New Products (October 01, 2010)

Avatar photo

Tires & Wheels

Michelin introduced a new Blackberry app at the Great American Trucking Show that allows customers to easily locate their nearest dealer. The mobile dealer locator application works on Blackberry smart phones in the US and Canada, Michelin announced. Android and iPhone apps will follow, the company announced. Customers using the app can call for emergency roadside service directly from the application. For more info, visit www.michelintruck.com.

Components

Glacier Bay has announced it has added shore power capability to its ClimaCab electric auxiliary power unit (APU). With the shore power option, drivers are able to keep cab temperatures comfortable as long as they want while recharging the ClimaCab and truck batteries. The ClimaCab can be plugged into any 110-volt electrical outlet and features two 110-volt outlets inside the cabin, which can be used to power electronics or appliances. It takes about six to eight hours to fully charge the ClimaCab system, the company notes. The shore power option costs about US$900 with volume discounts available, the company says. For more info, see a ClimaCab dealer or visit www.glacierbay.com.

Tridako Energy Systems is bringing its PowerCube APU to the trucking market. Previously, the APU was targeted towards off-road equipment. The company says its PowerCube APU offers: 24,000 BTU air-conditioning; 30,000 BTU heat; and a unique ThermoVap radiator/condenser design. It’s powered by a two-cylinder Cat engine and consumes 0.165 gallons of fuel per hour. For more, visit www.powercubeapu.com.

Dana has enhanced its Spicer Life Series (SPL) Model 250 universal joint assembly, improving performance and durability, the company claims. The new assembly is designed for the latest low-emission Class 8 trucks and boasts a 40%-plus improvement in dynamic bearing capacity within the same compact package. The company says it offers 70% more power density compared to its nearest competitor. A new synthetic lubricant allows for an initial three-year, 350,000-mile lubrication interval, the company adds. For more info, visit www.roadranger.com

or call 800-826-4357.

Ridewell’s axles have been deemed “TPC ready” for Edmonton-based TPC International’s TireBoss tire pressure control systems. The first axles will be installed on three-axle logging trailers and will be manufactured by Temisko Trailers of Notre-Dame-du-Nord, Que. for Bourgeois Diesel Service in Nova Scotia. Robotically integrated Ridewell suspensions and TPC-ready axles are standard equipment on trailers offered by Bourgeois.

Tracking

Shaw Tracking is introducing its new Trailer Tracks 210 (TT210) solution, a product designed to deliver timely information about the load status and location of trailers. TT210 is the successor to Shaw Tracking’s Untethered Trailer Tracks (T2) trailer management solution, but offers additional features including: an embedded solar panel and antenna; improved memory and processing power; a more compact design that enables simpler, less time-consuming installation; and Bluetooth capability. Both TT210 and T2 leverage the same Trailer Tracks host environment, meaning customers using either or both platforms can manage their trailer assets from a single Web portal, officials say. TT210 is slated for commercial availability in the first quarter of 2011.

At the Great American Trucking Show, Rand McNally introduced free upgrades for IntelliRoute TND users. The upgrades can be downloaded free of charge for registered customers using ItelliRoute’s TND dock. Free enhancements include: state-by-state mileage data reporting; enhanced voice warning system; an ‘Am I close?’ feature; driver-controlled auto re-route; full-route text preview; enhanced help and tips; and full French functionality. Also at GATS, Rand McNally introduced a new line of GPS accessories including cases, chargers and a starter kit. For more information, visit www.randmcnally.com/truckgps.

Trucks

At the Great American Trucking Show, Kenworth showcased a new vinyl wrap on a T700. The wrap was developed with Sirlin Enterprises and represents a new way of spec’ing Kenworth trucks. The vinyl wrap option will be officially launched “in the near future,” the company says. They’re designed to provide a distinctive, eye-grabbing upgrade at a lower cost than paint.

Kenworth has created a new section on its Web site exclusively for the new T700 highway tractor. The new section features: a four-minute video that shows the truck in action; a downloadable six-page brochure; and additional information on the Paccar MX engine and components such as disc brakes. To see the site, visit www.kenworth.com.

Accessories

Vigillo is now offering CSA 2010 Benchmark Scorecards so fleets can see how they stack up against their peer groups. The scorecards are available to Vigillo customers at no additional cost, the company announced. Vigillo now has more than 600,000 drivers being monitored by its CSA 2010 scorecards. For more information, visit www.vigillo.com.

PeopleNet is launching what it claims is the trucking industry’s first optionally portable onboard computer: the PeopleNet Tablet. The new product is designed to revolutionize driver efficiency and workflow, and would eliminate the need for additional handheld devices in the cab, according to company officials. CEO Ron Konezny says that the Tablet is a response to the transportation industry’s demand for faster workflow and a shorter accounting cycle. The Tablet features a rugged design and seven-inch touch screen, and combines traditional in-cab functionality such as in-cab navigation, vehicle management (engine diagnostics), eDriver Logs, in-cab training, driver e-mail and messaging, and geofencing with portable options like a camera, barcode scanner, signature capture, and Wi-Fi. It will be commercially available in the first quarter of 2011.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*