Equipment options that can help avoid parasitic loads
Each of FE’s interviewed battery manufacturers on the topic of parasitic loads were quick to mention the products they offer that will help trucks avoid parasitic load issues. Exide recommends their Road Force AGM 200, which they say has two times better cycling and 40% greater charge acceptance when compared to conventional flooded batteries, for
When it comes to parasitic loads, don’t forget about lighting
Batteries may be the item most affected by hotel and parasitic loads, but they’re far from the only aspect of the truck affected. Spec’ing the proper lights is also crucial to the truck’s electrical stability. Most lighting manufacturers recommend LED lighting as the best option, as it draws significantly less power from the truck; while
Keep the truck running: Fighting parasitic loads
Recruiting and retaining experienced, high-quality drivers is a challenge. The job demands long hours on the road away from family. To keep up with driver demand and support recruitment efforts, many of today’s trucks are decked out with all the latest in technology: GPS; TVs; refrigerators; entertainment systems; you name it. While this is certainly
Five truck trend takeaways from August
1. It’s time to start preparing for GHG Phase 2 “The new standards separate rules for engines and vehicles, an approach that some manufacturers supported while others preferred a single standard. In general, industry reaction was positive.” It’s time to gear up for phase 2 of greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards. The new standards
Allison CEO talks automatic transmissions, expansion into class 8 market
Allison Transmission is one of the biggest names in the automotive industry, but not one that’s often associated with Class 8 trucks. Automatic transmissions like those at Allison simply haven’t had much of a place at the table in a world dominated by manual (and lately, automated manual) transmissions. This is a perception that Allison
Watch: New UPS truck safety features in action
Keeping everyone on the road safe should be a fleet’s No. 1 priority. That’s why UPS trucks will now use the Bendix Wingman Advanced system to improve safety in their vehicles. FE hits the road with the new UPS vehicles to see these new features in action. Fleet Equipment‘s Associate Editor Alex Crissey visited a closed course
Ford begins production of F-650, F-750 trucks in Ohio
Ford Motor Co. has begun production on the new 2016 F-650 and F-750 trucks, marking the first time the F-series trucks have been manufactured in the United States. Ford previously manufactured the trucks in Mexico. Last March, the company announced its intention to move production to its Ohio assembly plant, a $168 million investment that will
Five truck trend takeaways from July
1. The summer months spell trouble for truck tires Rubber on the road, more commonly called “road alligators,” increase dramatically on the nation’s highways during the summer driving season. The majority of the motoring public clearly believes that these road alligators are caused by bad retreads; this is just not accurate. The alligators on the
What’s driving trailer aerodynamic sales?
That’s just one of the questions we asked Jeff Weber, vice president of sales and marketing for Ervin Equipment. Ervin is a Toldeo, Ill.-based seller of used vans and trailers, and has recently expanded internationally, giving Weber a unique perspective on the current state of the industry. Weber says the biggest current trend motivating trailer
UPS adopts innovative safety features for their fleets
UPS, which operates one of the nation’s largest commercial trucking fleets, is making collision mitigation technology standard equipment on on all of its new Class 8 trucks. The company plans on ordering more than 2,600 new Class 8 tractors in 2015 that will feature Bendix accident mitigation technology, which alerts drivers to moving and stationary
Truck orders have peaked, now what? FTR forecasts growth for trucking industry
New truck orders and backlogs have peaked; what now? That’s precisely the question FTR is trying to answer. FTR, a company that uses analytics and history to project the future of the transportation market, held a recent seminar to discuss the future of the truck and trailer industry. Taking a look at the market trends, FTR believes
Kenworth introduces new mid-roof sleeper
Kenworth has introduced the 76-in. mid-roof sleeper, which is now available to be ordered with the company’s Kenworth T680 and T880 models. The new sleeper is built to be optimized for liquid bulk tankers, flatbed haulers, or any drivers that prefer a lighter-weight truck that still maintains the comfort of its high-roof counterpart. Compared to Kenworth’s 76-in. high-roof sleeper, the
