Sterling Truck Corporation's foray into the 2008 model year includes the new Class 3 low-cab-over 360 — the lightest product in Sterling's full range of Class 3-8 trucks — along with the Class 4-5 chassis-cab Bullet.
Every 2008 model year Sterling 360 — Class 3, 4, and 5 — will be rolling off the line with several new product enhancements, including increased horsepower, a lowered chassis, and standard cruise control.
Sterling's Thomas Rothe said that with a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,500 lb, the Class 3 360 is an ideal tool for businesses that don't require the capacity of a Class 4 or 5 truck. He said it offers best-in-class maneuverability, a roomy and comfortable cab, and industry-leading fuel economy.
It also features an onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II), a new standard for light vehicles. OBD-II provides a universal inspection and diagnosis method to be sure the vehicle is performing correctly and to EPA emissions standards. This feature will also be available on 2008 Class 4 and 5 Sterling 360 trucks.
All 2008 model year 360 trucks will feature a number of product enhancements.
Several improvements in the engine are being introduced as a result of the changes made to comply with EPA ‘07 emissions standards. The new diesel particulate filter has been tested and utilized in the Japanese market for several years, and its compact design allows for fewer disturbances during body installation and also safeguards the 360's ground clearance. The engine changes also resulted in increased power, upgrading the 360's engine from 175 to 185 hp.
Due to the improved cooling system and a change in frame height, the chassis could be lowered two inches, making it easier for operators to load and unload the vehicle.
The 360's list of options also expanded with the addition of a 189" wheelbase on the Class 5 model, as well as a keyless entry system available on all 360 models.
Sterling's Jeff Hallam said the Bullet is ideal for demanding applications, including construction, residential services, landscaping, municipal services, utility, and pick-up and delivery.
It has a Cummins 6.7L ISB engine with exhaust brake, a power take-off prep package, and a rugged 34“ wide, 50,000-psi frame for easy bodybuilder upfit.
The Bullet is offered as a regular cab in four wheelbases or as a quad cab in two wheelbases. It also features two- or four-wheel drive and optional snowplow and towing packages.
Some popular specs include: regular cab (123" BBC), quad cab (143" BBC) with two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive drivelines available; GVWRs of 16,500 to 19,500 lb for both regular and quad cab with a GCWR of 26,000 lb; wheelbase offerings/cab-to-axle measurements for regular cab include 144.5"/60", 168.5"/84"; 192.5"/108", 204.5"/120", and for quad cab include 164.5"/60", 188.5"/84";industry-standard, 34" frame rail spacing and flat, clean frame rail; a 6.7-liter Cummins ISB turbo diesel EPA ‘07-compliant engine that powers 305 hp with 610 lb-ft of torque and standard exhaust brake; a front axle rating of 7,000 lb, rear axle rating of 13,500 lb; and eight exterior standard paint options.
Engine platform
Product planning specialist Dan Silbernagel said Sterling has introduced the ISL engine platform into the 111" BBC (345 hp at 1150 ft-lb and 365 hp at 1250 ft-lb, available in February) and 113" BBC (345 hp at 1150 ft-lb and 365 hp at 1250 ft-lb, available in May).
He said Sterling has a new 14.6K car hauler rating with improved load-carrying capacity, available in July; a new 22K steerable lift axle with improved load-carrying versatility, available in February; new interior door panels with improved appearance, available since October; and new door seals with improved wind and water resistance, available in March.
Hallam said the 55C-005 Heavy-Duty Snowplow Prep Group includes: 620-201 heavy-duty front springs; a 124-201 160-amp alternator; and a 374-004 transfer case skid shield if the truck is a 4×4. The 620-202 super heavy-duty front springs are not available with the 55C-005 Snowplow Prep Group.
He said that installation of snowplows and their mounting hardware could result in a vehicle weight distribution or a front axle loading that is detrimental to brake performance, or which exceeds the front GAWR.
He said the following load requirements are applicable:
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The loaded vehicle, including all aftermarket accessories, the snowplow system, passengers, and cargo, must not exceed the GVWR or front/rear GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification label located in the driver's side opening.
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The empty truck, with all permanently attached accessories and snowplow components must not exceed 62% of its total weight on the front axle to comply with FMVSS/CMVSR 105 brake certification. Permanently attached snowplow parts are those parts not easily removed when the blade is removed. The permanently attached parts are: sub-frame, hydraulic pump, hydraulic lift cylinder, lamps, wiring, snowplow controls, etc.
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If the front axle loading exceeds either 62% of the empty truck total weight, or the front GAWR, ballast-compensating weight must be securely attached at the rear of the truck to bring front axle weight within weight specifications as defined above.
He said the following front springs options are applicable:
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If a permanent aftermarket installation to the front of the vehicle (front-axle load) adds between 225 and 675 lb, or there is constant load resulting in between 6000 and 6499 lb on the front axle, then the heavy duty front spring option 620-201 upgrade is recommended.
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If a permanent aftermarket installation to the front of the vehicle (front-axle load) adds over 675 lb, or there is constant load greater than 6500 lb on the front axle, then the heavy duty front spring option 620-202 upgrade is recommended.
He said that under no circumstances may the vehicles be loaded to exceed the 7000-lb front GAWR. The front end alignment and headlamp aim must be re-set after the upfit.
“This is more for bucket trucks — trucks that are going to have a lot of weight on them all the time,” he said. “Don't get these springs if you're not going to have that weight. It sits up high.”