By Terry R. Minion, c 1995-2008 Commercial Truck Success

By Terry R. Minion, c 1995-2008 Commercial Truck Success


Commercial Trucks 101Commercial Trucks 101

Basic Commercial Truck Knowledge

And Sales Skill Training

Provided by Commercial Truck Success

Basic Commercial Truck Knowledge

And Sales Skill Training

Provided by Commercial Truck Success


Truck BasicsTruck Basics

Terms Defined. G.V.W. G.V.W.R. G.C.W. G.C.W.R. G.A.W.R. C.A. Tare

Terms Defined. G.V.W. G.V.W.R. G.C.W. G.C.W.R. G.A.W.R. C.A. Tare



What does G.V.W. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Vehicle Weight. What does it mean?

It is the weight of a vehicle AT ANY GIVEN TIME.

What does G.V.W. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Vehicle Weight. What does it mean?

It is the weight of a vehicle AT ANY GIVEN TIME.



What does G.C.W. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Combined Weight. What does it mean?

It is the weight of a vehicle and a trailer (towed vehicle) AT ANY GIVEN TIME.

What does G.C.W. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Combined Weight. What does it mean?

It is the weight of a vehicle and a trailer (towed vehicle) AT ANY GIVEN TIME.



What does G.V.W.R. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Vehicle Weight RATING. What does it mean?

It is the manufacturers rating of the maximum capacity of a vehicle including its own weight.

What does G.V.W.R. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Vehicle Weight RATING. What does it mean?

It is the manufacturers rating of the maximum capacity of a vehicle including its own weight.



What does G.A.W.R. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Axle Weight RATING. What does it mean?

It is the manufacturers rating of the maximum capacity of an axle including its own weight.

What does G.A.W.R. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Axle Weight RATING. What does it mean?

It is the manufacturers rating of the maximum capacity of an axle including its own weight.



What does G.C.W.R. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Combined Weight RATING. What does it mean?

It is the manufacturers rating of the maximum capacity of a vehicle and a trailer (towed vehicle) including its own weight.

What does G.C.W.R. mean?

The letters stand for Gross Combined Weight RATING. What does it mean?

It is the manufacturers rating of the maximum capacity of a vehicle and a trailer (towed vehicle) including its own weight.



What is Tare?

Tare is the empty weight of a vehicle.

What is Tare?

Tare is the empty weight of a vehicle.



What does C.A. mean?

C.A. is the distance between the back of the cab to the center of the rear axle measured in inches.

What does C.A. mean?

C.A. is the distance between the back of the cab to the center of the rear axle measured in inches.



What is the difference between G.V.W. and G.V.W.R.?

G.V.W. is what a vehicle weighs and G.V.W.R. is the maximum capacity of a vehicle including what it weighs.

What is the difference between G.V.W. and G.V.W.R.?

G.V.W. is what a vehicle weighs and G.V.W.R. is the maximum capacity of a vehicle including what it weighs.



As a “Rule of Thumb,” how is payload calculated? [Take what you’ve learned already and put your answer in the form of a formula; i.e., 2+2=4]

G.V.W.R. - G.V.W. (Gross Vehicle Weight RATING minus Gross Vehicle Weight)

As a “Rule of Thumb,” how is payload calculated? [Take what you’ve learned already and put your answer in the form of a formula; i.e., 2+2=4]

G.V.W.R. - G.V.W. (Gross Vehicle Weight RATING minus Gross Vehicle Weight)



Why is this only a “Rule of Thumb?”

It doesn’t take into consideration G.A.W.R. or Load Placement.

It also doesn’t take into consideration full fuel tanks, full passenger load, tire capacity, spring ratings, etc.

Why is this only a “Rule of Thumb?”

It doesn’t take into consideration G.A.W.R. or Load Placement.

It also doesn’t take into consideration full fuel tanks, full passenger load, tire capacity, spring ratings, etc.



As a “Rule of Thumb,” how is trailering capacity figured? [again, your answer needs to be as a formula]

G.C.W.R - G.V.W.

Gross Combined Weight Rating minus Gross Vehicle Weight.

As a “Rule of Thumb,” how is trailering capacity figured? [again, your answer needs to be as a formula]

G.C.W.R - G.V.W.

Gross Combined Weight Rating minus Gross Vehicle Weight.








What is torque?

Torque is “Twisting Force.”

What is torque?

Torque is “Twisting Force.”



Which is more important for towing, horsepower or torque?

Torque. Twisting force is what does the work.

Which is more important for towing, horsepower or torque?

Torque. Twisting force is what does the work.



Regarding towing: Basically ______ relates to how much you can tow and _____ how fast you can tow it?

Torque and Horsepower.

Torque will do the work, but more horsepower will help it do the work faster!

Regarding towing: Basically ______ relates to how much you can tow and _____ how fast you can tow it?

Torque and Horsepower.

Torque will do the work, but more horsepower will help it do the work faster!



Does your truck line have a G.C.W.R. chart or listing?

Yes.

Does your truck line have a G.C.W.R. chart or listing?

Yes.



Where would you find it?

Truck brochure, trailering guide, product information books.

Where would you find it?

Truck brochure, trailering guide, product information books.



What is it used for?

Calculating trailer capacity and truck requirements.

What is it used for?

Calculating trailer capacity and truck requirements.



What is a C.D.L.?

Commercial Drivers License.

What is a C.D.L.?

Commercial Drivers License.



At what point is a C.D.L. required?

26,001 lb.. G.V.W.R. (There are others such as Air Brakes, Volatile fuels, etc., but this is the basic requirement to be concerned with)

At what point is a C.D.L. required?

26,001 lb.. G.V.W.R. (There are others such as Air Brakes, Volatile fuels, etc., but this is the basic requirement to be concerned with)



Are C.D.L.’s only required in California?

No. It was designed as a nationwide program. (There were people who would get a D.U.I. and lose their license in one state, move to another and do it again. States didn’t communicate with each other.)

Are C.D.L.’s only required in California?

No. It was designed as a nationwide program. (There were people who would get a D.U.I. and lose their license in one state, move to another and do it again. States didn’t communicate with each other.)



Who monitors and operates Truck Weigh Stations?

C.H.P. California Highway Patrol.

Who monitors and operates Truck Weigh Stations?

C.H.P. California Highway Patrol.



Who must stop at Truck Weigh Stations?

All commercial vehicles, except pickup trucks.

Who must stop at Truck Weigh Stations?

All commercial vehicles, except pickup trucks.


Truck Body BasicsTruck Body Basics

Regarding van bodies, what does F.R.P. stand for?

Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood.

Regarding van bodies, what does F.R.P. stand for?

Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood.



Which is more durable and longer lasting, F.R.P., or Aluminum sheet?

F.R.P. is considerably stronger and more durable. This is the big reason that rental van companies choose F.R.P.

Which is more durable and longer lasting, F.R.P., or Aluminum sheet?

F.R.P. is considerably stronger and more durable. This is the big reason that rental van companies choose F.R.P.



Van bodies typically come in what heights? (There are others, but these are the most common)

84” 90” 96” 102”

Van bodies typically come in what heights? (There are others, but these are the most common)

84” 90” 96” 102”



What two types of bumpers typically come on van bodies?

Step bumper. Dock Bumper.

What two types of bumpers typically come on van bodies?

Step bumper. Dock Bumper.



What two types of lifts are typically put on van bodies?

Tuck-a-way (folds up underneath the body.)

Rail lift (folds up against the back of the body.)

What two types of lifts are typically put on van bodies?

Tuck-a-way (folds up underneath the body.)

Rail lift (folds up against the back of the body.)



What is the maximum legal width of a van body in inches?

102”

What is the maximum legal width of a van body in inches?

102”



Regarding service bodies, what two types of tops are offered?

Open top. Closed top.

Regarding service bodies, what two types of tops are offered?

Open top. Closed top.



Which is most popular?

Open top. (With all of the dividers in the open top section, there is plenty of space for small items--or take out the dividers and store long tools, etc.)

Which is most popular?

Open top. (With all of the dividers in the open top section, there is plenty of space for small items--or take out the dividers and store long tools, etc.)


Truck Body BasicsTruck Body Basics A service body is typically 1’

shorter than a flatbed designed for the same C.A.? Why?

A service body is heavier than a flatbed and it is typically loaded ALL of the time versus a flatbed on-loading and off-loading.

The further away from the rear axle we go, the more problem there is with axle loading, vehicle stability (safety), etc.

A service body is typically 1’ shorter than a flatbed designed for the same C.A.? Why?

A service body is heavier than a flatbed and it is typically loaded ALL of the time versus a flatbed on-loading and off-loading.

The further away from the rear axle we go, the more problem there is with axle loading, vehicle stability (safety), etc.



What does P.T.O. stand for?

Power Take-Off.

What does P.T.O. stand for?

Power Take-Off.



For a dump body, what two types of power are available to raise the body?

Power Take-Off. (Mechanical-Hydraulic) Electric. (Electric-Hydraulic)

For a dump body, what two types of power are available to raise the body?

Power Take-Off. (Mechanical-Hydraulic) Electric. (Electric-Hydraulic)



A “premium” flatbed vs. a standard flatbed might have some or all of these differences. What might some of them be?

Tapered headboard. Tool boxes on top or under bed. Rack. Custom apron. Hitch & wire connector. Stake-sides (generally 12-16”) Steel overlay.

A “premium” flatbed vs. a standard flatbed might have some or all of these differences. What might some of them be?

Tapered headboard. Tool boxes on top or under bed. Rack. Custom apron. Hitch & wire connector. Stake-sides (generally 12-16”) Steel overlay.



Would you install a 5-yard steel dump on a 15,000 Lb. G.V.W.R. truck?

PLEASE DON’T DO THIS! Wet sand weighs 3,300 Lbs., per yard. 5

yards would exceed the G.V.W.R. BEFORE we put a truck or a body under it!

Dry sand weighs 2,600 Lbs., per yard.

Would you install a 5-yard steel dump on a 15,000 Lb. G.V.W.R. truck?

PLEASE DON’T DO THIS! Wet sand weighs 3,300 Lbs., per yard. 5

yards would exceed the G.V.W.R. BEFORE we put a truck or a body under it!

Dry sand weighs 2,600 Lbs., per yard.



What capacity dump would you install on a 15k G.V.W.R. truck?

2-3 yard.

What capacity dump would you install on a 15k G.V.W.R. truck?

2-3 yard.


More Truck BasicsMore Truck Basics

What is the approximate G.V.W.R. range of medium duty trucks?

Generally, it is 18,000 to 34,000 Lbs. (However, the line is blurring)

What is the approximate G.V.W.R. range of medium duty trucks?

Generally, it is 18,000 to 34,000 Lbs. (However, the line is blurring)



Tilt-Cab Shorter wheel-base means

shorter turning radius. 4’ longer bed for similar

wheel-base. Driveability. It drives and

handles differently. Cab tilts to expose engine. Visability. Height & Glass

area.

Tilt-Cab Shorter wheel-base means

shorter turning radius. 4’ longer bed for similar

wheel-base. Driveability. It drives and

handles differently. Cab tilts to expose engine. Visability. Height & Glass

area.

Conventional Cab SAFETY. Longer wheel-base means

better ride. Driveability. It drives like

people are used to. Many options available. Comfortable familiarity.

Conventional Cab SAFETY. Longer wheel-base means

better ride. Driveability. It drives like

people are used to. Many options available. Comfortable familiarity.

Describe as customer benefits, the differences between a tilt-cab truck vs. a conventional-cab.

Describe as customer benefits, the differences between a tilt-cab truck vs. a conventional-cab.



Trailering capacity is reliant on three basic components of a truck. What are they?

Engine. Transmission. Rear axle (ratio).

Trailering capacity is reliant on three basic components of a truck. What are they?

Engine. Transmission. Rear axle (ratio).



Regarding tires, what is the load range letter equal to in ply-rating?

Load Range C 6 Load Range D 8 Load Range E 10 Load Range F 12 Load Range G 14

Regarding tires, what is the load range letter equal to in ply-rating?

Load Range C 6 Load Range D 8 Load Range E 10 Load Range F 12 Load Range G 14


More Truck Body BasicsMore Truck Body Basics

As a rule of thumb, what percentage of the body should be in front of the rear axle? Why?

60% So neither axle is overloaded. The

weight needs to be spread across both axles.

As a rule of thumb, what percentage of the body should be in front of the rear axle? Why?

60% So neither axle is overloaded. The

weight needs to be spread across both axles.



If we have a truck with an 11,000 lb. G.V.W.R., and and empty weight of 6,000 lbs., as a rule of thumb what would the cargo weight rating be?

5,000 lbs.

If we have a truck with an 11,000 lb. G.V.W.R., and and empty weight of 6,000 lbs., as a rule of thumb what would the cargo weight rating be?

5,000 lbs.



How did you come up with this answer? (Please use the formula you’ve learned!)

G.V.W.R. - G.V.W.

How did you come up with this answer? (Please use the formula you’ve learned!)

G.V.W.R. - G.V.W.



If the G.V.W.R. of my truck is 13,000 lbs., and the rear axle weight rating is 11,000 lbs., can I carry 11,000 lbs. on it?

Probably not, unless the truck and body weigh 2,000 lbs. or less.

If the G.V.W.R. of my truck is 13,000 lbs., and the rear axle weight rating is 11,000 lbs., can I carry 11,000 lbs. on it?

Probably not, unless the truck and body weigh 2,000 lbs. or less.



Typically, what length bodies would be best suited for the following C.A.’s?

Typically, what length bodies would be best suited for the following C.A.’s?



56" C.A.60" C.A.84" C.A.108" C.A.120" C.A.

Service Body 8' 9' 11' 13' 15'

Flatbed 8-9' 9-10' 12' 14' 16'

Flatbed Dump 8-9' 9-10' 12' 14' 16'

Steel Dump N/ A 8' 11' 11' 11'

Van Body 8-9' 9-10' 12' 14' 16'

Wrecker N/ A 8' 8' 8' 8'

Tow Rollback N/ A N/ A N/ A N/ A 19'



What does the term “Geared Speed” mean?

It is the maximum road speed of a vehicle based on, 1) maximum engine R.P.M., 2) axle ratio, and 3) tire diameter.

What does the term “Geared Speed” mean?

It is the maximum road speed of a vehicle based on, 1) maximum engine R.P.M., 2) axle ratio, and 3) tire diameter.



If you have a 9-ton rated hoist, does that mean it will lift 9-tons?

No.

Using this rating will confuse customers. It is best to avoid expressing the tonnage of the hoist capacity at all. We will put the right hoist on the truck.

If you have a 9-ton rated hoist, does that mean it will lift 9-tons?

No.

Using this rating will confuse customers. It is best to avoid expressing the tonnage of the hoist capacity at all. We will put the right hoist on the truck.



You have an 11,000 lb. G.V.W.R. truck with an 11,000 lb. rear axle rating with a flatbed dump on it and an empty weight of 6,500 lbs. The hoist is rated at 7.5 tons. How much weight can you put on the bed of the truck?

4,500 lbs.

You have an 11,000 lb. G.V.W.R. truck with an 11,000 lb. rear axle rating with a flatbed dump on it and an empty weight of 6,500 lbs. The hoist is rated at 7.5 tons. How much weight can you put on the bed of the truck?

4,500 lbs.



How did you come up with the answer?

G.V.W.R. - G.V.W.

It was good to ignore the other extra information that did not help you answer the question. Good job!

How did you come up with the answer?

G.V.W.R. - G.V.W.

It was good to ignore the other extra information that did not help you answer the question. Good job!


Final Exam QuestionFinal Exam Question

Your first responsibility is to protect the liability of the owner of the company you work for. A customer says he wants you to install a 5-yard steel dump on your 15,000 G.V.W.R. truck because he is only carrying tree bark and other light objects. What will you do?

Good. Avoiding this sale is a good thing for everyone involved.

Your first responsibility is to protect the liability of the owner of the company you work for. A customer says he wants you to install a 5-yard steel dump on your 15,000 G.V.W.R. truck because he is only carrying tree bark and other light objects. What will you do?

Good. Avoiding this sale is a good thing for everyone involved.


Congratulations!

You have just completed a course that will help you to better

understand proper truck and body application. This will help you sell

more trucks, all with the proper body and protect your dealer’s liability.

Congratulations!

You have just completed a course that will help you to better

understand proper truck and body application. This will help you sell

more trucks, all with the proper body and protect your dealer’s liability.

Thank you for taking part on behalf of Commercial Truck

Success

Thank you for taking part on behalf of Commercial Truck

Success

Documents

By Terry R. Minion, c 1995-2008 Commercial Truck Success