A complete and thorough video on how four wheel drive (4WD) 4x4 systems work. This video will look into depth on how part time and full time four wheel drive systems work, operate, what to expect and when to use it. It will cover in depth the following: - Drivetrain Fundamentals - Part Time 4x4 - Full Time 4x4 - Open Differentials - Locked Differentials - Torque Distribution - Torque Multiplication - High Range - Low Range - Transfer Case - Crawl Ratio - Limited Slip Differentials - Brake Traction Control - Wind-Up Phenomenon - Diagonal Wheels Phenomenon - Free Wheeling Hubs
7/31/20
How 4WD (4x4 - Four Wheel Drive) Works - 2H, 4H, 4L, LSD, Centre Diff, Diff Locks, Traction Control.
A complete and thorough video on how four wheel drive (4WD) 4x4 systems work. This video will look into depth on how part time and full time four wheel drive systems work, operate, what to expect and when to use it. It will cover in depth the following: - Drivetrain Fundamentals - Part Time 4x4 - Full Time 4x4 - Open Differentials - Locked Differentials - Torque Distribution - Torque Multiplication - High Range - Low Range - Transfer Case - Crawl Ratio - Limited Slip Differentials - Brake Traction Control - Wind-Up Phenomenon - Diagonal Wheels Phenomenon - Free Wheeling Hubs
7/29/20
Tested. Proven. Safe. | CURT MFG
CURT’s mission is to provide customers with safe, reliable products that empower them to enjoy more of what they love – whether it’s work, play or a combination of both.
TESTED QUALITY.
Our Wixom testing facility gives us the opportunity to test each and every product to the most stringent standards.
- Fatigue, weight carrying and weight distribution testing.
- Three-axis testing, similar to the European CARLOS.TC test.
- Every hitch passes SAE J684 or J2638 protocols.
- CURT has earned the ISO / TS 16949 certification for quality manufacturing.
- Each hitch is covered inside and out with a rust-resistant liquid Bonderite® coating to prevent rusting. - Our converters and T-connectors are potted, sealing each one off with an epoxy resin that protects the internal circuits from the elements. Each goes through an extensive salt-spray and environmental test to ensure long-lasting dependability.
PROVEN SAFE.
The result of these advancements and our commitment to safety and quality has had a positive impact on the lives of our consumers. We want to help tell their stories. These stories will be highlighted in our marketing collateral, advertisements, as well as user testimonials videos.
Whether they’re hauling equipment to the job site or taking the family up to the campground, CURT’s mission is to give them the confidence to enjoy every mile of the journey. We’re not just making towing products. We’re helping our customers make memories that will last a lifetime.
7/27/20
Choosing the Right Tow & Stow
How to measure to get the correct amount of adjustment we recommend from your Tow & Stow.
7/25/20
WeldMaster Truck Body - For the Jack of All Trades!
- 63-inch raised and vented front compartment with bottle brackets and rings inside to hold standard sized oxygen and acetylene tanks
- Stainless Steel self-opening pop-top lids w/ body length compartment bins & 4" dividers
- Push Button locking system with red band locking indicator
- Modern gas shocks on each side opening door to keep them open during loading and unloading
- 8" deep recessed bumper for sure footing when entering bed
- Armless and self supporting tailgate work table
- Adjustable, but lockable, shelving system
- Weather shield system around locks, doors, and hingles, preventing leaks and securing the tools of your trade. Neoprene door seals, water-proof gaskets, self-sealing stainless steel rivets, and silky smooth three-point door latches with Teflon glides.
Learn more at: http://harbortruckandvan.com/product/weldmaster/#tab3
7/21/20
Ranger Design Van Accessories - Vehicle Security
For long term profitability, make sure your van is always well-protected and well-kept. Have your most expensive equipment locked away out of sight, and take other protective measures to help prevent theft. By keeping your vehicle burglar-free and in good condition, you can improve the resale value for the future.
7/19/20
2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty Takes Towing and Power to the Next Level
Ford, America’s truck leader, introduces the next level of Built Ford Tough heavy-duty pickup truck capability, power and technology with the new 2020 F-Series Super Duty. An all-new 7.3-liter V8 with best-in-class 430 horsepower and best-in-class 475 ft.-lbs. of torque joins the standard 6.2-liter V8 in Super Duty’s gas engine stable. The available third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8 is upgraded to deliver best-in-class 475 horsepower and best-in-class 1,050 ft.-lbs. of torque. An all-new 10-speed heavy-duty TorqShift® automatic transmission is standard with the 7.3-liter V8 and 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8.
For 2020 Super Duty gets new trailering technology including available class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, which makes negotiating even the largest trailers into the tightest of spaces easier than ever before. With hands off the steering wheel, drivers use the Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob to steer the trailer via the reverse camera. Trailer Reverse Guidance shows trailer angle and direction and provides steering suggestions to most efficiently direct a trailer backward. Both systems are built to accommodate all trailer styles, including conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck designs.
Keep connected with standard FordPass Connect™ embedded 4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices and charge up with wireless charging and USB-C ports. Available driver-assist technology includes Lane-Keeping Alert, Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.
Across the range, an enhanced front-end design allows for optimized cooling and lighting performance under heavy loads. For the first time, all dual-rear-wheel Super Duty trucks are fitted with a uniquely designed high-airflow grille optimized for maximum powertrain cooling. LED headlamps have a new look with improved performance, while high-series trucks feature continuous signature lighting. An improved front bumper and air dam optimize cooling and make using utility hooks easier. A freshened tailgate design, revised taillamps and new rear bumper convey bolder Built Ford Tough style.
Decorative appliqués on the doors and media bin door are updated on Lariat trucks, while on Platinum edition trucks these pieces are updated to Onyx Argento wood. The interior of the Limited model is completely refreshed, with colors updated to Ebony and Highland Tan to provide a refined, modern feel. Limited features genuine leather, a coarse ash wood in black and modern brushed aluminum trim. Crafted details include decorative stitching on the leather-wrapped instrument panel topper, leather-wrapped armrests, seating and center console lid, and an embroidered Super Duty logo added to the floor mats. A soft headliner in Miko® suede is intended to give the cabin an expansive feel.
Also new is the first-ever Super Duty Tremor Off-Road Package. Tremor is the most capable off-road Super Duty ever, with the outstanding towing and payload capability heavy-duty pickup truck owners expect. It balances what customers demand in terms of work with what they need for the great outdoors. Suspension updates include a front-end lift, progressive-rate springs, custom 1.7-inch piston twin-tube dampers to control body motion and 35-inch Goodyear maximum traction tires – the largest tires fitted to a heavy-duty pickup – on unique 18-inch black matte-finished wheels. Super Duty Tremor gets Trail Control™, plus a special rock-crawl mode is included in the truck’s first-ever selectable drive modes. The truck boasts 10.4 inches of ground clearance, best-in-class water fording of 33 inches and the best approach and departure angles ever available with a Super Duty. Tremor is available in F-250 or F-350 single-rear-wheel configuration, with either the all-new 7.3-liter gas V8 or third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8.
The all-new Ford F-600 Super Duty chassis cab fills the sweet spot between F-550 and F-650. It is built for customers who need additional payload or need to mount heavier upfits but don’t want to move into a larger truck. Although the overall vehicle is the same size as an F-550, F-600 uses upgraded driveline and chassis components, as well as higher-weight-rated 19.5-inch tires and wheels to help it achieve a higher GVWR.
Learn more here: https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2020/f-series-super-duty/2020-Super-Duty-Whats-New.pdf
7/17/20
Value of Effectively Maintaining Upfits
- Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV
Your upfit is spec’ed, purchased, and installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.
Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:
A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.
“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.
At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.
“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.
Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.
“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”
When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.
“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.
Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.
“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.
6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits
While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:
Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection
Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.
“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance
When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.
“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.
To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.
“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.
Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly
Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders.
“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.
Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment
You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.
“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.
Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing
When you service certain upfit items is also essential.
“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.
Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage
Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.
“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.
Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits
7/15/20
VMAC's UNDERHOOD70-G System Customer Testimonial
After using the amazing UNDERHOOD70-G air compressor on his high-demand roofing jobs, Dale Clozza of Aurora Roofing in Nanaimo, BC, had a lot to say about the efficiency, fuel savings and compact power of one of VMAC's newest, innovative air compressor system - including its ability to TURN HIS TRUCK ON AND OFF as his air tools need air. Learn More: http://vmacair.com/product/underhood-...
7/11/20
Tongue Weight Scale | BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale
This video shows how to use the tongue weight scale feature on the CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale. With this feature, you can get an active readout of the tongue weight of your trailer right on your smartphone. This enables safer towing and easier setup.
The CURT BetterWeigh™ #51701 is a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 device that wirelessly syncs with your smartphone to provide a variety of vehicle and trailer weights. This includes GCW, cargo weight, tongue weight and pin weight, as well as weight distribution setup and trailer brake gain.
To measure tongue weight with BetterWeigh™, start by choosing the weight range that best suits your vehicle-trailer setup. To set the range, tap the gear icon and select Tongue Weight. Then, select a weight range.
Next, tap the Tongue Weight feature on the homescreen of the BetterWeigh™ app. Before pressing Ready, make sure your vehicle and trailer are aligned and ready to be coupled. Step back from the vehicle and tap Ready. BetterWeigh™ will take an initial reading of your vehicle’s pitch.
Once the vehicle pitch is analyzed, lower the trailer tongue until the coupler is resting on the ball. Then, load your trailer, and start getting active, real-time readouts of how your tongue weight changes as cargo is added. Remember, tongue weight should be between 10 and 15% of the gross trailer weight.
BetterWeigh™ is compatible with Apple and Android phones. Download the BetterWeigh™ app from Google Play or the App Store.
7/07/20
Easy Load Hoist by National Fleet Products
Steven with National Fleet Products demonstrates their Easy Load Hoist Heavy Duty Model that has a capacity of 1,100 lbs. This is a unique product that can be used in vans or other truck bodies. It also has the flexibility of being able to move from the center position when that space is needed. This video was taken at the Nor Cal Ford Truck Club annual vendor event. See more about this and other great products for work trucks and vans at https://www.nationalfleetproducts.com/
7/05/20
Partskeeper Parts Organizers by Ranger Design
The Ranger Design Partskeeper parts organizers help the mobile technician to take small parts anywhere on the job site and save return trips to the van. https://rangerdesign.com/products/?fi... These fit into our parts storage cabinets and come in a variety of sizes capable of storing many different kinds of parts in your cargo van or truck.
7/03/20
FORD AWARDS TOMTOM GLOBAL TRAFFIC SERVICE DEAL FOR NEXT-GEN SYNC TECH TO PREDICT CONGESTION
- Ford Awards TomTom global, real-time traffic service deal for next-generation SYNC connected vehicle technology; first available for all-new F-150 and all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV to help get more out of each trip to the job site or battery charge.
- Ford’s navigation system1 with TomTom Traffic is fully connected to and informed by the internet with maps that are frequently refreshed with the latest available traffic and construction information, ensuring customers get the most up-to-date info for their routes.
- The advanced TomTom service can predict traffic jams before they happen with updates every 30 seconds based on more than 70 million driving hours every day from millions of connected devices.
TomTom has been awarded a global multi-year deal to provide Ford’s next-generation SYNC® with its real-time traffic service. The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 pickup – revealed just days ago – and the soon to be delivered all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV are the first Ford vehicles available with the technology.
“The all-new F-150 is Ford’s flagship and the Mustang Mach-E is one of the industry’s most exciting vehicles this year – both are leading the next automotive revolution of connected vehicles,” said Stuart Taylor, executive director, Enterprise Connectivity. “Their next-generation SYNC technologies have twice the computing power of the previous-generation system to do much more, including real-time, smartphone-like mapping that can help you adjust on the fly to quicker routes based on their network of millions of connected devices.”
TomTom Traffic provides accurate, real-time traffic information, which will keep Ford drivers informed and can help them reduce their travel time. The advanced TomTom service can predict traffic jams before they happen with updates every 30 seconds based on more than 70 million driving hours every day from millions of connected devices.
“Automakers choose TomTom Traffic for its accuracy, freshness and reliability,” said Antoine Saucier, Managing Director, TomTom Automotive. “Ford’s decision to include TomTom Traffic in its next-gen SYNC connected vehicle technology is another step towards our vision of a world free of congestion.”
Most connected F-150 ever
F-150 represents Ford’s next big step in bringing connected vehicles to customers. All-new SYNC 4 is standard on the new truck, which arrives this fall, helping keep owners connected and make their days more productive with more natural voice control available as well as real-time mapping and customizable information on demand. The technology builds on more than 10 years of SYNC innovation by helping minimize distractions with hands-free voice control as well as core features such as making phone calls and selecting music.
Ford’s navigation system and TomTom Traffic are fully connected to and informed by the internet with maps the latest available traffic and construction information, ensuring customers are getting the most up-to-date info for their routes. Ford also equipped SYNC 4 with optional navigation with the ability to share parking space availability and prices.
By taking advantage of state-of-the-art, cloud-based voice processing, SYNC 4 can understand conversational requests, such as “Find me the best Thai restaurant” and offer data-based suggestions to drivers. Staying in contact with friends and family also becomes easier, with natural speech recognition enabling communication via SMS and email.
Seamless Mustang Mach-E Technology Easily Adapts to Your Lifestyle
Making its debut in the Mustang Mach-E is the SYNC 4A connected vehicle technology, a sleek and modern interface that uses machine learning to quickly learn drivers’ preferences will keep Mach-E SUVs at the forefront of technology better over time, thanks to advanced over-the-air updates. A 15.5-inch screen and adaptive dash card interface ditches complicated menus, making it easier to access features with touch, swipe and pinch controls like smartphones.
“SYNC 4A, which is optimized for electric vehicle customers, actively adapts to you as soon as you start using it, quickly learning preferences and makes personalized suggestions,” said Darren Palmer, Ford global director for BEVs. “TomTom’s real-time traffic data, combined with other innovations such as Ford Intelligent Range technology, will help Mustang Mach-E customers get the most out of every charge.”
Order the Mustang Mach-E here.
1) SYNC 4 navigation system is standard on Mustang Mach-E and optional on F-150.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
About TomTom
TomTom is the leading independent location technology specialist, shaping mobility with highly accurate maps, navigation software, real-time traffic information and services. To achieve our vision of a safer world, free of congestion and emissions, we create innovative technologies that keep the world moving. By combining our extensive experience with leading business and technology partners, we power connected vehicles, smart mobility and, ultimately, autonomous driving. Headquartered in Amsterdam with offices in 30 countries, TomTom’s technologies are trusted by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. www.tomtom.com
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