Truck Parts Suppliers and Component Services
Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar available

The 2014 Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar featuring 12 heavy-duty trucks against a scenery backdrop from the Tomah, Wisc., area is now available for sale. The cover photo on the new calendar is a 2012 Peterbilt 389 driven by Bill Rethwisch taken at the U.S. 16 Bridge in La Crosse, Wisc. Rethwisch’s Best of Show winning

Shell Rotella calendar
Coxreels introduces hose strain relief kit, re-engineers fluid path for 1195 Series reels

The Coxreels Hose Strain Relief Kit protects hose fittings and connections from potential damage by providing strain relief when the hose is fully extended on the reel. In use, the clamp takes on the force from an over-extended hose and protects fittings and connections at the riser. With the kit, the hose remains secured against

Coxreels Hose Relief
AutoSock Alternative Traction Device approaches nationwide approval

AutoSock, an Alternative Traction Device (ATD) for commercial vehicles, has now been approved for use in 45 U.S. states where chain requirements are in effect and others where formal approval is not required as long as the ATD does not cause damage to the road surface. AutoSock is currently in the process of obtaining approval

AutoSock Alternative Traction Device
Idle Smart ensures cold weather starts

The provider of a patented idle reduction solution designed to save fuel for fleets and drivers, has announced Cold Weather Guard, a feature that helps prevent issues with starting a truck after long idle periods in cold temperatures. With Cold Weather Guard, Idle Smart customers have the ability to have the truck start at a

PlastiKote introduces Metal Flake Paint

For fleets that want to give vehicles a multidimensional metallic look, Valspar is offering its PlastiKote Metal Flake Paint. “This paint is ideal for those who want to use a metallic finish that will really stand out,” said Katie Whiting, product manager, aerosols for Valspar. “Easy to apply, quick to dry and clean to use,

PlastiKote Metal Flake Paint
NTN releases new differential kits

The addition of 30 new product families of Bower differential kits for Eaton, Mack, Meritor and Dana Class 8 axles has been announced by NTN. Each kit contains the axle-specific Bower components to perform a complete repair for the application. NTN’s new differential kit families include: • Mack: NDK117, NDK117A, NDK212F, NDK212R, NDK500, NDK501, NDK503, NDK506

NTN-Bower wheel end bearings for pre-adjusted hub applications
Puradyn releases new website

Updated with new user-friendly navigation, a redesigned online presentation of product and service offerings is now available from Puradyn Filter Technologies Inc. Site improvements include Online Warranty Registration, a simplified Distributor & Manufacturer’s Rep Locator, a Search the Site function, and social media buttons for Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+. Be sure to

PuraDyn debuts new website
Seven steps to properly prep fifth wheels for coupling

The following steps are recommended by SAF-Holland for preping your fifth wheel for coupling. However, the company recommend that you follow your specific fifth wheel manufacturer’s instructions. 1. Prior to coupling, you must inspect the fifth wheel and mounting. Perform and verify the following: Tighten loose fasteners; Replace missing fasteners; Repair/replace missing, cracked, or otherwise

SAF Holland Preping Fifth Wheel
Can’t we just be objective?

Can’t we just be objective? Okay, so I’m a scientist. That means I’m trained to deal in facts—not just “meadow muffins,” as a famous TV colonel used to say. The corn-based ethanol industry is in a dither. A leaked draft of the EPA’s suggested renewable fuel standard (RFS) volumes for 2014 showed a continuation of

Fuels and lubes column
Tire “remanufacturing” pays dividends

“We were ‘green’ before it was cool,” proclaimed Randy Hanson, technical training manager, training and development, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions at its training center located within Bridgestone Americas’ LaVergne, Tenn., manufacturing facility. A 13-year veteran with Bandag, Hanson served as a field service rep become assuming the important and influential training role. With the genuine passion

Tire remanufacturing pays dividends
Rolling as part of a system

Recently, while discussing radial truck tire performance with several seasoned industry veterans, a valid and useful point was raised. Several decades ago, many truck tire problems used to be finally diagnosed as simply that “tire problems.” This is less the case in recent years. Tire performance is best understood and more expediently diagnosed when considered

Rolling as a part of a system
Stay cool: Refrigerated trailers and bodies

The thermal efficiency of any refrigerated truck body or trailer is a direct result of materials used and construction techniques. At Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies, for example, a sandwich construction process for the company’s Blizzard, Guardian, Majestic and Cadet models includes using seamless exterior fiberglass panels and seamless interior liners called ArcticTherm, steel tubes and

Great Dane