The Best 50 Products of 2003
NIFTY FIFTY
Heavy Duty Trucking's Nifty Fifty awards showcase our editors' picks of the best new product introductions last year.
The 50 winners were selected from hundreds of new-product articles appearing in the magazine and at www.truckinginfo.com during 2003.
Products were judged on their usefulness to the truck operator in terms of innovation, serviceability and performance.
For more information on any of the winning products, go to www.truckinginfo.com.
Aether System
GeoLogic Trailer Tracking
GeoLogic trailer tracking was built from the ground up around exception reporting. Instead of calling in at scheduled intervals, GeoLogic reports "exceptions" to established parameters — when it crosses a geographic line arriving or departing from a stop, for example. It can report status changes, say, when a trailer door is opened, and it will report its location on demand. Bottom line: You only hear from GeoLogic when it has news for you. You don't pay for once-an-hour or once-a-day location reports unless, of course, you want that too.
Air-Weigh
AW5801 Tractor Scale
While dial-type air gauges have been used since the early '70s, very few operators have been able to rely on their accuracy to actually eliminate expensive check-weighing, says, Air-Weigh. So Air-Weigh has developed an in-dash, fully integrated, digital scale as a direct replacement for the traditional two-inch dash air suspension gauge. In a standard dashboard package, the new AW5801 Air-Weigh truck scale features a keypad and three-line LCD display screen. The new scale fits into the standard two-inch dash hole and gauge clusters. It is available with bezels and backlighting to match each truck manufacturer's instrument style.
Alcoa
Dura-Flange Wheels
Alcoa has rolled out a new wheel with a patented treatment developed for applications where loads are heavy and prone to shifting, causing tire walls to rub against the wheel rims. Dura-Flange wheels offer additional protection in applications such as transit, tanker and heavy hauling. Alcoa says extensive field testing has demonstrated that Dura-Flange treated wheels can double the life of the wheel. Along with protection against rim-flange wear, Dura-Flange wheels tout all of the other advantages that come with aluminum wheels, such as less weight, better heat dissipation and one-piece forged-in strength.
ALK Technologies
CoPilot Pocket PC Navigation
Truck-sensitive, turn-by-turn directions have long been available in CoPilot Truck, which runs on a PC. In a truck cab that probably means a laptop. Now ALK has squeezed its enormous, truck-sensitive database into a Pocket PC, a handheld computer running a Windows Mobile operating system. CoPilot Truck|Pocket PC provides precise, spoken directions that will steer you clear of cars-only parkways and low bridges. It all comes in a handheld computer that can be attached to your dash with an optional mount.
Bandag
Mixed Service Tread
Bandag has two new treads for construction and refuse trucks, including one for cold-weather markets. Both are molded from a new tread compound called the Longeviti Series that provides a 20% improvement in wear without sacrificing cut resistance, says the company. The BDM tread is made for drive positions of vehicles that encounter mud, snow and severe weather, while the BRM tread is an all-position tread for on/off-road and P&D applications in milder climates. The BDM features a tread depth of 26/32 inch, and fits most tire sizes common to construction and waste vehicles.
Bridgestone
R280 Steer Tire
Bridgestone's steer-axle R280 for long distance and long regional hauling is designed to fight irregular wear The tire's footprint shape automatically optimizes itself during early stages of wear to increase the effectiveness of Bridgestone's Equalizer Rib design, says the company. Other features include stress relief siping along every rib to combat river wear, special sipe contouring to resist block wear, straight-sided ribs and Bridgestone's Defense Groove design to fight wavy and shoulder edge wear. These innovations are combined with a wide tread that delivers slow, even wear. To improve retreadability, the R280 radial's groove bottoms have platforms designed to prevent retention of casing-damaging stones.
Caterpillar
ACERT Technology
Caterpillar's ACERT heavy truck diesels use series turbocharging, variable valve timing, sophisticated fuel systems, larger displacement, enhanced electronics and exhaust aftertreatment to meet government emissions limits. Medium-duty are simpler, but also have enhancements to fully comply with October '02/January '04 exhaust regulations.
Heavy ACERT engines use the proven mechanically actuated unit-injector fuel system, called MEUI. Multiple fuel injections per stroke are precisely controlled by advanced programming in the electronic control unit. The ECU also modulates solenoid-operated, hydraulically assisted valves, which remain camshaft-driven. Variable valve timing and new cross-flow cylinder heads on larger engines help manage air flow.
Consolidated Metco
Simplex Fifth Wheel
Consolidated Metco refined the Simplex (formerly Simplex Lite) and Simplex II models, with an operating rod handle redesign for a more driver-friendly experience. The introduction of a J-shaped handle allows drivers to use an extension rod for quicker, easier and cleaner access. There is a larger, more continuous top plate surface area, and the top plate eccentric pin has also been redesigned to offer more precise slack adjustment in the jaw. A re-engineered jaw improves durability, while a visible pivot pin retainer creates easier accessibility for maintenance.
Continental Tire
Eco Plus Tire Technology
Continental launched over-the-road tires designated HSL, HDL and HTL. The steer/all-position HSL and drive HDT also carry Eco Plus names to underscore their fuel-saving design with no compromise in tread depth to gain the economy. The Eco Plus tires combine an optimized casing and new tread designs and compounds that are said to make them the most efficient long-haul tires available. Other features of the on-highway tires include a unique angled shoulder-protection rib for both steer and trailer tires. Also featured on the steer tires are Visual Alignment Indicators to quickly identify front-end misalignment problems before the tire becomes severely worn.
Chicago Rawhide
Turbo-2000 Dryer Oil Separator
The Turbo-2000 and HD-2000 Brakemaster air dryers from Chicago Rawhide now have the option of an internal oil separator. It fits within the air dryer and can be purchased with a new unit or retrofitted to an existing installation. Extending dessicant life, the oil separator is self cleaning and made from stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
Cummins Inc.
QuickServe Online
Cummins customers can harness the Internet to save time and get access to parts and service information with QuickServe Online web site. Fleet and national account customers can quickly and conveniently access the same online system for parts and service information used by Cummins dealers and distributors worldwide. QuickServe Online's search functions are easily performed, using an engine's serial number. And in seconds, QuickServe Online can find accurate, up-to-the-minute parts and service information including:
• Part numbers, diagrams and supersessions
• Service bulletin and troubleshooting manuals
• Operation and maintenance manuals
• Literature, tool catalogs and more
Dana Corp.
D190 Dana Spicer Axles
The Dana Spicer S190 Series axles feature increased approval ratings for high horsepower engines. The axles are said to be lighter weight and offer a broader ratio and application coverage and reliable and efficient gear technology. The S23-190, S26-190 and S30-190 axles are available for line haul, city delivery, LTL, refuse, fire/rescue, dump, mixer and other vocational/construction applications in either a straight truck or tractor-trailer configuration. Looking to meet current, as well as future, customer demands, Dana has designed the axles to perform well with vehicles outfitted with future drivetrain ratings of up to 2,450 lb.-ft. of torque, and up to 700 horsepower.
Delphi Delco
Forewarn Backup Alarm
Delphi's Forewarn Back-up Aid is a rear detection system that aids the driver in detecting obstacles in backing maneuvers or loading dock situations. It offers the long-range detection benefits of a radar-based obstacle detection system — more than 16 feet (5 meters), and the advantage of a tailored coverage area — sensing obstacles in the vehicle's path. Audio alerts vary in intensity and rate to indicate how close the vehicle is to an object. The radar-based system provides benefits in heavy rain, fog, snow and dirty vehicle conditions, and it's robust enough to meet the harsh demands of commercial vehicles.
Dometic Corp.
Tundra Auxiliary A/C System
Tundra is a self-contained auxiliary air conditioning system for trucks to heat or cool without running the truck's diesel engine. It has all system components on a single compact chassis, which can be placed under a bunk or in the bottom of a closet or cabinet. Discharge air is ducted to one or more air grilles. The closed loop is precharged with refrigerant at the factory and requires no additional charging at installation. Tundra also offers a family of split systems in which the condenser and cooling fan are mounted externally.
Donaldson Co.
Mobile Training Center
In an effort to bring filtration training services to a diverse range of customers and employees, Donaldson introduced two mobile training centers. The two 35-foot-long customized commercial vehicles provide specialized, onsite training focused on engine liquid, air, hydraulic and exhaust filtration products to Donaldson distributors, dealers, customers and employees. Customers receive the same training sessions as held at Donaldson's headquarters in Minneapolis, but without the need to travel. The mobile training vehicles are equipped to handle eight to 10 attendees and an instructor.
Eaton Corp.
Eaton Fuller UltraShift 10-Speed
The UltraShift 10-speed is a true "two-pedal" unit with an automatic clutch. The heavy duty 10-speed is based on the Eaton Fuller 10-speed B ratio transmission and is offered in four torque capacities, from 1,050 to 1,650 lbs.-ft. The automatic clutch allows starts and stops with no clutch pedal to manipulate. Up- and downshifting is also automatic, with electronic controls working with the engine to select the proper gear for all conditions. "Skip-shifting" is provided as operating and load conditions allow, and the clutch remains engaged during all gear changes. UltraShift can be driven in full automatic mode or with manual intervention, depending on conditions or driver preference.
Espar
Total Comfort System
Espar has created two lines of independent, electrically driven heating and air-conditioning systems. One utilizes the Bergstrom NITE System, an under-the-bunk mounted system; the other is the DC Airco System, a rooftop mounted system. Because these systems are electrically driven, they do not utilize any of the on board fuel, nor do they need any outside engines to power them, unlike auxiliary power units or generator sets. Each air-conditioning unit is paired with Espar's Airtronic 2 heating system.The Airtronic diesel-fired bunk heater is a small, efficient, quiet and safe auxiliary heating system that is small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and weighs six pounds.
Fleetguard Inc.
Enviroguard Crankcase Filter
Fleetguard Enviroguard controls oil drip and filter crankcase aerosols in all diesel engine applications from 60 to 640 horsepower. Benefits include improved engine performance with no maintenance or service requirements, and a system design that lasts the life of the engine. Enviroguard systems provide superior aerosol filtering of crankcase emissions, commonly known as blowby, The oily mist attracts dust and airborne particles, resulting in an accumulation on the engine and on the surface beneath it. It also results in unsightly oil drips on highways, parking lots, garage floors and driveways.
Freightliner
New-Look Century Class
A "bold new look" to the front-end styling of the Century 120 S/T version highlights updates to the fleet flagship model. Included is a "Signature" premium interior package that's also optional on the Century Columbia, whose exterior styling is unchanged. Underhood, the standard 2004 model Mercedes-Benz diesels features cooled exhaust-gas recirculation. The Century S/T's new styling with an additional intake area in the bumper means about 55% of the front end's surface area is now open for passage of air to the radiator and charge-air cooler. Twin projector-beam headlamps provide more light and their lenses are tough polycarbonate.
GE TIP
VeriWise Trailer Management
That's GE, as in General Electric, the company that builds jet engines, airs the NBC Evening News with Tom Brokaw and runs GE-TIP, the international trailer rental and leasing company. The VeriWise tracking system was built to accommodate various tracking and monitoring needs within GE and is now available to GE-TIP customers and other fleets as well. It uses the Orbcomm low-earth-orbit satellite system for near-universal coverage and can be adapted for a variety of tasks, including geo-fencing, load-sensing and much more. Clearly, GE intends VeriWise to be the trailer tracking market's 400-pound gorilla.
General Motors
Top Kick/Kodiak Crew Cab
A four-door crew cab is available for the Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick. The cab has wide doors, full-length steps and grab handles for easy entry and exit. Seat options accommodate the driver and as many as five passengers. The rear seat can be folded for more storage room, or deleted to use the rear space completely for storage. The crew cabs are built at GM's own plant and are a stretch of the van-based cabs used on the company's 6500 through 8500 series commercial trucks. The various series have 7,000- to 16,000-pound front axles, 11,000- to 26,000-pound rear single axles and tandems rated to 46,000 pounds.
Goodyear
G395 Steer Tire
Goodyear's steer tire for long-haul applications offers better uniform wear and retreadability as the solution to a large percentage of steer tires prematurely pulled due to irregular wear. Goodyear says the new G395 LHS features uniformity of construction that leads to superior wear, which means a lower cost per mile. It features all-new tread design, casing integrity, compounding and manufacturing. With an 18/32-inch depth and axle-specific compound, it's designed with five straight ribs, lateral slots and sipes. As the tread wears down, angled grooves are exposed across the barrel-shaped footprint, which distributes pressure evenly, enhancing traction and handling.
Grote Industries
Obstacle Detection Device
Grote has created an ultrasonic obstacle detection system to provide drivers with increased awareness while backing up. Ultrasonic waves detect obstacles within a 150-degree horizontal "field of vision" behind the vehicle. Traditional radar detection systems rely on a single beam, which can miss objects due its narrow scope. When properly installed, the Grote Obstacle Detection System can pick up objects as small as 10 inches tall. The system uses a patented signal-processing algorithm within the microprocessor that filters out erroneous signals. This greatly reduces false signals and provides built-in error detection within the system.
Haldex
PR Height Control Valve
The Haldex immediate response height control valve has improved durability and life by using a single seal made from ceramic material rather than the conventional synthetic rubber seals. Tests indicate that the PR valve has a life expectancy three times that of the competitive valves when operated in vehicle air systems with contaminates such as oil, water and dirt. The valve's deadband area is 50% less than competitive designs, providing optimum ride quality by minimizing air consumption and reducing driveline component wear.
Hendrickson International
Tire Inflation System
Hendrickson Tire Inflation System is an option on Intraax and Vantraax trailer suspension systems. It is a basic, responsive system that taps the trailer air supply to maintain tire inflation up to a preset level. The system detects low tire pressure and alerts the operator. It activates only when needed so constant air pressurization to the tires is not required, reducing air demand and prolonging system life. A warning light alerts the operator to system status and maintenance activity. Check valves help prevent tire pressure loss back through the system.
Holland Group
FleetMaster Performance Guarantee
The Holland Group, supplier of vehicle connection products and technologies, announced that it has raised the performance guarantee on its FleetMaster and FleetMaster LowLube fifth wheels to five years or 500,000 miles. The Holland Performance Guarantee is different from a standard material and workmanship warranty in that it guarantees the durability of the product. In this case, Holland guarantees that the locking system of the FleetMaster fifth wheel will retain the ability to be adjusted to a standard SAE kingpin for a minimum of five years or 500,000 miles.
Horton Inc.
DriveMaster Reman Drive
DriveMaster Reman fan drive is spring-engaged/air disengaged for high reliability, fail-safe operation, maximum cooling and fuel economy. The remanufactured product is designed to turn fans as big as 32-inches, and is equipped with a long-wear friction surface, heavy-duty compression springs, low-friction bearings and a maintenance-free liner. It features DriveMaster's high-torque capability and lightweight design to meet the demands of today's high horsepower diesel engines. Horton has released 21 DriveMaster Reman Fan Drive models. Ten of these models fit the most popular OEM applications, the other 11 are drop-in replacements for common competitive fan drives and are compatible with the vehicles' existing solenoids and fans.
International Truck & Engine
4400 Mid Cab Tractor
The International 4400 4x2 Mid Cab tractor is engineered for urban and regional applications where the vehicle mission requires more than 10% bobtailing. Customers operating trucks in low-mileage, urban and regional applications can capitalize on the International 4400 Mid Cab tractor's maneuverability, commanding view of the road, fuel economy and powertrain performance. Standard cab air suspension and a parabolic, taper-leaf front suspension system with tuned shock absorbers provides outstanding ride, handling and control. Lighter, stronger frames backed by a seven-year limited warranty support bigger payloads.
Iteris Inc.
Lane Departure Warning System
The Iteris Lane Departure Warning System is a small, integrated unit consisting of a camera, onboard computer and software that easily attaches to the windshield, dashboard or overhead — out of the driver's sight. The system is designed to alert drivers if they are drifting out of their lane, giving them time to correct the situation in a controlled manner. The Lane Departure Warning System is programmed to recognize the difference between the road and lane markings.
Kenworth Truck Co.
Extended Daycab
Kenworth's new extended daycab for its lineup of heavy duty trucks provides drivers with more room and storage space. Available on the T600, T800 and W900, the option will be well-suited for both regional hauling applications and vocational customers who are looking for more cab comfort. The extended daycab offers more than two cubic feet of added interior storage. Available interior packages include the Diamond and Splendor lining options in standard Kenworth colors. Also available is the QuietCab package to reduce interior noise. Among exterior options include exhaust placement. Aerodynamic devices also are available.
Leyman Lift Gates
Sprinter Liftgate
Leyman Lift Gates has engineered a tail lift designed especially for the Sprinter type of van. The model LFS 900 brings the loading convenience and safety to the high-cube van application. The lightweight tail lift has a 900-pound capacity and measures 53 inches wide by 47 inches deep, plus a 5-inch tapered ramp. It weighs only 265 pounds. The LFS 900 folds and stores inside the rear section of the van. Standard features include an aluminum platform, pump and motor and handheld remote control with spiral cord. A 9-inch deep steel flip ramp is located on the rear of the platform.
Mack Truck
InfoMax Wireless Data Transfer
InfoMax Wireless is an information management and utilization system designed to help fleets cut operating costs. Using Wi-Fi short-range wireless technology, InfoMax Wireless allows fleet managers to extract key performance information from their trucks without physically connecting to the actual vehicles. A Short-Range Wireless (SRW) Module, mounted out-of-sight under the dash, automatically transmits information from DataMax — Mack's onboard data logger — to a Network Access Point (NAP) located within the terminal building. The NAP receives the information from the truck and forwards it to the customer's computer network. InfoMax software then sorts, analyzes, plots or reports this information in whatever form the customer requires.
Martin Marietta
Composite Trailer
Martin Marietta Composites is producing an all-composite, live-floor, solid-waste transfer trailer. The trailer is 100% glass-fiber reinforced polymer, with the exception of the king pin, running gear and landing gear. The advantages of the trailer are significantly lower tare weight, higher capacity, increased strength and durability and non-corrosiveness, according to the company. The first design of the live-floor trailer is a 50-footer with a weight of 12,800 pounds. The trailer features a capacity of more than 132 yards and a GVWR of 68,000 pounds.
Meritor WABCO
Rollover Stability System
Meritor WABCO's Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Roll Stability Support (RSS) systems are for linehaul tractor/trailer combinations. The RSC system focuses on a tractor's center of gravity and the lateral acceleration. When critical thresholds are exceeded, RSC intervenes to reduce speed — first at the engine, then applying retarder and brake control. An accelerometer mounted directly to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) electronic control unit (ECU) monitors the vehicle's lateral acceleration. RSS is an independent system for trailers and is integrated in the trailer anti-lock braking system, requiring no additional hardware. If needed, the trailer brakes are automatically applied helping to reduce the vehicle's speed.
Michelin
Super-Siping Technology
An innovation on the Michelin XDN 2 drive tire is unique Matrix multi-dimensional siping. Matrix siping allows individual tread blocks to work together as a solid rib to deliver long, even wear. But the siping also allows the tread blocks to function independently when needed, incorporating 1,300 biting edges for increased wet traction and excellent performance on hard packed snow and icy surfaces. The full-depth 25/32-inch blocks run across the tread, from edge-to-edge, and are coupled with multi-dimensional Matrix designed groove walls for optimum biting edges and water and snow evacuation.
HotShot Microheat
Hotshot Windshield Washer Microheat claims an intelligent, heated cleaning and de-icing system for windshields. The intelligent HotShot system heats washer fluid to 145 degrees F in seconds. HotShot incorporates into the current washer system of just about any vehicle, and is easy to install, the manufacturer says. While driving, HotShot keeps hot fluid in a stand-by mode, ready for immediate needs.
NuVan
Wingo Trailer Body
Pushbutton opening of the side panels allows for uncomplicated loading and unloading and significant time savings over tarping or even curtain sides. The side walls can be opened by hydraulics to any position and even brought to rest flat on the trailer roof. The payload is accessible from either side or the rear in the shortest possible time. Wingo, when compared to a curtainside trailer, will reduce the time required at each stop by as much as 15 minutes. The increased productivity compensate for the increased purchase price of the trailer with an estimated return on investment within 10.5 months compared to a curtain side trailer.
Peterbilt
Model 330 Crew Cab
Peterbilt's medium-duty truck can be converted to a four-door crew cab through a program by Bentz Transport Products. Targeted at construction, utility, fire and rescue, wrecker and other vocational applications, the integrated crew cab seats five and measures 52 inches long and 84 inches wide (at the rear of the cab) for a 160-inch BBC. The roofline is increased by three inches, creating a 61-inch interior height throughout the entire cab. The conversion uses original Peterbilt parts, such as rear door assemblies, rear corner panels, rear window, interior lighting and grab handles.
Phillips Industries
Quick Connect Plug
The Quick Connect Plug Assembly is claimed to be the longest-lasting, most trouble-free cable Phillips has ever designed. It provides mechanics with a simple and fast way to change a plug end by simply unscrewing the setscrew, unplugging the Quick-Connect Cartridge and plugging in a new one. Both ends contain an easy-to-change cartridge with solid brass pins connecting into a completely sealed assembly. A mechanic or driver can change a plug end in less than two minutes, according to the company.
RAIR Technologies
Driver Log/Qualification
Get your driver logs to RAIR — by scan, overnight express or snail-mail — and they take care of compliance. They audit and maintain logs; you access logs and accompanying documents on the Internet. RAIR offers a similar service for driver qualification documents, which is especially convenient for carriers with high driver turnover. They scan and catalog documents, then provide an instantly accessible filing system of every record. RAIR audits each document for compliance and automatically advises of update deadlines.
Rand McNally
Large Scale Road Atlas
Rand McNally's 2004 Motor Carrier's Road Atlas Large Scale Edition features maps in which all elements are at least 33% larger than in previous editions. Pages are the same size as before, but the maps themselves are larger. The pages are different too. The Large Scale edition is printed in color on pages of thin plastic, the same relative thickness as paper pages. Like paper pages, the new plastic pages do not reflect glare, yet they are tear and liquid-resistant. And the Large Scale atlas is wire-bound, so its pages are easy to turn and the entire book lays flat.
Sterling
HX Chassis
Sterling Class 8 trucks now share many chassis parts with Freightliner heavies in updates to accommodate higher-capacity cooling required by January '04 diesels. Up front, radiators rest on shock-isolating mounts and are braced against the firewall by three rods. And engineers redesigned the main framerails and crossmembers, cab supports and steering gear. The changes add strength and stability, and improve ride quality. And stronger frames enhance Sterling's position in vocational trucks. Parts from Freightliner heavies include crossmember pieces, front suspensions, fuel and air tanks and mounting castings. The extent of commonality among Sterling and Freightliner platforms varies, though, according to spec.
Symbol Technologies
Bar Code Scanner
This little device snaps onto the bottom of a Nextel mobile phone, enabling the phone to scan bills of lading, product codes and more. Drivers don't have to enter data manually, which eliminates mistakes inherent in that process. Scanned data can be transmitted in real time over the same wireless phone used for voice contact and dispatch software. It's big-bucks logistics technology in low-cost, generic hardware. To use the PSM20i, you'll need a Nextel Java-enabled phone, Nextel Total Connect Data Access service plan and off-the-shelf or custom-developed Java software.
Teletouch
GeoTrax Trailer Tracking
This low-cost GeoTrax trailer tracking system uses an onboard unit about the size of a magazine that transmits over the GlobalStar satellite system for near universal coverage. The maintenance-free unit has an untethered battery life of up to seven years. GeoTrax came to market with a significant cost breakthrough. The onboard hardware costs as little as $295. That's for scheduled, one-way communication. A two-way version that also enables location reports on demand costs $345. Teletouch is offering service packages beginning at a very low $6 per month for once-a-day updates.
Truck-Lite
Turn Signal Switch
Truck-Lite has upgraded its Signal-Stat Turn Signal switch line with a fully featured turn-signal switch. Already optional for a major OE truck and steering column manufacturers, Signal-Stat combines multiple functions, eliminating the need for other controls on the dashboard. The product touts glass-filled nylon housings for strength and durability and includes left and right turn signals for up to eight lamps per side and four-way hazard flashing for up to 16 lamps. More than 15 models and more than 100 part numbers are available.
TydenBrammall
GuardLock Cargo Seals
TydenBrammall recently introduced a rolled-edge to the metal straps used on its Guard Lock cargo security seals and relaunched it as the Guard Lock RE. The Guard Lock RE also comes with a tighter fit, making it even more effective against tampering. Equipped with a hook-lock mechanism, the Guard Lock RE has a locking strength of 100 pounds. For improved corrosion resistance in boxcar, container and delivery truck applications, the Guard Lock RE is available with a galvanized finish. Embossed serial numbering comes standard, but ink-jet bar coding is also available to help automate serial number tracking. Color coding is also available.
Webb Wheel
Self Cleaning Brake Drum
Webb Wheel Products has teamed up with Lynnfin Truck Technologies to develop a new series of brake drums called the Webb Brake Turbines System (BTS) brake drums. Lynnfin Truck Technologies manufactures brake turbines, which decrease the surface temperature of the brake friction material up to 30%. This decrease, when combined with the expulsion of gases from the drum chamber, is enough to increase brake torque by up to 18%. The Webb brake drum is contoured to accommodate brake turbines. Hot air and brake dust are blown from the drum, creating a cooler, cleaner braking system.
Western Star
Stratosphere Sleeper
The longest and tallest Western Star sleeper — at 82 inches — is the Stratosphere, adding more interior room and exterior styling to the Star Light sleeper lineup. It has full stand-up room, a completely flat floor, extensive storage space, and a variety of bunk and window options to enhance life on the road. Tall overhead room extends into the cab, so driver and passenger can stand up and walk into the sleeper. Yet the forward portion of the cab's roof retains enough area for mounting of air horns - an important styling desire of many owner-operators and small fleets, WS executives said.
Xantrex Technology
XPower Inverters
The XPower line of compact inverters provide AC power from a vehicle's battery, and Officepacks — which are battery-integrated systems — provide portable electricity. Xantrex research indicates that mobile consumers are looking for ways to extend the run time of their cellphones and laptops without having to carry multiple adaptors, XPower inverters convert DC power from a vehicle's 12-volt battery to ordinary household electricity. The XPower 175-, 400- and 800-watt inverters plug into a vehicle's DC socket to run laptops, cellphones, work lights, TVs, stereos, camcorders, etc. Built with a 20 amp-hour battery, the XPower Officepack 400 provides 400 watts of household electricity to extend use of portable equipment.
Yokohama
RY587 MSC Trailer Tire
Yokohama Tire has released its RY587 MSC, designed for on-highway trailer applications. Based on the design of the RY637 steer-axle tire launched last year, the RY587 MSC reduces both suspension component wear as well as irregular tire wear, using technology developed on steer-axle tires. The RY587 MSC uses Yokohama's Stress-wear Control Groove (SCG), which reduces tire and suspension component wear by minimizing pressure at the edge of the tread. Reduced pressure results in reduced free rolling wear and longer, even wear over the life of the tire. Stone ejector ribs prevent stones from reaching the bottom of the groove where premature casing damage can start.
