1/31/21

Ask An Expert - Towing and Hauling Tips with Mark Hellwig


Hellwig Suspension Products CEO, Mark Hellwig has been in the load and sway control business his whole life. Over the years he has learned a few things about towing and hauling.

Mark shares a few tips and pieces of advice for proper and safe towing and hauling in this video.

1/27/21

BEDSLIDE Adventure Packing


If anyone knows adventure, it's the Days. From @somedayadventure and @somedayilllearn. We got a first hand look at how they get set for travel and adventure.

1/25/21

HOW SAFETY INSIGHTS CAN HELP CITIES LIKE WINDSOR IMPROVE THEIR STREETS


By Callahan Coplai, Safety Insights Lead, Ford Motor Company

The Ford connection to the City of Windsor stretches back more than a century, ever since Henry Ford opened his first Canadian operation in 1904 and started production of the Model C. That cross-border collaboration has never ceased – and now we’re taking that relationship to the next level in an attempt to help reduce car crashes and improve the safety of city streets.

Last October, we officially launched the Safety Insights platform, an innovative software tool that can help governments with their mission to build smarter, safe transportation systems. Now, we’re proud to announce that Windsor has become our first Canadian customer.

What is Safety Insights? Safety Insights is an award-winning, web-based tool that provides transportation engineers and planners with a comprehensive view of traffic safety in their communities, equipped with features that help them plan in a more proactive way to help save time, money, and most importantly, lives. Safety Insights identifies hotspots where crashes occur often to help cities determine how to make those areas safe.

Click here to read the rest on Medium.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) 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 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

1/22/21

Protect Your Transmission - Boss Snowplows


Transmission damage is 1 of the most common problems that occur while plowing. 
The following steps can help prevent transmission damage.

Ways to Protect Your Truck Transmission
• Do not plow in overdrive unless your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual recommends it.
• Plan your plow pattern so that you drive forward as much as possible.
• Come to a complete stop before shifting from forward to reverse.
• Wait until the transmission engages before accelerating.
• Accelerate slowly, allowing the tires to grip the road surface for better traction. Avoid spinning the
tires.
• Start driving forward before lowering the plow for a pass.
• Whenever possible, back into a cleared area.
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• If you have a manual transmission, avoid riding the clutch while plowing.
• Change the transmission fluid before and during the plowing season. If the fluid has a burnt
smell, change the fluid as soon as possible.
• You can install an inline transmission heat gauge to monitor the temperature in your transmission.
If it reaches 121°C (250°F), let the vehicle idle until the fluid cools.

Read more »

1/20/21

Find the Right Van Accessories for Your Work Van

Find your Work Van with the Most Useful Van Accessories

An Upfit Package with Ranger Design


Getting the most from your work van is easy when you choose the right van accessories to help you become more organized and efficient. Good truck and van accessories will always pay for themselves by allowing you to maximize your cargo space and productivity, while also keeping your most expensive equipment protected.
With so many van accessories to choose from, the best way to find which ones work for you is to take some time to consider your needs. All tradesmen work differently, and every trade has their own basic tools. Make a list of all the equipment that you use daily. Consider ladders, large and small parts, and inventory. With a list in hand, you’ll be able to visualize your needs and determine which of the van accessories below will be the most beneficial.

Van Accessories for Organization:

Paper holdersbottle holders and reel holders are designed to increase organization by giving you a specific spot to store your equipment. Instead of rolling loose on the floor, your bottles and reels can be fastened down and within easy reach from the door. As for your paperwork and files, keep them all together in a paper holder where they won’t get ripped or crumpled.
Partskeepers are a great way to keep your smallest parts together and secured. With small, dividable bins, they offer a great storage system to take with you onto the job site. Sturdy yet lightweight, you can never have too many Partskeepers for your tools.
Storage bins are available in several sizes, and can be accessorized with bin dividers. These are ideal for holding items and inventory so you can find what you need quickly and easily. Like the Partskeepers, if you have many items to carry with you on the job, then these bins are the ideal solution.
Hooks come in several different styles and can be used to organize tools and equipment near the van doors to be most effective. Hard hat holders can keep frequently used hats within easy reach and safely stowed while on the road.

Van Accessories for Driver Comfort & Safety:

Lighting keeps the cargo space bright, making it easy to find your tools, no matter what time of day or night. It also eliminates any chance of receiving cuts and bruises when searching through your tools in the dark.
Rear Steps are extremely beneficial for tradesmen with high roof vans. Climbing in and out several times a day can put quite a strain on your legs and back, especially when carrying heavy items at the same time. The steps also provide a rugged grip in the winter, so there is no fear of slipping when getting in or out.
Grab Handles, like the rear steps, are designed to provide you with easier access into your van. Whether installed in a high roof of low roof work van, it is always useful to have something to hold onto. It can also be used to tie down additional cargo for safe transportation.
Flettner vents help protect you from any gasses/vapors or smells that may build up in the cargo area of your vehicle. It helps reduce heat build-up and allows moisture to escape should any materials or tools be stored while they are still wet. It is a simple way to stay healthy while working.
For more products to enhance driver comfort and safety, check out our Safety Equipment blog.
Van Accessories for Vehicle Security:
Lockable Doors and Drawers provide two advantages. They can better protect your inventory and tools by keeping them in one place on the rougher roads. Also, they can deter thieves and protect valuable tools while you’re on the job and your work van is left unattended.
Wire grills for your windows can also protect you against theft as well as prevent damage to the van during loading or unloading. They are an easy install and such a simple product that just might help save you a lot of money in the future.
Seat Covers help keep your work van seats clean and in good condition. Instead of getting dirt and grease on your seats and staining them permanently, use custom-fit covers that can be easily removed and washed. Come time to sell your vehicle, you will be grateful you kept them in such good condition.
Learn other simple tricks to help Safeguard Your Work Van Against Tool Theft.
Consider the demands of your trade and your needs, and invest in the van accessories that will pay for themselves with the time and money they save.

For more info call us today at (800) 565-5321, contact a product specialist or request a quote.
Learn more at: https://rangerdesign.com

1/19/21

FORD LAUNCHES 2021 F-150 WITH NEW LIFESTYLE CAMPAIGN FEATURING ‘CLUB QUARANTINE’ DJ D-NICE


Tough is not just working harder, it's working smarter. Introducing the all-new 2021 Ford F-150, built with smart capabilities to work it out from front to back. Learn more about the Ford F-150 here: http://ford.to/3bie1W9

1/17/21

The WARN Truck and SUV Winch Lineup


Learn about the WARN truck and SUV winch lineup and find which model is right for your rig.

1/15/21

1/12/21

Past, the Present, and Innovating the Future - UnderCover




UnderCover executives discuss humble beginnings to the recent release of the Elite and how UnderCover has revolutionized the tonneau cover industry. From the Classic black textured cover to our SE, FLEX, and LUX painted-to-match lids, we believe we have incorporated every feature YOU, the consumer, have asked for in YOUR truck bed cover moving into the future.

1/11/21

TRUCK CUSTOMERS MAKE F-SERIES AMERICA’S BEST-SELLING PICKUP FOR 44 STRAIGHT YEARS; FORD BRAND ACHIEVES 11 STRAIGHT YEARS AS AMERICA’S BEST-SELLING BRAND; FORD EXPLORER CLAIMS TOP SPOT IN 2020; LUXURY CUSTOMERS PROPEL LINCOLN SUVS TO HIGHEST SALES IN 17 YEARS


 

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 6, 2021 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today reported its fourth quarter 2020 U.S. sales results. Click here or visit media.ford.com to view the news release.

 About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) 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 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

1/09/21

Detroit Tested | Tested. Proven. Safe | CURT MFG


CURT’s engineering and testing facility, located just outside of Detroit, MI plays a large role in the production of the highest-quality towing products on the market today.

From conventional trailer hitches to 5th wheel hitches to ball mounts, each product is tested in-house. Our Wixom testing facility gives us the opportunity to test each and every product to the most stringent standards. CURT performs a variety of tests, including fatigue, weight carrying and weight distribution. We also have capabilities to do real-time, on-vehicle, three-axis testing, similar to the European CARLOS.TC test. Every hitch that goes through CURT’s testing facility passes SAE J684, J2638, or J647 protocols.

State-of-the-art testing abilities ensures we provide a superior, well-designed product that works right the first time. This concept extends beyond trailer hitches. CURT uses industry-leading equipment to design, refine, and develop its electrical products using thermal test chambers, insulation testers, and load-pull testing for terminals and connectors.

These processes ensure product safety and reliability above and beyond what typical after-market products go through.

For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products.'

1/07/21

A.R.E. Z Series Truck Cap: secure & weather-proof - Consumer Review


Truck owner, sportsman and A.R.E. brand enthusiast, Ryan Dechaine, shares why the features of the Z series truck cap work well for his lifestyle.

The Z Series Truck Cap is engineered to provide the best fit and finish possible. The truck accessory's styling, frameless doors and windows and attention to details make the Z-Series Truck Cap the perfect choice for any truck. The product also offers room for storage and accessories along with optional keyless entry system.

1/05/21

Finish Strong | Ford


  • Ford will launch #FinishStrong, a public call to action initiative starting Jan. 1, encouraging Americans to pull together and keep acting to protect each other until COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available; health officials estimate doing so could save 50,000* lives in the months ahead 
  • Award-winning filmmaker Peter Berg created the program launch message, which debuts during the Citrus Bowl on ABC and the Peach, Rose and Sugar Bowls on ESPN and during Fox NFL games on Jan. 3
  • #FinishStrong is the latest effort by Ford to support those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford has been a leader in COVID mitigation efforts since April and one of the first manufacturers to pivot toward making personal protective equipment (PPE). To date, Ford has made 55 million masks and will hit 100 million masks for donations by mid-2021
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 31, 2020 – As Americans welcome 2021, Ford is kicking off a new initiative to encourage people to come together, protect each other and help save lives in the months ahead until COVID-19 vaccines become more widely distributed.

“We’re in this together and Ford’s goal since the pandemic started has been to try to help save lives,” said Kumar Galhotra, president, Americas & International Markets Group. “While many are weary from the challenges 2020 has thrown at us, now is the time for us to pull together, protect each other and finish strong until COVID-19 vaccines arrive more broadly. Lives are on the line.”

If more Americans embraced COVID mitigation protocols, such as wearing masks, 50,000 or more lives could be saved between now and the end of March when vaccines are more readily available, according to officials at the IHME, University of Washington’s School of Medicine*.

The cornerstone of Ford’s public call to action is a 30-second commercial  – #FinishStrong – which was created by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Berg, known for “Friday Night Lights,” “Patriots Day,” and “Lone Survivor.” The spot is narrated by award-winning actor Bryan Cranston.

Berg and Ford approached the storytelling as an appeal to Americans’ shared sense of patriotism and what’s right – rather than preaching at people or using fear as a motivator. Woven within the video are brief portraits of front-line workers and people affected by COVID, like survivor John Williams, 68, from Kansas City, who beat COVID-19 after 20 days on and off a ventilator. He’s shown leaving the hospital in his wheelchair as doctors and nurses line the halls to cheer him on.

According to Berg, it was critical to show the strength and spirit of the country in troubled times – and to offer inspiration to Americans to stay vigilant about protecting themselves and others.

“The COVID pandemic has tested us all in ways we could not have imagined a year ago,” Berg said. “People are weary, beat down, and it would be easy to let our guard down now. But we have to keep fighting for each other; we’re almost there. As we enter 2021, we wanted to help inspire Americans to come together and save lives until the vaccines arrive in numbers. We need to finish strong. We got this.”

The #FinishStrong initiative is the latest effort by Ford to support those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford has been a leader in COVID mitigation efforts since April and one of the first manufacturers to pivot toward making personal protective equipment (PPE). To date, Ford has manufactured 55 million masks and will hit 100 million masks for donations by mid-2021.

The company, in partnership with the UAW, has produced tens of millions of pieces of

personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet the strong demand. These include:
  • 20 million face shields
  • 50,000 patient ventilators
  • More than 32,000 powered air-purifying respirators in collaboration with 3M
  • 1.4 million washable isolation gowns
Throughout its 117-year history, Ford has stepped up in moments of global crisis: creating Iron Lungs in the polio epidemic and leading the Arsenal of Democracy in WWII. Ford’s latest effort builds on the company’s support for those affected by the pandemic – from creating programs allowing customers to defer car payments to transforming its plants to make ventilators.

In collaboration with the UAW and Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford also has donated more than 50 million face masks to nonprofit organizations, state and local officials, first responders, schools and underserved communities in all 50 states. The next round of masks, including masks for children, will be available on Jan. 12 in six states across the eastern U.S., from New York to Virginia at local Ford dealers. Details are available at FordFund.org.

“At Ford, serving people is a long-held tradition,” says Galhotra. “We’re proud to earn our customers’ trust – and we’ll always step up when people need us.”

#   #  #

 *Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine

 About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) 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 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

1/02/21

2021 Ford F-600 offers medium-duty benefits in smaller frame


According to Ford Motor Co., fleet and commercial customers can now manage larger upfits, carry more equipment and tow heavier loads with the Model Year 2021 Ford F-600 than they can with any other Super Duty chassis cab its size. Customers will also get the added capability of standard power takeoff provision on both the class-exclusive gasoline and available diesel powertrains.

Slotted between F-550 Super Duty and F-650 Pro Loader Medium Duty truck, F-600 has the familiar size, interior and controls of an F-550, with a step-up height that’s only 3 millimeters higher. F-600 uses higher-capacity wheels and tires, upgraded driveshaft mounts, an upgraded rear axle, more robust brake rotor materials and strategically placed frame reinforcements behind the cab to deliver Class 6 capability in a compact Class 5 package.

With the available 6.7-liter V8 Power Stroke diesel engine, F-600 delivers gooseneck towing capacity of 34,500 pounds and a maximum GCWR of 43,000 pounds. The third-generation diesel features enormous low-rpm output to get truly heavy loads underway, with 330 hp and 825 lb.-ft. of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm. As a result, customers can equip their F-600 with heavier bodies and equipment like telescopic cranes, and can tow larger loads so nothing has to get left behind.

“For years, many of our utility, towing and oil/gas service fleet customers have specced all the possible upgrades on their F-550 chassis cabs to avoid having to step up to a traditional Class 6 truck, but they’ve still pushed the limits of what a Class 5 truck can do,” said Nathan Oscarson, Ford commercial truck brand manager. “Now those fleets are moving into F-600 to get the increased payload and GCWR they’ve needed all along in a truck that fits.”

As F-600 enters its second year of production, the Ford TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission comes with a 10-bolt design live drive power takeoff (PTO) provision standard on both the 7.3-liter V8 gasoline and 6.7-liter V8 diesel powertrains. The power takeoff provision works with aftermarket power takeoff units to drive auxiliary equipment anytime the engine is running, either in stationary or mobile mode at any vehicle speed. In stationary mode, it is rated to handle up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque. F-600 equipped with the diesel engine offers split-shaft PTO capability that makes it possible to run two pieces of auxiliary equipment at the same time when the vehicle is stopped.

Learn more at: https://www.fleetowner.com/resource-center/hd-pickup-van/press-release/21150784/2021-ford-f600-offers-medium-duty-benefits-in-smaller-frame?utm_source=FR+FO+Heavy+Duty+Pickup+%26+Van&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS201218025&o_eid=1481J5028834F5F&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C1481J5028834F5F&oly_enc_id=1481J5028834F5F


Harbor Truck Bodies: The Industry Innovation Leader!


Allen Wrench says Harbor is the best at understanding that you need to use the right tool at the right time in the right vehicle. That’s why Harbor is the leader in “industry-first” innovations dedicated to making your job easier and more productive. To explore more, click on the learn more button.

As America’s premier manufacturer of service and platform bodies (and now van interiors), we enjoy a long history of “industry-first” design innovations dedicated to making your job easier and more productive.

Our bodies are loaded with more industry-first innovations than any other company in the industry. Some examples are:

  • Stainless Steel Pop-Top Lids that are self-opening with the pull of a single lever (plus, they are impervious to the elements);
  • Modern Gas Shock door stays on all vertical doors;
  • Use of Teflon Glides on our telescoping Cargo Bed Enclosures (instead of roller bearings that irritatingly seize up) that glide open with the push of a single finger;
  • Push-Button Locks with a visible red band on the door lock telling you your door is not secured…if the red band shows, push in the button. Now your tools are secure;
  • Bumper step depth is 8 inches minimum and deep enough to give your boot a firm purchase on the bumper without slipping off. This makes for easy access to tools or materials from the bed area or rack. Hard to say why no one thought of this before! By the way, these bumpers are made of formed channel and are the heaviest duty in the industry!
  • These are but a few examples of Harbor’s industry-first inventions that many other companies have now adopted.
It All Starts Here!

It’s thanks to our engineering team that Harbor is able to always deliver the best quality products to our customers. They have a combined total experience of over 50 years, which lets them tackle any challenge head on. They even hold patents for some of Harbor’s best innovations. With an arsenal of modern technology, they are always on the cutting edge of the industry.


  • Harbor Truck Bodies, Inc.
    255 Voyager Avenue
    Brea, CA 92821
  • (800) 433-9452 Office
  • (714) 996-0695 Sales

1/01/21

Detroit Tested | Tested. Proven. Safe | CURT MFG


CURT’s engineering and testing facility, located just outside of Detroit, MI plays a large role in the production of the highest-quality towing products on the market today.

From conventional trailer hitches to 5th wheel hitches to ball mounts, each product is tested in-house. Our Wixom testing facility gives us the opportunity to test each and every product to the most stringent standards. CURT performs a variety of tests, including fatigue, weight carrying and weight distribution. We also have capabilities to do real-time, on-vehicle, three-axis testing, similar to the European CARLOS.TC test. Every hitch that goes through CURT’s testing facility passes SAE J684, J2638, or J647 protocols.

State-of-the-art testing abilities ensures we provide a superior, well-designed product that works right the first time. This concept extends beyond trailer hitches. CURT uses industry-leading equipment to design, refine, and develop its electrical products using thermal test chambers, insulation testers, and load-pull testing for terminals and connectors.

These processes ensure product safety and reliability above and beyond what typical after-market products go through.

For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products.'