Bridgestone has introduced a new steer axle radial incorporating technologies to fight irregular wear. Called the R280, the new tire is designed primarily for long distance and long regional hauling, two segments of trucking where steer radials tend to be removed from service for irregular wear rather than because they are worn out. The R280’s footprint shape automatically optimizes itself during early stages of wear to increase the effectiveness of Bridgestone’s patented Equalizer Rib design, the company claims. The Equalizer Rib structure is one of several features employed by R280 radials to prevent the initiation and spread of irregular wear. Among these are stress relief siping along every rib to combat river wear, special sipe contouring to resist block wear, straight-sided ribs and Bridgestone’s Defense Groove design to fight wavy and shoulder edge wear.These designs are combined with an exceptionally wide tread face that delivers slow even tread wear, according to Bridgestone.In addition, the R280’s ultra-wide tread face can easily be retreaded with a wide drive tread, a configuration preferred by many fleets and their drivers.The R280 radial is being introduced in 22.5 and 24.5-inch low profile sizes with a “G” load rating. Standard profile versions will be available later this year. More information on the new Bridgestone R280 radial is available from Bridgestone dealers, by calling 1-800-543-7522, or by visiting the company’s web site, www.trucktires.com.

Femco Environmental has designed a way to eliminate messy oil changes and burned hands with Femco No-Spill Drain Systems. All parts are made from solid brass and are guaranteed for life. The system drains with a straight or angled drainer using gravity or suction. Over 500 sizes and thread combinations are available in three different styles. For more information, visit www.drainplug.com or call 1-888-466-7745.

Rogers Brothers has announced that the features of its 2004 line of trailers will include: award-winning wheel wells for increased overhead clearance; 20 ft. loaded platform deck height on all 50 ton and above models; boom wells and notched deck crossmembers for increased overhead clearance; E-Z load tag-along trailers with an 8 degree loading angle. The Ultima(tm) Series 35, 50, 55 and 60 ton capacity trailers feature unitized frames, No Foot(r) non-ground engaging goosenecks, boom wells, oak decking, heavy-duty air ride suspension, sealed beam lights and anti-corrosive undercoating. Cambered mainbeams, made with 100k psi and 130k psi materials, reduce the trailer’s weight while maintaining its strength and durability. The Blacktop series for paving contractors come in several “Gentle Riser” models with a deck-to-rear frame incline of 16 degrees or the “Sloper” model with a five degree continuous incline. The Fixed Gooseneck Series trailers allow rear loading and come in 25 and 35 ton capacities, with larger capacity custom models available. The Drawbar Series trailers, available in 20 and 25 ton capacity tag-alongs and a 20 ton capacity tilt top, are made for loading and hauling smaller machines quickly. Finally, specialized models, built to individual customer specifications, are available in models to 100 ton capacities and up. For information call 800-441-9880 or visit www.rogerstrailers.com

Tracer Products has revised its Web site to include up-to-date information about its full line of products for fluorescent leak detection in automotive air-conditioning and fluid systems. The Web site higlights high-intensity ultraviolet and UV/blue light inspection lamps, as well as fluorescent dyes, A/C dye injectors, leak detection kits and accessories. The site also has information about upcoming trade shows where Tracer Products will exhibit, FAQs, technical assistance, customer service and literature. Visit www.tracerline.com for more information.

Transcraft Corporation has introduced factory-installed container twist locks as flatbed and drop deck trailer options. The twist locks are designed to eliminate the need for aftermarket alteration and touch-up. As well, the factory installation of the locks includes an increased main beam size and reduced chamber. The locks are raised into position with one turn and a push. There are two standard styles of both single and double twist locks for lockup with any 20ft. or 40ft. container or combination. These twist locks have an ISO Standard rating of 30 tons and are available on any model Transcraft flatbed or drop deck trailer. For more information call 1-800-950-2995 or visit the Web site at www.transcraft.com.

St. Pierre Manufacturing Corp. has developed the a combination wheel dolly and lug aligner that allows one person to mount tires weighing up to 280 lbs. without lifting. The Easy Wheel features heavy-duty tubular steel construction with 3″ hard rubber wheels and steel tire rollers to cradle, rotate and pivot the mounted tires. The dolly/aligner is designed for lifting leverage; the user rolls it under the mounted tire, then lifts, pulls back and rolls away. This dolly is made in the USA from 1-18″ diameter x 1/8″ thick steel tubing with oil-resistant wheels. The tire rollers have ball bearings designed for smooth operation. For details call 800-926-2342 or visit www.stpierreusa.com.

Tundra is introducing a new series of small, lightweight self-contained auxiliary air conditioning systems for trucks. The new Tundra systems provide an integrated solution for cooling and heating the sleeper compartment without running the truck’s diesel engine. The Tundra self-contained unit contains all system components on a single compact chassis, which can easily be placed under a bunk or in the bottom of a closet or cabinet. Discharge air is ducted to one or more air grills. The closed loop is precharged with refrigerant at the factory and requires no additional charging at installation. The self-contained air conditioning systems are offered in 7,000, 10,000 and 14,000 BTU capacities. The 10,000 and 14,000 BTU units have a built-in 2.0 or 2.5 KW heating strip. Tundra also offers a family of split systems in which the condenser and cooling fan are mounted externally. For more information, visit the site at www.tmenviro.com

M.M. Newman Corporation has a line of heavy-duty, spirally-cut expandable polythylene wrap for protecting hydraulic and pneumatic hoses on automobile transport carriers. The Heli-Tube wrap can be applied by hand to protect all types of hose from abrasion and is unaffected by sunlight, fuels, oils, saltwater and detergents. It allows breakouts in any direction and can be overwrapped in high chafe situations where pinching could puncture hoses. It is suitable for new and retrofit use and comes in seven sizes from 1/8″ O.D. up to 1-1/2″ O.D. for bundles up to 10″ O.D. The guard conforms to ASTM D-1044, Federal Specification LP 390 and meets MIL-I-631D and MIL-P-26692 for abrasion resistance. Call 800-777-6309 or visit www.mmnewman.com for information.

Great Dane’s print newsletter, Evolving Trailer Technology, is evolving into an electronic newsletter. In print for five years now, it’s now available online.

The first quarterly newsletter for 2004, featuring the latest in Great Dane technology, high-spec trailers and customer spotlights, can be obtained, free of charge at www.greatdanetrailers.com. Great Dane customers who prefer to continue to receive the printed version are able to do so. Printed copies will also be available at all Great Dane branch and dealer locations throughout Canada and the U.S.