Let’s talk heavy-duty truck VMRS codes
The ATA Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC)’s Vehicle Maintenance Report Standards (VMRS) program was started in 1970 with the goal of developing a standard method of communication for everyone involved in the truck maintenance process, from fleets to repair shops to OEMs. Last year, VMRS Codes Committee determined that VMRS needed more flexibility to describe
Let’s talk spring suspension maintenance
Spring suspension manufacturer maintenance recommendations include periodic checks of fastener torque values and usually include an initial re-torque after break-in. While regular preventative maintenance will keep the majority of spring suspensions rolling productively, there may come a time when a spring needs to be replaced. Typically, a broken spring can be identified during a walk-around
Getting more from your ELD solution
With the ELD implementation date behind us and enforcement just around the corner, you’ve probably seen ELDs at work in your fleet over the past several months. Now that you’re comfortable with the logging capabilities, let’s look at some other advantages. The implementation process likely highlighted that there is a lot of information available. With
Watch: Hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks—an explainer
Hydrogen-electric trucks still have a fully electric powertrain—meaning there’s no diesel or gasoline engine. But rather than being powered solely by electric batteries, the electric motor is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which allows the truck to use a smaller, lighter battery. Naturally that invites another question: what is a hydrogen fuel cell, and
Watch FE’s test drives of the newly announced Volvo VNX
Volvo revealed the new VNX truck for heavy-haul applications. Available with up to 605 HP and 2,050 lb./ft. of torque, the truck comes with multiple configurations and a redesigned cab in the style of the Volvo VNL and VNR; you can read more details about the new trucks here. FE Editor Jason Morgan hopped in
Let’s talk truck paints and finishes
Corrosion resistant coatings fight the elements—such as road salt, dust and dirt—that can negatively affect vehicle structural integrity, especially the undercarriage, that lead to expensive repairs and costly downtime. The climates you trucks operate in play a big role in your coating selection. If your trucks experience harsh winters, you’re going to want protection from
Let’s talk heavy-duty truck brake friction
While Air Disc Brake market penetration has pushed into the tractor and trailer segments at approximately 20% (Give or take 5% either way depending on who you talk with), the majority of trucks on the road still use drum brakes. The first major difference between disc and drum brake friction is heat. Disc brakes operate,
Update from the road: Hands on with the Detroit DD8 engine, Peterbilt Model 579 UltraLoft
After a slow January, travel picked up for the FE team in February with two major events: the first was a test drive of Detroit’s new DD8, 7.7-liter engine in sunny Palm Beach Florida. The DD8 offers the following power ratings: The DD8 single turbo offering boasts engine ratings of: • 260 HP, 660 ft./lb.
Let’s talk downspeeding: how it works
Any on-highway truck you spec today will likely employ downspeeding to some degree. Engine downspeeding is enabled through faster axle ratios that allow the engine to maintain a lower RPM—thus saving fuel—while still providing the necessary power to the axle. Axle ratio is written as a ratio, such as 2.16:1. But what does 2.16:1 mean?
Watch: A look at predictive maintenance
The cost of unplanned service for your trucks can add up in a hurry. You may have found yourself thinking: My fleet would be much better off if I could have known in advance that this would happen. That brings us to today’s topic: predictive maintenance.
Let’s talk medium-duty truck tire spec’ing
Medium-duty applications can vary wildly—from pick up and delivery to construction and refuse tasks. The two most important variables to consider are the specific application of the vehicle and weight considerations. Beyond that, gross vehicle weight rating and ride-height requirement, along with durability, traction and climate considerations should all be taken into account. Click here
Watch: Let’s talk trailer telematics
In addition to the location tracking capabilities that immediately spring to mind when thinking of trailer telematics, today’s offerings take advantage of the latest technology to provide deeper trailer analytics. To make informed trailer management decisions you need as much information in as near as real-time as you can get–everything from cargo status, door status
