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Knowledge Cafe |
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Here's a book I have enjoyed very much. It is a book you can read cover to cover, or you can skip around. The book has 64 Principles and there is a few pages for each principle, so where ever you open the book would work just fine. A good book to keep near and open it regularly, read a minute or two and get back to what you were doing. So many wonderful thoughts and ideas from an extremely successful man.
Harvey Mackay, the author of Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive (also a great book!) said, If you could read one book this year, this would be it. |
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Kevin's Corner |
Let's talk Tow Systems!
The first question is always, what is the hitch going on and how much weight do you intend on towing?
There are several classes of hitches, Class 1 through Class 5. Each one has a weight rating. Class 1 is up to 1500 lbs and Class 5 is up to 15,000 lbs with trailer and vehicle equipped properly.
All hitches have a tow weight which is the maximum pull strength for the hitch and tongue weight which is the downward weight and the capacity can increase with weight distribution systems or, as they are commonly called, equalizer bars. Not only is the hitch limited to certain weights, all the accessories are also limited to weight.
The three components that make up the towing system are the hitch, the ball mount and the ball. Each of these items has a weight limit. So, let's say that your hitch has a 6,000 lb rating, your ball mount has a 5,000 lb rating and your ball is rated at 6,000 lbs. The weak point is the ball mount at 5,000 lbs. This is a common problem. It is always important to make sure you explain and choose the correct parts for towing trailers with all accessories having a compatible weight rating.
Wiring. There are numerous trailer wire plugs, such as the 4-way flat, 4-way round, 6-way and 7-way. The type of plug usually determines the trailer and what electrical items are on the trailer. Your standard trailer plug (4-way) operates all running lights, brake lights and turn signals. The 6 and 7-way usually operate trailer brake systems, battery charge lines and back up lights. Most new trucks and SUV's come with factory harnesses in place so the installer just duplicates the system to best serve the customer needs.
There is a lot to know about trailer towing. I have 25 years experience at it and still learn new things all the time.
The bottom line is when looking for someone to install towing systems, choose a qualified shop that is familiar with all facets of hitches and wiring and is familiar with the ever-changing new models that are constantly being introduced.
Courtesy of Kevin Snedeker, VacaValley Truck & SUV, our truck accessory expert. | |
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| Greetings! |
Welcome to the Commercial Truck Success Idealetter!
Published every other week, the Idealetter is be a brief one-page thought starter and news source for busy commercial sales professionals and managers with numerous links to the Commercial Truck Success website and many other links to useful information, tools and inspiration!
Please feel free to offer comments and suggestions for future topics that are of interest to you. Also, please forward this to others you wish to share it with. There is a forward email link at the bottom of this page. I wish you success! Keep up the good work! And, never stop learning! |
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Great Dealer Websites |
| This is a new spot in the IdeaLetter where we share great dealer commercial websites that we find or are sent to us. Since we also build websites for commercial dealers, we are always looking for those who stand out ahead in website thinking.
Here's some things we liked about their site:
- This is a separate website from the retail store! And, it can be opened from the main dealership site and it opens in a separate window and has a separate URL address. Like that! Great job!
- Good search engine ranking. This is partially due to a large number of URL's the company owns and uses. They obviously pay attention to the web.
- Nice team. Contact Us page has photos, phone numbers including cell number and email. (These guys look like truck guys!) The first thing I look at on a website is people. Make it human!
- Nice header and relatively easy to navigate.
- Address and toll free number in header on every page!
- Contact Us hyperlink on every page and on home page in three places which takes you directly to the team photos and numbers. Awesome, awesome, awesome. People want to deal with people! Get them focused on contacting you and asking for you directly. Super job!
- Home pages shows some logos of large clients. Name droppers. . .
- Has good product pages describing general product items and separate pages for inventory. Sweet and simple. Like that.
- In Stock/For Sale pages have new, used and specials. Photos okay, but small and has minimal info on truck.
- Link back to the main store is under other inventory and it opens in a separate window. I like that much better than just going directly to the site and closing the previous window. Same thing applies when at the retail site and going to the commercial site.
We appreciate a good commercial website. This one should be doing a good job for the dealership!
If you see a dealer commercial truck website that you think is a good one, please send it on to us. Email address at bottom of page. |
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Towing & Hitches |
The photos above represent a teaspoon out of the ocean of towing hitches, systems and accessories. There is so much to know and so easy to get confused. That is why we recommend getting your trailering answers from great knowledgeable people like our friend, Kevin Snedeker. See Kevin's words of wisdom to the left.
Consult your local trailering specialist for the best advice for your customers needs.
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Low Profile Service Bodies |
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The Low Profile Service Body is a great seller and will get you extra business. The photo just above with the man standing next to the body should show you why. He is about average height and it would much harder to see inside the top compartments on a body in which the top is about at the middle of the rear window instead of at the bottom of it.
The top two photos show a nice looking Scelzi Low Pro Service Body. These and the one with the man in it were taken at Wittmeier Ford in Chico who has consistently stocked Low Pro Service Bodies for over 10 years. I used to sell about 50% Low Pro and stocked accordingly. The middle two photos are something that I see more of every year: The Low Pro Dual Rear Wheel Service Body. These shots and the one with the man in it are made by Harbor Truck Bodies. It is also a great looking body for the extended cab chassis.
Another thing about the Low Pro Service Body is that it is very pleasing to look at probably because it looks more like a pickup. You still get great compartment storage, open top lids (or you can get closed top) and you can still get all the normal options like cargo bed enclosures, racks, vise brackets, drawers and much more.
Consider trying some new products and try stocking the Low Pro Service Body. If you do, I think you will find it to be a great addition to your lineup. |
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Horizontal Compartments |
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Another great little stocking technique is to stock a certain number of your service bodies with the horizontal compartment. On the horizontal compartment service body, the compartment over the wheels is extended to the end of the body so you can carry longer items and a somewhat smaller compartment is at the bottom rear. It is normally a NO CHARGE item, which is way cool and you can order it on the street side, curb side or both sides.
The top two photos is of a 9' Harbor on a dually Ford F350 on the curb side. Notice the different useage available for space in the open compartment shot. Then there is another 9' Harbor on a Ford F450 on the street side. Next to this and at the bottom is a Knapheide Horizontal Series Service Body on a Ford X35 4x4 Super Cab with 9' single rear wheels. This one is going to the U.S. Forestry Service through Gary Mitchell at Wittmeier Ford in Chico, CA.
Give it a good try. It is a great option to put on one side which gives the customer many different ways of storing items. Your customers will love it! |
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Announcing . . . Commercial Truck Locator.com |
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National any make upfitted truck and bailment pool locator website.
Officially launched in November, 2008.
Join the revolution!
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Here's Something Fun! |
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Here's something that is totally fun!
Very Funny Prank
If you liked that, here's another fun video:
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Need some ideas? |
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Now you can subscribe via email to the daily Commercial Truck Success Blog. Subscribe Now! |
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New Commercial Truck Dealer Success Website! |
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