NEW FORD MODELS
Ford Motor Co. unveiled its 2004 model F-650 and F-750 (above) Class 6 and 7 commercial trucks, offering a much larger range of options for wheelbase, engines, transmissions, axles, seating and other components than in the past. The trucks, which will be available in January, are the first from Ford under the company’s Blue Diamond joint venture with Navistar International Corp., parent company of International Truck and Engine Corp. The joint venture is producing Class 6 and 7 medium-duty commercial trucks for both companies in Escobedo, Mexico.
Ford Motor Co.
www.commtruck.ford.com
NEW TRUCK SEATS
Bostrom Seating’s Liberty I and Liberty II seats feature “increased foam density with a wider seat and backrest configuration” than prior models. The new design is said to add support while promoting improved circulation in the lower extremities, which reduces fatigue.
An additional feature on both models is the Flex Support system, which improves energy absorption. The Liberty I has a fixed lumbar support, while on the Liberty II it is adjustable.
Bostrom Seating
(800) 459-7328
www.bostromseating.com
ENHANCED ROUTING
ALK Technologies announced at the Great American Trucking Show the December release of CoPilot Truck 2003, which merges its PC Miler routing software with its CoPilot Truck mapping database to create a dock-to-dock, laptop-based GPS navigation system for owner-operators, leased operators or company drivers.
PC Miler 16, the latest upgrade, features 76,500 additional North American road miles for a total of 734,000 miles, 4,000 truck stop updates, 630 CAT Scale locations, 53-foot trailer routing and updates of 13-foot-6-inch height restrictions.
CoPilot Truck delivers street-level directions in both voice and text. It will also feature estimated arrival times based on a driver’s down time and average speed. The product will cost $449, after a $50 rebate.
ALK Technologies Inc.
(800) 377-MILE
www.alk.com
SELF-DEFENSE SPRAY
Pepper Escort is a self-defense spray that shoots a direct stream, as opposed to the mist produced by some self-defense products, up to 20 feet. Its accessories include an attached flashlight and an attached whistle. The spray, which is difficult to wash off, has ultraviolet paint intended to assist law enforcement in apprehension. The gun’s design prevents accidental spraying.
Aim to Protect
(866) 900-5881
www.aimtoprotect.com
SATELLITE RADIO HARDWARE
Pana-Pacific offers new portable systems for XM satellite radio.
The Delphi XM SKYFi Radio allows a user to add XM satellite radio to a truck or home stereo system, using a separately purchased adapter kit. Its display shows current listings for artist and song on five channels.
Another option for portable XM is available in a bag with Pioneer or Alpine components and a choice of four antennas. This plug-and-play bag can go from your truck to your car to your home, with the correct adapter. The lightweight carrying case contains a dislay unit, XM receiver, antenna and a cigarette lighter adapter to work with your FM radio.
Pana-Pacific
(800) 726-2636
www.panaoem.com
NEW SINGLE DRIVE AXLE
Dana Corp.’s Commercial Vehicle Systems’ new Dana Spicer S110 drive axle is for Class 4 and 5 trucks. The all-new S110 series is an advanced-technology axle for all drivetrain configurations that require axle weight ratings from 10,000 pounds to 14,500 pounds, GVW ratings up to 23,500 pounds, and GCW ratings up to 35,000 pounds.
It is designed for conventional vans, walk-in vans, utility and landscape vehicles, and city delivery trucks. The drive axle features premium components in a lightweight package.
The S110 series drive axle is offered in ratios from 3.07 to 6.50. An optional full-locking, driver-controlled differential lock or a limited-slip differential that provides an automated mechanical traction system for uninterrupted torque output to the wheels can be specified.
Dana Corp.
(800) 826-4357
www.roadranger.com
TOUGH TARP ARM
Mountain Tarp, manufacturer of roll and flip tarps, guarantees that the StrongArm tarp arm will not break. Constructed of 2-inch thick extruded aluminum in a single-piece design – no elbow joints or telescoping parts – the arm has been polished and anodized to keep from scratching and to cut down on maintenance. Electronic and manual systems are available. The StrongArm can also be retrofitted to any existing spring assembly. The tarp deploys and extracts in seconds, and the whole system can be purchased for $500. Mostly applicable to dump truck users, the StrongArm is available for 48-foot trailers, especially grain carriers.
Mountain Tarp
(800) 248-7717
www.mountaintarp.com
LIGHTWEIGHT BRAKE DRUM
Meritor SteelLite X30 brake drums are now available for all Peterbilt models. They feature a one-piece steel shell said to be stronger and lighter than standard full-cast brake drums, and no weld seam adds durability. The cast-iron braking surface resists hot spotting and heat checking.
Peterbilt
(940) 591-4000
www.peterbilt.com
