A Trucker's Memorial to Sept.11
The images are instantly recognizable. On one side of the sleeper, three weary New York City firemen raise a U.S. flag amid the World Trade Center ruins, under the words, "From unthinkable tragedy shall rise unshakeable unity." On the other side, a firefighter mourns under the words, "A moment in our lives, forever in our hearts."
The 1999 Peterbilt 379 is owned by Everfresh Farms of Byron Center, Mich., and driven by Tedd Sparpana. He commissioned the murals from Scott Signs of Grand Rapids, Mich., with Everfresh's hearty approval. "I wanted to do something to memorialize what happened," said Sparpana.
The paintings were finished just before Thanksgiving, and he headed to New York to try to join Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The NYC cops took one look at the rig and gave him a spot in line.
Early Thanksgiving morning, though, parade officials discovered the uncredentialed rig and told him he had to leave. "The New York cops told them, 'Get your security people to move him, we're not'," he recalled with a chuckle.
Whether under way or parked, the rig draws admiration and thank-yous. Look for it on the road and at truck shows this year.
Webb Tools
The Webb 700 Series Multi-Function Fuel management system is designed to simultaneously filter fuel, remove water and heat or cool fuel. The transparent unit also lets you or your tech check the level of filter restriction and water accumulation for proper maintenance. The unit includes a multi-layer filter media, patented venturi diffuser for efficient contaminant removal and an integral fuel heater/cooler to maintain optimum fuel temperature. For more info, call (800) 728-9322 or see www.webb-sales.com.
Webb’s WC40 Coolant Heater is designed to keep both the engine and the bunk area warm without idling. It plumbs into the existing coolant and fuel system and draws 3.3 amps from the electrical system. With a remote cab mounted heat exchanger, it claims to provide 40,000 BTU/h of warm air for drivers.
Beefy Michelin
Michelin says its new 365/80R20 XTE2 front axle tires are designed with massive shoulders for scrub resistance, as well as a cool-running casing. The XTE2 is intended for high-capacity front axles.
'Xtreme' Zerex
Zerex Extreme Extended Life antifreeze-coolant is the first product to meet the Cummins CES 14603 spec as well as the Caterpillar EC-1 spec without the need of supplemental silicate additives at first fill. The life of the original fill can be prolonged to 600,000 miles by adding a single bottle of Extreme Extended Life Extender at 300,000, Zerex says. Call (800) 255-3533 or see www.valvolinehd.com
Rand McNally Atlas Adds Features
The 2002 edition of the Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas comes with a 30-day trial offer on the company's IntelliRoute Online route management service. The atlas also includes Web addresses and phone hotline numbers for states and provinces to get you news on construction and detours. Rand McNally has integrated information in the atlas with the IntelliRoute software for easy cross-reference. You can buy the atlas at major truckstop chains or at www.randmcnally.com.
KW Adds New Standard Air Dryer, 600-hp Cummins
Kenworth has selected the Bendix AD-IP as its new standard air dryer, replacing the Bendix AD-SP model. The AD-IP offers more capacity, improved performance and a more comprehensive warranty compared to the Bendix AD-SP. It is recommended for most applications involving Kenworth T2000, W900, T800, T600, C500 and T300 models. Exceptions include mixer or refuse applications, continuous use in bulk product unloading operations, and for combinations with nine or more axles.
Also, in the "T2," KW now offers the Cummins ISX and 600-hp Cummins Signature and Caterpillar C-16 diesels.
If you just want to look at KWs, you can order the 2002 calendar from Amazon.com for $12 plus S&H. And you can get a free parts and service coupon book if you sign up online at www.kenworth.com for Kenworth’s free PremierCare e-mail service.
The Kenworth Advantages Savings Coupon Book offers over $2,500 in savings on parts and service work for most leading truck makes.
Fast Cold Starts from KBi
KBi's Dieselmatic systems are OE-approved ether injection systems designed to get fast starts down to minus-40 F and colder. They are fully automatic and can help eliminate white smoke, cut down on engine vibration at start-up, and reduce crankcase lube oil dilution from unburnt fuel, according to KBI. For more information contact KBi’s Sales Department at (800) 527-8278.
CFI Ups 0/0 Pay
CFI has raised pay for owner-operators by 2 cents a mile, upping base pay to 82-cents-per-mile. The increase took effect Jan. 1, 2002, when contract hauling agreements are renewed. See www.cfi-us.com.
Fast Cold Starts from KBi
KBi's Dieselmatic systems are OE-approved ether injection systems designed to get fast starts down to minus-40 F and colder. They are fully automatic and can help eliminate white smoke, cut down on engine vibration at start-up, and reduce crankcase lube oil dilution from unburnt fuel, according to KBI. For more information contact KBi’s Sales Department at (800) 527-8278.
Mirror Images
Muth Mirror Systems has developed Signal Mirrors for heavy trucks with west coast mirror brackets. Chevron-shaped lights flash when the trucker signals for a turn or lane change and whenever hazard lights are on. Placing them in the mirrors' faces helps make the signals visible to drivers in blind spots. The retrofit kit also includes a heater for the mirrors; MSRP is $269. Kits are available from Muth (call 800-844-6616 or see www.kwmuth.com) or at parts suppliers.
Security 'Enforcer'
Transport Security Inc. has added "The Enforcer" adjustable lock to its line of truck, trailer and container security systems. It needs no permanent installation and can be moved from trailer to trailer or container.
Flatbed Safety Systems
Carbis Inc., which makes bulk loading and safe access devices, now offers Flatbed Fall-Protection Systems for flatbedders. It includes a platform in available in aluminum, prime-coated steel or galvanized steel. Set up alongside a trailer, the platform lets workers move along the length of the trailer while loading.
Carbis also makes a ground-operated tarping mechanism in either primed or galvanized steel. This has "L" frame supports and an overhead beam that extends up to 45 feet or more. A trolley runs the entire length of the beam and includes a spreader bar to ease the tarp over loads with clearances of 13.5 feet or more. An optional motorized trolley is rated for loads up to a quarter-ton or beyond. Push-button control allows it to lift and pull a tarp at the rate of 35 feet per minute, and faster speeds are available. There is also a self-retracting lifeline that attaches to a body harness of sturdy nylon webbing. Contact Carbis Inc. at (800) 948-7750; (843) 669-6668; or see www.carbis.net.
Deka 'Ultimate'
East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc.'s new Deka "Ultimate" battery claims longer life under harsh conditions, thanks to a patented silver lead alloy, ultra-pure electrolyte and additional electrolyte reservoir, and a special paste and reinforced grids to improve power and prolong life. See www.eastpenn-deka.com for details.
Charge It!
Volvo now offers the Xantrex Heavy Duty Weatherproof Inverter/Charger as a TruckMatch option on its VNL 610, 660 and 770 models. The inverter/charger transforms 12-volt DC voltage from truck batteries to 110-volt AC household current so truckers can have the comforts of home on the road. It provides 1,000 watts of continuous power and 3,000 watts of peak AC power.
When connected to "shore power" at a truckstop, terminal or home, all 12-volt DC and 120-volt AC loads run off the Xantrex Inverter/Charger while it simultaneously charges batteries. It includes an integral low voltage disconnect system that protects batteries from excessive discharge.
The unit is weatherproof, so it can be safely mounted on frame rails instead of in a luggage compartment. This also permits use of shorter cables which reduces voltage drop.
Eagle Eye Spy
Transportation Safety Technologies says its EagleEye Obstacle Detection System uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects within 10 feet of the sides or rear of a truck. Capable of handling as many as seven sensors, the system's dash-mounted alert unit provides sound and flashing light alerts and indicates the location and distance of the object. See www.tst-eagleeye.com for information.
Flap Your Colors
Life-Time Truck Products can help you wave the flag as you're going down the road with its American Eagle stainless steel quarter fenders and five-color American Eagle mudflaps. Life-Time also is continuing a program it started in the Gulf War of contributing a portion of proceeds to the American Red Cross relief efforts. Visit www.lifetimetruck.com for details.
Qualcomm in a Phone
Qualcomm has introduced a new digital-phone-based truck communications system designed for small fleets and owner-operators. Drivers and dispatchers can receive and send load assignments and status updates, directions, delivery info and even maps on the specially designed phones now being rolled out. Qualcomm will market OmniOne primarily to fleets that contract with large numbers of O/Os who do not have installed QualComm sets, and to small fleets that can't afford the larger systems.
Qualcomm also has introduced a Web-based service called QTRACS/Web that lets dispatchers and managers keep tabs on their business from any computer. It will be offered in two versions. One is for large fleets that need an in-house computer system to track their business, and the other, for smaller operations, is a strictly web-based version that requires only a PC and Web access.
Chain-chain-chain
Nobody likes chains. They're hard to put on and can do real damage if they come loose. Chain It Tight from Diamond G claims to maintain uniform tension while under way. It's available for most any size vehicle, from ATV to 18-wheeler. Call (208) 521-9472 or see www.chainittight.com.
Got Spot?
Wilks Enterprises Inc.'s SootChek is a handheld, battery powered instrument for checking soot concentration levels in diesel engine lubricating oils. SootChek uses infra-red technology to scan used oil in about 30 seconds – no sample preparation or solvents are required. Call (203) 855-9136 or see www.wilksir.com for more information.
Low Voltage Guard
The IntraUSA Group Inc.'s new solid-state low-voltage disconnect (LVD) monitors battery power levels during off-key periods and automatically disconnects non-critical power loads when voltage reaches critical levels. For more info, visit www.intra-usa.com.
