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The Gear Box
by Rolf Lockwood
Wide-Base Single
Contract GuidelinesA booklet called "Guidelines for Carrier/Owner-Operator Contracts" is offered free of charge by the Ontario Trucking Association. Developed by the OTA Professional Driver & Operator Forum, it covers key points such as making sure that deductions, holdbacks, and insurance are well understood and agreeable to both parties. The booklet is designed as much for carriers as owner-operators, to assist both parties in ensuring that the independent status of the owner-op is maintained. For your free copy, call 416-1249-7401 or e-mail to info@ontruck.org. Auxiliary PowerTeleflex Inc. offers the ProHeat I.C.E. (Independent Cooling and Electricity) Gen2 auxiliary power unit. The gen set, which sits clamped to the frame beneath the sleeper, is said to run for 10,000 hours without major inspection. It features interconnected cooling, a Kubota diesel engine, and reduced wiring compared to standard generators, the company says. It delivers 20,000 BTU's of heat to the truck's sleeper and engine block simultaneously with an additional 1500 watts of AC power available to operate electrical appliances. An enhanced air conditioning unit features double cooling capacity and twice the air flow, which is said to reduce freezing of the evaporator coil. Insulation and a noise-intake baffle inside the box also are said to make the generator very quiet. For more information call 1-800-667-4328 or visit www.proheat.com. Grote CatalogueWith its easy-to-use color-coded design, the Grote Industries 100th anniversary catalogue offers information on vehicle safety system products, from marker lamps to stop, tail and turn lamps, wiring harnesses and mirrors. The full-color, 248-page 'Safety Systems Product Catalogue' features a technical section with trailer-wiring data, sealed beam and bulb charts, safety requirements, and an industry-wide interchange guide. Changes for 2001 include more informative product descriptions, 331 new part numbers, updated interchanges, and bullet points outlining the features and benefits of popular products. Call 1-800-268-5612 or visit www.grote.com.
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Michelin, in partnership with Freightliner, has developed the X-One, a new single drive (the XDA) or trailer (XTA) tire that's said to save weight and increase traction compared to a dual-wheel setup. The tire's 445/50R22.5 size gives it the same rolling radius as a low-profile 275/80R22.5 tire, along with the same inflation pressure of 100 psi. X-One comes on a 22.5x14.00 Accuride wheel, in steel or aluminum, with a standard 10-bolt hub-piloted design. The weight saving is approximately 115 lb per wheel end (460 per tandem) compared to conventional duals on steel wheels or 102 lb per wheel end (408 per tandem) compared to conventional duals on aluminum wheels. This means either a 920- or 816-lb weight reduction for a tractor-trailer combination. The XDA is currently available exclusively on new 6x4 Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star tractors, while the XTA is available through major trailer makers. Both are also offered for replacement purchase through authorized Michelin dealers. See your local Freightliner or Michelin dealer for more information, or visit 
Stemco now markets the 'BrakeTurbine', a patented, louvered turbine wheel that fits inside a heavy-truck brake drum. Made by Lynnfin Truck Technologies, it collects air and forces it out between the drum and the lining whenever the wheel's in motion. This stream of air dissipates heat, the company says, and also expels brake dust and other debris. The result is said to be an increase in brake life of as much as 150%, along with a reduction in brake fade, an increase in stopping power, less noise (by removing dirt), and cooler
running tires. The rings are made of stainless steel and require less than five minutes installation time during a brake job.
Gunite's dual-step piloted brake drum is said to make for easy, quick, and accurate installation during routine wheel-end maintenance. The patented bi-level piloting system uses the hub's wheel pilot to align the drum. Among the benefits, says Gunite, is much reduced hub-pilot
damage that occurs when the drum isn't properly seated. The problem is said to be especially severe with aluminum hubs where a single mispiloting can actually destroy the hub mounting pilot. Poorly mounted drums can also lead to excessive run-out, which causes the brakes to pulsate and shortens the life of both
linings and drums. More information is available at 1-800-677-3786 or at 
