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5/29/13

Strap and Tarp Your Load Properly


A demonstration of how to tie down a winch strap over your load on a flatbed trailer. Note that you should not tie down your winch straps on top of your truck tarps

5/26/13

Choose the Proper Mechanic for Heavy Truck Repair


Whether you make a living driving a truck or trailer or managing a fleet of trucks and trailers, the need for heavy truck repair comes with the territory. While there are many ways to limit your risks for major repairs - driving the speed limit, taking the proper routes, checking your tires - when the need for repairs arise, you need to put your trust in a great mechanic.

Every time you are in need of truck repair, you are making an investment in your business. Trucks and trailers are the vessels you use to earn a living. Because of that, you need to ensure that you know the difference between cutting costs and losing value. The best truck and trailer repair options will offer a fair price for outstanding service. This way, saving money now won't leave you stranded in the breakdown lane down the road.

The next thing to consider when looking for a heavy truck repair service is location. Having a company that works along your most traveled route is essential. In fact, a business that offers mobile repair as well as a garage is even better. There is no better peace of mind for a driver available than the knowledge that a great mechanic is just a phone call away. Because when a tire goes flat or hydraulic repair is needed on a cold night, mobile service is invaluable.

When looking for a mechanic online, look to see if they have the tools needed for all your semi-truck requirements. This list of tools should include a truck that is capable of storing the necessities when a mechanic is called upon to come out and help you. If they do, ask other drivers along your route.

There is no better advertisement for a repair service than the blessing of the people they have helped throughout the years.

Every route will be near a major city. Each major city will have a trucking company that trusts a particular mechanic to service their fleet of vehicles. Contact major trucking companies in the area and inquire what service they use. If a company has the skills to handle the needs of these major business outlets, they will probably have the chops to handle all of your heavy truck repair needs.

Finally, once you have narrowed down your list. Contact the mechanic to talk about their billing system. The best outlets will allow you to set up a credit account. Ask them what their payment options are and how fast they need to be paid. Most drivers won't have too many options on their person when the unexpected arises, so knowing what to have on them to pay can make a major difference.

By
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Schetter

5/23/13

North Bay Truck Center Gets 5 Star Ratings at CustomerLobby.com


North Bay Truck Center

Business Description:

Category: Auto Repair & Service

Rating Summary of 29 Reviews

  • 5 star average
  • 5 star average
  • 5 star average
5 Star Rating Excellent work and professionalism
By Linda S.
Santa Rosa, CA
on 05/14/13
I came in with leaf springs needing to be replaced on my 5th wheel trailer, only ... (Read review)
5 Star Rating Very cooperative, they will go out of their way to make the customer happy.
By Barry H.
Fairfield, CA
on 05/07/13
I have used North Bay Truck Center several times and they do a good job. At Paci ... (Read review)
4.65 Star Rating Good Experience
By Steve W.
Fairfield, CA
on 04/02/13
We have had North Bay Truck Center work on different company pick-ups and they h ... (Read review)
5 Star Rating Nice and cordial.
By Richard L.
Fairfield, CA
on 03/01/13
My truck had broken down so I had it towed there. I only dealt with one guy, but ... (Read review)
5 Star Rating Professionalism at its Best
By Manny P.
Vallejo, CA
on 02/22/13
I want to thank Jim and his staff for an outstanding job on performing repairs o ... (Read review)
29 reviews, 5 star review average, currently viewing reviews #1 - 5

See All Reviews at:   http://www.customerlobby.com/reviews/6547/north-bay-truck-center/

5/20/13

The 2013 Great American Trucking Show - Dallas Convention Center August 22-24, 2013.




Some of the exciting events that will be held during the 15th annual Great American Trucking Show are: the Overdrive’s Pride and Polish Truck Beauty Competition, Educational Seminars sponsored by TMTA, the Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference, free concerts from top country music artists, exhibits from leaders in the heavy duty trucking industry and much more.

2013 Show Times
Date     Time
Thursday, Aug 22     12pm-5 pm
Friday, Aug 23     10am-5 pm
Saturday, Aug 24     10am-5 pm

Register to Attend At:  https://www.smartreg.com/webreg/GATS13/

5/17/13

NTEA - New Clean Technologies And Fuel Trends Taking Shape

By Doyle Sumrall
NTEA Senior Director of Business Development

This article was published in the April 2013 edition of NTEA News

As availability and usage of green technologies and alternative fuels in vocational trucks continues to increase, new work truck industry trends are emerging, and strategies for the future are evolving to encompass these changes.

During recent NTEA meetings and discussions with OEMs, a common topic involved how more customers are focusing on compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel. This isn’t hard to understand after looking at the price-per-gallon difference when compared to diesel or gasoline. However, OEMs were quick to note that transitioning to CNG could be at least a decade-long process for fleets. In addition, they said that although there are many CNG product offerings today when compared to just three years ago, all of the engine sizes are not yet covered and the certification process is also taking time. Despite these issues, CNG is a key focus, and product expansion is coming quickly.

Read the complete article here:

http://www.ntea.com/News/Default.aspx?id=28897&utm_source=NTEA+Insider+-+April+30%2C+2013&utm_campaign=NTEA+Insider+043013&utm_medium=email


5/14/13

Tires, Tires and More Tires at North Bay Truck Center!




We have many sizes of tires in stock, whether it be new or used. If not in stock, most of our tires are available daily - Steer Tires, Drive Tires, Trailer Tires. Our truck tires are manufactured by some of the best names in the business; such as Bandag, Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Hankook, and many more.


To find out more, you may call North Bay Truck Center at 707-427-1386.

5/11/13

Quality Semi Trailer Repair Is Paramount To Your Safety And Performance


As a truck driver, you know the importance of doing your pre-trip inspection thoroughly on both your truck and your semi trailer. However, there are times that you just cannot see what is wrong with your trailer until it is too late. From wall damage, frame bending, doglegging and worse, you need a reliable and efficient repairman to fix your trailer problems. As you know, there are many different problems that can arise from a trailer breakdown, from a simple glad hand to a reverse crown that finally snaps. Regardless, you need to get that trailer fixed as soon as possible to get you back on the road. When you are not moving, you are not making money.

With a certified heavy truck mechanic, you can get your Trailer Repaired quickly, to get you back on the road. Even if it is simply a blown tire, you can get it fixed at a shop or on the side of the road, depending on your situation. You need to get it repaired or replaced quickly, but you also want a high quality tire to keep you rolling. Whether you choose a new tire or recap, rest assured that you are getting the best there is. With names like Dunlop, Continental, Goodyear, and others, along with recaps from Goodyear and Bandag, you can get what you want and need in a hurry. If for any reason you have a catastrophic blow out, or one of your super singles goes and you need a new rim, you can get those, too. No matter what your needs for your trailer, you can get it done at a reasonable price.

Maybe you have a winch snap on that old East and need it welded back on. No matter how big or small the welding job, you can get that done too. And not to worry about Smokey, the welding services you can get are just as good as original and are certain to pass even the most rigorous inspection. For fleet owners or just owner operators, you can also get a complete line of preventive maintenance done on your trailer or tractor, whatever you need. From CVA's, tires, welding, Jake adjustment, injectors, turbos and much more, there's no need to spend a fortune to keep your equipment in tip top shape. With onsite preventive maintenance, you can keep your equipment running at its peak and reduce the dire consequences and costs associated from a catastrophic breakdown.

This is just a short list of the many things that you need to protect yourself and your investment from.

However, breakdowns do happen, no matter how careful you are. So, regardless of your needs, whether a simple service to an overhead, a tire to a pigtail, you can get it done and at a reasonable cost. Keep those wheels rolling and keep the money coming in with the best semi truck and trailer services you can find. You work hard to keep your load safe and get it where it needs to be on time. So, hammer down and truck it up with the best repairs and maintenance you can get. Your equipment and your wallet will thank you.

Quality Semi Trailer Repair no matter where you are out on the road at a reasonable price. Truck drivers need certified heavy truck mechanics for Trailer Repair.

 By

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Staci_Mueller

5/08/13

Grote Lighting Products Available at North Bay Truck Center

North Bay Truck Center is a full line distributor of Grote Lighting Products.

Grote Industries is a leading manufacturer and marketer of vehicle lighting and safety systems. The  company was founded in the heartland over 100 years ago and has remained family owned from the day William Grote opened the doors for business.

The company is steeped in tradition with a continued focus on innovation as well as a strong commitment to providing quality products and service. They still hold firm to the family values and work ethics set forth by the founder all those years ago.

Here's a brief tour of the Grote Products inventory North Bay Truck Center.



Find out more about Grotes products at: http://www.grote.com/America/


To find out more, you may call North Bay Truck Center at 707-427-1386.
Also find us at http://www.northbaytruckcenter.com

5/05/13

5 Easy Steps to Increase a Truck's Towing Capacity

Manufacturers assign all vehicles their maximum towing capacity. This is the weight of the trailer that a tow vehicle is allowed to tow. The weights are usually indicated in pounds. This means that every vehicle has a different towing capacity, according to its make and specifications. Vehicles towing capacity is usually determined by its components and whether these components have the ability to efficiently and safely handle extra weight. The engines horse power and brakes play a big role during towing. To stop load, the brakes should have enough power while the engine must have enough horse power. When modifications are done to some of the systems, towing capacity may increase.
You will need an upgraded hitch, a trailer brake controller, upgraded axles and a power programmer.
1. Compare the weight of the trailer you want to tow to the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle. If there is a difference 0f 1,000 to 2,000 pound, a different vehicle should be used. If the range is reasonable, modifications can be done.
2. Install the truck with an aftermarket power programmer. The power programmer helps add torque and horsepower to the vehicle. With the additional power, the vehicle can tow heavier load. The power programmer works with the electronic control modules of the vehicle to create better handling. It modifies the transmissions that are automatic during trailer towing. These programmers are specific to the vehicles applications and are constructed according to the trucks make and model.
3. It's important for a vehicle to stop efficiently and safely while towing heavy load. Approach a mechanic and have them upgrade your truck's braking system. The brake rotors when upgraded create a brake that is more powerful. A trailer brake controller that is electronic can also be installed. This helps you adjust the trailer's braking system power during driving.
4. Heavier duty parts should be installed to upgrade the differentials and axles. When the gear ratio is upgraded, stress is reduced on the trucks drive train during towing.
5. When choosing a hitch, make sure it is capable of handling the weight you wish to tow. Most manufacturers install a class 3 hitch during manufacture. The class 3 hitch can tow loads of up to 5,000 pounds. When you install a high class hitch, you are able to tow heavier loads safely. You can install a class five hitch hence increasing your hitch capability to 10,000 pounds.
These simple steps will help you upgrade your truck to tow heavy loads. Towing weights that are above maximum towing capacities can cause problems. Extra caution should hence be taken during towing. Make sure you hitch is properly installed to avoid sagging of the tow vehicle.
Judy Mboroki is an online article writer. She writes informational articles on towing, hitches and related accessories. You can find more of her work on 4wheelonline page at Trailer Hitches and Gooseneck Hitches