Saving fuel, improving efficiency with lift axles
Lift axles, so named for the attached air bags or springs that lift the axle off the road’s surface when it is not needed, are becoming an increasingly popular option for fleets. Lift axles can be mounted on either the truck or the trailer, and promise fuel and tire savings since the axle is only
How bridge formula laws impact lift axle design
One important aspect affecting the spec’ing of lift axles is the Bridge Formula, which was created by the federal government in order to keep bridges from becoming too overloaded. This federal law states that two or more consecutive axles may not exceed the weight computed by the Bridge Formula even though single axles, tandem axles
Optronics redesigns Fusion LED stop, tail, turn and backup lamp
Optronics International has redesigned its Fusion LED combination stop, tail, turn and backup lamp, making it 25% smaller and including new, optimized, circuitry that hosts both red and white LEDs on a single board, and a patent-pending optical design. The Fusion lamps now employ a more advanced circuit board configuration and LED light projection technology that has
To protect and serve: The value of air ride suspensions
When it comes to specifying the right system, fleets need to rely on the expertise of suppliers. For example, Jim Rushe, program manager of on-highway trailer products at Hendrickson International, says that “Hendrickson has a sales and service network that works directly with the fleet to understand its anticipated cargo and the equipment operating conditions.
Keeping an eye on 2016’s next big thing
Telematics and data-driven truck analytics have come along way since their inception. No longer are they obtuse, mystical systems. Today’s data-powered solutions come with email updates, at-a-glance dashboard reports and more to help fleet managers make split second equipment decisions. But these systems still have some road to cover before it’s considered an equipment necessity.
Roll on, efficiency: Tires and fuel efficiency
Any time we talk about increasing the trailer part of the fuel efficiency equation, the conversation immediately turns to aerodynamics and light-weighting. But let’s not forget that the proposed rule making also mentions low rolling resistance tires and tire pressure systems. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the North American Council for Freight
Optronics expands line of LED backup lamps
Lighting manufacturers Optronics International have announced the expansion of their ONE LED line of single-diode lamps with the introduction of the four-inch round back-up lamp (BUL003CB, pictured right) and the six-inch oval back-up lamp (BUL002CB, pictured above). The company touts the lamps’ competitive price point and long-lasting life. “The advantages of LED vehicle lighting, as well as the shortcomings of
Detroit to produce new medium-duty engines, DT12 AMT in Michigan production facility
Daimler Trucks announced a $375 million investment to enable production of the new DD5 and DD8 medium duty engines at Detroit brand headquarters and manufacturing facility in Redford, Mich. Additionally, Daimler Trucks’ powertrain celebrated the production commencement of its automated manual transmission (AMT), the DT12. With the launch , the company is delivering on the
Matchmaking and downspeeding
Choosing an engine, transmission and axles that are specifically matched to work together for optimum performance is a fast emerging trend. When I say “optimum performance,” I mean maximum fuel efficiency with the right horsepower engines, coupled with an automated manual transmission that shifts at exactly the right RPM, and an axle with the best
One millionth Meritor Tire Inflation System manufactured
Meritor Inc. and Pressure Systems International (PSI) celebrated a milestone on Nov. 4 when the one millionth Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) by PSI rolled off the assembly line in San Antonio. As part of the celebration, 31 different trailers from Meritor’s fleet customers will be equipped with a part from the one millionth MTIS by PSI.
