14 SERVICE TRUCK Pulse January 2026 15 SERVICE TRUCK Pulse January 2026 this material for their mid-tier service body lines, offering a balance between durability and affordability. Tire Choices: Grip, Load, and Terrain Tires are your truck’s direct connection to the ground—and in harsh environments, they need to do more than roll. Brands like Bridgestone and Continental offer severe service tires with deep lugs, stone ejection technology, and reinforced sidewalls for mud, snow, and rocky terrain. For example, the Bridgestone M799 and Continental Terra HD3 are popular choices for fleets operating in mining, logging, and construction. For those looking for tires for heavy-duty applications, you should look for a load range of E or higher. The “load range” refers to the tire's ply rating and its ability to carry weight at a specified pressure. It’s a modern way of expressing what used to be called ply ratings (for example, 6-ply and 10-ply). Load range E typically corresponds to a 10-ply rating and is designed for heavy-duty applications, such as service trucks, trailers, and ¾-ton to 1-ton pickups. These tires are usually rated for 80 psi (pounds per square inch) of inflation pressure and can carry 2,800–3,500 lbs per tire, depending on size and configuration. It’s important to note that as the load range increases, so do the tire’s weight, cost, and required wheel strength. Always match the load range to your axle rating and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). There are also all-terrain tires, which are for mixed-use environments, such as the BFGoodrich KO2 or Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac—both offering a balance of off-road traction and on-road comfort. For those who need it, there are Winter-specific options—tires with snowflake certification and dual-compound rubber that will maintain their grip in sub-zero temperatures. Some models include stud-ready tread for added ice traction. Enclosure Options: Protecting Tools and Tech Extreme weather can damage tools, electronics, and sensitive cargo. Enclosed service bodies offer protection from the elements—and added security. Manufacturers like Knapheide offer KUVcc enclosed service bodies in both steel and aluminum. These units feature weather-sealed compartments, reinforced doors, and customizable layouts. While steel is budget-friendly and durable, aluminum offers better corrosion resistance and weight savings. For those in cold climates, your fleet may consider insulated enclosures with optional engine preheat systems or battery warmers. Some APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) include climate control which will help maintain interior temperatures and protect sensitive equipment. For weatherproofing features, seek out heavy-duty rubber seals, double-panel doors, powder-coated finishes, and stainless steel latches. These features help prevent water intrusion, rust, and freeze damage in extreme conditions. Auxiliary Systems: Power and Climate Control Keeping tools running and cabins comfortable without idling the engine is essential in remote or regulated areas. Modern auxiliary systems not only reduce fuel consumption and emissions but also improve uptime, driver comfort, and compliance with anti-idling laws. Auxiliary Power Units are compact, engine-off systems that provide climate control, electrical power, and battery management for service trucks. They are especially valuable in extreme environments where maintaining cabin temperature and tool readiness is critical. Key Features: heating and air conditioning independent of the main engine; battery monitoring and charging; engine preheat functions to ensure cold-weather starts; and reduced engine wear and fuel savings of up to 3,000 gallons per year (https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve/idlereduction-equipment). Types of APUs: • Diesel-powered – such as Thermo King TriPac and Carrier ComfortPro; • Battery-electric – ClimaCab distributed by Iceberg Enterprises, and DClimate Hybrid developed by Transtex; • Solar-assisted systems produced by eNow Solar. Some hybrid APUs, like the DClimate HC7000, combine high-efficiency HVAC modules with a patented battery management system, offering remote monitoring, autostart, and fleet-level idle data reporting. FLEET ORGANIZATION Inverters paired with lithium battery banks are for lighter-duty or intermittent power needs, offering a clean, quiet alternative to idling or diesel generators. Benefits include: powering laptops, diagnostics, lights, and small tools; zero emissions and silent operation; and reduced maintenance requirements compared to diesel APUs. Certain brands like the Xantrex Freedom series from Mission Critical Electronics and Battle Born Batteries, manufactured by Dragonfly Energy, offer inverter systems that convert 12V DC to 120V AC, supporting everything from laptops to power tools. Lithium-ion batteries (especially LiFePO4) provide longer runtimes, faster charging, and greater energy density than traditional lead-acid batteries (www.mwsmag.com/idle-mitigation-systems-and-lithiumion-battery-technology/). When looking for integrated climate control systems, consider Miller Electric Mfg. LLC (an ITW Welding Company) and Eberspächer Climate Control Systems, both of which offer solutions designed to maintain cab comfort without engine idling. Miller’s CabEn Climate Solutions includes: • CabEn Cool, manufactured by Bergstrom Inc., a company specializing in HVAC systems for heavy-duty trucks and off-highway vehicles. • CabEn Heat, supplied by Eberspächer, using its Hydronic HS3 diesel-powered heater technology. Cooltronic is Eberspächer’s own line of battery-powered parking coolers for trucks, designed to provide air conditioning while the engine is off. These systems are available in multiple configurations—Back, Top, and Hatch—and are widely used across Europe and North America to support idle reduction and enhance driver comfort. Both the CabEn and Cooltronic systems can integrate with APUs or standalone power sources to deliver: • All-day heating and cooling; • Minimal cab modifications, • And up to a whopping $11,000 in annual savings on fuel and maintenance. These solutions are especially valuable for trucks operating in extreme heat or cold, where driver comfort and equipment protection are essential. Some of the other things to look for when spec’ing for specific conditions are: Cold Climates: • Engine block heaters and fuel warmers; • Insulated enclosures and heated compartments; • Snow-rated tires and anti-gel fuel additives; • Rust-resistant coatings and galvanized hardware. Hot Climates: • UV-resistant paint and heat-reflective roofing; • Ventilated enclosures and cooling fans; • Aluminum bodies to reduce heat retention; • High-temperature-rated tires. Muddy or Off-Road Sites: • Lift kits and off-road suspension; • Mud-terrain tires with aggressive tread; • Sealed electrical systems and raised air intakes; • Powder-coated steel bodies for impact resistance. Spec’ing for harsh environments isn’t just about survival —it’s about reducing downtime and maximizing ROI. Note that: Aluminum and fiberglass bodies require less maintenance and last longer; Severe-service tires are engineered for extreme terrain, offering reinforced construction and deeper tread for better durability and reduced risk of failure when properly maintained; APUs save $1,000s annually in fuel and engine wear. A well-spec’d truck may cost more upfront, but the long-term savings in repairs, fuel, and productivity often justify the investment. Harsh environments demand more from your service truck—and from the people who spec them. Whether you're battling snowdrifts in Northern Alberta, heatwaves in Arizona, or mud pits in Appalachia, the right build makes all the difference. By choosing the right chassis, materials, tires, enclosures, and auxiliary systems, you’re not just building a truck. You’re building a reliable partner that shows up, performs, and lasts—no matter what the job throws at it. FLEET ORGANIZATION Here’s how the load ranges progress beyond E: Load Range Ply Rating Typical PSI Use Case F 12-ply 95-100 psi Heavier commercial trucks, RVs, & trailers G 14-ply 110 psi Medium-duty trucks, high-capacity trailers H 16-ply 120 psi Class 6–7 trucks, heavy equipment haulers J 18-ply 130 psi Specialized heavy-duty applications L 20-ply 120-130 psi Mining, logging, and military-grade vehicles You may need a tough-as-nails vehicle to go out into the bush to provide maintenance or repairs on a piece of heavy-duty equipment like this. ImagineGolf/iStock/Getty Images Plus Photo Lajst/iStock/Getty Images Plus Photo
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