Tow Vehicle Innovation Not to be outdone by the chassis makers, the tow vehicle manufacturing segment has also been busy creating attractive new products to meet the growing demand for heavier travel trailers and fifth-wheels.
With the ever-growing popularity of the fulltimers RV, principally the larger fifth-wheel trailers, the problem of finding an adequate vehicle to pull it around has been a challenge to the consumer. Two companies that have focused on this need are Freightliner and International®. And while these medium-duty tow vehicles are not inexpensive, there is a growing number of RVers willing to invest the funds for the power and safety of these stylish tow vehicles. Let's take a look at Wiers Towmaster™ a joint venture between International brand trucks, a subsidiary of Navistar International Transportation Corp., and Wiers Manufacturing. According to International this is the first OEM/TEM joint venture in the RV application with Wiers providing conversion tow vehicles exclusively through selected International dealers. The Wiers Towmaster, built on an International 4700 low-profile chassis, is one of the new breed of medium-duty tow vehicles specifically designed to pull fifth wheel trailers in a wide range of weight classes, enabling it to pull RV fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers. The partnership will allow for dramatically expanded distribution and a high level of customer support and service through more than 1,000 International dealer locations throughout North America. Tom Wiers, president, Wiers Manufacturing, said, "Our relationship with International is designed to better satisfy customer needs. The Wiers Towmaster was developed because people pulling heavy coaches needed a vehicle with enough towing ability and braking power to handle heavy loads. We needed a nationwide distribution and customer service system to make it easy for customers to purchase the product and keep it on the road. International provides us with both." The Wiers Towmaster is currently available through a pilot program at 11 International dealerships, and will be available in the summer of 1999 through an enhanced number of International dealers in North America. Wiers Towmaster owners will have all the services offered to International vehicle owners, including a large parts inventory, comprehensive warranty and maintenance programs, and the highly trained maintenance technicians. The Wiers Towmaster provides the customer with the luxury of an automobile and at the same time, the quality and safety necessary to pull trailers or heavy coaches. It is available in two models. The Elite conversion provides a more traditional steel rear body with an International 530E inline-6 cylinder engine. The Sport conversion has an automotive-style fiberglass rear body, fiberglass running boards and an aerodynamic front bumper. Wiers Towmaster features include:
Another creative product in this category is from Freightliner Specialty Vehicles Corporation. Freightliner recently introduced its new SportChassis, a recreational tow vehicle designed for heavy trailer and other towing applications. Based on the Freightliner Business Class Truck, the SportChassis provides customers with a heavy-duty, reliable vehicle that is packaged specifically for tow-hitch applications. Marv Hoff, president of Freightliner's Specialized Vehicel Group, said "The debut of the SportChassis represents the first time a truck manufacturer has focused on the needs of customers in this market. Combining our knowledge of the RV market with our heavy truck expertise, we have created a vehicle that is not only durable, but is also fine-tuned for optimal ride and handling." The SportChassis was designed for RV trailers as well as other hitch applications such as horse, boat and car trailer towing. Compared to a heavy-duty pickup truck that is intended primarily to carry weight, engineers at Freightliner designed the SportChassis to pull maximum weight. The SportChassis' towing capacity can exceed 28,000 lbs. depending on specifications and it has a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 40,000 lbs. The SportChassis' GCWR exceeds most heavy-duty pickup capacities by nearly 10,000 lbs. "The SportChassis towing capabilities allow customers to pull heavy loads and still have a stable, comfortable ride," Hoff said. "The durability of the design also increases the life span and reduces wear-and-tear of the vehicle and its components."
The Freightliner Business Class serves as the base truck for the SportChassis and the all-aluminum tow body is manufactured by Freightliner Specialty Vehicles. The vehicle is powered by the Caterpillar CFE 3126, the Cummins ISB or the ISC turbocharged electronic diesel engine with 275 horsepower. Wheelbases of 168--and 186-inch are available. In addition, the SportChassis incorporates the other Business Class features such as a turning radius of 50-degrees inside front wheel cut, and a sloping front hood for improved visibility. The SportChassis is available in extended or crew cab versions, both feature premium interiors. Options include custom leather and air-ride front seats, Audiovox Voyager rear observation system, and a premium interior wood package. The cab is also positioned low to the ground for easy entry with ergonomically placed steps. The SportChassis will be in production the first quarter of 1999 and will be available through a network of select Freightliner dealerships. Prosperity begets innovation, and the RV industry's current strong position helps it become the beneficiary of new ideas and approaches. This teamwork between the truck manufacturing companies and RV manufacturers help provide our customers with choices that would not otherwise be available. RVN
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