Peterbilt offers new options and enhancements

Aluminum Wheels: Peterbilt is offering lightweight, severe-service Alcoa aluminum wheels, now available for vehicles spec’d for vocational applications in models 385, 379, 378, 362, 357 and 320.

The new wheels — available in 8.25 x 22.5-inch and 8.25 x 24.5-inch sizes — are rated at 8,000 pounds, allowing for a front axle weight rating of 16,000 pounds.

By accommodating a heavier duty front axle, the company says customers can spec the same wheels for all axles, such as front, rear, pusher and tag. Customers can also spec and stock the same size tires, as well as tire cases for retreading.

Windows: A new, larger standard rear window and optional rear corner windows for Peterbilt day cabs will be available in the fourth quarter of 2003. The new standard rear window for Peterbilt day cabs increases visibility by 53% over the previous window. The new optional rear corner windows increase side and rear visibility on both sides of the cab. The rear window will be available in optional tinted and sliding versions. It is also available in an extended mount version to allow for additional seat travel.

Suspension: a new Low Air Leaf suspension the truck maker is offering is said to be 325 pounds lighter than the previous Low Air Leaf Suspension, and has an improved 40,000 pound load rating for tough on-highway applications and many vocational applications.

The suspension, expected by the third quarter of this year, has 45% fewer parts than its predecessor and features a completely redesigned frame bracket, leaf spring, axle seat and axle clamp. “By creating a unique, mono-leaf spring design, we replaced the dual taper-leaf spring and eliminated a crossbar, resulting in improved stress distribution, and reduced weight and complexity,” says Peterbilt chief engineer Craig Brewster. The design was further simplified by eliminating the spring eye pivot in favor of a bar-pin configuration to connect the spring to the frame bracket.

Moreover, it has long-life rubber bushings, eliminating the need for lubrication. There are no axle seat weldings, easing axle alignment and pinion angle adjustment, and there are no torque requirements for the spring eye pivot bolt

Outdoor temp gauge: Expected to be standard in models 379 and 387 by the fourth quarter of 2003, Peterbilt’s new outside air temperature gauge integrated into the driver-side mirror shows just how cold or hot it will be when it’s time to step out of the cab.

The gauge has an LED display that auto-dims to adjust to ambient light levels. There is also a laser-etched warning icon that illuminates at 34 degrees F to alert the driver to the potential of freezing conditions and ice on the roadway.

Transmission: The company is adding the newly-unveiled Eaton Fuller UltraShift automated 10-speed transmission as a new option for its over-the-road, heavy-duty vehicles. The UltraShift will have limited availability through 2003, and full availability in 2004. It is an option for Peterbilt’s Model 379, 387, 385, 378 and 357.

The Eaton Fuller UltraShift transmission is a two-pedal system with fully automatic operation, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal. It also features a “low” mode that can be used in any gear to downshift early for improved engine braking.

Vantage Interior: Peterbilt is also upgrading its Vantage level interior with higher-grade materials. The cab will also feature more contemporary styling, improving the look and feel of the operating environment, the company says.

The new Vantage level interior is available for all Peterbilt daycabs. Other features include lower doorpads made of a highly durable material with a textured-grain design, providing maximum protection for a high-wear area. An optional map holder pocket is available for both the driver- and passenger-side doors. The new Vantage interiors will be available in the third quarter of 2003.