The Best 50 Products of 2001
50 Nifty Fifty
Heavy Duty Trucking's Nifty Fifty awards showcase our editors' picks of the best new product introductions of 2001.
The 50 winners were selected from hundreds of new-product articles appearing in the magazine during 2001.
Products were judged on their usefulness to the truck operator in terms of innovation, serviceability and performance.
Ultra-Low Profile Single
Michelin's X-One is an entirely new concept in a wide-based truck tire. Intended to replace a dual pair with a single tire, it offers significantly improved fuel economy and ride quality, up to 1,000 pounds weight savings on a tractor-trailer and improved traction and handling. The tire is sized to comply with legal requirements for tread width. It also has the same rolling radius as a low-profile dual pair, so if a replacement is unavailable should one fail <\m> a less likely proposition than with a dual pair <\m> the X-One can be substituted by a conventional wheel and tire pair.
No-Vibration Tandem
A raised rear pinion significantly reduces the angularity in the inter-axle driveshaft for lower driveline vibration on the Dana DST40 tandem. The raised pinion also makes possible installation on trailing-arm tandem suspensions with a constantly canceling angle. This reduces driveline vibration throughout the range of suspension deflection. It also makes it possible to install axles with a very small cancellation angle, eliminating the need to consider the "broken-back" configuration. The new tandem also requires only 25deg yokes instead of the more expensive 45deg yokes.
Airtek Front Suspension
The unusual-looking Hendrickson Airtek front suspension offers the opportunity for an air ride at all wheel positions for heavy and medium duty trucks. Apart from its enhanced ride quality, the Airtek also has good roll control and enhanced steering response. Combined with Hendrickson's unique fabricated front axle beam, the system also offers significant weight savings. Because of its unique design, the suspension also needs virtually no service. It can also be spec'ed with a low-cost steel spring, or lightweight composite. However, with an air spring, the Airtek can be paired with front-axle weight sensing to prevent axle overloading in straight truck operations.<
Radial Seal Air Cleaner
Donaldson's Radial Sealing technology is now available in its stainless steel air cleaner. The stainless filter resists corrosion and damage through vibration, says the company. The radial seal uses pressure-loaded urethane to hold an air filter firmly in the filter housing, maintaining an ultra-tight seal for maximum protection against the dusting of a heavy duty diesel engine. The filter is self-aligning and self-sealing, for easy service. The Donaldson stainless steel air cleaner for cowl mounting is available in 11-, 13- and 15-in. diameter sizes.
Curb-Side Camera Visibility System
Kenworth has a high-tech tool to help drivers avoid side-swipe accidents. Utilizing a video camera located on the passenger side of the sleeper, the system displays an image of whatever is in the driver's blind spot to the right side of the truck. The image is displayed on a 6 1/2-in. high-resolution monitor located in the header rail. The system supplements the existing mirror and peeper window, displaying a wide-angle view for lane changes, right turns, pulling into docks and backing up.
Rear PTO for Caterpillar
The rear PTO option for the Caterpillar 3126 engine allows for the use of a pump without a front-frame extension. This means a chassis can be stretched with an additional 24 in. added to the wheelbase to maximize payloads, adding up to 1,500 lbs. of payload capacity to a 3126 powered truck. Additional benefits include shorter hydraulic lines for lower pumping losses and improved cooling without the need to modify the radiator to accommodate the pump. The RePTO is flywheel driven and flywheel housing mounted.
International's New Generation
The International 4000 is the first product in the line of trucks that will replace all International models using the S-Series steel cab. A major improvement over the existing 4000 products, the new truck features a stylish and thoroughly modern, multiplex-wired cab with industry leading visibility and comfort. The all-new chassis also features excellent maneuverability from best-in-class steering wheelcut, boulevard-smooth ride and innovative features that make body mounting simple.<
Wheel Stud Replacement Tool
Removing damaged wheel studs is easy with the handheld, hydraulic Safe Shop PakPress. Using the press, damaged studs can be removed and new studs installed without removing the hub from the axle, saving potentially damaging and dangerous driving out using a sledge hammer. Additional tools for the PakPress make it a versatile and handy shop tool for a range of different tasks.<
SneakyPete Auxiliary Power Unit
TruckGen's first slim-line installation was the SneakyPete, a specially engineered auxiliary power unit fitting within the confines of a step toolbox. The resulting installation offers a generator set that will provide household current and voltage in the truck, warming of the vehicle coolant and home-from-home cab comfort in a package that tucks neatly out of sight. Introduced initially for the Peterbilt step, the concept has been broadened to include trucks from other manufacturers as well.
Mitsubishi Fuso CrewCab
Mitsubishi Fuso has a niche with a new crew cab on the Class 4 FE that makes it a potentially highly useful tool in utility, landscape and other crew applications that can make good use of the high-mobility 4x4 drive configuration. An automatic transmission and 175 HP diesel are combined with a 14,500-lb GVW for a highly maneuverable, up to seven-seat work truck that can accommodate dump bodies up to 14 ft. and lawn service utility bodies to 17 ft. In dry-van delivery applications, the chassis can accommodate up to a 16-ft. body.
Morgan SmoothWallDry Freight Van Body
SmoothWall is Morgan's new dry freight model that combines an all-aluminum sheet and post construction without sidewall fasteners. The resulting bodies will take graphics very well, yet are easy to repair, says the company. The SmoothWall is the new flagship of the Morgan range and is lighter, far easier and less costly to repair than the trailer-type construction that uses steel panels with rivets. The SmoothWall technology is available in products from all Morgan plants.<
Freightliner Sprinter
The Sprinter is an integrated parcel/panel van from Mercedes-Benz that will wear Freightliner badges in North America. Already the leading vehicle in its class in Europe, the diesel-powered Sprinter is available in short and long wheelbases and two heights. At its largest it offers the volume of a custom walk-in van with the integrity of a full-size van and potentially twice the fuel economy of the domestic gasoline powered vans. The Sprinter is initially available as a Class 2 (C) and Class 3 van and passenger vehicle.
Headlamp Life Extender
The innovative Truck-Lite Extender for truck headlights is a solid-state protection circuit that limits the voltage to the headlamps to the designed 12.8 volts. Conventionally, headlamps are subjected to 14.2 volts and often more, which can reduce their life by 60%. The circuit softens the switch-on by ramping up voltage and also filters out voltage spikes from use of the starter, for instance, with the lights on, which can run as high as 50V for short durations. The units are easily frame mounted and must be installed on each side.
Peterbilt FlexAir Drive Air-Ride
Peterbilt introduced an innovative, lightweight tandem drive suspension that saves as much as 400 lbs. over its Low Air Leaf and 200 lbs. over competitive suspensions. Beams supporting the axles are carried on air springs at their rear and on unique vertical semi-elliptic springs in front. The suspension clamps to the axles without seats, easing assembly, alignment and pinion-angle adjustment. All pivots feature rubber bushings to eliminate the need for lubrication. Initially the suspension is available for on-highway 379, 387, 385 and 378 models.
XM Radio
Digital satellite radio bowed in with the launch of XM Radio, the first of two services going nationwide. Offering 100 channels of digital quality sound and music, talk, comedy, educational and children's selections, the satellite-delivered programming stays locked in to a mobile radio receiver coast to coast. Most of the music and much of the other programming is commercial-free. The service is available for an under $10 monthly subscription and plays on specially equipped radios from leading consumer electronics suppliers.<
High-Pinion Tandem
The latest ArvinMeritor MT-40-143-MA-N 40,000-lb. tandem features a rear carrier with a new gearing profile termed Amboid. The tooth profile allows for a positioning of the rear pinion above the axle centerline to reduce significantly the inter-axle driveline vibration caused by misalignment and lack of cancellation of driveline angles during suspension deflection. This translates into quieter cabs, less vibration and less potential damage to the driveline over the life of a truck. Incorporated in the new design is an integral pinion bearing cage to eliminate the bearing-cage-to-carrier joint and its potential lubricant leakage path.
MMX Aluminum Flatbed
The new East MMX flatbed has been designed with the upcoming changes in load securement regulations in mind in a package dubbed Securetight. It also encompasses many customer "wish list" features. Basically designed to accommodate concentrated loads of 72,000 lbs. in 4 ft. on a 48-ft. trailer, it has an extruded winch track in the outside rails standard. Patented winch clips allow for cross-tying of loads, keeping the straps on the inside of the rub rails. Additionally, Securelight is an enclosed wiring system that runs through side rails and the enclosed crossmembers to protect from road debris and corrosion.<
Low Maintenance Hubs
Gunite's LMS hubs are factory assembled and come with an exclusive drive flange oil fill design that allows the use of lubricants that are compatible with most popular differential lubricants. The cast ductile iron hubs are less likely to be damaged by mis-piloting during drum installation and are less susceptible to corrosion problems than non-ferrous hubs, says Gunite. The company says the factory installation of bearings and seals means the LMS hubs will eliminate premature seal failure caused by over- or under-torquing of the assembly.
Noise Breaker Muffler
The Tenneco Walker NoiseBraker is a high efficiency truck exhaust muffler with an innovative ultra-high-flow design. It is claimed to reduce system backpressure by up to 60% for improved performance and economy. The high-flow tuning system filters out noise from the engine and the retarder using dual concentric Helmholz tuners combined with fiberglass roving to dampen the sound. Under retarder application the NoiseBraker is claimed 2 to 4 dB(A) quieter than competitive premium mufflers.
LifeSeal Spring Brake
The LifeSeal spring brake newly acquired by Haldex from Holland Anchorlok doesn't require a breather tube, vent holes or a Gore-Tex or other air filter. It is thus impossible for water or other contaminants to enter the emergency chamber to attack the chamber walls or the main spring. Instead air exhausts through an internal valve to the vehicle air system. An induction heat treated compression spring with increased wire diameter lowers spring stress for consistent application throughout its life.<
Mack Medium COE
Replacing the Mack Mid-Liner, the new Freedom is an up-to-the-minute cabover medium duty for Class 6 and 7 that is based on the highly acclaimed Renault Midlum from Europe. The new truck offers a car-like ride with lightweight controls, excellent visibility and outstanding maneuverability. The cab interior has many features to make a driver/deliveryman's tasks easy, including easy entry and exit, plenty of storage including an innovative utility console, and a variety of seating arrangements for helpers.
GM Medium Conventional
The new Medium duty C-Series from GM Isuzu Commercial Truck uses a cab that comes from the cargo van, rather than the more usual pickup-derived cab. As such, the new GM class 4 through 7 and mini-8 medium has more cab width and better visibility over its short hood than many competitive products. Thoughtful design and well-mounted mirrors capitalize on the cab's visibility, and a new chassis gives the GM range an exceptionally tight turning circle for excellent in-city maneuverability. Attention to detail in cab soundproofing and panel fit and finish make the truck quiet and comfortable.
Safety Strobing LEDs
Peterson's Piranha auxiliary LED strobing lights are designed for emergency, service and construction vehicles. They meet SAE J1318 and J845 specifications while requiring no remote power supply. The strobe LEDs are available in both amber and red and in oval and round configurations. They can be mounted in any orientation and the oval lamps feature a triple-flashing function and can be specified with synchronous or alternating control terminals.
Weathertight 7-Pin Connector Flange
The Phillips QCS connector flange ensures a completely weatherproof receptacle for the 7-pin socket on both a tractor and trailer. The unique design completely seals the back of the socket with a shroud that is integral with the wiring harness. This shroud envelopes the wiring and a Sta-Dry receptacle housing prevents the usual build-up of road deposits and the resulting corrosion.<
Tough Load Restraint
The Kinedyne Rhino webbing for cargo control tie-down straps has 30% greater tensile strength after severe abrasion than conventional strapping. It is also 30% thicker with a tougher surface, says Kinedyne. The straps are available in 2-in. and 4-in. widths and included on the back side of the straps are service indicator lines in compliance with CVSA standards. Kinedyne developed the webbing to survive its more stringent-than-industry testing because, says the company, it is more representative of real service conditions.
Tear Resistant Translucent Roof
New material used in the Kemlite ETR roof has almost double the tear resistance of typical translucent roof products. The new roof panel looks similar to Kemlite's original product, but now it has a special fabric mesh encapsulated in the panel during production. The resulting composite material resists tearing far better than any typical fiberglass reinforcement method, say Kemlite. The material also resists failure and tear propagation through trailer wracking and wind at highway speeds.
Front-Axle Scale
The Air-Weigh 5700 on-board weighing system has achieved widespread acceptance as a real-time weighing system for tractor-trailers. It offers direct readings on the tandems and calculated weights for the front axle. Now, though, using the air-suspended Hendrickson Airtek axle, the 5700 can be used to measure real-time weight on the front axle. This is especially important in expedited air freight on straight trucks where the load positioning is critical to ensure legal axle loadings. The front axle real time weighing allows drivers to maximize loading and avoid overweight tickets.
Electronic BrakeStroke Indicator
MGM Brakes eStroke system consists of sensors built into the brake chambers coupled to a chassis control module. The sensors, which must be pre-installed and pre-calibrated at the factory to ensure reliable operation, convert brake shaft travel into an electronic signal. The control module monitors the signals and provides wheel-specific blink codes to indicate to a driver or technician whether a brake chamber has normal stroke, over-stroke or is simply not functioning. The control module is mounted on the trailer frame or truck cab where it can be seen easily.<
Wheel-Retaining Lug Nut Locks
The Safety-Link locks make an interlocking ring of individual pieces, one on each lug nut. They fit over the heavy duty wheel lug nuts to limit any rotation to less than 6 degrees to prevent the possibility of loss of the wheel. Additionally, if there is any rotation of the nut and Safety Link lock, a brightly colored section on the adjacent link is exposed, immediately making the problem apparent to a driver during any roadside check. Initially introduced for heavy duty applications, the lock/indicators are now complemented by a smaller unit designed for light delivery vehicles.
Internet Enabled Oil Analysis
Citgo has put its LubeAlert program on the Internet to speed delivery of the analysis information and make it available wherever the truck owner wants to view it. The company says a mouse click on a secure, private web site will give the fleet manager or the owner-operator status on engine oil samples sent in for analysis. Truck owners can draw their samples or, alternatively, head for any Citgo or Mystik fast-lube stop and have the sample drawn and mailed from there. Information is posted around seven days after the sample is sent.
Optimized Exhaust Brake
Hersham's Smartbrake is a guillotine-type exhaust brake for smaller diesel engines that are not available with retarders. Ideal for towing applications and for mountain operations with medium-duty diesel trucks, the Smartbrake has a variable orifice that is microprocessor controlled to optimize the retarder over the full range of engine speed, rather than at maximum rpm as with other exhaust brakes. Since it has a variable orifice, the unit does not exceed the engine manufacturer's maximum backpressure rating. It can also be used to hasten warm-up of the engine in cold conditions.
Lightweight Brake Drum
The Platinum Series brake drums from Webb Wheel Products have been developed from a new iron that delivers extended life, low wear and resistance to heat checking, all at a lower weight, the company says. The heat transfer properties of the new material allow for lightweight drums with improved performance. They can be combined with Webb's Platinum Series aluminum hubs for a very light, low maintenance wheel-end.<
Covered Wagon Tarp System
The Conestoga 2000 tarp system by Aero Industries and the Utility 2000A flatbed are now marketed together as the Conestoga by Utility. The tarp system is operated from the ground level with the entire tarp sliding on its frame the full length of the trailer to allow loading along the length of both sides. The Conestoga features uplift bows to keep the tarp from dragging on the load. The aluminum bulkhead has an aerodynamic design and is available with an optional access door.
LMS Unitized Hub
Offered on the Intraax and Vantraax trailer suspensions, Hendrickson's unitized low maintenance hub features SKF Lunar bearing technology and Hendrickson's patented neutral-toe axle and a newly designed journal spindle. Hubs are individually ground to close tolerances to provide a high clamp load across the inner rings, ensuring bearing clearances and seal positions are maintained at all times. Hendrickson says its control of clearances should mean the hub will last three to four times as long as conventional hubs.
Side Tarp System
Roll-Rite expanded its Polished-Aluminum Series with the addition of a weather tight side-to-side unit. It is fully automatic with in-cab operation. Among the tarp system's features is a new electric gear motor designed for side-to-side tarping systems. It also has flexible cross bows that need not be removed for loading most types of material, says the company. Roll-Rite says conversion kits will also be offered allowing most existing side-to-side systems to be converted to fully automatic operation.
Trailer Antitheft Lock
The ITC TrailerTrooper is a locking device for a trailer's landing gear. Fitted to the crank handle, it stops the landing gear being lifted, preventing a trailer from being moved except by a yard jockey type of vehicle. It can also lock the gear in the raised position to save a trailer from being removed from a tractor. The locks can be keyed so all trailers in a fleet use the same pattern key, or they could be keyed the same as the door lock, for instance. It is to be claimed easy to use and can be disengaged in seconds.
Electronic 5th Wheel Lock Indicator
The Holland Electronic Lock Indicator allows the driver to see with a glance at the dashboard whether he has correctly locked on to a trailer during coupling up. Sensors verify the locking sequence within the fifth wheel, giving the driver a green light if everything checks out. In the event that the sequence isn't completed, the driver is alerted via single-digit error codes to the nature of the problem. The ELI is available on Holland 3500 Series fifth wheels and is being offered as a retrofit kit.
Euro-style Air Seats
Gra Mag has an agreement with ArvinMeritor for the distribution of luxury seats from the European manufacturer's line of truck interior systems. The seats are claimed to combine the best of European seat suspension technology with the best of North American seat design. The Gra Mag seats are a combination of comfort and ergonomically supportive ride and are available in four performance levels. They are available through traditional channels and also ArvinMeritor's e-commerce web site.<
Low Maintenance Reefer Package
Thermo King's EMI 3000 package halves the maintenance for a trailer reefer unit. It includes a 3,000-hour dual stage lube oil filter, a 3,000-hour fuel filter and a patented Cyclonic air cleaner and filter element. Coolant is 12,000-hour and the engine is filled with CG-4, 3,000-hour change interval oil.
The maintenance package is standard on Thermo King premium units and can be spec'ed as an option on others. An EMI 2000 package, which has been standard on all scroll compressor units, provides a 60% reduction in maintenance. It may also be spec'ed for other reefers.
Centrifugal Filter
A centrifugal bypass filter from Fleetguard has a specially designed internal guide which ensures the oil is guided to the outer surface of the filter for the maximum centrifuge effect. According to Fleetguard, the Centriguard CH41100 has been introduced with the next level of emissions in mind. It says that using the filter will allow fleets to maintain extended oil drains even though exhaust gas recirculation is likely to load lube oil with more soot.
Web Spec'ing Tool
Powerspec is designed to correctly and efficiently set up Cummins engines and lets Cummins customers select, review and reset their engine's electronic features. It functions with Cummins' Interact System (IS) engines. Powerspec allows Cummins ISB, ISC, ISL, ISM and ISX and Signature 600 engine owners to custom specify electronic features for themselves. By following user-friendly prompts, anyone can tailor specs on a Cummins engine for trucking applications, says the company
Graphics Application System
Called a breakthrough by graphics manufacturer 3M, its new decal application and removal process reduces to a few minutes a process that used to take 18 man-hours. The key is an applicator that can roll on a one-piece sheet of four-color graphics along the entire length of a trailer. A full side is complete in two passes. Also, cut graphics can be rolled on by the applicator in a similar fashion. The applicator can be used on all types of van trailers, including soft-sided trailers.
Portable Dual-Voltage Power Pack
The Jazz 250 is a portable power pack from inverter specialist Xantrex. The totable unit has two household AC outlets and DC power is also available to enable the unit to jump-start a light vehicle. The inverter includes charging accessories, jump-start cables and a carrying case. The unit integrates a 17-amp battery and a 250-W inverter to produce AC power.<
Electronic Cab Space Heaters
Espar Airtronic D2 and D4 cab heaters both run off a truck's diesel fuel supply. They offer 2.2 kW (7,500 BTU/hr) and 4.0 kW (13,650 BTU/hr) respectively. The Espar heaters allow a driver to shut down the truck and still maintain a comfortably warm atmosphere inside the truck on the coldest winter nights for only pennies a night. Improvements to the latest Airtronic heaters make them significantly smaller and lighter. The size reduction has also meant a component reduction and fewer spare parts needed.
Sony Plug 'n Play
Sony's innovative radio receiver for the XM satellite radio service offers the subscriber greater flexibility in receiving the new high-quality radio service. The unit is available with different kits that allow it to be used in a vehicle and also in the home or at the office, in the RV or even on the boat. This means subscribers can use the same receiver and pay only one subscription charge to receive their favorite CD-quality music, talk, comedy and educational channels in a variety of different environments in addition to the mobile use in a vehicle.
Diesel Fuel Additive
Combining the features of a lubricity enhancer, injector cleaner, cetane improver and anti-gelling agent, Rotella DFA is designed to turn even the poorest fuel into a premium while cleaning up the inside of a diesel engine, says Shell. DFA cleans injectors for smoother running, less smoke and better fuel economy. The cetane improvement makes for easier starting and the anti-gel gives fuel protection down to -40 degF. The product is recommended for every fuel fill during winter and monthly in the summer for clean running diesel performance.
High Intensity Lighting System
Grote unveiled a high-intensity discharge lighting system for heavy duty vehicles that can illuminate a greater distance ahead of a truck. According to Grote the system lasts longer than conventional headlamps and provides a more natural, whiter light while using less power. The lamps combine a halogen infrared bulb for low beams and the HID bulb for high beam. The headlight uses reflector optics rather than a complex front lens, allowing for greater design freedom in styling the lamps.<
Travel Internet Service
BAMnet Travel is a simple and near-universal dial-up Internet service. Ideal for the road warrior and driver alike, the service can be accessed from most phones in the United States, allowing internet access for a straight fee of 6.5 cents a minute charged to a user's home phone or credit card. There is no monthly fee or membership involved.<
Onboard CE Computer
Cadec's Mobius TTS is claimed the most powerful onboard computer available to date. It features a Windows CE operating system running on a high-powered processor utilizing true 32-BIT technology. It includes 12-channel GPS, audio input/output, expandable memory to 320 MB, 18 input/outputs, four serial I/O ports and a hands-free speaker providing an audible tone feedback. The computer is designed to offer flexibility in communications, utilizing any mobile service a customer might prefer.
Real-Time Diagnostics
An ambitious system to monitor truck performance in detail, in real time, the Nexiq eTechnician has benefits to OEMs and component makers as well as to fleets. The eTechnician system begins with onboard equipment that communicates over whatever mobile communications system the fleet uses. Data moves to a central server system run by Nexiq where it is analyzed and delivered to fleets on the Internet. The data can also be made available to OEMs and component makers, who would underwrite part of the cost.
