When Western Star was looking to expand its options for the brand's LowMax product line, it listened closely to its customers.
East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales in Portsmouth VA expressed a need for a truck with a shorter hood, a low-profile design, and big-bore engine power for car hauling applications. A business dedicated to the transportation needs of automobile carriers, East Coast wanted to offer its customers an expanded line of reliable vehicles, but there were few products available that met its needs.
“Our customers range from fleet operators running 50-100 trucks to individual owner-operators,” said Bob Berger, national sales manager at East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales. “In addition to selling car haulers, we also operate a transportation division, which runs about 25 trucks, including two Western Stars with prototype trailers. We've had a good experience with these trucks and are looking forward to adding more to our fleet.”
Western Star engineers worked with East Coast to design and produce a truck to cater to this market. As a result, Western Star is now producing the new 123-inch BBC 4900 FA LowMax for car hauler specifications. East Coast has ordered 30 trucks to receive throughout the year, each equipped with Detroit Diesel engines and 48- or 62-inch sleepers.
“Our industry is run by inches and pounds,” added Berger. “And Western Star gave us a lightweight and low height truck that also has more cab space, modern product improvements, and a roomy sleeper. In addition to keeping our customers within the length and weight requirements here on the East Coast, they also will be pleased to be able to increase their payload.”
The new 123-inch BBC LowMax package offers many of the same features as the original 132-inch BBC 4900 EX LowMax, including 22.5-inch low-profile tires, reduced rear suspension height, lower cab mounting, low-profile oil pan, and special exhaust routing packages. While shortening the hood length by about nine inches, Western Star continues to offer some of the most powerful engines available, including Caterpillar and the Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine.
Western Star also recently made available the Front AirLiner suspension for LowMax, which features a lower axle drop and suspension height. With a cab height almost a foot lower than standard, the LowMax features a low profile and road-hugging design that provides advantages in handling and stability. This combination of features results in a rugged and dependable truck featuring traditional styling with a distinctive flair. Ideally suited for car haulers that run sleeper units, this new LowMax package offers comfort, spaciousness, handling, and power.