TRUCK body and equipment manufacturers have answered the influx of European-inspired vans.
This year’s Work Truck Show was awash with new products designed to accommodate the new vehicles that have been brought to market in recent. Ford, Ram, GM, Nissan are among those who have introduced new commercial vans and cutaway chassis. The truck equipment industry responded with an array of van interior packages, multiple types of truck bodies designed for these new cutaway chassis, and even an aftermarket package built in Europe that can be assembled here to enable completed vans to carry refrigerated cargoes.
Here is a sampling of the bodies and equipment that was on display at this year’s show:
The Velocity supports the Ford Transit gas, diesel or CNG/LPG platforms. The design offers rear swing or roll-up doors for dock loading, a curbside sliding door, low entry and egress steps, and optimized ergonomics for managing commercial deliveries and service routes. Utilimaster says that cost of ownership over seven years is nearly half the cost of a traditional walk-in van, with initial acquisition cost that is 15% lower. www.utilimaster.com
The company also displayed its eutectic technology refrigeration system that is designed to keep fresh and frozen cargoes at desired temperature over the course of a 10-hour shift with up to 65 door openings. The system also includes a low-wattage heater to keep product from freezing when ambient temperatures are too cold. www.morganolson.com
The company’s SignaturePlate is another one-piece composite panel built around a high-density polyethylene core sandwiched between two pieces of high-strength steel. It is available in lengths up to 28 feet.
And the other two materials? Conventional aluminum sheet and post construction and traditional fiberglass-reinforced plywood.
Supreme also rolled out a new logo and new website at The Work Truck Show. www.supremecorp.com
United Plastic Fabricating (UPF) also produces built-to-order polymer water tanks for the fire industry.
“Razorback is made from the same durable, impact-resistant polypropylene that made UPF’s Poly-Tank the number one water tank in the fire industry,” said Jeff Jerousek. “Through this partnership, we’re able to bring UPF’s expertise in polymer composites to service truck bodies.” www.stahltruckbodies.com/Razorback
The NPR ECO-MAX with Tool-Pro body will initially be available exclusively through Isuzu authorized dealers for an introductory period. Shortly after, the Tool-Pro will also be available from any authorized Reading Truck Body distributor. www.readingbody.com
The Rancher is built with black powder-coated 12-gauge steel and comes with outside stake pockets with tie rails on the sides and rear and a built-in receiver hitch. www.rugbymfg.com