Most Read Medium-Duty Articles in 2020

Work Truck is the No. 1 resource for vocational fleet managers. We strive to educate and inform on all things fleet from up-to-date news to in-depth features. And, whether you are a veteran of the industry or newer to the fleet world, Work Truck’s Fleet 101 series of articles is sure to feature a topic or angle new to you or that provides some helpful refreshers.

This year, fleet managers wanted to know all about truck performance, tires, spec'ing, and brakes when it came to medium-duty trucks. The following are the most read medium-duty articles in 2020:

• Measuring Hours vs. Miles in Medium-Duty Truck Performance: To achieve the most accurate insight into the wear-and-tear on a vehicle, fleet managers need to review all performance measurements.
• How to Determine Tire Load Ratings. Paying attention to a replacement tire’s load rating is critical. The tire must be able to safely support a given amount of vehicle weight. If the tire’s load rating is insufficient, the tire may become overheated and can self-destruct. 
• All About Truck Tires - Load Ratings, Sizes & More: Tires are more than “where the rubber meets the road,” and understanding sizes, load ratings, why ply no longer matters, and more is important for today’s fleet managers.
• Pros & Cons - Diesel vs. Gas in Class 3-4 Trucks: Choosing between gasoline- or diesel-powered trucks requires striking the right balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and budget.
• Re-rating GVWR - Why and How it's Done: Sometimes, it is not in a fleet’s best interests to have a vehicle at a given GVWR. Changing the GVWR to a special value can be done, but the process is complicated.
• 9 Mistakes Spec’ing Upfits (and How to Avoid Them): Spec’ing a truck or van upfit is the first, critical step in a lengthy process. Avoid these top mistakes to keep your upfit process smooth.
• 10 Factors in Spec’ing Drive-Axle Ratios for Medium-Duty Trucks: There is a wide range of drive-axle ratios for medium-duty trucks. Considering drive-axle ratio impacts a truck’s top-end speed, load-pulling ability, and overall fuel economy, fleet managers must choose carefully.
• 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Medium-Duty Box Trucks: To achieve balance between required cargo space and weight, experts share ways fleet managers can reduce the risk of error when spec’ing and ordering.
• Air Brakes or Hydraulic Brakes? Choosing the right brakes for a medium-duty truck can make spec’ing complex; however, there are clear-cut reasons to use both, depending on payload and work environment.
• What You Need to Know About APUs: Evaluating auxiliary power units (APUs) before making any usage decisions can help save time and money for fleets in need of additional power.

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