8 Lug HD Truck - June 2015

JUNE 2015

WORKTRUCKREVIEW.COM

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SPECIAL

CNG PICKUPS FROM THE BIG THREE

PICK YOUR PROPULSION GREEN OPTIONS FOR FORDS F-59

2016 RAM

2500 HD CNG

FUELING THE FUTUREFUELINGIS GDIESEL

THE ANSWER? GDIESELS GINORMOUS FORD F-650 PG. 32

SPOTLIGHT! DURACELLS POWER FORWARD DISASTER RELIEF FLEET_

8LGS-150033-COV-Ci.indd 3/31/15 7:25 AM PAGE 18LGS-150033-COV-Ci.indd 3/31/15 7:25 AM PAGE 1

Call Our Experts 800.509.7220 2013. AutoAnything, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AutoAnything is a registered mark of AutoAnything, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Prices subject to change. Not responsible for typographical errors.

1,000s of Parts for Performance, Protection & StyleLARGEST ONLINE SELECTION

CONTROL YOUR LOAD ANDTHE ROAD WITH AIR POWER!FIRESTONE AIR BAG SUSPENSION KITFirestone Air Suspension gives you the power to ne-tune your suspensions rmness. Custom made for your vehicle, this air suspension kit is designed to keep your load level, improve steering control and braking, level headlight beams and even reduce tire wear.

LADDER RACKS From $22999/kit FREE Shipping

YOUR TOWING HEADQUARTERS!Mount a powerful trailer hitch to your frame and you have the freedom to haul anything, anywhere. Tow your boat to the lake or your ponies to the trackno jobs too big. Once you pick your hitch, head over to our suspension systems department to handle load-leveling duties and boostroad-going stability.

RECEIVER HITCHES

From $9250 FREE Shipping BALL MOUNTS

From $1495 FREE Shipping 5TH WHEEL HITCHES

From $28799 FREE Shipping

BE READY TO TACKLE THE JOB SITE! Visit us online for 1,000s of accessories for your vehicle.

GRILLE GUARDS From $24495 FREE Shipping MUD GUARDS From $2495/pr. FREE Shipping TRUCK BED LINERS From $8999 FREE Shipping

$ 104 65FROM

Ford Power Stroke 6.4L

(08-10) Part#57-2576

$31199 FREE Shipping

PERFORMANCE AIR FILTERS Boost power and torque with a K&N Cold Air Intake. Custom engineered with a famous K&N Filtercharger cone lter and crosslink nylon intake tract. 10-year / 1,000,000 Mile Warranty. Easy installation.

COLD AIR INTAKES*

The washable and reusable pleated and oiled cotton gauze ltration medium runs up to 50,000 miles between cleanings, depending on highway conditions. 10-year / 1,000,000 Mile Warranty. Installs in minutes.

Estimated horsepower and torque gains based on specic or similar vehicle dynamometer tests. Results will vary. For more information, look up vehicle and/or testing protocols at knlters.com. *57 Series Intakes are 50-State Legal. Intake systems beginning with 63/69/77/RK are street legal in most states. Some of these parts are not legal for use on certain vehicles in California, or other states adopting CA emission standards. Visit us online for CARB status on each part for a specic vehicle.

6.6L Duramax ('11-'15) .................Part# 33-2466

6.6L Duramax ('06-'10) .................... Part# E-0781

6.7L Cummins ('10-'12) ................... Part# E-0787

6.0L PowerStroke w/Box ('03-'07) ... Part# E-0780

6.7L PowerStroke ('14-'15) ............Part# 33-5010

...Plus 100s More! Call or Visit Us Online.

6.6L Duramax ('11-'12) ................... Part#63-3077

6.6L Duramax ('07 -'10) .................. Part#57-3066

6.7L Cummins ('07 -'09) ..................... Part#57-1557

6.7L PowerStroke ('13-'15) ...............Part#63-2582

7.3L PowerStroke ('99 -'03) .............. Part#57-2530

...Plus 100s More! Call or Visit Us Online.

INCREASE YOUR TORQUEAND HORSEPOWER!

$ 18999FROM$ 3399FROM

AA_WorkTruck_8Lug_June15.indd 1 3/26/2015 12:53:49 PM

W142986-8LGS-150033.pdf 03:22:33 PM__03/30/2015 Ad Insertionblackyellowmagentacyan

FREE SHIPPING1

NO MINIMUM PURCHASE _ NO HIDDEN FEES

or Visit AutoAnything.com Up-front low prices with 1-year protection.LOWER PRICE GUARANTEE2

1. Free Shipping to Continental US only. No APO/POs. Truck, oversized & select shipments excluded. 2. Find it for less and well refund the dierence up to 1 year from purchase. Some restrictions apply. See website for complete details and restrictions.

LLOYD MATS RUBBERTITE CUSTOM ALL-WEATHER MATSNo matter what the jobsite drags in, RubberTites edge-to-edge pattern of cups catches everything from jumbo java drops to greasy grime. The underside sports an array of carpet-grabbing nibs to keep your mats in place. Crafted in the USA and available for nearly any truck in a fan deck of colors. Lifetime Warranty.

TM

CUSTOM SEAT COVERSNothing on your truck works harder or takes a beating like your seats. So protect your interior from that posterior pum-meling with top-of-the-line seat covers made from rugged canvas, smooth leatherette or hard-wearing neoprene. See our huge selection online.

LOOK WHAT THE JOB DRAGGED IN! YOUR SEATS WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO!

Leatherette Camo

Neoprene Canvas

$ 54 90FROM PR.

$ 139 95FROM ROW

Installs faster than any other hard tonneau cover Built from aircraft-grade aluminum with a high-strength honeycomb core

Weighs in at a mere 50 lbs. for easy handling Opens and closes fast, thanks to exclusive spring-loaded SpeedKlamps

Secure SafetyKlamps solidly latch the cover to your bed

Installs in minutes with no tools Easy to fold-up or fully remove for hauling big loads

Unique hinge design channels water away Durable Poly-Tex textured black nish resists harmful UV rays

Made with pride in the US A Backed by a 3-year warranty

$ 799 00FROM

"I was blown away by how easy this install was, how snug the t, and how great the appearance. My buddy just paid almost twice as much for another brand that required him to screw mounting rails into his bed. No need for that here, just clamp it on and you're done!" - Nick E (Jacksonville, FL)

EASY FOLDING DESIGN, HARD COVER SECURITY!

AA_WorkTruck_8Lug_June15.indd 2 3/26/2015 12:54:59 PM


48

contents JUNE 2015Dual Fuel DuelClean burning and locally

sourced 26

FEATURES

32

48

Alternate RealitiesWhich alternative fuel should you

use in your work truck?

Lighting the WayDuracell Power Forward program

helps rebuild and recharge

42Pick Your PropulsionDriving three Ford F-59 alternative-

fuel options

Holding PowerHeavy hauling with a modded

Cummins56

PRODUCTIVITY

66The ShieldProtecting a Chevy DEF tank with

a steel skidplate

76Max-a-MillionSoCal Diesel and ATS build a 500hp

Duramax for the extra-long haul

76 56 32

GARAGE 8

MAILBAG 12

LUG NUTS 14

WORK PRODUCTS 20

READERS RIGS 90

ON THE COVER: Theres no missing

GDiesels Ford F-650

when it cruises down

the road. Rather than

a biofuel, GDiesel is an

alternative fuel made

by further refning #2

diesel with natural gas.

Photo by Steve Temple

8LGS-150033-TOC.indd 4/2/15 10:43 AM PAGE 48LGS-150033-TOC.indd 4/2/15 10:43 AM PAGE 4

W131680-8LGS-150033.pdf 10:08:59 AM__03/27/2015 Ad Insertionblackyellowmagentacyan

6 WORKTRUCK J U N E 2015

ADVERTISING

General Manager, Truck Trend Network

Steve VonSeggern

Advertising Coordinator Dhanusha Manoharan

General Managers Assistant

Glenda Mack

To advertise on this magazines website, or any ofTEN: The Enthusiast Networks other enthusiast sites,

please contact us at [email protected].

WestLos Angeles: 831 South Douglas Street,El Segundo, CA 90245, 310/531-9900

Irvine: 1733 Alton Parkway,Irvine, CA 92606, 949/705-3100

EastNew York: 261 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor,

New York, NY 10016, 212/915-4000

NorthDetroit: 4327 Delemere Court,

Royal Oak, MI 48073, 248/594-5999

MidwestChicago: 312/396-0620

Southeast813/675-3479

Southwest626/695-5950

TEN: THE ENTHUSIAST NETWORK, LLC

Chairman Peter Englehart

Chief Executive Offcer Scott P. Dickey

EVP, Chief Financial Offcer Bill Sutman

President, Automotive Scott Bailey

EVP, Chief Creative Offcer Alan Alpanian

EVP, Sports & Entertainment Norb Garrett

EVP, Chief Content Offcer Angus MacKenzie

EVP, Operations Kevin Mullan

SVP, Enterprises Tyler Schulze

EVP, Sales & Marketing Eric Schwab

SVP, Digital Operations Dan Bednar

VP, Sales Operations Matt Boice

SVP, Financial Planning Mike Cummings

SVP, Automotive Digital Geoff DeFrance

VP, Editorial Operations Amy Diamond

EVP, Aftermarket Automotive Doug Evans

SVP, Content Strategy, Automotive

David Freiburger

SVP, Digital, Sports & Entertainment

Greg Morrow

VP, Digital Monetization Elisabeth Murray

SVP, Marketing Ryan Payne

EVP, Mind Over Eye Bill Wadsworth

CONSUMER MARKETING,

ENTHUSIAST MEDIA

SUBSCRIPTION COMPANY, INC.

SVP, Circulation Tom Slater

VP, Retention & Operations Fulfllment

Donald T. Robinson III

EDITORIAL

Network Content Director Sean P. Holman

Editor Monica Gonderman

Managing Editor Courtney McKinnon

Content Specialist Ed Sanchez

Staff Editors Trevor ReedBrett T. Evans

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN

Art Director Greg P. Smith

MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

VP, Manufacturing & Ad Operations

Greg Parnell

Senior Director, Ad Operations

Pauline Atwood

Archivist Thomas Voehringer

THE TRUCK TREND NETWORK ON THE WEB

www.dieselpowermag.comwww.8-Lug.com

www.trucktrend.comwww.truckinweb.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Please call DIESEL POWER Advertising Department, 310/531-

9900. Related publications: Classic Trucks, Dirt Sports & Off-

Road, 8-Lug HD Truck, European Car, Four Wheeler, Hot Rod, JP,

Lowrider, Motor Trend, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, Recoil,

Street Rodder, Super Chevy, Truck Trend, Truckin, Vette, and

other specialty magazines.

Reprints: Contact Wrights Media at 877/652-5295 (281/419-5725 outside the U.S. and Canada) to purchase quality customreprints or e-prints of

articles appearing in this publication.

Back Issues: To order back issues, visit https://www.circsource.com/store/

storeBackIssues.html.

SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE

Email [email protected], call 866/800-4681

(386/447-6385, International), or write to DIESEL POWER, Box 420235,

Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. Please include name, address, and phone

number on any inquiries. For change of address, six weeks notice

required. Send old as well as new address to DIESEL POWER,

P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235.

Occasionally, our subscriber list is made available to reputable

frms offering goods and services we believe would be of interest

to our readers. If you prefer to be excluded, please send your

current address label and a note requesting to be excluded from

these promotions to TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC, 831 South

Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245 Attn: Privacy Coordinator.

Canada Post: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to IMEX

Global Solutions, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.

Any submissions or contributions from readers shall be subject

to and governed by TEN: The Enthusiast Networks User Content

Submission Terms and Conditions, which are posted at:

http://www.enthusiastnetwork.com/submissions/

Copyright 2015 by TEN: The Enthusiast Network Magazines, LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRINTED IN THE USA.

8LGS-150033-MAST.indd 3/31/15 7:31 AM PAGE 68LGS-150033-MAST.indd 3/31/15 7:31 AM PAGE 6

7" Lift Kits OEM wheels can be reused Maintains OEM steering geometry Retains factory alignment spaces CNC machined steering knuckles Front and rear 1/4" steel crossmemebers Heavy-Duty raised torsion bar relocation brackets Differential skid plate All 4 bump stops are relocated 4 Nitrogen gas charged shocks included 6" Lift kits availabel C11680K

2011 Chevrolet/GMC

2500HD

C11781K

March 1 - May 31

Buy 4 M95 Shocks Get $55

Buy 4 Hydro Shocks

Get $35

Buy 4 Nitro Shocks

Get $35

1.866.4.A.DEALER skyjacker.com/shockrebate

INK



You Hauled it Home, Alright!

turned out to be three older women (who may

or may not have known each other very well). It

all went awry when one snatched a purse while

in a thrift store, which apparently wasnt part

of the plan. The other two wanted nothing to

do with it, at which point the snatcher hopped

in the driver seat and wellmoments later ran

into a power pole. Bloody but mobile, she left

the crash site and apparently locked herself

inside a nearby homeowners bathroom.

So there you have it. Sometimes crazy

things happen literally right in front of you.

Whats your most memorable only-in-

movies frsthand account?

Monica

[email protected]

That kind of stuff only happens in

movies. Thats what I thought, too,

until it actually happened. If youre

more of a visual type of learner, skip

straight to the photo. If youd like to

hear the story, bear with me for one

minute and keep reading.

We were out testing new trucks in the local

Californian desert on a sunny December Friday

afternoon. It was lunchtime (priorities), and we

had just parked the traveling circus convoy of

- and -ton trucks along the back row of a

parking lot and had been seated at a promising

Mexican restaurant. Our order had been taken

and it was setting up to be a perfectly normal

lunchtime experience with congenial coworkers.

And then it happened.

In an instant, everything got weirdbut it took

a minute for the weirdness to set in. Perhaps

youve had a similar type of experience. I kind

of heard it frst, and then, out of the corner of

my eye, I saw a U-Haul box truck come barreling

through the parking lot. It was seemingly com-

pletely out of control, and as it swung around a

corner to exit the parking lot (thankfully, instead

of crashing straight into the restaurant), the

passenger door fung open. Upon a quick weight

shift, the door slammed shut again and after

two large booms the runaway U-Haul sped away

onto a busy street. It had bypassed the exit

driveway as it passed another vehicle that was

patiently waiting for traffc to clear, driving off a

curb with reckless abandon for the planter land-

scaping and the large sign for the restaurant of

which we were patrons.

We had barely fnished recounting this odd

eyewitness experience when the power sud-

denly fickered a few times. Then, as someone

pointed at a swaying power line outside, the

power went out completely. It took a few

seconds, but then it hit our whole group at

almost the same time as we all simultaneously

muttered the same words to each otherthe

U-Haul! It didnt make sense and it couldnt be

(because that kind of thing only happens in

movies). Moments after the power went out,

sirens could be heard from very close by, and a

U-Haul pickup was dispatched from the U-Haul

site, which was ironically right across the street.

We ran outside to see how close the action

was. Most of the group stayed put (who wants

to be caught in the middle of a gun fght or

something truly crazy like that) while a few

brave ones who couldnt resist the journalistic

instinct to investigate proceeded toward the

scene. The tales they returned with would have

had essentially brought the whole city to a

standstill.

The resulting newspaper report further

muddled the weirdness factor of the chain of

events we had observed. I suspected someone

had stolen the U-Haul (which was presumably

packed to the brim with someones valuables)

spontaneously from the parking lot. However, it

been dismissed as grandiose hyperbole if not

for the photographic evidence. It was confrmed

that the culprit was indeed the U-Haul, which

had reportedly made it not so far as the next

big intersection before centerpunching a tele-

phone pole, moving the base of the massive

pole 6 feet and causing great tension on the

live wires above. The passenger door had, of

course, fung open again, but there was no sign

of the driver.

In case you were wondering, the power was

temporarily restored long enough for us to get

our food and enjoy the rest of lunch. By the

time we left, the street was completely closed

in both directions and the power was off again

for the foreseeable future. The mini disaster

GARAGEB Y M O N I C A G O N D E R M A N P H O T O : B R E T T T . E V A N S

8LGS-150033-GARAGE.indd 3/31/15 7:32 AM PAGE 88LGS-150033-GARAGE.indd 3/31/15 7:32 AM PAGE 8

Delivery Valves

Billet DV Holders Gov Spring KitsCamplates

1-800-248-6216 WWW.INDUSTRIALINJECTION.COM

InjectioniPHONESKINS

PERFORMANCEDIESEL CRATEENGINESDelivered Ready

To Install

Cummins and Duramax

SPOTINKG

RB

W112929-8LGS-150033_L.pdf 10:11:32 AM__03/27/2015 Ad Insertionblackyellowmagentacyan

1-800-248-6216 www.industrialinjection.com

Check us out on :

DISCOUNTPROMO CODEDIESELPOWER

COMPOUNDSFOR: LB7, LLY,

LBZ, LMM & LML

2001-2012

LML SHOWN HERE

295cc Hybrids - 380cc Hybrids

350cc Hybrids - 450cc Hybrids

Also Available

6.7L Compounds

W112929-8LGS-150033_R.pdf 10:11:12 AM__03/27/2015 Ad Insertionblackyellowmagentacyan

Mailbag

Life After Making the Cover

Im from Gandeeville, West Virginia, and

my 81 Chevrolet K-30 is a vital part of my

workday. I use it to access remote locations to

install and repair natural gas pipelines that run

all across the United States. It has a .030-inch-

over 454 with a four-speed transmission

and 4.10:1 gears. It is a true work truck. It

has a 4-inch lift from Superlift Suspension

Systems with an additional 2-inch lift block in

the rear, and six 33-inch Super Swamper Irok

non-directional tires mounted on Rockstar

wheels from National Tire & Wheel. The truck

weighs in at 8,400 pounds, loaded with my

08 Lincoln Electric 300D welding machine and

all my tools. It has a dual 3-inch exhaust with

B Y M O N I C A G O N D E R M A N P H O T O : M A T T L U P A R D U S

Flowmaster Super 10 Series muffers. This

truck can access areas where most people

wouldnt think about taking their trucks. Thank

you for considering my K-30 for your maga-

zine. I have had my 11 Duramax on the cover

of your magazine and my 07 Cummins in the

Readers Rigs department, and it has been an

honor every time to be in your magazine.

Matt Lupardus

via Facebook

INK

8LGS-150033-MAIL.indd 3/31/15 7:59 AM PAGE 128LGS-150033-MAIL.indd 3/31/15 7:59 AM PAGE 12

Have a comment, question, or suggestion? We want

to hear from you! Write to us at [email protected]!

Find us: facebook.com/WorkTruckReview.

the

Lupardus

acebook

When we saw your 81 Chevy, we just couldnt

resist givin your ride some inkyes, for the third

time. Its not every day that you see a work-ready

square-body third-gen GM. What a beast! A brief

afternoon Internet search has uncovered two 81

K-30s for sale locallya wrecker tow truck for

$12,500 and a utility truck with an onboard crane

and tire-changing machine for $12,900. Alas, the

budget does not allow for such expenditure, so

for now well just enjoy yours. We cant wait to see

what you send us next, although were running

out of different ways to show off your rides! For

those of you wondering how Matts done it three

times, its kind of simple. First, have a cool work

truck. Second, reach out to us through Facebook,

snail mail, or email. Third, be patient. Bonus:

Become a photographer (even if its just for a day)

and take a few dozen high-resolution photos of

your rig, paying attention to the background and

lighting. You can do it! Plus, someday youll regret

not having a good collection of photos of your

work rig.

8LGS-150033-MAIL.indd 3/31/15 7:59 AM PAGE 138LGS-150033-MAIL.indd 3/31/15 7:59 AM PAGE 13


Lug Nuts NEW, INTERESTING, AND FUN THINGS ABOUT WORK TRUCKSB Y T O R I T E L L E M

ALL-NEW RAM LARAMIE LIMITED

Looking for luxury in your work truck? Ram has a new top-o-the-line

Laramie Limited, and perhaps the biggest thing to discuss amongst your-

selves is the new grille design for this Ram. Do we like or hate? Beyond

that, the truck is all about the leather; real-wood interior; chrome-inspired

exterior; new, 20-inch forged, multisurface-aluminum wheels; and a tailgate

redo. Get the package on the 1500, 2500, and 3500 models.

We are committed to using every tool in our boxenforcement,

education, and engineeringto save lives and make our streets safer.

Installing side guards on our city trucks will help prevent fatal collisions.New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, regarding the retroftting of more than 200 city medium-duty trucks with side guards,

or rails between the front and rear wheels to protect pedestrians and bikes from getting caught underneath.

Theyre already in existence in Boston, Portland, and some other cities.

8LGS-150033-NEWS.indd 3/31/15 8:01 AM PAGE 148LGS-150033-NEWS.indd 3/31/15 8:01 AM PAGE 14

INK


BI-FUEL PROPANE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

Alliance AutoGas and BSI, a vehicle

platform developer, have created

the Bi-Fuel Propane AutoGas Ford

Interceptor conversion. Switching

to bi-fuel means no drilling, cutting,

or splicingits plug-and-play. The

result? An extra 21 gallons of fuel. Itll

be available in the spring.


Lug Nuts

BRIDGESTONES NEW WEBSITE FOR COMMERCIAL TIRES

Theres a new website on the Interwebs. Bridgestone Commercial has

launched daytontrucktires.com for its Dayton commercial truck tire lineup.

On the site, youll fnd a dealer tool, news, maintenance, a tire learning

center, and loads more.

Lug Nuggets The 15 Ford F-150 was named North American Truck of the Year

by U.S. and Canadian journalists.

Word is the next-gen 16 Ford F-650 will have a Landi Renzo

dedicated CNG system.

International WorkStar vocational truck now has a Cummins

ISB6.7 engine, the second WorkStar to get the option since the

DuraStar in December 2013.

Reading Truck Body turns 60 years old in 2015. You can go

through a history lesson at readingbody.com/about/history, like

how in 1970 it introd the Saddle Mate parts/tool carrier, and how

1981 brought about the industrys frst all-aluminum truck body.

Another big b-day in 2015: Allison Transmission. It turns 100

years old.

POSTAL SERVICE NEEDS NEW VEHICLES

The U.S. Postal Service is in need of a new van since its current feet of

delivery vehicles is said to be falling apart. Were talking about the need for

many of themaround 180,000 vehicles. So, who will it be? Ford? Ram?

GM? Mercedes-Benz? The bidding war has begun, and the contract is worth

a few billion bucks.

DYNATRAC TRUCK/TRAILERKind of majorly digging axlemaker Dynatracs truck/trailer wrap, inspired

by its ProRock axle. The 48-footer is made up of a 78 Peterbilt 379 with

an extended hood. Its actually been the companys rig for nearly a decade,

and it is often converted to a product display at events.

HYUNDAI TO BUILD COMMERCIAL TRUCKS

Watch for Hyundai to spend close to $2 billion to bring commercial

vehicles to the U.S. within the next fve years. In that same time frame,

it also plans to ramp up production of trucks, vans, and buses in Korea.

8LGS-150033-NEWS.indd 3/31/15 8:01 AM PAGE 168LGS-150033-NEWS.indd 3/31/15 8:01 AM PAGE 16

www.TransferFlow.com 1-800-826-5776 [email protected]

We Fuel Your Adventures.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY FROMM

Whether its a larger replacement tank, an in-bed

auxiliary tank, or a US DOT legal refueling tank, a Transfer Flow

fuel tank gives you the freedom to fuel your truck when and

where you want! Youll save time and money bypassing those

expensive fuel stations and lling up where fuel costs less.

Transfer Flow fuel tanks are made from sturdy aluminized steel

and bright aluminum diamond plate, and can be installed at over

325 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Call or visit our website for

an installer near you.

Get more fuel. Get more freedom. Get a Transfer Flow fuel tank

installed on your truck today!

REFUELING TANKS

REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS

IN-BED AUXILIARY FUEL TANKS

Fuel Up When You Want To, Not When You Have To!


Down-Low TonneauTonneau covers provide many benefts, including cargo security, cleaner

styling, and better aerodynamics. The BAK Industries Revolver X2 offers

those improvements in a lightweight, roll-up package. The aluminum

hard-rolling cover can withstand up to 400 pounds of evenly distrib-

uted weight, and the vinyl lining makes it resistant to dents, scratches,

and wear marks. It mounts within your truck bedrails, preserving your

vehicles clean profle. It also means that when your tailgate is locked,

your stuff is secure.

BAK Industries

818-365-9000 bakindustries.com


Work ProductsB Y B R E T T T . E V A N S

New-Truck FeelThe Ram pickup is a great truck in many ways, leaving no room

for a dashboard pad that cracks easily. Luckily, LMC Truck

offers a factory-ft, high-quality dash pad for the 02 to 05

Dodge Ram. LMC uses improved thermoplastic compounds in its

dash tops, which better resist shrinking and fading, keeping your

dash looking nice longer and making your truck feel brand-new.

Available in all three factory colors and with new A-pillar seals, the

new dash tops will ft right into your trucks interior.

LMC Truck

800-562-8782 lmctruck.com

First Step to High PerformanceIf youre going to use larger-than-stock valves in your Duramax

6.6L, Brodix has you covered with its WD Series cylinder heads.

With a relocated valve centerline, the WD Series allows for upgrad-

ed valves, and a unique port design provides better airfow and

more horsepower, resulting in better performance. The A-356

aluminum heads also incorporate injector cups for the LB7,

making them a true bolt-on proposition for 6.6L Duramax trucks.

Brodix

479-394-1075 brodix.com

Room to SpareDaystars Cam Can Trail Box is a new, convenient way to transport gear,

tow ropes, cables, or chains. Whether you affx it to the center of your

rear-mounted spare tire or attach it using the optional universal bracket,

the hinged, lockable box is a perfect place for small-yet-important gear.

Daystar backs up the Trail Box with a lifetime warranty, so it should with-

stand years of hard use on your weekend Jeep or daily work truck.

Daystar Products

800-595-7659 daystarweb.com

8LGS-150033-PROD.indd 3/31/15 8:02 AM PAGE 208LGS-150033-PROD.indd 3/31/15 8:02 AM PAGE 20

treaddepot.com toll free: 888-421-8473

INSTANTLY OFF ANYTIRE & WHEEL PACKAGE

$75Offer code required. Minimum purchase of 4 matching tires and wheels on a single

invoice. May be combined with any qualifying manufacturer mail-in rebate. May not

be combined with any other instant discounts or shipping offers. No prior sales. Offer

Expires 06/30/2015. Offer Code TDLUGJN75.

NUTZ 2PC | BLACK & MILLED HAVOC 8 LUG | CHROME ROCKSTAR 2 | PVD & BLACK MO970 | BLACK & MILLED

COURSER MXT &Metal Mulisha Series 38 Black

$139STARTINGTIRE PRICE:ROAD VENTURE MT KL71 &KMC XD-Series Rockstar 2 Black

$141STARTINGTIRE PRICE:SAFARI TSR &

LRG Rims 105 Black & Milled

$142STARTINGTIRE PRICE:DISCOVERER STT &

LRG Rims 104 Black & Milled

$149STARTINGTIRE PRICE:

BAJA T/A DT &$7;5DYLQH7HRQ

$160STARTINGTIRE PRICE:WRANGLER MT/R with KEVLAR &KMC XD-Series Addict Black & Machined

$177STARTINGTIRE PRICE:MUD TERRAIN T/A KM2 &

)XHO25RDG%RRVW0DWWH%ODFN0LOOHG

$185STARTINGTIRE PRICE:OPEN COUNTRY M/T &

)XHO25RDG.UDQN%ODFN0LOOHG

$215STARTINGTIRE PRICE:

OUTFIT YOUR RIG!



The Coolest Propane AccessoryConverting a truck to run on propane is usually a tricky

job. Alliance AutoGas has simplifed the process with its

conversion kit for the 3.7L V-6 Ford Transit. A simple wir-

ing loom connects to the factory harness, while a new,

drill-free injection system sits between the intake ple-

num and the cylinder head. After just a few hours labor

(compared to several days for other kits), your Transit

is ready to run on cheap, clean-burning propane, and

Alliance backs it up with a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Alliance AutoGas

228-215-0544 allianceautogas.com

Iron Fist in a Shielded GloveWelding is something that requires concentration and precision, which is why

Heatshield Products Glove Armor is worth a look. The low-profle shield fts around

the heel and pinky of most welding gloves (where its most needed), allowing the

welder to stay in the zone longer for better welds and more effcient work. It can

withstand constant temperatures of 1,800 degrees without meltingunlike most

welding glovesand it secures around your wrist for safe, trouble-free work.

Heatshield Products

800-750-3978 heatshieldproducts.com

More Points, Better PerformanceAccording to Amsoil, most diesel fuel has a

cetane number of 45 points, while most die-

sel engines work best when burning fuel with

a cetane number of 50 or more. To close that

gap, the company offers its Diesel Cetane Boost

fuel additive, which boosts that magic number

by seven points for ideal performance, smooth

idling, and improved cold starting. The additive is

also emissions and DEF compliant. Its now avail-

able in a -gallon size, which is good to treat up

to 50 gallons of diesel. Amsoil

800-956-5695 amsoil.com

Work Products

Keeping FrostyNow that summers here, youre going to want

to keep cool and refreshed by any means neces-

sary. Dometic Group can help with the all-new

CRX 50 refrigerator. Ideal for Class 8 trucks, the

CRX 50 is a rugged, built-in way to keep sports

drinks, water, and power-lunch leftovers cool.

Additionally, it can be easily transformed from

refrigerator to freezer, keeping things as cold as

17 degrees. Low power consumption and elec-

tronic, rather than mechanical, internal controls

provide economical, reliable operation.

Dometic Group

800-544-4881 dometic.com/truck

8LGS-150033-PROD.indd 3/31/15 8:02 AM PAGE 228LGS-150033-PROD.indd 3/31/15 8:02 AM PAGE 22

INK



CLEAN BURNING AND LOCALLY

SOURCED

B Y J A S O N G O N D E R M A N P H O T O S : J A S O N G O N D E R M A N & R O B E R T G U I O

We are living in an era of change, and theres no

way around it. Everywhere you look people are

trying to live greener. Were more focused on

saving money now than in generations past.

And as a society, we have begun championing

the cause of decreased dependence on foreign

oil sources. Those are all good things, in and

of themselves. However, it would seem that a lot of time and resources

are being diverted into energy sources that are either highly expensive,

give little return in the way of reducing environmental impact, or are still

heavily dependent on foreign manufacturing. Fortunately, there is an

alternative thats been hiding in plain sight all these years.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is cleaner burning than conventional

gasoline or diesel, oftentimes costs signifcantly less, and the majority

of what we use is sourced right here in North America. CNG-powered

vehicles are nothing new. People have been converting internal-

combustion engines to run on the fuel for decades, along with a

select few manufacturers who have offered factory-installed systems

(such as the Honda Civic CNG). The newest trend has become the

Dual Fuel Duel

bi-fuel option, which allows a vehicle to run on either gasoline or CNG.

Fortunately for us, the largest market utilizing this technology is pick-

ups. Currently, all three of the U.S. pickup manufacturers offer a CNG

option, and we were recently handed the keys to two of them.

The -Ton Player Ford has offered a gaseous engine prep package for the 6.2L V-8

engine equipped in the F-250 and F-350 for several years now. This

allows upftters to install either a CNG or propane (LPG) fuel package,

along with being bi-fuel capable. The big news, however, comes from

the 14 F-150. Ford has entered the market as the only company with a

-ton capable of running on CNG.

Ticking the box for the CNG option means youll be limited to the

entry-level 3.7L V-6 engine. This mill churns out 302 hp and 278 lb-ft

of torque and, unlike other models, doesnt de-rate engine power when

running on CNG. Enabling the engine to last while running on the gas-

eous fuel are a set of hardened intake valves and valve seats. The bi-

fuel hardware is provided and installed by one of several Ford Qualifed

Vehicle Modifers (QVMs)in this case it was Altech-Eco.

full

gest

the

makes

to

engines

For

than

tently

with

gauge,

dash

on

puts

on

A

the

CNG

The

make

ate

8LGS-150033-CNG.indd 3/31/15 8:06 AM PAGE 268LGS-150033-CNG.indd 3/31/15 8:06 AM PAGE 26

J U N E 2015 WORKTRUCK 27

BURNING Y

CED

Duel

a

when

Qualifed

During our time with the truck, we made it a point to burn multiple

full tanks of both gasoline and CNG, for the best comparison. The big-

gest takeaway was that while the 3.7L V-6 has more horsepower than

the previous generation 5.4L (302 versus 300), the lack of torque

makes the truck feel very sluggish off the line and when passing. True

to Fords word of not de-rating power output when huffng CNG, the

engines power delivery felt no different between the two fuel sources.

For light-duty work and mostly highway cruising, the powertrain is more

than adequate. When comparing fuel economy, we were able to consis-

tently best that of gasoline when running on CNG.

Switching between the two fuels is simple. The Altech-Eco kit comes

with a switch (mounted near the headlight knob) and a CNG level

gauge, which gets placed where the coin holder on the two-wheel-drive

dash is located (the same spot as the transfer case selector knob

on four-wheel-drive models). Flipping the switch from GAS to ALT

puts the system into CNG mode, which is indicated by a green light

on the switch (it sometimes takes a minute or two for the fuel system

change to occur). The switch from one fuel to the other is seamless,

only noticeable to the driver and occupants as a very slight change in

engine sound. If the CNG tank should happen to run empty, the system

automatically switches back to gasoline.

Overall, the Ford F-150 is a perfect candidate for the bi-fuel

conversion. Fuel economy is excellent, giving a great return for the

2014 Ford F-150 XLT 4x2 BASE PRICE: $34,955

PRICE AS TESTED: $47,369

CNG SYSTEM COST: $7,779

ENGINE: 3.7L V-6

TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic

HORSEPOWER: 302 hp at 6,500 rpm

(gas & CNG)

TORQUE: 278 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm (gas & CNG)

FUEL CAPACITY: 26 gallons

CNG CAPACITY: 15.7 gasoline-gallon-

equivalent (3,600 psi)

OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 15.37 mpg

(gas)/18.23 mpg (CNG)

A toggle mounted near the light switch is used to select

the fuel of choice on the F-150. A green light indicates

CNG is being used.

The factory coin holder is removed from the F-150 dash to

make way for the CNG level gauge. Tank levels can fuctu-

ate not only with use, but also due to ambient heat.

Fords 3.7L V-6 is ftted with Bosch natural gas injectors and an Altech-Eco fuel rail. A separate fuel control module

takes over engine operation when CNG is selected.

8LGS-150033-CNG.indd 3/31/15 8:06 AM PAGE 278LGS-150033-CNG.indd 3/31/15 8:06 AM PAGE 27


DUAL FUEL DUELother

often

happen

will

this

well-populated

$1

(depending on the cost of gas at the moment), the conversions themselves

are

dreds

This

years,

future.

structure

investment, and power is not affected by switching fuel sources. If you

dont need the size or capability of a -ton in your CNG feet, the F-150

is the perfect option. While there will not be a 15 F-150 CNG, we hope

to see its return in the future.

The Heavy Hitter Much like its competition, Chevrolet isnt new to the CNG bi-fuel game.

Fortunately for us, it has continued to offer the upft on the new-body-

style 15 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD (single-rear-wheel only). The

bi-fuel HDs are equipped with a special version of the 6.0L V-8 gasoline

engine, featuring hardened valves and seats. When running on old-

fashioned 87-octane, the engine churns out 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of

torque. However, unlike the F-150, when the fuel source is switched to

CNG, power output is reduced to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.

The biggest downside to running on natural gas with the Silverado

is the reduction in power. On a truck as big and heavy as this, that 59

hp is dearly missed. However, we did notice

the same phenomena as the Ford wherein

fuel economy actually increased in real-world

driving conditions while running on CNGand

quite signifcantly, we might add.

Integration of the activation switch and fuel

level indication was the best we had seen. One

of the instrument panel toggles serves as the

fuel selector, and fuel level is indicated either

in the digital information display or on the physical fuel gauge, depending

on the mode. When in CNG mode, its level is displayed on the physical

gauge while the gasoline level can be found in the DIC, and when running

on gasoline, the gauges switch places.

GM uses members of its Tier-One supplier network to install the

bi-fuel system on its prepped trucks. The work is done at a secondary

location, and when complete, the vehicles are delivered by the dealer

network to the customer, as would be the case with any truck. Also, all

the major CNG components carry GM part numbers, making replace-

ments available through the GM dealer network parts departments.

If you need a big CNG truck that can do work, this is it. Whether

running on CNG or gasoline, its conventional tow rating is unaffected

and remains 13,000 pounds (when the 4.10 gear ratio is selected).

Combine this with the excellent fuel economy and superb integration,

and youve got an instant winner.

The Downside Not everything about CNG is rosy. For starters,

the tanks are quite bulky, taking up about half of

the pickups bed space (precluding ffth-wheel

and gooseneck towing). This is true for all cur-

rent models. In the future, underbed storage may

become a reality, but for now, we must deal with

the lost bed space. Then theres the matter of

fueling. While more mainstream than any of the

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4x4 BASE PRICE: $42,655

PRICE AS TESTED: $58,800

CNG SYSTEM COST: $9,500

ENGINE: 6.0L V-8 (LC8)

TRANSMISSION: 6L90 six-speed automatic

HORSEPOWER: 360 hp at 5,400 rpm

(gas)/301 at 5,000 rpm (CNG)

TORQUE: 380 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm (gas)/333

lb-ft at 4,200 rpm (CNG)

FUEL CAPACITY: 36 gallons

CNG CAPACITY: 17 gasoline-gallon-equivalent

(3,600 psi)

OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 10.35 mpg

(gas)/14.90 mpg (CNG)

A special version of the 6.0L Vortec V-8, designated LC8,

powers the Silverado HD. Hardened intake valves and

seats are needed to allow the use of compressed natural

gas due to its lack of inherent lubrication.

The Silverados bi-fuel system integration is one of the best in the industry. Activation is done with a factory dash-

mounted switch and fuel levels are monitored in the instrument cluster.

2016Upart

not

even

this

this

pickups

bi-fuel

limited

later

few

wheel-drive

Ram

CNG

Factory-builtas

8LGS-150033-CNG-R1.indd 4/2/15 10:48 AM PAGE 288LGS-150033-CNG-R1.indd 4/2/15 10:48 AM PAGE 28


other alternative fuels, CNG is still relatively hard to come by. Stations are

often hidden in dark industrial alleys, well off the beaten path. If you do

happen to find a good filling station, theres always the chance the pump

will either not work or give an incomplete (lower pressure) fill. We found

this to be the case about 50 percent of the time. And if youre outside of a

well-populated urban area, all bets are off.

We cant forget about the cost, either. While CNG typically runs between

$1 and $2 a gasoline-gallon-equivalent (GGE) less than regular unleaded

(depending on the cost of gas at the moment), the conversions themselves

are very expensive. The trucks need to remain in serviceracking up hun-

dreds of thousands of milesto see the initial purchase price recouped.

This solution is definitely not intended for lighter-duty consumers.

Its our opinion that CNG usage is only going to expand in the coming

years, and it just might be the internal combustion fuel of choice in the

future. However, were easily half a century away from having the infra-

structure in place for this to become a reality.

depending

running

all

may

While rare, we managed to find a CNG pump at an Arco gas station near Palm Springs,

California. The most reliable station weve found to date is run by Clean Energy and is

located near the Los Angeles International Airport.

(formerly the Chrysler Group) and built on the same assembly line as

its non-CNG counterparts at the Saltillo, Mexico plant.

The truck is not a full-CNG conversion and, therefore, it is not

eligible for Californias coveted white sticker, which allows single-

passenger carpool lane access. It is a bi-fuel conversion, meaning

the truck can run on gasoline or CNG and is equipped with tanks for

both fuels. Although a small amount of gasoline is used upon startup

of the modified 5.7L Hemi V-8, the engine runs exclusively on CNG

so the operator doesnt need to switch between fuels. The system

automatically and seamlessly switches to gasoline once the CNG

tanks are depleted. A CNG-specific gauge in the instrument cluster

accompanies the regular gasoline fuel gauge. A specific set of engine

modifications allows the Hemi to run on both CNG and gasoline:

redesigned cylinder heads, a second CNG-specific fuel rail and injector

set, unique spark plugs, and a distinct powertrain control module.

Two ultra-strong, frame-mounted, 4.6-cubic-foot CNG tanks are

mounted at the front part of the 8-foot bed, giving an effective

usable bed length of 4 feet, 8 inches. They provide a gasoline gallon

equivalent (GGE) of 18.2 gallons, with a claimed CNG-only highway

range of 301 miles. An 8- or 35-gallon gasoline fuel tank supplies

gasoline storage and extends the range to 966 miles (when equipped

with the available 35-gallon gasoline tank).

The Ram 2500 CNG has a 1,580-pound payload and 7,650-

pound towing capacity, and it comes standard

with four- and seven-pin trailer connectors and

a Class IV hitch receiver, as well as an integrated

trailer brake controller. The truck is covered by

Rams 5-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain

warranty, with the ancillary CNG hardware (such

as the tanks and fuel filler) covered by the trucks

3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The new configurations of the Ram 2500 CNG will be

available for purchase in the later part of 2015.

2016 Ram 2500Unless you deal with fleet pickup trucks on a regular basis or happen to have spotted one of these unicorns on the road, you may be part of a large group of diesel and gasoline pickup enthusiasts who do

not know that a Ram 2500 HD CNG (compressed natural gas) pickup

even exists. While the alternative fuel buff may have nerded-out on

this now-outdated news flash, Ram recently announced it will expand

this bi-fuel trucks offerings, showing the demand for alternative fuel

pickups is definitely alive and kicking. Ram first offered its factory-built

bi-fuel Ram 2500 CNG truck in 2012, as a fleet truck with availability

limited to only one configuration: a 4x4 crew cab longbed. Six months

later, the truck became available to retail customers. Flash-forward a

few years, and Ram will offer the 2500 CNG in regular cab and two-

wheel-drive configurations.

It is noteworthy to highlight a fact that could easily be overlooked:

Ram is the only North American manufacturer to offer a factory-built

CNG pickup, in contrast to third-party upfitter package offerings.

Factory-builtas in OEM, fully engineered and tested by FCA US

B Y M O N I C A G O N D E R M A N & E D W A R D A . S A N C H E Z

P H O T O : C O U R T E S Y O F T H E M A N U F A C T U R E R

8LGS-150033-CNG-R1.indd 4/2/15 10:48 AM PAGE 298LGS-150033-CNG-R1.indd 4/2/15 10:48 AM PAGE 29

INK

W141442-8LGS-150033_1.pdf 10:12:32 AM__03/27/2015 Ad Insertionblackyellowmagentacyan

INK

W141442-8LGS-150033_2.pdf 10:12:33 AM__03/27/2015 Ad Insertionblackyellowmagentacyan


Alternate RealitiesWHICH ALTERNATIVE FUEL SHOULD YOU USE IN YOUR WORK TRUCK?

Despite the predominance of petroleum-based fuels, a

number of alternative fuels have been experimented with

over the last century or so. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of

the engine bearing his name, initially envisioned using

unrefined oil. Henry Ford felt ethanol would be the fuel of

choice for his Model T, noting that fuel could be fermented

from fruit, weeds, or sawdust. (And recent research

indicates gasoline can also be made directly from sawdust.)

During WWII, German engineers ran military vehicles on a dirty coal

oil. In recent years, biodiesel made from animal fat and vegetable oil

has also caught on and is now accepted as a blending fuel in small

percentages. Weve even heard of fuel made from some really strange

feedstocks, such as dirty diapers, pig manure, or dead cats (were not

kidding here).

Obviously, work truck owners cant tolerate a substandard quality

of fuel from a suspect feedstock, since their livelihood depends on a

reliable, clean-running vehicle with a minimum of downtime for mainte-

nance and repairs. So its of practical value to take a look at some of the

latest data on fuel research and direct experience with various types of

fuels. Well focus on diesel alternatives in particular, since diesel engines

are more commonly found in heavier-duty vehicles. Well start with a

brief overview of the various alternative fuels available and then relate

the experiences of a manager of a large fleet of municipal work vehicles.

Some might confuse biodiesel with straight vegetable oil (SVO). While it

is possible to burn SVO in some diesel engines, it typically requires using a

heated, secondary tank to thin it out. Also, newer, high-pressure fuel injec-

tors cant handle the high viscosity of SVO. So thats really not an option

for late-model work trucksand will void the engine warranty as well.

B Y S T E V E T E M P L E P H O T O S : S T E V E T E M P L E

chemical

cle.

a

first

nol,

hydroxide.

esters

years,

expect

various

provides

8LGS-150033-GDIES.indd 3/31/15 8:09 AM PAGE 328LGS-150033-GDIES.indd 3/31/15 8:09 AM PAGE 32

Vehicle Manager Dave Johnson has found GDiesel to per-

form better in a variety of conditions and work trucks

and it requires less maintenance.


Realities

the

engines

vehicles.

a

-

In contrast, biodiesel is extracted from vegetable oil through a proven

chemical process (see sidebar) and requires no modifications to your vehi-

cle. Without getting too technical, the manufacturing of biodiesel involves

a chemical term called transesterification. In this process, the fat or oil is

first purified and then reacted with an alcohol, usually methanol or etha-

nol, in the presence of a catalyst such as potassium hydroxide or sodium

hydroxide. When this happens, the triacylglycerol is transformed to form

esters and glycerol. The esters that remain are what we call biodiesel.

A number of refiners have gotten into the biodiesel field in recent

years, with more than 1.1 billion gallons produced in 2012. So you can

expect to see growing use and availability of biodiesel.

Even though biodiesel contains no petroleum, it can be blended at

various levels with petroleum diesel. As little as 2 percent biodiesel

provides additional lubrication (Scheid Diesel adds biodiesel to its race

The difference in

clarity between

GDiesel (right)

and conventional

#2 diesel is

obvious.



ALTERNATE REALITIES

New Emissions Research on GDieselTo make things clear (literally in this case), GDiesel is not a biofuel, but an EPA-approved

alternative fuel made by further

refning of #2 diesel with natural

gas. It is produced by ARC

(Advanced Refning Concepts)

in northern Nevada, and the

process starts by pressurizing

and slightly heating diesel in

a steel tank. Then natural gas

is piped in and the resulting

mixture swirls up and through a

wheel-shaped flter wrapped with

four different metal catalysts

that cause the two fuels to

bond together. After further

fltration, the fnal GDiesel fuel

has shorter-length hydrocarbon

molecules that combust more

completely than longer-chain

molecules, akin to throwing

smaller pieces of wood on a fre

rather than a big log.

While ARC makes no claims

about improvements in fuel

effciency, weve seen a number

of independent reports from

feets using GDiesel that

indicate improvements in mpg

range from 10 to 35 percent,

depending on the engine

and vehicle. Veteran off-road

competitor and instructor Rod

Hall found that GDiesel greatly

improved the fuel effciency of

his schools Humvee trucks. And

weve personally measured a 21

percent gain in a 96 Dodge Ram

with a 12-valve Cummins.

In addition, we also came

across some recent emissions

research by Dr. Eric A. Lutz,

published in the Journal of

Occupational and Environmental

Hygiene. This article compared

the emissions of petroleum

diesel with GDiesel and B75

biodiesel in an underground

mining operation. Since diesel

fuel is a known carcinogen

and can also cause various

respiratory ailments, fnding

cleaner alternatives is clearly

needed for greater safety in the

work environment.

More than 223,000 miners

are actively employed in the

U.S., and they rely on diesel-

powered rigs, along with

gensets and other heavy

equipment. Despite ventilation

and administrative controls,

levels of underground diesel

particulate matter frequently

exceed legal standards. Using

an 05 Wagner B10-203 LHD

vehicle as a testbed, Dr. Lutz

(who serves as assistant

professor and director of mining

safety and health programs at

the University of Arizona), found

that GDiesel has a signifcantly

lower diesel particulate

matter66 percentthan

ultra-low-sulfur #2 diesel. By

comparison, biodiesel lowered

particulates by 33 percent. His

research further indicates that

GDiesel resulted in a reduction

in all other exposures (except

CO, which is typically not at

high levels for diesel fuel, ARC

notes).

fuel for this reason), and a number of major diesel engine manufactur-

ers approve of percentages ranging from 5 to 20 percent (referred

to as B5 and B20). In some cases, biodiesel is used as the sole fuel

(B100). (Note, however, that running pure biodiesel might void an

engine warranty claim.)

While biodiesel furnishes similar fuel economy, horsepower, and

torque as regular dieselalong with signifcantly reduced emissions

not all fuel experts and work truck operators prefer it. We spoke at

length with Dave Johnson, manager of the Automotive Services Division

for Clark County, Nevada, whos in charge of a feet of 2,800 municipal

vehiclesabout 1,500 of them diesel (approximately 75 percent pick-

ups). Since using alternative fuel is mandated by the State, Johnson

has extensively tested and compared three different types: B5 bio-

diesel, oxydiesel (an ethanol/diesel blend), and GDiesel (see sidebar).

Johnson has used all of these fuels in a variety of vehicles and in

various temperature extremes, from shuttle buses on the tarmac

at McCarran airport in summer heat to snowplows at nearby Mt.

Charleston in freezing weather.

The bottom line? He favors GDiesel from ARC (Advanced Refning

Concepts) over the other three types of fuel, for a variety of reasons.

Its never gelled once at Mt. Charleston in cold weather, he says. Thats

not the case with B5 or #2 diesel, both of which require cold-weather

additives during the winter. Even with the additives, he notes that his

biodiesel-fueled rigs are typically harder to start in cold weather.

Oxydiesel is much more volatile, but in the summer heat of Las

Vegas, its much lower fash point requires using spark arrestors, and

other safety precautions, Johnson points out. He also found that some

vehicles running oxydiesel wouldnt restart at the airport until they

cooled off for a few hours.

Johnson notes other drawbacks of using B5: It makes black smoke

Peter Gunnerman of Advanced Refning Concepts, pictured atop his refnery near

Sparks, Nevada, says his frm is evaluating new ways to increase the output and dis-

tribution of GDiesel to keep up with increasing demand.

Producing GDiesel begins with heated and pressurized #2 diesel, which is catalyzed

with natural gas to form a much cleaner, lighter, higher-quality fuel.


MM-489MM-366MM-245MM-164MMM-164B

DEEGAN 38 PRO 2DEEGAN 38 PRO 4SIDEBITER IICLASSIC III BLACKCLASSIC IIICLASSIC BAJA LOCK

DEEGAN 38BAJA CLAW TTC NEWBAJA MTZP3NEW

NEW BAJA ATZP3BAJA STZ

SHOP, COMPARE, SAVE. Click the Buy Now button at MickeyThompsonTires.com.

NEW M/T METAL SERIES WHEELS & DEEGAN 38 WHEELS AVAILABLE!

BAJA MTZP3

is an incredible mud terrain tire that has

been specially designed with a unique silica

reinforced tread compound for longer wear,

enhanced wet weather capability, and

superior cut and chip resistance.

For a dealer near you, 866-943-6751 MickeyThompsonTires.com



ALTERNATE REALITIESin back, and I have to clean the storage tanks twice a year, instead of

just once a year with GDiesel, as a precaution. Filters need to be changed

more often as well, usually every 30 days, both of which add to his oper-

ating expense and maintenance downtime. As the flters get clogged

with particulates, the storage tank pump slows down, too. Its a real

pain, he adds.

Regarding repairs on vehicle engines, Ive lost fuel pumps and injec-

tors with B5, Johnson notes. Ive never had a [mechanical] issue with

GDiesel. That aspect is particularly a concern with the emergency

vehicles (fre trucks and ambulances). GDiesel is a premium fuel in my

opinion, he adds. Its worth every penny.

At this stage, GDiesel has only limited availability. Its sold mostly

to construction and agricultural accounts, and a few retail stations in

Home-Brewed Biodiesel?Small-scale biodiesel companies and DIY home-based operations have sprung up

in recent years. Several companies

make machines that enable you

to produce biodiesel in your own

garage or workshop on a small

scaleabout 40 to 100 gallons per

dayfor less than $1.00 per gallon

(not counting the labor involved).

A biodiesel system typically

consists of a couple of plastic

tanks with pumps, hoses,

valves, and flters, along with

a weight scale and testing

equipment. To produce

biodiesel, you frst have to

collect some waste oil and

flter out any debris. Then its

quality has to be evaluated by

titration, a simple chemical

test that determines the amount

of lye and methanol required to

convert the oil to biodiesel.

These two chemicals are

carefully mixed together in a

sealed container. This mixture,

called sodium methoxide, is

caustic and requires safety

precautions such as protective

goggles and gloves. The mixture

is added to a tank of lukewarm

oil (heat speeds the conversion

process), and after about 30

minutes, glycerin separates out

from the oil and is drained off. The

resulting biodiesel is slightly cloudy

at this point. Although it can be

burned as fuel, some systems add

another step of water washing

for further refning. This phase

uses a mister to spray water into

the oil. As the water sinks to the

bottom (since oil foats on water),

it captures impurities and is later

drained off.

Lastly, the biodiesel is pumped

through a water separator to

eliminate any remaining moisture,

and fne flters to get rid of

particles and impurities. Some

companies recommend an

additional drying stage if water

washing is used.

If youre a work truck owner/

operator and youre considering

making your own biofuel, keep

in mind a few cautions: Its fairly

time-consuming to collect and

refne a biodiesel feedstock. Its

also imperative to be safety-

conscious, since the process

requires working with methanol

and lye. Last but not least, a

by-product of biodiesel processing

is glycerol (also known as glycerin),

which requires a suitable use or

method of disposal.

Note, too, that biodiesel is

a solvent and tends to loosen

accumulated sludge, which

might clog the flter and require

replacement after running a tank

or two in an older vehicle. Also,

most pre-94 and a few later-

model vehicles may have rubber

fuel lines and/or rubber seals in

the fuel system. Biodiesel will

gradually swell the rubber and

degrade it. Its a good idea to

check under your hood periodically

and replace fuel lines and

seals with a biodiesel-resistant

synthetic, such as Viton, if they

begin to deteriorate.

In addition, for those who drive

in a colder climate, biodiesel gels at

around freezing or slightly higher,

depending on what kind of oil/

fats it was made from and the

percentage of the blend. Of course,

this clouding can be a problem for

diesel fuel in general, and the same

cold-weather additives can be used

for biodiesel as well.

Other biodiesel feed-

stocks include jatropha,

peanut, soybean, coco-

nut, and waste fryer oil.

Biodiesel can be made

from a variety of feed-

stocks, such as canola

oil (right), or even cof-

fee beans (left).

Making biodiesel in your own garage or workplace is feasible and economical but

requires some safety precautions.

The late Dr. Rudy

Gunnerman,

inventor of

GDiesel, showing

the computer

controls at his

refnery.


INK



ALTERNATE REALITIESReno. ARC is working on increasing the number of refneries and their

output volume as well, along with other applications such as refning

waste oil and producing jet fuel.

Since there are more choices than ever in the alternative fuel

field, we want to know: What fuel do you prefer for your fleet, and

why? Finally, as with any new technology, not everything works

exactly as claimed. Its wise

to confirm any refiners

promises of performance

with actual users to keep

your work truck running

reliably and clean in all

sorts of conditions.

Ethanol: Alcohol-Based FuelRecently, entertainer and car collector Jay Leno raised a question in an AutoWeek article

titled Cant We Just Get Rid of

Ethanol? Thats a reversal for

him, since not too long ago at

SEMA, he touted E85 and other

ethanol blends of gasoline with

his Z06 Vette. Lets address a

couple of objections to ethanol

that both Leno and others have

raised.

Its true that ethanol

emulsifes and holds water. But

that can be an advantage, since

gas tanks are actually drier

after the transition from E0

to E10. With straight gasoline,

whatever water is in any tank or

atmosphere phase separates

and falls to the bottom of the

tank. With ethanol-blended

fuel, however, that water will be

suspended during the driving

of the vehicle and vaporized by

the engine.

Concerns about the increased

risk of engine fres or damage

have not been substantiated

even on older vehicles. And

much testing with E0 (0 percent

ethanol) and E10 (10 percent

ethanol) shows the latter type

should not negatively affect

an old car or truck. And newer

fex-fuel vehicles are designed

to handle ethanol.

Even so, the energy content

of ethanol is lower than

gasoline, so your fuel mileage

will be reduced. On the plus

side, ethanol has a higher

octane level, so it works

well with high-compression

and either turbocharged or

supercharged engines.

Learn more at: ethanolrfa.org/

pages/ethanol-facts.

GDiesels Ginormous Ford F-650 When youre an electrician working for GDiesel refner ARC, it only makes sense to drive

a diesel truckbut not just any

rig. To really make a statement,

Chuck Bump mans the wheel of

a supersized Ford F-650.

Instead of being ftted with a

functional fatbed or cargo box

in the rear, Manning converted

the chassis cab truck into a

four-wheel-drive setup with a

pickup bed out back. The latter

mod required shortening the

framerails to 56 inches. Since

the cargo bed sits a full foot

above them, a collapsible ladder

deploys from its mounting on

the tailgate to make it easier to

climb aboard.

The four-wheel-drive

conversion was fairly involved,

with the steer-drive axle

swapped out for a Marmon-

Herrington front-drive drop axle

in a center bowl confguration

with automatic slack adjusters

for the air brakes. Double Cardan

joints were used in the two-piece

front driveline thats mated to

a Marmon-Herrington MVG750

two-speed transfer case with an

air-shift mechanism.

This setup has some specifc

requirements. Only a 43B or 43C

OEM front axle can be used (with

the drive-axle rating the same

as the factory GAWR). Regarding

the transmission, a fve-speed

automatic is recommended, since

the top gear has to be deleted

on a six-speed unit. For exhaust,

either the 91B or 91D systems are

ftted. Lastly, this setup only works

on air-brake trucks running on

22.5-inch wheels with an air-ride

suspension and/or a high-CG body.

The Fords stock 6.7L

Cummins engine had just

18,000 miles on it when Bump

purchased it. Leaving well

enough alone, he focused his

upgrades on the cosmetics,

such as adding diamond-plate

covers on the battery boxes,

plus side and rear body trim. To

show off his employers fuel,

Bump had J&R Sign company in

Reno, Nevada, apply the GDiesel

logo wrap with the company

logo prominently displayed.

Everybody knows what kind of

fuel Bumps running when he

rumbles through town.

In Europe, where diesel is much more commonly used, GDiesel is gaining acceptance

as a preferred form of fuel. These technicians from Key Industry Engineering Group,

LLC are planning to set up a refnery in the Czech Republic.

Advanced Refning Concepts, LLC

775-826-2727

clearrefning.com

source



Pick Your PropulsionDRIVING THREE FORD F-59 ALTERNATIVE-FUEL OPTIONS

The 2015 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis is the nations largest

convention of work truck manufacturers and equipment suppli-

ers. Its the perfect place for companies to show off their great-

est technologies. With a signifcant emphasis placed on green

trucks, much of that technology was focused on reducing fuel

consumption and emissions, while providing lower operating costs and

simpler feet integration to those brave early adopters.

Proving they knew how to put their money where their mouths

were, several different companies offered testdrives and rides to allow

attendees to experience their cutting-edge technology frsthand. We

were invited to drive three Ford F-59 box vans, each powered by a dif-

ferent propulsion system.

B Y B R E T T T . E V A N S P H O T O S : B R E T T T . E V A N S A N D C O U R T E S Y O F T H E M A N U F A C T U R E R S

Crosspoint Kinetics: Ford F-59 Gas-Electric Hybrid

Crosspoint Kinetics solution to the energy problem is a bolt-on, after-transmission electric hybrid system that uses compact ultra-capacitors in place of batteries for energy storage. As with most hybrid

electric vehicles, the Crosspoint F-59 uses regenerative braking to build

a reserve of potential energy. However, the system only works from 30

mph to 0, with electric boost then moving from the ultracapacitors to

the rear wheels as the vehicle accelerates to that 30-mph threshold.

At that point, the vehicle moves on its primary fuel source (gasoline,

diesel, compressed natural gas, or propane) alone.

While the hybrid system may sound a bit underwhelming com-

pared to other electric tours de force, there are a number of

benefits, including lower initial cost and more reliable operation.

Additionally, most box vans spend the majority of their time decel-

erating from and accelerating to 30 mph, so Crosspoints system

is well suited to the application. The company claims efficiency

increases of 30 percent in normal fleet van driving, with a commen-

surate decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

In practical use, it all worked seamlessly. Regenerative braking was

unnoticeable, and the engines auto-stop was responsive when the

light turned green. Aside from the initial surprise at the gas engine

shutting down when stopped, the vehicle provided a driving experience

similar to any other box van.

Using a somewhat conventional gas-electric hybrid system, the Crosspoint

Kinetics Ford F-59 relies on ultracapacitorsnot batteriesto store energy.

That important switch is what makes the conversion relatively simple and

cheap. An engine stop-start system further reduces emissions and fuel con-

sumption, particularly in urban driving.

Roush CleanTech:

Tmuch

and

green

signifcantly

time)

Modifer

manufacturers

new

8LGS-150033-ALT.indd 3/31/15 8:12 AM PAGE 428LGS-150033-ALT.indd 3/31/15 8:12 AM PAGE 42


Propulsionallow

-

experience

Roush CleanTech: Ford F-59 Propane

The propane-fueled Roush CleanTech Ford F-59 was the only non-hybrid we drove at the Work Truck Show. However, propane burns much cleaner than gasoline or diesel (eliminating particulate emissions

and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 percent), so its

green cred shouldnt be discounted. Other advantages to the fuel are

signifcantly lower fuel costs (around half the price of gasoline at press

time) and relatively simple conversion.

Additionally, Roush CleanTech recently achieved Qualifed Vehicle

Modifer status from the Ford Motor Company (a goal shared by the

manufacturers of each of the vehicles we drove), so purchasing a brand-

new, propane-powered Ford work truck is very simple.

There are a few disadvantages to propane, however, one being

range anxiety that stems from limited refueling options. Most feets

that run propane install fueling tanks within the companys motor pool,

allowing them to refuel at the home base at the end of the day. Many

trucks routes are within the range of a full tank, but still, anxiety will

linger until propane is more widely available.

The driving experience of the Roush F-59 could not have been

more conventional. Except for the vans massive proportions, it was

as simple to operate as any other vehicle. That driving feel was both

a selling point and a negative: Fleet operators who expect a can-

tankerous science experiment are instead rewarded with the same

dynamics as their current vans, but those who crave a little gee-whiz

will be disappointed.

Roush CleanTech announced a partnership with AmeriPride,

the linen supply company, which will now use propane-powered

Roush trucks in its delivery feet. Tucker Perkins, chief business

development offcer for the Propane Education and Research

Council, advocates the use of propane thanks to its cleaner burn

and domestic production compared to fossil fuels.


Since it runs on conventional fuels, the

Lightning Hybrids hydraulic hybrid can be

tanked up just about anywhere gas or diesel is

available. However, its unique hybrid system

lowers fuel consumption and extends service-

brake life in stop-start environments, like those

of most delivery trucks.

Lightning Hybrids: Ford F-59 Gas- Hydraulic HybridIts for that group of tech-happy early adopters that the Lightning Hybrids gasoline-hydraulic system is ideal. Hybrids solution uses hydraulic fuid instead of electricity to assist the primary power source.

Once the operator touches the brake pedal, a driveshaft-mounted pump

engages, moving the fuid from a low-pressure tank to a high-pressure

tank. This creates drag, slowing the vehicle down without actually using

the service brakes, if youre careful. Then, upon acceleration, the high-

pressure tanks potential energy is released through the pump and

power transfer unit as fuid moves back into the low-pressure tank.

The company claims a break-even payback after just one month of

normal operation based on fuel cost and brake savings, since its pos-

sible to gradually brake to a stop using just the hydraulic energy recov-

ery system. As with Crosspoints hybrid, the hydraulic hybrid is really

only effective at speeds less than 30 mph, but again, thats the space

where most delivery vans do their work. Decreased greenhouse gas

emissions and better braking and acceleration come along for the ride.

Driving the Lightning Hybrids gas-hydraulic system felt a bit like driving

Ms. Frizzles Magic School Bus. The hydraulic pump and power transfer

unit whirred and hummed at low speeds, alternating between energy

recovery and assist at every move of the right foot. (To be fair, the

noises were likely exacerbated by our empty vans echo-

chamber cargo area.) Performance and braking felt

notably better, although the regenerative-

braking system was hard to modulate

smoothly. Still, it was lots of fun!


PICK YOUR PROPULSION

Wed love to have driven this all-electric take on the Ford F-59 by Motiv Power

Systems. Using readily available batteries, motors, and chassis, the Motiv

solution is less costly and easier to procure than other all-electric delivery-

van options. Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz says the system is ideal for predictable,

repetitive environments like sanitation vehicles and shuttle buses.

Motiv Power Systems: Electric Ford F-59 ChassisAlthough a running vehicle wasnt available to test, Motiv Power Systems took the opportunity to show off its all-electric Ford F-59 chassis. Removing the engine creates ample room for battery packs and electric motors, which can propel a chassis for about 80 miles. As with other electrics, charging can occur at off-peak times (like at night), resulting in even more operation savings.

The company has received great feedback from the city of Chicago, which uses Motivum, shall we saymotivation for some of its sanitation

trucks. This application is ideal for electrifcation, as a city route is typically well within the range of the electric system. Replacing a gas or diesel

engine with electricity cuts down on neighborhood noise and noxious emissions as well, and thats something anyone whos been awoken at 7 a.m.

by a smelly diesel garbage truck can appreciate.

The company has placed several vehicles into feets, ranging

from Ford E-450 buses to the aforementioned garbage trucks.

Motiv says its product can be optimized for any chassis from

Class 3 to Class 8, using custom battery solutions for each

application. According to Motiv, the system pays for itself in three

years compared to diesel, which is impressive given the long life

span many feet vehicles enjoy.


Heavy Duty Transmission Pans and Differential Covers

Often Copied,

Never Duplicated

818.786.8325

www.mag-hytec.com

Magnetic drain plugs

Magnetic dipstick

Cast Aluminum A356-T6

Tapped for temperature probe

25 to 50 Heat reduction

ARP O-rings on Most applications

Longer service intervals

Quicker, cleaner maintenance

Just Released GM T-400

INK


INK



LIGHTING THE WAYDURACELL POWER FO

RWARD PROGRAM

HELPS REBUILD AND RECHARGE

B Y B R E T T T . E V A N S A N D M

O N I C A G O N D ER M A N P H

O T O S : C O U R TE S Y O F D U R A

C E L L

If youre anything like us, you probably take electricity for granted.

When that little red battery icon fashes on your phone, all it takes

is a quick jaunt to the nearest wall outlet to restore your device.

Unfortunately, after a natural disaster, a lack of access to reliable

electricity hobbles those lines of communication, which are now

more important than ever.

The Duracell Power Forward program, which since 2011 has

provided free batteries and power to those impacted by natural disasters,

proves Duracell knows how important communication can be following a

storm, earthquake, food, or landslide. Its recent initiative includes reach-

ing more people, more quickly, by expanding its feet of on-the-ground

relief vehicles, joining up with The Weather Channel (to track storms for

optimal feet deployment), and reaffrming its commitment to Ready.gov

(to spread the preparedness message). The goal? Reach any storm site in

the

and

disaster

says Jeff

little

expanding

8LGS-150033-DPF.indd 3/31/15 8:14 AM PAGE 488LGS-150033-DPF.indd 3/31/15 8:14 AM PAGE 48

The new Duracell Power Forward feet carries on the tradition of providing

free batteries to those affected by natural disasters, but now, Wi-Fi

and charging for wireless devices, among many other modern

necessities, are available to help keep families

and friends in close contact with each

other following storms, earth-

quakes, and extreme

weather.


LIGHTING THE WAY

disasters,

-

in

the continental United States within 24 hours to provide batteries, Wi-Fi,

and mobile charging.

Being in the battery business, we know all too well when a natural

disaster strikes, power fails and communities arent always prepared,

says Jeff Jarrett, marketing director for Duracell. Duracell believes a

little power goes a long way in reviving hope, so we have committed to

expanding our feet and relief efforts.

The Power Forward feet of custom-built Chevrolet light- and medium-

duty trucks is equipped with lockable charging stations, Wi-Fi, and

Internet-enabled computersall ready to serve the residents of a dis-

placed community free of charge (no pun intended).

The largest of the trucks is the Manchester, New Hampshirebased

Chevrolet Kodiak 4500 Community Center, which tows a large trailer.

Primarily designed for the Northeasts crippling snowstorms and


Since 2011, Duracell Power Forward has been on the ground providing batteries, power, and comfort to those in need. The feet has deployed to 14 disaster locations and helped more than 30,000 families by distributing more than 350,000 batteries, charging more than 7,000 devices, and providing computer access to more than 5,000 people.

Five different trucks with four different specifc purposes are used to make sure as

many people have access to reliable electricity as possible. With each application

ftted with a variety of winches, bumpers, lift kits, and emergency equipment, debris

and blocked roads are no match for these trucks.


hurricanes, the Kodiaks trailer is equipped with 32 charging lockers,

four on-board computer stations, two generators, and a Wi-Fi hotspot to

help maintain contact with loved ones. Additionally, a climate-controlled

community lounge gives families a place to safely gather, while four

televisions can play weather, news, sports, and childrens movies, helping

provide a sense of normalcy in a time of trial.

Joining the Kodiak in Manchester is a dualie Chevrolet Silverado

3500HD Heavy Hauler. The trucks utility bed features enough charg-

ing stations to provide power to 60 cell phones simultaneously, while a

bed-mounted TV provides weather information and on-board Wi-Fi helps

citizens connect. Additionally, a 20-amp inverter driven by four deep-cell

batteries can provide up to 500 hours of emergency power without need-

ing recharging. Obviously, the Heavy Hauler is a power source, but since

LIGHTING THE WAY

its equipped with a heavy-duty brushguard, winch, 4-inch suspension

lift, and 10,000-pound towing capacity, it can also be used to free

stranded vehicles, clear fallen trees, and haul away rubble and debris.

The Heavy Hauler also has a twin located in San Francisco, used primarily


INK



in the event of the regions all-too-common earthquakes, foods, and

mudslides.

The Silverado 2500HD Rapid Responder combines many of the same

features in a lighter-duty package, featuring charging stations, secure

charging lockers, Wi-Fi, three computer stations, and emergency tools.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the Rapid Responder primarily operates fol-

lowing tornadoes and foods, using a 1.5-inch lift, brushguard, and winch

to clear a safe path through affected communities.

Also serving the Midwest and South is the New Orleansbased Rugged

Responder, a massive, lifted Silverado 3500HD dualie. A Fab Fours set

of bumpers, 6-inch Skyjacker lift, and 37-inch Toyo tires provide all the

ruggedness needed for the hurricane, tornado, and food conditions.

Most notably, additional door sealing

and a high-mounted snorkel enable the

Rugged Responder to ford water nearly

5 feet deep. Those capabilities give the

truck access to even the most remote,

cut-off communities, where people will

surely appreciate more charging stations,

Wi-Fi, and an outdoor television display.

Recovery tools, storage boxes, and a cus-

tom ARE cap provide additional utility.

All the Power Forward trucks are paint-

ed in Duracells signature paint scheme.

In fact, from afar, the Kodiaks trailer

looks a lot like a gigantic D-cell battery.

The trucks stand out, which likely helps

residents of affected communities fnd

them. In the past, the feet has made its

LIGHTING THE WAY

This Duracell Power Forward Rugged Responder is capable of handling nearly 5 feet

of standing water thanks to its massive lift, 37-inch tires, additional door sealing, and

snorkel-type air intake.

The Duracell Power Forward

crew is on call for almost any

weather-related emergency

nationwide. If you see the

CopperTop trucks in your

neighborhood, you can bet

theyll be willing to help you

get your devices charged and

contact your loved ones.

way to the California Bay Area; North Carolina; Monroe,

Documents

8 Lug HD Truck - June 2015