Trailerbodybuilders 1071 Chassis Westernstar Thumb
Trailerbodybuilders 1071 Chassis Westernstar Thumb
Trailerbodybuilders 1071 Chassis Westernstar Thumb
Trailerbodybuilders 1071 Chassis Westernstar Thumb
Trailerbodybuilders 1071 Chassis Westernstar Thumb

NTEA: Manufacturers roll out new chassis

April 1, 2011
CHASSIS manufacturers used The Work Truck Show to introduce a series of new models and refinements to existing products. Among the announcements from

Chassis manufacturers used The Work Truck Show to introduce a series of new models and refinements to existing products.

Among the announcements from truck manufacturers are the following (to view the photos that go along with each of these write-ups, click on the photo gallery above):

Western Star introduces work truck 

Western Star debuted its 4700 chassis, aimed at the construction and municipal markets, during a press conference at The Work Truck Show.

Available as either set-forward or set-back models, the Western Star 4700 offers a short (110 inch) BBC for dump, mixer, crane, roll-off, sewer vac, and snowplow applications. It is powered by a choice of Detroit Diesel DD13 or Cummins ISC and ISL engines.

Body builder features include a clean back of cab, in-cab batteries for clear frame rails, and front frame extensions. Body builder interface and transmission control unit are inside the cab for greater protection, and a bolt-in pass-though plate reduces the need to drill holes. A dedicated body builder wiring raceway is available to offer an accessible routing path through the cab floor. Point-to point wiring is included for field serviceability, and an add-on multiplex option is available. Air and electrical lines are suspended from the frame rails to reduce the chance of chafing.

Ram chassis enhanced for 2012

Ram Truck announced that 2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 Class 4 and 5 chassis cab commercial trucks will be available with an optional 30,000-lb gross combined weight rating (GCWR), an increase from 26,000 lbs.

The new Ram 4500/5500 chassis cab GCWR upgrade is part of an optional "Max Tow" package, and is available on both regular and crew cab models and in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. Max Tow is available on Ram Chassis Cab trucks equipped with the optional, commercial-grade Aisin six-speed automatic transmission and 4.88 rear-axle ratio.

Ram 3500 Chassis Cab trucks will add a new six-speed automatic transmission in 2012 that will increase GCWR to 20,000 lbs—a 3,000-lb increase—as well as provide an increase in fuel economy.

For easier upfits, the 2011 model Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs offer four new upfitter switches integrated on the instrument panel. Each of these four upfitter switches are linked to an auxiliary power distribution center (PDC) located under the hood which includes one fused 20-amp battery feed and one fused relay-controlled 20-amp ignition feed. In addition to these feeds, the PDC supports four new customizable switches. Two switches are ignition-fed and the remaining two are either battery or ignition. Switch outputs are found under the hood in a connector for further ease of upfit. A seven-circuit trailer harness and a special upfitter jumper cable for ancillary power needs are both standard.

A special capped auxiliary fuel line on the fuel tank makes simplifies upfitting, and an optional 22-gallon mid-ship fuel tank frees up space behind the rear axle.

Ram Truck manufacturing operations can fulfill special paint orders with a minimum batch size of 10 trucks, although any one customer may order as few as a single vehicle. The Ram Truck team is in the process of introducing eight additional colors to the low-volume paint palette in the near future, which will bring the total to 29.

For 2012, the Ram Chassis Cab has a customer-selectable maximum speed. Ram Chassis Cabs can be ordered from the factory with or programmed by a Ram Truck dealer at no charge with either 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75 mph speed limits. A five-minute shutdown timer is also available.

Mitsubishi unveils new 2012 lineup

Mitsubishi FUSO introduced a new line of Class 3, 4, and 5 cabover models designed to consume less diesel and extend maintenance intervals to 18,000 miles.

Key to that performance is a 4P10 turbocharged diesel engine coupled with a DUONIC six-speed transmission. According to Mitsubishi Fuso, the transmission is the only dual-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission available in a commercial truck.

The new line of trucks carries a five-year/175,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

The new line will carry the Canter name, a brand that Mitsubishi has used elsewhere but is new to North America. Five models, covering weight ratings from Class 3 through Class 5, address vocational needs such as from dry freight, refrigerated delivery, landscaping, auto recovery, municipal roadwork, and snow plowing.

Of particular interest to upfitters is the redesigned frame. For 2012, the standard-width 33.5" straight ladder frame features rows of holes throughout the web of the frame rails. The predrilled holes speed up body and equipment mounting, and they also trim tare weight without appreciable loss of strength. Made with 56,565 psi-yield-strength steel, this new frame provides comparable chassis stiffness and body-fitting ease as the previous FE models, at a substantially lighter weight.

Turning diameter for the Canter FE models with 110.2-inch wheelbase is a tight 34.1 ft. — shorter than the turning diameter of a MINI Cooper (35.1').

Freightliner unveils SmartPlex

Freightliner also introduced the SmartPlex electrical system for the Freightliner 114SD and Business Class M2 platforms.

The electrical system provides additional flexibility for truck body and equipment upfitters. It uses Freightliner’s proprietary control modules that connect to the J1939 data bus, controlling power to lights and truck equipment. The SmartPlex flex switch and lamp module offer capacity for up to 24 switches located in the overhead compartment.

Upfitters can install, program, and label the switches for specific body needs. Laser-etched plastic inserts with icons that are appropriate for each industry and/or the type of truck are provided, allowing upfitters to snap the inserts into corresponding switches.

The new electrical system is accessed using Freightliner ServiceLink software, which communicates directly with the Freightliner proprietary control modules.

New Freightliner built for blizzards

Freightliner introduced its 114SD chassis designed for severe duty snowplow applications.

The hood incorporates a radiator-mounted stationary grille that allows the hood to be open when equipped with a variety of different front frame extension mounted snow plow attachments. Optional under-hood access hatches are also available. Plus, the contoured back of hood design all but eliminates the buildup of snow on the cowl.

The snowplow cross member for wing plow support eliminates the need to cut into the chassis.

Ram truck unveils cargo van

Commercial van operators will have another option to consider now that the Ram Truck Brand has unveiled its new 2012 Ram Cargo Van. Several Work Truck Show exhibitors displayed van interiors designed for the new vehicle.

"We see growth in the Class 1 light commercial vehicle market," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO of the Ram Truck Brand.

The Ram Cargo Van will be equipped with a structural aluminum rear load floor. Two flooring options will be available, including one with a flat, uninterrupted, high-capacity surface. A second, optional floor provides through-the-floor access to three storage bins and load floor tie-downs.

Ram C/V provides a 1,800-lb cargo payload rating and a towing capability of up to 3,600 lbs. A 20-gallon fuel tank and 25 mpg highway help extend the fuel range.

A commercial-tuned ride and heavy-duty load-leveling suspension contribute to the hauling capability. A heavy-duty radiator and heavy-duty transmission oil cooler help meet heavier powertrain demands. Ram C/V has a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating of 8,750 lbs.

The Ram Cargo Van features sliding door and rear quarter window and backlight privacy panels in place of clear glass windows. However, buyers have the option of equipping their Ram C/V with several combinations of solid and glass panels, including a choice of solid or glass backlight.

The new, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle.

With 144.4 cubic feet of interior storage, Ram C/V can haul 4x8 sheets of building materials.

The 2012 Ram Cargo Van will be built at the Chrysler Group Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant and will go on sale third quarter 2011. The Ram Cargo Van will replace the Dodge Grand Caravan C/V in the Chrysler Group’s product lineup. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Isuzu again offering gasoline power

Isuzu Commercial Truck of American will once more offer gasoline power in its N-Series low-cab-forward chassis.

Gas-powered N-Series models will be produced at the Spartan Motors facility in Charlotte, Michigan, the company announced at the Work Truck Show. The first unit was scheduled to roll off the line April 18.

The gasoline lineup will include the NPR (a 12,000-lb GVWR model) and the NPR-HD rated at 14,500 pounds GVW. Single-cab models will be available with wheelbases of 109", 132.5", 150", and 176". Crew-cab models will be offered with 150" and 176" wheelbases.

Powering the Isuzu N-Gas models will be a six-liter Vortec V-8 built by General Motors. The engine produces 297 horsepower and 372 lb-ft of torque. Compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas versions of the engine will be available.

The transmission will be a GM six-speed automatic with double overdrive. Previous N-Series gasoline models had a four—speed automatic transmission.

Chassis are expected to begin arriving at Isuzu dealers in early May.

Navistar introduces 4x4 TerraStar 

Navistar unveiled the International TerraStar 4x4 commercial truck during a press conference at The Work Truck Show.

Launched last year exclusively as a 4x2 model, the 4x4 option delivers additional commercial duty capability for construction, utility, landscape, and other off-highway applications. It will be available with a regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab configurations.

The TerraStar is powered by the 300 horsepower, 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 V-8 engine featuring Advanced EGR emissions technology.

Hino introduces hybrid cabover

Hino Trucks will offer four models of the newly designed Class 4 and Class 5 cab over engine (COE) trucks.

In the class 4 market, Hino will offer the 155 diesel model and the first U S Class 4 diesel-electric hybrid model, the 55h. The 155 and 155h models will carry a 14,500 lb GVW rating.

All models are powered by the Hino five-cylinder J05E Series engine rated at 210 hp and 440 lb ft. of torque. Utilizing Aisin’s A465, 6-speed automatic transmission, the Hino hybrid is the first to be packaged with an automatic transmission.

Both models feature 33-inch frame rail width, a 56,900 PSI frame, and a standard center mounted rear fuel tank. The new cab uses its increased width to provide room for seating for three and a versatile mobile workspace with a variety of organizational storage options. A crew cab version will also be offered.

The diesel models will be available starting in August of 2011 at Hino Trucks dealerships across the United States. Due to initial product availability, the hybrid models will follow a "roll out" approach and will be available in the following markets in December of 2011: New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and California.

About the Author

Bruce Sauer | Editor

Bruce Sauer has been writing about the truck trailer, truck body and truck equipment industries since joining Trailer/Body Builders as an associate editor in 1974. During his career at Trailer/Body Builders, he has served as the magazine's managing editor and executive editor before being named editor of the magazine in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.