Dee Zee Underseat Storage Drawer

The under seat drawer is the full width of the back seat and can be opened from either side of the cab. Simply unlock, twist, and pull. As you pull, the lock on the opposite end acts as the stop so the drawer can’t be overextended. The 16-gauge steel casing mounts to existing holes under the seat so you don’t have to drill the frame of your truck. It is finished with our rust inhibitor NRT™ texture black powder coat to match most interiors.

The one-piece drawer utilizes a track system on the base to keep the drawer square and easy to handle. There are 3-plastic dividers that can be positioned at slotted intervals to keep gear organized. There is also a molded rubber mat to reduce vibration noise, protect items from damage, and help reduce items from shifting. Get yours today! www.deezee.com/product/under-seat-storage-drawer/

Dee Zee, Inc.

Survey Results: THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE TRUCKS

Survey respondents were asked to pick the two most important pieces of equipment on their service vehicles, out of air compressors, cranes, generators, welders, or other.

A significant portion of respondents chose “air compressor” as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Generators, cranes, and welders were split closely, with 32%, 31%, and 27% of respondents selecting these pieces of equipment as their top two most important. The other category includes responses such as hand tools, bucket lifts, liftgates, vacuums, and pumps.

OPERATORS/MECHANICS FAVOR AIR COMPRESSORS

Air compressors ranked even higher in popularity when segmenting the 47 Operators and Mechanics who answered the survey. 94% of these respondents chose air compressor as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Interestingly, Operators and Mechanics were the only segment that considered welders to be the second most important piece of equipment on their service truck.

Learn more at: https://www.vmacair.com/blog/the-most-important-equipment-for-service-trucks/?utm_campaign=State%20of%20the%20Industry&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Pfyg-w27objafi4fbFt9kG7xMDNEipG2cGohxOSZJI13V4icxiPuIRBcM77MIeYzXpcm-PvFE4p1dPcIFIn-3qdke4Q&_hsmi=97579604&utm_content=97579604&utm_source=hs_email&hsCtaTracking=33ccbe3d-8c9e-463f-b918-ced155b16e53%7C5259cfdb-f086-4aca-8821-fef96a7e4e71

Next Step in the UPFIT Process: Ensuring Proper Maintenance.

 - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

Your upfit is installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.

Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:

A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.

“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.

At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.

“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.

Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.

“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”

When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.

“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.

“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.

6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:

Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection

Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.

“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance

When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.

“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.

To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.

“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.

Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly 

Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders. 

“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment

You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.

“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.

Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing

When you service certain upfit items is also essential.

“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage
Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.

“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits

Expertec's New Aluminum Slip-In Service Bodies

The new Expertec aluminum Slip-in Service Bodies offer incredible value, plenty of storage, and a level of durability never seen in the industry before. Designed and proven over nearly a dozen years, our aluminum slip-in units are built right here in Canada and offer plenty of internal customization options for the toughest environments and challenges. To learn more, visit our website or reach out to our team today. https://expertec.ca/products/truck-eq...

Expertec

545 subscribers

Ford Alexa Built-in | Ford How-To | Ford

Learn about the capabilities of Alexa* Built-in within your Ford vehicle.* *Access to Alexa requires an Amazon account, SYNC 4®, FordPass™ Connect and complimentary Connected Service activated through the FordPass App (see FordPass Terms for details). Eligible 2022 Ford vehicles receive three years of access to Alexa Built-in and 30 days of complimentary streaming media services that begin on the new vehicle warranty start date, after which fees apply. See your Ford account for information. Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply. Amazon, Alexa and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Learn more about Ford support here: https://ford.to/3jXUVrt

THE GMC SIERRA | “THE MultiPro™ Tailgate” | GMC

This is THE GMC Sierra. Available with THE World’s First Six-Function MultiPro™ Tailgate and THE dent and scratch-resistant CarbonPro™ bed.​ Learn more at https://www.gmc.com/sierra

GMC

Inside Scania production: Manufacturing process at the Truck Factory

Welcome to our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Scania's Truck Factory! In this intriguing video, we take you on an immersive journey through the production line of one of the world's most renowned truck manufacturers. Join us as we unveil the inner workings of Scania's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, where precision and innovation collide to create exceptional heavy-duty vehicles. Get ready to witness the intricate processes and cutting-edge technologies that go into every truck built at the factory. From the initial design stage to the final assembly, you'll gain valuable insights into the meticulous craftsmanship that makes Scania trucks stand out. Discover how skilled engineers and technicians collaborate seamlessly to ensure every component aligns perfectly, guaranteeing unbeatable performance and reliability on the road. Observe the meticulous quality control measures in place throughout the production line, where thorough testing and inspections ensure that every truck leaving the factory is built to superior standards. Witness the passion and dedication of the entire team as they work tirelessly to deliver world-class trucks that surpass customer expectations. Not only will you witness the production process, but you'll also catch a glimpse of the factory's commitment to sustainability. Scania's eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient practices play a significant role in reducing the environmental footprint, making every Scania truck an eco-conscious choice. Whether you're an avid truck enthusiast, an industry professional, or simply curious about the manufacturing marvels taking place behind closed doors, this video is a must-watch. Join us on this virtual tour and gain a profound understanding of the effort and expertise invested in Scania's Truck Factory. Prepare to be captivated by the fusion of human skill and advanced technology as we showcase the heartbeat of Scania's manufacturing operations. Get ready to be impressed by the awe-inspiring collaboration between man and machine, resulting in the creation of exceptional heavy-duty vehicles for various industries. Experience the passion, precision, and pride that drives Scania's Truck Factory forward. Without further ado, let us take you on this thrilling virtual journey through the production line. Sit back, relax, and enjoy our exclusive sneak peek into the captivating world of Scania manufacturing! 0:04 construction truck frame 5:19 engine installing on the frame 8:10 body cab welding shop 8:52 paint shop 11:13 plastics elements workshop 12:21 cab assembly workshop 13:17 cab to frame installation 14:26 final assembly line 15:46 truck wheels installation 17:47 final service adjustment 18:37 quality control and testing #scania