Monday, February 27, 2017

Chevrolet Announces 2017 Colorado ZR2 Pricing Starting at $40,995


Chevy’s all-new off-road performance truck will be priced more competitively and have better standard equipment than the nearest comparable vehicles




DETROIT — After revitalizing an entire truck market segment with the launch of the Chevy Colorado, Chevrolet continues to innovate in the midsize pickup segment. The high-performance, off-road ZR2 trim level will launch this spring for the 2017 model year with a starting price of $40,995 MSRP including a $940 destination fee.



“ZR2 is truly a segment of one and does everything well — from traversing heavy two-track trails to high-speed desert running and full-on rock crawling. We’re thrilled to be able to offer it for more than $2,500 less than the next closest comparable vehicles. Taken in the context of serious off-roading, $2,000 will buy you 50 years of annual passes to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director.



“Some vehicles that customers might cross-shop with ZR2 can spec out as much as $26,000 more than our truck — or the price of a well-equipped 2017 Colorado. When you buy a ZR2 at the starting price of $40,995, you are getting all of the significant off-road technologies standard with the vehicle, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission and a wealth of other features at no additional cost.”



Available options on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will include:

·         Class-exclusive 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque

·         Choice of crew- or extended cab configurations (including short and long beds, respectively)

·         7-speaker Bose premium audio system

·         Dealer-installed, bed-mounted spare tire carrier

·         Full-length black vinyl floor (no additional cost — standard interior features leather seats and carpet)



The ZR2’s starting MSRP includes a number of key standard features unique to the trim level, such as:

·         Class-exclusive front and rear locking electronic differentials

·         Revolutionary, segment-exclusive Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) dampers

·         Off-road rocker protection

·         Modified front and rear bumpers for better off-road obstacle clearance

·         Exclusive ZR2 17 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels

·         31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires

·         New cast-iron control arms

·         An aluminum skidplate that protects the radiator and engine oil pan

·         Autotrac transfer case

·         Transfer case shield

·         Aggressive grille and hood combo unique to ZR2

·         Modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio

·         Front and rear tracks widened 3.5 inches over a standard Colorado

·         Suspension lifted 2 inches over a standard Colorado

·         Off-Road Mode Technology

·         4-wheel disc brakes



Other standard features include:

·         Tow/haul mode

·         Trailering Package, including trailer hitch and 7-pin connector

·         Integrated trailer brake controller

·         Spray-on bedliner

·         Heated driver and passenger front seats

·         Wireless phone charging

·         Rear sliding window

·         EZ Lift and Lower tailgate

·         Locking tailgate

·         Recovery hooks

·         A six-speaker audio system with Chevrolet MyLink Radio with Navigation and an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and a digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, voice-activated technology for radio and phone featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as an auxiliary jack

·         All-terrain spare tire with unique ZR2 wheel

·         Four USB ports: one on the instrument panel, one in the center console and two in the rear of the center console

·         Electronic automatic cruise control

·         Rear window electric defogger

·         OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi

·         Rear Vision Camera

·         Remote keyless entry

·         Remote vehicle starter system

·         4-way power front driver and passenger seat adjuster with power driver lumbar control

·         Rear seats with underseat storage



Standard powertrain is the 3.6L DI DOHC V6 with a class-leading 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque that is shared with other Colorado models.



The ZR2 is available only as a four-wheel-drive vehicle.


The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 goes on sale this spring.


Saturday, February 25, 2017

Knapheide Win-A-Truck Sweepstakes: Jason's Story: Part 1


We're pleased to announce the winner of our Win-A-Truck Sweepstakes, Jason Jackson. Jason is the owner of Jackson Electric in Hardy, Arkansas. Watch the first part of Jason's story as he visits our headquarters and specs out his new work truck.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Meet the Chevy Silverado Special Editions :30 | Chevrolet


Which Chevy Silverado Special Edition is right for you? Choose between the Rally, Midnight, Realtree, Special Ops Editions and more.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Expanded choices: Fleets are set to take advantage of alternative powertrains

More and more suppliers of medium-duty vehicles are adding options for alternative powertrains. For example, Dana recently introduced Spicer Electrified motor, control and e-drive technologies for electric vehicle propulsion systems.


Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana’s new e-axles for city delivery vehicles and electric transit buses will feature a fully integrated motor and gearbox. The company is also working with automotive manufacturers to develop all-wheel-drive (AWD) e-axles paired with traditional front-wheel-drive hybrids.

Also in the news is the new XLP Fleet-Ready plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) solution for half-ton pickup trucks from XL Hybrids. The PHEV system will be installed as a ship-through upfit that will leave the original OEM engine, transmission, and fuel and exhaust systems intact, and will not have any special maintenance requirements. XLP will also include the XL Link cloud-based analytics system, which measures MPG performance and reports emissions reductions.

XL Hybrids surveyed fleet managers to understand their requirements and to develop the new technology. The XLP solution builds on the platform used on the company’s XL3 hybrid-electric powertrain, which has covered more than 35 million miles on Class 2-6 vehicles since 2013. The XLP lithium battery pack will accommodate Levels 1 and 2 charging using an industry-standard plug.
“Expanding our offering to include plug-in solutions is the next step in our plan to electrify fleet vehicles with technology that saves money while reducing fuel consumption and emissions,” says Tod Hynes, founder and chief executive officer of XL Hybrids. “The XLP system allows fleets to purchase the same OEM pickup trucks with the powertrain and warranty intact with an electrified powertrain to increase MPG.”

“Major fleets that have already adopted the XL3 hybrid-electric upfit system know that ‘fleet ready’ means it does not compromise the ability to provide customer service,” adds Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and chief operating officer. “With our new XLP system, we’re equally committed to not impacting service, delivery or field operations.”

A number of utility and municipal fleets, including San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E), Liberty Utilities, Hawaiian Electric Co. and Montgomery County Maryland, are among the XL Hybrids customers that intend to purchase the new XLP PHEV system for pickup trucks. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2017 and SDG&E has already announced plans to purchase up to 110 of the XLP systems between 2017 and 2020.

Liberty Utilities and its parent company, Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., are also planning to add the new XLP systems. “The number and delivery timelines will be defined by our budget, but from a fleet perspective, we see a potential need for one to one-and-a-half percent of our fleet, or approximately 10 to 15 units, as assets come up for retirement,” says Stephen McCrodan, purchasing manager for Liberty Algonquin Business Services and director of fleet purchasing at Liberty Utilities.

“We adopted a fairly strong green fleet policy as we took steps to ensure that we’re doing all we can to minimize our impact on the environment,” McCrodan says. “We have shifted much of our fleet over to cleaner burning CNG and continue to; however, there are some Liberty Utilities service areas that do not have a natural gas infrastructure, and that prevents the use of CNG in those locations. Also, some of our locations are small, and the infrastructure required to support CNG would be too big a burden. For sites like those, a PHEV is an excellent alternative.

“OEMs have reduced their alternative fuel offerings for vehicles used by utilities,” McCrodan adds. “We have certain job functions which require or are optimized by a compact SUV or light-duty
pick-up truck and now we have fewer alternative fuel choices from manufacturers. Systems such as XL Hybrid’s XLP will help to fill the void.”

Sunday, February 19, 2017

IMPCO Automotive - Bi-Fuel System Manufacturer and Installer for General Motors

IMPCO Header

IMPCO Automotive is the System Manufacturer and Installer for General Motors on the 2015 & 2016 Bi-Fuel CNG Silverado 2500HD and 2015 & 2016 Express/Savana CNG van.

The engine and all CNG fuel system components are engineered to meet GM’s rigorous standards for reliability, dependability and safety. GM’s validations tests include: full barrier testing (six separate tests), 10–year corrosion, mud trough, water fording, hot-weather evaluation (including trailering), cold-weather chamber testing, altitude testing and fuel gauge accuracy among others.

The Bi-Fuel Trucks and Dedicated Vans have a comprehensive 5-year/100,000 mile Transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty backed by the largest dealer network in the U.S.!
Independent Aftermarket Program

Are you adding GM OEM CNG Trucks and Vans to your fleet and looking to take advantage of the cost savings on your existing vehicles as well? We’ve got you covered! IMPCO Automotive engineers, designs, and manufactures the components in our CNG and LPG aftermarket systems. This allows us to engineer total compatibility into every system from testing and calibration through production and installation. This is not truly achievable with the “off-the-shelf” components used by most aftermarket companies. This superior engineering means components are matched for dependability, performance, efficiency and improved cost savings. Best of all these systems can be installed locally via one of our Certified Installers to minimize downtime in your fleet. Contact our nearest certified installers for a complete list of options available.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Chevrolet Announces 2017 Colorado ZR2 Pricing Starting at $40,995

Chevy’s all-new off-road performance truck will be priced more competitively and have better standard equipment than the nearest comparable vehicles


DETROIT — After revitalizing an entire truck market segment with the launch of the Chevy Colorado, Chevrolet continues to innovate in the midsize pickup segment. The high-performance, off-road ZR2 trim level will launch this spring for the 2017 model year with a starting price of $40,995 MSRP including a $940 destination fee.

“ZR2 is truly a segment of one and does everything well — from traversing heavy two-track trails to high-speed desert running and full-on rock crawling. We’re thrilled to be able to offer it for more than $2,500 less than the next closest comparable vehicles. Taken in the context of serious off-roading, $2,000 will buy you 50 years of annual passes to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director.

“Some vehicles that customers might cross-shop with ZR2 can spec out as much as $26,000 more than our truck — or the price of a well-equipped 2017 Colorado. When you buy a ZR2 at the starting price of $40,995, you are getting all of the significant off-road technologies standard with the vehicle, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission and a wealth of other features at no additional cost.”
Available options on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will include:

  • Class-exclusive 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
  • Choice of crew- or extended cab configurations (including short and long beds, respectively)
  • 7-speaker Bose premium audio system
  • Dealer-installed, bed-mounted spare tire carrier
  • Full-length black vinyl floor (no additional cost — standard interior features leather seats and carpet)
The ZR2’s starting MSRP includes a number of key standard features unique to the trim level, such as:

  • Class-exclusive front and rear locking electronic differentials
  • Revolutionary, segment-exclusive Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) dampers
  • Off-road rocker protection
  • Modified front and rear bumpers for better off-road obstacle clearance
  • Exclusive ZR2 17 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels
  • 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires
  • New cast-iron control arms
  • An aluminum skidplate that protects the radiator and engine oil pan
  • Autotrac transfer case
  • Transfer case shield
  • Aggressive grille and hood combo unique to ZR2
  • Modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio
  • Front and rear tracks widened 3.5 inches over a standard Colorado
  • Suspension lifted 2 inches over a standard Colorado
  • Off-Road Mode Technology
  • 4-wheel disc brakes

  • Other standard features include:
  • Tow/haul mode
  • Trailering Package, including trailer hitch and 7-pin connector
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • Spray-on bedliner
  • Heated driver and passenger front seats
  • Wireless phone charging
  • Rear sliding window
  • EZ Lift and Lower tailgate
  • Locking tailgate
  • A six-speaker audio system with Chevrolet MyLink Radio with Navigation and an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and a digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, voice-activated technology for radio and phone featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as an auxiliary jack
  • All-terrain spare tire with unique ZR2 wheel
  • Four USB ports: one on the instrument panel, one in the center console and two in the rear of the center console
  • Electronic automatic cruise control
  • Rear window electric defogger
  • OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Remote vehicle starter system
  • 4-way power front driver and passenger seat adjuster with power driver lumbar control
  • Rear seats with underseat storage
  • Standard powertrain is the 3.6L DI DOHC V6 with a class-leading 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque that is shared with other Colorado models.
The ZR2 is available only as a four-wheel-drive vehicle

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 goes on sale this spring.


Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Municipal Dump Spreader (MDS) by Buyers Products


New Municipal Dump Spreaders from Buyers Products combine dumping and spreading for year-round use. Available with optional pre-wet system.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

BOLT Locks with Justin Lucas


Check out how professional angler Justin Lucas uses BOLT Locks on his truck as he travels for the BASS Master open tour!

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Transfer Flow Refueling Tanks


The only completely assembled refueling tanks on the market. No hassle — you can legally leave the pump in place when driving!

When it comes to in-bed refueling tanks, it’s hard to know what’s legal and what’s not. With a Transfer Flow refueling tank, you don’t have to guess! Our refueling tanks are Department of Transportation (DOT) legal to carry and transfer gas, diesel, ethanol, methanol, kerosene and jet fuel in all 50 U.S. states. Having a DOT legal refueling tank from Transfer Flow means you won’t get red tagged and fined by your Highway Patrol for carrying an illegal fuel tank in the bed of your truck. Click here to see our Special Permit from the Department of Transportation.

Transfer Flow refueling tanks are manufactured and engineered in the U.S.A., unlike many of our competitors. Each refuelling tank is designed with the heavy-duty user in mind, and comes pre-assembled with a 12-volt refueling pump, 12 foot hose with nozzle, locking fuel cap, wire harness with dash-mounted power switch and mounting hardware.

We choose premium suppliers for our refueling tank parts: Great Plains Industries supplies our fuel pumps, Goodyear supplies our hose, and our locking fuel caps come from SpinSecure. The result is a tank that is trusted by Industry professionals, as well as municipalities, fire departments, and several government agencies. They chose Transfer Flow because they want safe, durable and LEGAL refueling tanks, just like you do!

Transfer Flow refueling tanks come in a variety of shapes and gallon sizes, including 40, 50, 82, 100, 109 gallons. They’re made from 12-gauge aluminized steel for superior rust resistance and strength, are baffled for extra support, and are powder coated black for a durable finish.
refueling tank
Toolbox and Refueling Tank Combos

A Transfer Flow toolbox and refueling tank combo is your solution to more fuel plus additional storage space on your pickup! Available in 30, 40 and 100 gallons; the 30 and 40-gallon units fit short and long bed pickups, while the 50 and 100 gallon units fit long bed pickups only.
Department of Transportation Special Permit issued to Transfer Flow for Refueling Tanks
Features and Benefits:

    Available in 40, 50, 82, 100, 50-50 split and 109 gallons
  •     All refueling tanks come with 12 gallon per minute fuel transfer pump, 12 foot hose with nozzle, mounting hardware, SpinsSecuree® locking fuel cap and wiring harness with dash-mounted power switch
  •     Made from 12-gauge aluminized steel and powder coated black for strength and maximum rust resistance
  •     Baffled to reduce fuel sloshing
  •     Refueling tanks are US DOT approved for gas, diesel, ethanol, methanol, kerosene and aviation fuel
  •     Over 300 authorized fuel tank installers in the US and Canada
  •     Optional Spray-on coating available for added durability
  •     3-year/unlimited mile warranty
  •     Designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
Find out more at:  http://www.transferflow.com/fuel-tanks/refueling-tanks

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Learning to Operate a Crane

The Stellar 7621 Telescopic Service Crane was mounted on a Stellar service body and constructed by Pomona, Calif.-based Phenix Enterprises. (Photo: Mike Antich)

Bobit Business Media received a visit from Stellar Industries, a manufacturer of hydraulic truck-mounted equipment, and Phenix Enterprises, a custom truck builder, at our office in Torrance, Calif. on November 29th, 2016.

Editors from Work Truck, Automotive Fleet, Business Fleet, and Government Fleet magazines all got the opportunity to learn how to operate a truck-mounted crane.

Mike Butsch, strategic accounts manager for Stellar, and James Day, sales manager for Phenix, a Stellar upfitter, brought the Stellar 7621, a telescopic service crane that was mounted on one of Stellar’s service bodies and built at Phenix’s headquarters in nearby Pomona, Calif.

Read more at: http://www.worktruckonline.com/channel/utility/article/story/2017/01/learning-to-operate-a-crane.aspx

Friday, February 3, 2017

PolyBody® Line Bodies, Service and Aerial Bodies by United Plastic Fabricating



The PolyBody® Line Bodies, Service and Aerial Bodies are all made from polypropylene, a tough, durable, impact resistant plastic material. The PolyBody® will not rust or corrode, can resist day-to-day dings and dents and offers lighter weight than conventional steel or fiberglass bodies. The PolyBody® is a true long-life body that is transferable from chassis, with the outstanding appearance that only a hand crafted body can provide.

Find out about poly products at: http://www.unitedplastic.com/product/line-bodiesserviceaerial-bodies/

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Winter Treads



When much of the country is getting pounded by winter storms and deep snow, our thoughts turn to tires. Some pickup truck owners have separate wardrobes for summer and winter. Nome, Alaska, and Miami residents maybe not so much.

Pickup winter wear can include anything from a fresh wax to do-it-yourself undercoating to lighter lubricating fluids to a block heater to winter diesel fuel. But does your truck's cold-weather wardrobe include winter tires?

Winter tires are designed for cold weather and associated precipitation. Tires rated for mud and snow (M+S) may not qualify as winter tires and often don't excel in either mud or snow. A winter tire's specific compound, tread design — and studs if you want them — is far more suitable and safer on cold roads and the various forms of water you might find on them.

In every road-based comparison in which I've participated, dedicated winter tires were more valuable than the number of driven wheels. However, while winter tires can improve performance, they are no substitute for common sense and can be pushed beyond their limits. They also add expense and create the issue of storage logistics.

The U.S., unlike some countries, does not mandate winter tire use, although some states and cities have laws about the use of studded tires or chains. It's worth noting that some insurance companies offer discounts for using winter tires.

Do you think winter tires should be required for new drivers or general safety, and if so, under what parameters? And if you don't believe in running dedicated winter tires, studs or chains, how do you deal with marginal winter traction? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2017/01/talking-trucks-tuesday-winter-treads.html#more

By G.R. Whale

Cars.com graphic by Paul Dolan; cars.com image by Bruce Smith