10/30/17

Fuel your adventures with a fuel tank system from Transfer Flow!


Transfer Flow manufactures aftermarket fuel tank systems for drivers who work hard, play hard, and look forward to their next adventure. When your pickup can tow a 22,000 lb. fifth-wheel across the country without breaking a sweat, don't compromise the quality or performance of your fuel system with a lightweight gravity-fed plastic container. Transfer Flow fuel tanks are manufactured from high-yield 12 and 14 gauge steel hot-dipped in aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance and durability. Choose the tank or tank combination to meet your driving goals and business needs: Replacement tanks, auxiliary tanks in the bed of your pick-up, refueling tanks, or toolbox and fuel tank combinations. With more than 275,000 tanks sold, Transfer Flow is the premier supplier of fuel tank systems in the world. See our entire line of fuel tank systems here: http://www.transferflow.com

10/26/17

VMAC G30 SOLVES COMMON AIR COMPRESSOR CHALLENGES

Common Air Compressor Challenges


To celebrate the recent launch of the VMAC G30 Gas Engine Driven Air Compressor, now powered by Honda, VMAC ran a G30 Giveaway Contest. (Watch the video on our Facebook page!) In this contest we asked entrants to answer three simple questions. One of these questions asked fleet managers and operators what their top challenges with their current truck-mounted air compressors are. Here are the results:

Common Air Compressor Challenges

With seven options to choose from, the top three results were size, air output and weight, accounting for almost 60% of the responses. The VMAC G30 was designed and engineered to address the concerns fleet managers and operators have with their current equipment.

SIZE

VMAC G30 Gas Drive Air CompressorAir compressor size was the number one challenge our survey identified. The VMAC G30 is 50% smaller* than other competitive air compressors, measuring just 34” (l) x 21.5” (w) x 24” (h), making it small enough to fit on the side pack of a single rear wheel service body. The compact size frees up to 15 cubic feet on the truck body, and leaves more room in the back of the truck for supplies, tools, and equipment. Another bonus is that visibility is improved, as the short height of the G30 means it won’t obstruct the view in the rear window.

VMAC G30 Gas Drive Air Compressor

AIR OUTPUT

Not only is the G30 compact, it is also powerful—50% more powerful* than other competitive air compressors. Producing 30 CFM 100% of the time, the G30 can operate at 100% duty cycle, which means you won’t have to wait for air to build, and you can work without interruption, thanks to continuous air supply. The G30 doesn’t need a large air receiver tank either, which aids in the size challenge.

WEIGHT

Weight challenges are minimized with the VMAC G30, which weighs 50% less* than other competitive air compressors. Weighing just 205 lbs (93 kg), the G30 is over 200 lbs lighter. Not only does every pound of GVW count when building a truck service body, especially because vehicle weight restrictions vary by state, but the Environmental Protection Agency reports that for every 100 lbs of weight reduction, a vehicle’s fuel economy can increase by up to 2%. This means that with 200lbs less weight, the VMAC G30 can save you up to 4% in truck fuel costs.

*Compared to competing 22 to 30 CFM reciprocating gas engine driven air compressors, with 30-gallon air receiver tank.

OPERATING IN COLD TEMPERATURES

Respondents in Canada and the Northeast and Midwestern states noted operating air compressors in cold temperatures to be particularly challenging. To ensure the air compressor can operate in extreme cold, a cold climate kit can be installed on the G30. The G30 with cold climate kit is proven to start-up at temperatures of -30°C (-22°F).**

**Due diligence and additional care may be required for prolonged operation in temperatures reaching below -15°C (5°F).

TRANSFERABILITY

The VMAC G30’s lightweight and compact design makes it easier to transfer than heavier air compressors weighing over 400 lbs. The lifting hook makes for easy installation on the service truck as well.

MAINTENANCE

The VMAC G30 is easy to maintain, with servicing recommended every 200 hours or every 6 months. The compressor is oil injected; oil forms a seal between the rotors so they don’t wear against each other. The G30 compressor doesn’t contain any gears, reed-valves, piston rings, or components that will fatigue or become fouled, which means with proper servicing and operation, the compressor should never require rebuilding. The G30 comes with a VMAC Lifetime Limited Warranty, and the reliable Honda GX390 engine comes with a 3-year warranty (limited).

OPERATING IN HOT TEMPERATURES

Operating air compressors in hot temperatures was a concern for some operators and fleet managers, predominately those located in areas like Texas, Virginia, Arizona, and California. The G30 is proven to operate at temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) and is protected by a compressor oil temperature switch that opens at 140°C (284°F) and shuts down and disables the engine until the oil temperature drops below 139°C (282°F).

MINIMIZE CHALLENGES WITH THE VMAC G30

Each of these seven challenges can be addressed with upgrading your air compressor to the VMAC G30 Gas Engine Driven Air Compressor. Not only is it 50% smaller, 50% lighter, and 50% more powerful, but it is also proven to operate in the most extreme climates. It’s also easy to transfer and maintain, allowing you to spend your time on the job, not struggling with your equipment.

Learn more about the VMAC G30, or find a dealer. You can also find a VMAC Sales Rep—they’ll be happy to answer your questions, and provide you with a demo of the air compressor, so you can see the G30 in action for yourself.

10/24/17

BEDSLIDE BEDBIN Accessories


Take a closer look at the BEDSLIDE accessories. See how the BEDBINS work with everyday items and why they are a great addition to your BEDSLIDE.

10/22/17

Mechanics Trucks // Knapheide-NTEA 2017


Utilized for many vocations, the Knapheide Mechanics Truck line is sure to provide you with the solution you need – no matter what your job may be. (Featuring our KMS16 and KMT1 Mechanics Truck bodies)

10/20/17

Knapheide Expansion // Summer 2017 // Time-lapse


Our expansion is moving along quickly! Watch as the walls are built for our new 188,000-square-foot facility in Quincy, Illinois. We look forward to bringing more jobs to the area and growing our product lines.

10/18/17

Exxpand Axxessories: Lift Flap


Easily access items stored on the floor area by lifting the front of this secure storage space up and out of the way without having to shift items located on the floor in front of it.

10/16/17

Overview of the BedSlide S Truck Bed Drawer Slide for Pickup Trucks


We upload hundreds of AD FREE videos to help make your rack shopping easy...we want to make your PURCHASE easy too! Use this link to CHECKOUT fast: http://www.rackoutfitters.com/

10/14/17

Ford Spray-In-Bed Liners: A Truck Bed Reborn | Accessories | Ford



Ford truck spray-in bed liners provide a permanent bond to the truck bed with a watertight seal, and are easy to clean. Dealers can now also order the spray-in liner as an option included with a Ford truck, reducing wait time between initial purchase and the bed upgrade, providing customers the strongest products.

Ford Original Accessories will be warranted for whichever provides you the greater benefit: 24 months/unlimited mileage of the remainder of your bumper-to-bumper 3-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty. See dealer for warranty details.

10/12/17

Get Ready For Future Trucks That Trouble-shoot Themselves

In the future, equipment is expected to troubleshoot itself 
without human intervention.

iStock_Bombaert818

Thanks to advances in technology, as well as an increasing emphasis on operations efficiency and wise resource use, the role of equipment fleet managers across all industries has changed quite a bit in recent years.

Expect even more changes in the future, says Jim Schug, a principal and engagement manager for FMI Corporation.

Schug, who is also a certified equipment manager and the program lead for the Certification Institute, cites “adapting to technology, innovation, and the new workforce” as three big changes that have occurred in fleet management over the last few years. All fleet management professionals — no matter their industry or the type of equipment managed — need to prepare themselves for more changes on the horizon, he says.

“All vehicles are adapting across the industry,” says Schug, who participated in a panel discussion at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas this March on the future of equipment management.

Jim Schug
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime.” Jim Schug, principal and engagement manager, FMI Corporation

“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime,” says Schug, whose company is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices in Denver, Tampa, Phoenix and Houston. “In the future, trucks will be connected and serve as a tracking center; and they will likely evolve out of needing field repairs and emergency calls.”

Need to adapt to changes
Given this move toward automation and advanced technology, fleet equipment — including service trucks —will become much more sophisticated and provide “near perfect information” on how they operate, he predicts. Therefore, he says, companies will only remain competitive in the future if they can do the following: have the best, most “fit” equipment to perform the job; eliminate equipment downtime; and demonstrate the ability to sustain ongoing operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And much of this will rest on the shoulders of fleet management leadership and their ability to adapt to industry changes, Schug argues.

“This future is a big shift from where we are today and puts more pressure on the equipment manager to lead what happens in the field, so the intensity and importance of the role increases,” says Schug, who has a bachelor of science degree in quantitative economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master of science in engineering management from the University of Missouri. “If equipment managers are not already sitting at the leadership table today they should be … and I certainly believe they will be in five years.”

Whether playing catch-up or preparing for more changes, fleet managers should take proactive steps to better position themselves (and their companies) for what lies ahead, he says.

“Learn how to collect data and enter it into an efficient system that helps inform when making difficult decisions,” says Schug, who acknowledges many people already use maintenance management systems in their decision-making.

However, he advises fleet managers to think beyond simply collecting and entering data. On that note, he emphasizes how the gathering, harvesting and analyzing of data by fleet managers can help their CEOs make good decisions.

Recognize data’s value
“You need to recognize how valuable that data is to your lifecycle costs and current operations. Equipment data will drive operations in the future,” says Schug, whose company provides management consulting and investment banking services to various industries including construction and engineering.

Given the importance of data in fleet management, Schug says it is critical for fleet managers to “stay engaged” and “plugged-in” when it comes to industry associations and vendors. By doing so, fleet managers can keep abreast of new technologies, products and/or practices, all of which can benefit their overall fleet management efforts.

“You do not want your firm to fall behind the innovation curve. At the same time, we are seeing strategy evolve from a ‘gut feel’ to a more data-driven approach,” Schug says.

According to Schug, though, a data-driven strategy in fleet management is more of a “shared understanding” developed and refined through the experiences of employees serving customers in the field.

“CEOs seldom innovate effectively,” Schug says. “The field and front-line management is the source of all great innovations; and they will be what leads our industry forward. Great firms recognize this and harness it in the development and execution of their strategy.”

Mark Yontz is a freelance writer from Urbandale, Iowa.

Source: http://www.servicetruckmagazine.com/get-ready-for-future-trucks-that-trouble-shoot-themselves/


10/10/17

Super Organized Work - Van Tour


Here is a look inside my work van. The walls and shelving or all made out of three-quarter plywood.

10/08/17

NEW BENCHMARK OF SUCCESS: NEW FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY LIMITED SETS BAR FOR LUXURY, TECHNOLOGY

The F-450 Limited delivers technology and comfort previously reserved only in premium flagship sedans, and it’s capable enough to tow more than 30,000 pounds.


  • Ford again establishes new top end for trucks with the new Super Duty Limited, specially tailored for high-end heavy-duty truck customers – from boat captains to captains of industry
  • Custom touches – inside and out – come standard on Limited, along with Super Duty capability and smart tech
  • Ford continues offering a heavy-duty pickup truck for every customer –  from the work-ready F-250 XL starting at $32,890 to this top-of-the-line F-450 Limited
DALLAS, Sept. 28, 2017 – Ford – America’s truck leader – today pulls the wraps off a new F-Series Super Duty Limited that sets new luxury standards for high-end heavy-duty truckers.

With pricing at $87,100, the F-450 Limited delivers technology and comfort previously reserved only in premium flagship sedans, and it’s capable enough to tow more than 30,000 pounds – about the weight of a stealthy Air Force F-35 fighter plane.

“The Super Duty lineup is a win for all of our customers, from successful ranchers to contractors to RV owners,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Super Duty Limited is the most luxurious and advanced heavy-duty pickup truck ever created by Ford for those accomplished buyers with an appetite for the high life and the hard-earned dollars to match.”
Starting MSRPs (including $1,295 destination; taxes and fees not included) are:

  • F-250 Super Duty Limited 4x4                      $80,835
  • F-350 Super Duty Limited 4x4                      $82,010
  • F-450 Super Duty Limited 4x4                      $87,100

Customers who check every option box can top one out for as much as $94,455.

What’s the point?

“There are heavy-duty truck customers who need Super Duty-level capability and want true luxury,” Eckert said. “We created this new truck to answer the call for even more premium choices in the Super Duty range as we see more and more truck customers trending to more premium models.”

More than 50 percent of the Super Duty lineup’s retail sales this year are high-end models – including Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum series. Limited goes even further.

“Imagine opening the door to your humidor and sinking into your favorite leather lounge chair – that’s the sensation new Super Duty Limited inspires,” said Ford design manager Aileen Barraza.

Custom Camelback two-tone leather seats, premium stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, armrests and instrument panel, Miko® suede headliner, hand-finished dark ash wood trim and special badging set the interior apart. Outside, a special twin-bar satin grille with chrome accents, quad-beam LED lights and satin-finished tailgate appliqué are Limited’s unique calling cards. Each Limited also has a dedicated serial number laser-etched on the center console armrest.

Most Super Duty tech ever

Beyond the handcrafting, Super Duty Limited comes standard with advanced and innovative features to get the job done on ranches, in marinas and everywhere in between. This includes:

  • Class-exclusive high-definition 360-degree camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance
  • Class-exclusive SYNC® 3
  • Class-exclusive BLIS® with trailer coverage
  • Class-exclusive adaptive cruise control
  • Class-exclusive adaptive steering
  • Lane-keeping alert
  • Forward collision warning with brake support
  • Class-exclusive flat rear load floor with fold-up locking storage
  • Class-exclusive quad-beam LED headlamps
  • Full panoramic moonroof with retractable shade
  • Heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated rear seats
  • Leather-trimmed, heated steering wheel
  • Is Ford backing away from heavy-duty truck buyers with fewer greenbacks? No way!

Ford has a heavy-duty pickup truck for every customer – from work-ready F-250 XL starting at $32,890 to this top-of-the-line F-450 Limited.

Super Duty Limited Crew Cab arrives this winter with Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8 across F-250, F-350 and F-450 single- or dual-rear-wheel configurations.

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, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 203,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

10/06/17

Adrian Steel - New Composite Partition


Your mobile office just got more comfortable with an Adrian Steel composite partition. Sound deadening reduces driver distractions, climate control shortens idle time, and generous leg room helps ensure that you have the space you need to enjoy the ride. Learn more @ http://upfit.adriansteel.com/composit...

10/04/17

DiamondBack: The First 15


"The First 15" documents the early years of DiamondBack, from 2002-2017. Birthed in ENGR 407, an engineering entrepreneurial class at Penn State University, DiamondBack got its start because of a classroom project which grew from a garage operation into an American corporation.

10/02/17

Protexx Partition


Learn about the benefits of our ABS plastic Protexx Partitions from noise reduction, efficiency, functionality, and more.