March 2009 - Performance Zone
THE PERFECT NEW TRUCK
By Performance Specialist Bruce C. Mallinson
For many years we have been making TRUCKS BETTER. Now, we are going to make BETTER TRUCKS! By now you are aware of the many problems facing today’s newer diesel engines. Most of these problems began in 2003 with the advent of advanced emission-reducing technology such as that in EGR engines and the Cat Bridge. Cat then went to the Acert twin turbo technology and Cummins, Detroit, Mack, Volvo and Mercedes stayed with the EGR system, which recycles exhaust back through the engine. Whether it’s Acert or EGR, both systems have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and the problems are astronomical.
As most of you mechanically-inclined owner operators (running a 2002 or older engine) already know, the older engines are virtually trouble-free and get better fuel mileage than those with a 2003 or newer truck. I have been preaching since 2003 to stay with the older trucks and just keep rebuilding them! However, there does come a time when the dream of owning a new truck becomes irresistible, and sometimes the need for a new truck becomes mandatory.
Unfortunately for most, this dream turns into a nightmare. The first thing you notice about this gorgeous new truck is that it simply has no power and struggles on the hills. Upon a trip back to the dealership, they will tell you that the truck needs to be broken in, so you have no choice but to tolerate this sick running truck (with a high payment) for at least 60,000 miles. Then, when you go back to the dealership, they say, “It’s within specs.” At that point, there is nothing they can do for you. That’s about the time you decide to call me to make it run right – but wouldn’t it be nice to avoid all these hassles? What if you could have a new truck, but without all the new truck problems? What if that new truck came with a tried, tested and true engine, gear ratio, and the transmission of your choice, equipped with our best high-performance technology and a warranty to back it up? It would be the best of both worlds. It would be like having your cake and getting to eat it, too! Well, this is all about to become a reality.
Many of you already know Kevin Rutherford. Kevin is the man on XM Radio channel 171 with the late show about trucking business and beyond. His website (www.CDLofit.com) and his radio show are considered to be gathering places where all of the talk is about trucks and how to make them more efficient and how to put more money in your pocket. Well, Kevin and I have been doing the Friday night show for several months now and we have become very good friends because of our dedication to the industry and our willingness to work with and help owner operators.
Kevin recently told me about a company in Crossville, TN that builds trucks. This company purchases 200 new trucks at a time, as glider kits (no drivetrain), directly from Freightliner. Then, older engines and transmissions are built, painted to match the truck, and installed. They do a beautiful job installing these rebuilt engines, which include all new hoses, sensors, harnesses, starter, alternator, A/C compressor, intake and exhaust manifolds, turbos, etc. Kevin and I went to Tennessee to visit Robert Fitzgerald, president and general manager of Fitzgerald Truck Sales, and were very amazed to see 75 acres lined with over 200 new trucks to choose from, along with five new buildings where these trucks are built. Robert has been building trucks since he was 12 years old and is now a 25 year-old southern gentleman with a soft voice and a great mind. His father, Tommy, started the company in 1989 with his brother Ricky. With Robert being so energetic, sharp and knowledgeable about trucks, Tommy has turned the reigns over to him, along with his younger brothers and sisters, to run the family business. The father, however, is still there to oversee the operation and lend a helping hand when needed.
Kevin Rutherford, who is a genius when it comes to operating a semi-truck and getting great fuel mileage, has some revolutionary ideas about building a truck unlike any you could purchase from a truck dealership! How about a single-axle tractor with a tag axle rather than another drive axle, so that when you don’t need it you can simply lift it? Perhaps it could be fitted with super-single tires so that when the tag axle was lifted, you would only have four tires on the ground. Maybe we can set up your trailer the same way, so that when you’re empty or light you could drive down the highway with only six tires on the pavement instead of 18! Furthermore, you could set the truck up with a direct drive transmission, because direct drive is the most powerful and fuel efficient gear to operate in. Along with some improvements regarding aerodynamics, these are just a few of the ideas that Kevin has to offer when it comes to putting together the perfect truck and obtaining the best fuel mileage.
Kevin, Robert and I have now teamed up to build a truck like no other. With Kevin’s experience in all aspects of the trucking industry, Robert’s experience in building trucks and my experience building engines, we are going to build a signature truck with everything the three of us have to offer. Our goal is to build a truck than can get as much as 9 mpg and run a million miles virtually trouble-free. The number of trucks built the first year will be limited to about 100 trucks, which will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Of course, the engine, which will be available with up to 850 horsepower, will come with all the upgrades I regularly discuss in my articles and it will be paired with a transmission built by Western Truck Parts.
Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding this limited edition signature truck or to find out how you can pre-order yours today. I hope you will join us on this adventure and give us your input on any ideas you may have to help us build the perfect “new” truck. Together, we can help each other in these trying times and figure out ways to put more money in your pocket and less down the drain (or out the pipes). I can be contact at Pittsburgh Power Inc. in Saxonburg, PA by calling (724) 360-4080. Or, if you prefer, send me an e-mail to bruce@pittsburghpower.com today.