Western Star Trucks Expands Stratosphere Sleeper Line
Western Star Trucks has introduced three new Stratosphere sleepers, including 40- and 54-inch sizes as well as an 82-inch Ultra High model, the industry's largest sleeper by interior volume, according to the truck builder.
The three new sleeper configurations are now offered in addition to the existing 68- and 82-inch Stratosphere sleepers and feature the same distinctive walk-through design, roof-mounted air horns and marker lights and flat floor.
The new configurations are now available for order on Western Star 4900 EX, 4900 SA, and 4900 FA models.
Matt Stevenson, manager of product strategy for Western Star Trucks, said, "By adding the new 40-, 54-, and 82-inch Ultra High configurations, we are now able to offer both over-the-road and vocational customers the best and broadest selection of walk-through sleepers in the industry."
A key feature in the design of all Stratosphere sleepers is the significant amount of additional headroom provided in the area between the driver's and passenger's seat. This headroom allows the driver or passenger to stand up and walk through the cab to the sleeper compartment without crouching or bending over. Additionally, because the floor is flat between the cab and the sleeper, the driver or passenger does not have to navigate steps or ledges as is the case with other sleepers on the market today.
The new 40-inch Stratosphere sleeper – the shortest walk-through sleeper offered by a Class 8 OEM – is ideal for vocational applications such as specialized hauling, construction, oil field and logging. In these types of applications where the sleeper may only be needed to meet operating requirements or for storing equipment, customers will benefit from the same stand-up room as a larger sleeper but without the added weight or reduced visibility.
The sleeper has four optional windows, giving drivers more than 16 square feet of added glass. In addition, the new configuration weighs less than 500 pounds.
Designed for heavy haul, regional haul, construction, and export applications, the new 54-inch Stratosphere sleeper is ideal for weight-conscious customers. Additionally, this sleeper features a 35-inch bunk and a full roof fairing and side extenders for over-the-road applications to help improve fuel economy.
Ideal for long-haul customers, the new 82-inch Ultra High Stratosphere sleeper offers the largest sleeper by volume on the market today. With more room to work and relax, this model is 13.8 inches higher than the original 82-inch Stratosphere and offers more than 30 cubic feet of additional living and storage space. The added space also allows for a fixed upper bunk that can be used in conjunction with a dinette seating option.
The 82-inch Ultra High model stands from ground to top of sleeper at more than 13 feet, improving airflow efficiency on a standard 13-foot, 6-inch van trailer.
TMC's RP Manual Now Available On CD-ROM
One of the trucking industry's best resources for truck maintenance, testing and specification information is now being made available on CD-ROM by the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of American Trucking Associations.
TMC's 2006-07 Recommended Practice Manual can now be purchased on CD-ROM in either single-user or multi-user versions.
The new set features both TMC's Recommended Maintenance Practices Manual and Recommended Engineering Practices Manual. Together, the two-volume set features more than 2,200 pages of technical information that represents the consensus and collective wisdom of council members.
All TMC members will receive a copy of the single-user version of the RP Manual CD-ROM as a member benefit. Others may purchase the single-user version or the multi-user version for use on multiple workstations by calling the ATA Marketplace at 800-ATA-LINE or (703) 838-1754.
Thermo King's MD-100 Truck Unit Debuts
Thermo King Corp. has introduced the MD-100 refrigeration unit for trucks. The MD-100's innovative design offers increased reliability and performance while reducing fuel and maintenance costs.
"With growing concerns about rising fuel costs, as well as noise and exhaust emissions, the MD-100 can help solve these problems," said Tim Ryan, director of truck product management.
Thermo King's MD-100 utilizes the TK 370 three-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine to optimize both power and fuel-savings performance. "This is the cleanest-burning, most fuel-efficient engine available," said Ryan. "The TK 370 engine meets all EPA requirements and the unit's low-decibel sound reduction system allows for quieter unit operation."
Thermo King's MD-100 provides other cost-saving features, like the the Smart Reefer Controller. The controller's simplified keypad design makes it easy for operators to maintain ideal conditions and monitor system performance, thereby increasing load protection while reducing fuel consumption and unit downtime. The Smart Reefer also features the TherMax system to provide faster defrost and superior heating capacity, and two belt-driven dual evaporator fans to deliver superior airflow.
Utility Dry Van Features New Side-Wall Design
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., said its thin-wall 4000D-X dry van features patented side-wall engineering to raise the standards in the thin-wall segment.
The 4000D-X patented thin-wall design was engineered to compete squarely in the thin-wall segment by forging an aluminum exterior skin with 80K steel interior panels separated by a foam core material. The 4000D-X 101 version provides a full 101 1/2 inches of inside width from lining to lining and 101 inches from wearband to wearband with 4,085 cubic feet of productivity. The 4000D-X 100 version has deeper side posts with increased stiffness for bulge loads. Pre-painted white galvanized, high strength interior lining panels provide a Snag Free surface and a full 100 inches of inside width from wearband to wearband.
The thin-wall segment is comprised of dry vans that increase the inside width within the same exterior dimensions. The 4000D-X represents Utility Trailer's thin-wall dry van, which accounted for 45 percent of Utility's dry van production in 2005, compared to about 5 percent in 2001.
Holland Releases Its Updated 2006 Catalog
The Holland Group has announced the release of its 2006 Holland Fifth Wheel Catalog & Selection Guide. Along with updated, comprehensive model specification information, the new catalog also includes details on the new ILS – Integrated Low Weight Slider.
The catalog features handy sections on how to use the selection guide, important items to consider before selecting a fifth wheel as well as model selection tables for various trailer applications.
The new catalog can assist in the specifying of the proper fifth wheel for most hauling applications. Sections on options, locating and installing the fifth wheel and a glossary are also included.
Phillips Seals Connectors For Multiple Wires
Phillips Industries has introduced STA-DRY In-line, closed-end and step-down connectors for effectively joining multiple wires to preserve a sealed electrical system. The color-coded tubing has an active adhesive that seals between multiple wires, eliminating wire pull out. In-line butt connectors join two wires into one wire, replacing temporary unsealed Quick-Taps.
The closed-end connectors join two to four wires and can replace wire nuts in environments where corrosion is a problem. Step-down connectors allow for different wire gauges to be joined together. All sealed connectors are color-coded to ensure easy installation.
Swing-Away/Shut-Off Gladhand From Sloan
Sloan Transportation Products has been granted a patent for the industry's first combination Swing-Away/Shut-Off gladhand.
The product features an integral shut-off valve, which prevents contaminants from entering the air delivery system. Polyurethane gaskets ensure a positive seal and the 45-degree angle makes coupling and uncoupling faster and easier.
Sloan engineered this gladhand as a single unit with fewer components to decrease wear and increase durability. Drivers benefit because they no longer need to use a dummy coupler to seal the gladhand.
The Swing-Away/Shut-Off gladhand is one of several items that make up Sloan's MAXXDuty with WeatherGuard Technology line of products that are designed to help keep trucks moving, no matter what the conditions.
