Product Profiles

March 1, 2007
ComfortPro APU service interval now longer The ComfortPro auxiliary power unit (APU) from Carrier Transicold has been improved with a 1,000-hour service

ComfortPro APU service interval now longer

The ComfortPro auxiliary power unit (APU) from Carrier Transicold has been improved with a 1,000-hour service interval, industry-standard R134a refrigerant, and a 60-amp alternator. This APU provides air-conditioning, heating, and household electrical current for a truck sleeper cab, battery charging and truck engine warming. It offers an all-electric architecture — the Deltek hybrid diesel-electric technology found in Carrier's Vector 1800MT trailer refrigeration units.

Using a larger oil reservoir and new oil filter doubled the oil-service interval, and the new alternator provides 50 percent more power than the original.

Other improvements include a new condenser with a fin-and-tube design, use of a thermostatic expansion valve rather than a capillary tube mechanism, and addition of a low-pressure sensor to protect the unit by shutting it down in case of a refrigerant leak.

ComfortPro APUs reduce idling by up to 90 percent. The energy source is a 4,000-watt generator driven by a diesel engine. For high reliability, the air-conditioning system uses a sealed electric compressor inside the cabin. All ComfortPro APUs come with a two-year, 4,000-hour warranty.

E-mail Anthony D'Angelo at [email protected] for more information.

Knaack systems boost productivity

Knaack Mfg is offering new bulkhead and shelving systems as a part of its Weather Guard Van Solutions brand.

The new bulkheads universally fit Ford and Chevy vans. Additional new features include 16-gauge steel construction and 3/16" steel top mounting angles. Also, a 9" × 12" Dog Hatch in the bottom of the bulkhead allows easier and safer transportation of long-length material by using the floor space in front of the bulkhead. All Van Solutions products come with a white powdercoat finish for extra visibility. For Sprinter vans, a 3" offset has been added to provide extended room for the driver.

Shelving for Van Solutions also is new and improved to deliver more floor space, durability, and safety. The 59½"-high end panels on the 14"-wide jumbo knock down van shelving have been shortened to 57½" to provide a better fit for Sprinter vans without blocking factory-installed lighting. On the 43¾"- and 57¼"-high shelving units, end panels have been tapered, allowing closer installation to the sidewall and more cargo space in the middle of both Sprinter and full-size vans.

With greater durability, the 14“-wide fully welded van shelving now has enhanced steel construction and an improved taper end panel, permitting closer installation to the sidewall and extra cargo space in the middle of full-size vans.

E-mail [email protected] for more information.

VMAC rises to challenge of Ford 6.4L

When accessory manufacturers popped the hoods of the new 2008 Ford 6.4L Diesel, few thought adding any system to the engine bay was possible. The new 6.4L Power Stroke engine was large, the engine compartment was tight, and unlike its predecessor, it left little room for added components.

Despite the odds, VMAC (Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors) took the challenge head-on. With the help of Ford Motor Co, engineers, and a dedicated dealer network, VMAC developed the answer.

Introducing the all-new VMAC VR70 70-cfm Underhood Air Compressor System for the 2008 6.4L Ford Power Stroke. Delivering high-powered rotary screw air-on-demand technology, the VR70 offers superior performance in size and output.

Why all the work? Mounting air compressor systems under the hood saves valuable deck space, lowers insurance costs, and reduces on-site accidents.

For more information or to see a live demo, phone 800-738-8622 or e-mail [email protected].

Buyers Products adds hitch plates to line

Buyers Products Co has added several hitch plates to its line. The heavy-duty ½"-thick plates are designed for Chevy/GMC and Ford chassis cabs, and carry a 15,000-lb MGTW. These plates are available with a standard 2" receiver tube or multiple pintle hook mounting positions; a pre-punched electrical adaptor hole; and 5/8" forged D-rings or safety chain brackets. ICC bumper protection is provided for bodies up to 99" wide. A black powdercoat finish provides durability and corrosion resistance.

Buyers also manufactures ½" and 5/8" universal hitch plate kits for fabricators. These kits include multiple pintle hook mounting positions, a pre-punched electrical adaptor hole, safety chain brackets, and gussets. A plain finish is provided.

A universal fit hitch plate/bumper provides ICC protection for flatbed dump trucks. The hitch features two-position pintle hook mounting holes, a pre-punched electrical adaptor hole, and safety chain brackets. This hitch plate is rated at 20,000-lb MGTW, and is black powdercoated.

E-mail Brian Smith at [email protected] for further information.

MaxxForce engines ready to rev in 2008

International Truck and Engine Corp, a Navistar company, has announced its lineup of MaxxForce International diesel power engines for 2008 model year trucks.

Beginning in January, MaxxForce engines become the signature powerplant for International brand on-highway Class 4-8 commercial vehicles. In North America, the MaxxForce product line ranges from the upgraded 4.5-liter V-6 MaxxForce 5 to the new MaxxForce 13 big-bore Class 8 engine. Another major highlight is the all-new 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7.

For 2008-model-year trucks, the lineup includes:

  • MaxxForce 5 will power Class 4-5 International CityStar commercial trucks with 200 horsepower and 440 ft-lb of torque.

  • MaxxForce 7, International's all-new V-8 turbo, will power Class 5-7 International DuraStar series medium-duty trucks, IC brand buses, International brand commercial buses and two vehicles in the International XT Family. Itoffers ratings of 200-230 hp and 560-620 ft-lb of torque. A 300-plus horsepower rating will be offered in fall 2007.

  • MaxxForce DT will power Class 6-8 DuraStar and WorkStar trucks with 210-300 hp and 520-860 ft-lb of torque.

  • MaxxForce 9 powers Class 7-8 DuraStar and WorkStar commercial trucks with 300-330 hp and 800-950 ft-lb of torque.

  • MaxxForce 10 powers Class 8 WorkStar and TranStar trucks with 310-350 hp and 1,050-1,150 ft-lb of torque.

  • MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 are International's new big-bore diesel engines for the Class 8 truck market. The MaxxForce 11 will be offered in TranStar, while the MaxxForce 13 will be available in the ProStar.

E-mail Joe Koenig at [email protected] for further details
Circle #204 on Reader Service Card

Express delivery provided for Eaton tie-rod cylinders

Eaton Corp is offering an express delivery program for standard Vickers and Hydro-Line tie-rod cylinders.

Cylinders ordered through the new Eaton Express … there Everytime (E3) Delivery Program leave Eaton North American manufacturing facilities in just three business days after receiving the order. The program is provided to customers and distributors worldwide.

Eaton's Vickers and Hydro-Line tie-rod cylinders included in the E3 program include National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) hydraulic, American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/NFPA hydraulic/pneumatic, and aluminum pneumatic styles. Size range includes cylinders up to 6 inches in bore, with any stroke size and with virtually any of Eaton's popular options.

Access http://hydraulics.eaton.com/products/pdfs/ for a list of Hydro-Line and Vickers cylinders included in the E3 Program.

Meritor WABCO adds InfoLink option

Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems has introduced its new InfoLink option for the Enhanced Easy-Stop Basic trailer antilock braking system (ABS). The new option enables the driver to monitor and control trailer functions from the tractor, is available for semi- or full-trailers, and is compliant with FMVSS-121 requirements.

Since its introduction in 2002, InfoLink was previously available on the Enhanced Easy-Stop Premium System (2S/2M, 4S/2M, 4S/3M). It's now available on the Basic System (2S/1M) as well.

The Basic system with InfoLink option is backed by Meritor WABCO's service and support through Meritor WABCO, ArvinMeritor's North American Field Organization, Sealco Air Controls, and ArvinMeritor's Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket Group. It carries a warranty of three years/300,000 miles parts and labor.

Truck-Lite adds two sizes of backup lamps

Truck-Lite has added two new Signal-Stat LED backup lamps to its line of LED safety lamps. The backup lamps come in 4" round and 6" oval sizes.

Both styles of backup lamps have an extensive pattern of multiple diodes favored by many owner-operators and show truck enthusiasts. These lamps retrofit use standard industry plug connections, making them retrofitable to virtually all existing heavy-duty trucks and trailers. The 6" oval can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

All Signal-Stat LED products carry a two-year limited warranty backed by Truck-Lite. These lamps are tested for performance and quality many times during the manufacturing process, and 100% of finished lamps are tested for function before packaging.

E-mail [email protected] for more details.

EZ Connector announces corporate launch

EZ Connector has announced its official corporate launch, and unveiled the EZ 7-Pin Universal Heavy Duty Plug (EZ-7PUHD).

The patented EZ-7PUHD is a plug/socket combination that improves the reliability of the vehicle/trailer connection, and is designed as a universal configuration. It uses spring-loaded face-to-face contacts, ensuring both faultless and safe connections. Because the EZ-7PUHD is double O-ring sealed whether in use or not, it is always clean, waterproof, and corrosion-free. Since it is magnetically held together, in case of accidental disconnection, there is no damage to the plug, socket, or cable.

Eaton disc valve motor has key advantages

Eaton Corp's new High Pressure 30 (HP30) disc valve motor offers higher starting torque efficiency, lower pressure drop, and smoother two-speed shifting.

The new design has a no-load pressure drop lower than 200 psi at 25 gpm of flow. A two-piece balance ring provides superior mechanical and volumetric efficiencies.

High performance ratings make the HP30 suitable for mobile off-highway applications that require up to 30,000 inch-lb of intermittent torque:

  • Continuous pressure — 170 liters per minute (45 gpm) at 310 bar (4,500 psi)

  • Intermittent pressure — 265 lpm (70 gpm) at 345 bar (5,070 psi)

  • Maximum inlet pressure — 400 bar (6,000 psi)

Options for the HP30 motor include a hydraulic parking brake that offers up to 3,570 Nm (31,600 inch-lb) of static holding torque. The HP30 offers similar bearing pack, brake, output shaft, and port mounts as competitive styles.

Access www.hydraulics.eaton.com for further details.

Volvo, Mack devices boost fuel economy

Volvo Trucks North America showed a 2.3% improvement in fuel economy through the use of four modifications to a typical highway tractor and trailer. Three of the modifications are prototype designs, while the fourth is already available on Volvo trucks.

The results were part of a two-year cooperative research effort between the United States Department of Energy and the Truck Manufacturers Association, and four of TMA's member companies.

Three devices were used for underside airflow management, said Michael Sorrells, Volvo's lead design engineer for aerodynamic development. The first was a smooth underside area on the front of its test truck, essentially an extension of the bumper made from composite material.

The second modification was a plate between the chassis rails on the space between the back of the cab and the fifth wheel, called a deck closure.

The most noticeable modification was on the trailer, where Volvo installed an air deflector that wrapped around the front and sides of the trailer bogie.

The final modification involved the use of roof and side fairing extenders already available to Volvo customers.

Truck operators could improve their fuel economy by as much as 8 percent by facilitating smooth air flow around their tractor-trailer units during highway travel, according to a new study by Mack Trucks Inc.

SilverCap winches have one-year warranty

Ancra International, maker of SilverCap and SilverCap OverDrive ratchet-cap winches, will now back these products with a warranty of one full year.

The winches eliminate the need to repeatedly insert a winch bar to tighten load straps. Thousands of test cycles and thousands more hours of actual road use have shown the winches are rugged enough to outlast the flatbed trailer to which they are attached, according to Ralph Abato, director of sales and marketing for the cargo systems division of Ancra.

For more information on the SilverCap warranty and Ancra cargo restraint products, access www.ancra.com.

Replacement fuel tanks for GM pickups

Owners of 2007 model year GM 2500 and 3500 series diesel pickups can install a larger replacement fuel tank system. Transfer Flow Inc has introduced a 45-gallon replacement fuel tank system for crew cab and extended cab pickups with a 6-foot bed, and a 56-gallon replacement fuel tank for crew cab and extended cab pickups with 8-ft beds.

Transfer Flow's replacement fuel tanks are made from 12- and 14-gauge aluminized steel for rust resistance and strength, and are baffled for extra support. They come with all components needed for installation, including straps and mounting hardware, and are powdercoated black.

E-mail Warren Johnson at [email protected] for more information or a copy of the Aftermarket Fuel Tank Systems catalog.

Style, strength combine in Delta truck box

Stylish curves meet rugged reinforcement with the new Delta PRO Limited Edition Crossover truck box from Delta Consolidated Industries. A special lid design complements the rounded styles of newer trucks without compromising performance, security, and durability.

To ensure that the lid is always tightly secured, each Limited Edition aluminum crossover includes Delta's Gear-Lock, a self-adjusting, dual rotary locking system. Tested to resist more than 1,000 pounds of pulling and prying force, Gear-Lock provides security and dependability.

Delta's three-layer laminated Rigid Structural Lid comes on all Limited Edition crossovers.

The Limited Edition crossovers offer the same features as all Delta aluminum crossovers, including adjustable gas spring lid lifts, end-mounted push buttons, and ample storage space. Sizes include Standard Single Lid, Mid-Size Single Lid, Deep Single Lid, and Gull Wing versions. Colors include bright aluminum and black.

For more information, access www.deltastorage.com.

BedStep wins design excellence honors

At the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas NV recently, AMP Research was awarded the DaimlerChrysler Design Excellence Award for its newly introduced BedStep. This manually operated tailgate step provides easy access to the truck bed from the rear bumper. When not in use, it stores underneath the bumper.

According to the DaimlerChrysler Group, the BedStep demonstrated the highest degree of overall quality and craftsmanship among all products introduced for current Chrysler vehicles. This design award was given specifically for its applicability to Dodge trucks.

The BedStep was one of multiple AMP Research products featured on an Interstate- themed Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab.

Made of high-strength aluminum and powdercoated in black, the BedStep supports up to 300 pounds and is now being developed for a range of applications. E-mail Mark Wronski at [email protected] for more details.

CL-707 cutting system gains more power

Cincinnati Inc's laser cutting system, the CL-707 with interchangeable 8 × 20-foot cutting tables, further boosts cutting power and processing range with a new 5,000-watt GE Fanuc laser resonator.

The linear motor drive delivers 10,000-ipm head positioning, while the 5-kw power cuts through 18-gauge steel at up to 1,000 ipm and processes mild steel up to 1" thick. Each 8 × 20-ft pallet can be loaded with multiple sheets, then processed in a continuous operation. Automated pallet change takes just seconds, making possible virtually continuous cutting and long periods of unattended processing. Up to 320 square feet of material can be processed between the two pallets without operator attention.

E-mail Rick Neff at [email protected] for more details.

Super Strip-Lite uses evenly spaced LEDs

Truck-Lite Co Inc's patent-pending LED Super Strip-Lite, now available with a replaceable lens, uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) evenly spaced on a fabricated aluminum channel. Four-foot strips use 12 diodes, while two foot strips have six diodes. Both have diodes spaced every four inches. The strips come in two styles, shaped either for mounting flat or into corners, and they can be mounted almost anywhere.

Each six-diode strip draws only 0.7 amps; 12-diode strips draw 1.4 amps. Strips cover a broad area, so lighting is even with minimal shadows. White LED lighting is brighter and whiter than other forms of interior trailer lighting, so colors are truer and freight labels are easier to read.

E-mail [email protected] for further details.

MAXXDuty plating resists corrosion better

Sloan Transportation Products has introduced MAXXDuty hose assemblies with a new plating material better able to withstand damage caused by new de-icing agents increasingly being used.

Steel crimped fittings attached to the brass part of the hose assembly are especially susceptible to corrosion. Sloan tested several different options to plate the steel crimped fittings before settling on the MAXXDuty plating. The material was originally designed for the military in naval applications to protect parts exposed to severe salt spray.

Recent testing by an independent lab in a CASS (Copper Accelerated Salt Spray) cabinet, showed that the MAXXDuty plating provided superior protection compared with a control sample.

E-mail [email protected] for more information.

Freightliner builds 2007-certified engines

Freightliner LLC has initiated the build of EPA 2007 emissions-certified heavy-duty Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines.

New Environmental Protection Agency regulations are designed to drive near-term improvements in truck emissions and air quality. Series 60 engines compliant with the new regulations emit 95 percent less particulate matter and 50 percent less nitrogen oxide than comparable engines in 2006.

Freightliner has made a significant investment in the innovation of this new technology in its Detroit Diesel engines, including validation with laboratory and field testing. Since the inception of the development program in 2004, Series 60 engines that are EPA' 07 compliant have accumulated more than 14 million equivalent miles, with 2.5 million of those miles in actual customer vehicles.

Electronic displacement control CAN-enabled

Eaton Corp is introducing a new Electronic Displacement Control (EDC) for use with Eaton Series 2 heavy-duty pumps. The new control combines the flexibility of a SAE J1939-compatible Controller Area Network (CAN) command interface with a pump-mounted control for mobile and stationary applications. Design features and benefits include:

  • Low-control hysteresis (less than 1 percent) combined with digital command interface for optimal repeatability

  • Fully encapsulated digital control module with CE certification for EMC

  • Pump displacement control via SAE J1939 CAN interface

  • Electro-proportional pump displacement control (model code type SE) with electronic swash position feedback sensor

  • Advanced control monitoring, diagnostics, and parameter setting possible through PC-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) software

Eaton's CAN-enabled EDC for Series 2 pumps is suitable for both single and multiple pump installations, while allowing independent pump control via a centralized control system or PLC. Direct operator interface with the CAN-enabled EDC can also be achieved using commercially available CAN-enabled joysticks, including the new Eaton Ultronics dual axis joystick.

Visit www.hydraulics.eaton.com for more information.

Robust LED technology enhances lamp

Truck-Lite has taken a traditional incandescent work lamp and given it a powerful light output with LED technology.

With an intense bright-white appearance through the entire voltage range, the LED work lamp comes to full brightness much sooner than incandescent versions. The lamp's intensity and pattern is superior to that of a conventional incandescent work lamp. It is designed to operate in a 12-volt environment, but will function at full brightness from 8.5 to 16 volts, drawing only 1.2 amps.

This lamp is ideal for general illumination for vehicle maintenance and inspections, but can also extend to other applications. It has the features and benefits of all Truck-Lite LED technology and a five year warranty. With a 100,000 hour lamp life, the lamp's six diodes are encapsulated in epoxy for protection against moisture and corrosion.

E-mail Jamie Lindemuth at [email protected] for further details.

LED lights now standard on East aluminum trailers

East Manufacturing has made LED lighting standard — at no extra cost — on all of its aluminum trailers. LED lights provide four benefits to trailer owners:

  1. They last 20 times longer than traditional incandescent lights, providing up to 100,000 hours of trouble-free operation.

  2. LEDs draw from 10 to 25 percent fewer amps than traditional lights, so more safety lights can be used on the trailer with less overall draw on the electrical system.

  3. They provide “instant on” brake lighting, giving trailing motorists greater reaction time, for an average of 17 more feet of stopping time at 60 mph.

  4. LEDs supply outstanding luminescence. East exceeds legal requirements by using PC-rated marker lights in all locations, providing 180° superior visibility for motorists and trailer operators.

Dual Operator packs a 150-ton punch

Scotchman Industries is providing the Dual Operator 150-ton hydraulic ironworker, which has four built-in stations. The DO 150 has a 150-ton capacity punch and a 12“ throat depth that permits punching a 1½" hole in 1¼" material and a 2½" hole in 3/4" material. This dual-operator machine has a hydraulic system designed with two pumps to insure full hydraulic pressure and speed to both operations, as well as two valves, two stroke controls and two remote foot pedals.

The DO 150/240-24M is made in America with standard features. These include a 6" × 6" × 1/2" angle shear and a rectangular notcher that can notch 3" × 5¾" through 1/2" material. The 24" flat bar shear features a low rake angle and can shear up to 1" × 14" and 3/4" × 24" material. This machine also accepts optional equipment such as press brakes, rod shear, tube shears, picket tools, and special tooling.

E-mail Peggy Palecek at [email protected] for further details.

Smartline Basket Blaster is self-contained

The new Wheelabrator Smartline Basket Blaster is completely self-contained and features a removable rotating load basket to tumble parts as they are being blasted from the bottom of a heat-treated steel basket.

This compact machine's shipping weight is 1,700 pounds, and it arrives fully assembled so productivity can begin immediately. The Smartline Basket Blaster has a gravity reclaim system and an integral bag type dust collector. A skewer system adaptation is available for low production quantities where relatively large parts can be affixed and rotated for complete overall cleaning.

The blast wheel is center-fed and has three blades similar to other center abrasive-fed wheels. It is not a “slap paddle” blast wheel. The basket size is 20 inches in diameter by 27 inches long, and maximum capacity is 224 pounds. Basket Blaster motors included are blast wheel, abrasive screw, and shaker, requiring 230- or 460-volt/three-phase/60-hertz utilities.

E-mail Pamela Akin at [email protected] for more details.

PowerPack requires no manual adjustment

Air Lift Co has released the new PowerPack air management system. The pre-assembled PowerPack system was designed to accompany RoadTamer air suspension kits for vehicles that require two paths of air spring control: side-to-side or front-to-rear. It is sold separately from the RoadTamer package and will work on any vehicle that requires two paths of air spring control.

The PowerPack air management system is intended for commercial vehicles that require a kneeling function and flat bed accessibility, such as ambulances, motorhomes, and catering vehicles. Completely automatic, the system needs no manual adjustments, regardless of the load carried.

This system integrates a tank, compressor, manifold, and SmartAir electronic height control into one unit with an easy plug-and-play install. The SmartAir electronic height control, offered exclusively by Air Lift, increases product life by decreasing compressor run time and moving parts.

An integrated valve manifold reduces air line connections by 75 percent from the previous Air Lift system, reducing the number of leakage points and simplifying assembly. Twin compressors cut air tank fill time and provide redundancy.

E-mail Melanie Conran at [email protected] for more details.

MTC+ improves drying capabilities

Haldex's new Multi-Treatment Cartridge Plus (MTC+) will soon be offered as standard on all Haldex DRYest and PURest air dryers. This coalescent filter on the outlet passage of the patented MTC+ removes 40 percent more of the fine oil and hydrocarbon particles from the air brake system. Once air has passed through the desiccant bed of the cartridge, the coalescent filter removes oil particles remaining in the air stream.

At the same time, the MTC+ removes more than 99 percent of contaminants from the air brake system, eliminating oil while still maintaining its high adsorption capability. Using a five-stage process to deliver dry, clean air, the MTC+ provides up to three times the drying capacity of other air dryers.

By preventing oil contaminants from building up in the air system reservoir, the MTC+ ensures adequate air volume is available for air brake system components downstream of the air dryer. This reduces corrosion and freezing caused by inadequate air flow, and reduces the opportunities for oil contaminants to migrate to air valves and other brake components.

There are no hard-to-remove, spin-on cartridges where seizing can become a problem. Instead, a four-bolt, slide-in-and-out design allows for quick replacement of the cartridge while the air dryer is still on the vehicle.

Access www.hbsna.com for more information.

ArmorPlate opens door to true toughness

Like their name implies, TODCO's new ArmorPlate overhead truck doors possess the extra strength of steel for heavy freight trailer and truck body applications.

Panels of ArmorPlate doors incorporate the proven technology of high-strength steel skins bonded to a solid high-density polyethylene composite core. The polycomposite core is impervious to moisture, adding protection for cargo while providing extra structural strength. These doors weigh about the same as a one-inch plywood door, but is thinner (13 mm) and more weather-resistant.

ArmorPlate can be painted or can incorporate pre-painted coil to match fleet color specifications. Its standard MagniCoat rivets protect against rust without use of stainless steel.

E-mail Scott Blackford at [email protected] for more information.

Grinder notcher with dust extractor

Scotchman Industries is providing the GN 6 DE grinder notcher with dust extractor. The GN 6 DE has a 6" belt width and is designed for quick, efficient tube and pipe notching of materials from 3/4" to 6" diameters with adjustable angles between 30° and 90°. This machine can easily be converted to a traditional grinder by simply exchanging the contact roller with a rubber backup wheel. It features a 5-horsepower motor with safety lockout, motor protection switches, low voltage coils, and rubber drive wheels for no-slip aggressive grinding and efficient cooling of the belt.

This machine is also available without the dust extractor (GN 6). E-mail [email protected] for more details.

Smart Scale an option on Benson trailers

TruckWeight Inc's Smart Scale wireless scale for commercial vehicles is now an installed option on Benson International trailers. Benson products are designed for flatdeck loads, construction material, and other weight-sensitive trucking applications. Its trailers are marketed through nearly 70 authorized dealer locations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The Smart Scale also is available for sale and aftermarket installation through Benson dealers.

This scale measures temperature and pressure changes in a vehicle's air suspension and wirelessly relays this data to a handheld receiver using a low-power radio transmitter. The result is an axle weight and gross vehicle weight measurement that's within 0.3% of the actual gross vehicle weight.

Smart Scale's waterproof, weatherproof, shock-resistant, and non-corrosive housing requires no regular maintenance. Sensors are accurate in temperature extremes ranging from -40° to 70° C (-40° to 158° F) and use common AA batteries.

For more information, visit www.truckweight.com.
Circle #223 on Reader Service Card

Permalogic family of products expands

Phillips Industries has introduced two new Permalogic power control products. Permalogic TC and Permalogic TC Plus, along with the original Permalogic dome lamp controller introduced in 2006, are trailer power management products. This family of products allow for efficient use of the blue trailer accessory wire to operate ancillary devices such as interior dome lamps and liftgates.

Permalogic dome lamp controller eliminates any chance of accidentally leaving interior trailer dome lamps on by cutting off power to the lamps when the brake pedal is depressed. Power is also interrupted when there is an under/over battery voltage situation or at a pre-determined elapsed time.

Permalogic TC liftgate battery charging system allows for more frequent liftgate usage because it provides a 14.4-volt charge to the liftgate batteries, charging them to full capacity. In most cases, the Permalogic TC can eliminate a dual- or single-pole setup. Because it automatically interrupts the charge when the brakes are applied, it allows full power to the ABS system when needed.

Permalogic TC Plus combines the liftgate battery charging system and dome lamp controller into a single nosebox. Trailer dome lamps can be controlled normally, and the liftgate charger is used when needed to provide maximum charge to the liftgate battery.

E-mail Travis Hopkey at [email protected] for more information.

Tuckunder liftgate bushings good for life

Anthony Liftgates Inc is including a lifetime warranty on all bushings used in the company's Tuckunder series liftgates.

“Unlike some competitive grease-zerk designs, our bushings never require routine lubrication and never need to be replaced for the life of the liftgate. We warranty that on all our Tuckunder models,” said Bill Bontemps, marketing director for Anthony.

Anthony bushings are installed at all critical pivot points to help extend pin and arm life, while simultaneously eliminating routine lubrication. All pivot point bushings are warranted against wear failure for the life of the liftgate to the original purchaser, including parts and labor. “Labor will be based upon our flat rate schedule,” said Bontemps.

E-mail him at [email protected] for further information.

Posters inform users about stick electrodes

To help educate end-users about stick electrodes, Hobart Brothers is offering a series of technical posters. The first posters in this series describe terms such as yield and tensile strength, along with testing techniques, in clear, concise language. Poster diagrams also illustrate how welding industry engineers use destructive weld tests, all-weld metal tension tests, and the Charpy-V-notch impact method to assure the integrity of stick electrodes.

To order the Electrode Technical Information poster, e-mail [email protected].

TCS adjusts brakes to match stopping needs

Kintec Inc offers its Towing Control System (TCS) for electric brake towing. A combination hitch/brake control system, the TCS measures the longitudinal force the trailer is applying to the truck to determine optimum trailer brake power output. By using “force-sensed” technology, the TCS eliminates the need for brake controller adjustments by automatically and instantaneously adjusting the trailer brakes to match the stop requirement.

Scientific tests prove that the TCS reduces stopping distances in critical stop situations. Test results indicate that the TCS can reduce the 60 to 0 mph stopping distance by 77 feet.

The TCS works with all standard electric brake trailers and many electric/hydraulic actuators with no modifications.

This product is offered in fifthwheel and gooseneck configurations. The Fifthwheel is rated at 22,000-lb MTW and features four-way pivot head with side pivot lockout and heavy-duty dual jaw design The gooseneck is rated at 26,000-lb MTW and features underbed structure with removable 2-5/16 ball and in-bed latch.

E-mail Tom Kaufman at [email protected] for further details.