RVs Experiencing Record Sales Numbers

RVs Experiencing Record Sales Numbers

The RV market has seen record sales in the time of coronavirus. According to a new report from the RV Industry Association, wholesale shipments of RVs reached their highest monthly total in June since October 2018, leading to record sales numbers. In June, more than 40,462 RVs were shipped out, the industry association reported — a 10 percent increase from the same time last year. For context, in April the RV…

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Technician Shortage Increasing Labor Rates

Commerical Truck Technician Shortage Leads to Increasing Shop Labor Rates

The Heavy Duty Truck maintenance and repair industries are experiencing a skilled labor shortage as those working the technician positions in the Baby Boomer demographic retire in greater numbers than those replacing them, causing the unintended consequence of higher shop labor rates. “The key differences impacting maintenance costs today are skilled labor shortages combined with advancements in vehicle technology. Employees with advanced technical skills are becoming more difficult to find…

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Tennessee & California Increase Diesel Taxes

Diesel Fuel Taxes Raised in California and Tennessee

Governors in Tennessee & California recently signed legislation into law that will increase diesel fuel taxes in those states later this year. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed in late April the “IMPROVE Act,” which will raise diesel fuel taxes by 10 cents over the next three years. The excise tax on diesel will jump on July 1 by 4 cents from 18.4 cents per gallon to 22.4 cents per gallon.…

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Kenworth Predictive Cruise Increases MPG

Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control System Increases Fuel Economy MPG

Kenworth has updated its Predictive Cruise Control functionality for T680 and T880 trucks equipped with the 2017 Paccar MX-11, MX-13, and Cummins X15 engines to improve fuel economy and overall MPG. The update was made with the launch of 2017 emission engines and provides up to a 1% improvement in fuel economy over the current versions with Predictive Cruise Control, according to Patrick Dean, Kenworth chief engineer. Kenworth’s Predictive Cruise…

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Paccar Updates MX Engines & Drive Axles

Paccar MX13 Engine

Available in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in January will be new power, torque and fuel efficiency enhancements to Paccar MX-13 and MX-11 engines for North America. Nearly 50% of Peterbilt and Kenworth heavy-duty trucks currently are produced with Paccar MX engines, according to Sproull. Paccar increased the MX-13 engine’s output to 510 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque and increased the MX-11 engine’s output to 430 hp and 1,650 lb-ft…

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