Other lightweight choices include a molded plastic battery box, an electronically modulating fan drive, nylon air tubing instead of braided hose, and lightweight seats. The most popular lightweight options for Mack Pinnacle model highway tractors, notes Jerry Warmkessel, highway products marketing manager, include spec’ing 6 mm frame rails and using a single fuel tank when possible. Lightweight option suggestions from Volvo Trucks North America’s Frank Bio, product manager-trucks, are detailed in the chart to the right. Hendrickson Steertek front axles, chosen as the standard axle for select on-highway models, are also lighter in weight while the manufacturer’s Softek front suspension system, which combines the Steertek NXT axle and spring technology, saves up to 85 lbs. Weighing just 700 lbs., HTB LT saves up to 250 lbs. The HTB LT rear air suspension is ideal for weight sensitive applications such as bulk haulers and flatbed operations. Several Hendrickson components available on International models also can save weight, according to the OEM.
out of the vehicle compared to a steel clutch housing. can be saved by spec’ing an aluminum 5th wheel and the now standard aluminum clutch housing takes 50 lbs. Aluminum options, the OEM says, can save weight as well, including 28 lbs. For instance, a horizontal exhaust can save approximately 70 lbs. International Trucks points out several weight saving specifications available on its vehicles. In addition, it has smaller, midroof sleepers for carriers looking to cut chassis weight. BBC Cascadia model for weight-conscious fleets. On a vehicle level, Freightliner offers a 113-in. In addition, the OEM builds a proprietary horizontal aftertreatment/exhaust system that is lighter in weight than standard designs. Also, a battery disconnect system that preserves power when a truck is idle for an extended period of time allows for only two batteries instead of four.įreightliner Trucks offers a number of lightweight components, including but not limited to aluminum frame rails, axle carriers and air tanks. Other aluminum components offered on Peterbilt trucks include cabs and bell housing, aluminum crossmembers and the company’s aluminum space saver battery box. In addition, the OEM offers a drivetrain with an aluminum rear axle housing. Some of the components that enable these weight savings include composite springs and the proprietary FLEXAir suspension comprised of an aluminum drive beam. and sleeper configurations as low as 15,800 lbs. Peterbilt, for example, says it can offer customers day cabs as that weigh as little as 14,200 lbs.