9/27/14
9/24/14
2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman EcoDiesel Pickup
The 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel should meet all the needs
expected in a work setting.
Photo by Vince Taroc.
I recently test drove the 2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab 4x2. This is a no-frills, utilitarian work truck with hand-cranked windows, manually adjusted seats, hand-adjusted driver- and passenger-side mirrors, and manual door locks. To better cope in rugged work environments, the interior has a black vinyl floor covering for easy mop-up of mud and other spills. The pickup bed has a spray-in bedliner to minimize the scratches and wear-and-tear from loading and off-loading of cargo and tools.
The Ram 1500 I drove was equipped with the Tradesman Package, which includes a trailer tow mirror, trailer brake control, and folding trailer tow mirrors.
From my perspective, the 2014 Ram 1500 met all the needs expected in a work setting; however, the key takeaway for me was the enhanced fuel economy provided by the 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 engine. This is especially impressive considering it is capable of generating 240 hp at 3,600 rpm and producing 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm.
The 3.0L EcoDiesel, earned a 28-mpg rating from the U.S. EPA, which, according to the Ram, is the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup.
I experienced similar fuel economy results and, on long-distance freeway driving, I was even able to sustain an average 30 mpg for extended driving distances.
In combined city/highway fuel economy, the 2014 Ram 1500 earned an impressive 23-mpg rating from the EPA.
Impressive Engine Performance
The all-new engine’s block and bedplate are made from lightweight compacted graphite iron. Engine performance was very impressive, resulting in almost effortless acceleration to pass vehicles during freeway driving. The EcoDiesel engine performance is enhanced by the MultiJet 2 common-rail fuel-injection system. The MultiJet 2’s high-dispersion nozzles and advanced-technology servovalve can accommodate up to eight fuel-injection events per cylinder cycle. This results in a quieter engine with minimal in-cab engine noise. In addition, it offers excellent low-speed throttle response.
Photo by Vince Taroc.
Also contributing to the Ram 1500’s excellent fuel economy is the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, which enables optimal engine speed in a wide range of driving conditions. The advanced-technology gearbox has a thermal-management system that quickly warms the transmission oil to reduce pumping losses associated with cold, low-viscosity fluid.
A “Greener” Truck
In terms of CO2 emissions, the 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel is among today's most advanced diesel engines, emitting 438 grams of CO2 per mile. This is 60-percent fewer emissions than those produced by diesel powertrains 25 years ago. A state-of-the-art selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system also reduces emissions. It incorporates a unique diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system that alerts the driver to low DEF levels, while also allowing the engine to maintain full power. The Ram 1500 includes an insulated DEF tank with heated lines to mitigate the effects of cold-weather operation. It also features a passive cooling system that does not require engine coolant for the DEF injector. The DEF tank holds eight gallons of fluid. The truck’s duty cycle determines refills, but the average interval is about 10,000 miles.
By the end of my test drive, I was converted into a big fan of the EcoDiesel V-6, and this admiration is apparently seconded by others, such as Ward’s, which named it one of 10 Best Engines for 2014. I believe the EcoDiesel will go a long way toward convincing fleet drivers of the benefits of diesels.
The EcoDiesel is designed and produced by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992.
http://www.government-fleet.com
9/21/14
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2014
For
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we asked Freightliner drivers
to say "hi" to their loved ones from the road and thank them for all of
their hard work throughout the year. Here's what they had to say. #NTDAW
Thank a truck driver today!
http://www.freightlinertrucks.com
Thank a truck driver today!
http://www.freightlinertrucks.com
Ram 1500 Power Wagon | Most Capable Off Road Truck
The new 6.4-Liter HEMI V8 Ram Power Wagon. The most capable off-road truck there is. It lets you pick a fight with the impossible. Average is the archenemy. The biggest risk of all ... not taking one.
9/18/14
Inside the Escobedo Truck Manufacturing Plant – International Trail Magazine
See more at www.InternationalTrucks.com
9/15/14
ISUZU PROVES SMART BUSINESS DECISION
The result is United Driver Training, which aims to equip aspiring professional drivers with the skills they need to enter the industry safely.
Mr Van Vegchel believes the importance of well-trained drivers on our roads should not be underestimated, and he hopes his business will help the next generation of new entrants hit the highways running.
“I’ve spent my working life in transport and was looking for a change of pace from driving trucks but something still connected with the industry,” Mr Van Vegchel said.
“There were previously no trainers in the town,” Mr Van Vegchel said.
“Whenever anyone wanted to be trained, other trainers had to come in from out of town.
“I’d been thinking about starting the business for a while, but in the end I thought, ‘why not go for it’.”
But taking the leap into business is not without its risks.
To start with, he needed a reliable, cost-effective truck, which could withstand the demands from heavy rigid learner drivers.
So when it came time for Mr Van Vegchel to invest in a truck, he looked to a trusted brand and eventually decided on an Isuzu FXZ 1500. Fitted with a tray body, which is capable of transporting loads such as concrete blocks.
Mr Van Vegchel said he sought out a truck that had the right blend of safety, reliability and hardiness.
“Firstly, I needed a crash box, which is what the students need to learn in,” Mr Van Vegchel said.
“I needed something which was strong and gave the students a realistic experience of what they can expect in the work force.”
“Of course a lot of new trucks sold these days are fitted with automatic and automated manual transmissions, but there are plenty out there that are manual and not all have synchro transmissions.
“It’s like going for your car licence, being able to drive a manual provides a lot more flexibility. In the case of trucks, if you can operate a non-synchro gearbox then you can drive any truck, no matter the transmission as long as you have the correct endorsement.”
Mr Van Vegchel opted for the Eaton RTO 11908LL, which hasn’t let him down.
According to Mr Van Vegchel, safety and river comfort and convenience were also important considerations.
The Isuzu comes equipped with ABS and airbags, as well as an ultra-comfortable ride thanks to the ISRI 6860 drivers seat.
As standard in Isuzu trucks, there is good instrumentation and comfortable access to driver controls, with the high cabin providing excellent outward facing visibility.
He said the Isuzu had given him confidence during the start-up phase.
“Everything that I wanted in a truck came stock-standard, such as the digital audio system and cruise control,” Mr Van Vegchel said.
“Things are going pretty well, we’ve got plans to add another truck.”
With the safety and reliability of an Isuzu truck behind him, Mr Van Vechel is confident his business will bring a much-needed service to the Gladstone region.
www.isuzu.com.au
9/12/14
2014 Ultimate Heavy-Duty Challenge: One-Ton Video
We knew putting together a one-ton comparison test wasn't going to be easy, but we knew it was time to get the big boys of the pickup truck world back together to see who sits at the top of the heap.
We spent two weeks on the road, testing every day, putting three one-ton crew-cab 4x4 turbo-diesel HD pickups through a series of 19 different head-to-head competitions. In the end, the final point totals were amazingly close. Think of this video as a followup to our 2014 Ultimate One-Ton HD Challenge full story; it contains some great footage and information about each competitor's strengths and weaknesses.
From www.pickuptrucks.com
9/09/14
New Driver Starter Kit
Just a few items I think all new driver will need to kick start being a truck driver and to live on the road.
Road Talk by Jerry
9/06/14
9/03/14
Inside Cummins: This is Jamestown
Take a look inside the Cummins Heavy Duty Engine Plant in Jamestown, New York. See the production process and machining of Cummins industry-leading heavy duty diesel engines, and hear from real people who work there.
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