To assist fleet managers in transitioning to vehicles that can readily use low-cost, clean-burning fuel, ARE has adapted some of its offerings for Ford and Chevy trucks to accommodate compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling options.
ARE is a manufacturer of truck caps and tonneau covers, and offers custom Deluxe Commercial Units (DCUs) for trucks in a variety of industries. All its DCUs have a two-week build turn-around time.
“We understand the dynamics of the large tanks that are required in the back of most CNG-powered vehicles,” said Jim Blayne, national fleet sales manager with ARE. “We have the ability and experience in custom-manufacturing doors and shelving that work well in CNG-powered trucks.”
Because CNG fuel tanks, which require no venting, take up more room than standard gas tanks, ARE has designed its products to allow easy access to the CNG tanks for refilling.
ARE also has designed DCUs for electric-powered fleets. “We perform all the engineering work at our facility, customizing the DCUs to make electric vehicles more functional based on the type of work they’re used for,” said Blayne.
Designing caps with ladder racks, flip-up doors with tool boxes on the side and back or side doors for easy access, ARE’s DCUs offer secure, waterproof enclosures to protect whatever tools and equipment these alternative-fuel vehicles carry. Because they’re made of aluminum, they won’t rust.
For added convenience and safety, ARE can outfit DCUs with clamp-down, or drop-down locking ladder racks to help drivers access ladders on top of the unit. With growing numbers of female service people who may be slighter in stature, ARE offers ladder racks built to easily roll the ladder down off the rear. Customers can also specify tommy lifts or bumper-mounted cranes that can work well with ARE products.
For more information, access www.4are.com/fleet.