The new work trucks deliver better fuel economy
As a response to the increasingly high costs of fuel, new large-scale pickup trucks focus completely on a lower consumption of fuel, better performance and a higher towing capacity, all previous excellent news for contractors who depend on these work trucks. The new work trucks are also more luxurious at all levels, and the double cabins are now more common, allowing you to get the truck that improves fits your needs.
The vans of today’s large-scale include the Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500. Ford F-series includes the F150 half-ton and the SuperDuty F250 and F350. Chrysler offers 1500, 2500 and 3500, now lower the brand Ram. Between the lighter in weight range, but rugged enough to tolerate the abuse of a heavy working life are Tundra V6 and V8 Toyota models and model Nissan Titan V8.
Power to do their job
Work vans are the natural large displacement V8 place because what contractors want is performance. These engines are more powerful than ever, and the large displacement V8 provides about 400 hp and a torque which doubled that figure. Although contractors customers the most important characteristics are carrying and towing, with the continuous rise of fuel prices, low fuel consumption is now on the list of priorities of all.
For this reason, the most recent engines of the new work trucks offer increased combustion efficiency, from variable valve actuation and a cylinder operation that changes from 8 to 4 to 8 (8 cylinder operation drops automatically to 4 when power demand is low and returns 8 when necessary) to use fuel more efficiently. For those contractors who prefer them, Chevy, Ford, and GM offer diesel engines.
These upgraded engines are accompanied by new and efficient automatic transmissions of 5 and 6 speeds, and even Automatic 4-speed that best communicate with engines and perform better than ever. Manual transmissions have virtually disappeared from the large-scale pickup trucks.
Other news from the world of the pickup are switching to alternative fuels and the introduction of hybrid models. With contractors now in search of ways to be greener at work, both are growing in popularity.
Clearly new work truck manufacturers recognize the importance of the commercial customer. Some features, like a built-in phone connectivity and storage for computers, are adjusted to the needs of the contractor. With them come the fleet management tools to distance. Ford, for example, offers an integrated system that allows pickups to be controlled and released in real time.
-By Steve Sturgess
FORD F150
Capacity and durability of the Ford F-150 pickups have been improved for 2011 with a low fuel consumption and performance leader in its class. The F series is now equipped with a completely new team of Powertrain, which includes a 3.5 V6 EcoBoost engine liters, with only 3.5 liters offers exceptional performance with a small displacement. This engine combines technical sophistication with two turbos and offers a performance as good as a V8, but with a much more efficient fuel consumption. According to Ford, it is up to 20 percent better.
Each EcoBoost is accompanied by 6-speed automatic. Ford claims to be the first manufacturer to equip its entire line of trucks pickup of large scale with 6-speed automatic as part of their standard equipment. Also new is its electric power assisted steering (EPAS) with the 3.7 V6 engine liters, V8 5.0 litre and 3.5 EcoBoost motor trains litres. EPAS replaces the conventional hydraulic system.
Other features include AdvanceTrac stability control of tipping, Safety Canopy side air bags, side air bags in two stages mounted in the front seats, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system and alert with SOS poschoque.
Cabins: Regular, double cab, SuperCab.
Models: XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Harley-Davidson
Powertrain: V6 3.7 liter and 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines included a 5.0 V8 (360 hp and 305 foot-pounds of torque), a V8 of 6.2 (411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.5 EcoBoost V6 (365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque).
Capacity: Load maximum payload – 2,440 pounds; trailer – 11,300 pounds.
CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500
For the 2011 Silverado has the latest OnStar 9.0 system, new exterior colors and offers improvements that help reduce the noise caused by the wind. The Silverado XFE [double cabin and two-wheel (2WD)] incorporates unique aerodynamic enhancements, a 5.3 l/6 speeds automatic drivetrain and other details to provide 22 mpg in highway rated by the EPA.
In all new work trucks we have available a trailer brake controller, and is integrated with the anti-lock braking (ABS) system to provide a signal of immediate and measured brake force to the trailer brakes controlled electrically. Replacement brakes and/or external control systems are no longer necessary. Brake controller switch is conveniently mounted on the dashboard.
The unique and special Silverado hybrid returns 2011 with a general improvement of 25 percent in fuel usage efficiency and offering the traditional characteristics of the Silverado, including a capacity of towed 6,200 pounds.
Cabins: Regular, extended, double cab and Denali.
Models: WT, LS (only with double cab), LT and LTZ in two-wheel (2WD) and four wheel drive (4WD).
Powertrain: The regular cab trucks and all the work trucks include a 4.3 V6 engine as standard litres (195 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque). Power options include a 4.8 V8 engine (302 hp and 305 foot-pounds of torque), a 5.3 V8 engine (315 hp and 336 lb-ft of torque with gas, and 326 hp and 348 ft. lbs of torque with E85). With the LTZ package, 6.2 V8 option is available (403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque) litres with the double cab. All have two wheel drive and four wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case.
Capacity: Load maximum payload – 1,980 pounds; trailer – 10,700 pounds.
CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD AND 3500 HD
Redesigned for 2011 Silverado heavy-duty trucks line is wider, with 10 2500HD models and eight 3500HD models with one or two rear wheels, including the new double cab 3500HD with a box load of 6.5 feet. Offers three levels of interior design, as well as popular features such as rear door EZ Lift and a rear view camera system. All models feature increased capacity, improved handling and travel experience and greater control for the driver. This is in addition to the set of comprehensive HD models related with confidence and control features, including a sway control for trailer brakes integrated trailer, Hill Start assistance, control of intelligent servo-assisted brakes and automatic grade braking.
Cabins: Regular, extended, double cabin.
Models: WT, LT and LTZ, 2 and 4 wheel (four wheel drive).
Powertrain: The standard is a V8 6.0 liter (360 hp and 390 foot-pounds of torque). The V8 engine of diesel 6.6 litres optional DuraMaximum is qualified with 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque.
Capacity: Load maximum payload – 6,636 pounds; trailer – 21,700 pounds.
FORD SUPERDUTY F250, F350
Pickup trucks Ford SuperDuty have been completely redesigned for 2011 with new exterior styling, new interior design, electronic new and improved train driving, including a 6.7 diesel V8 Homelite engine litres and a V8 gasoline of 6.2 liters, both with TorqueShift 6-speed automatic transmissions.
The new V8 engine of 6.2 litres has 385 hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque, 85 hp, and 40 ft. lbs more than the current 5.4 gas V8 engine litres, as well as make efficient use of fuel and have E85 compatibility.
Each new engine is accompanied by the completely new automatic transmission 6R140 TorqueShift 6-speed heavy-duty, which has been optimized for the increased torque of the new engine of diesel and the higher speeds of the new gasoline engine.
Cabins: Regular, double cab, SuperCab.
Models: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch.
Powertrain: The standard is a V8 of 6.2 liters (385 hp and 405 foot-pounds of torque). A new diesel 6.7 liters is optional with 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque.
Capacity: Load maximum payload – 5,460 lb; trailer – 24,000 pounds.
NISSAN TITAN
Nissan Titan King cab and double cab 2011 come in four models. The Pro – 4 X is only available in four wheel drive (4 x 4). Each one has a long list of standard equipment, including an Endurance V8 engine of 5.6 litres with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Nissan V8 is also available with the option of FlexFuel.
Nissan vans have available a variety of packages of equipment, including the SV Value package, with Captain fabric seat and center console, gearbox on the floor, seat who is bent to plane, vents air conditioning (only in cabins doubles), 8 positions electric driver’s seat, lights antineblina, steering wheel upholstered in leather, censors sonars rear for detection of proximity and a hitch receiver.
Cabins: Double cab, King Cab.
Models: S, SV, PRO – 4 X and SL 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 option.
Powertrain: The standard is a V8 engine of 5.6 litres (317 hp and 405 foot-pounds of torque) variable valve timing.
Capacity: Load maximum payload – 2,153 pounds; trailer – 9,500 pounds.
RAM 1500
For 2011, Dodge pickup trucks will change your brand to Ram and include the new Ram Tradesman. The Tradesman is a truck Ram 1500 pickup regular Hemi engine for new car buyers who want to take care of your budget, but are looking for performance and capacity and good price. The truck has a standard V8 engine with a rating of 20 mpg for the same price as other basic pickup trucks with V6 engine.
The RamBox cargo management system is also available with illuminated, drenables baskets and bolt on both sides of the bed load; divisor fold-away bed and 2 feet to the bed extender; and a rail system for boxes with adjustable clamps (only double cabins). The Uconnect navigation system includes a control for phone and iPod with touch screen and hard drive.
Cabins: Regular, Quad, double.
Models: ST Express, Tradesman, SLT, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn.
Powertrain: The Regular Cab and Quad of all the work trucks vans include as standard a V6 engine of 3.7 liters (215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque). Four-wheel and double cab models have engines V8 4.7 liter (310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque). The Sport and Laramie, Laramie Longhorn models with 5.7 Hemi V8 engines (390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque).
Capacity: Load maximum payload – 1,860 pounds; trailer – 7,450 pounds.
USE HEAVY 2500 AND 3500 RAM
Operate trucks Ram 3500 chassis cab with a 5.7 Hemi V8 litres and added a new 6-speed automatic transmission in 2012 that will increase to 20,000 pounds gross combined weight rating, representing an increase of 3,000 pounds which provides a more efficient fuel consumption. The chassis cab of the Ram 4500 and 5500 new enhancements include an optional package of maximum capacity of trailer models in regular and double cab in 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 configurations. Vans equipped with diesel Ram pickup are specifically designed for towing, and have special features such as the strongest of the industry and the rotors exhaust brake and largest of its kind brake pads.
Cabins: Regular, double, Mega.
Models: ST, SLT, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn
Powertrain: 5.7 V8 Hemi engine 2500 standard litres (383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque). The Cummins turbo diesel 6.7 liters (350 hp and 650 foot-pounds of torque) is standard on all 3500 models.
Capacity: Load maximum payload – 5,130 pounds; trailer – 19,950 pounds.
TOYOTA TUNDRA
Tundra has different petrol engines options for 2011. Engine V6 4.0 liter with double cam (DOHC) head, which is standard on all Tundra Regular Cab and double cab models, receives an improvement in its performance for 2011 with the adoption of a timer of intelligent variable valve (VVT-i), which can also be found in 4.6 and 5.7-litre V8 engines.
CAB: Regular, double cab, CrewMaximum.
Powertrain: The standard is a V6 engine of 4.0 litres (270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque) variable valve timing. 4.6 V8 engine optional liters (standard on CrewMax) offers 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque and 5.7 litres offers 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque.
Capacity : Load maximum payload – 1,870 pounds; trailer – 10,100 pounds.
