The 5 fundamentals to truck spec'ing

When it comes to the specification process for your working truck, many truck drivers lack the requisite technical expertise to avoid common mistakes that can occur from under-spec'ing or over-spec'ing your Hino.

Trucks need to be properly equipped in order to handle specific job applications, which requires specifying a variety of components for functions such as selecting the right body, powertrain and chassis. The order in which these get selected matters as well, so unless you understand the fundamentals of truck spec'ing, there will be a higher cost of operating as a result of mechanical failures, downtime, inefficiency and other capitalized costs. 

So what strategy should you or a fleet manager follow? For small fleets, managing a formalized process is one good way to deal with it, but ultimately an understanding of the basic fundamentals of truck spec'ing will help give you or a fleet manager the right perspective to know what questions to ask and when during this critical process.
 

5-Step Approach to Spec'ing Trucks
 

1. Define application requirements
   The first question that needs to be addressed at the beginning of the process is "What will be the work function or job(s) of the truck?" Knowing how the operator or fleet manager plans to use the truck will lay the groundwork for specifying its overall expectations and duty cycle, in addition to specifying the right components for each particular application to ensure the job will get done right and in the most efficient manner possible. The goal here to to know your truck's needs so as to determine its requirements, such as maximum payload weight, type of payload, loading, etc. 
   
   According to Adrian Ratza, marketing manager at Hino Trucks in Detroit, defining the application is the most important consideration for fleets when specifying work trucks, so make sure the intended day-to-day applications are clearly defined to build a truck that meets the needs of the operator. As an example, a light delivery operation would require an entirely different spec than a snowplow with a salt spreader, so make sure the purpose and needs of your truck are understood in order to determine the exact application requirements.
    

2. Define operating parameters
   This is the "how to" portion of the process where you get more into the specifics of how, when and where the truck will be utilized. Appropriate questions to ask during this stage should address factors such as operating conditions (ie. extreme weather, locally or regionally), knowing whether the truck will be operating fully loaded or with a diminishing load, desired startability, annual mileage, idle time, defining performance and maintenance requirements, etc. The truck's operation is a key area for an operator or fleet to determine the vehicle's configuration that best suits its needs, upon which an appropriate chassis can be selected. For example, if your truck is going to average about 25,000 miles per year, then a diesel chassis may be the best choice for fuel economy, which brings us to #3. 
    

3. Select the chassis
   A common mistake made is to begin the truck spec'ing process with the truck chassis, which doesn't make sense when you look at things from a chronological perspective where you are applying the information gathered from the application requirements and operational parameters in order to define the vehicle's required payload and necessary cab-to-axle chassis dimension. In any case, you should work closely with your chassis provider to discuss key considerations such as maintenance and warranty repair accessibility and regulatory requirements such as weight/reporting regulations. Fleets will typically perform a detailed weight distribution analysis at this point to determine axle loadings as well as whether optional suspensions, components or frames are required to ensure the chassis isn't overloaded and all equipment-mounting requirements have been met. 

4. Select the powertrain
   Once the appropriately sized chassis has been selected, it's time to select a powertrain that meets the specified performance criteria as defined in #2 as this drives the choice for all the components. The powertrain is comprised of the engine, transmission, driveline, rear axle, wheels and tires, and is another area where your chassis provider can provide you with invaluable information based on the knowledge gained in #1&2. For example, speed ranks right behind payload in significance when it comes to spec'ing trucks as it guides engine and transmission selection and affects horsepower requirements. It is also a factor to consider for various powertrain specifications such as engine governors. All in all, by this point you should be able to answer the following criterion for considering the right powertrain:
   
   -Job specifications for the truck
   -Typical GVW or GCW
   -Annual miles
   -Expected operating surfaces
   -Desired cruising speed
   -Desired startability
   -Desired high gear gradeability and cruising speed
   -Vehicle configuration (number of drive axles and tires)
    

5.  Select the body
   Body integration is a critical consideration when spec'ing a work truck, and there are many options to choose from when it comes to selecting the right physical components based on what has been determined for payload type/volume, loading and unloading requirements and methods, cargo restraint system, and other factors defined in the process.  The weight of a completed truck is also a concern as a fleet would need to determine payload capacity as well as having a body and chassis that perform in unison, so it's a good idea to meet with the dealer, truck-body uplifter and the operator (or company) of the vehicle so that all parties can discuss these specifications in detail and make sure everyone is on the same page for the perfect fit. Mismatching body and chassis requirements will not only cause complications but cost you money, so get it done right the first time by making sure you have the technical guidance from the appropriate party. 
    

The bottom line is that if you take the time to spec your truck correctly as defined above, you will be rewarded with a more productive and cost-effective truck. And even if your truck was properly spec’d when initially acquired, industry requirements are constantly evolving (ie. OEM specifications for chassis' change from year to year) with new & improved products being introduced, so it's a good idea to keep aware of a new body or chassis being released that could offer a significant improvement or cost-effective benefit. Talk to your local truck dealer such as Somerville Hino to keep you informed, as well as to accommodate any related parts or services for your Hino truck.