CK Power Knapheide Customer Story

CK Power began in 1976, with roots dating back nearly 90 years – always focused on diesel and gas engines, and power generation. Watch how the business utilizes Knapheide truck bodies to increase their success.

Kargo Master- Cargo Van Equipment

Kargo Master provide the best in truck and commercial van ladder racks, equipment, and accessories. We offer streamlined styling without compromising strength or security.

Learn more at:

http://www.kargomaster.com/

3 Misconceptions about Advanced Composite Truck Body Construction

 

For years, metal construction has dominated the truck body industry conversation. Steel and aluminum have proven to be safe choices as fleets look to deliver in the toughest environments. But where does fiberglass-based composite construction rank in this mix? Frankly, pretty high on the list. These modern day wonders often exceed the performance of steel and aluminum truck bodies in head-to-head comparisons. But the myths surrounding these composites persist. Below we address a few of these.

1) Advanced Composites Can’t Handle the Most Demanding Work

Lack of toughness. Often this comes to the minds of fleet managers when considering composites as an option for purchase. However, this thinking has proven to be unfounded. Why? Because advanced fiberglass-based composites have a unique combination of lightweight construction and high-strength performance. In fact, some of the largest service companies in the U.S. opt for advanced composite service and line bodies. So, ultimately, we are talking about some seriously demanding conditions. Additionally, fiberglass composite trucks are compatible with most crane and aerial applications – again another key test in strength and durability. And advanced fiberglass composite material won’t dent, bend, crack or corrode, even in the worst climate conditions. When you add in the fuel savings received as a result of composites’ light weight construction, these advanced bodies should be considered on the modern fleet manager’s short list.

2) They’re Difficult to Repair

Repairing damaged fiberglass composites may seem to be a difficult task. In reality, this is not the case as composites are far easier to repair than steel or aluminum bodies. With some common tools, most damage can be isolated and repaired with a few key steps. Basic tools required include a buffing wheel, an orbital sander, a putty knife, some industrial tape, a straight edge for smoothing, and a utensil for mixing. In general, when compared to a steel or aluminum bodies, the repair effort is significantly more simple. And with composites, the smaller damaged area can be isolated, cutout and repaired…unlike metal bodies where bent steel or aluminum often requires full section repairs. With some basic body shop work your composite body will show no evidence of repair.

3) Composites are Pricey

Another misconception relates to affordability. Sure, composite bodies are more expensive than steel and aluminum on the front-end. And some might assume that because steel and aluminum bodies require a lower initial investment, that they are more cost effective. This simply isn’t true. A few key factors support the opinion that composites are the smarter investment:

•     The long life of the composite body (averaging 20+ years), and the ability to transfer composite bodies from one chassis to another.
•     Fuel savings from the lightweight design, which can equal up to $1,600 per year for a single truck driven only 25,000 miles.
•     Reduced routine maintenance costs because of the reduced stress forced on brakes, shocks, and suspension components.

A final thought – myths and misconceptions can lead to purchase decisions that might not be the right fit or the smartest financial move for your company or fleet. Know the facts and make the move to advanced fiberglass composites. Because modernizing your fleet can be this simple.

_________

Ben Rookey
Marketing Manager at BrandFX Body Company

Happy Holidays from Lehmers Work Trucks

Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday 
and a Very Happy New Year

Sierra AT4 Powers Up With New Off-Road Performance Package

 

DETROIT — Defining the premium off-road segment, the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 is now available with the all-new Off-Road Performance Package. The Off-Road Performance Package adds factory-installed performance upgrades that bring additional power and purpose to the Sierra AT4.

“The 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 debuted all-new, purposeful technologies for the premium truck segment and the new Off-Road Performance Package takes it a step farther,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “It offers optimized performance, both on- and off-road.”
The Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package includes:

• 6.2L V-8 engine mated to 10-speed automatic transmission.
• 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
• Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System.
• Performance Air Intake.

Thanks to these additions, the AT4 Off-Road Performance Package delivers up to 435 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque — increases of 15 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over a Sierra equipped with a conventional 6.2L V-8 engine. The 6.2L is manufactured at GM’s Tonawanda engine plant in New York and was recently named a Wards 10 Best Engine for 2019.

For 25 years WardsAuto editors have evaluated every all-new or significantly improved engine or electric propulsion system available in production vehicles in the U.S. Vehicles must have a starting MSRP less than $64,000. The editors score eligible vehicles on horsepower, torque, technology, observed fuel economy, relative competitiveness and noise characteristics.

The Off-Road Performance Package’s upgrades build on the Sierra AT4’s distinctive formula of authentic off-road capability, innovative technology and bold design, along with GMC’s premium refinement.

The Sierra AT4 was introduced earlier this year, and content includes:

• Standard 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift.
• Standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential and skid plates.
• Standard off-road-tuned Rancho monotube shock absorbers.
• Standard Hill Descent Control.
• Standard Traction Select System.
• Standard GMC exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate.
• Standard black chrome finish on the fog lamp bezels, fender surround and grille insert.
• Standard body-color grille surround, door handles and bumper.
• Standard exclusive athletic interior trim elements.
• Standard red vertical recovery hooks.
• Available segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display.
• Available segment-first Rear Camera Mirror¹.
• Available GMC-exclusive, industry-first Carbon Fiber Pickup Box².
• A full suite of advanced available safety features including Surround Vision, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking¹.

The Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package has an MSRP (excludes tax) of $4,940 and is on sale now.

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.

Experience DiamondBack: Theft Protection

Check out how DiamondBack Truck Covers provide your bed with theft protection that's second to none. Peace of mind knowing your gear is safe is a great feeling.

Harbor Does Custom BIG TIME!!! - Harbor Truck Body

Warren Mason with Harbor Truck Body shows off a custom Workmaster with all types of LED lighting and space galore. This was made custom per the customers request and specifications. See more at http://www.harbortruck.com

Highway Products Truck Accessories -Military-grade strength, style and function

Highway Products builds a massive range of military-grade aluminum truck accessories. Our products have been engineered and overbuilt for every job, lifestyle and need. Whether you're a contractor, plumber, highway maintenence crew or just a "truck guy," we've got the ulitmate solution just waiting to be put on your truck. Your lifestyle and job commands respect, and our truck accessories will help you earn it.

Learn more at: https://www.highwayproducts.com/collections/truck-accessories/

Introducing Transfer Flow's TRAX 3™ Fuel Monitoring System!

The next generation of Transfer Flow's TRAX auxiliary fuel tank operating system is here! TRAX 3™ is a computer controlled, self-diagnosing fuel monitoring system that transfers fuel from your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank to your main fuel tank. For your peace of mind, the TRAX 3™ computer module constantly monitors fuel levels in both tanks. Now, you’ll always know the percentage of fuel in your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank and main fuel tank!

Electric Powertrains Are the Future. Will Fleets Be Ready?

 

Most readers of Government Fleet are seasoned professionals pursuing careers either in public fleet management or in corporate roles in support of public sector fleets. For a moment, however, put aside your current career history and aspirations and try to remember when you were a younger person, weighing career options and considering just what path to take.

The public fleet industry is on the threshold of a truly cosmic shift, and it’s quite possible that young people today are looking at our industry and questioning those options. We should, as those young people may be doing, consider what this shift will mean when it occurs.

The shift will be toward a predominance of electromotive powertrain technology and away from the internal combustion engine (ICE). Is it true that the demise of the ICE is greatly overstated, or, should we, like those young people still contemplating their career paths, be reading the tea leaves and presume they portend a very different future for us?

LEARN MORE AT: http://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/channel/electric/article/story/2018/03/electric-powertrains-are-the-future-will-fleets-be-ready.aspx

GMC Sierra Denali - 2019

 

2019 SIERRA DENALI         

The 2019 Sierra’s industry-first MultiPro Tailigate offers six functions and positions for enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions.

NEW FOR 2019

• Redesigned from the ground up and larger in almost every dimension, including a longer wheelbase and longer crew cab body that offers about 3 inches more rear legroom than the previous model
• GMC-exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate offers six functions and positions for enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the cargo box
• Segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 15-inch diagonal display
• GMC-exclusive, industry-first CarbonPro carbon fiber cargo box was developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality, while offering best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance
• Segment-first Rear Camera Mirror.  Compared to a traditional inside rearview mirror, this rearview mirror display can function either as a traditional mirror or as a camera screen, helping to eliminate obstructions such as rear seat passengers and head restraints while providing a wider, less obstructed rear field of view
• ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App offers a connected and comprehensive suite of trailering technologies 
• Up to 360 pounds (163k) lighter than the previous model, thanks to a mixed materials approach — including aluminum for the doors, hood and tailgate, with steel for the fenders, roof and standard cargo box
• Fully boxed steel frame that is 88 pounds (40 kg) lighter than its predecessor, while offering 10 percent greater torsional rigidity
• Enhanced front and rear suspensions incorporate new, lightweight components, including composite second-stage leaf springs on the rear suspension
• Denali-exclusive Adaptive Ride control offers premium ride comfort through real-time monitoring of the road and driver inputs, reacting in milliseconds to adjust damping for exceptional body control and ride isolation
• Dynamic Fuel Management featured on Sierra Denali’s V-8 engines expands cylinder-deactivation capability with 17-cylinder activation combinations to optimize performance and efficiency in all driving conditions
• Improved brake system featuring electro-hydraulic power assist, larger-diameter Duralife brake rotors and larger brake pads
• Best-in-class cargo volume, with Sierra Denali’s 5’ 8” box offering 63 cubic feet of volume; most of that volume was created by widening the maximum width of the bed floor nearly seven inches
• Higher-strength standard steel floor: a roll-formed, high-strength steel bed floor featuring a higher-grade steel that is 50-percent stronger than the previous model
• Additional bed functionality with enhanced LED cargo lights, 12 fixed cargo tie-downs rated at 500lbs per corner and larger rear CornerStep openings 
• Expanded roster of active safety features, as well as new HD Rear-Vision Camera, Lane Change Alert with Size Blind Zone Alert and HD Surround Vision
• All-New Traction Select System allows the driver to choose from preset drive modes that have been tailored for different terrain or weather conditions. Selecting one of these modes adjusts Sierra’s transmission shift points, throttle mapping and StabiliTrak to optimize performance for the situation at hand.
• Next-generation GMC Infotainment systems and connectivity

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Sierra Denali is offered exclusively as a crew cab in 2WD and 4WD
• Denali-exclusive exterior elements include a bright, multidimensional grille, chrome exterior accents and body-color bumpers
• New high-intensity LED headlamps that incorporate C-shaped "light blade" signature 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
• Denali-exclusive materials, including premium Forge leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore ash wood trim and dark-finish aluminum décor
• Heated and ventilated perforated leather-appointed front bucket seats and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard
• Premium Bose Audio System standard
• Available Technology Package includes HD Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror and Multi-Color Head-Up Display
• Standard 5.3L V-8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management and an eight-speed automatic transmission
• Available 6.2L V-8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management – the largest and most powerful V-8 engine in the class – paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is available exclusively with 4WD
• Available 3.0L turbo-diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission (late availability)
• Dynamic Fuel Management standard
• Automatic locking rear differential is standard and reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces
• 2-Speed AutoTrac Transfer Case standard on 4WD
• Adaptive Ride Control is standard
• ProGrade Advanced Trailering Package is standard and includes Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Trailering App
• MultiPro Tailgate is standard
• Spray-on bedliner with Denali logo is standard
• GMC Infotainment system with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen and embedded navigation, is standard. System features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility, advanced voice recognition, in-vehicle apps and personalized profiles
• GMC 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot (includes one-month/3GB data trial)
• Remote vehicle starter system is standard
• Keyless Open and Start is standard

SAFETY FEATURES

• Air bags: dual-stage frontal and seat-mounted side impact, driver and front passenger, and roof-rail for all outboard seating positions
• Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control and hill-start assist
• Standard Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Driver Alert Package II is available on and includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, Following Distance Indicator and Safety Alert Seat
• Standard Teen Driver feature and Rear Seat Reminder

The DECKED Brand Product Story

Born in Idaho, made in the USA, DECKED innovates products that make working in and around vehicles more efficient, safer and easier. Our manufacturing partners help us produce the highest quality products on the market right from the heartland of America.

We started thinking about DECKED in 2011, and by 2014 we were shipping our first full bed-length drawer storage systems. With a relentless eye on product quality and customer satisfaction, we are driven by the needs of the working man and woman.

See more at https://decked.com/

Reading Master Mechanic HD Crane Bodies

Master Mechanic™ Series Crane Bodies come in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet your particular project requirements. Built to withstand your industry's toughest environment, models range from nine feet to 14 feet in body length, 60 inches to 120 inches in cab-to-axle chassis and up to 12,000-pound weight capacity.

These Master Mechanic utility bodies offer infinitely adjustable shelving that gives you control over your storage capabilities and a modular design that reduces long-term operating costs having to repair and replace components. The Master Mechanic Series is engineered with a minimum of two horizontal cross-members for a substructure that rivals the strength and stability of any other body on the market.

Crane operator certification deadline

 

A candidate maneuvers the test load through the NCCCO’s service truck crane operator practical exam in Houston in 2013.Photo: NCCCO

“I spoke to the directorate last week  [early October] and they are still confident they can get this final rule out before then,” Graham Brent said in a phone interview in mid October.

“I’ll only say they’ve been pretty confident before and they haven’t managed to meet the deadline,” Brent added.

In fact, the day before the previous deadline of Nov. 10, 2017, OSHA published a notice on the Federal Register that confirmed a long-anticipated extension.

The operator certification requirement was included in an update to OSHA standard for cranes and derricks in construction — called 29 CFR Part 1926 — published in 2010. Most of the provisions went into effect soon after, Brent said.

 Some exclusions apply

The proposed rule excludes cranes of 2,000 pounds capacity or less. “This standard applies to power-operated equipment, when used in construction, that can hoist, lower and horizontally move a suspended load,” the proposed regulations say. They specifically include “service/mechanic trucks with a hoisting device” but also exclude a “mechanic’s truck with a hoisting device when used in activities related to equipment maintenance and repair.”

Since service trucks are used primarily for repairing and maintaining equipment, the certification requirement usually doesn’t apply. However, Brent outlined a scenario where a service truck operator goes to a jobsite expecting to work on an engine and someone else on the site notices the crane and asks the operator to lift some pipe.

“Of course the guy is going to do that,” Brent said. “And that’s construction. So as an employer you want to be completely covered 100 percent of the time. And the way to do that is to have them certified.”

Another grey area is that service truck cranes are also used to hoist propane tanks. The wrinkle is that when a crane merely swaps an empty tank with a full one, that’s considered maintenance. But when a crane installs a propane tank for the first time, that’s regarded as construction.

Propane group seeks exemption
The National Propane Gas Association has called for OSHA to exempt truck-mounted crane delivering propane tanks from the regulations and asked for it to delay the Nov. 10, 2018 deadline. “This certification will cost the industry an estimated $151 million every five years,” said a posting on the association website.

The association even threatened to press the case to President Trump. “With the compliance deadline coming up in November, let’s tell The White House how much this rule impacts our industry so they will intervene with OSHA on our industry’s behalf.”

The NCCCO, in a July 5, 2018 letter to Loren Sweatt, the deputy assistant secretary of labor at OSHA, said it would “reluctantly support” another six month extension to the rule-making process. “We said, frankly, no because it’s taken us so long to get here that we think six months is probably not going to make a whole of difference,” Brent said.

He added that the delay “absolutely has maintained the risk because certification is a risk mitigator.” What’s driving the call for certification is the marketplace, he said, noting that 16 states already have their own crane operator certification requirements and that many job postings for crane operators require certifications.

“So if you’re a crane operator it’s in your own interest frankly to get certified,” Brent said.
The new rule will cover states and territories lacking crane certification requirements and create a “federal floor” that state regulations must meet at a minimum.

1,000 service truck certifications
About five years ago, the service truck industry formed a committee of manufacturers, dealers, users, trainers and others to work with the NCCCO to develop a certification for service truck crane operators. In its first year, the service truck program only certified about 75 operators. But the program has picked up steam and at last count had certified about 1,000 service truck operators, Brent said.

(Another certification body, Crane Institute Certification, has also launched a certification program for service truck crane operators.)

Since the last deadline extension on the regulations, OSHA has proposed removing a provision that required different levels of certification based on lifting capacity, although testing agencies can still do so. That’s a move the NCCCO supports.

OSHA also considered but declined to include an exemption for operators of cranes in the 5,000 to 35,000 pound capacity range. The NCCCO supports that move as well.

“What they said was the same risks are present regardless of the capacity,” Brent said, although he was at a loss to explain why that proposal didn’t also cover cranes from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds capacity.

One area where the NCCCO disagrees with OSHA is a proposal that trainers not be required to be certified operators.

In its response, the NCCCO said that “while certification may not be an appropriate ‘sole’ crit
erion or a sufficient indication of competence as a trainer, it should be regarded as an appropriately necessary condition of establishing such competence and ensuring a ‘baseline’ of knowledge and skills.”

Numbers hard to estimate
Brent said the NCCCO has currently certified about 100,000 crane operators, which he “conservatively” estimated is 80 percent of all the certified operators. But how many others are still to be certified, “frankly, nobody knows,” he said.

“We won’t really know before the whole thing shakes out,” he added. “It’s obviously more than 100,000. Is it 200,000? Probably not actually. We’ve been doing this for 23 years and we’ve been talking about it now as a federal rule for at least 15. We’ve had deadlines come and go but these deadlines have had the effect of focusing people’s attention and getting trained and certified. So we’ve had spurts along the way. I’ve got to think, though, we’re it’s only half way there.”

The rules themselves might even lead to companies having fewer crane operators because firms might decide to reduce the cost of certification and only assign specific people to operate the cranes and assign others who formerly did some crane operating to other duties. Indeed, he cited the example of an unnamed petrochemical company that he recalled doing just that.

“That’s why it’s completely impossible to estimate because as soon as you can get an accurate number right this minute, they will change or probably reduce as a result of the mandatory requirement coming in,” Brent said.
— Keith Norbury

 National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)

Source: Service Truck Magazine 

by Keith Norbury

November 19, 2018

VMAC - The Only Air Compressor Specifically Engineered for Commercial Vans

 

When making purchasing decisions, we’re seeing that commercial van customers are considering TCO over the lifetime of their vehicle. They are prioritizing ease of up-fit and customization options, proven powertrain options, and strong dealer networks. One of the most frustrating up-fit items with commercial
 vans is the air compressor.
Until recently, fleets were limited to two options:

• An electric drive air compressor that takes up too much valuable cargo space, is underpowered, and plainly just not suited for commercial work.
• A gas drive reciprocating air compressor which takes up even more space, is heavy and is known to cause heat damage in the interior of vans. Further, these types of compressors cause safety issues due to exhaust fumes not being properly ventilated, and gas tanks being filled inside the cargo area.

Recently a new type of under the hood air compressor has been designed for these vans. Custom engineered for each engine and van by VMAC, these incredibly compact air compressors are easy to install and have the power to fill a 11R24.5 commercial truck tire in just over 3.5 minutes.

Learn more at:   https://www.vmacair.com/blog/choosing-air-compressor-commercial-van/