April 2021

Image courtesy of MacKay & Co.
After shutdowns due to the pandemic forecasted a 20 percent decline year-over-year, the Class 6 to 8 trucks, trailer, and container chassis aftermarket segment gained back some lost ground and ended the year at a 9 percent decline compared to 2019.
Shop Operations

Monitoring economic recovery progress

June 4, 2021
The forecasted post-pandemic trucking economy recovery seems on track.
Photo courtesy of Penske
Aside from using a proper lift with the proper ratings, it is critical for technicians to understand how to work with and around the lift in a safe way.
Shop Safety

Staying safe in the shop

May 6, 2021
With the right policies, procedures, and training in place, fleets can lessen the inherent risks of operating a maintenance facility — without having to compromise efficiency....
107092827 | Industryviews | Dreamstime
A poorly designed and laid out storeroom will cost money every day, every year in perpetuity, not only in cash but in extra labor too.
Shop Management

10 steps to assess the parts storeroom

May 5, 2021
Follow this checklist to evaluate how well a fleet parts room is working.
Photo courtesy of Maverick Transportation
The skill set of today’s technician is more nuanced and requires a high level of expertise to perform mechanical hands-on tasks as well as diagnose and troubleshoot vehicle issues.
Employees & Training

What’s the difference between a technician and a mechanic?

April 29, 2021
As vehicle technology has evolved, so has the role – and title – of those who service commercial trucking equipment.
Photo courtesy of Peterson Mfg.
The distribution module is a key component of the Peterson Defender Harness and Lighting System. No scheduled maintenance is required, but proper steps must be taken to clean all connections when inspecting for potential corrosion or damage.
Trailers, Towing & Specialty

Tips to get more mileage out of trailer technologies

April 21, 2021
Diligent maintenance practices help fleets reap the benefits of cutting-edge sensors and lighting systems.

More content from April 2021

Photo courtesy of Daimler Trucks
Detroit Diesel DD13 engines await shipping from the factory in Detroit, Mich.
Powertrain

Class 8 engine rightsizing and the impact on maintenance and longevity

April 14, 2021
How fleets can choose engines that will provide the best balance of safety, performance, efficiency, and durability.
1211849855 | Ivan-balvan | GettyImages
Getty Images 1211849855
Battery & Electrical

Gremlins and ghosts: How to combat electrical issues on modern trucks

April 12, 2021
New technology on trucks is creating new challenges for proper electrical system maintenance. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve.
6739
Tools

Quick Connect Release Tool, No. 6739

Helps prevent damage to fuel line bundle
Photo: Hutchens Industries
Hutchens Industries 900 Series Single Point Suspension 1
Chassis, Body & Cab

Hutchens Industries 900

March 25, 2021
For heavy duty on- and off-road applications
Erica Schueller in the cab of a truck at an media event.
In the Driver's Seat

A step-by-step look at how to get a Class A CDL

March 25, 2021
Access the full archive of posts providing insight on obtaining a Class A Commercial Driver's License through a professional truck driving course.
Photo provided by Fullbay
Fullbay State Of Heavy Duty Repair
Shop Management

An inside look into Fullbay’s 2021 State of Heavy Duty Repair

March 22, 2021
Fullbay CEO Jacob Findlay shares the importance of the report and how it connects independent repair shops together.
Photo courtesy of Noregon
With its new dashboard, TripVision Uptime provides a high-level overview of issues affecting the health, safety, or performance status of fleet vehicles.
Diagnostic & Repair

Using predictive maintenance to schedule downtime

March 15, 2021
A constant challenge for fleets is managing their trucks’ total cost of ownership. Predictive maintenance and prognostics can help fleets better schedule downtime and lower their...
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Tools

Reciprocating Air Saw, No. 6355

1/2hp motor prevents stalls
Versa Sweep
Shop Equipment

VersaSWEEP 4-in-1 Magnetic Sweeper

March 11, 2021
Safely cleans up ferrous metal debris
Coast Scape
Shop Equipment

PM550 Work Light

March 8, 2021
Rotating head spins 180-degrees
745 100 0028 Iv Highres
Tools

Wrench Extender Medium, No. 745 101

March 4, 2021
Accommodates wrenches up to 32mm
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Tools

UV Quick Patch, No. 2044-3

March 4, 2021
Rapid, durable repairs for virtually any surface
Ultra Boost Scape
Shop Equipment

Ultra Boost Jump Starter, No. 590

March 1, 2021
Produces 4,000A starting power
Tire Buddy
Tools

Tire Buddy Glove

Feb. 24, 2021
High-abrasion resistant palm
P4 R Work 502184 Standard Laying
Tools

P4R Work Pen Light

Feb. 23, 2021
Slim and lightweight
3m Scape
Shop Equipment

Performance Spray Gun

Offers fast cleanup, changeovers, and cycle times
Cta 3 5 Scaoe
Diagnostic & Repair

Turbo System Tester HD, No. 7397

Feb. 23, 2021
For Class 6, 7, and 8 vehicles
Matco Ratchet
Tools

16V Cordless 1/4" Sealed Head Ratchet, No. MCL1614SR

Feb. 23, 2021
Features one-handed forward/reverse selector
La12 Sl
Fluids & Chemicals

Lube-It All Heavy Duty Silicone Spray

Feb. 18, 2021
Leaves behind a dry film to reduce wear and friction
Photo courtesy of Kenworth
The T680 Next Gen configurations include a daycab, 40-inch, 52-inch, and 76-inch-sleeper.
Chassis, Body & Cab

Kenworth T680 Next Gen: A high-tech aero dynamo

Feb. 17, 2021
After nine years, the T680 has a 'sleek and sophisticated' new look with additional fairings for a 6 percent fuel efficiency improvement and high-tech infotainment display.
Dill Air Scape
Tools

Fast-N-Flator Core Remover and Inflator, No. 4501

Feb. 16, 2021
Ensures the valve core is properly reinstalled
Tech600 Scape
Tools

Tech600Pro

Feb. 15, 2021
Features wireless capabilities
Mke Scape
Tools

Shockwave Impact Duty 6-pt Sockets

Feb. 9, 2021
Available in 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1” drives
Cta Scape
Tools

Rear Crankshaft Seal R&I Tool Cummins 3.5L, 3.9L, 5.9L, and 6.7L, No. 3880

Feb. 2, 2021
Removes and installs seals with and without wear sleeves
Knipex Scape
Tools

Pneumatic Hose Pipe Cutters, No. 90 10 185

Jan. 29, 2021
Features fiberglass-reinforced plastic handles
Blueion Scape
Tools

blueION Rechargeable Penlight, No. CBI3020

Has a run-time of 50 minutes on high
Dorman Product
Tools

Exhaust Backpressure Sensor, No. 598-167

Nov. 17, 2020
For Ford Super Duty 6.4L diesel 2008-2010
Photo from Pexels
Fleets looking to enhance their diesel fuel formulation should seek input from their fuel providers on the additive content already in their supply.
Fluids & Chemicals

Guest Blog: Diesel fuel additive considerations

Nov. 9, 2020
Fuel from filling station pumps already contains additives designed to optimize diesel engine performance, so fleets should be cautious when determining whether aftermarket additives...
83400
Tools

Truck Brake Lining Gauge Set, No. 83400

Oct. 21, 2020
The Lisle Corporation Truck Brake Lining Gauge Set, No. 83400, is designed to measure truck disc brake pad wear accurately and consistently. The 9-pc manual brake gauge set checks...
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Tools

M18 FUEL 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring, No. 2854-20

Oct. 6, 2020
The Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring, No. 2854-20, measures 4.8" to fit in tight applications and delivers up to 250 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque...
Val Hd Pb Os Gen2 Product
Powertrain

Premium Blue One Solution Gen2 Heavy Duty Engine Oil

Aug. 26, 2020
The Valvoline Premium Blue One Solution Gen2 Heavy Duty Engine Oil is designed for use in multiple heavy duty, medium duty, and light duty engine types, providing improved oxidation...
Blue Def Platinum 2 5gal Quarter Side View
Powertrain

BlueDEF Platinum

Aug. 26, 2020
BlueDEF Platinum from Old World Industries is a mixture of high purity synthetic urea, deionized water, and a proprietary formulation featuring Advance System Shield Technology...
2020 Fleet Maintenance Prdct Shwcs Fuel Max 300p Rgb
Brakes, Tire & Wheel

Fuel Max RTD

The Goodyear Fuel Max RTD (Regional Traction Drive) is ideal for a variety of regional applications. The Fuel Max RTD includes a new, low rolling resistance tread compound to ...
High Rise (29)
Chassis, Body & Cab

HighRise Folding Rear Entry Step, No. 409924

Aug. 14, 2020
The RETRAC HighRise Folding Rear Entry Step, No. 409924, is ideal for semi trailers, box trucks, and flat decks. It provides safer, easier access to the rear cargo area, featuring...
Ready Pack Assembly
Powertrain

Spicer ReadyPack

Aug. 11, 2020
The Dana Incorporated Spicer ReadyPack are preassembled kits for popular commercial vehicle driveshafts, coupling shafts, and interaxle shafts. The kits are designed to save on...
Bullet Proof Lml Suite 1
Emissions & Efficiency

BulletProof 6.6L Duramax LML EGR Coolers

Aug. 5, 2020
The Bullet Proof Diesel BulletProof 6.6L Duramax LML EGR Coolers feature patented H-Core technology, which resists the common causes of EGR cooler failure. The EGR Coolers are...