Happy New Year

 

                   Happy New Year from Folsom Lake Ford Fleet

The BEST NEW WAY to Haul your MOWING EQUIPMENT- The RAMP RACK!

This is a great set-up for a dedicated mowing truck/crew. We have been running this all season with no complaints. I go over all of the reasons why I switched to this set-up and the benefits that I'm currently seeing. One of the immediate benefits was gas savings! I went from going through almost 2 tanks of gas in a week to one!!

Learn more at: https://theramprack.com/

Fleet 101: What is Torque?

This Fleet 101 episode of Truck Chat episode focuses on a commonly misunderstood term in truck fleets today: #torque. Executive Editor, Lauren Fletcher, covers the basics of torque and helps you gain a greater understanding of the topic. Today's topics include: - What is torque? - How is torque measured? - Where does torque come from? - What causes differences in torque? - Why does torque matter to work truck fleets? This episode is sponsored by@Goodyear

Merry Christmas

 

Merry Christmas from Folsom Lake Fleet Department

All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® Debut | Ford

 

The next level of Built Ford Tough, the All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® truck. This one is for the builders. 

#Ford #SuperDuty #BuiltFordTough

Buyers Products Pro Series - Aluminum Tool Boxes for Trucks

Our Aluminum Pro Series of Truck Tool Boxes are built to withstand the harshest conditions with the features a pro would demand. Proudly designed and constructed right here in Northeast Ohio, these boxes are our most reliable line yet.

View our entire selection of Pro Series Truck Tool Boxes here: https://www.buyersproducts.com/catalog/truck-boxes-11/xd-truck-box-785

CURT QuickPin™ No-Latch Coupler | Hassle-Free Trailer Hookup

A tradition coupler latch is a hassle to use. So, the QuickPin™ coupler doesn’t have one! Introducing the CURT QuickPin™ no-latch trailer coupler. QuickPin™ is a revolutionary design, doing away with the traditional latch mechanism for simple, stress-free trailer hookup. Most couplers use a complicated hinging latch that's prone to wear out and become corroded, leading to difficulties and frustration. Instead of a latch, QuickPin™ uses a simple hitch pin to create a safe, reliable, hassle-free towing connection. It's as easy as dropping the trailer tongue onto the hitch ball, inserting the QuickPin™ hitch pin, and that's it! No more wrestling with a rusty latch, and no adjustment or tightening needed. This trailer hitch coupler is fully tested according to SAE-684 specifications. It is available in standard hitch ball sizes and trailer tongue beam widths. It also has standard mounting holes to fit most existing trailer tongue bolt patterns (mounting hardware not included). Features and benefits of QuickPin™ - Innovative design allows fast, hassle-free trailer coupling with just one pin - No jamming or complicated hinging components prone to wear - Easier to use than traditional couplers - Fastens securely with included pin and clip - No adjustments or tightening needed - Lasso lanyard secures pin to coupler to avoid missing pieces - Stamped steel construction for dependable strength - Passes SAE-684 performance testing - Available to fit standard trailer ball diameters and trailer frames - Compatible with most existing coupler mounting hole configurations - Protected by a durable black powder coat finish - Limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts)

Ford For The Builders | Built for America | Ford

We go hard on our commitments — $50 billion towards a future in electric, hard. #FORDfortheBuilders Learn more about Built for America here: https://ford.to/38vBEuY

The 2022 Ford F-150®: Tougher and Smarter | F-150

The 2022 Ford F-150® is here. With available 14,000 lbs of towing capacity,* an available 3.5 L PowerBoost full hybrid engine, the new F-150 is the toughest generation of F-150 trucks ever. *Towing and payload are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. WITH Max. towing of 14,000 lbs. available on XL SuperCab™ 8' box 4x2 and SuperCrew 6.5’ box 4x2 configurations with the available 3.5L EcoBoost® engine and available Max. Trailer Tow Package. Max. towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.

Pro Power Onboard | Ford How-To | Ford

This easy-to-follow video will show you how to use Pro Power Onboard,* which you may have on your Ford vehicle, to provide electrical power to certain power tools and electronic devices. *See Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions. 

 Learn more about being a Ford owner here: https://ford.to/3juU0Q8

How Cars Communicate With One Another | Consumer Reports

Technology is allowing more and more vehicles to communicate with each other on the roadways. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what V2X is and how it works.

FordPass™ App: F-150 Trailer Light Check | Ford How-To | Ford

This easy-to-follow video shows you how to use the FordPass™* App on your smartphone to check for the proper operation of trailer lights when hitched to your FordPass Connect-equipped F-150.** *FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply. **FordPass Connect, the FordPass App, and complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot.

E-Transit Custom by Ford Pro | Premiere of an All-Electric Icon

E-Transit Custom is the all-new, all-electric successor to Europe’s best-selling van, and the latest Ford icon to be electrified. Supercharged by Ford Pro’s seamless charging, telematics and servicing support, and packed with innovative new customer experiences, E-Transit Custom is a future-proof electrified boost for all kinds of business

Norstar® SD™ truck bed

Norstar truck beds SD line of truck beds for the tradesman. Used everywhere a serious truck utility bed with lots of tool carrying capacity is needed.

How to back up an RV / Trailer "tail swing"

The most common piece of advice that is given to new RV owners is to go out to a parking lot and practice backing up around cones. That is good and all but HOW should you setup the cones??? The maneuvers in this video are setup to teach control of the trailer, and build confidence in the driver. The best drivers are confident and relaxed. This link shows diagrams of how to setup each maneuver. Yes these are the same backing maneuvers used to test CDL drivers. If new truck drivers can parallel park a semi truck, YOU can parallel park an RV. http://bigrigcareer.com/cdl-skills-te...

F-150 Lightning: At the Work Site | F-150 | Ford

The F-150 Lightning*—with features like Pro Power Onboard, available Tailgate Work Surface, available enhanced 360-degree Zone Lighting and targeted maximum available towing of 10,000 pounds,

** plus 400 pounds of payload in a secure, lockable, 400-liter, washable, drainable Mega Power Frunk,†—is a zero-emissions tool to help you get the job done. 

*Pre-production vehicle with available features shown. Available starting spring 2022. 

**Max towing on XLT and LARIAT models with available extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Pkg. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. †Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. 

 Learn more about the Ford F-150 Lightning here: https://ford.to/3wgnSD9

SecureLatch™ Auto-Locking Pintle Hitch | Innovative Features & Benefits

The SecureLatch™ pintle hitch series is engineered to streamline the trailer hookup process, featuring an auto-locking design. Each ball and pintle combination and pintle hook comes with an auto-locking mechanism to couple the trailer latch without manual coupling required.

Just Strike. Drop. Auto-lock!

As you back up to the lunette ring, the built-in striker plate helps center and align the towing connection. Then, lower the lunette ring down onto the pintle hitch. The auto-locking lever will automatically engage the primary coupling latch. Simply insert the secondary safety pin, and you’re ready to tow!

SecureLatch™ pintle hitch products are available in a receiver-mount or adjustable pintle mount style. We offer pintle hooks, ball and pintle combinations, pintle mounts and adjustable lunette rings.

Weight Distribution Hitches Explained - How They Work, Why You Need One

Today we delve into the black magic that is the weight distributing hitch, also called "load leveling hitch" or "weight distribution hitch." This is the ultimate trifecta of poorly understood, infrequently used, and absolutely essential...

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Tires

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

You probably know tires are made of rubber — but how much more do you know? Here’s a run-through of some important tire-related terminology:

1) Aspect ratio

This technical-sounding term refers to the relationship between the width of a tire and the height of the tire’s sidewall. High-performance “low profile” tires have “low aspect ratios” — meaning their sidewalls are short relative to their width. This provides extra stiffness and thus better high-speed handling and grip — but also tends to result in a firmer (and sometimes, harsh) ride. “Taller” tires tend to provide a smoother ride and better traction in snow.

2) Contact Patch

As your tires rotate, only a portion of the total tread is actually in contact with the ground at any given moment.  This is known as the contact patch.  Think of it as your tire’s “footprint.” Sport/performance-type tires are characterized by their wider footprint — more tread is in contact with the ground — which provides extra grip, especially during hard acceleration on dry pavement and during high-speed cornering.

3) Treadwear indicators

These are narrow bands built into the tread during manufacturing that begin to show when only 1/16 of the tire’s tread remains. Also called wear bars, treadwear indicators are there to provide an obvious visual warning that it’s time to shop for new tires.

4) Speed ratings

An alpha-numeric symbol you’ll find on your tire’s sidewall that tells you the maximum sustained speed the tire is capable of safely handling. An H-rated tire, for example, is built to be safe for continuous operation at speeds up to 130 mph. Most current model year family-type cars have S (112 mph) or T (118 mph) speed ratings. High performance cars often have tires with a V (149 mph) or  ZR (in excess of 149 mph) speed rating. A few ultra-performance cars have W (168 mph) and even Y (186 mph) speed-rated tires.

5) Maximum cold inflation load limit

This refers to the maximum load that can be carried in a given vehicle with a given type of tires — and the maximum air pressure needed to support that load. In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you should be able to find the recommended cold inflation load limit. It’s important not to exceed the load limit (or over or under-inflate the tires) as this can lead to stability/handling problems and even tire failure. Always check tire pressure “cold.” Driving creates friction which creates heat; as the tires warm up, the air inside expands, increasing the pressure. Measuring air pressure after driving can give a false reading; you may actually be driving around on under-inflated tires.

6) Load index

This number corresponds to the load carrying capacity of the tire. The higher the number, the higher the load it can safely handle. As an example, a tire with a load index of 89 can safely handle 1,279 pounds — while a tire with a load rating of 100 can safely handle as much as 1,764 pounds. It’s important to stick with tires that have at least the same load rating as the tires that came originally with the vehicle — especially if it’s a truck used to haul heavy loads or pull a trailer. It’s ok to go with a tire that has a higher load rating than the original tires; just be careful to avoid tires with a lower load rating than specified for your vehicle, even if they are less expensive. Saving a few bucks on tires is not worth risking an accident caused by tire failure.

7) Radial vs. bias-ply tire

Bias-ply tires have their underlying plies laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread; radials have their plies laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. That’s the technical difference. The reason radial tires are dominant today is that they help improve fuel efficiency and handling; they also tend to dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires. No modern passenger cars come with bias-ply tires these days and their use is generally not recommended. (Exceptions might include older/antique vehicles that originally came equipped with bias-ply tires. Some RVs also used bias-ply tires, etc.) It is very important never to mix radial and bias-ply tires; dangerously erratic handling may result.

8) LT and MS tires

These designations indicate “Light Truck” and “Mud/Snow” — and are commonly found on tires fitted to SUVs and pick-ups. LT-rated tires are more general purpose, built primarily for on-road use — while MS-rated tires typically have more aggressive “knobby” tread patterns designed for better off-road traction.

9) Temporary Use Only

Many modern cars come with so-called “space-saver” tires which are smaller and lighter than a standard or full-size spare tire. They are designed to leave more room in the trunk and be easier for the average person to handle when a roadside tire change becomes necessary. However, they are not designed to be used for extended (or high-speed) driving. Your car will probably not handle (or stop) as well while the Space Saver tire is on – and you should keep your speed under 55 mph and avoid driving on the tire beyond what’s absolutely necessary to find a tire repair shop where you can have your damaged tire repaired or replaced.

10) Treadwear, Traction and Temperature ratings

Each tire has three separate ratings for Treadwear, Traction and Temperature.

Traction ratings run from AA to A to B and C — with C being the lowest on the scale. The ratings represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement under controlled testing conducted by the government. C-rated tires are marginal and should be avoided. Never buy a tire with a Traction rating that isn’t at least equal to the minimum rating specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Temperature ratings from A to B to C — with C being the minimum allowable for any passenger car tire. The ratings correspond to a given tire’s ability to dissipate heat under load; tires with lower ratings are more prone to heat-induced failure, especially if driven at high speeds (or when overloaded). As with Traction ratings, never buy a tire with a Temperature rating that’s less than specified for your vehicle.

Treadwear ratings differ from Traction and Temperature ratings in that they aren’t a measure of a tire’s built-in safety margin. Instead, these ratings — represented by a three digit number — give you an idea of the expected useful life of the tire according to government testing. A tire with a Treadwear rating of 150, for example, can be expected to last about 1.5 times as long as a tire with a Treadwear rating of 100. These are just guides, however. Your tires may last longer (or not) depending on such factors as how you drive, whether you maintain proper inflation pressure and rotate the tires per recommendations — and so on.

Comments?

www.ericpetersautos.com

Happy Thanksgiving

Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot. 

-Hausa Proverb

Ford Pro Reveals New 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van | Ford Pro

Upfit-ready adventure vehicle designed for van-life on and off the road.

About Ford Pro: Ford Pro™ is a productivity accelerator designed to drive business forward, delivering solutions to commercial customers of all sizes. We offer the right tools, software and services designed to keep your business on track and your crews on the road. Ford Pro reveals new 2023 Ford Transit Trail van | Ford Pro https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyPg...

CURT CrossWing™ Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch | Features & Benefits

The CrossWing™ 5th wheel hitch #16600 by CURT gives you the best of both worlds by packing extraordinary strength into one lightweight hitch. With the main body weight of only 60 pounds, it is 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheel hitches while still offering a 20,000 lb. weight capacity, so strength and muscle are not sacrificed. Its patent-pending ShockDrop technology provides a smoother towing experience by reducing jerking and jarring, and its structure allows fore, aft and lateral head articulation when connecting on uneven terrain, so you can be comfortable and confident in your ride no matter what type of rugged roads you encounter. The CrossWing™ also features a reinforced head connection point that provides exceptional strength, along with a unique coupling system that eliminates guesswork by offering a visible contact surface. Features and benefits of the CURT CrossWing™ lightweight 5th wheel hitch: - Premium steel construction offers robust 20,000-lb. capacity - Features patent-pending ShockDrop technology to reduce jerking and jarring - Reinforced head connection point for superior strength and peace of mind - Easy, one-person installation and removal (fits industry-standard rails) - 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheel hitches (main body weighs 60 lbs.) - Unique coupling system eliminates guesswork by offering visible contact surface - Head channel guides kingpin into place for easier hookup - Allows fore, aft and lateral head articulation when connecting on uneven terrain - Easy-to-reach release handle for ergonomic operation - Three points of height adjustment from 16-3/8" to 20-3/8" - Coupling point offset 5" rearward for added turning clearance - Premium, carbide textured black finish for lasting rust resistance - High-grade steel design for added strength vs. aluminum - Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J2638

Tongue Weight Safety Demonstration

Proper trailer tongue weight improves the vehicle and trailer towing experience by improving performance. Not enough tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball causes an increase in trailer sway from side to side, making it difficult to control. Conversely, too much tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball could overload the rear tires of the towing vehicle, pushing the rear end of the vehicle around. This could also negatively affect the vehicle handling. Performance is impaired as you might not be able to go around corners and curves properly, and your vehicle may not stop quickly enough when you press the brake pedal.

WARN VR EVO Winches

We take a closer look at the complete lineup of WARN VR EVO winches, the new standard in standard-duty.

• Available in 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 lb. capacities with synthetic or steel rope.
• IP68 waterproof.
• Two-in-one wired/wireless controller. Best-in-class performance.
• Limited lifetime (mechanical), 7 year (electrical) warranty (North America)

Why Ford Dominates The Market For Police Vehicles

There are about 12,000 police departments patrolling jurisdictions across the United States. More than half of police vehicles driving through neighborhoods and cities are Fords. The second-largest U.S. automaker in terms of sales is also the biggest purveyor of police vehicles. In 2018, Ford's share of police vehicle sales in the U.S. was 63 percent thanks to its immensely successful Police Interceptor lineup.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - Wear your seatbelt - - Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts - - Safely secure children in car seats -

F-150 Lightning Live Reveal | F-150 | Ford

The truck that’s been innovating on behalf of Americans for more than a century is now electrified.

F-150 Lightning: Towing With Confidence | F-150 | Ford

The all-new Ford F-150 Lightning boasts the Built Ford Tough brawn to tow up to an available 10,000 pounds with its 775 lb.-ft. of electric torque*, but it’s the truck’s brains that will give customers the range information they need to tow long distances**. Ford equipped the electric pickup with smart technologies to more accurately calculate remaining vehicle range using real time conditions so customers can tow with greater confidence – and the more it’s used, the more accurate it gets. *Torque calculated via peak performance of the electric motors at peak battery power. Your results may vary. **Max towing on XLT and LARIAT models with available extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Pkg. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Towing and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. Learn more about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning here: https://ford.to/3KnD9so

All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® Debut | Ford

 

The next level of Built Ford Tough, the All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® truck. This one is for the builders. 

#Ford #SuperDuty #BuiltFordTough

F-150 Lightning: Cold Testing the Lightning in Alaska | F-150 | Ford

We took the Ford F-150® Lightning™ to Delta Junction, Alaska for testing in the brutal cold. Eleven Ford Engineers put the F-150 Lightning through the paces for 14 days straight. Watch to see how the Lightning stood up to the challenge. Learn more about the Ford F-150 Lightning here: https://ford.to/3hzCSqg

All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® Debut | Ford

Ford Motor Company introduces the next level of Built Ford Tough, the All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty® truck. This one is for the builders.  #Ford #SuperDuty #BuiltFordTough

Built To Keep You Working: Truck Tool Boxes

Proudly manufactured right here in Mentor, Ohio, each Truck Tool Box is built with precision to keep your tools dry and secure. From Underbody and Crossover to Gull Wing and Topsider, we have the right Truck Tool Box for your application. See here: https://www.buyersproducts.com/catalo...

The All-Electric 2022 Ford E-Transit™ Is Ready | Ford Pro™​

Our all-electric 2022 Ford E-Transit™ van is ready for the challenges your business takes on. Available with Ford Pro™ E-Telematics,* where you can monitor things like range and help maximize run times, along with upfitting configurations based on your business needs, the E-Transit will be the workhorse of your fleet. So let Ford Pro electrify your fleet- giving you the ability to focus on the work that matters most. Ford Pro. A productivity accelerator for your business. *Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary 3-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the 3- year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Call 1-833-811-3673 to activate E-Telematics service.

Trailer Hitch Systems - Curt Manufacturing

 

Learn more details at: https:curtmfg.com/basic-towing-components

CURT 5th Wheels Introduction

We’re electrifying the future for business. The zero-emission 2022 E-Transit is joining our EV lineup, leading the charge for commercial customers into an electrified, more sustainable future. *Preproduction vehicle shown. Available late 2021. Learn more about the 2022 Ford E-Transit here: https://ford.to/3lnXodE

Everything You Need to Know About the All-New 2023 Super Duty

This one is for the builders. The next-generation 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty® expands what can be done with a heavy-duty truck, with available features like Pro Power Onboard™ to run a jobsite, and the Ford Pro™suite of software and services to accelerate business productivity. A modern workhorse, this is the most upfit-friendly truck Ford has ever built, targeting unrivaled maximum payload and towing capacity, receives an all-new standard 6.8-liter V8 gas engine and new high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 targeting unmatched horsepower and torque. Disclaimers: Max. torque and horsepower for diesel based on 6.7L High Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel; and Max. torque and horsepower for gasoline based on 7.3L V8 engine. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500lbs. GVWR. Payload, towing capacity, horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. Max towing capacity rating achieve with gooseneck towing on F-450 Regular Cab with available 6.7L HO diesel engine and Max Tow Package. Max. towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500lbs. GVWR. Max payload on F350 DRW Regular Cab 4x2 XL trim with gas Heavy-Duty Payload Package. Maximum payload is delivered when no additional options or accessories are added to this configuration. See label on door jamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500lbs. GVWR. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR. See owner’s manual for important operating instructions.

F-150 Lightning: Going Electric with KevOnStage | Ford

Are you thinking about going Electric? Watch as EV Expert Dr. Shelley Francis of EV Noire and Actor KevonStage discuss the Ford F-150 Lightning Truck and its features including the new Ford Pass app where you can locate, monitor, and schedule your next charge at one of our 75,000 stations. Learn more about the Myths of Electric Vehicles here: https://ford.to/2LjDZtN Learn more about Ford Electric Vehicles here: https://ford.to/3RRNYaz Discover more Ford Electric Vehicles videos here: https://ford.to/3LfzH5e

Hellwig Suspension - How Helper Springs Work

How Helper Springs Work - Dealers for more info and to order, log on to priceguidepro.com or contact your sales rep today! 800.772.2678

How V8 Engines Work - A Simple Explanation

V8 engines operates under the same basic principles as any other gasoline four-stroke engine. First the piston pulls in air and fuel as it moves downward, then it compresses that air and fuel as the piston moves upward. A spark plug fires, igniting the air/fuel mixture and forcing the piston downward. Finally the piston pushes out the exhaust gases on its way back up, before for the cycle repeats itself.

In a V8 engine, this cycle is happening in 8 different cylinders, at different times. Instead of multiple cylinders firing at the same time, you want them to be spread out so that power delivery is smooth. For this Chevy V8, the firing or is 1, 8, 7, 2, 6, 5, 4, 3. With 8 cylinders, there is a cylinder firing for every 90 degrees of the crankshaft rotating, which means at any point in time, there are two cylinders on the power stroke.

With regards to the valvetrain, the intake air comes from the top of the engine, and into the sides of the cylinder head. The exhaust flows to the sides of the engine, exiting the exhaust valves from the cylinder head. In this LS3 model, there is a single intake valve and a single exhaust valve, though it’s also common to see engines with two intake valves and two exhaust valves. The larger valve is the intake valve, and the smaller valve is the exhaust valve.

The pushrod valvetrain gets its name from the metal pushrods which activate the rocker arms which open up the valves. The camshaft, located in the center of the V, has lobes on it which push the push rods up, opening the appropriate valves. For a full explanation of V8 engines, check out the video!

How BOLT Locks Work

A brief video demonstration on how a BOLT Lock works.

The All-New Ford Super Duty®: For the Builders | Ford

To the people who build this country, this one's for you. Introducing the all-new Ford Super Duty®. Learn more about the Ford Super Duty here: https://ford.to/3EeEWkj

Good Headlights Mean Fewer Crashes - IIHS News

Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates

The headlight ratings program developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is reducing dangerous nighttime crashes in the real world, a recent study shows.

Nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 percent lower for vehicles with headlights that earn a good rating in the IIHS evaluation, compared with those with poor-rated headlights, the study found. For vehicles with acceptable or marginal headlights, crash rates are 15 percent and 10 percent lower than for those with poor ratings.

Introducing: Masterack

Masterack History Video: A Leggett and Platt Owned Company. 

Turn Your Pickup Into a Dump Truck with a DumperDogg® Dump Insert

The slide-in DumperDogg Dump Insert from Buyers Products makes it easy to convert your 3/4 ton+ pickup with a 6 or 8 ft bed into a dump truck. The slide-in unit has a 6000 lb capacity and is powered by your truck's electrical. A double-acting scissor hoist provides up to a 45° dump angle. The versatile tailgate opens up or down and can be removed completely, so you can still use your truck like a regular pickup. A number of accessories, including side wall extensions, roll tarp kits, a removable tailgate spreader, and a cab guard are also available. For more information, and to see our complete line of DumperDogg products and accessories, visit https://www.buyersproducts.com/catalo.... Available Models (Click the link for more info): Stainless Steel Models - https://bit.ly/2JeNRqT 5534000 - 8 Foot 5534006 - 6 Foot Carbon Steel Models - https://bit.ly/2xO43q4 5531000 - 8 Foot 5531006 - 6 Foot Poly Model - https://bit.ly/2Fd5fIo 5532000 - 8 Foot

Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ with Trailer Reverse Guidance: Setup & Use | Ford How-To | Ford

This video explains how to set up your vehicle and trailer, as well as how to use the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™* with Trailer Reverse Guidance, which makes backing up a trailer easy. *Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

E-Transit Custom by Ford Pro | Premiere of an All-Electric Icon

E-Transit Custom is the all-new, all-electric successor to Europe’s best-selling van, and the latest Ford icon to be electrified. Supercharged by Ford Pro’s seamless charging, telematics and servicing support, and packed with innovative new customer experiences, E-Transit Custom is a future-proof electrified boost for all kinds of business

Fleet 101: What is Torque?

This Fleet 101 episode of Truck Chat episode focuses on a commonly misunderstood term in truck fleets today: #torque. Executive Editor, Lauren Fletcher, covers the basics of torque and helps you gain a greater understanding of the topic. Today's topics include: - What is torque? - How is torque measured? - Where does torque come from? - What causes differences in torque? - Why does torque matter to work truck fleets? This episode is sponsored by@Goodyear

Five AAA Rules of the Road

AAA has teamed up with Travel Channel to help make some of Americas Worst Drivers better. Even if youre not on a reality show—or even a bad driver—you can benefit from some of AAAs Rules of the Road. These five basic rules will help keep you safe on the road. For more information on AAA Rules of the Road and Americas Worst Driver, visit AAA.com/RulesoftheRoad.

Leading The Industry into The Future | Ch. 6 | This is Ford Pro™

Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley shares his commitment to the growth of Ford Pro. Watch as he discusses his excitement for the future of our company and how we work hand-in-hand with our customers to deliver the custom solutions they need for their businesses.

FARMING OF THE FUTURE: FORD PRO, SONOMA COUNTY WINEGROWERS JOIN FORCES TO ELECTRIFY BUSINESS OF FARMING

• Ford Pro™ is collaborating in a pilot program that will supply three Sonoma County farms in California with the full suite of Ford Pro solutions, including F-150® Lightning™ Pro pickups and E-Transit™ cargo vans to help drive their business forward while tackling the next frontier in sustainable fleet operations
• Pilot program farms are being outfitted with Ford Pro charging stations to complement the solar power that has been a critical part of the push for sustainability by the Sonoma County Winegrowers since 2014
•  Ford Pro Intelligence™1 services is designed to help small businesses optimize their gas and electric fleets by providing always-on access to vehicle health reports and other data that help reduce operating costs, vehicle downtime and fuel consumption

One of the most forward-thinking winegrowing counties in the United States is looking to advance its sustainability mission, and the Ford Pro™ suite of electric vehicles, charging and telematics services has been tapped to help make that happen.

Ford Pro and the Sonoma County Winegrowers, a group of more than 1,800 grape farmers in Northern California, are launching a pilot program that will add Ford F-150® Lightning™ Pro pickups, E-Transit™ cargo vans, and Ford Pro™ Intelligence™ products and services to three pilot farms in Sonoma County, one of the world’s most renowned wine regions.

The heart of the mission is to demonstrate how electric vehicles and web-based fleet management tools can have a positive impact on the agriculture industry in terms of increasing productivity, improving sustainability and lowering the total cost of fleet ownership anywhere from 10% to 20%2.

“Ford Pro is thrilled to team with the Sonoma County Winegrowers to further their sustainability goals and begin their transition to fully integrated all-electric fleets with on-site charging,” said Wanda Young, Ford Pro global chief marketing officer. “Ford Pro and the Sonoma County Winegrowers are driven by many of the same tenets – to accelerate productivity while operating responsibly.”

The pilot program is launching with Bevill Vineyard Management and Vino Farms in Healdsburg, and Dutton Ranch in Sebastopol – which collectively represent about 4,000 acres in the vineyard-rich Russian River Valley. Young anticipates the program will expand in the coming months to include other farming operations in the county.

About 60,000 acres across Sonoma County are dedicated to growing wine grapes, and another 120,000 acres are used for other diversified agriculture, such as apple orchards, dairy farms and cut flowers. In 2014, the Sonoma County Winegrowers launched an initiative to represent one of the nation’s leading winegrowing regions in terms of sustainability, with a target of reaching sustainable designation for nearly all of its vineyard acreage in the county.

Karissa Kruse, Sonoma County Winegrowers president and internationally renowned sustainability champion, said she believes electric vehicle adoption and efficient fleet management are the next steps in sustainability.

In addition to the vehicles, farms can consult with the Ford Pro team for the duration of the program. Pilot farmers will have access to Ford Pro Intelligence1 software, home and depot charging, Ford Pro™ Telematics Essentials™3 and Ford Pro™ E-Telematics™4 and energy management – all to help reduce operating costs and more efficiently manage gas- and electric-powered vehicle fleets.

“This collaboration with the Ford Pro team is a great natural next step to help us continue our progress in sustainable agriculture,” Kruse said. “A lot of farming families have a rich history with Ford, and with history comes trust. So as many of our farmers look for ways to lead in innovation and be a part of the solution, that trust is critical when it comes to investing in electric vehicles and in solutions to manage farming fleets. Our farmers love this pilot program; it’s going to be foundational.”

Vehicles among farmers’ most valuable tools

A year in the life of a Sonoma County winegrower can be sliced into two portions – roughly nine months to grow and three months to harvest. Occasionally, as in 2017, the uncertainties of Mother Nature condense the harvest to a four-week sprint. No time for vehicle downtime.

Ford Pro Intelligence* gives farmers access to important data on every vehicle – whether gas-powered or electric. The web-based service offers always-on access to vehicle health reports and other data designed to help limit vehicle downtime while lowering operating costs. All across the county, on farms large and small, winegrowers rely daily on their trucks to haul everything from fertilizer and fuel tanks to water and portable bathrooms. Some vehicles log upward of 50,000 miles a year, traveling between properties from Cloverdale to Petaluma.

Naturally, operating these vehicles – and maintaining them to keep them operational – is one of an organization’s largest expenses. At Dutton Ranch, which runs a fleet of about 70 work vehicles, fuel costs average about $5,000 per month. The prospect of reducing that monthly expense is critical to operations moving forward. Electric vehicles, coupled with the solar power that many Sonoma County ranches already generate and store, represent an important way to help offset rising fuel costs.

The technology connects wirelessly – helping businesses manage fleets with real-time vehicle insights. Information includes maintenance schedules, charge event monitoring, vehicle tracking, state of charge, range, charge history and logs, charging/battery settings and alerts, and departure preconditioning to help maximize range and save battery life for the road to get the job done.  

“Just as an F-150 Lightning or E-Transit is an essential asset for a small business owner, so too is Ford Pro Intelligence,” Young said. “We believe that the telematics data will change the way farmers manage their fleets and operations.”  

As veterans in sustainability practices, the Sonoma County Winegrowers have impacted other vocations regionally. Representatives in trucking, logistics, grocery stores and other specialties have taken notice, and Kruse hopes her organization continues to help lead the charge.

Ford, meanwhile, is among the automotive leaders in sustainability – the only full-line American automaker committed to doing its part to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards5. Ford is targeting 100% renewable energy for its global operations by 2035 and being fully carbon neutral worldwide by 2050.

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1 Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device. May require modem activation. Ford Pro Telematics and Ford Pro Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data, depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.

2 Based on “Case Study: Olathe Ford CV Dealership Fleet Management TCO Model” KPMG, Dec. 10, 2021.

3 Complimentary product. Available on vehicles with embedded modem. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.

4 Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary three-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data, depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the three-year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Call 833.811.3673 to activate E-Telematics service.

5 Based on latest available information as of July 8, 2021. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/.

 About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org.