2/12/21

Curt Payload Calculator | BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale


What is my payload weight? This video provides simple instructions for how to use the Payload function on the CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale. With this feature, you can get an active readout on your smartphone of the weight of your truck’s payload as you are loading cargo and materials.

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 gross combined weight, payload and tongue weight, as well as weight distribution setup and trailer brake gain.

To measure the weight of your payload with BetterWeigh™, begin by selecting the weight readout range that best suits your vehicle. To change the readout, tap the gear icon and select Payload. Then, choose a weight range.

Next, select the Payload feature from the BetterWeigh™ app homescreen. Make sure your vehicle is parked in the spot where you intend to load it. Get out of the vehicle and tap Ready. Don’t touch the vehicle while it is taking its initial reading.

Once the pitch of the vehicle is measured, you can begin loading your truck bed and get your payload weight in real time.

1/30/21

Ask An Expert - Towing and Hauling Tips with Mark Hellwig


Hellwig Suspension Products CEO, Mark Hellwig has been in the load and sway control business his whole life. Over the years he has learned a few things about towing and hauling.

Mark shares a few tips and pieces of advice for proper and safe towing and hauling in this video.

1/19/21

Find the Right Van Accessories for Your Work Van

Find your Work Van with the Most Useful Van Accessories

An Upfit Package with Ranger Design


Getting the most from your work van is easy when you choose the right van accessories to help you become more organized and efficient. Good truck and van accessories will always pay for themselves by allowing you to maximize your cargo space and productivity, while also keeping your most expensive equipment protected.
With so many van accessories to choose from, the best way to find which ones work for you is to take some time to consider your needs. All tradesmen work differently, and every trade has their own basic tools. Make a list of all the equipment that you use daily. Consider ladders, large and small parts, and inventory. With a list in hand, you’ll be able to visualize your needs and determine which of the van accessories below will be the most beneficial.

Van Accessories for Organization:

Paper holdersbottle holders and reel holders are designed to increase organization by giving you a specific spot to store your equipment. Instead of rolling loose on the floor, your bottles and reels can be fastened down and within easy reach from the door. As for your paperwork and files, keep them all together in a paper holder where they won’t get ripped or crumpled.
Partskeepers are a great way to keep your smallest parts together and secured. With small, dividable bins, they offer a great storage system to take with you onto the job site. Sturdy yet lightweight, you can never have too many Partskeepers for your tools.
Storage bins are available in several sizes, and can be accessorized with bin dividers. These are ideal for holding items and inventory so you can find what you need quickly and easily. Like the Partskeepers, if you have many items to carry with you on the job, then these bins are the ideal solution.
Hooks come in several different styles and can be used to organize tools and equipment near the van doors to be most effective. Hard hat holders can keep frequently used hats within easy reach and safely stowed while on the road.

Van Accessories for Driver Comfort & Safety:

Lighting keeps the cargo space bright, making it easy to find your tools, no matter what time of day or night. It also eliminates any chance of receiving cuts and bruises when searching through your tools in the dark.
Rear Steps are extremely beneficial for tradesmen with high roof vans. Climbing in and out several times a day can put quite a strain on your legs and back, especially when carrying heavy items at the same time. The steps also provide a rugged grip in the winter, so there is no fear of slipping when getting in or out.
Grab Handles, like the rear steps, are designed to provide you with easier access into your van. Whether installed in a high roof of low roof work van, it is always useful to have something to hold onto. It can also be used to tie down additional cargo for safe transportation.
Flettner vents help protect you from any gasses/vapors or smells that may build up in the cargo area of your vehicle. It helps reduce heat build-up and allows moisture to escape should any materials or tools be stored while they are still wet. It is a simple way to stay healthy while working.
For more products to enhance driver comfort and safety, check out our Safety Equipment blog.
Van Accessories for Vehicle Security:
Lockable Doors and Drawers provide two advantages. They can better protect your inventory and tools by keeping them in one place on the rougher roads. Also, they can deter thieves and protect valuable tools while you’re on the job and your work van is left unattended.
Wire grills for your windows can also protect you against theft as well as prevent damage to the van during loading or unloading. They are an easy install and such a simple product that just might help save you a lot of money in the future.
Seat Covers help keep your work van seats clean and in good condition. Instead of getting dirt and grease on your seats and staining them permanently, use custom-fit covers that can be easily removed and washed. Come time to sell your vehicle, you will be grateful you kept them in such good condition.
Learn other simple tricks to help Safeguard Your Work Van Against Tool Theft.
Consider the demands of your trade and your needs, and invest in the van accessories that will pay for themselves with the time and money they save.

For more info call us today at (800) 565-5321, contact a product specialist or request a quote.
Learn more at: https://rangerdesign.com

1/13/21

The WARN Truck and SUV Winch Lineup


        Learn about the WARN truck and SUV winch lineup and find which model is right for your rig.

1/01/21

2021 Ford F-600 offers medium-duty benefits in smaller frame


According to Ford Motor Co., fleet and commercial customers can now manage larger upfits, carry more equipment and tow heavier loads with the Model Year 2021 Ford F-600 than they can with any other Super Duty chassis cab its size. Customers will also get the added capability of standard power takeoff provision on both the class-exclusive gasoline and available diesel powertrains.

Slotted between F-550 Super Duty and F-650 Pro Loader Medium Duty truck, F-600 has the familiar size, interior and controls of an F-550, with a step-up height that’s only 3 millimeters higher. F-600 uses higher-capacity wheels and tires, upgraded driveshaft mounts, an upgraded rear axle, more robust brake rotor materials and strategically placed frame reinforcements behind the cab to deliver Class 6 capability in a compact Class 5 package.

With the available 6.7-liter V8 Power Stroke diesel engine, F-600 delivers gooseneck towing capacity of 34,500 pounds and a maximum GCWR of 43,000 pounds. The third-generation diesel features enormous low-rpm output to get truly heavy loads underway, with 330 hp and 825 lb.-ft. of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm. As a result, customers can equip their F-600 with heavier bodies and equipment like telescopic cranes, and can tow larger loads so nothing has to get left behind.

“For years, many of our utility, towing and oil/gas service fleet customers have specced all the possible upgrades on their F-550 chassis cabs to avoid having to step up to a traditional Class 6 truck, but they’ve still pushed the limits of what a Class 5 truck can do,” said Nathan Oscarson, Ford commercial truck brand manager. “Now those fleets are moving into F-600 to get the increased payload and GCWR they’ve needed all along in a truck that fits.”

As F-600 enters its second year of production, the Ford TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission comes with a 10-bolt design live drive power takeoff (PTO) provision standard on both the 7.3-liter V8 gasoline and 6.7-liter V8 diesel powertrains. The power takeoff provision works with aftermarket power takeoff units to drive auxiliary equipment anytime the engine is running, either in stationary or mobile mode at any vehicle speed. In stationary mode, it is rated to handle up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque. F-600 equipped with the diesel engine offers split-shaft PTO capability that makes it possible to run two pieces of auxiliary equipment at the same time when the vehicle is stopped.

Learn more at: https://www.fleetowner.com/resource-center/hd-pickup-van/press-release/21150784/2021-ford-f600-offers-medium-duty-benefits-in-smaller-frame?utm_source=FR+FO+Heavy+Duty+Pickup+%26+Van&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS201218025&o_eid=1481J5028834F5F&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C1481J5028834F5F&oly_enc_id=1481J5028834F5F


12/28/20

Detroit Tested | Tested. Proven. Safe | CURT MFG


CURT’s engineering and testing facility, located just outside of Detroit, MI plays a large role in the production of the highest-quality towing products on the market today.

From conventional trailer hitches to 5th wheel hitches to ball mounts, each product is tested in-house. Our Wixom testing facility gives us the opportunity to test each and every product to the most stringent standards. CURT performs a variety of tests, including fatigue, weight carrying and weight distribution. We also have capabilities to do real-time, on-vehicle, three-axis testing, similar to the European CARLOS.TC test. Every hitch that goes through CURT’s testing facility passes SAE J684, J2638, or J647 protocols.

State-of-the-art testing abilities ensures we provide a superior, well-designed product that works right the first time. This concept extends beyond trailer hitches. CURT uses industry-leading equipment to design, refine, and develop its electrical products using thermal test chambers, insulation testers, and load-pull testing for terminals and connectors.

These processes ensure product safety and reliability above and beyond what typical after-market products go through.

For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products.'

12/24/20

Christmas Truck Parade


Every year Victoria, BC The Island Equipment Owners Association (IEOA) has a lighted truck parade, quite something to see, enjoy the ride!