DALLAS - There’s not much that draws more attention at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) than a display of trucks. This year’s expo was no different, as several automakers brought their latest and greatest commercial trucks to the show floor.

Attendees could be seen kicking the tires, checking out the cargo beds, and yes, even getting behind the wheel to pretend that they were driving. Besides the impressive displays of steel, other exhibitors showcased various types of truck software and shelving options to optimize tool storage.

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Adrian Steel (www.adriansteel.com) displayed its new cargo trailer equipment. The new Service Body Load Runner rack features 2-inch high-strength round tubing, a removable rear crossbar that allows tall items to be carried in the truck bed, and convenient tie-down cleats to help secure loads on top or in the truck bed. The Service Body Load Runner rack fits a variety of service bodies. The standard rack fits 8-foot service bodies with either a regular cab truck or an extended cab truck.

Also featured was the company’s new MD4842T, which is an adjustable shelving unit/workbench that features two 18-inch deep shelves that can be inverted to add drawer units. The B-leg design allows the MD4842T to work with inboard wheel wells.

The CL1860 full-size cabinet locker for cargo trailers was also introduced. The CL1860 features a two point locking system, three bolt-in shelves, and measures 36 inches (w) by 60 inches (h) by 18 inches (d).

Chevrolet and GMC (www.chevy.com and www.gmfleet.com) featured several types of commercial vehicles. The new Silverado Classic Regular Cab models feature a Vortec 4.3L V6 engine on 1500 models, and a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine on 2500HD and 3500 models. The Hydra-Matic heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission is standard on 3500 single-rear-wheel-axle models. Both 2WD and 4 x 4 configurations are available, as well as extended, crew, and chassis cabs.

New GMC Sierra vehicles were highlighted, including the 1500, 2500HD, and 3500. The 1500 Series is available with a range of heavy-duty engines - anywhere from a Vortec 4.3L V-6 to a 6.0L V-8. The model is also available with a gasoline-electric hybrid system, which offers increased fuel economy. The 2500HD and 3500 are equipped with heavy duty gas engines, including the Vortec 6.0L and the Vortec 8.1L. Engineered with an improved fuel system and a design that minimizes engine noise, the 6.6L also creates lower emissions and is easy to service.

DCS Diplomat (www.dcs.com) is a new tracking device that can track the location, speed, and operation of every company vehicle on the road and alert managers to a wide variety of things that materially impact the business. By analyzing and applying data from Diplomat tracking, HVAC executives can reduce vehicle maintenance costs, better schedule routes and employees, save money on gas, and make better business decisions. The system and the array of engine and digital sensors can be customized to address almost any concern of an HVAC contractor.

“Every HVAC contractor needs to find that extra edge, the small things that can add up to big bucks,” said James Dunham, vice president of operations. “Vehicle tracking and telematics give owners and operators a feeling for how their resources are really being used. This application of GPS technology allows them to make better use of what they have, save on predictable costs, and make better business decisions.”

Dodge (www.dodge.com/commercial) featured its 2007 trucks, which includes the Ram 1500 Regular Cab ST. The truck comes with a choice of three powerful engines: A 5.7L Hemi Mag-num V8, a 4.7L Magnum V8, or a 3.7L Magnum V6. Two different cargo bed lengths, 6 feet 3-inches or 8 feet, and a payload capacity of 1,850 pounds means this truck can handle just about any kind of load.

Dodge also showcased its Ram 2500 and 3500 Regular Cab ST, which features a standard 345-horsepower, 5.7L Hemi engine. Both the 2500 and the 3500 are available in Quad Cab or Mega Cab configurations. The two different cargo bed lengths are the same as for the 1500, however, the 2500 and 3500 models have a payload capacity of 5,120 pounds.

Knaack Manufacturing (www.weatherguard.com) launched the 2.0 version of Weatherguard Vehicle Solutions, which is an easy-to-use software tool that allows users to custom design work vans with shelving, cabinets, roof racks, and accessories. The 3-D software produces simple-to-use interactive graphics to help the user visualize the custom design prior to purchase.

For the 2.0 version, new van models have been added to the software, including Chevrolet Uplander, Ford Freestar, and Dodge Caravan Cargo. In addition to improved mouse control, product placement features have been updated, allowing closer equipment placement. The company also featured its new Jobmaster® chests, which offer secure and durable tool storage solutions that are easy to handle and can be moved around the jobsite or into a work vehicle with minimal effort.

Mitsubishi Fuso (www.mitfuso.com) displayed its 2007 FG140 4 x 4, which features a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. The quiet engine offers plenty of torque and is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission.

A rugged two-speed (high-low range) transfer case provides improved traction for construction sites, snow plowing, and other off-road chores. Inside, the fully trimmed cab has plenty of head, leg, and elbow room, as well as easy-to-read instrumentation. Director of corporate communications, Joseph Devlin, noted that the FG140 is still the only 4 x 4 cabover in the industry.

Publication date: 02/19/2007