Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Importance of Snow Plows

By Jonathan Rice



In areas that are located pretty far up North snowfall is a serious issue during the winter (and even summer if you are unlucky enough). Heavy snowfalls can range from being an inconvenience like making you late for work to a danger like unplowed or salted roads or the danger of being snowed in.

Every year people are snowed in their homes and some die from lack of food or exposure. Those inhabitants in the northern regions rely on snow plow trucks to clear their driveways and roads so they can go on with their lives instead of spending the entire winter cooped up in their homes.

There are many different types of snow plow trucks, here are a couple categories:

- 3/4 ton trucks

- 1/2 ton trucks

- 1 ton trucks

- V-plow trucks

As you can tell they come in many sizes and several shapes. If you have ever had to shovel snow by hand before I am sure that you are aware that snow is heavy. This is why the size and weight of a truck are important because the bigger and heavier the truck, the more mass of snow it can push out of the way.

If you only get a foot or two of snow a year and you only have to plow less than a mile of road you may be able to buy a plow and attach it to a powerful pickup truck. In Alaska that would never work however, there you would need a much heavier truck with special snow chains to push the yards of snow out of the way.

It is important to keep in mind that the snow plow has to be traveling at a certain speed in order to launch the snow out of the road, if it merely pushed the snow then next time it snows there would be a wall of snow that would impede plowing. There are several modifications that are available on snow plow trucks. One very handy addition is the salt sprayer.

A salt sprayer is a special nozzle that spins when the truck is moving and sprays salt over the road behind the truck. The salt melts the ice and snow that is still on the road and prevents more from accumulating. Another feature necessary for snow plow trucks are the tires, since these trucks are pushing heavy snow in bad conditions and on slippery roads, they need to have large tires and chains to provide traction so the snow plow can move forward and not slide off the roads.

John lives up north and often finds that snow plow trucks are his saving grace when it comes to enjoying a fine winter day. Not only do they clear they snow away, they'll also keep the ice off, which leads to increased safety when driving.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Rice






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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Trucker


It’s that time of year once again where truckers all across America are scratching their heads wondering what they’re going to get for Christmas from their wives or girlfriends. A tie? New socks? shirts and pants? A lump of coal? God only knows.

This year, make sure your woman gives you a gift that you can actually use, and let her know that just because you’re a trucker, doesn’t mean that you’re going to jump up and down at the sight of a new cordless drill. With this in mind, we here at GlobalTrucker.com have compiled a top 10 list of trucker gifts for the upcoming holidays.

10. Sleeper Cab Fans - These fans will operate at one of three preselected speeds when the thermostat calls for cooler air. Once the thermostat is satisfied, the fan shuts off automatically. Designed to ensure consistent temperatures. Perfect for use when you leave your pets behind or while sleeping.

9. Fire Extinguishers - You can never be too prepared when it comes to safety, especially when a fire breaks out. This class B & C dry chemical fire extinguisher from Kidde is just what you need. Fitted with an easy to read pressure gauge and 6 year warranty you should be safe from fires for years to come.

8. Maps and Atlases - These have been the old stand-by for truckers for years and years. With a wide variety of maps and atlases to choose from , you should never get lost the next time you hop into your rig.

7. CB Radios - Don’t let your man or woman get stuck in a traffic jam without a good CB radio on hand to acquire the critical they need. We carry all the major brands including Cobra, Uniden, Ranger, Galaxy and Connex.

6. Trucking Manufacturer Hitch Covers - Give the gift of personalization with one of these custom made hitch covers for cars and trucks. Choose from Peterbilt, Kenworth or Freightliner models.

5. 12 Volt Heaters - Winter is almost here and any truck driver would love to have a good heater. These sure come in handy if your truck heater decides to play out when its about 15 degrees outside. They also help cut down on idling fuel costs because you won’t have to have the truck running for these to operate.

4. Locking Gas Caps - Need I say more? Well ok then. We all know its a mean world we leave in and its a shame, but you can help protect your precious fuel with one of these fuel theft deterrents.

3. Seat Cushions - Every truck driver needs a good, comfortable seat to sit on especially when they are sitting 8-10 hours a day. This polyvinyl seat cushion by Airhawk is by far our most popular seat cushion to date. It helps reduce the impact and vibration of the truck while driving and increases comfort at the same time. If this isn’t enough for you, it’s also tax deductible for owner-operators.

2. 12 Volt Cookers - Every trucker out there knows its hard to find a good home cooked meal out on the road. So why not surprise them with a 12 volt cooker to help take a piece of home with them when they leave. They can take Sundays leftovers with them on Monday morning and heat them up in the truck that evening.

1. Gift Cards - Still not sure what to get them, why not get them a Global Trucker gift card. With over 12,000 items (including sports gifts) to choose from, I’m sure they won’t have any trouble finding something they like.

Article courtesy of Globaltrucker.com


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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

About Grapple Trucks

By Shawn A Robertson



Since many centuries trucks, wagons and other such means are being used to remove dirt and waste. Their origin goes back to 1920s. In the beginning open vehicles were used to collect wastes but the waste often fell out and due to the smell closed waste collecting vehicles started to be used. Several kinds of garbage trucks were used for the same purpose like refuse trucks, compactors, side loaders, grapple trucks etc. To fulfill various needs of owners and operators both in commercial and municipal sector several kinds of trucks have been invented. With the passage of time and technology and various laws regarding garbage recycling etc collecting garbage has become a complex job. Thanks to different kinds of garbage trucks that have made this work easy. Other Types include front, side loaders, rear loaders, grapple trucks, recycling, dump, roll-offs etc.

One of the kinds of waste trucks that are being used since a long time is Grapple truck. A large part of stuff in solid waste is too large and heavy to be lifted by the commonly used trash trucks like furniture, big appliances, logs, etc grapple. These kinds of trucks have a grapple loader attached to its frame. This frame helps in loading and hauling waste. This hydro-mechanical device rotates on an axis and has a grapple/bucket attached at the other end which collects waste. Origin of grapple trucks goes back to centuries.They have been used since a long time by municipal satiation office and public works department. They are also being used by private owners of waste collection companies. Apart from being used as trash trucks grapple trucks are also being used for road construction and various repair activities.

Refuse trucks are available in a lot of variety. Each of them has a different function to serve. Refuse vechicles are very expensive. If you are in the business of waste collection or are venturing into one instead of opting for a new refuse trucks you can opt for used garbage trucks. Contact your nearest dealer for availability of trucks or the best option anytime is to find one online. One will come across a lot of variety and best deals while shopping online for used garbage trucks. The money saved this way can also be used for other purpose. However certain things should be checked before investing money. Be sure to check the condition of the refuse truck, engine, wheel, suspension etc of the waste trucks should also be in order.

Trash trucks are available in different kinds of varieties. The earlier designs of garbage trucks were made with a more traditional design. With the passage of time a lot of modifications have been done to the design of trash trucks as the kind of waste also keeps on changing. So keep in mind the kind of waste that you would want to collect with your garbage trucks and purchase refuse trucks accordingly.

Shawn A. Robertson is a expert author on refuse trucks and trash trucks. He has written a number of articles like buying refuse trucks and used refuse trucks, and waste trucks.


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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Trucks Explained - Types of Trucks

By Robert Tate


A heavy duty truck.


Although the first truck ever made is credited to England in 1885, Ford Motor Company is best known for taking the truck to the next level of mass production in the early 1900's. Fords third vehicle produced in 1900 was a pickup type truck and in 1917 Ford introduced the Model-T One Ton truck chassis. In 1925 the first mass produced pickup truck came off the Ford assembly line. It featured a cargo box, tailgate, stake pockets and a heavy-duty rear suspension. Since the main purpose of the truck is to move cargo, trucks quickly started gaining in popularity as an efficient and economical way to transport products. As the versatility of the truck grew in popularity, along with improved roads, the truck today is the primary method for transporting goods.

Types of Trucks

The first trucks were unable to transport large and heavy loads. As the industrial revolution of agriculture and manufactured goods continued to increase in the twentieth century, the need for larger trucks that could handle larger and heavier loads increased. Today, trucks generally have 3 major classifications, light duty, medium duty and heavy duty.

Light duty trucks are normally your typical pick up type trucks and are generally under a maximum GVW (gross vehicle weight) of 14,000 lbs or less. The greater majority of pick up trucks utilize gas engines and their drive trains are more similar to passenger cars then other classifications of trucks. When selling a used truck, pick up trucks tend to hold their value better than passenger vehicles because of their versatility.

Medium duty trucks are generally between 14,001 and 26,000 lbs GVW (gross vehicle weight). Even though there are some gas engines in medium trucks, the greatest majority are diesels because of the lower fuel costs and the life expectancy is generally three times greater than a gasoline engine. If you're looking for trucks for sale or used trucks for sale in the medium category, you should always look for trucks with diesel engines. Medium trucks are often used in local deliveries, so when looking for trucks for sale, it's better to find a truck that was used for longer hauls. Stop and go traffic with local routes is much harder on the drive train.

Heavy duty trucks are over 26,000 lbs GVW (gross vehicle weight) and are generally always diesel engines because of the higher torque, low fuel costs and durability. When purchasing a used truck for sale, look for trucks for sale that have lower mileage. The cost of replacing an engine or transmission could run into the "tens" of thousands of dollars. Heavy duty trucks are cab only and pull one to three trailers at a time. Heavy duty trucks are almost always long distance haulers due to their ability to transport large and heavy payloads.

In summary when looking for a truck for sale, look for a truck with a diesel engine because of fuel costs, durability and the ability to handle heavier loads and towing. If your looking for a used trucks for sale, look for trucks for sale that have low mileage and trucks for sale that have more highway miles than local miles. Following these guides could save you thousand of dollars in the long run.

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for used trucks trailers and tractors. Mascus makes trading in trucks more efficiently by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

Contacts:
Robert Tate
Regional Sales Manager - UK
Mob:+ 44 (0) 7970 230055
E mail: robert.tate@mascus.com


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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Truck Racks Aren't Just For Contractors - 8 Ways to Use a Truck Rack

By Andy West



When most people think of truck racks, they envision contractor's trucks -- often beat-up pickups with precariously mounted metal racks in their beds. While truck racks are well suited to a contractor's needs, they are also very versatile, practical accessories with many different uses.

To give you a taste of why truck racks are so popular among pickup truck owners, here are 8 ways to use a truck rack.

1. Hauling ladders and lumber.

As already noted, truck racks are the perfect solution for a contractor's needs. Strong ladder racks provide a way to haul ladders and lumber horizontally without hanging them off the end of the bed. Painters, auto glass installers, and similar professionals may also find that truck racks make it easier to haul their equipment and supplies.

When purchased to suit a contractor's needs, truck racks need to be very sturdy and reliable. Most likely a rack that features a permanent type of installation will work best for these purposes.

2. The cyclist's best friend.

Cycling is a popular sport in many areas, but unless you have an awesome network of bike routes in your city, you probably have to drive to get to the trailheads. Therefore finding a way to haul bikes is an issue for many people.

Truck racks make a great way to haul bikes -- much more appropriate than some of the other options, such as trunk racks for sedans. While bikes tend to bang around a lot when hung on the end of a trunk, truck racks enable you to secure them better -- often without having to take off the front tire, either.

3. Hitting the slopes.

Skis are another piece of sports equipment that is large and unwieldy, making transportation difficult. Leaving your skis loose in the bed of the truck to rattle and bang around isn't good for either your skis or your truck, and most sedans don't have enough room inside to carry skis safely. Truck racks and roof racks for sedans and SUVS solve this problem by enabling you to fasten your skis securely to the rack.

4. Four-wheeling glory.

Four-wheelers and ATVs -- small vehicles that people often drive on trails and across rough terrain in parks and open space -- are another type of sports equipment that must be hauled to your destination. Believe it or not, you can haul ATVs on truck racks and ladder racks -- the racks are made to withstand heavy loads such as an ATV, and keep the vehicle level and steady during transportation. Truck racks also make it fairly easy to load and unload ATVs, giving you more time to have fun when you reach your destination.

5. Carrying kayaks and canoes.

There is seemingly no end to the sports equipment that can be hauled on a truck rack! For obvious reasons, kayaks and canoes need to be transported to your destination, unless of course you live in Venice or happen to have a river running through your backyard. No matter how graceful these boats are in the water, they are heavy and unwieldy out of it. Truck racks provide a strong, secure method of transporting kayaks and canoes from point A to point B!

6. A place to put your luggage.

Whether you are taking your family on a road trip or run a shuttle service, truck racks and roof racks for vans and SUVs provide a great place to stash luggage. If you have four or more people in your family or if you have full occupancy in your shuttle, interior space will be at a premium, so why not move some of the luggage to the exterior? Luggage racks can help cut down on sibling squabbles during road trips -- or, for the shuttle owner, they can help to create a more organized and professional appearance to appeal to riders.

7. Saving space with cargo boxes.

Even when you are not taking a road trip or taking on passengers, space inside a vehicle -- particularly a truck -- is at a premium. Just thing about all the things you take with you when you leave the house -- things that quickly pile up inside the car -- and you will understand what I mean.

A truck rack offers a practical solution to this problem, as it can carry a couple cargo boxes. Instead of keeping things you rarely use inside the truck, you can put them inside the cargo boxes, and save the cab space for more important things -- like your friends and family.

8. Just for looks!

Of course, you really don't need to have a practical reason to put a truck rack on your truck. Many people buy truck racks just because they like the way they look. Many truck racks -- such as certain models of headache racks -- are compatible with light racks and other truck accessories, making them ideal choices for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their truck.

Whatever reason you have for wanting a truck rack, you have every reason to be happy with your investment - truck racks are some of the most versatile and useful accessories you can buy!

Andy West is a freelance writer for BuyAutoTruckAccessories a website offering a huge selection of Truck Accessories at the lowest prices.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_West








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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Cleaning the Most Dirty Vehicles in the World - Garbage Trucks

By Shawn A Robertson



Washing a refuse truck, a garbage truck or a trash truck is very tough as these trucks are made in a specific way that the holes and little boxes these trucks has will spray all the water on you. The water will come back from all diverse angles and will soak you. Therefore, any dirt or soil on the truck will be on you. These trucks are very difficult to wash because one has to soap up every single square of the whole garbage truck.

If you are employed in a Green Team, BFI or local municipality, they will have more than forty trucks. Therefore, it is very hard to accomplish the job but you can earn handsome amount of money through this job. These trucks bear hydraulics lifts in their front and it may be risk of fire if you do not cleanse all of the grease. Grease is normally present in the hydraulic mechanical fittings. Drivers attempt to squeeze as much garbage as they could into these trucks so that they have to do fewer trips. Each time these trucks go to the dump it costs good amount of money to the company.

These trash companies want to have clean vehicles, just like federal express maintain their vehicles. These companies are seeking to have good image like Federal Express. While cleaning handles of these trucks you have to use your hands. You can not use brushes between the little squares and handles.

While cleaning these waste trucks it is better to wear a suit that can protect you from the water. You are able to spray water on these trucks and as well can repeat with hot water and high pressure and can clean them pretty much without using your hands. Nevertheless, when you clean these trucks for first time you have to use your hands. If you do not have a good team then you will waste all your effort and labor.

Cities own garbage trucks that are used for garbage collection. In order to get the job you are required to bid on an annual contract. Most of the city contracts begin from June until next June. Most of the cities contract with Waste Management, BFI, or other big trash companies.

Some cities and counties clean their own used garbage trucks, as they might possess municipal yard. A county might also own recycling trucks, which they possess as part of a reprocessing program. If you want to have a government contract, you have to bid for that and then you will have lots of work for one year. Nevertheless, your team must be good in cleaning these trash trucks otherwise you will not get the perfect compensation you want.

Shawn A. Robertson is a expert author on refuse trucks, garbage trucks and trash trucks. He has written a number of articles like buying garbage trucks and used refuse trucks, and waste trucks.

Summit Truck Sales
We also provide a online buying guide, tips and faq on buying heavy duty trucks.


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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Long Haul Trucking - A View From the Cab

By Rick Huffman



Trucking is not just a job; it is a lifestyle. For most, the transition to the trucking lifestyle is a difficult one. This is the reason why the vast majority of CDL school graduates are no longer in the trucking business after six months... or shorter. They are not prepared for the challenges or for the days and weeks spent away from home and family. Some universal truths about the trucking industry are not always pretty.

One of the first, and most obvious, is that any company engaged in the trucking business is not going to offer the normal amenities that are taken for granted in most other jobs. For instance, sick leave is non-existent in most trucking jobs. If you don't work, you don't get paid... period.

When I worked a "normal" job, it never posed much of a problem if I needed to take half a day off for a doctor's appointment. In trucking, keeping a medical or dental appointment is often a roll of the dice. You never know if you are going to be home to keep it. I once lost a crown on one of my front teeth, and had to drive around for two weeks looking like a prizefighter that should consider alternative career options.

When I worked a "normal" job, no matter how stressful or harrowing the day had been, I always had the comfort of knowing that I would go home at the end of it and sleep in my own bed. In trucking, a long-haul driver eats alone in his truck or at a truck stop at the end of a long day, and then retires to the "comfort" of a small sleeper berth. Then, he gets up after a few hours rest and does it all over again. I never thought it would be possible to miss the company of some of my annoying former co-workers, but the loneliness of the road is very real.

One of the biggest issues affecting many truckers is anti-idling laws adopted by many states. These laws put limitations on the amount of time a truck is allowed to idle and offers stiff penalties to violators. For instance, in the city of Denver, a truck can legally idle for 10 minutes per hour. Well, if it is 8º in the Mile-High City, it takes 10 minutes or longer just to warm up a diesel engine. Do the lawmakers expect the driver to get up throughout the night every hour to idle for 10 minutes and then return to a freezing cocoon? The only word that pops into my mind is... DUH!

In Illinois, the law states that a driver must be present when idling. I wonder how law enforcement intends to discern this. Should they knock on the cab to wake us up? This seems like an equally brilliant method to assist a driver in developing a healthy sleep pattern.

The laws in other states are proportionately ingenious, but I think that the people who drafted these laws should attempt to rest in a 20º truck in the winter, or a 95º truck in the summer. Then, let's drive 600 miles the next day and-think safety!

Unfortunately, this indifference to basic humanity does not stop with bone-headed lawmakers. I have experienced it, firsthand, from a trucking company. The story goes like this:

Shortly after I had arrived in Odessa, Nebraska, my air-conditioning compressor died and it got well above 90º in the truck. I called the breakdown department to tell them that I needed to drop my load at a nearby terminal so that I could have it repaired. The initial reply that I got was, "The Company doesn't consider air-conditioning to be a valid reason to reassign a load."

My reply was, "That's probably because 'the company' is not the one who is trying to get some rest in a ninety-five degree truck so that they can drive 600 miles tomorrow. If the roles were reversed I'll bet the pointer on their 'validity scale' would have a dramatic reversal."

It boggles my mind when I consider that most people would be prepared to come to blows over an issue of having their pet subjected to extreme heat or cold, but many trucking companies and lawmakers seem to pay no heed to a moral thermometer in regard to subjecting truck drivers to sub-standard conditions. This seems to lend support to my assertion that a trucking company appears only to care about the amount of revenue generated-not the welfare of the driver. Despite their sophist rhetoric to the contrary, the reality lies in their actions.

On this occasion, it was necessary to threaten to quit in order to afford myself a basic necessity. However, playing the "I'll quit" card isn't always the smart option. If a driver quits when he is a long way from home, and then expects the company to provide him with transportation, he is in for another wakeup call. As another driver points out on a popular trucker's forum in regard to this:

"They will bend you over and give it to you with no Vaseline every time... guaranteed!"

The smart option is to suck it up and wait until you are routed home and all of your belongings are removed from the truck. A trucking company will not pay to have your belongings shipped either. At the very least, the truck should be turned in at a company terminal and the driver should have the financial forethought to provide his own transportation for himself and his belongings. Believe me, if you get mad and quit when you're in Moose Turd, Ontario, you'd better have a heavy parka and a good pair of snowshoes!

When it comes to large trucking companies, there seems to be no way to get past the impersonal nature of it. One of the reasons is that dispatchers are assigned to zones. As a result, the drivers and the dispatchers never get to know one another on a personal level. To me, the dispatcher in whatever zone I happen to be in is a faceless "John", and to him, I am merely a truck number. I have encountered a few exceptions to this rule, and I tip my hat to the precious handful that has attempted to insert their own personal touch. But in the end, the grinding cogs of the huge corporate machine tend to drown out their tiny voices, and the machine spews out a number.

I have often gotten the distinct impression that many managers and dispatchers actually think that they know what road life is like. Having resided on both sides of the fence, I'll say that they can understand the trucking life by sitting behind a desk about the same way that I can understand what it's like to be a cowboy by watching a rodeo. I may get a narrow snapshot of what it's like to be a cowboy, but I still have no inkling of the cowboy life.

While sitting in an air-conditioned office, it is impossible to understand what it's like to have the need to make nightly applications of Emu oil on your feet to keep your heels from cracking; or the necessity to urinate in a milk jug; or being forced to drive 600 miles with a toothache; or the need to spray Lotrimin in your crotch to prevent jock itch. Neither, can they understand the necessity to spend an entire day of precious home time making preparations to go on the road again.

I'll be the first to admit that my "view from the cab" does not provide me with an insight to the inner workings of a trucking company or the stresses, responsibilities, and headaches contained therein. I also concede that successful management does not always coincide with the desires of employees. Despite my railing, I have a high degree of respect for strong, competent, and ethical business leaders. Like truckers, they do not live in a world where "just anyone" can thrive. My contempt is only for the business leaders who are greedy and unethical, and whose primary goal is to line their own pockets like a squirrel stuffing acorns into it's cheeks, with no regard to the hardworking people who make their standard of living possible.

The trucking industry sheds a bright spotlight on the fact that there are often ethical conflicts between making money, and doing the right thing. A description on a trucker's website paints the trucking industry as: "...basically a slave industry with truckers working on the average of over 70 hours per week, many of [whom] are not paid while sitting in shipper's parking lots for, sometimes, 8 hours or more (a whole workday for average Americans!) Truckers are not paid overtime as others."

I probably wouldn't go so far as to call it a "slave industry". Any driver is perfectly free to quit at any time, but the trucking industry certainly, in my estimation, lags behind in affording the basic amenities for drivers enjoyed by the majority of the American work force. Trucking, certainly, is an industry in which you have to stand up for yourself, or you'll have footprints all over your face.

On a few occasions, I have been asked to offer an insight by people who are considering a career in trucking. The following is the advice I would give to any prospective new truck driver:

· Trucking is a lifestyle more than it is a job. If you are not prepared to make a MAJOR lifestyle change, save your CDL school money and forget about it.

· Research the companies. Check them out online, talk to experienced drivers, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Interview the company. Yes, you heard me right. Prepare a list of questions for a company that you are considering and do not be shy about asking them. Any recruiter worth his salt will be glad to indulge you. If he isn't... run like the wind. Join a trucker's forum to get straight answers and to separate the wheat from the chaff. A recruiter isn't going to tell you that the company he is recruiting for has a 120% turnover rate among drivers. Research the companies!

· Your first trucking job will probably not be with a blue chip company. The genuinely good companies only hire experienced drivers and they do not use recruiters... they don't need to. All but the most fortunate have to pay their dues before they have a fighting chance to get hired by a really good company that will treat them with respect.

· Even the "good" startup companies are going to treat you like a piece of meat. They care about the freight being delivered... period. Your home time, your quality of life, and your job satisfaction are purely secondary concerns. Be prepared for it.

· If you are thinking of becoming an owner/operator, educate yourself as to what this entails. I've seen plenty of new owner/operators who were desperate to sell their truck after 6 months. I'd recommend that anyone start out as a company driver to ensure that trucking is actually what he or she wants to do for a living. I cannot stress it enough... Educate yourself!

· Even with this being said, trucking can still be what you make of it. It affords a freedom and autonomy that most other jobs cannot come close to. Trucking can be a rewarding career, but it doesn't come without major sacrifices. If you aren't prepared to make those sacrifices, don't waste your time and money.

Rick Huffman is a National long-haul driver who spent 20 years in the broadcasting industry before becoming a trucker. He describes the career change as, "...the best decision I ever made on one day, and the worst one I ever made on the next."

rickhu45@yahoo.com
http://lifeofanamericantrucker.blogspot.com
http://www.google.com/profiles/rickhu45


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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Mack Trucks - The Bulldog Is Back And Stronger Than Ever

By Michael Ottman



When your sights laser in on a pugnacious little bulldog blazing down the street, what is the first thought that crosses your mind? Well, if you are semi truck driver, you will leap and yell 'Hey! That's Mack!' Bull Dog is a trademark of Mack Trucks Inc, an old horse in the trucking world. Mack Trucks Inc is known for building heavy-duty trucks that are capable of enduring a punishing terrain and the vagaries of nature.

The journey of Mack Trucks began in 1893 when the Mack brothers, Jack and Augustus, bought over Fallesen & Berry factory. Soon, the Macks started experimenting with various steam and electric motor cars. Inspired by the inventions taking place all around him, Jack envisioned the building of heavy -duty trucks and thus began an eventful journey. The first product from the house of Macks was a bus, which was used by sightseeing concessionaire Harris and McGuire, for eight years before it was converted into a truck. The success of this bus egged the Mack brothers to continue with truck development. However, old Mack trucks were known as 'Manhattan Trucks' as the brothers had sought a different name to distinguish the trucks from their other business, viz. their horse-drawn carriages.

In the early 1900s, Mack Trucks became famous as ever-reliable trucks that could easily endure rugged terrains. Soon enough, the brothers engaged in adding new features that would enhance the safety and comfort aspect of the driver. For instance, Mack Truck Inc. were the first truck manufacturers to introduce a constant mesh feature that protected gears from being damaged or stripped by inexperienced drivers.

In 1919, Manhattan Trucks was re-christened as 'Mack'. Later, in 1922, it adopted bulldog as its corporate logo. As to how a bulldog was chosen as, a symbol of Mack Truck Inc. is an interesting story in itself. Lore at Mack Truck Inc. say that during the First World War, the British government had chosen the sturdy Mack trucks for transporting important war supplies and food requirements to the soldiers on the front. These Mack trucks, with their blunt-nosed hood, resembled a bulldog. Besides, the Mack trucks were proving as tenacious as bulldogs. These qualities reminded the British soldiers of their official mascot the 'British Bulldog'. In fact, when faced with a truck problem, the soldier would often say, "Aye, send in the Mack Bulldogs!" Now, Mack Truck Inc. viewed this as a matter of pride and hence they adopted the bulldog as a corporate symbol to represent all the future generation of Mack trucks.

Since then, Mack trucks have undertaken important missions of national and international importance. For instance, they played an important in the trans-continental convoy conducted by the US Army, which highlighted the need for a national highway system. Similarly, Mack Truck Inc. played a major role in the building of the Boulder dam. It also played an important role in the Second World War. Mack trucks found themselves adorning the role of prime movers, personnel carriers, wrecker trucks, tank transporters, and more.

Thus, Mack trucks had played an important role in the American history and are now serving the needs of a modernized world.

The author is an independent publisher that covers multiple topics in the heavy duty truck aftermarket. Trick-My-Truck.com is a website that pays special tribute to the Mack truck owner operators with a display of semi trucks.


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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Mud Trucks

By Seth Miller



Mud trucks are used for mud racing, also called as mud bogging. Different types of trucks are available in the market, but some trucks are exclusively designed for special purposes. Mud trucks are hefty trucks having bigger wheels than those of regular trucks. These wheels may have extra ridges for a firm grip on muddy surfaces. There are other types of trucks such as monster trucks, 4X4 trucks, and lifted trucks, but mud trucks stand apart from others because of their special characteristics. Maneuvering a mud truck is not easy and requires special training for mud truck racing.

Humans have been fascinated by almost all types of races, games, and other recreational sports, for years. In olden times, rich and mighty monarchs used to encourage activities such as horseracing, camel racing, bull fighting, and many other leisure pursuits. Then came the era of industrial revolution in Europe and on the North American continent. Traditional vehicles of transport became obsolete and modern cars, trucks, and other vehicles took their place. Public and goods transportation dramatically improved, human life gradually became easy, and humans could save their time and money. All these things can be attributed to the development and popularity of racing, in one or the other way.

Internet is a suitable option for enthusiasts to search for mud trucks. Various websites display high quality pictures, videos, and statistics related to truck racing. A patron can shop online, search by truck categories, get expert advice, understand technical aspects, and compare prices. Some examples of names of racing trucks are Executioner, Samson, Carolina Crusher, Predator, Snake Bite, and Bigfoot.

Mud trucks and other racing trucks generally have very attractive looks. They are usually painted in bright colors with different color combinations, and have interesting features, with state-of-the-art technology. A mud truck can be driven by one or two drivers. The driver's safety is a basic concern for mud truck manufacturers, because in mud truck racing, a truck may lose its grip on the ground and be toppled.

Trucks provides detailed information on Trucks, Truck Accessories, Truck Rentals, Moving Trucks and more. Trucks is affiliated with Truck Part Services [http://www.e-TruckParts.com].


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller








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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Popular Truck Bed Liner Options

By Oliver Sheldon



A truck is a common vehicle choice for men and women of all ages. A truck is often purchased for convenience. Many individuals will need a truck to move or transport large items that will not fit into a traditional car.

The need for trucks is increasing and they are highly popular among many consumers. The prices of all vehicles, including trucks, have been on the rise. Purchasing a truck, for personal or work use, is a fairly large investment. To protect that investment many truck owners are using a truck bed liner to protect their asset. It is a known fact that the better a used vehicle is, the more money will be obtained later on from a trade in.

Truck bed liners can come in a wide variety of different styles and options. A truck bed liner can be a drop in model that is specifically designed for specific truck makes and models. The drop in style truck bed liner is nice because they can be removed and reinstalled whenever needed. These models are often plastic.

Although the previously mentioned truck bed liner is a popular choice, the most common form of truck liners used today is are spray on. Just like the name, a spray on truck bed liner is sprayed on the bed of the truck and it literally comes a part of the truck. A spray on truck bed liner can be installed personally or by a professional.

A spray on truck bed liner can typically be finished in less than one day. The majority of individuals will choose to a have a professional install their bed liner. There are supplies and the option to prepare the bed liner yourself, but it is somewhat difficult to do. Many professionals have a system already down. This allows them to produce quality work in a little bit of time. Many professional truck bed liners can be installed in around two or three hours. Another benefit to having a spray on truck bed liner professional done is that their work is often guaranteed or insured. This would come in handy if a mistake was made or damaged occurred to the truck during the procedure.

Each brand of a spray on truck bed liner will be different and may contain different chemicals. The majority of all spray on bed liners will be strong and durable. Just like a traditional truck bed liner, a spray on liner will protect trucks from a wide variety of scrapes, scratches, and other debris marks. A spray on truck bed liner is popular among construction workers, farmers, and everyday individuals.

Spray on truck bed liners can come in a wide variety of different colors to go with any truck or owner preference. It is important to remember that although spray on truck bed liners are popular, there are still other bed liner options available. Protecting your truck is an easy and convenient way to ensure itís value will not decrease more than it should.

http://www.sprayonbedliners.com/10reasons.php = Oliver Sheldon is a writer for Spray on bed liners where you can find a great deal on Sacramento truck bed liners in California.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oliver_Sheldon








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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Used Diesel Trucks - Some Alternative Ways to Find That Perfect Truck

By Jason Dasher



You can find used diesel trucks from all the obvious sources like dealers, magazines, etc. But there are great alternative sources that most people don't think of when they are trying to locate that specific used diesel truck. Here are some alternative ways that you may not have thought of.

* Off Lease Trucks - Many equipment leasing companies receive trucks at the end of the customers lease term. The leasing company than looks to sale these trucks to get them off their books. In most cases you can find good deals on these trucks because the leasing company is more interested in getting rid of the trucks than they are making a large profit on them. Some places to look would be leasing companies that advertise in your favorite truck magazine. If your in, or near a large city you can look in the local yellow pages for equipment leasing companies. And you can always go online and search for equipment leasing companies or truck leasing companies. Ask to speak to their asset department. The larger leasing companies will usually have a large number of trucks and equipment from you to pick from.

* Lender Repossessed Trucks - This works very well but can require a lot of homework. If a customer defaults on a truck loan that lender will repossess the truck. The lender than looks to sell the truck to get it off their books, similar to how a leasing company works. The benefit here is the lender is usually more motivated to sell and, as such can provide a great deal for the truck purchaser. You can pick up some great deals here but you have to be able to act quickly and usually have to be able to pay cash. Here's another piece of advice, the more specific the type of truck the better deal you can usually get. For example, one bank had repossessed a pump truck designed to work only with septic tanks. The number of potential buyers for a truck like this is very small so they don't get many inquiries. As a result they are willing to sell the truck off at a much cheaper price just to get rid of it. If your looking for a very specific type of truck this may be the route to take.

*Auctions (including eBay and other online auction sites) - There are two types of auctions to consider. The first is a traditional auction run by auction companies. Companies like Ritchie Brothers auction off personal vehicles, bank owned trucks, and dealer overstock. You can pick up some good deals at auctions if you know what your doing. It is suggested that you go to a couple of auctions first to get acquainted with the process. You can also check out online auctions. The most popular of these is eBay. It's called eBay Motors and it has gained a lot of popularity in the past couple of years. There is a short learning curve you must go through before just jumping in so it's a good idea to hang out at these sites for a while to learn the process. With both of these options you can get some really great deals. In fact there are people that make a living buying a selling through auctions. Definitely check it out

*Repair Shops - This is one most people don't think of. Here's the scenario. Someone takes their truck in for some major repairs. The repair shop makes the repairs and unfortunately the customer can't pay the bill. The repair shop can hold the truck until they get paid. If the customer can't come up with the money the repair shop, in most cases, can keep the truck as payment for the repairs. Now the repair shop is holding a truck they don't need so they would look to sell the truck to recover the cost of the repairs. This is another great opportunity to pick up a good deal. The repair shop won't hold an inventory of truck so it's a good idea to notify a number of shops to call you if they get something in. If something comes up you stand on getting a great deal.

*Truck Locator Services - This is a new service that has sprouted up recently. Instead of looking for that specific used diesel truck you just submit what your looking for to the locator service and they find the truck for you. They usually have a network of dealers, auctions, banks, leasing companies, etc from which to locate the truck your looking for. They are usually a free service or require a small fee. Customers love working with these companies because they can usually find trucks quicker than you can on your own. I think you will see more of these as time goes on.

As you can see there are many ways to search for trucks. Just look around and you can come up with other alternative ideas to find that perfect used diesel truck.

We are a truck locator service that specializes in finding all types of used diesel trucks. We work with anything from class one to class eight diesel trucks. Check us out if you have any questions.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Dasher








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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Truck Driver Jobs - Top 5 Secrets to Successful CDL Job Search

By Michael Ottman



As a sales and marketing professional with many years in the trucking industry, I have witnessed professional truckers who have spent many years in good paying CDL truck driver jobs. Only to watch them stretch to maintain a continuous and effective job search. Primarily, these pour souls are always searching for the world's best truck driving jobs.

In this article, we will share a limited number priceless job search secrets and strategies. If implemented correctly, you will put yourself in a position to land your dream truck driving job and negotiate the best possible compensation plan for you and your family at the same time.

Before we begin, keep in mind that the probability of these priceless job search techniques ever being uttered from the mouths of trucking company hiring managers or truck driver job recruiters are slim at best. Why? The primary function of a trucking company hiring manager is to staff its local truck driving jobs at the lowest possible cost to it's bottom line and to maximize its profits.

The primary goal of a truck driver job recruiter is to collect commissions for getting you hired on to one of his clients. Their concern for your compensation package is not on the top of their priority list.

All too often a trucker will leave behind a good CDL truck driving job at a company with a solid business model and a good record of taking care of their drivers. Only to realize that they could have avoided making an incredibly bad career move, had they only thought it through more carefully. If there is one common mistake that I have seen dedicated, hard working truck drivers make through the years, it is poor career decisions.

Hopefully our top 5 secrets to a successful truck driving job search will help you avoid a poor career move in the near future. They include:

1. The key to a successful truck driving job search is to plan your work and work your plan. The first step in any considerable life changing move is to be realistic with your expectations and create a list of objectives and strategies to achieve your short and long term goals.

Many professionals in search of the best truck driving jobs fail to set realistic job search career goals. If you were an Olympic archery expert would you not agree with me that you would be highly focused on your target during your event. Of course you would. Setting career goal strategy has two major benefits. First, it helps you develop laser focus in establishing career priorities. Second, it will dramatically improve your self esteem for this highly stressful process.

2. Prepare a list of short and long term career goals. Before you start your career search process, spend some serious time laying out on paper 1,3 and 5 year goals. Is you long term goal to become and independent owner operator, or are you more likely to work for a trucking company? There are positives and negatives with each opportunity. Most employers consider an employment package to include approximately 70% salary and 30% benefits. This may be more suited for someone with a young family with a wife who has decided stay at home with the children. Whereas and owner operator may make more money, they usually have to acquire benefits on their own which can be an enormous expense.

Bottom line: As an employee of a trucking company, you're more likely to be offered a compensation package that includes salary and a benefits package.

3. Inadequate pre-employment research is the primary reason why professional truck drivers is unhappy 1-2 years following a job change from one company to another. The last thing you or your family wants to do is to accept a new truck driver job position by hastily jumping to a company that offers you $.50 more per hour or $.05 more a mile. Far too many times good truck drivers make a quick move from an established company that has treated you well to a company that offered you the sky for a small, short term economic gain. This can ruin your mine emotionally and inflict real havoc on your family.

Bottom Line: It is imperative that you take this process seriously and spend the necessary time researching all truck driver job opportunities.

4. Evaluate your current job satisfaction. Keep a written journal of your daily reactions to your job situation for at least 30 days. Along the way look for recurring themes or events that bring pleasure to your mind and soul. This will help you focus in on which aspects of your current truck driving job deliver the most positive and negative job satisfaction.

Bottom Line: You must determine whether or not your primary positive and negative responses related to the duties related to your job, the company culture or the individuals with whom you work everyday. This will go along way in helping you pinpoint key job satisfaction areas for your next truck driving job career move.

5. Contract with a professional trucking jobs recruiter. Listen carefully. A successful truck driving job search is a full time job and unless you can be in two places at one time, this is the best investment you can make. In most cases, with an 80,000 job shortfall, a successful recruiter would gladly take a phone call from an educated, professional owner operator looking at make a career move. A reputable recruiter will have established relationships with the key decision makers you are looking to connect with and in most cases their fees are paid for by the trucking companies. They will make sure your resume is professionally prepared and provide you with a customized cover letter. The additional services of resume/cover writing and interview preparation are skills you should definitely consider investing in.

Key Point: Contact at least 2 or 3 professional trucking industry recruiters and meet with them to discuss your results from the previous step.

Always remember this, trucking company human resource personnel do not have your best interests in mind. All companies have one primary objective. Obtain the best talent available for the least amount of money. In today's economic climate, as long as that industry's job market is tight, the hiring managers have the upper hand. However, with the trucking industry's current truck driver shortage, a professional OTR independent owner operator has more room to negotiate the best compensation package available.

If you found this article of interest, you may want to check out the follow up to this article Truck Driver Jobs - Job Interview Tips. If you want to know the top 8 trucking companies featuring the best CDL truck driving jobs in America, we list them for you at http://www.truck-driver-jobs-online.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Ottman








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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Safety Features of Lifted Trucks

By Micheal Warn



Trucks are having diverse types and features. The trucks are invented according to the utilities and requirements of the industries. The heavy machinery and the construction industry required heavy truck that can make the heavy tools and machinery transferred. This requirement gave birth to one of the most fascinating type of trucks, Lifted trucks. Lifted trucks are the trucks that are having huge and gigantic body with hydraulic machine that can lift the heavy tools and goods and can shift them to desired places.

The History

In 1970s, the Pickup trucks modification got started and in the later decade the giant and massive structured trucks were invented with the high profile features. These trucks were used mainly for mud bogging and truck pulling. Seeing the wider popularity and trend, the truck owners and transporters started creating the trucks that were known as Lifted trucks. These trucks were having giant wheels on it that made the trucks said to be the "biggest trucks" ever. These trucks were quite similar to the Bigfoot trucks and Monster trucks that were seen in those days quite frequently. In the preliminary stage of the trucks, the trucks were having 48 inch diameter of wheels.

The safety features

Since these trucks are quite higher and huge, the trucks should get dressed up with ample safety features and so is the case in the Lifted trucks. The height of the bumper is too higher than of any other trucks or vehicles. This height forces the engineers to make sure the safety features for the truck riders. The height of an average bumper of lifted trucks is 20 inches taller the car bumper. On such a massive height, it becomes quite difficult to make sure the lane changing and driving on the small roads of city. The drive ability and the performance of the trucks are quite unique and it requires the special driver as well. In many countries, the lifted truck drivers are given special license after getting a special test drive. To big risk factor is the braking of the trucks as such huge vehicle takes lot stress and efforts for braking. To have a proper and efficient braking, the suspension needs to get better and smarter.

Here are some of the safety tips that should be considered while driving or even when the trucks are not moving.

The Brakes

Upgrading the brake system is quite important as the wheels and tire size is quite taller that increases the caliper and rotor sizes. The diameter of the wheels is quite larger that adds distance of tires from the axle center axis. The caliper pad needs to get decelerated to put brake in the rotation of wheels.

The Drive shaft of Pinion Angle

The drive shaft of the vehicle is quite important when the vehicle is to get lifted. The ideal measurement of the pinion angle is to get the angle between 2-1/2 degrees of pinion angle. The U joint of the operating parameters forces the normal parameter to extend the joint which can get failed if the U is forced beyond the normal force. The spacer should therefore be used quite properly by matching the alignment that can make the driving pleasure on top.

The Shock Absorber

In such giant truck, the braking needs to get more than efficient otherwise the driving could be resulted in shock, shock and shock!! To make this truck safer from these shocks, the Mono Tube shocks are attached with the reservoir cylinder that are used mainly fro the off road performance improvements. The shock absorber is attached to the vehicles frame from one side as the suspension is attached from the other size. The shocks are quite dangerous as they can damp the spring action of the vehicle. The inner cylinder of the truck, the outer cylinder reservoir and the piston rod of the vehicle is also fitted in the trucks to assure the safety of the rider.

These are some of the safety features of the Lifted trucks. These features need to get confirmed by the users at regular interval to make sure the safety of the rider.

Premiercustomtrucks.com is the site where all kinds of trucks are available with greater varieties and styles. The Lifted trucks for sale are offered in greater styles and passion. There are few informative articles that are making the lifted trucks revealed and cleared to make the trucks for sale business more spontaneous and splendid. To get the best deals and knowledge of lifted trucks, just get registered with the site and have fun of making the trucks buying more utility oriented.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Micheal_Warn








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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Die Cast Truck Collection

By Edward Fisher




An Introduction to Collecting Die-Cast Trucks

Collecting die-cast trucks is a fun and fascinating hobby. Whether you are interested in casual collecting or if you're a die-hard collector, there is something in this hobby for everyone. When starting out collecting, or if you are purchasing a truck for a collector, there is some basic information that all collectors should know about die-cast trucks.

Die-Cast Truck Types

While some people collect strictly one type of die-cast vehicle, there are a wide range of vehicle types available. Some collectors focus on antique trucks, and others like to collect trucks from a single manufacturer. Others may focus strictly on a type of truck, such as 18-wheelers, and others may have an interest in farm vehicles or construction equipment. It's important to decide what sort of truck you are most interested in, so you can focus your research and purchasing.

Die-Cast Truck Manufacturers

There are many different manufacturers of die-cast trucks. Some of these manufacturers include:

· Norscott - Norscott is the primary manufacturer of Caterpillar die-cast construction equipment, as well as other brands such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Case, Claas, Bell, Liebherr and Yale/Hyster.

· Ertl - Ertl is one of the oldest die-cast truck manufacturers. Ertl's primary focus is on farm equipment, and manufactures John Deere and Case/New Holland farm vehicles.

· Tonkin - Tonkin focuses on road trucks, primarily 18-wheelers, but their collection also includes log trucks and dump trucks.

· New Ray - New Ray Trucks also focus on road trucks, including 18-wheelers and pickup trucks, but their collection also includes specialty trucks such as garbage trucks and tanker trucks.

· Yatming - Yatming is a Hong Kong company that manufactures a wide line of fire trucks and police vehicles, in addition to its automobile lines.

· Corgi - Corgi is a British manufacturer that specializes in branded trucks and limited edition collectable vehicles.

· Tonka - Tonka trucks were manufactured more strictly as toys than many die-cast trucks made today. Tonka is currently owned by Hasbro, and now licenses the Tonka name to Maisto for die-cast vehicles. Today's Tonka trucks include pickup trucks, farm tractors, big rigs and branded trucks.

Die-Cast Truck Scales

A scale refers to the ratio of the size of the model truck to the size of the actual truck. The primary scales for die-cast vehicles are 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, and 1:64. In a 1:18 scale truck, one inch on the die-cast truck translates to 18 inches on the actual truck. Some collectors prefer one scale of die-cast toy trucks, while other's collect trucks from a variety of scales.

Resources for Die-Cast Truck Collectors

The majority of resources for die-cast truck collectors are web sites created by die-cast truck manufacturers and sites developed by other collectors. While manufacturer web sites can easily be found with a simple search, it is more difficult to locate non-manufacturer resources.

This article was researched and written by Edward Fisher who has been involved in the steel industry for 30+ years. Edward grew up on a Farm in Saskatchewan and then spent years chasing Oil Rigs all over Canada and during that time was involved with the manufacture of steel while living in Sault Ste Marie Ontario. Edward settled in Atlantic Canada in late 1987 where he met and married his wife Ada. Edward is still involved in the steel industry but is now semi retired and spends more time at home with his wife and chasing one of his passions Die Cast Products. As a child his dad bought some Die Cast farm tractors that were the start of a life of fascination for Die Cast products. We welcome your comments and suggestions on our article at http://numberfirstsales.blogspot.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Fisher







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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Purchaser Beware - What to Seem Out For When Procuring For a Utilized Truck

The Truck is a favourite when it comes to possessing a trustworthy automobile that can be applied for a wide variety of functions. No matter if you want to use a truck for business use at your work or just simply because will need some thing to pull your boat or haul family objects about, a truck can be your most valued possession. Nevertheless, trucks can be a bit a lot more expensive, have particular licensing and insurance needs. Generally truck resellers consider benefit of this when they are in the business of earning cash so it\'s a \"buyers beware\" market place. Here are some issues to search out for when purchasing for a employed truck:

Truck Dimensions

When buying for a utilized truck, the most crucial issue to consider is how major of a truck you truly want to get the work carried out. If you will be hauling reasonably light loads or modest trailers, then a great compact truck ought to work nicely for you. In contrast, if you have a large boat or gear that will be pulled all-around on a consistent basis, then a bigger model will be superior. Retaining this in mind prior to strolling into a employed truck dealership should support avoid you from driving off with an overpriced complete size truck that is a lot more appears than functional for you- with the payments to display for it.

Engine and Fuel Use

he tough way that it\'s almost out of the question for the relatives to trip collectively in a typical cab truck that has a normal transmiss

If you are hunting for value for your truck acquire, you might be amazed to discover that numerous compact trucks get the same mileage as automobiles. There are compact truck designs that have four, 6, and 8 cylinder engines and computerized transmissions that will give you a very good mileage per dollar investment. That\'s in contrast to the more substantial 10 and diesel engines that complete dimension trucks give. Except the dealership is giving you an great offer on the price tag to compensate for the lack of fuel economic system, then it\'s possibly not worthy of it to buy a whole dimension truck for daily use.

Safety Devices

Today\'s trucks arrive loaded with the greatest in safety gear like anti-lock brakes, drive train slippage prevention and air bags. Just like autos, the newer year trucks will provide you, your loved ones or workers a greater security rating than an older utilized truck. That\'s in particular critical if you will be making use of the truck for family members transportation or as aspect of a company fleet of autos. When getting a utilised truck, you may possibly want to inquire as to the safety rating and inquire about any security devices that it has in advance of you determine to obtain it. That can save lives in the occasion of an accident.

Passenger Capacity/Interior

There are three standard designs when it comes to truck interiors. These consist of typical cab, prolonged cab and crew cabs. What that means is if you will want more room inside the truck, this kind of as for workers or loved ones, you will need to have the type of cab space to accommodate that. Also numerous men and women have learned tion stick in the center of the front seat spot. Attempt putting a car or truck seat there and you\'ll see how annoying that can be. When getting a utilised truck, check out to photo who will be riding in the truck on a standard basis and how significantly room you will really require.

Towing Potential

Men and women typically get trucks to handle touch hauling work opportunities like towing boats, function trailers or other tools. These can be private or operate related so in buy to get the very best worth on a utilized truck, its crucial to inquire as to the truck\'s towing potential just before you purchase it. Here\'s a array to maintain in thoughts: Compact trucks can tow involving 1-one.5 tons, total-size trucks can tow four-five tons dependent on how they are equipped.
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Purchasing a used truck doesn\'t have to be a main headache if you know what you want and how significantly you must invest. Taking some time beforehand to research the various varieties of trucks and their accessible functions will conserve you a wonderful deal of time, cash and difficulty following the actuality.

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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Let's Talk Half-Ton Trucks

By Mark Polk



How does your Tow Vehicle Stack up in the Real World

I was watching television the other night when a Ford commercial came on. They had two competitors vehicles hooked to an 11,000 pound trailer and the guy says something along the lines of, it would take two trucks to tow an 11,000 pound trailer unless you have a Ford F-150 with a fully boxed frame. Now, because of what I do for a living this commercial advertisement immediately got my attention.

My first thought was that a fully boxed frame might be a nice feature, but I found it difficult to believe that this was the reason the truck could tow more weight than any other half-ton truck on the planet. The last time I checked, reasons for strong tow ratings were due to factors like the engine, transmission, and rear axle ratio to name a few. This piqued my curiosity and I decided the next morning I would forgo my daily work plan and investigate this claim, that a half-ton Ford F-150 could in fact tow 11,000 pounds safely.

The first order of business was to check some published towing guides to confirm Ford's claim. I started with the 2007 Ford Fleet Towing Guide. When I went to the section on half-ton trucks I discovered that the highest published tow rating listed for a half-ton F-150 was 10,500 pounds. Upon further examination I found that there was only one F-150 truck, out of 56 configurations available, with this 10,500 pound rating. It was a regular cab 4X2, with a 144.5 inch wheelbase and a 4.10 axle ratio. But wait there was a footnote, it read that this truck also required a heavy duty payload package, and in parenthesis it said (late availability). I don't know when this towing guide was published, or whether this heavy duty payload package was available at the time of this writing.

Let's look at where we're at so far. Out of 56 configurations between Ford F-150 half-ton regular cab, supercab and supercrew trucks, two wheel drive, four wheel drive, short bed and long bed models with 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratios there was only one F-150 half-ton truck rated to tow 10,500 pounds. The last time I checked a regular cab, two-wheel drive long wheel base truck was not the favorite choice among the masses in the truck buying category.

But wait, there was another problem; the TV ad said Ford had a half-ton F-150 that could tow 11,000 pounds, not 10,500. Before wasting a lot of time, for no reason, I decided to check a couple of other 2007 towing guides I had lying around to see if one of them could clear up some of this confusion. The 2007 RV Business Towing Guide listed 49, F-150 trucks in various configurations, of which the highest tow rating was 9,900 pounds. Again it was a regular cab, two-wheel drive with an 8 foot bed and a 5.4 liter V-8 engine. There were two footnotes which called for an automatic transmission and a 4.10:1 axle ratio. The 2007 Trailer Life Annual Towing Guide listed the same 49, F-150 configurations with the same model rated to tow 9,900 pounds. Now I was thoroughly confused. Can an F-150 tow 9,900, 10,500 or 11,000 pounds? I decided I better contact somebody at Ford about the TV commercial and find out what's going on. Who was right, the television ad or one of the published towing guides?

I searched and searched for any of the Ford representatives contact information who might quickly clear this matter up, but soon discovered it was a challenge to get to the top. The closest thing I could come to was a Ford Public Relations phone number I stumbled across on the Internet. I spoke with a young lady about my dilemma; she said she wasn't allowed to give me her name. I explained the problem between the television ad and the published towing guides and she told me that tow ratings are based on how the truck was equipped. I attempted to explain that I thoroughly understood this, but that this didn't answer my question. Her final response was for me to contact a local Ford dealer and they would be able to answer all of my questions. Now I have been at this RV towing thing for quite some time, but for the benefit of the doubt and to comply with the guidance I was given, I contacted a local Ford dealership. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for the phone call because what I already suspected turned out to be right. I talked to the sales department and the service department and nobody could tell me what the highest tow rating for a 2007 F150 was, based on any configuration.

I let things rest for a few days, so I could get caught up on some work I was falling behind on. Low and behold I saw the same commercial on TV again. Now rather than just being curious I was starting to be concerned about the huge audience watching this same commercial advertisement. The next morning I did some research on the Internet. I soon discovered this commercial was part of the Ford Challenge advertising campaign. They even have a website for it. Take the challenge. See why Ford is the better choice. I'm sure you have probably seen some of the other Ford challenge commercials involving the Ford Fusion and the Ford Expedition. Basically, the Ford Challenge advertising highlights some of the vehicles features and capabilities as compared to its competition. The F-150 boasts best-in-class payload and towing.

In an attempt to be fair, and not make judgment, I tried for a second time to contact somebody at Ford who might clear this matter up. This time I had to settle for sending an email to a customer service department under the listing of sales and advertising. Ten days later I received a response from the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding the maximum trailer weight of a 2007 Ford F-150. It read, "In an effort to assist you, we have researched on your inquiry. As per our resources, the maximum trailer weight in pounds for a properly equipped F-150 without cargo is 10,500 pounds." There was no mention of the advertised 11,000 pound rating in the e-mail response.

Now I thought I really need to contact somebody at Ford for an explanation. As a third attempt I went to media.ford.com. This is where all of the media types can access information not readily available to the general public. I registered, listed my credentials and was granted access. After researching the media site I called the point of contact for a press release referencing the F-150 11,000 pound rating, but never heard back. Next I contacted Ford's Manager for North American Marketing and Sales Communications by e-mail. I didn't get a response for over a week, so I called and left a voice mail message. I still haven't heard anything at the time of this writing. Personally I would think somebody at Ford would want to clear this matter up.

After some additional research it was my opinion, and my opinion only, that when Ford got wind of the 2007 Toyota Tundra's offering of a 5.7 Liter V-8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, they felt threatened a bit. Early on, this year, Toyota stated this half-ton truck would have tow ratings of 10,000+ pounds. An Edmunds.com 2007 Toyota Tundra review stated that a properly equipped 4X2 regular cab Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds. This would have been the highest tow ratings in its class for 2007. According to Autodata, Ford saw its F-Series sales slip 14 percent in the first quarter of 2007. Was the Ford claim of 11,000 pounds a result of not being outdone? Not losing sales to its competition? After all, Ford trucks have been the king of the hill for quite some time.

I found it interesting that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 the highest tow rating for an F-150 was 9,900 pounds. In August of 2006 Ford announced the 2007 F-150 was capable of towing 10,500, and in January 2007 it was increased to 11,000 pounds. The only difference between these trucks, to justify this increase, is a fully boxed frame??

Vehicles go through rigorous testing to determine tow ratings. There are many factors involved like engine size, transmission, wheelbase, axle ratio, brakes, cooling systems, tow packages and much more. The problem that I see with tow ratings is that even though there are many factors involved and there is rigorous testing involved, there is no set standard to measure these things against, at least not that I'm aware of.

Let's take a look at some actual specifications between the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra and then we'll do the math. The Ford F-150 in question has a 5.4L V-8 engine with 300 horsepower @ 5,000 RPM and 365 lb-ft @ 3,750 RPM. The Toyota Tundra has a 5.7 L V-8 engine with 381 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM and 401 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM. Both have a 4.10:1 rear axle ratio. Ford advertises a tow rating of 11,000 pounds and Toyota advertises a tow rating of 10,800. The F-150 has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 15,800 pounds and the Tundra has a GCWR of 16,000 pounds. It's interesting that the Toyota has the higher horsepower, torque and GCWR, but a lower tow rating!

Let's look at a simple formula used to determine vehicle tow ratings. The GCWR is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded vehicle and the fully loaded trailer combined. So if we take the GCWR minus the vehicle curb weight (the actual weight of the truck, less passengers and cargo) we know how much weight the truck can tow. In our example we will use the vehicle curb weight listed by the vehicle manufacturer.

The Toyota Tundra has a GCWR of 16,000 minus the curb weight of 5,200 = 10,800 pounds, which is the advertised tow rating of the Tundra in our example.

The Ford F-150 has a new GCWR of 15,800 minus the curb weight of 5,125 = 10,675 pounds, which is 325 pounds less than the advertised 11,000 pound tow rating. Things don't add up here! And I don't understand how the truck's GCWR increased from 15,300 to 15,800 pounds with little or no change to the truck. Even with the higher GCWR this truck can't tow 11,000 pounds, at least not mathematically.

This simple formula works for any towing application. I mentioned that I tried to contact Ford on five separate occasions, to explain this difference in the calculations. The only response I received at the time of this release was from the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center, regarding the maximum trailer weight of a 2007 Ford F-150. It read, "In an effort to assist you, we have researched on your inquiry. As per our resources, the maximum trailer weight in pounds for a properly equipped F-150 without cargo is 10,500 pounds. Without another response from Ford I have to assume that this basic formula, which works in all other scenarios, is correct in this scenario.

Perhaps an even larger problem is, the consumer doesn't really understand vehicle tow ratings and nobody on the vehicle manufacturing side of the house is really attempting to educate consumers on this topic. I mean really, advertising an 11,000 pound tow rating to the masses when in reality only one version of the F-150, out of 56 available, can tow close to the advertised weight. And sadly in the real world of towing it can't even do that. Let me explain.

When a manufacturer determines a tow rating it is usually based on an empty vehicle, without many options, and the weight of the driver. Most weights used for the driver are listed at 150 pounds. I think the last time I weighed 150 pounds was sometime in junior high school. Here's how this tow thing really works. You want to buy an F-150 to tow a Recreation Vehicle. For starters you want a supercab so there is room for the family. And of course you wouldn't be caught dead without four wheel drive, and it has to be a short wheelbase model. Next on the list, you want something that has decent fuel economy because you will be using it to drive to work when you're not towing the trailer. So you compromise and go with a 4.6 Liter V-8 with a 3.55:1 axle ratio. Out of those 56 configurations of F-150 trucks you now have one to choose from. That's right, one model meets your criteria and the tow rating of your new F-150 is 6,000 pounds, not 11,000.

This takes us back to the empty truck with a driver who weighs 150 pounds. Let's look at the real world again. You have a wife and two children whose combined weight is 330 pounds, being conservative. The additional options you want on your truck like the bed liner, brush guard and side steps added 150 pounds, again being conservative. Now, do you plan to put anything in the back of the truck when you go camping? Well it's a good place for the bikes and lawn chairs, and don't forget about your tool box. Since we have been conservative to this point we'll just add another 130 pounds for cargo. And the difference between your actual weight and the 150 pound driver is, let's say 40 pounds which in my case is still on the conservative side. Now let's do the math. A 6,000 pound tow rating minus 650 pounds of added weight equals a 5,350 pound tow rating. You see, everything you add on, or load in to the truck takes that same amount away from the vehicles tow rating.

Oh and don't forget the tongue weight of the trailer you're towing. Additional weight like tongue weight and other weight added to the vehicle cannot exceed any vehicle weight ratings like the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). While were on the subject of weights, I mentioned another weight rating earlier that isn't talked about very often, the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). In the real world the GCWR is very important when you are talking about towing because it is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle and the fully loaded trailer combined. If you go to a set of scales and weigh the fully loaded truck and the fully loaded trailer it cannot exceed the GCWR of the tow vehicle. We can go one step further and say that regardless of the advertised tow rating if you subtract the curb weight of the vehicle (plus any added weight) from the tow vehicle's GCWR it will give you the amount of weight the vehicle can actually tow. In our last example the GCWR for the truck in our example was 11,500. The curb weight was about 5,360 plus our added weight of 650 pounds. But don't forget to subtract the 150 pound driver. So our truck can tow 5,340 pounds before it exceeds the GCWR. The GCWR takes all factors into consideration, unlike the vehicle tow rating. Head to the scales to find out how things stack up in the real world of towing.

It doesn't stop here; there are many other things to consider. For example the hitch receiver on the back of the tow vehicle has a weight rating too. The truck might be able to tow 5,340 pounds, but if the receiver is rated for 5,000 pounds that's the most you can tow. You see everything in the towing system is based on the weakest link in the system.

As you can see there is a lot more involved with tow ratings than a television commercial advertising a fully boxed frame. I could write an entire book on the topic. Well, actually I did. Much more information is available in my book, The RV Book, and DVD titled Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork & Backing, available at http://www.rveducation101.com

All I really know is the last trailer I owned weighed in at about 7,300 pounds when it was loaded to go camping. My ¾ ton truck at the time had a tow rating of 8,800 pounds and I was below the GCWR. Towing the trailer was not always a pleasurable experience. I get nervous when I hear about a ½ ton truck capable of towing 11,000 pounds, don't you?

Here is my Ford Challenge to Ford. Let me review this one ½ ton F-150 that can tow 11,000 pounds. I'll hook it up to an 11,000 pound trailer, take a test drive and write a review. If I'm wrong about my doubts that it can tow an 11,000 pound trailer safely and effortlessly I'll be the first to admit it. I'll keep checking my e-mail, but won't get my hopes up.

I'll leave you with a few thoughts to ponder:

1) Don't let commercial advertising plant a seed that all F-150 trucks can tow 11,000 pounds, when in fact only one model is rated for 10,500, at least that's what the Ford towing guide says. And then do the math and see what that one truck can tow in the real world.

2) Are truck manufacturers crossing a fine line with advertised tow ratings? I have been involved in a few legal cases, as an expert witness, where people were paralyzed and killed. The common factor in these cases involved improperly matched tow vehicles and trailers. Don't depend on automobile dealerships and RV dealerships to always give you 100% accurate information. Do your homework before purchasing a tow vehicle and trailer.

3) Are RV manufacturers building trailers too heavy for today's trucks? Is this the reason for increased tow ratings? If a trailer has a GVWR that is higher than the tow rating of your vehicle it is a mismatch. If you load the trailer to its GVWR you will exceed your tow vehicle rating.

4) At this rate what will happen with tow ratings by 2010?

UPDATE: 1 JUNE 2007

After numerous attempts to contact Ford representatives and after writing this article I was finally contacted by the Ford Public Relations Group, Ford Truck Commercial Manager. I believe that was his title. He claimed that the Gross Combined Weight Rating for the half-ton truck in question was raised from 15,800 pounds to 16,400 pounds, as of 31 May 2007. It was originally 15,300 pounds, then 15,800 and now 16,400. I questioned what changed on the vehicle to account for the latest increase in the GCWR and was told the shackle and bumper attachments were improved and something about the unique tires the truck had. He also informed me that the truck passed the same rigorous truck durability testing cycle that all Fords trucks are put through to determine its capabilities. On more than one occasion he mentioned that Ford was not just manipulating the numbers. One problem I still see is that there is no standardized testing for vehicles to determine tow capacities, so basically it is left to the manufacturer to determine ratings. I still have my doubts about any half-ton truck being able to safely tow 11,000 pounds, but for the record Ford finally came forward and said their truck can do it. I'll let you, the consumer, be the judge.

Readers comments:

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Happy Camping

Mark Polk

Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk owner rveducation101.com

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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