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