Truck Topics

Featured Products for the Road

Light 'em up!
Grote Industries has introduced a new series of technologically advanced LED-based lighting products for heavy-duty trucks.

Grote representatives say the company has taken major steps in automation production and has developed new product lines, including the Super Nova and the Single Diode lighting applications that can be installed in old and new vehicles.

Grote Industries
www.grote.com


No Idle heating

Anti-idling technology manufacturer Espar Heater Systems has introduced three new products:
-The Hybernator-On Frame
-The Hybernator-In Frame
-Baire Necessity System

"We've taken what our customers have asked us, and we've made changes to accommodate that," says John Bishop, vice president of sales for Espar.

According to Bishop, some of the benefits of these innovative systems are idling reduction, fuel savings (of up to $35 per day), local and regional legislation compliance, and engine and component wear reduction.

The Hybernator-On Frame system uses the California Air Resources Board-approved Hydronic 5 heater to provide engine-off heat to the cab, the engine and the fuel system; circulates engine coolant; and allows quick starts in the coldest environments.

The Hybernator-In Frame system "is based on the On-Frame system, but enables the installation of the unit between the frame rails without drilling," says Espar's Vice President of Marketing and Communications John Dennehy.

Although the third system, the Baire Necessity, also provides engine-off heat to the cab, it does not require the permanent installation of Esparís CARB-approved Airtronic D2 bunk heater. This window-mounted system can be conveniently transported in the truck or easily moved from one truck to another. Also, "freight terminals can supply them to drivers for temporary no-idle relief," says Dennehy.

Espar's heater systems require 12- or 24-volt battery systems and gasoline or diesel as an on-board fuel.

Espar Heater Systems
www.espar.com

Safety first!
The 4-in-1 SafetyStick Emergency Tool and Flashlight is a multi-faceted tool that includes a strong-beamed flashlight, flashing red LED strobes to alert oncoming motorists of an emergency situation ahead, a seatbelt cutter, and a steel-pointed hammer-like tip that is designed to shatter any window with just a tap.

The SafetyStick also sports a magnetic bottom that allows a motorist to attach the unit to the side of a vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. It sells for $14.95 at

SafetyBright
www.safetybright.com


Into the future
Cobra Electronicsí new 29 LTD BT is the first-ever CB radio to offer Bluetooth wireless technology.

The 29 LTD BT allows mobile phone calls to be synched with the CB radio so that incoming audio is routed through the radioís 5-watt CB speaker. A noise-canceling microphone lets calls be heard loud and clear even over a noisy engine, the company says.

The Bluetooth feature also gives drivers the ability to answer and terminate calls by pushing one button on the CB microphone. The new auto-redial feature also allows for one-touch redialing of the last number dialed.

The 29 LTD BT will be available at travel centers and CB dealers starting in summer 2008 for $189.95.

Cobra Electronics
www.cobra.com


Battery Brain
Smart Energy Solutions worked with several major truck and bus fleet maintenance managers to develop its new high-capacity Battery Brain for the truck and bus markets.

The Heavy Duty Battery Brain is available for 12-volt and 24-volt systems and will withstand starter battery current draws of up to 2,000 amps, the company says. The device constantly monitors electrical discharge of the battery, and if it detects the battery is losing the charge needed to start the vehicleís engine, the device automatically disconnects the battery to preserve its starting power. Battery Brain also offers a built-in anti-theft feature on some products.

Smart Energy Solutions
www.smgy.net

A place for your laptop
Cyber Trucker's new Universal Workstation Laptop Stand will fit in any vehicle, installs with a single existing seat bolt, and can be transferred quickly to other vehicles.

Cyber Trucker says that it has also redesigned the Trucker's Workstation Laptop Stand. Made exclusively for big rigs, the Workstation is now available in a black powder-coated finish. Formerly plugged into the cigarette lighter, the dual cooling fans are now powered from the laptop with a USB connection.

Cyber Trucker has developed copyrighted software which will enhance the safety of laptop use while driving. Called the "Interlock," it locks out any program on a computer that is not approved for use while a vehicle is in motion.

Cyber Trucker
(866) 552-9237
www.cybertrucker.com


Cab comfort
The combination of Breezeway Truck Window Screens and the ElectroWarmth 12-volt bunk warmer together cost less than $150, making them a cost-effective way to avoid idling and save fuel, the company says. The items have a 30-day money-back guarantee and one-year warranty.

ElectroWarmth
(800) 990-4622
www.electrowarmth.com

Breezeway
(800) 548-4013
www.breezewayscreens.com


BioTrucker Fuel Card
The National Biodiesel Foundationís BioTrucker Fuel Card highlights the availability of biodiesel with a network of truckstops that carry biodiesel. By using the card, owner-operators and fleets pay cash price on all fuel and no fuel transaction fee for biodiesel at in-network truck stops.

In addition, Sapp Bros. Travel Centers (Peru, Ill.), Waddy Unocal 76 (Waddy, Ky.) and Drivers Truck Stop (Ft. Worth, Texas) are the first to offer a 2 cents per gallon discount at the pump for BioTrucker Fuel Card holders. The initial in-network list of 149 truckstops will continue to grow as more truckstops sell biodiesel and accept the BioTrucker Fuel Card.

The card also gives fleets and owner-operators easy access to cash advances and road-side assistance and discounts on repairs and tires. The card is accepted at 4,900 truck-accessible retail stations across the United States. Truckers and fleets can sign up for the card at www.biotrucker.com and find all in-network locations.

National Biodiesel Foundation
(800) 841-5849
www.biodiesel.org