts to you as soon as you start using it, quickly learning preferences and makes personalized suggestions,” said Darren Palmer, Ford global director for BEVs. “TomTom’s real-time traffic data, combined with other innovations such as Ford Intelligent Range technology, will help Mustang Mach-E customers get the most out of every charge.”

Order the Mustang Mach-E here.

1)    SYNC 4 navigation system is standard on Mustang Mach-E and optional on F-150.

 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.

About TomTom
TomTom is the leading independent location technology specialist, shaping mobility with highly accurate maps, navigation software, real-time traffic information and services. To achieve our vision of a safer world, free of congestion and emissions, we create innovative technologies that keep the world moving. By combining our extensive experience with leading business and technology partners, we power connected vehicles, smart mobility and, ultimately, autonomous driving. Headquartered in Amsterdam with offices in 30 countries, TomTom’s technologies are trusted by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. www.tomtom.com

7/05/20

BUILT FOR GETTING THINGS DONE, FORD REVEALS THE TOUGHEST, MOST PRODUCTIVE F-150 EVER AND MOST POWERFUL IN ITS CLASS


  • All-new Ford F-150 takes America’s truck of choice for work and recreation to the next level, targeting to deliver the most maximum towing, payload, torque and horsepower of any full-size light-duty pickup, with ingenious features that make customers even more productive and new technology like over-the-air updates and SYNC® 4
  • New exterior design has a bolder and even tougher look, and an all-new interior provides more comfort, technology and functionality for truck customers, along with enhanced materials, new color choices and more storage
  • New available Tailgate Work Surface boosts productivity at the back of the truck, while new optional Interior Work Surface makes using a laptop or eating a meal more comfortable; available Max Recline Seats with nearly 180 degrees of recline help customers rest between jobs
  • Available Pro Power Onboard™ means customers can leave the generator at home and free up cargo space; there’s enough energy to power 28 average refrigerators, charge a bed full of electric dirt bikes or run an entire job site worth of tools
  • Class-exclusive 3.5-liter PowerBoost™ Full hybrid engine delivers Built Ford Tough capability – it is targeted to have the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup, at least 12,000 pounds of maximum available towing capacityᶧ and a targeted EPA-estimated range of approximately 700 miles on a single tank of gasᶧ

DEARBORN, Mich., June 25, 2020 – As America returns to work, Ford reveals its all-new F-150 – part of the F-Series lineup that’s been America’s choice for getting the job done for 43 consecutive years. The all-new F-150 is purpose-built to be the toughest, most productive F-150 ever and targeted to be the most powerful light-duty full-size pickup truck on the market.

“Since 1948, our hardworking F-Series customers have trusted Ford to help them get the job done,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s chief operating officer. “F-150 is our flagship, it’s 100 percent assembled in America, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard to make sure our customers can get the job done and continue to make a difference in their communities.”

The all-new F-150 raises the standard for all light-duty trucks. It targets the most towing, payload, torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup, introduces all-new features to increase customer productivity, has new connected vehicle innovations such as over-the-air updates that help keep F-150 at the forefront of purposeful technology, and an available all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost™ hybrid powertrain with Pro Power Onboard™ – an integrated power generator.

“We see it as our duty to deliver not just what our customers want and need, but what they might have never thought possible,” said Craig Schmatz, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “The F-150 will be tougher than ever, and with fully connected over-the-air updates, it opens up a much wider range of potential enhancements – from system upgrades to feature offerings.”

Toughest F-150 ever
The all-new F-150 starts with a durable, proven foundation – a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body. Every panel of the distinctive, rugged exterior is redesigned while maintaining its bold and tough signature look, including an updated headlamp design, new power dome hood and wrap-around bumpers. Higher front fenders, a tucked-in midsection and larger-diameter tires pulled out three-quarters of an inch create a stronger, more powerful stance on and off the road.

There are 11 grille options available across the series lineup, all differentiated in their design and all unmistakably F-150, plus new tailgate appliqués. Functional upgrades throughout include available LED headlamps and taillamps, and available full-length extended power running boards with kick switch that provide better truck-side cargo box accessibility.

The all-new F-150 is also the most aerodynamic ever. New active grille shutters, a new automatically deploying active air dam, and new cab and tailgate geometry all work together to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption on every truck.

The interior is completely redesigned to elevate truck owners’ experience with style, comfort, utility and technology. Featuring enhanced materials, new color choices and more storage, it is built around the functional needs of truck customers. Every surface has been thoughtfully designed, such as more soil-resistant two-tone seats for XL or the new standard dual glovebox.

F-150 introduces an all-new 12-inch center screen – standard on XLT high series and above – that allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music or truck features. The landscape design strikes a balance between demands for technology accessibility and the greater convenience of physical buttons. An 8-inch touch screen, standard on XL and XLT standard and mid-series trucks, means every customer gets touch screen functionality and better rearview camera vision. Both screens feature access to the new digital owner’s manual, which can help all customers find the information they need more easily, including how-to videos for additional explanation.

An available new 12-inch digital gauge cluster features a large information-on-demand area, along with truck-specific graphics and animations that respond to the all-new F-150’s selectable drive modes and can display off-roading data and turn-by-turn navigation.

Most productive F-150 ever
Ford’s deep understanding of truck customers informs new features on the all-new F-150 that help take productivity to the next level.

Creating the ultimate durable, anywhere office, F-150’s new optional Interior Work Surface is ideal for signing documents, working on a 15-inch laptop or enjoying a meal when parked. It is available in both bench and captain’s chair seating configurations on XL to Limited. Knowing many customers prefer a console shifter, Ford has created a stowable unit for F-150, which easily folds into the center console with the push of a button and allows full access to the large work surface when in park.

Class-exclusive Max Recline Seats available on King Ranch, Platinum and Limited models provide ultimate comfort during downtime. Max Recline Seats fold flat to nearly 180 degrees, with the bottom cushion rising to meet the back cushion and the upper back support rotating forward up to 10 degrees for maximum comfort.

Available lockable, fold-flat rear storage adds a vault to the F-150 that extends the width of the rear seats. It’s as easy as lifting the bottom cushion of the rear seat, dropping valuables in and locking them away for safe keeping. Great for storing long items like fishing rods or blueprints, it even has a divider to keep gear organized.

Every all-new F-150 comes standard with new cleats mounted to the sides of the tailgate to act as tie-down locations for extra-long items in the bed. New clamp pockets are built in to the tailgate of every truck, so customers can hold materials down for precision work. An available flat Tailgate Work Surface also includes integrated rulers, a mobile device holder, cupholder and pencil holder.

Customers can keep going into the night with exclusive available Zone Lighting. This allows occupants to turn on and off individual sections of exterior lights through the SYNC® 4 screen or remotely with the FordPass app on their phone, so they never have to work, camp or do anything in the dark.

The all-new F-150 is the only light-duty full-size pickup to offer available Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Trailer Reverse Guidance, made popular on Super Duty, uses the truck’s high-resolution cameras to provide multiple views along with helpful graphics that tell drivers which way to turn the steering wheel while backing up. Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a dial, continues on F-150.

Most powerful in its class
The all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain is targeted to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup. Available on every trim level from F-150 XL to Limited, the no-compromise PowerBoost system – the only light-duty full-size pickup to offer a full hybrid – adds instant electric torque to Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6. It is targeting an EPA-estimated range of approximately 700 miles on a single tank of gasᶧ and will deliver at least 12,000 pounds of available maximum towing – equivalent to the average weight of 43 NFL linemen.

PowerBoost combines Ford’s proven EcoBoost engine and 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission with a 35-kilowatt (47-horsepower) electric motor integrated into the transmission, as well as software calibrated specially for truck use, including drive modes like tow/haul mode to help customers better manage towing heavy trailers.

The electric motor applies regenerative braking energy capture to help recharge the 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The battery is efficiently packaged underneath the truck, leaving the cab and cargo box of PowerBoost F-150 as spacious for passengers and cargo as other comparably equipped F-150 models. The system is capable of sustained battery usage at extreme outside temperatures or under heavy loads.

Power isn’t only important under the hood. Available Pro Power Onboard expands F-150’s capability by bringing generator levels of exportable power to work sites, camp sites and everyday life. Pro Power Onboard is available with a 2.0-kilowatt output on optional gas engines, while PowerBoost-equipped F-150 comes standard with 2.4 kilowatts of output or an optional 7.2 kilowatts of output. Power is accessible through in-cabin outlets and up to four cargo bed-mounted 120-volt 20-amp outlets, with a 240-volt 30-amp outlet on the 7.2-kilowatt version. The system even provides power on the move to charge tool batteries in between jobs.

Most connected F-150 ever
F-150 represents Ford’s next big step in bringing connected vehicles to customers. The all-new F-150 is North America’s first full-size pickup with standard over-the-air updates, helping customers’ trucks stay at the forefront of purposeful technology. These updates are bumper-to-bumper, and can include all-new functions and additional features throughout the life of the truck. They can support preventative maintenance, reduce repair trips, provide improved performance and ultimately result in more vehicle up-time. The majority of updates will be completed in under two minutes and can be performed at times customers choose, so they won’t have to put their lives on hold.

All-new SYNC 4 is standard, helping keep owners connected and make their days more productive with more natural voice control available as well as real-time mapping and customizable information on demand. The technology builds on more than 10 years of SYNC innovation by helping minimize distractions with hands-free voice control as well as core features such as making phone calls and selecting music. With twice the computing power of the previous-generation system, new SYNC 4 can wirelessly connect smartphones without the USB cord for seamless integration of Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ compatibility as well as SYNC AppLink® apps like Waze and Ford+Alexa.

Customers can access more than 10,000 hours of on-demand content, live channels, ad-free music, sports, entertainment, news and personalized recommendations, and they can search for related content with available SiriusXM with 360L satellite and streaming service. The new eight-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen is available starting on F-150 XLT, while the optional 18-speaker B&O Unleashed system with speakers in the headliner and front headrests is available on F-150 Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum, and standard on Limited.

Ford offers complimentary technology including 911 Assist® that automatically alerts emergency responders in the event of an accident, and FordPass, a mobile device app that allows Ford drivers to start or unlock their vehicle from a distance, as well as control new truck-focused features like Zone Lighting, Trailer Theft Alert, Trailer Light Check and Pro Power Onboard.

Driver-assist technologies
All-new F-150 offers the latest driver-assist features as part of Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0. More features are now standard on XL, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection to help avoid a possible collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian, rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist, auto high-beam headlamps and auto on/off headlamps.

F-150 also adds 10 new driver-assist features and is the only pickup to offer Active Drive Assist, which allows for hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of divided highways in all 50 states and Canada. Its advanced driver-facing camera tracks head position and driver eye gaze to enable hands-free driving when available. It allows owners on certain sections of pre-mapped, divided highways to drive with their hands off the steering wheel – if they continue to pay attention to the road ahead – granting them an additional level of comfort during long drives. The Active Drive Assist prep kit contains the hardware required for this feature, while the software to enable functionality, expected in the third quarter of the 2021 calendar year, will be delivered by over-the-air update or dealer visit. Separate payment will be required to activate full functionality at that time.

Other new available features include Intersection Assist, which detects oncoming traffic while the driver is attempting a left turn. If there is risk of a collision with an oncoming vehicle, F-150 will apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid it. F-150 is the only light-duty full-size pickup with available Active Park Assist 2.0, which handles all steering, shifting, braking and accelerator controls during a parallel or perpendicular parking maneuver while the driver holds down a button.

Every F-150 is proudly assembled at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. The all-new F-150 will be available this fall.

ᶧProjected EPA calculated range. Actual range will vary. Final EPA-estimated ratings available later in the 2020 calendar year.

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

7/03/20

WEATHER GUARD® - Everyday Heroes


At WEATHER GUARD, we salute the everyday heroes; the early risers, the last-to-leavers—the ones who punch in and never punch out… the ones who spend their days building dreams, and making moments matter. For you, it’s not about the paycheck, it’s about the giveback. Whatever the weather—and whatever the world throws at you—WEATHER GUARD has got your back.

7/01/20

ShockDrop™ Technology | Comfortable, Controlled, Confident Towing


ShockDrop™ technology is a cushion hitch system designed to enhance your comfort, control and confidence when towing a trailer. It is comprised of an innovative, flexible polyurethane isolator that dynamically adapts to bumps, potholes and uneven surfaces on the road. It suppresses rattling, vibrations, jerking and jarring at the coupling point to provide you with a superior towing experience.

ShockDrop™ technology is engineered to be the next generation of towing products, offering valuable benefits for professionals and enthusiasts alike. ShockDrop™ is integrated into a growing line of CURT products, enabling a variety of lifestyles for a more enjoyable towing experience.

ShockDrop™ provides enhanced control in your driving by counteracting the effects of uneven roads. It also helps increase the driver’s control over the vehicle in events of sudden braking and combats the tendency for undesirable trailer sway. ShockDrop™ technology is also a benefit to the life of your vehicle and towing equipment. The cushion isolator reduces the strain of towing on your vehicle’s brakes and suspension system to promote longevity. Compared to other cushion hitch solutions, ShockDrop™ is lighter-weight, putting less stress on your receiver hitch.

For maximum confidence, ShockDrop™ technology is engineered for simplicity. Each product is designed to be virtually maintenance-free. The cushion isolator is thoroughly tested for thousands of cycles, and it won’t wear out like competitive solutions that use an airbag or bearings.

Learn more at: https://www.curtmfg.com/shockdrop