Heavy-Duty Zerex
Valvoline has rolled out a line of six Zerex-brand coolants for heavy-duty diesel engines. The line includes Zerex Extreme Extended Life coolant in concentrate and ready-to-use formulas; Zerex Extreme Heavy Duty Pre-Charged in concentrate and ready-to-use; Zerex Extreme G-93 for marine and industrial use; and Zerex Extreme Heavy Duty G-05, a “universal” formula suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines in heavy- and light-duty commercial or passenger vehicles. All are based on ethylene glycol; the ready-to-use versions are made with de-ionized water, which is free of scale-causing calcium and magnesium.
Gunite Makes Installation Easier, Simpler
Gunite Corp. says its new Dual Step Piloted Brake Drums have a unique bi-level piloting system for faster, easier installation. The design also helps protect against potential damage from improper seating of the drum. Proper alignment can prolong the life of linings and the drums themselves.
Gunite’s unitized LMS Wheel Hubs are also designed to prevent improper installation. The ductile iron hubs are factory assembled, eliminating potential improper field installation and seal damage. They have an exclusive drive flange oil fill design that allows use of standard lubricants.
Also, Gunite says its 2000 Slack Adjuster lines are designed for easier, quicker installation. They are built for use with welded clevis, long-stroke brake applications and don’t need external brackets or mounting hardware.
Installation time and costs are substantially lower, according to Gunite. They provide consistent adjustment and shoe-to-drum clearance, the company says. Call (800) 677-3786 or see www.gunite.com.
Wheel Cool
If you like a different look for your truck, Millennium wheel-hole inserts from Cab Fresh could be for you. They are made of ABS plastic, in chrome, red, gray or unfinished, so you can paint them to match your truck. There are round inserts to fit Alcoa wheels and ovals for Peterbilt wheels. The same company also makes Cab Fresh brand air filters for your tractor. These are designed to filter out dust, dirt, soot and other particles. Call (800) 457-3739, or visit www.nemr.net/~cabfresh.
Safety With Flare
Reflective triangles are required by law, but the warning they provide is often barely adequate. Road flares help, but burn out and may present a hazard if fuel spills. Lighting & Electronic Design Inc. says a safer option is its Turboflare, a multi-LED flashing device visible up to five miles away. Its tough DuPont Surlyn housing can survive being run over. The flashing LEDs, powered by four C-cell batteries, will run uninterrupted up to 100 hours. Call (800) 562-3227 or visit www.sosturboflare.com.
Clean Brake
Holland Anchorlok says its next-generation Life Seal spring brake has the industry’s first completely sealed emergency chamber. It’s designed to prevent corrosive contaminants such as mud, snow, ice, oil, dust, water, sand or road salt from invading the chamber and damaging the spring. The new design does not require vent holes, breather tubes or air filters; instead, an internal valve lets air exhaust through the vehicle air system. For more information go online to www.thehollandgroupinc.com.
E-spec a Cummins
Your computer can be hummin’ as you spec a Cummins with the engine builder’s new PowerSpec interactive Web-based application. You can research and select features of Signature 600, ISX and ISM engines and tailor an engine to meet your specific trucking needs. You can go further and learn more about the programmable elements of Cummins engines such as configuring features and parameters, theory of operation and driving techniques. Dealers can use it to customize engine parameters for customers. Check it out at www.powerspec.cummins.com.
HVAC from Bendix
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has launched Bendix Climate Control, a new line of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) products for all makes of Class 6, 7 and 8 vehicles. The line features new and remanufactured compressors, compressor clutches and pulleys, receiver dryers and accumulators, block- and thermostatic-style expansion valves, block-style expansion valves, fixed-orifice tubes and refrigerant control valves. In addition, the line offers blower motors and wheels, condensers, evaporator filters, heater cores, heater fittings, switches, thermostats, chemicals, refrigerant and lubricants, O-rings, filter dryers, hoses, caps and all essential valves. Compressors meet or exceed OEM specifications; dryers and accumulators are aluminum or steel welded construction. Bendix Climate Control dryers use XH7 desiccant for optimum moisture removal and can be used with Genetron R-134a, Genetron UV and R-12 refrigerants. Call (800) AIR-BRAKE or see www.Bendix.com.
The End of Jackknifes?
Safe Transportation Systems Inc. (STS) says it has developed a device that can prevent jackknifing and rollovers. The Accident Control and Anti-Jackknife System is a high-tensile steel mechanical limiter inserted between the forks of the fifth wheel. The driver activates the system when starting out on the road and leaves it on during normal highway driving conditions. The driver can switch it off in less than a second if necessary to make sharp turns in cities. STS says its product could cut crashes and save lives and injuries. A detailed description of the mechanical principles and workings is available on the STS Web site at www.us-sts.com.
Diesel Search Engine
Whether you need a Caterpillar engine for a road tractor or a Ford power plant for a farm tractor, www.dieselenginetrader.com promises it can help you find what you need. This online service is designed for owners and operators, engine designers and specifiers, service and sales companies, distribution and dealers. The service is free and is designed to load fast and to let you find an engine by specifying one, some or all of the following parameters – make, number of cylinders, model number, power and speed, condition, geographical location and even partial model numbers.
Super-Size That Tundra?
If you routinely cram a lot of food into your sleeper’s fridge, it may be time to supersize that chiller. Tundra now offers the T80, a refrigerator-freezer which offers more than 8.5 cubic feet of storage. The steel-exterior T80 has double doors and a separate freezer compartment, adjustable shelves and even a crisper drawer for veggies. The manufacturer, Taylor Made Environmental, says the compressor and condensing system are designed for quiet, dependable operation and include high- and low-temperature cutouts. Call (804) 746-1313 or see www.tmenviro.com for more info.
Donaldson Launches New Filters
The Donaldson P559000 Lube Filter is designed specifically for Cummins Signature and ISM engines as replacement for either of the Fleetguard Venturi-style filter models. The Donaldson filter has greater media surface area in the element for improved filtration, while the wide-mouth cartridge outflow allows optimum flow of oil from the filter media, according to Donaldson.
Donaldson also now manufactures a new extended life filter element for use in the Davco 382 Fuel Processor, which increases accuracy in determining when the element needs to be changed. The Davco system uses a clear cover that lets one see when the filter needs to be changed. In the previous filter design replacement was indicated when fuel neared the top of the element, although the element usually had some usable life left.
The new design is more accurate, according to Donaldson and Davco engineers, and offers longer life, as well. So filter replacement intervals are longer and associated costs are reduced, they said. The new element will be distributed by Detroit Diesel outlets. Donaldson also was recently named the exclusive supplier of replacement filtration parts at TA. For more information, see www.donaldson.com.
Do Ya Know Where to Stop?
“Rest Areas and Welcome Centers” is a handy little guide to those and much more. At just $3.95 for S&H from the publisher (Roundabout Publications, Free Travel Guide, P.O. Box 19235, Lenexa, KS 66285), it lists runaway ramps, scenic lookouts, clear-channel radio stations and discount stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sam’s Club and Target. Order at www.TravelBooksUSA.com.
New Van, Drop Deck From Utility
Utility introduced two new trailers at the Mid-America Trucking Show. The 3000D-X Extra Wide Dry Freight Van has a 101-inch ID width and uses conventional sheet and post construction. Galvanized 80,000-psi steel panels inside give it extra strength. The 2000A Drop Deck has an aluminum deck mounted on a high tensile steel superstructure. It’s 1,000 pounds lighter than previous models. Utility also now offers lightweight, easy-to-service ConMet aluminum hubs in its price book.
Is the U.S. Ready for Big-Rig Racing?
Racing big trucks is big sport in Europe, but has been a novelty in the U.S. Until now, maybe. The recently launched Super Truck Racing Association of North America (STRANA) says it will serve as the governing body for Class 8 “super truck” racing here. STRANA is headed by Brian Till, a former PPG IndyCar and Toyota Atlantic Series race driver. ZF Group North American Operations is the major title sponsor. See www.stranaracing.com.
TarpShark Phone
After the last issue of Road King went to press, the phone number for TarpShark changed. The new number is (303) 898-5488.
‘Big Rigs’ in Print
Photographer-author Stan Holtzman has published yet another marvelous book about American semi trucks, this one called simply “Big Rigs.” Published by Voyageur Press (800) 888-9653, the 160-page full-color book chronicles many of the legendary names of trucking illustrated with hundreds of photos from Holtzman’s endless collection. Many are shown with the day’s road grime still on them or with the character lines of hard use; this makes their beauty more real because it evokes the memories that led us to the driver’s seat in the first place.
Fontaine Cast 5ths
Known for its pressed-steel fifth wheels, Fontaine International now offers its customers a choice with the introduction of its 7000 Series of cast fifth wheels. The 7000 Series can be spec’d for vans, reefers, 50-foot dumps, flatbeds, lowboys, tankers and other trailers, according to the maker. The line includes Fontaine’s No-Slack locking system and lock puller and its patented safety trigger, which is designed to prevent false couplings. For more information, call (800) 874-9780 or see www.fifthwheel.com.
Intraax 300
Hendrickson says its Intraax 300 Class trailer suspension is the industry’s first integrated 30,000-pound capacity suspension axle system. The air-ride suspension is designed for heavy-duty service such as mining, off-road and timber. The 300 line is available in both top-mount and low-ride-height/liftable configurations. Visit www.hendrickson-intl.com for more information.
3 New Holland Neway Suspensions
Holland Neway International Inc. has added three new, higher-capacity drive-axle suspensions for heavy-duty vocational truck and tractor applications to its AD-Series suspension line. The AD-Series are the only 100% off-highway rated air-ride suspensions available in the industry. The single AD-130 (shown here), tandem axle AD-260 and tridem axle AD-390 models are respectively rated at 30,000-lb. (13,608-kg), 60,000-lb. (27,216-kg), and 90,000-lb. (40, 824-kg) capacities. The parallelogram-designed suspensions are available in 8.75-, 10- and 12-inch ride heights for multiple vocational applications. They are compatible with 36/36 brake chambers and feature through-pin axle connections.
Clear the Air
The evaporator core case in your rig or personal vehicle’s ventilation system catches crud that’s a breeding ground for fungi, bacteria and mold. It’s an expensive hassle to take apart, clean and reassemble. The makers of DWD2 say their cleansing anti-bacterial foam eliminates the hassle along with the gunk. All you or your mechanic needs to do is to install a small nozzle into the core housing. Then squirt in the foam; it cleans the unit and then turns to a liquid that exits through the drainhole. Call (877) 438-3932 or see www.dwd2.com.
International NASCAR
International Truck and Engine Corp. has signed a four-year agreement to become an official status sponsor of NASCAR. Part of the agreement includes the “International Truck Challenge,” a competition showcasing the skills of race-team tractor-trailer drivers and their International vehicles. These events take place at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., June 23-24, 2001; Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 6-7, 2001; and, Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 17-18, 2001.
Makes Scents
Eagle One “Stress Relief” Aroma Therapy Scented Vent Clips fit in your heat/air vents and are supposed to help keep your temper sweet while fighting traffic. Maybe they should come standard in all vehicles?
Pickup Perk-Ups
Durakon Industries Inc. has a nifty truck bed cargo system for pickups and vans. The CargoPro roll-out bed makes it easier to reach, load and unload items, especially in pickups with tonneau covers and in vans. The aluminum and polyethylene CargoPro has a maximum 1,000-pound capacity, can be installed over a bedliner or directly into the bed, and is removable. Durakon has also recently introduced the Duraliner X/L bedliner, which has two built-in and lockable storage compartments, recessed cargo lights, and four floor-mounted D-rings. See www.durakon.com.
Dupli-Color says its Truck Bed Coating is a high-impact, sprayable vinyl polymer coating that conforms to the contours of the vehicle. It can be used under bedliners or alone. See www.duplicolor.com for more information.
Oil Drain Valve
Fumoto Engineering says its engine oil drain valve makes drains faster and less messy, and also lets you easily take samples for oil analysis. Designed for Paccar and Freightliner vehicles, the valve permanently replaces standard crankcase oil drain plugs and has a safety lock to prevent accidental spills. Available at truck dealers and parts houses.
Shell SuperRigs
The 2001 Rotella Shell SuperRigs Truck Beauty Contest will be held May17-19 at the new San Antonio, Texas, TA. Trucks will vie for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, as well as the chance to be one of the trucks on the ’02 SuperRigs calendar. Judging is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 17 and 18, and from 8 a.m. to noon on May 19. For more info, see www.rotella.com.
ConeStaC Filter
Fleetguard’s new Centriguard centrifugal filters are designed to handle filtration needs of 2002-compliant engines. Centriguard filters use stacked, cone-shaped filter media to trap soot and very small particles, between 1 and 5 microns. Filterguard engineers say the patented ConeStaC technology is more efficient than stacked disc filters and can help extend lubricant drain intervals. Unlike other centrifuge filters which must be cleaned, the ConeStaC filter cartridges can be removed and replaced.
New Puradyn Bypass Filter
Puradyn Filter Technologies (formerly Purifiner) has streamlined the design of its bypass oil filtration system, which the company says can allow you to run for hundreds of thousands of miles without changing engine oil. Like the earlier model, the new device can remove particles as small as 0.25 microns, while continually replenishing additives that maintain the oil’s effectiveness. The Puradyn filter also can remove water and other liquid contaminants. At service intervals, you need only replace the filter cartridge, take a sample of oil for analysis, and top off with new oil to replace the quart or so left in the old filter, company officials say. For more info, call (561) 547-9499 or visit www.puradyn.com.
Kenworth Offers New Interior Package
Kenworth says its new cab interior offers better ergonomics, contemporary styling, an improved HVAC system and additional storage for its T600, T800, W900 and C500 models. The new interior design features a standard wraparound instrument panel, easy-to-reach dash location for placement of an AM/FM radio, and rotary controls for the HVAC system, which has new louvers and ducting that includes split ventilation for defrost and floor modes.
Based on driver surveys, Kenworth used rocker-style switches in the key-switch panel, a dedicated light-switch panel and a flush-mounted knob for the wiper switch. Under-dash trim and a steering column shroud provide an additional level of noise dampening.
Soundproofing insulation is placed underneath the trim and shroud. A standard under-dash console comes complete with driver and passenger cup holders, storage compartment, ashtray, lighter and 12-volt power outlet. The “premium console” upgrades the standard package by offering an extra ashtray and power outlet, plus a premium soft-touch vinyl surface.
The lighter and ashtrays are backlit for driver convenience in this package. When drivers exit the vehicle, the steering column can be easily elevated by an optional foot pedal release.
New interior colors are available, and seat coverings now include durable, stain-resistant Mordura. New units with the package started rolling off the line in March. See www.kenworth.com.
Hold That Lugnut
Normark Industries Inc. of Mooresville, N.C. says its LugLock Wheel Nut Security Ring can protect against loose or missing wheel nuts, wheel and component damage, and – ultimately – wheel loss while your vehicle is moving. The lock is a ring that is press-fit to the wheel nuts by hammer blows to the caps. Splined internal cap cavities conform to the nuts and grip them like a socket, regardless of position. The ring is removed by a special pry tool and can be re-used. It comes in standard and custom colors. Contact Normark Industries Inc. Call (704) 892-6205; fax: (704) 892-7385; e-mail Sales@NormarkIndustries.com.
Truck-Lite LED License Lamps
Truck-Lite’s new Model 15 White License Lamp is designed for easy retrofit of existing incandescent lamps. It’s sealed internally with epoxy to prevent corrosion or moisture seeping inside and to soften vibration. Leads are hard-wired and end in adapter connectors; several connector styles are available. The 12-volt version draws only .05 amp, while the 24-volt model draws .03 amp.
Lightweight ReycoGranning Suspension
The new ReycoGranning model 19AR/RS1062 air-ride van slider suspension system is rated at 19,000 lbs. capacity per axle and weighs only 854 pounds. It is currently the lightest air-ride slider on the market, the maker says. Weight was shaved by using narrow beams and hangers and only two main crossmembers; strength was enhanced by a new unitized hanger design that attaches the hangers to the sides of the rails, not just at the bottom. Also adding strength are 9-inch 7-gauge side rails, industry-standard double convoluted air springs, and 4.5-inch wide bushings. Call (800) 753-0050 or (417) 862-4343. The ReycoGranning model 19AR/RS1062 also includes the ReyAlign axle alignment feature that realigns with ordinary tools and no cutting for one-person alignment.
Lucas Sponsors Big Rig Tractor Pulls
Lucas Oil (www.lucasoil.com) has long been associated with racing, including sponsorship of the American Tractor Pullers Association (ATPA). Part of ATPA’s schedule of events is Big Rig Pulling, starting May 27 at the Mercer (Pa.) Raceway. See www.atpapullers.com/bigrig.htm for a listing of events near you.
Let It Storm!
Pilot Automotive says its StormBladeSS is the only premium stainless steel wiper blade designed specifically for trucks. It features a matte stainless-steel frame and polypropylene silencer bushings, with a Hyperlux natural rubber compound blade. See www.stormbladewipers.com for more information.
Trailer Trooper
Innovative Transportation Products says its TrailerTrooper is a durable, tamper-resistant, easy-to-use trailer locking system. It locks the dolly legs in the down position after the trailer is parked. It comes in a variety of sizes and can be left in place if not in use. Call (888) 769-7062 or go to www.trailertrooper.com.
‘Lite’ Pete Wheels
Peterbilt now offers lighter-weight aluminum disc wheels for all its truck models. Each wheel is about 3 pounds lighter, for an average weight savings of 30 pounds for a typical three-axle tractor. The wheels feature chamfered hand holes for an easier grip and better looks; the same disc thickness as the wheels they replace; and all current sizes and polish options. Trucks ordered with the Peterbilt aluminum wheel option since Jan. 22 are being delivered with the new lighter weight version.
