2017 brings new and exciting customization trends that are bound to spark your interest. Truck technology and equipment have significantly evolved in recent years, especially as far as connectivity or integration trends are concerned. All in all, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the newest, most exciting options that these truck equipment trends have to offer.
Let’s take a look at what new equipment innovations you can expect to see in 2017:
- Safety Equipment
More and more original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now stress the importance of safety equipment. They are offering innovative solutions and crash-avoidance features and technologies, such as lane-departure warning / prevention and collision warning to reduce accident rates and encourage safer driving behavior.
- Telematics Applications
Fleet Telematics Systems facilitate the exchange of information between vehicle fleets and their central office, making it easier to monitor driver behavior and other vehicle stats in real time. As a result, drivers can get the help they need if a special situation occurs. Moreover, fleet managers can use this data to maximize fuel efficiency and make smarter decisions for their business.
- Wireless Equipment
Nowadays, being able to stay permanently connected is practically a requirement. For this reason, wireless tools have seen a huge increase in popularity. More and more companies are giving their employees ways to stay in touch with the control center by offering technology like laptops or tablets. Connectivity is still an add-on feature for trucks right now, but we anticipate that changing in the next few years.
- Refurbishments
Another recent trend is refurbishing existing equipment, especially if it’s already been customized for a specific need. The budget for fleet updates can get quite large and sometimes even exceed the cost of the vehicle’s chassis. Because of this, you will probably want to get some return on your investment – and the best way to do so is by refurbishing or refitting the equipment you already have.
- Eco-Powered Equipment
These days, the New York State Environmental Conservation law prohibits any heavy-duty vehicle from idling more than five consecutive minutes for environmental reasons. Not only does this simple change result in less air and noise pollution and fuel, it also helps consumers spend less money than before.
Because of this, we are seeing a recent trend for auxiliary power units (APUs, more commonly known as onboard generators) that serve as an alternative for powering accessory equipment without breaking any idling laws. Additionally, we have also seen the rise of renewable, non-fossil-based fuels being integrated into fleet equipment; one example is solar-powered heating through panels placed on the roofs of the vehicles.
If any of these trends have caught your eye and you feel like 2017 is the year to take a different, bolder approach with your truck equipment, don’t leave your vehicle in just anyone’s hands. Go to our request a quote page and talk to one of our professionals about your truck customization needs. They will help your discuss your all your options so you can make an informed decision.
