World's Largest Convoy Needs You!

On July 20, the Orange County, Fla., Sheriff's Office is sponsoring its second annual convoy to benefit Special Olympics Florida. Last year's run made it into the Guinness Book of World Records, and organizers hope to top that. All trucks in the convoy must be 10,00-GVW or larger. There's a $100 tax-deductible donation required to participate; other levels of sponsorship also are available. Contact Cpl. Norm Schneiderhan, Special Projects Coordinator, at (407) 836-8675 or by e-mail at Norm.Schneiderhan@ocfl.net.

SuperRigs Turns 20 at East Ontario TA

The Rotella SuperRigs Truck Beauty Contest will celebrate its 20th anniversary June 6-8 at the East Ontario TA in Ontario, Calif. Only working trucks will compete for over $20,000 in cash and prizes, plus an opportunity to appear in the 2003 Rotella SuperRigs calendar. Rigs will be judged from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, and Friday, June 7, and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 19. Drivers can register on arrival and go through the entry line when they are ready. The judging takes approximately 20 minutes, there is no entry fee and contestants do not have to be present to win. For information, see www.rotella.com.

Webb Fuel Heater For Smaller Engines

Webb has introduced its model 424 fuel heater/water separator, which is designed for small to midrange engines. The 424 uses engine coolant to heat the fuel, thus eliminating the need for fuel blending. It also has a three-stage water separation process that Webb says is 99% effective in removing water from fuel. Call (800) 728-9322 or browse www.webb-sales.com.

Life-time Poly Quarter Fenders

Life-Time Fenders LLC has introduced Poly Quarter Fenders designed for applications that require low weight, low cost and high durability. There is a variety of mounting options and each comes with a "chromed" lettered top flap. Call (800) 933-6565 or visit www.lifetimetruck.com .

Pre-Paid Internet Access From Road

Simple, affordable Internet access from the road has become a major concern for many truckers. Personal Internet Card and Communications Inc. (PICC) has introduced a pre-paid internet service that gives you Net access either through local or toll-free numbers with no extra charges.You buy a PICC Internet CD with a pre-set number of minutes. Pop it into your computer, follow the directions to connect to the ISP. Exit the program and launch your browser. You can choose to use a local number or a toll-free number – you burn minutes faster on the toll-free line, but don't pay extra for using it (although you might have a charge for a long-distance "local" number). Look for it at truckstops.

Truck-Lite Safety Video System

Wondering what's beside or behind you? Truck-Lite's High Performance Video System can accommodate multiple cameras that work in near-dark conditions as well as direct sunlight. The image is displayed on a 5.5-inch green phosphor screen, which Truck-Lite says improves image definition. You can switch cameras manually or automatically. Call (800) 562-5012 or see www.truck-lite.com.

Firestone Says, 'Ship by Truck'

Firestone has reached back into its history for inspiration for today's truckers and customers of trucking. Earlier this year, Firestone launched a year-long image campaign called "Ship By Truck." That's what Harvey Firestone called his campaign to promote road-building in the U.S. back in 1918. The campaign will include special sales promotions, press releases, historic memorabilia and a nifty static cling "Ship by Truck" decal, available at many truckstops.

New Trucking Rand-McNally Web Site

Rand-McNally's new Web site, www.trucking.randmcnally.com, is dedicated to the needs of professional drivers and operators of even the smallest fleets. The site allows you to try out Rand-McNally's mapping, routing and mileage software before you buy, and if you like what you see, you can buy it directly from the site. The site offers product support and has a searchable road construction database.

Current Disconnect Saves Batteries

How often have you drained your batteries running appliances, fans, heaters or electronics? A low-voltage disconnect (LVD) might have prevented that – it senses when batteries are getting too low to crank the engine and shuts off the current. Intra Technologies makes an LVD about the size of a credit-card, and its performance has impressed J.B. Hunt enough that it is retrofitting its Freightliner Argosy cabovers with the device. Intra also has developed an LVD exclusively for Thermo King reefer units. Call Intra at (866) 99-INTRA (866-994-6872), or contact a Class 8 truck dealer.

Trucker Buddy Log Book

Trucker Buddy now offers a log book that kids can use to track their daily activities such as play, sleep, school and transportation time. The Trucker Buddy log book was designed by Trucker Buddies Karen and Harvey Zander, who created their own log books for each student in their fourth grade class at Coon Rapids, Minn. The log book costs $1.25 and can be ordered by calling 866-SHOP TBI or from the Trucker Buddy store at www.truckerbuddy.org.

Grill of Your Dreams

TruckersMall.net offers new decorative grill covers that can be custom-made with company logos, names or other messages. The vinyl mesh covers measure 18-by-18 inches and are hemmed and grommeted for durability. Call (888) 481-7446 or visit www.truckersmall.net for information and pricing.

Wrap It Up in a Powerful 'Python'

Eagle One says its new Wax-As-You-Dry spray wax eliminates drying before you can shine up your vehicle. Just spray it on while the vehicle is still wet from washing and dry with a towel or chamois, according to Eagle One. Sold in auto stores and mass merchandisers.

See With NightSight

The NightSight ProtectIR 4000B combines an infrared video camera with a pan-and-tilt positioning platform. It is operated by a cabled joystick controller, so you can aim and point the camera as needed. The infrared video image is displayed on any TV monitor, and is claimed to see objects up to 1,500 feet away. Contact Larry Nelson at (503) 982-8893 or (877) 337-8338, or gusnelson2@imagicmail.com.

Rain-free Moving?

DryMove, LLC, has developed a product it says will help movers keep rain and other precipitation off themselves and their cargo during loading and unloading. The DryMove System is a canopy that works with both roll-up and swing-open doors on trucks and trailers. It can be ordered in lengths up to 60 feet, is easy to set up and break down quickly, the company says. Visit www.drymove.com, call 866-DryMove (866-379-6683) or e-mail JChromoy@DryMove.com.

Bulk, Tank Fenders From 'Minimizer'

The new plastic M700 Minimizer fender is designed for use with Class 7-8 trucks and bulk and tank trailers. Made of molded high-density polyethylene, the M700 is designed to withstand impacts and will not rust. It comes in four standard colors – black, white, silver-gray and red – and custom colors are available. It weighs 20 pounds per axle. Call (800) 248-3855.

Dry and Shine

Master Lock's new Python claims to be the world's first fully adjustable locking cable. That makes it ideal for securing items like power tools, bikes, ladders, cargo racks and other equipment. It has a 60-foot by 10-mm vinyl coated braided steel cable, cinch-locking body, and a locking cam that allows for easier cinching and tighter fit. The lock cylinder is rekeyable. Visit www.masterlock.com.

Trucking Events May-August

• May 2-4 North American Truck Show Bayside Exposition Center, Boston , MA 800-225-1577; www.truckingexpo.com
• May 9-11 NAST Tar Heel Truck Show Down, TravelCenters of America, Kenly, NC; 919-284-5121
• May 17-19 NAST Bordentown, NJ, Petro. 609-291-1154; www.petro-nj.com
• May 30-June 1 American Truck Historical Society Annual Convention, Kansas City Marriott, Kansas City, MO; 816-891-9900; www.aths.org
• May 31-June 2 NAST Charlie's Country Corner, Grayling, MI. (989) 348-2740, ext. 26; www.fickandsons.com
• June 4-6 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) RoadCheck 2002; 301-564-1623; www.cvsa.org
• June 27-29 41st Annual International Trucking Show. Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV; 800-227-5992; www.truckshow.com
• June 28-30 NAST Kool Trucks In Coldwater, Coldwater, MI; (800) 999-8012; www.yourfuturestartshere.com
• July 11-12 Walcott Truckers Jamboree, Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, IA; 563-284-6961; www.iowa80truckstop.com/walcott.htm
• July 20 World's Largest Truck Convoy, Orange Country, FL, Sheriff's Office & Special Olympics, Orlando; 407-836-8675 www.geocities.com/truckconvoy
• Aug. 9-10 13th Annual Waupun Truckers Jamboree, Waupun, WI; 920-324-9985; www.truckersjamboree.com
• Aug. 15-16 ExpeditersOnline.com Expedite Expo 2002, Detroiter Truck Stop, Woodhaven, MI; 859-746-2046; www.expeditexpo.com
• Aug. 1-3 NAST Lee Hi Travel Plaza, Lexington, VA; (540) 463-3478 or (800) 296-5344; www.leehi.com
• Aug. 16-18 Wheeling, W.Va. Truck Show for Make-a-Wish. America's Truck Wash & Chrome Shop, Tridelphia, WV; 800-767-1509.
• Aug. 23-25 NAST Great Salt Lake City Truck Show www.saltlaketruckshow.com; info@saltlaketruckshow.com; Great Salt Lake Truck Show, P.O. Box 1381, Sandy UT 84091-1381

Grote Develops Single Diode S/T/T Lamp

In February, Grote Industries said it had perfected a 4-inch round single-diode stop, tail and turn lamp. As a deterrent to theft, the new SuperNova is designed to look like a standard round bulb lamp. For more info, contact Grote at (800) 457-9540 or browse www.grote.com.

International Adds FreedomLine Tranny

International Trucks now offers the ZF Meritor FreedomLine Transmission as an option on 9200i, 9400i, 9900i and 9900ix models. The FreedomLine has a clutch pedal that can be operated in either fully automatic or driver-controlled modes.

ArvinMeritor DX 225 Air Disc Brake

ArvinMeritor's new DX 225 air disc brake has permanently lubed components and sealed slide pins for longer life and less maintenance. It fits within 22.5-inch wheels, is available on axles rated to 24,000 pounds GAWR, and is suitable for ABS and electronic braking systems.

Walcott Jamboree

The 23rd Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 11-12 at the Iowa 80 TA, exit 284 off I-80 near Walcott, Iowa. The event, which has gotten bigger and better every year, includes a super truck beauty contest, more than 170 antique trucks dating from as early as 1908, more than 150 exhibits, brand-new and used trucks, live country music, games, super pet contest, trucker olympics, and 1-1/2-inch thick grilled Iowa pork chops! Held at the world's largest truckstop, the Jamboree draws more than 20,000 people. For more information, call (563) 468-5519 or browse www.iowa80truckstop.com.