The Unicell Servicell II

Unicell keeping true to its “One Piece Fiberglass Body” has created a 12′ single rear wheel Service Van Body for you called the “Servicell”. We took our very popular “Aerocell CW” and turned it into a fantastic service body! The combination of the strong one piece fiberglass shell, smooth gel coat exterior, and robust exterior compartments makes this body a perfect fit for your trade!

Learn more at: https://www.unicell.com/van-bodies/the-servicell-ii/

Fort Wayne Assembly "Box Swap"

Fort Wayne Assembly

General Motors spent $4 million at its Fort Wayne Assembly facility to implement a system called "Box Swap," and retained 3,300 jobs at the plant in the process. The "Box Swap" enables the paint shop to accommodate the extra length of an extended cab pickup with an eight-foot box. The system works by swapping the six-foot box from a regular cab with the eight-foot box from the extended cab, painting the trucks, then swapping the boxes back. The plant builds more than 1,400 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full size pickup trucks each day.

(Photo by Shane Pequignot for General Motors)

2019 GMC Sierra Denali Arriving at Dealerships

 Bold design, segment-leading technologies 

and premium amenities define Sierra Denali

 

DETROIT — The all-new 2019 Sierra set the new benchmark for capability, refinement and innovation when introduced earlier this year. Now, the GMC Sierra Denali is arriving at dealerships and strengthening GMC’s position as the preeminent brand for premium truck buyers.

Denali is the flagship of the next-generation Sierra lineup, distinguished by iconic design cues and segment-leading technologies. It leads a broader, bolder range of precisely engineered trucks, including new AT4 and Elevation models1, developed for the segment’s most discerning customers.

“GMC ignited the premium truck market 17 years ago with the launch of the Sierra Denali and the next-generation model sets a new standard with unparalleled advancements and exclusive design,” said Rich Latek, marketing director of GMC. “It offers more upscale appointments, purposeful technologies and capability - solidifying Denali as the ultimate in professional grade.”

Along with its bold design and premium features, the next-generation Sierra Denali ups the ante in the segment with exclusive ride and handling and performance technologies designed to deliver a seamless balance of comfort, control and capability. They include new Adaptive Ride Control and the most powerful V-8 engine available in the class.

The new Sierra Denali is offered as a crew cab, with nearly 3 inches of additional rear-seat legroom compared to the previous model. That roomier cabin is trimmed with Denali-exclusive materials, including premium Forge leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor.

The 2019 Sierra Denali affirms its position as the most premium Sierra ever, with segment-leading technologies and exclusive features, including:

    GMC Exclusive, Industry-first MultiPro Tailgate is the most innovative pickup tailgate ever, with six unique functions and positions offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the box.
    GMC Exclusive, Industry-first Carbon Fiber Pickup Box2. The CarbonPro offers best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance.
    All-new ProGrade Trailering System with in-vehicle Trailering App offers a connected comprehensive suite of trailering technology that brings more confidence to the towing experience.
    Segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 3 x 7-inch display to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.
    Segment-first Rear Camera Mirror gives the driver the option of using a traditional inside rearview mirror or a rearview camera mirror display that provides a wider, unobstructed view that can help overcome common visual obstructions such as occupants or cargo. This next-generation system features the ability for zoom and vertical tilt adjustment.  

Additional 2019 Sierra Denali highlights (standard and available features) include:

    Denali-exclusive exterior elements, including a bright, multidimensional grille, chrome exterior accents and body-color bumpers.
    New high-intensity LED headlamps that incorporate C-shaped "light blade" lighting elements, LED fog lamps and C-shaped LED elements within the taillights.
    20-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with 22-inch wheels available.
    Integrated dual exhaust with bright polished outlets standard.
    Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seat and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard.
    GMC Premium Infotainment System with 8-inch-diagonal HD color touchscreen, embedded navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility.
    Customizable profiles, saved with each driver’s settings and presets and stored in the cloud, can be accessed and used in other compatible 2019 GMCs.

Ride and Handling Delivers Confidence
Sierra Denali’s exclusive Adaptive Ride Control offers premium ride comfort with better road isolation and control than ever. Through real-time monitoring of the road and driver inputs while accelerating, cornering, braking and trailering, the system’s active dampers can be individually adjusted every 2 milliseconds, based on sensor feedback.

The all-new Traction Select System allows drivers to choose from preset available drive modes that have been tailored for different terrain or weather conditions. It adjusts Sierra’s transmission shift points, throttle mapping and StabiliTrak to optimize performance for the situation. The system also reacts with the Adaptive Ride Control in Sierra Denali to further enhance the driving experience and refine the ride.

The available Traction Select system modes are:

    Tour: The default mode of operation at every start-up, Tour is designed to deliver the right blend of refinement and efficiency for everyday use.
    Sport: The transmission is eager to downshift in order to keep the engine in its peak powerband. Power steering assist is slightly reduced, making the steering feel more direct, communicative and sporty.
    Snow: Available only on two-wheel-drive Sierras, Snow Mode optimizes  Sierra’s driveline for driving in wintry weather. In addition to leveraging Sierra’s standard Traction Control and StabiliTrak stability control systems, Snow Mode also provides a slower, less sensitive accelerator pedal calibration.
    Off-Road: Designed for use for higher-speed driving on non-paved surfaces, Off-Road mode incorporates the same accelerator calibration as Snow Mode, giving the driver precise throttle control. Also incorporates unique StabiliTrak and traction control calibrations that allow for a little more wheelslip than on dry surfaces, in order to help carry momentum — important on gravel or in muddy situations.
    Tow/Haul: Modifies the transmission calibration so that shift points are higher, allowing the engine to deliver peak power. It also initiates downshifts earlier in order to leverage engine braking and reduce wear on brake components. Tow/Haul also engages Grade Braking functionality so that on long, downhill stretches, a light touch of the brake pedal can initiate a downshift to slow the vehicle more efficiently.

The Autotrac 2-Speed Transfer Case, standard on Sierra Denali, offers a mechanical low range to provide amplified torque at low speeds — ideal for use on severe off-road terrain, slippery boat launches and in other low-traction situations.

Next-generation Sierra models, including the Denali, also feature a new electro-hydraulic power brake boost system rather than a conventional vacuum-assist system, for strong, smooth and consistent brake pedal feel when the bed is loaded or when trailering. The four-wheel disc brake system also features larger-diameter  Duralife brake rotors and larger brake pads to support its performance capability.

Segment’s most-powerful V-8 engine
The 2019 Sierra Denali’s available 6.2L V-8 engine is the segment’s largest displacement engine and most powerful, rated at an SAE-certified at 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm). It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) debuts with the engine, offering industry-first cylinder deactivation technology that enables it to operate in 17 different patterns between two and eight cylinders, depending on demand, to optimize power delivery and efficiency.

Sierra Denalis equipped with the optional 6.2L V-8 include a 10-speed automatic transmission designed to improve shift quality. It incorporates a new centrifugal pendulum absorber torque converter that reduces vibrations to improve smoothness, particularly during cylinder deactivation events.

Advanced connectivity
An 8-inch-diagonal GMC Premium Infotainment System with a high-resolution color touchscreen and embedded navigation that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android phone projection compatibility3 is standard for the Sierra Denali. Also standard is a seven-speaker Bose® Premium Sound System with Richbass® Woofer in the center console. The infotainment system also features advanced personalization features, enhanced voice recognition functionality and offers downloadable in-vehicle apps, including Spotify, USA Today and FOX Sports.

Simple and easy to use, an all-new in-vehicle Trailering App utilizes sensors and cameras to help ease the process of towing in all stages: during hitching and setup, on the road and when responding to potential hazards. Features of the in-vehicle Trailering App include customized trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists, assistance while checking external lights and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System (additional equipment and installation required) while offering an industry-first smartphone companion app for compatible devices.

1 Late availability
2 Limited availability later in model year
3 Registered trademarks of Apple and Android

About GMC
With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali sub-brand representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @gmc or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

Exxpand Boxxes: T-Boxx

Learn about the advantages of utilizing an Exxpand T-Boxx for parts storage in your work vehicle.

Quick Guide To Industry Acronyms

 

Understanding the many industry acronyms and terms can be overwhelming. This quick guide can get you up to speed on some of the most important terms and meanings.

GVW – Gross Vehicle Weight
This is the total weight of the truck, including all passengers, drivers, cargo, accessories, fuel, and fluid in the engine at any point in time. It is important that this measurement does not go over the GVWR, or it can be a safety hazard.

GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
This is the maximum total vehicle weight that is safe for the truck, established by the chassis manufacturer. The weight of the truck, any cargo, and passengers including the driver, as well as any fuel and fluid in the engine is included in the rating. Chassis manufacturers will most often set the GVWR lower than the combined axle ratings (the total amount of weight an individual axle can carry). This is due to the chassis manufacturer’s internal safety standards for durability, stability, and handling, as well as SAE International test protocols.

GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating
Everything that moves with the vehicle is included in the GCWR. The weight of the truck, any cargo, passengers including the driver, any fluid or fuel in the truck, as well as the weight of the trailer and the trailer’s cargo is included. Exceeding the GCWR can cause a safety hazard.

Payload
The cargo carrying capacity of a vehicle is the payload. It is calculated by subtracting the vehicles’ weight including passengers and the driver from the GVWR. Exceeding the Payload capacity can cause damage to your suspension, chassis, frame, tires, and many other parts of the truck.

CA – Cab to Axle
The cab-to-axle measurement is the distance from the back of the truck cab to the center of the rear axle. Clear CA or effective CA is the distance from the rear surface of any obstruction behind the cab to the center of the rear axle. If you have a tandem axle truck, then it is measured to the midpoint between the two rear axles. This measurement can help you determine the length of the body that can be mounted on the chassis.

Wheelbase
The wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear axles. When the truck has more than two axels, it is the distance between the steering axle and the center point of the driving axle group. This can affect body installation, weight distribution, and truck performance.

SRW – Single Rear Wheel
A single rear wheel refers to a chassis that has one wheel on each side of the rear axle. Single Rear wheels make for smoother driving without cargo, as well as easier driving in cities, suburbs, and highways. These trucks are more affordable to purchase outright, and have better fuel economy. A single rear wheel has less towing capability than a dual rear wheel, and less stability when towing in windy conditions.

DRW – Dual Rear Wheel
A dual rear wheel refers to a chassis that has two wheels on each side of the rear axle. This feature is a must if you are towing large payloads, or driving through rough terrain. It adds stability to your truck which increases safety for your divers and cargo. Having a dual rear wheel will allow the driver to safely get off the road in the case of a tire blowing out. Trucks with a dual rear wheel can be difficult to maneuver in cities, where parking and tight streets can be challenging. This feature can also reduce the truck’s mpg, especially in cities, and increase maintenance costs, because there are at least two extra tires to replace or rotate.

CDL – Commercial Driver’s License
The vehicle’s GVWR is one of the factors that will effect whether the diver needs a CDL. If the truck has a GVWR, and GVW of 26,000 lbs. or lower, the driver does not need a CDL.

Class A
A Class A license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more. This includes towing a trailer weighing over 10,000 lbs. which makes the vehicle and trailer rating over 26,001 lbs.

Class B
A Class B license is required to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR or 26,001 lbs. or more, and/or a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier that is towing another vehicle weighting up to 10,000 lbs.

Class C
A Class C license is required if the vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria for either Class A or B and it is meant to transport either: 16 or more passengers including the driver or hazardous material.

Original Source: NTEA Truck Equipment Glossary


Blog Source: https://www.knapheide.com/news/blog/2018/08/quick-guide-to-industry-acronyms

About the 2018 SEMA Show

 

The SEMA Show takes place October 30 - November 2, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 2017 SEMA Show drew more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 3,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more…

Note: The SEMA Show is a trade-only event and not open to the general public. 

Learn more at:  https://www.semashow.com/the-sema-show

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4: First Look

For more on the 2018 New York Auto Show visit https://www.cars.com/news/auto-show/

Cars.com's Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com's advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

GoLight Product Information Video

This is a product video of GoLight, Inc. GoLight creates industry leading lighting solutions for recreation, military, automotive, and more.

TRANSFER FLOW - INCREASE YOUR CAPACITY FOR FUEL AND PROFITS!

A Transfer Flow fuel tank installed on your work truck allows you to spend less time at the fuel pump and more time on the job. Increased capacity gives you the option to shop for the best fuel prices, and save money by purchasing more fuel at one time.

With almost 35 years of engineering and manufacturing fuel tank systems, some of the biggest and best companies trust Transfer Flow for their fuel system needs. To increase the driving range on one vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, we have the manufacturing capabilities and product diversity to help you grow your business.

Increase your capacity for fuel and profits by contacting us at 800-826-5776 or visit our website at transferflow.com.

Transfer Flow – we fuel YOUR success!

5 Tire Tips For A Safer Work Truck

 

Tires withstand severe environments throughout their life on a work truck. Holding up to heavy loads and traveling on a multitude of surfaces are common for work truck tires. Most of us give the tires on our work truck little thought until they are in need of replacement. While this strategy may have worked for you in the past, neglecting to regularly check the condition of your tires will eventually catch up to you and leave you stranded on the side of the road. If your truck is down, your work is down. Utilize these tips to keep your work truck off the shoulder.

1. Tread Depth

Check tread depth often utilizing the penny test (a minimum of 2/32” of tread left on the tire). Most make the mistake of checking one spot on each tire, to ensure even wear check at least three spots on each tire.
2. Tire Pressure

Keep a tire pressure gauge in each work truck and check the pressure regularly. Keep the tire pressure within the vehicle’s recommended PSI range.
3. Cracks, Checks & More

Check for cracks, punctures, tears, bulges, bumps or tread separation. If you come across any exposed strands of metal or fabric, take the truck out of the field and have the tire(s) replaced as soon as possible.
4. Alignment

Keep proper alignment of your work truck tires. If they are improperly aligned it will result in premature wear and tear on the tires.
5. Overloading

Don’t overload! Your work truck (and tires) are only rated to handle so much weight. Overloading can create a recipe for disaster on not just your tires but your entire vehicle.


Source: https://www.knapheide.com/news/blog/2018/05/5-tire-tips-for-a-safer-work-truck

Highway Products | Warehouse Walkthrough

Highway Products, Inc. was founded in 1980 and we have been fabricating aluminum ever since. We back all of our products with a Lifetime Warranty.

The 6 1/2 FT Short Bed Service Body by Harbor Truck Bodies

Many do not know, so we will let it out: Harbor Truck Bodies builds a 6.5' short bed service body and it looks great on the truck. Call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452 and visit the website at www.htbi.net.

INVOLVE YOUR TECHS WITH SPEC'ING WORK TRUCKS

 

Many business owners or fleet and equipment managers cringe when the time comes to purchase new work trucks. When you don’t work out of the vehicle that is being purchased, it can be a challenge to understand the daily application and requirements. Incorrectly “spec’ing” the vehicle translates into lost ROI, safety issues and unhappy techs.

Many companies choose one extreme or the other when it comes to input from the techs that actually use the vehicle. Either the techs get little to no input on the new work trucks or the company leaves it up to the techs entirely. The best approach, for both the company and techs, is to establish a collaborative process. One that values the perspective of the technicians while taking into account the position and direction of the company. Read on to discover how.
On the side of technicians...

The work truck is the mobile office of the technician. It can also serve as the shop, break area and more. Regardless if they are HVAC techs, plumbers, or electricians, they all depend on their work truck on a daily basis. With the next work truck purchase approaching, be sure to gather this information from the techs to ensure it is set up to be efficient and safe.

•     Thoroughly understand what is stored on the vehicle. Are there a lot of hand tools that can be found quicker if a set of mechanics drawers are provided? Do they carry a lot of hardware or small parts that warrant parts bins. Does any larger equipment (think ladders) or materials (think pipes) eat up too much space in the bed? If the tech spends 15 minutes on every jobsite just trying to locate and retrieve what they need on the vehicle, it is time to increase organization which will lead to better efficiency.
•     Are there repetitive motions being performed that put the tech at risk of injury while on the job? For instance, are they stepping up and down on a tall bumper or lifting heavy components or equipment in and out of the bed? Items like cable steps mounted to the bumper or collapsable cargo area cranes can alleviate these dangerous repetitive motions. Without asking, you may never uncover these issues.
•     While creature comforts in the cab may seem like just convenience to you, for the tech they may make the difference between happy on the job and feeling appreciated or hating to go to work every day. These can be as small as power windows or as big as remote start.
•     Last, but certainly not least, are safety and security. Is the tech having rear visibility issues when reversing on a jobsite or attempting to hook up to a trailer? Are their tools and equipment commonly stolen when working in high-theft areas? Investing in rear vision cameras and enhanced security options can make a huge difference in the safety and security of the work truck.

On the side of business owners and fleet/equipment managers…

While work trucks can be a major expense, business owners and fleet managers also realize work trucks are a major contributor to revenue. However, with all businesses there are budgets to maintain. No one understands the position of the company better than a business owner or fleet manager. Be sure to take the following items into account prior to the next work truck purchases.

•     The jobs that are being done today may change dramatically a few years down the road, depending on the growth and direction of the company and the industry. Many companies will keep work trucks in service for a long period, some for 10 years or more. Keep this in mind as the work trucks may need to transition along with the business.
•     Cost will always be a major limiting factor with work truck purchases. While the techs may want the Cadillac, that can’t always be the outcome. Maximize the value by creating the best work truck possible with the money that has been allocated.
•     Maintenance costs can drain the ROI directly out of a work truck. Spec a work truck that has a solid reputation of reliability and performance. Sometimes, the best place to obtain this info is from other business owners or fleet managers.

Remember, take into account both sides of the coin in order to produce the best possible work truck.

Source:  https://www.knapheide.com/news/blog/2018/05/involve-your-techs-with-specing-work-trucks

Aluminum Truck Bodies - Testing - Knapheide

Knapheide testing of the Aluminum Truck Bodies

The Pickup Pack™ by Highway Products

The North American International Auto Show is moving, although not from its physical location in downtown Detroit. Rather, it's moving down the calendar by five months.

While the 2019 NAIAS — also known as the Detroit auto show — will happen in January, the 2020 show will forgo winter and set up shop in and around the Cobo Center in June.

The move will allow one of the country's premiere auto shows to highlight Detroit's downtown assets and present an auto show that resembles an indoor/outdoor festival and dream car cruise. The Detroit Auto Dealers Association, the show organizer, said opportunities for consumer engagement will be endless. Exhibitors will be able to give media members and showgoers the opportunity to actually drive new cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers in newly designed interactive vehicle displays. Ride and drives, autonomous/automated driving, off-road challenges and more are all on the table.

The 2019 show and schedule will be similar to years past, with Jan. 14-15 being press preview days and the public show running Jan 19-27. The show will then take 17 months off to prepare for the all-new 2020 show. The Detroit auto show has seen a declining number of automakers participating due to timing, cost and audience turnout. Time will tell whether this reinvention will attract the big auto debuts that once were a hallmark of the show before it had to compete with the November Los Angeles Auto Show and the January Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Read more from the source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/07/detroit-auto-show-trades-winter-for-summer.html#more