The aisles were packed for most of this year's Great American Truck Show in Dallas. Truckers were upbeat, drawn to the new and improved products and services. Here are some highlights:
Freightliner's M2
Freightliner introduced options to improve the flexibility of its M2 Business Class line, along with upgrades and new interior packages for over-the-road models. The Classics and Classic XLs have new Chaparral plush interiors. Century Class trucks have optional Heritage interior packages and a new version of the premium Signature interior. Diamond stitching is included. The Chaparral interior, complete with diamond stitching, is also optional on the Coronado. And all heavy-duty models can be ordered with Idle Solutions HVAC that features Tundra heating and cooling systems and Temco auxiliary generators.
Pete's Transmissions
Peterbilt announced it is offering Allison automatic transmissions on both its 379 and 387 highway models, as well as on vocational and medium duty trucks. Cummins ISX and ISL and Caterpillar engines can now go fully automatic. Cat's C-15, with up to 475 hp and 1650 pound-feet, is the highest power engine mated to the Allison. Pete also announced new color availability, with 90 base coat/clear coat effects colors and 45 single stage and base/clear solids.
IdleAire News
IdleAire announced the addition of Wi-Fi high-speed wireless Internet service at all stops where it has its facilities. Many locations under contract but not yet built will also get the 11.0 Mbps service before IdleAire facilities are completed. IdleAire also announced that Parsons Brinckerhoff, a planning, engineering and construction firm, will manage the installation of 200,000 IdleAire-equipped truck parking spaces.
Tape it Up
Rescue Tape from Harbor Products ((877) 547-2628, www.harborproducts.com) is a maintenance product that resists pressure and temperature and is an outstanding electrical insulator. Rolls of the silicone tape, available in red, white or black, can be used to repair leaky hoses, insulate and seal wiring, and even to create a new fan belt in an emergency. The non-adhesive silicone bonds and cures to itself, forming a solid mass. It withstands 700 psi, 8,000 volts and 500 degrees F. Just stretch the tape (up to five times its length) and wrap it on itself.
Keep in Contact
Molex, Inc. is a manufacturer of sophisticated electronics for military, government and industrial markets. Now they are expanding into truck cabs with FaxEnable, a device that links an ordinary office fax machine with any digital phone. FaxEnable allows a driver to send or receive bills of loading, shipping documents, directions and permits right from his or her cab. Each fleet needs only one FaxEnable Hub to facilitate hundreds of individual FaxEnable units. For details, call (630) 696-4747, or go to www.molex.com.
Step Up
Diesel Step from Chain Step is a stair system that fits over a truck tire. With Diesel Step, you can step safely onto platform trailers or to clean windshields. The frame pieces are made of 14-gauge steel. Steps are 12-gauge. The safety-yellow steps can carry up to 500 pounds. Using chains, the stairs adjust up to 6-inches. For more information, call (888) 826-4223, or go to www.chainstep.com.
Spill Protection
Tank Top Pro is a film that protects fuel tanks from diesel spills. The sheets are packaged six 18 inch square reusable sheets per resealable package, and have absorbent fibers on one side and an impervious, fuel-resistant plastic on the other. The sheets have either 3-inch or 4-inch holes to fit around the tanks' filler necks. For more information, call (888) 722-3776, or go to www.tanktoppro.com.
