CAT Scale Cards Coming in October '02
CAT Scale will issue its fifth series of SuperTrucks Collector Cards starting in October 2002. The set of 60 will be randomly distributed through October 2003. Cards are attached to scale tickets, so you get one each time you weigh. Collector books are available and can be ordered at CAT Scale's upgraded Web site, www.catscale.com.
Filter Reminder
Filterminder restriction gauges from Engineered Products (319-234-0231, www.filterminder.com) let you know when to change air filters. By checking regularly and recording readings, you can predict whether to change at your next PM. The company has pressure-sensitive “Air Filter Preventative Maintenance Record” forms you can stick on your air filter housing to record odometer readings and restriction levels. You'll then be able to track the rate of filter clogging, to predict when the filter will need changing.
Fire Suppression System
Firetrace International has developed an automatic fire detection and suppression system for engine compartments and other small spaces. The Firetrace Fire Suppression Systems are designed to detect and extinguish open flames instantly, and are self-contained, requiring no electricity or other external power source. A canister of fire suppression agent (FM-200, CO2, dry powder or foam) is connected to flexible polymer tubing routed through the engine compartment. The tubing ruptures when exposed to an open flame, dousing the blaze. For more info, see www.firetrace.com or call (866) 607-1218.
Watch Your Step
To prevent slip and fall accidents when climbing on tires, the Universal Big Truck Tire Step, from Ehnes Co. (www.ehnescompany.com), sold by Dime Well (866-DIMEWELL) is a step with a difference. The 13-pound folding steps use two spring-loaded clamps to hold to the tire. Tested to 400 pounds load, the top folds to make a work seat.
K-40 Antennas
K40 Electronics offers several models of CB antennas for different applications and budgets. The tunable K40 Trucker center load antenna can handle up to 7000 watts of AM power and is designed for OTR drivers looking for maximum performance, while the tunable Power Whip and Superflex Whip offer economical, easily co-phased fiberglass options that can stand up to extreme abuse and impacts. Product and dealer location information can be obtained at (800) 323-6768 or www.k40.com.
Plate Mate Greaseless Turntable
Direct Dimension (www.therevolver.info, 800-738-6587) makes The Revolver, a turntable that replaces the upper coupler plate on trailers. The company recently introduced the Plate Mate, made of the same ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as the Revolver. It reduces fifth wheel friction significantly, requires no grease, and costs far less than the Revolver. Show truck champion Neal Holsomback of Sugar Valley, Ga., tested one for more than three years. He found it made his rig more responsive and shows very little wear.
Gearmaster Shift Alert
Gear Master International (866-GEARSAV, www.gearmaster.com) has a device to help new drivers or older drivers with new transmissions quickly learn the best ways to shift. The readout shows the gear you're in, your rpm, the engine's rpm range and the gears you can safely go into. It can be programmed for all transmissions up to 20 speeds, plugs into the truck's data port, installs quickly and can be moved from truck to truck.
PT Wheel Risers
Wheel risers are small ramps that are placed behind trucks or trailer tires to compensate for height differences between vehicle and dock. PT Wheel Risers are constructed from pressure-treated wood, offering a low-cost alternative to more expensive aluminum or steel wheel risers. PT Wheel Risers retail at $175 a pair for the 4- and 6-inch heights, and $225 for the 8-inch high riser. All are 21 inches wide and 5 feet long. You can buy them online at www.ptwheelrisers.com.
Landing Gear 'Down Under'
Claimed to be popular in Australia, the Razor is a powered landing gear with a remote-control key fob to allow one-touch raising and lowering of trailers. The Razor has automatic shut-off controls that stop cranking when it's time to shift gears. Pull the gear box and touch the button again, and the Razor will raise the heaviest trailer one more inch per push of the button; once for 1 inch, twice for 2, and thrice (Aussie for three times) for 3 inches. Complete with its own battery pack, the Razor is distributed in the USA by Jost International (800) 253-5105, www.jostinternational.com.
Like a Hot Knife…
No, this isn't for cutting butter. The Hot Tool HK-60 Hot Knife is designed to simultaneously cut and seal rubber door seals and other gaskets. It has a re.placeable double-edged blade tip that can reach 1,050 degrees F in two minutes, while the wooden handle stays cool. It lists for $49.95. Call (800) 777-6309 or see www.mmnewman.com for more information.
Personal Flaps
Customized reflective mud flaps used to be expensive and required volume orders. Now they're available in quantities as small as one pair from USA Flap (888) USAFLAP, www.usaflap.com. Affordable and durable, the 24-inch wide flaps come in 24-, 30- and 36-inch heights.
Ultimate Pulltarp
Pulltarps Mfg.'s Ultimate Aluminum automatic arm tarp systems are made for trailers up to 40 feet in length. They feature low-profile arms with the company's proprietary Spiral Torsion Spring and come in either side or undermount configurations. Systems include motor, pre-wired dash panel, safety breakers and wiring. Call (800) 368-3075 or see www.pulltarps.com.
Warm Up the Bunk
An ElectroWarmth 12-volt bunk-warming pad may be the answer to staying snug on cold nights without idling. The thermostatically controlled pad draws 7 amps max, plugs into a 12-volt outlet and automatically regulates heat. Six sizes up to queen are available. Available at truckstops or see www.electrowarmth.com or call (480) 325-8734 for more information.
Lighted Antenna Ball
Pilot Automotive offers a flashing color chrome antenna ball in a variety of colors. It's self-contained, so no wiring is required. And it goes on automatically when it gets dark. Call (800) 237-7560 or see www.pilotautomotive.com. Look for this one to start cropping up on show trucks – heck, on any truck with at least one more light than absolutely necessary.
'Drive Alive' Promises to Help You Arrive Alive
We all know the dangers of driving tired, but what can we do about it? A new video and audio program, Drive Alive (800-709-9227, www.drivealivevideo.com) gives you simple exercises you can do in your truck to increase blood circulation and raise alertness. The video shows how do the exercises, while the audio (tape or CD) reinforces the instructions and provides the right tempo for exercising. There's quite a bit of activity you can do in the truck. Producers say the exercises will also improve health and fitness when done regularly.
Riddle This: When Is a Chair 'Nada-Chair'?
As its name implies, the Nada-Chair (651-644-4466, www.nadachair.com) is “not a chair.” It is a lumbar support system that provides back support, too. The back brace has knee straps that provide tension to the lumbar region of the spine. It works while sitting on any kind of chair or stool. For driving, the knee straps are replaced with straps that go from the back belt to the arch of the foot after being positioned at the knee. It sounds awkward, but we've tried the system and it works, even – or especially – while driving. Nada-Chair takes less than a minute to put on or take off. It provides active lumbar support and improved posture control.
Exide Orbital Battery Line
The Exide Orbital Battery (www.exideworld.com) uses cylindrically wrapped absorbent glass mat technology to contain the electrolyte even if the battery is upside-down. The maintenance-free, spill-proof battery has a unique tri-terminal design with two positive and two negative posts on top and additional side-screw terminals. They allow total flexibility in installation.
CORRECTION
The toll-free number in the July-August issue for BrakLok from Wapner Truck Alarm Systems was incorrect. The correct number is (516) 887-7400. We apologize for the error.
