Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/324702
28 | Overdrive | June 2014 D espite the industry's lackluster truck sales since the recession, Byrdstown, Tenn.-based Fitzgerald Glider Kits has seen sales double each year since 2010. It expects that pace to continue in 2014. Though Fitzgerald concentrates its builds and engine programming on fuel economy and maintenance ease, its sales point to a growing trend for its owner-operator customers: the desire to run a new truck powered by a pre-ex- haust gas recirculation engine. Also, gone are the concerns from 20 or 30 years ago about gliders' quality and resale value, says Jay Burgess, a buyer for Insurance Auto Auction, a used truck reseller. Glider bodies, chassis, rear-ends and wiring are fully assembled and delivered to manufacturers such as Fitzgerald, the largest glider maker in the United States, and Ervin's, the second-largest, which then install the engine and trans- mission. Builders like Fitzgerald and Ervin's have helped spur demand for new and used gliders. What's the most popular glider equipment? Fitzgerald stocks its own engines, ob- tained from truck teardowns or salvage companies, says Tommy Fitzgerald, co-owner and vice president. It rema- chines and rebuilds them with remanu- factured components. Fitzgerald uses only 2003 model-year or older 12.7-liter Detroit Series 60 engines that are torn down and rebuilt in-house. It couples them with reman- ufactured Eaton-Fuller transmissions purchased from Eaton. Ervin's buys Freightliner "powered gliders" with remanufactured De- troit engines, 2003 and older, already installed, says Ken Eggen, director of business development. The company also uses reman Eaton-Fuller transmis- sions from the factory. Why buy a glider? Three key benefits of buying a glider are lower upfront cost and the potential GaininG altitude Today's glider kits are taking off, offering the same amenities and similar resale value and warranties as dealer trucks. One of the biggest attractions lies under the hood. Answers to these five questions will prime you for shopping. BY JAMES JAILLET 28 | Overdrive | June 2014 Gliders_0614.indd 28 6/3/14 10:46 AM