3/30/19

NEW! Knapheide Upfit Guides Enable Customers to Spec their Truck Bodies

Platform Body Upfit Guide
Create the Ultimate Heavy Hauling Work Truck

Truck Upfit Guide


When it comes to hauling bulk materials, a platform body (or flatbed) is the ultimate solution. With ample platform space, numerous opportunities for tie-down integration, and varying sizes and configurations to match applications large and small, a platform body is a versatile addition to your fleet.

Determine your work environment and truck needs.

Depending on how you’ll use it, there’s more to a platform body than deciding how big or robust it needs to be. There are different types of platforms, ranging from varying sizes of basic hauling platforms to fully-contented, vocation-specific bodies containing integrated storage, material racks or sides.

Follow this to the Platform Guide:

https://www.knapheide.com/platform-body-upfit-guide?utm_campaign=apb-push-email-2-201902&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eloqua&utm_content=truck-compatibility&elqTrackId=f69a93612f3a46feb33db8dde17fd0bc&elq=cde85ce9882f455db0553b89b97a17a4&elqaid=1023&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=490

3/28/19

Commercial BEDSLIDE at the NTEA Work Truck Show


See how the BEDSLIDE is the perfect solution for commercial fleet needs. Video from the 2019 NTEA Work Truck show

3/26/19

4-Wheel Drive Systems | Ford How-To | Ford


This helpful video will explain how your 4WD system works and how to switch between modes using the Electronic Shift on the Fly feature on your truck. Learn more about being a Ford Owner here: http://ford.to/FordOwner

3/24/19

Why spring cleaning is not merely a household task: your fleet will be thankful

Why spring cleaning is not merely a household task: your fleet will be thankful

It seems, on the calendar at least, that spring 2019 will soon be here. And, as often happens, the longer the days become, the more prone we feel to change, to renew habits and to get started with the annual ritual of spring-cleaning.

It might seem to you that this task is just a household tradition with origins in a long forgotten religious custom, but the general idea can still be applied to fleet management. With this post we want you to consider spring cleaning from the fleet manager’s perspective and we’d also like to offer you a few ideas along those lines—this is the perfect opportunity to tackle aspects of your fleet that might require a bit of sprucing-up...

#1 – Spring-cleaning (literally). You probably have a process already in place whereby you have your vehicles washed and cleaned on a regular basis, though in winter they are more likely to suffer from the weather. A clean vehicle runs better, is treated better, and represents your company image better. If you haven’t done so, organize a plan to get all of your vehicles thoroughly cleaned with the help of your team. Have them check also that nothing unnecessary is stored inside the vehicle as it does not just demonstrate untidiness, but can become a hazard when the vehicle is driven.

#2 – Tidying up. Take advantage of the spring-cleaning spirit to tackle any small repair that might be needed. If there is any small thing that needs to be tidied up in the depot or in your workshop or office, then now is the time to address it. You might even find some Marie Kondo-like inspiration is good for your business in general. We don’t want to be too obsessive, but when you have a tidy, clean space, your mind functions better. When we say small repair... we are not actually referring to your vehicles, as you should already have some sort of process for regular checks that shouldn’t ignore a defect, even if minimal, for the purposes of safety and compliance.

#3 – Paperwork and spring-cleaning. This is slightly off the general theme but still related to spring-cleaning. If you are among those who rely on paper-based vehicle checks, we are not about to tell you to throw them away—you should always keep records safe for compliance purposes—but why not have a look at different methods than those which simply attract dust or use up too much physical space? If you are stuck with an ever-growing pile of paperwork, then the time has probably come to consider digital walk-around checks, and you are more than welcome to give our trial program a go.

#4 – The spring-cleaning attitude. There is nothing as dangerous as claiming that just because you have always done things in a certain way, you should continue to do so. If you want to expand your business, you should welcome innovation and outside-the-box thinking. If you are looking into new ways of doing things but have never been brave enough, or told yourself you never had the time to look into alternative methods, why not take this opportunity to tap into the very spirit of spring-cleaning by clearing out some of the stale old practices holding your business back. And if you need any pointers, we are more than happy to help.

 Source: https://www.transpoco.com/blog/why-spring-cleaning-is-not-merely-a-household-task-your-fleet-will-be-thankful?utm_campaign=SynX%20Blog&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=70863457&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_hFRvpkZb73F6c-u-yAr2xcsEatBWfRJuoDQtJtyWAbYSUQLfxdgPeLCvCaaXDggtX8DpU4ayaHwfLy0Om2aKSYVqe0Q&_hsmi=70863457

3/20/19

Knapheide Work Truck Show // NTEA 2019


This year at the 2019 Work Truck Show, we introduced new chassis, new Knapheide bodies and new options. Watch to learn more!

3/18/19

Signs of truck tire wear: What to look for and what to do next


tire-damage-generic

Managing your tire program requires looking for signs of wear or damage and properly maintaining your vehicle to help avoid issues so you get the maximum return on your investment. The development of irregular tire wear is very common on trucks of all types. Some of the common causes include alignment issues, under-inflation, overloading, suspension system issues, hub and drum non-uniformity or run out, anti-lock braking system malfunctions and improper installation.

Visual tire inspections are also very important. Drivers should look for damage to a tire’s tread and sidewall area. Tires with bulges or cuts in the sidewall should be carefully inspected and even taken out of service if necessary. Tires used in delivery or urban settings with curbs and other potential obstacles should be carefully inspected each day.

Be certain to look at the inside dual tire and between duals for rocks and other debris that can cause trouble. It is also important to inspect tires regularly for signs of uneven wear. Check for cupping or other uneven wear by running your hand over the tread and look for uneven wear on the tire edges. Edge wear and lower tread in the center of the tire can be signs of under- or over-inflation.

Cooper Tire recommends that tires are serviced by qualified and properly trained service personnel who can identify tire issues that indicate the need to remove them from service. A key resource is TMC Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide, a comprehensive guide which identifies more than 100 wear conditions and out-of-service conditions and indicates the necessary actions needed. This includes when to remove a tire from service and when it can be repaired. It also includes photos and causes of different types of irregular wear, which are categorized by steer, drive and trailer positions.
Steer tires, especially in long-haul service where the rate of wear is low, tend to be susceptible to river wear or erosion wear, a wavy channel along rib edges followed by major tread voids. This wear is circumferential, meaning that it starts at the edges of ribs and gradually progresses all the way around the tire on the sides of the tread ribs. Another common issue on steer tires is accelerated shoulder wear. This may be the result of too much or too little toe-in setting.


On drive tires, the most common type of irregular wear is heel/toe wear, which causes the lugs to develop a saw-tooth pattern. This tends to be most pronounced in high torque applications. In addition, drive tires in long haul applications may also develop fast wear on the inboard shoulder which can lead to earlier removal than might have been necessary otherwise. Rotating tires among the drive positions can help to minimize the effect. Another issue to be aware of is fast center wear, which can be a sign that tires are over-inflated for the load they are carrying.

SOURCE: https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/truck-tire-wear-what-to-look-for-do-next/?eid=341566122&bid=2392091

3/14/19

Illinois Stories Knapheide New Plant WQEC TV PBS Quincy



The Knapheide Manufacturing Company in Quincy has been going strong for 170 years & is still looking towards the future. They have recently completed construction of a new aluminum truck bed manufacturing & assembly plant with an eye toward further global development. Come see the new plant & hear from the Knapheide family themselves about their history & their future in this episode

3/12/19

RazerLift: Powered and Automated - Van Roof Cargo Management System



The patented RazerLift is a revolutionary new cargo management system for today’s taller work vans and trucks. Fully powered and automated, the RazerLift provides chest-level access to vehicle roof-top cargo with the push of a button. The 150lb cargo capacity, and virtually limitless cargo flexibility, make the RazerLift the premier cargo management system for today’s safety-conscious fleets.

 Find out more: www.RazerLift.com

3/10/19

Knapheide Customer Story: Roman Pools



Rob Roman, owner/operator of Roman Pools and Spas, constantly evolves his business to remain at the top of the industry. Whether his job takes him to an emergency service call or a ground up pool build, Rob relies on his Knapheide service truck to get things done.

3/08/19

2019 Ford F-150 Walkaround | F-150 | Ford


Dhani Jones, a former professional athlete and current entrepreneur, presents the new 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum with available 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 Engine, remote tailgate release, and SYNC 3 with Waze integration.*

**Requires available SYNC 3 AppLink®. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls. Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smartphone and home technology. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos and marks are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. or its affiliates.

3/06/19

The Complete Process: Aluminum Truck Bodies from Knapheide



Our new aluminum truck bodies feature a no compromise design, underwent rigorous testing and are constructed using cutting-edge manufacturing. We took customer first, collaboration and continuous improvement to a whole new level.

3/02/19

Green Truck Summit at the 2019 Work Truck Show

When and where

Tuesday, March 5
JW Marriott Indianapolis
8:30 a.m.–5 p. m.

Green Truck Summit & Fleet Technical Congress Conference & Trade Show Package registrants have the opportunity to attend March 5 general sessions for both events as well as Work Truck Show concurrent sessions on March 5–7.

Learn more at:  http://www.worktruckshow.com/greentrucksummit