Plug and Play XM Radio
Installing XM Satellite Radio in your tractor is no longer rocket science. Delphi's new SKYFi satellite radio is designed to plug-and-play in your rig, your personal vehicle and even at home. The compact receiver/controller features a large display that shows five channels at a time as you scroll through the XM channels. The SKYFi Vehicle Adaptor Kit allows the receiver to adapt to any existing vehicle stereo system. The SKYFi Home Adaptor Kit is compatible with most home or workplace audio systems. SKYFi receiver units are are available at TAs for The $129.99, while the vehicle and home adapter kits are available for $69.99, which includes an antenna. (Price does not include monthly subscription fee). Coming this spring: a SKYFi "boombox" that contains a pair of high quality speakers with integrated antenna, for an MSRP of $99.99. See xmradio.com for more details.
Clarification
A photo caption on page 32 of the November/December issue should have identified "Bogie's Express" as winner of the Company Truck Combo category at St. Ignace. "The Gambler" won first place in the Company Truck Bobtail category. We apologize for the ambiguity.
Road King Wins 11 Automotive Media Awards
Road King Magazine has won 11 awards – including two first-place and four second-place awards – in the 2002 International Automotive Media Association (IAMA) competition. Road King competed against industry standards such as AutoWeek, as well as business publications such as Fortune and FSB, according to Bill Hudgins, editor-in-chief. "Winning in the IAMA competition is especially gratifying because of the caliber of the competition," he said. "In the past three years alone, Road King has won a total of 35 IAMA awards, from news and features to road tests and design. The awards recognize our guiding principle – to inform our readers about their industry, and to entertain and even inspire them with features about life on the road." Awards included a gold for feature writing for "Container Graveyard" by Christopher Slaney, which was a report on how freight containers in Afghanistan serve as shops, homes and jails; and a silver for a special section called "Chicken Trucks."
Classic Rigs Are in the Cards
Photo Card Specialists have released their third series of "18 Wheeler Truck Trading Cards." The 100-card series includes 15 vintage vehicles and can be purchased at truckstops and trading card stores, or online at 18wheelers.net for $19.95 (plus S&H).
Aero Tax Credit in Oregon
Oregon now offers a state-funded business energy tax credit toward the purchase of aerodynamic treatments for trailers. The goal is to encourage use of aero accessories, such as Nose Cone air deflectors, on both tractors and trailers – use of both could yield a tax credit of 35% of the cost. Only vehicles titled, registered and licensed for roadway use in Oregon are eligible; you must apply for the credit before buying the aerodynamic gear. See nosecone.com or energy.state.or.us for more details.
Power Up!
Xantrex Technologies has added two new models to its line of inverters. The Xpower 1200 Plus and Xpower 1750 Plus are designed for truckers who need AC power for appliances and electronics. Compact and lightweight, they are easy to connect to a 12-volt DC supply and provide 1,200 and 1,750 watts of AC power, respectively. If space is .a problem, the Xpower Mobile Plug 75 plugs into a lighter socket and lets you run and recharge cell phones, laptops or PDAs. For more info, see xantrex.com.
Save Your Chassis
Magnet Paints says its new Chassis Saver underbody coating stops rust and corrosion without the use of additional primers and top coats. Chassis Saver chemically bonds to rusty metal to form a hard, non-porous finish the company says will not crack, chip, flake or peel,and will resist salt, gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, battery acid, hydraulic fluid, solvents, chemicals, or corrosives. Call (800) 922-9981or visit magnet paints.com/underbody.asp.
1st Mack AC at Iowa 80
The first Mack AC truck built, restored to all its 1916-vintage glory, is now on display in the lobby of Iowa 80 headquarters in Walcott weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Iowa 80 has also begun construction of a Trucking Hall of Fame to display its vast collection of antique trucks, toys and memorabilia.
Helping Hands (7 of Them)
If you hate changing bits,"Mr. 7 Hands" may be your new best friend. The compact multi-tool has six Phillips and flat-head screwdriver tips you can switch in 2 seconds; a built-in flashlight also helps you see what needs fixing. Visit tridirectmarket ing.com for details.
Food for the Road, at Home
Got a hankering for some highway hash? "The All-American Truck Stop Cookbook" will tell you how it's fixed at your favorite home-cooking away from home. Authors Ken Beck, Jim Clark and Les Kerr have compiled a load of recipes, tales and trivia from truckstops in every state. The book retails for $14.99; order online from rutledgehillpress.com.
Bill ‘Stump' Lewis Wins International Truck Challenge
In late October, Bill "Stump" Lewis of the No. 77 Jasper Engines racing team aced the fourth and last 2002 International Truck Challenge by winning the driving skills contest at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lewis had led going into Atlanta and turned in a terrific performance to seal the victory.
Competitors had to race the clock to make two intricate 180-degree turns, back to a simulated loading dock, and drive through a slalom course and around obstacles. When Lewis came around the curve to make one of his turns, his rig was leaning well over as he pushed to make time without knocking over one of the orange cones marking the course. His wife, Cindy, said afterward, "It looked like he was on two wheels!"
Indeed, most of the drivers were goosing it through the turn. Looking straight on at the rigs, I stepped back a couple of times and eyed the knee-high concrete barrier right in front of me, wondering if it would shield me from a rolling 18-wheeler. Of course, the drivers were in complete control but it was an impressive sight nonetheless.
Bill took home $25,000 for winning the season, plus $1,000 for the Atlanta event. Congrats!
