Diagnosing tire-related vibration complaints
Given the ongoing driver shortage, it is important to keep your current drivers happy. When drivers complain about vibration issues with their vehicles, it is imperative to troubleshoot and solve the problem quickly. Truck ride complaints can be initiated by many different vehicle conditions. In addition to tire and wheel assembly issues, vehicle components such
Chevrolet introduces 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6600HD
Chevrolet has introduced 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6600HD trucks, the first Silverado Class 4, 5 and 6 chassis cab trucks Chevrolet has offered. The Silverado will be available in 2WD and 4WD and will be powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine with 350 horsepower and 700 lb.-ft. of torque and Allison transmissions with
XL Hybrids unveils hybrid-electric upfitted Ford F-250
XL Hybrids, Inc. is beginning production of hybrid-electric F-250 Super Duty pickup trucks this month, the company announced. This will be the first time that Ford F-250 trucks can be ordered by fleet customers with hybrid-electric technology. According to the company, upfitting the 2018 Ford F-250 with the XLH hybrid electric system can lead to as
January was the second-strongest month ever for truck orders
As anticipated by the preliminary numbers, North American Class 8 orders hit near-record levels in January, reaching 49,100-plus units according to the final numbers from ACT Research. This represented a 121% year-over-year growth, and is the second-best level ever to be hit since truck orders started being tracked, losing out only to March 2006. According
Run on Less report: ‘10 MPG does happen in the real world’
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) released an in-depth report on the Run on Less fuel efficiency roadshow, demonstrating high miles per gallon using currently available technology. The reports provides analysis of key data from the three-week event, from which four key conclusions are drawn: • 10 MPG does happen in the real world;
Michelin introduces aerodynamic trailer solution, new all-weather drive tire
Michelin North America launched a SmartWay-verified aerodynamic trailer solution kit. The Michelin Energy Guard is for use on 53-ft dry-van truck load, refrigerated truck load and other long-haul and super-regional applications. In addition, Michelin Americas Truck Tires is introducing the Michelin X One Line Grip D drive tire for fleets looking to maximize driver confidence
Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. take aim at fleet tire positions with new Cooper brand truck tires
Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. announced the launch of Cooper brand truck and bus radial (TBR) tires at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition. Cooper TBR tires have been developed for fleets to reduce their overall tire program costs and are offered in three series based on application –
A tale of two axles: Dana launches a new Spicer tandem axle, single drive axle
Dana Inc. announced the launch of two new Spicer axles: The D172 series heavy-duty tandem axle for construction, heavy-haul, and severe-service applications; and the Spicer S172 series single drive axle for Class 7 and 8 vehicles. Both announcements were made at the 2018 Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition. Click
Answering four of the biggest fleet tire questions
With tires being the second-largest fleet maintenance cost next to fuel, fleet managers need to keep a close watch on how their tires are performing. Maximizing tire removal mileage, minimizing tire related roadside service calls, keeping tires properly inflated to improve fuel economy and keeping the casing in excellent condition to improve retreadability are all
How to identify and repair an issue with a spring suspension
Durability is one of trailer spring suspensions’ claims to fame, with spring suspensions often outlasting the life of the trailer. That’s not to say it’s a “spec it and forget it” component. On the contrary, according to Collin Parker, engineering project manager for Hutchens Industries, the number one reason for premature spring suspension failures is
