Overdrive

gEAR guiDE 52 | Overdrive | May 2018 gEAR guiDE Floor mats for Casca dias Minimizer's Custom Molded Floor Mats now are available for Freightliner's Cascadia 116 and 126 models equipped with automatic transmissions. The company's engineers use technology to scan the interior measurements and angles of each specifi c truck make and model to facilitate an exact fi t for its fl oor mats. Minimizer also off ers fl oor mats for Freightliner's Cascadia 113 and 125 counterparts. minimizer.com, 800-248-3855 gEAR guiDE Solar charging system Go Power's solar Dual Charging System is engineered to switch automatically from charging pallet jacks to liftgates depending on what is plugged into the unit, helping to make deliveries more effi cient by saving fuel through solar power use. The kit is built for easy installation and features the com- pany's lightweight low-profi le solar modules that are ⅛ -inch thick with a fl exible, modular panel design. The panels deliver continuous battery charging for both the liftgate and the pallet jack while driving or parked. gpelectric.com/products/solar-elite-charging-system, 866-247-6527 Tractor-trailer power check Phillips' Qwik-Check is built for quick, easy indication of adequate power supply within the seven-way connection between the tractor and trailer. Designed for integration into the nosebox's electrical sys- tem, the device allows for visual confi rmation using col- or-coded LEDs that light up as each circuit receives power; an unlit light indicates a problem with the associated circuit. The universal unit comes with 12-inch blunt-cut wires and ring terminals to customize installation. Replacement units for the company's I-Box and Volt-Box noseboxes come with wires precut to length and ring terminals installed. phillipsind.com, 800-423-4512 Energy storage system Ioxus' uStart ultracapacitor-based energy storage system is engineered to improve starting reliability, extend battery and starter life and provide jumpstart capabilities. The smart power setup is available for OEM or retrofi t installation in Class 7 and 8 trucks and tractors with up to 12-liter engines. As a drop-in Group 31 battery replacement, uS- tart is designed to handle tough duty cycles and cold weather and reduce the number of batteries a truck would require throughout its service life. ioxus.com, 877-751-4222 setup is available for OEM or retrofi t installation in Class 7 and 8 trucks and tractors with up to 12-liter engines. As a drop-in Group 31 battery replacement, uS- tart is designed to handle tough duty cycles and Tire series Prometeon's Pirelli H89 Tire Series is designed for long-haul and regional service. The series includes dedicated tires for steer, drive and trailer axles and is engineered for excellent mileage and optimum traction in all conditions. prometeon.com, 770-686-8671

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• WHAT IS YOUR TIME WORTH? Landstar-leased Gary Buchs says you need to know the answer to that question to thrive in this business.
• Business: Tips for better rates Small-fleet-owner-turned-owner-operator-coach Kevin Rutherford presented three seminars at the Mid-America Trucking Show on running a more profitable small trucking business.
• COVER STORY: ‘World traveler’ Globetrotting and working diverse trucking jobs have shaped the 2017 Owner-Operator of the Year into a man of many experiences. But once a month, there’s no place like home for Phil Keith.
• Diversions: More music to truck by Past Overdrive Trucker Talent Search-winning singer-songwriter Jason Lee Wilson brings down the house at MATS; Mary Gauthier’s “Rifles & Rosary Beads” features songs written with military vets.
• How to extend drain intervals With engine oil and filter changes running upward of $300 at some shops, extending drain intervals can save hundreds of dollars a year and thousands over the life of your truck.
• Trailer aero savings can be substantial The responsibility of improving trailer drag has fallen largely on accessories such as skirts, tails and fairings. Such add-ons promise potential fuel savings.
• Truckers reprise ELD protest in D.C.
• Pulse: Self-driving’s “mushy middle.”
• Blowing the whistle on shippers and receivers.
• Load boards “a gamble” for old-school broker.
• Readers more open to gun restrictions.
• ELD violations added to CSA.
• Bill would allow drivers to pause 14-hour clock.
• FMCSA certain driver info secure after outage.
• SuperFan wins Peterbilt’s one millionth truck.
• After error, Cat Acert payments to be reissued.
• Owner-operator couple gets second chance with 379.
• George Parker’s retooled Coronado has a rat on back.
• $25K in prizes up for grabs at SuperRigs.
• Small fleet owner picks up first Bandit Series win.
• Reader Rigs: ’04 379 in the “Limelight”; ’15 389 flatbedder; ’Bama blue ’11 KW; ’15 389 a “voodoo queen.”
• EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT Mid-America Trucking Show products.
• GEAR GUIDE Floor mats, tires, LEDs, more.
• FLEET NEWS Carriers still raising driver pay.
• BETTER HEALTH On-the-road lifestyle can put truckers at risk for arthritis.