Product Watch

With the Work Truck Show buzzing as we speak, and with the Mid-America Trucking Show just around the corner, there's no shortage of new gizmology to learn about.

Leading the way this week is a pair of sophisticated new controllers from Espar, the Multi-Max F1000 for the Hydronic line of engine coolant heaters and the Digi-Max D1000 to manage Airtronic D2/D4 bunk heaters. They appear to be very capable and laden with features to better control these heaters.

Then there's Western Star's second edition of its online Body Builder Book, now available for download. The updated version features a comprehensive section of chassis specs for the new 4700 set-forward and set-back truck models, as well as a more detailed breakdown of electrical and body-integration components for Western Star’s full product line.

Continental offers a new 18-ply tire for low platform trailers, the HTL2 Eco Plus, in sizes 215/75R17.5, 235/75R17.5 and 245/70R17.5. Aimed at high-cube applications, it's claimed to offer low rolling resistance and increased fuel savings at cooler operating temperatures. It comes in load range J and tread depths from 13 to 15/32nds.

One of the week's coolest items is from PeopleNet. Its Tablet in-cab/portable computing system now provides secure, fleet-managed wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) access and web browsing. PeopleNet says its proxy server ensures that all devices and stored data are secure. Fleets can determine which sites beyond the company’s are pre-approved for driver access.

Proving the resurgence of propane as a fuel option, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation has introduced its S2G chassis. It's said to be powered by the industry's only factory-installed liquid propane gas (LPG) engine available to the medium-duty truck market. The S2G’s 8-litre, 325-hp engine supplied by Powertrain Integration uses General Motors’ long block and other components as its core.

And finally, Xata Corporation, specializing in fleet-optimization software, and ALK Technologies, makers of navigation software, have launched CoPilot Truck 8 Professional integrated with XataNet. It offers updated PC*MILER 25 routing and availability on a wider range of hardware platforms. Xata delivers real-time information on vehicle and driver performance. Cool combo.

HEATER CONTROLLERS

(March 07, 2012) -- Espar releases new controllers for bunk heaters and engine pre-heaters

BODY-BUILDER BOOK

(March 07, 2012) -- Western Star has released the 2nd edition of its online Body Builder Book

LOW-PLATFORM TIRE

(March 07, 2012) -- Continental offers a high-load-capacity tire for low platform trailers

MOBILE WI-FI

(March 07, 2012) -- PeopleNet adds secure, fleet-managed Wi-Fi to onboard computing system

FCCC PROPANE CHASSIS

(March 07, 2012) -- Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation launches S2G propane-fueled chassis for medium-duty market