Oct 5-7: Rip Griffins; Terrell, TX
Would U Like to See a U-turn Signal?
Do trucks and other vehicles need a signal for U-turns? Yes, says Caryn Boxer of Carson City, Nev., who was inspired after her car was nearly T-boned by a vehicle that unexpectedly whipped a U-turn. She has developed several prototypes, is talking with manufacturers and hopes to interest the automotive industry in turning the idea into a reality.
Get DAT Services Wirelessly
Two options available now; third will be Freightliner TruckPC.
DAT Services, the largest freight exchange network, now offers owner/operators and drivers two wireless ways to access its 17,000-customer network. One way is through DAT's Wireless Network of Truckers ("WiNOT"). This allows drivers to post their trucks for free to DAT's freight exchange network using wireless phone connectivity and a free truck-posting-only account.
The second means is DRIVERNet pK, a two-way wireless messaging service available only from DRIVERNet. DAT Services is now the exclusive provider of load information. DRIVERNet pK uses the HandSpring Visor PDA to offer a suite of driver services in a portable and easy-to-use technology.
A third means is waiting in the wings for owners and drivers of Freightliner vehicles. DAT is working with Freightliner on an in-cab service using Freightliner's Truck Productivity Computer (TruckPC) to provide wireless Internet access to DAT Services.
The TruckPC, (shown here), which goes into production later this year, is design to fit into any commercial truck with a single DIN radio slot. The TruckPC centralizes a number of functions -- AM/FM/CD stereo, truck performance monitor, and even the "brain" of a PC -- and uses the Microsoft Windows -- system common to personal digital assistants. Truck PC also will feature voice recognition software, so drivers never have to take their eyes off the road to get information.
Truckers who want the free WiNOT service may call the DAT Services Customer Contact Center at (800) 328-5317. TruckPC will be available to customers through Freightliner parts and service centers. DRIVERNet pK is available from DRIVERNet.
Petite Power
Truck Gen says its UCTI-3.5 is the smallest, lightest generator set on the market, weighing in at 160 pounds. Complete with aluminum box measuring 30 inches long, 18 inches high and 20 inches deep, it tips the scales at 200 pounds. The Kubota powered gen-set produces 3,500 watts, has its own radiator and uses just one-fifth gallon of diesel per hour. It can power most any appliances, up to a 13,500-BTU rooftop air conditioner/heater, the maker says. Prices start at $3,695; call Truck Gen at (866) 878-2543 or (904) 642-0836. Also available is a 5.5 kW model, the UCT2-5.5.
Kenworth Inventory Reduction Deals
Kenworth Truck Co. and Paccar Financial Corp. have extended their Inventory Reduction finance programs through May 1, 2001, and added 2001 Kenworth truck models in dealer stock. The "Three-Point Play" program offers retail buyers three financing options with the purchase of an eligible new 1999, 2000 or 2001 model financed with Paccar Financial.
The first option has an introductory rate of 7.9% for the first 24 months of the loan, and then converts to 9.9% for the remaining 36 months of the term. Under the second option, buyers strike their best finance deal with their Kenworth dealers, then Kenworth and PACCAR Financial will pay the first $200 on each of the loan payments for a year.
The third option is to assist buyers who may be "upside down" on trade-ins on an eligible new Kenworth truck. PACCAR Financial will make over-allowance financing available for credit-worthy buyers. For more information, contact your Kenworth dealer.
It's SuperLites!
American SuperLite (888-716-9980) has a line of 16 LED items with an unlimited lifetime warranty. The 4-inch rounds use 15 LEDs in both red and amber versions, and are said to meet all DOT requirements. Unlike other LEDs that are fairly directional, their unique lens design gives them near-180-degree visibility.
Real Pleezers
Miracle Point introduced tweezers with precision-ground matching points a number of years ago. The line expanded with the addition of magnifying lenses attached to the tweezers, as a splinter kit. Since then, the Miracle Point line virtually exploded with a complete line of precision pliers and cutters, called Pleezers. They come with adjustable 5X power lenses to magnify the tool tip and work. All Pleezers have precision-ground ends and padded grips. They are ideal for working on CBs, precision parts and microelectronics. Call (800) 682-4256 or see the Web site at www.miraclepoint.com.
Pint-Sized Printers
Pentax Technologies' ultra-portable printers are designed for on-the-road use -- just the thing for writing letters or printing out e-mail. The Pentax PocketJet is one of the smallest, lightest, full-page, mobile printers available today. Pentax PocketJet printers are compatible with all Windows, EPOC32, Pocket PC OS, Palm OS PDAs and other handheld devices.
Baldwin Filters for Cummins Engines
Western Star to Get Freightliner Components
Western Star Trucks will begin offering new tire, seat and suspensions as it adds components from its parent company, Freightliner.
The Michelin X-One XDA is now available on Western Stars. Introduced last fall on Freightliner and Sterling vehicles, the 445/50R22.5X-One is a super low-profile, wide-base tire for on-highway, heavy-duty trucks. The X-One replaces the dual tire configuration with a single tire that has a larger contact surface with the road, so a tandem drive tractor needs only four X-One tires. The X-One comes on a 22.5x14.00 Accuride wheel. Potential weight savings are as much as 460 pounds per tandem.
Western Stars also will receive a new, proprietary integrated front air suspension and steer axle system. The "AirLiner" front suspension is rated at 12,000 pounds. It uses a unique, lightweight design that shares the load equally between leaf springs and air springs.
This configuration delivers the stiffness and rigidity of a spring suspension, while providing the soft ride of an air suspension. The AirLiner is over 100 pounds lighter than other leading suspension and axle systems. Production begins in April in Constellation set-back axle configurations (49SX). Front AirLiner will be available in set-forward models (49FX and 49EX) by summer 2001.
Western Star also recently introduced the proprietary "AirLiner" rear air suspension. AirLiner rear suspensions are available in tandem 40,000-pound and 46,000-pound ratings, as well as tridems at 69,000 pounds.
Freightliner's proprietary EzyRider air suspension seat is now standard on Constellation sleeper model trucks. .Taller and wider than other standard seats, EzyRider is designed to support drivers of all shapes and sizes.
Crimp Your Style
When using hand tools like crimpers, cutters, riveters and shears, you may not have the leverage or strength to work the tool. The Hand Worker allows you to position hand tools into a pneumatic actuator, freeing both hands to control the work. The device has a separate foot pedal to work whatever hand tool is attached. The Hand Worker can be quickly and easily connected to either shop air or a truck's glad hand. Mounting or switching tools is fast and easy. See www.handworker.com or call (800) 835-3519.
Xantrex Charges Up
Xantrex Technology Inc.'s Truckpower inverter/charger systems are now available at the nearly 1,000 International truck dealerships. The systems are offered in two kits. The standard kit has a single interior outlet with four 115 volt interior plug-ins. The premium kit has two interior outlets with a total of four interior 115 volt plug-ins and interior/ exterior phone and cable connections. Also available is the X-Power 300, a rechargeable, portable 300-watt AC/DC power source. It has AC/DC chargers, jumper cables, an emergency light, a sealed lead acid battery and a 300-W continuous (500-W surge) inverter. Call (604) 420-1585 or see www.xantrex.com.
Classy Book on Classic Trucks
Photographer Stan Holtzman ("Hay Drivers!" Jan/Feb 2001 Road King) gives us a generous peek at his collection of truck photos in "Classic American Semi Trucks" (MBI Publishing Co.). With text by Jeremy Lipschultz, this gloriously illustrated book showcases some of the best known truck brands in the U.S., as well as some all-but-forgotten models. This book is a delight.
Radio Days
Midland Consumer Radio has three new FRS models that include hands-free "eVOX" voice-activated transmission. The 75-515 has 1,694 channel combos and optional desktop charger. The 75-509 is the 140-channel successor to the 75-507, while the premium 75-517 includes weather alerts. Also new is the model 75-785 handheld CB, which is one-third smaller than the 75-784 it replaces and has 40 channels, 7-watt input and 4-watt output. See www.midlandradio.com for info.
Balancing Act
Sun-Tech Innovations has expanded its line of Balance Masters wheel balancing products to fit many medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The devices contain mercury and bolt on behind the wheel next to the brake drum on steering axles or between the duals. As wheels turn, the heavy liquid mercury spins within the units and flows within the ring to offset light or heavy spots. See www.balancemasters.com or call (800) 786-8324.
Get Buff With Eagle One
Eagle One's Xpress-It polish and wax applicator is designed to keep polish off hands and cut application time. The Fast Wax with Brazilian carnauba sprays on, is safe for clear-coat and can remove light oxidation. Eagle One Wet Tire Gel dries fast without runs or drips and goes on easy with Eagle One Tire Swipes.
Truck-Lite Beams Up New LED Lamps
TruckLite has developed the industry's first LED front/park/turn lamps. Available in both Super 44 and Model 60 styles, the lamps have low current draw, are made with impact-resistant polycarbonate and can be grommet or flange mounted.
Truck-Lite's new Model 26 LED sealed marker/clearance lamps can replace existing incandescent lamps in cab, trailer and body applications. The Model 26 uses only .05 amps at 14 volts.
The company also has a new LED Model 10 Beehive lamp that fits all existing Model 10 incandescent marker mounts and cab marker mounts. The lamp is available in both red and amber and uses the standard PL-10 adapter plug for quick, easy retrofitting. The Model 10 Beehive uses only 0.1 amp. See www.truck-lite.com or call (800) 562-5012 for more information.
Tube for Trailers
Hendrickson says its Cam Tube System for its Intraax and Vantraax suspension-axle-brake systems is the industry's first standard cam enclosure for trailerbrakes. Standard equipment on Intraax and Vantraax beginning spring 2001, the Cam Tube will enhance their durability. Call (800) 743-3247 or see www.hendrickson-intl.com.
Tundra's latest line of refrigerators can be installed under the seat or dashboard, or in any other out-of-the-way spot. Just 9 inches tall, 20 inches deep and 16 inches wide, they have 0.5 cu. ft. of storage and a slide-out drawer. Each includes a quiet Danfoss compressors and a forced-air condensing unit for better heat transfer, higher efficiency and longer life, the company says. Browse 
