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GM's latest offerings have plenty of upgrades
Howard Elmer
For this year's fleet show in las Vegas, GM brought every model they make. Obviously they figured there was no point leaving anything out. While the attendees certainly enjoyed the Corvettes and convertible sky, most of the real fleet action was taking place just across the parking lot at the Red Rock resort.
This year, 3500-series pickup trucks come standard with the six-litre V8 and the six-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Included are two overdrive gears and a manual range selector with tap up/tap down gear shifting.
Optional is the new Duramax 6.6-litre diesel and the new six-speed allison automatic. While GM's TopKick and Kodiak medium-duty trucks (4x2 and 4x4) are currently available as 2008 models, GM has entered into a tentative agreement with International Truck and Engine Corp. to sell those brands; a deal supposed to be done by the end of June.
So, what 2009 holds isn't yet clear on all fronts. This move though, according to GM, does not signal an exit from the fleet business. In fact, they continue to offer the new W-series cab-forward medium duty trucks introduced just last year. GM has also completely revamped its full-size commercial and institutional van line-up for 2009.
Vans now all get GM's stabilitrak system standard on all models. e85 FlexFuel is available on the 5.3-litre V8. Also added to the vans are driver side swing-out doors. New this year is a fuel-operated heater, which is standard for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6-litre, quickly provides heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather.
The express vans also get a new instrument cluster including service notices for the fuel filter; exhaust filter and air conditioning system; warnings for hot transmission, disengaged traction control, low fuel level; attempted vehicle theft; turn signal reminder, gas cap reminder and notice that the vehicle's top speed is limited. Moving in step with Ford and Dodge, GM now has an all-new 4500 chassis cab they say will offer a best-in-class payload of 9,100 lbs. and a GVWR of 14,200 lbs. it will be available with either the Vortec 6.0-litre or the Duramax 6.6-litre turbo diesel. Both come with a new hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission or the six-speed Allison.
More cargo capacity
The aftermarket upfitters were well represented at the show, having brought several new add-on bodies for display. Supreme Corporation, which builds the Adrian brand of service bodies, showed off a body with a unique pull-out section for parts storage that will fit on the Colorado or Canyon cab chassis. This body also speaks to a growing trend that might just help fleets cope with current fuel prices—smaller service vehicles.
Also shown were full-size dry vans for the w-series cab-forward GM trucks as well as open-body type service platforms that fit the 2500 and 3500 series trucks. gM cargo vans have also received a considerable amount of the aftermarket's inventive efforts.
On site were fiberglass reinforced plywood roof add-ons (from Spartan Cargo) that increased the standard van cargo capacity by 75 per cent and allowed a driver to stand up straight in the rear of the van.
Unicell Body Company has been making bodies for GM cutaway vans and conventional cab chassis for more than 20 years now and at Red Rock, they showed some new one-piece molded seamless fiberglass van bodies they say also save fuel because of their lower weight—compared to steel—and their aerodynamic shape.
Knapheide Manufacturing showed a medium duty body complete with power liftgate and compartment spaces inside and out. Oriented to utility companies, these types of trucks can also support hoists, platform and stake bodies as well as gooseneck towing bodies.
It seemed hitches were added almost as standard equipment to most upfitters' creations. again, this speaks to the increase in the use of trailers by owners who want to maximize the use of a truck, adding capacity and making the most of its hauling power.
On GM's end, this trend is recognized by adding electronic brake controllers to all its 2500-and-up trucks. in 2009, the brake controllers find their way into the half-ton trucks as well.
A key feature, stressed by the half-dozen large upfitters on site was GM’s ability to give them a clean platform to work with. The 'general' offers a service which directs truck and van purchases straight through to the specified upfitter. The customer picks up the truck only once, when it's complete and ready to work.
Howard Elmer is a powersports writer based in Brampton, Ont.
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