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When it comes to selecting the right van or truck for a service call, electrical contractors are certainly at no shortage of options.
This year, truck manufacturers have answered the call and are unveiling a wide variety of pickups and vans that can meet even the most discerning tastes, or commercial needs.
That is why — regardless of whether it is a large or small-sized electrical contractor firm — there are seemingly ubiquitous fleet concerns that, when addressed, can ensure job site success for contractors.
And whether those issues revolve around truck responsiveness, towing capacity or safety issues, one thing is certainly clear: Function drives the fleet.
Jason Cretaro, owner of Central Islip, NY-based Hi-NRG Electric Corp. explains: "Fuel economy and storage are key points, especially for contractors that will be traveling a distance to get to the job site. Function is the most important aspect [of selecting the right truck or van for your fleet]."
Indeed, fuel economy gains are certainly at the forefront of these models , as some feature revolutionary technology (such as a fully functioning cylinder-deactivation system), or even offering improved fuel economy through a sloped windshield for a more aerodynamic design!
That doesn't mean that this year's offerings have sacrificed power, as many of the truck manufacturers are offering V-8 engines in their vehicles (some which feature upwards of 360 horsepower), as well as V-6 and turbo-diesel versions that pack in plenty of towing capacity.
For Cretaro, this certainly eases concerns that many electrical contractors share about beginning, or adding to, their fleet.
"When you visit the job site, there are always various types of equipment to transport, so you want to make sure that the truck will be able to handle that load," he offers.
Contractors will also find that not only are the commercial pickup and van designed to accommodate more equipment for cargo bed hauling, but other features are being enhanced and upgraded as well, such as the inclusion of trailer hitches for better stability when handling heavy loads, or monotube front shocks and twin-tube rear shocks for enhanced handling.
Electrical contractors also have options with pickup or van style as well, as many of the offerings being introduced come in multiple cab options, for instance, such as regular, extended and crew cab versions. Conversely, a multitude of color options are being offered as well as accoutrements geared toward comfort for long days on the road, including climate control systems with quieter operation and stain-resistant and odor-resistant interior fabric.
Cretaro adds: "Safety is important as well — you want to make sure that the van includes reliable airbags and seatbelts."
To that end, this year's crop offer options such as driver and passenger side airbags, head restraints on the front seats, and extra-large side mirrors to provide a wide field of view.
On the following four pages, Electrical Contracting Products takes a look at some of the newest pickups and vans available for electrical contractors in 2007.
2007 Chevrolet Silverado
This year, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado combines power, responsiveness and fuel economy with a platform that features six Gen IV small-block V-8 engines.
According to the company, the pickup features a broad, chiseled face, which accents a broad-shouldered stance and gives the Silverado a muscular presence. For instance, a larger grille — wider and taller than previous models — and a prominent gold bow tie are flanked by reflector-optics headlamps.
The new Silverado also features two distinct interiors. The WT and LT trim levels feature the pure pickup interior and the LTZ trim level features the same luxury-inspired interior that is available on Chevrolet's LTZ-trim full-size utilities.
Silverado models are also more spacious inside, with increased storage capacity, the company notes. For instance, spaciousness is enhanced with new "low and forward" instrument panels, which is 5" lower and farther forward than the previous model. The WT and LT trim level features an instrument panel that is 3.5" lower and farther forward.
The all-new Silverado also comes with five suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements. These include Z83 to deliver a smooth ride with monotube front shocks and twin-tube rear shocks; Z85 for enhanced handling and trailer towing, with monotube front and rear shocks; Z71 for off-road capability, and which features specific monotube front and rear shocks; Z60 for maximum street performance and offered with 20" wheels; and the NHT designed for maximum towing capacity.
Light-duty Silverado models are already available and heavy-duty models will be available in the first quarter of 2007. Three cab styles are available: Regular, Extended and Crew cab, as well as three cargo box lengths, 5'x8" (short), 6'x6" (standard) and 8' (long).
2007 Chevrolet Colorado
Style and fuel efficiency mark the newest Chevrolet Colorado offering, the company points out.
Built with a 2,921 cc, 2.9-liter, in-line four-front engine with 95.5 bore, the 2007 Chevrolet Colorado features a multi-point injection fuel system that enables the pickup 26 highway mpg and 20 city mpg.
Complete with chrome front and rear bumpers and day time running lights, the 2007 Chevrolet Colorado features driver and passenger externally adjustable black door mirrors; a rear platform step; a straight side pickup bed and a luxury titanium trim look on the dashboard.
In regard to handling, the Chevy Colorado features a four-wheel ABS; an immobilzer; and a spacesaver steel rim under body spare wheel, and power steering.
According to the company, the Chevrolet Colorado also features a cargo area light as well as rear tailgate cargo doors for easier loading and unloading, as well as front seat back storage. Other features offered include cruise control; door ajar warning; floor covering, including carpeting in the load area and two symmetrical jump front facing rear seats with zero adjustments.
Safety is also a main consideration for the 2007 Chevrolet Colorado, as reflected by the inclusion of a driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment; a passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment; three-point reel rear seat belts on driver side and passenger side; and two head restraints on the front seats, the company concludes.
2007 Chevrolet Kodiak Pickup Truck
The 2007 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500/C5500 pickup by Monroe Truck Equipment (MTE) is a specially upfitted medium duty truck that features a new, six-speed Allison automatic transmission, which will be available later in the model year. The Allison five-speed automatic will continue to be offered as the standard transmission, the company adds. Furthermore, both transmissions now feature four-year, unlimited mileage service coverage.
Additionally, 4x2 models are available with a Monroe So-Low chassis air suspension, which lowers the vehicle by up to 4" and offers rate-tuned shock absorbers for maximum comfort, stability and reliability.
The 2007 Kodiak also features a variety of improvements, including a revised stabilizer bar that's stiffer, with greater lateral stability; gramag air suspension seats for driver and front passengers (available on all models); and revised rear cab mounts to improve the isolation from noise and vibration inside the cab, the company adds.
Additional attributes include the TranSynd synthetic transmission fluid standard in Allison transmissions; a revised rear stabilizer bar design; and LED roof marker lights; as well as a Cab Air suspension; UltraRide Chassis Air Suspension with kneel valve; polished stainless steel step tubes and custom center floor console (available in crew cab only), among others, the company adds.
The Kodiak is available in regular cab or crew cab, and either four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive configurations. It seats up to six and features an 8' steel dually pickup bed with custom composite side panels and available protective Rhino interior lining.
2007 Chevrolet Express
Built for versatility, the 2007 Chevrolet Express serves multiple purposes, including as a durable commercial cargo van, the company notes.
The different needs for customers are handled by a myriad of powerplants, including a Vortec FlexFuel 5.3-liter V-8 engine, the company adds.
The Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 delivers 295 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque. The Vortec is the standard engine in G1500 and H1500 Passenger models, and in H1500 Cargo and Conversion models, the company adds.
In addition to the Vortec 5.3-liter, Chevrolet Express offers four other engines: The 195-horsepower Vortec 4.3-liter V-6 with multi-port fuel injection, which serves as the base engine for the light-duty Express Cargo; the Vortec 4.8-liter V-8, which features 285 horsepower and is used for heavy-duty applications; the Vortec 6.0-liter, which delivers 300 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft of torque, and the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 engine, which offers 250 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
A fuel-operated heater (FOH) also is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6-liter, which provides heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. The seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Express chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system.
Express comes in both regular (135") and extended (155") wheelbase lengths and can accommodate eight, 12 or 15 people. Cargo vans, available in the same wheelbase lengths, offer seating for two, the company concludes.
Ford Motor Company 2007 F-Series Super Duty F-250
For 2007, the Ford F-250 pickups (and F-350 respectively) feature the all-new Lariat Highline SuperCab and Lariat Outlaw Crew Cab.
Available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab body styles; including XL, XLT and Lariat trims, the F-250 features a stylish, chrome billet-style grille as well as 5" chrome tubular step bars, tow hooks and mirror caps, the company notes. Chrome is also featured on the exhaust tips and accents the instrument cluster.
The Lariat Outlaw Package also features a black monotone paint treatment with a unique red tape stripe, with the black theme carried through Captain's chairs. Three color combinations are offered as well for the Ford Harley-Davidson (pictured), Black with Medium Wedgewood Blue Flames; Medium Wedgewood Blue with Black Flames; and Dark Stone with Black Flames.
The pickups also offer Ford's TowCommand, the industry's first factory-installed and warranted electronic trailer brake controller for smoother operation and safety features. This includes a special trailer brake strategy when the truck's anti-lock braking system detects poor traction, the company adds. The TowCommand System also features TorqShift transmission with tow-haul mode and telescoping trailer tow mirrors.
The F-250 is available with a 4.10:1 non-limited-slip axle as well as a single-rear-wheel (SRW) 5.4L Triton V-8, the company concludes.
2007 E-Series
Available from Ford Motor Company, the 2007 Ford E-Series Vans and Wagons offer a variety of new features, including a standard oil cooler on all models, and a larger rear stabilizer bar.
Offered in three new exterior colors (Forest Green, Pueblo Gold and Dark Blue Pearl), the E-Series models include a commercial van; a recreation van and wagon; an XL, XLT and Chateau wagon, and a Cutaway and Stripped Chassis.
According to the company, the highlights of the 2007 E-Series include a new, optional 135-amp alternator for 5.4-liter V-8 and 6.8-liter V-10 applications; Roll Stability Control (which is now available on regular-strength E-350 Wagon models with the 5.4 liter engine); and a reverse Sensing System, which is available with rear step or contour bumpers.
The E-Series Van and Wagon are also available in regular- and extended-length models, and additional features, such as a sliding cargo door, is a no-cost option, the company notes.
Notably, the standard E-Series features up to 236.5 cubic feet of rear cargo space, with up to 275.1 cubic feet offered in extended van versions. In fact, the E-Series cargo area features a double-wall design— a full-size Van exclusive — which leaves the exterior sheet metal less vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo, the company adds.
When properly equipped, the E-150 Van can tow up to 7,500 lbs., the E-150 Wagon up to 7,100 lbs., and the E-350 Super Duty and Super Duty Extended Wagon up to 10,000 lbs., while also offering a full suite of conventional safety features, such as a driver and front-passenger supplemental restraint system and side-door intrusion beams.
2008 F-Series Super Duty
The 2008 F-Series Super Duty lineup now includes the F-450 pickup, which features a towing capacity in excess of 24,000 lbs. and maximum payload of more than 6,000 lbs.
Scheduled to launch in early 2007, the F-Series Super Duty features an integrated tailgate step and stowable bed extender for added cargo-carrying flexibility, as well as PowerScope power-fold, power-telescoping trailer-tow side mirrors for towing convenience, the company notes.
Available in three cab styles, Regular Cab, SuperCab and CrewCab, the F-Series also features two bed lengths, a Stroke Diesel and a TowCommand system with an integrated trailer brake controller.
"Every aspect of the new line of the Super Duty trucks, including capability enhancements, design changes and feature innovations is uniquely designed after spending a great deal of time talking with — and listening to — our customers," said Mark Fields, President of Ford Americas.
Among the other attributes of the F-Series Super Duty is a refined chassis and suspension, for improved ride and handling, as well as TorqShift five-speed transmission, for improved towing performance, the company points out. Both two- and four-wheel-drive models will be available on the 2008 Super Duty.
The company notes that the 2008 Super Duty features a redesigned climate control system that creates more balanced airflow and refined, quieter operation for improved cabin comfort — the result of a more reliable, durable and higher-capacity compressor. Floor ducts for the heater run under the seat, out of site of the rear-seat passenger.
Daimler Chrysler 2007 Dodge Ram 1500
New for 2007, the Dodge Ram 1500 combines light-duty pickup truck attributes with fuel-saving performance.
In fact, with the HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Ram 1500 offers the first-ever fully functioning cylinder-deactivation system — MDS — on a pickup truck, the company adds. Notably, fuel economy gains can reach up to 20 percent — under certain driving conditions.
Available with a 4.7-liter, V-8 engine, the pickup comes with an optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP), remote start, standard electronic transfer ease and a front-axle-disconnect system on four-wheel-drive models, power-sliding rear window and a full-screen navigation radio and DVD entertainment system.
According to the company, the interior of the Dodge Ram 1500 features YES Essentials stain resistant, odor resistant and anti-static seat fabric incorporated into the vehicles with cloth seats. The pickup also features a one-touch, three-blink lane change feature, as well as a fully chromed, ingot-like grille. Large, angular headlamp modules utilize halogen bulbs to provide optimal light intensity and bead spectrum, while complementing the overall aesthetic of the pickup.
All 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 models feature monotube shock absorbers, utilized in a coil-over shock absorber and double-wishbone front suspension configuration, as well as a hydroformed, fully boxed frame and suspension.
Optional equipment includes a power-sliding rear window (Quad cab only); a bed liner; trailer tow mirrors; speed control; anti-spin rear differential and side-curtain air bags, among others.
2007 Dodge Dakota
Mid-size truck versatility and powerful towing capacity define the 2007 Dodge Dakota, now available from Daimler Chrysler.
Billed as the only mid-size pickup truck available with a V-8 engine, the 2007 Dodge Dakota features a 4.7-liter V-8 engine with standard E-85 compatibility, earning the Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designation that provides customers the option of operating their Dakota on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two.
In fact, the 3.7-liter engine has been upgraded to include Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) capability, while also featuring a low current, tip start ignition.
Available in new color offerings Brilliant Black and Electric Blue, the 2007 Dodge Dakota features a new standard dual-position tailgate, allowing customers more options when using the pickup bed for hauling materials. The dual-position tailgate found on the Dodge Dakota becomes standard equipment on all models and provides increased functionality for cargo bed hauling as well, the company points out.
The Dodge Dakota Club Cab features a 6'x6" bed, and the Dakota Quad Cab a 5'x3" bed, with Dakota's bed offering five extra inches between the wheel wells; while Dakota's hydroformed and fully boxed frame increases stiffness and improves durability. The Dodge Dakota also delivers a best-in-class tow rating of 7,150 lbs. and best-in-class GCWR of 11,700 lbs., the company points out.
Other options for the 2007 Dodge Dakota include a remote start, a one-touch lane-change signal, and YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric. New 18" chrome clad wheels are available on SLT and Laramie models, the company notes.
The Dodge Dakota, which is available with side-curtain air bags for front and rear passengers, was also recently awarded a five-star safety rating in front- and side-impact crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, the company concludes.
Toyota Motor Sales 2007 Toyota Tundra
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. has unveiled a completely redesigned Tundra for 2007 — a bigger, more powerful and stylish offering, the company notes.
Billed as "a true American truck that will set a new benchmark in the full-size segment," the 2007 Tundra offers quick and easy access to the truck bed — particularly useful for those buying the Tundra as a work truck, the company points out.
Specifically, the Tundra features a tailgate that can be opened and closed with just two fingers; while robust dampers on the hinges have been added to help cushion the tailgate when opening and also help reduce bouncing when driving with the tailgate down.
Other features that cater to the worker include large door handles, inside and out; easy-to-turn HVAC knobs, and adjustable headrests.
According to the company, the Tundra has the ability to tow over 10,000 lbs., a feat accomplished with an all-new 5.7 liter, i-Force, V-8 engine. In addition to the new 5.7-liter V-8, the Tundra also comes available with a 4.0-liter V-6 and the 4.7-liter, i-Force V-8.
The 2007 Tundra will come in three cab configurations as well, including the Base, SR5 and Limited trim levels. In all, the Tundra will be offered in more than 30 different models, nearly double the current generation, the company adds.
The 2007 Tundra also features many safety-oriented attributes, the company points out, including extra-large side mirrors to provide a wide field of view, while reducing wind noise and image vibration at the same time. Conversely, a trailer hitch will be integrated into the Tundra's frame for better stability when handling heavy loads, the company concludes.
author: By John Filippelli