Isuzu NPR: Our Favorite Freight Truck

Today we are featuring our top selling truck, the Isuzu NPR. This truck is known for its maneuverability and reliability. In this post we will tell you the best parts of the truck, as well as the biggest things you as a driver or owner need to watch out for.

Look through our wide range of New & Used Isuzu NPR trucks.

Maneuverability

The Isuzu NPR is the number 1 most popular truck in the United States as far as maneuverability. Because this truck is so short, it has an incredible ability to get in to tight spots in the city, in businesses, in small parking lots, etc. That's why we started with it.
Because of the truck’s flat nose, the driver will be one of the first things to the wreck if hit head on. Make sure you are aware of this risk and take appropriate precautions when on the road.

Reliability

Most Isuzu NPRs run on an Isuzu 4 cylinder diesel engine. These are very fuel efficient and economical - with a 14-16 ft. box it can get 12-15 mpg.
If you keep your Isuzu NPR serviced, you will see 200,000 miles on it very easily, sometimes up to 400,000 miles.
Every time you fuel up you should check your oil and water. Frequently check your hoses.
One of the biggest things we see is that drivers tend to only check the reservoir jug. We urge you to open the radiator cap and physically look in and check your water. If it doesn't have water in the radiator, it cannot cool your engine.
Check your belts; make sure they aren't cracked or loose. Make sure your belt has some tension; you shouldn't be able to move it more than a half inch.

Comfort

The Isuzu NPR offers several amenities such as air conditioning, electric windows, AM/FM radio and a C.D. player.

Fuel

The Isuzu NPR uses a new fuel that is a low-sulfur fuel. This type of fuel doesn't use sulfur in it as a lubricant. Sulfur is added to most fuels as a lubricant for your fuel pumps and fuel injection system. For the Isuzu NPR, we recommend a product called Stanadyne.

Related: NPR and NQR Transmission Fluid Requirements

Transmission Fluid

Newer Isuzu N-Series from 2008 and up come with a new type of automatic transmission that requires an inexpensive silicone-based transmission fluid. It is a must that you use a silicone-based fluid such as Isuzu SCS Automatic Transmission Fluid -- Isuzu part # 2-90531-200-0. If you don’t use the proper fluid such as Dexron or Mercon III or V in it, it will burn it up in a matter of hours. You cannot use regular automatic transmission fluid or a petroleum based fluid in the NQR or NPR trucks built after late 2007.  This fluid is not expensive at all; it costs about the same as Dexron.

Emissions

The Isuzu NPR uses a urea system which cuts the fuel economy up some and cuts emissions drastically. The urea SCR (selective catalytic reduction) is the only technology available that can remove enough NOx from diesel exhaust to comply with strict new limits enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It reduces NOx by as much as 90% alone, and can take NOx to near-zero levels when used in combination with diesel particulate filter technology.
NOx is a major air pollutant which contributes to smog and causes asthma and respiratory and heart diseases.

Related: Isuzu Diesel Trucks, NPR, and the EPA's 2010 Emissions Standards, SCR

Rear Ends

The 2008 and up of Isuzu N-Series have a beefed up suspension that's more reliable than ever, and will get at least 200,000 - 300,000 miles on it. The rear ends of the Isuzu's run a leaf-spring suspension which is a very reliable type of suspension. But if you're up north, the rust will work on it. We sell a lot of leaf-springs because they rust out, not with just this truck but any truck.

Fuel Tanks

If you're up north, check the bottom of the fuel tanks frequently. Physically get under it and look for fuel dripping and deep-seated rust. We sell a lot of straps because when fuel tanks rust badly they will fall off, no matter where you are.
The number one reason we see Isuzu NPRs fail is because of the owner or driver’s own failure to service the truck's oil and water.
The biggest thing to remember when taking care of your Isuzu NPR is coolant levels. These trucks cannot stand to be over heated. If the truck is going to be run all day, check your coolant level in the morning and make sure it has enough to stay cool.

What Drivers Should Know About Brake Problems

With this cold weather (specifically in the North and Northeast) we think it is imperative for Mitsubishi Fuso, Isuzu, Hino, or UD freight truck drivers, or drivers of any other mid size truck or even regular passenger cars to have a thorough inspection of your trucks, especially your tires and brakes.
If you know what to look for, and are sensitive to the symptoms, you can spot many potential problems before they become real liabilities. And having concluded there's a problem, you can report it to the shop in a way that might prompt more than a readjustment of the slack adjusters.

Here's how to spot impending brake trouble -- and how to describe it to the mechanic.

Balance Problems
Ideally, each wheel on a truck (except the front wheels) should be doing an equal share of the braking work. The wheels on the left side should be providing the same stopping force as the wheels on the right. Same for tractor wheels versus trailer wheels.
If you were to notice your truck pulling distinctly to the one side or the other, it's possible that no obvious problem would reveal itself during a visual inspection. Assuming that adjustment is correct, the source of the imbalance could be any one (or a combination of) a dozen or more factors.
Lining material could be mismatched or the inner surface of one drum could be glazed. The air hoses and fittings between the valves and the brake chambers could be mismatched, or one might have a different (smaller or larger) inner diameter. One brake actuator chamber or slack adjuster might be the wrong size, or be malfunctioning. There could be a kink in a hose, or a blockage inside a valve, or a defect in the foundation brake that causes the hardware to deflect under the force of the application.
The problem could be easy to detect during a visual inspection if there's a broken or defective part. If the problem is internal, the mechanics will have to dig a little harder to find it. In any case, it's up to you to point out the problem.

Related: Some Quick Brake Maintenance Tips

Things to Take Note Of
Note the circumstances where the problem occurs, i.e., truck pulls to one side or the other at high or low speed, when lightly or heavily loaded, or only on wet pavement, etc.

Timing Problems
Brake balance and timing are critical: even ABS or electronic stability won't help you if the brakes are not applying and releasing as they should.
Tractor-trailer brakes are supposed to apply and release in order, rear first – by a slight margin. And release nearly immediately. When tractor brakes apply first, or with more force, the trailer could bump against the tractor, causing stability problems, or at least causing the tractor brakes to do more of their share of he work in stopping the truck.
In this case, if the trailer brakes aren't releasing as quickly as they should, it could compromise control in a skid. You have probably experienced trailer brakes hanging on a little longer than you'd like. That's worth writing up.
Application timing is controlled by the pressure at which various valves open and let air flow from the tanks into the brake chambers. Trailer valves are supposed to be set to a lower crack (or opening) pressure, and hence apply sooner than tractor brakes. Somewhere along the line, whether due to age or improper installation, the valves can open at the wrong pressures upsetting the application and release timing.
Additionally, for the brakes to release, the air has to evacuate from the chamber quickly so the brake linings can back away from the drum. If there's a physical obstruction, like a kink or a blockage the air may not escape fast enough, causing that brake to remain applied longer than you'd wish.

Related: Top 10 Foundation Brake Problems

Physical obstructions could cause brakes to delay applying, or cause them to hang up, too. Poorly lubricated cams, bushings etc. can be a problem here. Twists and distortions in the hardware can affect release and application timing too.
Be aware of a pushing sensation when you apply the brakes. That could indicate the trailer brakes are applying later than the tractor brakes. Be aware too of the sensation of the trailer brakes remaining applied after you've taken your foot off the treadle valve and applied some throttle. It'll feel like your powering up against a trailer with the brakes still on.
Whatever brake problems you might have, they can be identified by the driver if you know what to look for. The problem may be beyond your ability to repair, but that's what the mechanics are all about. Just be as specific as possible when writing up the inspection report so they can get to the root of the problem.
And never, under any circumstances, drive a truck with brakes that you're not entirely happy with.

Related: Some Quick Brake Maintenance Tips

Shop our brakes and brake parts

If you or a co-worker needs replacement parts this summer for your medium or heavy duty import truck, call us at (803) 564-3228 or (877) 564-6307. If you have any difficulties getting through our phone system, please use our Contact Form or Parts Request Form, or email sales@busbeetruckparts.com.
We have hundreds of Salvaged Medium Duty Trucks and Commercial Box Trucks for Parts including: Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso, UD, and GMC. With thousands of parts, including our most popular Isuzu NPR Truck Parts, we should have any part that you need in stock. Our sales professionals will be glad to assist you.  We are located at 4107 Festival Trail Rd, Wagener, SC 29164.

Be sure to Subscribe to the Busbee Blog for more helpful tips and tricks for safe and easy driving. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for our Free Monthly Newsletters.

Ready Your Commercial Box Truck for Winter

Winter can be a hard time for commercial Mitsubishi Fuso, Isuzu, Hino, or UD freight truck drivers, or drivers of any other mid size truck. But if you prepare for a road trip, you will have a lot less to worry about.

Here are a few of our suggestions:

1. Prepare an emergency kit - road flares, fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, first aid kit, water, solar blanket, jumper cables, etc.
2. Check belts and hoses, replace when necessary.
3. Service fuel filter and drain the water separator to prevent freezing.
4. Check and fill windshield washer fluid/reservoirs regularly utilizing proper winter dilution levels.
5. Check the condition of the windshield wiper blades, replace when necessary.
6. Check windshields for chips and pitting. Temperature variations can add stress on windshields. Repair small chips to avoid crack migration and the need for full windshield replacement.
7. Check tire conditions and make sure tread thickness is at manufacturer minimum for winter driving. Ensure tires are properly inflated.
8. During severe snow or icy conditions - tire chains may be necessary.
9. Test battery and clean connections. Batteries face a high starting load in cold weather and tend to fail during low temperatures.
10. Check heater / defroster operation prior to moving vehicle for proper function.
11. Check exhaust systems to ensure cabin is free of leaks from carbon monoxide.
12. On diesel - engine trucks, check glow plug operation.
13. Check ABS operation, monitor stroke adjustment on drum brakes, fluid levels and parking brake operation.
14. Keep radiator frontal surface clean and free of bugs, dirt and debris.
15. If equipped with heated mirrors, check operation.
16. Clean cab, body and undercarriage regularly to remove road salt, heavy snow, debris and dirt.
17. Check mud flaps regularly, replace when necessary.
18. Check coolant for proper protection levels. Coolants life typically is specified by the coolant manufacturers at 24 months. Anything older should be flushed and replaced. While the antifreeze properties of the coolant may not dissipate with time additives that provide corrosive protection, anti-gumming, and other functions break down and compromise the overall performance.
19. DEF - Diesel Exhaust Fluid. For diesel engines models using urea-based DEF in the emissions control systems.
20. Diesel engine models, use ASTM D-975 Grade 1 diesel in geographic areas that drop below 10°F (-12°C). For DPF equipped vehicles, Ultra Low Sulfer diesel is required in all temperature conditions.
21. Maintain and check engine heaters.

Related:  Inspect Your Truck's Brakes for Safe Winter Driving
Related: It's Time to Check Your Antifreeze

Wiper FAQ - New & Used Replacement Parts

Here are some common questions and answers that may help commercial freight drivers, or drivers of any other mid size truck or even regular passenger cars.

1. Why won't my wipers clear the entire windshield? They leave bands or patches of un-wiped surface.

• Banding across the wiping area can be caused by incorrect wiper arm pressure, damage to the blade superstructure or improper blade / refill installation.  Un-wiped areas within the wiper path occur when the blade loses contact with the windshield surface.

2. Why does my heavy duty truck never seem to have wiper fluid when I need it?

• Check for leaks in the washer fluid tank and tubes. It doesn’t matter how much washer fluid you dump down the tank, if you have a leak somewhere in your system, you’ll always come up short on the blue stuff when you need it most. Check the windshield washer reservoir for cracks. If you find any, chuck it and replace it with a new one. If there aren’t any cracks in the tank, check the tubes leading to the spray nozzles for splits. If none are visible, run your fingers along the line. If you feel something wet, you found your leak. Replace as needed.

3. Why do my windshield wipers only work on a certain speed, and sometimes just quit working for a while? How do you know if it is the windshield wiper motor or the switch?

• It sounds like the switch is the problem, but you will need to check for power at the motor to be sure. Unplug the wiring harness from the motor, and use a test light to check for power when the switch is on. If you have no power, the switch or an electrical connection is bad. If the switch is on (or bypassed), give the wiper arms a moderate tug to "jump start" their motion. If a gentle tug gets them moving its likely the motor or wiper transmission.

4. What causes the haze on my windshield? The wipers won't take it off.

• Hazing is an oil-like film that spreads across the windshield as the wiper blade passes over it. Dirt or wax build-up is the most probable cause and often the rubber element has been contaminated. You should thoroughly clean the windshield and replace the rubber elements. If that fails, replace the windshield with a new or used one.

5. Why do my wipers streak and smear my windshield?

• Smearing and streaking can be caused by many things, including improper refill installation, wiper element wear or damage, or dirt build-up on the windshield.

6. What should I look for when inspecting my windshield wipers?

• There are many things to look for that will affect the operation of your wipers. Cracked Rubber - Look for splits and slashes in the rubber, evidence of a hard life. Its time to replace the element.
• Contaminated Rubber - Usually caused by road film or chemicals adhering to rubber refill surface. Clean the windshield thoroughly and replace the rubber element.
• Torn Rubber - Element has pulled away from its support, slaps.
• Improperly Installed Refill - A wiper refill that is too short or not properly installed in the blade claws loses its effectiveness immediately and may result in a scratched windshield.
• Park Set Rubber - A hardened rubber blade with little or no flexibility left, caused by direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes.
• Damaged Superstructure - Bent arm, blade or refill is a dead giveaway, caused by ice scrapers and car wash equipment.
• Abrasion-Worn Rubber - Worn down, ragged edges from rough winter conditions or infrequent rubber element refilling.

Inspect Your Medium Duty Box Truck's Brakes for Safe Winter Driving

Safe winter driving in your commercial mid-size or heavy duty truck requires good handling techniques, but even expert drivers have a hard time navigating through snow and ice in trucks that aren't prepared for wintry conditions.

Related: What Medium Duty Box Truck Drivers Should Know About Brake Problems

Every system in your truck should be in good repair to take on winter driving, but we depend on tires and brakes to roll us where we want to go and slow us down when it's necessary. Maintenance for both should be at the top of your to do list.

Knowing how to maintain the braking system properly is the key to a long lasting system and will ensure highway safety. Proper brake maintenance practices are especially vital when considering your time and more importantly - safety.

1. Addressing contamination and corrosion is important because of the ripple effect it can have on other parts of the vehicle. With all of the difference de-icing materials on the road today, inspecting the chassis components, especially the linings and wiring for damage and corrosion is very important. Also inspect for oil and water in the air brakes reservoirs. Any form of corrosion on the braking system will damage the overall system further.
2. Slack adjusters must be inspected frequently to ensure they are in optimal condition. Technicians should not adjust the brakes during preventive maintenance procedures, instead they should check the free stroke and then measure the power stroke. This will enable to technician to know if the slack adjuster is working correctly.
3. Maintain a clean air system. Drivers should drain the air tanks daily. At a minimum, the air dryer should be serviced once a year. It's imperative you keep dry, clean air in the system at all times. 
4. Perform a visual inspection or walk-a-round, adding miles or years to the life of the vehicle's braking system. Drivers are required by the department of Transportation's Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to perform pre and post-trip inspections. There is a good chance the driver will catch a small failure prior to a major problem. It will kepp costs under control and major repair expenses down.
5. The antilock braking system (ABS) should be in optimal order. It's essential to check the ABS warning light, the speed sensors, tone ring, wiring and connectors, and the electronic control unit diagnostics. The ABS warning light is an indication something may be wrong. During operation it may light up, which means there may be an intermittent problem the driver needs to report.

Related: Why Are My Brakes Squeaking on My Medium or Heavy Duty Commercial Truck?

The introduction of more electronic sensors will provide more information on individual components that place a higher demand on the electrical system. Undoubtedly, there will be additional data for technicians, as well as new maintenance procedures. Proper training must be in place to deal with and accept new technology.

If you or a co-worker needs replacement brakes or brake parts (booster, cable, calipers, rotor, etc.)  for your medium or heavy duty commercial truck, call us at (803) 564-3228 or (877) 564-6307. If you have any difficulties getting through our phone system, please use our Contact Form or Parts Request Form, or email sales@busbeetruckparts.com.

We have hundreds of Salvaged Medium Duty Trucks and Commercial Box Trucks for Parts including: Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso, UD, and GMC. With thousands of parts, including our most popular Isuzu NPR Truck Parts, we should have any part that you need in stock. Our sales professionals will be glad to assist you.  We are located at 4107 Festival Trail Rd, Wagener, SC 29164.

Be sure to Subscribe to the Busbee Blog for more helpful tips and tricks for safe and easy driving. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for our Free Monthly Newsletters.

Ken Warby, World's Fastest Man on Water, Visits Busbee Truck Parts

Where does Ken Warby, Worlds Fastest Man on Water, get his parts? From us! 

It's always a pleasure when we get to stop and visit with our customers. And this week we were so excited to get to see Ken Warby. For those of you who don't know, Ken has been building race boats around Australia since he was 14 -- when he built his first race boat in his own backyard. He has won championships, and in the 1970's Ken started construction on "Spirit of Australia," which now sits in the Natitonal Maritime Museum.

Read about the boat here on his website.

Ken is the first and only person in history to design, build and drive a boat to an unlimited water speed record, the first Australian to hold an unlimited speed record, and today the only man alive to ever hold an unlimited water speed record.


We appreciate all of our customers, and encourage you to drop by and say hello whenever you can!

7 Key Ways to Make Freight Transportation Safer

According the the US Department of Transportation, the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 5 percent of truck crashes occurred when the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver was following the lead vehicle too closely.

We know that it can take some getting used to driving your new or used Isuzu NPR, Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino or UD around. But knowing and keeping in mind these seven essential guidelines can help you avoid some major and common errors. While you read this article, you will learn why these seven guidelines are key.

Stopping
This truck will take much longer to stop than your car, especially when loaded. Dont tailgate, avoid traffic if you can, and be prepared to stop. Give yourself more room than you usually do from the car infront of you, because stopping will take much much longer than a regular truck or car.

Related: What is an EOBR and its Affect on Freight Drivers?

Parking
Don't be afraid to walk a long distance after parking. Don't try to go in a crowded lot and find a tight area. Avoid backing up if you are not used to the length and blindspots of this vehicle.

Loading Docks
The best way to back into a loading dock is to roll down your windows, and always have someone guide you if you can. Otherwise, get out of the vehicle, inspect all things behind you, then get back in and do it slowly. Warn the people around you of what your are doing so no one gets in the way.

Getting Gas
Find a gas station that is large and uncrowded. That way you avoid backing up and can just drive foward the whole time, you don't want to have to worry about making a turn too sharp and clipping something. Just find a wide gas station, with few cars, and enough room to manuever easily.

Be familiar with the exact height of the truck before driving. If you see an overhang, make sure your truck can fit underneath.

Side Mirrors

Most likely, using side mirrors can be awkward especially if you're used to using the rear-view mirror. But when you are driving box trucks you must constantly check your side mirrors for approaching traffic. The design of these vehicles do not allow a rear-view window to be installed thus side mirrors are essential.
You must be aware that this is the only way of viewing traffic from the back and the sides. Driving this type of vehicle requires that you are comfortable with the mirror, that is why having a passenger beside if also helpful.

Using The Help Of A Passenger
Having someone beside you will help eliminate common errors. Your passenger serves as your co-pilot who can help you back out a large vehicle, check for oncoming traffic and determine safety of the automobile.
Driving a large vehicle can be risky as you have lots of blind spots. This is especially true if you are just adjusting to the controls. A passenger or a co-pilot beside you will certainly help fill up these blind spots. This is not always an option though, so sometimes you will have to rely on mirrors. Perhaps setting up a second set of mirrors can help you with visibility.

Related: Can it Get Any Hotter? Ways to Cool Off on the Road

Staying Aware
Among all other driving guidelines, awareness of the surrounding is of utmost importance. Since you are driving a large vehicle, you must always be mindful of where you are at positioned the road. Failure to determine positions proves to be the main cause of many accidents.

In fact, over compensating can often lead to major errors. To prevent unnecessary accidents, you must take your time and follow traffic rules at all times. This makes driving a box truck a lot easier.

Using your side mirrors gives you an overall view of the traffic around you. Having someone as a co-pilot gives you extra safety and prevents any accidents. Being mindful of the surroundings ensures the safety of everyone in traffic.

Remember these guidelines by heart and you are on your way to a safe drive.

What is a Box Truck vs. a Cargo Van?

Box trucks are one of the most popular vehicles for transportation of appliances or furniture. There are various manufacturers that have great box trucks in their offer, like Isuzu, with their NPR and NQR models, Mitsubishi Fuso, Chevy & GMC W-series, Nissan UD, Hino and numerous others. But there is much confusion as to how box trucks are different from cargo vans. 

The answer is easy, it all depends on a couple of features of these vehicles.

Box trucks often have their cargo area separated from the cab and attached to the frame, whereas in cargo vans the transporting area has connection to the car, making it a one piece machine. 

Numerous models of box trucks have a roll-up rear door. Cargo vans are often similar to family passenger vans, both in design and size. 

Box trucks are more often used by companies hauling furniture, large boxes or furniture, while cargo vans are most often used by companies dealing with plumbing, courier services or electrical repair services.

For those who aren't sure about the differences, here's some information to help you sort it out.

What Is a Box Truck?
There are several manufacturers who produce box trucks for the US market. While there are differences in each model, the trucks as a whole have many similarities.

• Box trucks have separate, box-like cargo areas that sit on the frame.
• The box on some trucks is totally separate from the cab. The cargo area if those trucks cannot be accessed from the cab.
• Some box trucks have a cargo area that is grafted to the cab. The cargo area in some box trucks built like that can be accessed from the cab.
• Most box trucks have a roll-up rear door that's similar to a garage door.
• Box trucks are generally used by companies that need to haul large items such as furniture, appliances, and large boxes.
• You probably see box trucks every day. They are frequently used as rental moving vans by companies like U-Haul and Ryder.
• Box trucks aren't all large. They come in all sizes.

What is a Cargo Van?

• A cargo van is a one piece vehicle.
• Many cargo vans do not have windows in the rear cargo area.
• Some cargo vans are similar in design and size to family passenger vans. Vans of that type may or may not have cargo guards to separate the rear cargo area from the cab.
• Some cargo vans are much larger, like the vans used by FedEx and UPS. Larger cargo vans often have roll-up rear doors, but unlike box trucks, they are still vehicles of one-piece construction.
• Cargo vans are commonly used by businesses such as plumbing and electrical repair services and courier services.

As you drive around during your daily routine, notice the different types of trucks you see, and try to identify them. It won't be long before you recognize the differences between box trucks, cargo vans, and other types of trucks.

3 Key Guidelines to Driving a Box Truck Safely

We know that it can take some getting used to driving your Isuzu NPR or NQR or Hino box trucks around. But knowing and keeping in mind these three essential guidelines can help you avoid some pretty big and some pretty common errors. First, be aware of your side mirror. Second, have someone next to you as you drive. And finally, make sure you are aware of the surroundings. While you read this article, you will learn why these three guidelines are key.

Side Mirrors

Most likely, using side mirrors can be awkward especially if you are accustomed to using the rear-view mirror. But when you are driving box trucks you must constantly check your side mirrors for approaching traffic. The design of these vehicles do not allow a rear-view window to be installed thus side mirrors are essential.
You must be aware that this is the only way of viewing traffic from the back and the sides. Driving this type of vehicle requires that you are comfortable with the mirror, that is why having a passenger beside if also helpful.

Using The Help Of A Passenger

Having someone beside you will help eliminate common errors. Your passenger serves as your co-pilot who can help you back out a large vehicle, check for oncoming traffic and determine safety of the automobile.
Driving a large vehicle can be risky as you have lots of blind spots. This is especially true if you are just adjusting to the controls. A passenger or a co-pilot beside you will certainly help fill up these blind spots. This is not always an option though, so sometimes you will have to rely on mirrors. Perhaps setting up a second set of mirrors can help you with visibility.

Staying Aware

Among all other driving guidelines, awareness of the surrounding is of utmost importance. Since you are driving a large vehicle, you must always be mindful of where you are at positioned the road. Failure to determine positions proves to be the main cause of many accidents.
In fact, over compensating can often lead to major errors. To prevent unnecessary accidents, you must take your time and follow traffic rules at all times. This makes driving a box truck a lot easier.
Using your side mirrors gives you an overall view of the traffic around you. Having someone as a co-pilot gives you extra safety and prevents any accidents. Being mindful of the surroundings ensures the safety of everyone in traffic. Remember these guidelines by heart and you are on your way to a safe drive.

If you are looking for a new or used box truck, visit our website for our list of inventory. We have USED Isuzu NPR, NQR, NRR, FRR, FTR, and FVR Truck Parts, UD Truck Parts, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Parts, GMC W3500, GMC W4500, and GMC W5500 Truck Parts.

Can it Get Any Hotter? Ways to Cool Off on the Road.

We're all trying to make it through the hottest time of the year, and when your job takes you all over the country you really feel the impact. The temperature outside doesn’t even compare to the temperature inside a cab that's been sitting off, or with a broken air conditioning unit.

Not to mention that many of you will be climbing in and out of the back of the trailer to help facilitate loading and unloading. The more you do, typically the better it is for you, but when it is one-hundred degrees out it becomes a safety issue.

Some quick tips to help cool yourself off:

Work with the heat. Like your truck, if the temperature rises too high you will overheat. 

• Drink water. It will replace the sweat and liquids you are losing to the heat and make sure you don’t pass out from dehydration. Take a cooler when you're on the road and stay hydrated!
• Buy a portable fan for both you cab and dry van. If your Isuzu or Hino trailer has electrical outlets it might be a good idea to move it out there when loading and unloading.
• Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays, waterproof sunscreen, and a hat or visor to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. 

Depending on what part of the country you are in, the heat can have different affects on your body. Some people call it “dry heat” vs “humid.” One might feel a bit cooler with a dry heat but you are still losing water just as fast. Don’t forget to hydrate no matter what.

8 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Medium-Duty Box Trucks

To achieve balance between required cargo space and weight, Busbee Truck Parts shares ways fleet managers can lower the risk of error when spec’ing and ordering.

So you’re wanting to get a brand new (or used) truck, but you’re not really sure where to start.

When it comes to ordering the truck you need, it is imperative that you make sure you have the right information. What are you hauling? How will you be loading it? Who will be driving it?

These are just a few of the questions that can save you a lot of trouble with your medium-duty box truck (also known as “dry van” or “dry freight” trucks). .

You don’t want to get the truck then find out the truck sits too low, the body is too short or too long, or the chassis is too light — these are just a few examples of where specs can go wrong.

How can fleet managers reduce their risk of error when spec’ing and ordering medium-duty box trucks? Here’s a few things to keep in mind:

1. What will you be hauling?

Haven’t thought about the importance of what is you’ll be hauling?

Often, we‘ll have a customer call or come in and say that he needs a 24-foot box truck. But, it’s one thing if you’re hauling boxes of plastic beverage cups; it’s another thing if the truck will carry pallets of heavy stone or lead bars. The type of cargo could mean that you have to go higher with the GVW of the truck. What you’ll be hauling can also determine what type of floor you need, rear door type, and chassis wheel size. So always keep in mind what you’ll be hauling. 2. Selecting the Correct Chassis The objective is to achieve a balance between required cargo space and weight. You can put a large body on a 26,000-lb GVW Isuzu FTR chassis to make room for more cargo, but if the content is heavy, you’ll max out on weight before you run out of space. So, required space shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. You need to make sure the chassis is compatible with cargo weight at full load. FYI GVW UD 1200 – 12,000-lb UD 1400 – 14,000-lb Isuzu NPR – 14,000-lb Isuzu NQR – 17,500-lb Isuzu FRR – 19,500-lb Isuzu FTR – 25,950-lb 3. Match your truck with your driver Any truck with GVW over 26,000-lb requires a CDL driver. If the intended driver doesn’t have a CDL, this could create all kind of unexpected hassles for you. These heavier trucks will also need DOT inspections, health card inspections and a wrecker log will be required. Make sure this is the size you need and are ready for before assuming weight doesn’t matter.

4. Matching Chassis & Box Lengths

Mismatched chassis and box lengths can create havoc on a driver and fleet manager. Too long a box will overload the truck even when it’s empty, and will make turning around much more cumbersome.

If a box is too big and is mounted without rolling the rear axle back, the weight distribution will be wrong. So your front wheels get light and you start wearing out tires. The tires start cupping. We buy used trucks and it’s amazing — we see trucks like this come in all the time.

Fleet managers purchasing box truck should confirm that the chassis cab-to-axle (CA) or wheelbase length can safely accommodate the length of the body to be mounted. One way to verify this is by contacting the body’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM). 

As a general rule, NPR and NQR carry 12-16 foot boxes, anything over 16 foot overloads the truck, even empty.

5. Evaluate Workspace

Fleet managers should always consider any potential clearance issues in areas where the truck will be loading and unloading. 

The overall height is not always thought of in regard to low ceiling warehouses with low-hanging conduits. But, this can create major productivity issues if not taken into account.

Will you be working in tight or open workspaces? Flat noses keep the truck shorter, but longer nose trucks are safer to drive. This can be a very important decision.

If you are working wrecks, for example, a flat nose would be a better choice because you don’t want your nose sticking out any further than it has too, shutting down more road or another lane.

6. Interior Lighting

Fleet managers must know when goods will be delivered. 

If you deliver primarily at night, we need to make sure you have proper lighting inside the box. But, if you deliver during the day, a translucent roof is useful to allow natural light into the box.

Without proper lighting inside the box, it may take employees longer to find cargo for a specific delivery, which can slow down the job. 

7. Floor Type

Floor selection can make a big difference when ordering a medium-duty box truck. This, once again, will have to do with what it is you’ll be hauling. If you’ll be hauling any liquid or food item – you won’t want to get trucks with hardwood floors. Liquid can ruin a hardwood floor, and after a couple weeks hauling food, the floors will be nasty with dropped food. If you soak the hardwood to clean it but don’t dry it completely, you’re going to end up with a rotten floor.

8. Automatic or Manual

When selecting a medium-duty box truck, really think about the pros and cons of automatic vs. manual. This is something you might think doesn’t matter, but in the long run the driver will be much happier with the appropriate, well-thought-out choice.

An automatic would be better if you’ll be dealing with a lot of stop and go, for example if you’ll be driving in the city. But a manual will be better for the more strenuous operations such as construction sites with heavy loads and confined spaces.

Keep in mind what will keep your driver happy.

9. Selecting Specs for Efficient Dock Delivery

If the truck is intended for loading and unloading at a dock, this impacts three key areas of specification:

Rear door type. Are you going to deliver the goods dock-high? If yes, a roll-up rear door (versus swing-out door) is the most viable and efficient option because if you use a swing-out door, when the driver backs up to the dock, he can’t open the doors.

Chassis wheel size. Light GVW trucks with boxes usually have small (19.5-inch) tires and sit lower to the ground at the back of the body, which makes it too low for dock loading and unloading. 

Forklift package. If a forklift will be used, which requires the truck be dock-high, this typically requires a Class 6 or larger truck with 22.5-inch wheels and tires. Choose the tire size that offers the best load height for your application. If a forklift will be used to load cargo onto the truck from a dock, spec a forklift package. This will reinforce the floor with added crossmembers, a threshold plate, and reinforced rear-end plate.

The Bottom Line

By keeping in mind these nine things, fleet managers can greatly improve the odds of appropriately spec’ing a box truck and eliminating unpleasant surprises, maximizing employee productivity, and ensuring the lowest total cost of ownership.

Questions to Answer When Specifying Box Trucks

The following 12 questions should be answered before placing an order:
➊ What products or materials are being hauled?
➋ How much do the materials weigh?
➌ How will the product be loaded and unloaded from the body?
➍ What are the length, width, and height requirements of the body?
➎ Do you need interior lining for the body?
➏ How will cargo be secured in the body?
➐ Is a side door needed?
➑ Will the body be hand-loaded and unloaded?
➒ Will a forklift be used to load and unload?
➓ Is a special type of bumper required for the body?
➓ Is more natural light needed inside the body?
➋ What other lighting needs are required for the body?
Source: Supreme Corporation

Types of Floors for Box Trucks

There are four typical floor options to consider with box bodies. These include, but are not limited to:
■ The lowest-cost option, pine floor can handle most light-duty, dry-freight applications; however, it is not recommended for heavy-duty use. Using a forklift on pine flooring is not a good fit.
■ Laminate hardwood is an upgrade to the pine floor and designed for heavier-duty applications.
■ Extra floor protection is provided by aluminum (overlaid on wood), especially important if the vehicle is carrying liquids that might spill onto the floors. Also, the aluminum counteracts corrosion for greater longevity. The downside is higher up-front cost, compared to other floor options.
■ Like aluminum, the steel floor (overlaid on wood) offers extra protection compared to pine and hardwood, but at a lower cost than aluminum. The downside is the steel floor must be painted, unlike aluminum, and is vulnerable to corrosion.

 

Some Tips and Tricks to Follow While Buying a Used Truck

Purchasing a used truck comes with its share of risks. You are never really sure if you are getting the best value for your money. If you are looking to buy a used truck there are a number of points that should be taken into consideration to ensure that you get a quality vehicle.

Step 1 - Why buy used?

Buying a used truck may be a practical option for people who are buying a truck for business purposes or self-employment purposes, as new trucks can be quite expensive.

Some people buy new trucks to start a transport business or for other self-employment purposes, but if they find that their business is not doing well and they are actually incurring losses, they quickly shut down their trucking business. They sell these trucks which are all still in mint condition to used truck dealers or post it in ads; these are the best kind of used trucks to buy.

In the past, it was much more difficult to get the exact model and brand of truck you want and which falls within your budget too. You probably had to go through the hassle of visiting used truck showrooms or meeting the owners of the used trucks yourself. But with the advent of e-commerce, you just need to go online and specify the model and brand of truck you want and a search engine will give you a long list of used trucks available for sale - posted either directly by the owner or by a used truck dealer.

If you do your research well you can get lucky and find a cheap used truck still in very good condition.

Step 2 - Choosing the right truck

A lot of people start out not knowing much about the trucks they want. "I want a white box truck," you say. Do your research to find what truck make and model fits your needs the best - Mitsubishi Fuso, Nissan UD, Isuzu, Chevy, flat-nosed, etc.

You can browse through the internet to find a number of helpful websites designed for the sole purpose of educating the customer about how to get the best value for your money. These websites have ratings, reliable information and reviews from past customers. Since online stores are not located in a particular location and can ship anywhere, you can order international truck parts wherever you are.

Before you make any kind of payment, ask about the condition of the used truck - like the quality of the engine and capacity. Buyers can also use the help of an independent mechanic to get correct information about the condition of the engine or if it has undergone any major repairs before. Make it a point to check its essential documents like its registration and insurance papers. It is always advisable to accurately know about its reliability, durability and fuel efficiency.

Step 3 - What Can You Afford?

You should always consider how to finance the truck at the beginning of the shopping process to help you make an informed decision that fits your budget.
You should use our Affordability Calculator to help you come up with the figures you need to guide you as you go shopping:
Monthly payment: If you are going to take out a loan, how much can you afford to pay each month?
Down payment: How much cash can you put down to reduce your monthly payments?
Purchase price of the truck: Answering the first two questions will help you determine a realistic price range for your used truck.

After determining what you can spend for a down payment, a monthly payment and the purchase price of the truck, write these figures down so that later, when you are negotiating for a used truck, you can refer to this information and avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.

Step 4 - Where to Shop

Find a company or someone you can trust. What are their credentials? How reliable do they appear? This is where the web comes in handy. You can find a truck 5,000 miles away and know that the truck will come in the condition they said it was in.

Search on the web for a good company, and search their website to make sure they are reliable.

Here at Busbee Truck Parts, we pride ourselves in our shipping. We build our own specialty crates and pallets for shipping. We are clear with what fees there will be and how long you have to pick it up. We want to make this process as easy for you as possible, and we have been doing this for almost 30 years, so we know what we're doing.

Some other important points to consider

You should always request a vehicle history report. Most used truck dealerships will provide you with this kind of information and if you are directly buying from the owner of the truck, you should insist he provides you with this information. When buying from a used truck dealer, make sure you know how much your budget is actually so that you can afford all the payment for the insurance, registration and road taxes etc.

Busbee's Truck Parts - Welcome!

Welcome to the Busbee's blog. We hope we can provide you with all the information, advice and resources you need for your flat nosed, medium sized trucks and truck parts!

This first post we'll just introduce ourselves. Located in the heart of South Carolina, Busbee's has been in business since 1987. We carry used late model Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks and Parts. We specialize in Isuzu NPR, NQR, NRR, FRR, FTR, and FVR, Mitsubishi FUSO, Nissan UD and GMC W3500, GMC W4500, and GMC W5500 used Trucks and Parts.

Our mission is to provide quality used parts at a good price.

  

 

We have a little over 20 employees. We are a small business, but nearly 40% of our business is international, and 96% out of state. 

We post several helpful how to videos on our Youtube channel, where we teach you how to check your VIN number, change your own oil, etc. 

But now, we hope to be able to post more information that doesn't require a video on our blog, that way we can get you more information much faster!

Check out our website at busbeetruckparts.com and browse our inventory, and then follow us on facebook and interact with us and our other customers!

We really appreciate our customers and we want to do our best to help you.