It doesn’t matter what trucks you're driving – new or old, big or small, gas or diesel – there are preventive maintenance steps every fleet owner can take to make sure their trucks are as “green” or environmentally friendly as possible. By following five simple preventive maintenance steps, you can help protect the environment by improving fuel economy, which in turn saves money at the pump. Yes, all of this is “basic truck maintenance 101” but many owners/operators forget the basics.

1. Keep the truck properly tuned for optimum performance. A welltuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. Plus, a “21st Century tune-up” is easy: check the battery, charging and starting; engine mechanical; powertrain control; onboard diagnostic checks; fuel; ignition; and emissions. Studies have shown this can improve fuel mileage by an average of four percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a dirty fuel filter, can improve fuel mileage by as much as 40 percent.
2. Regularly check and replace dirty air filters. An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture that wastes fuel and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10 percent.
3. On gasoline engines, check the spark plugs (if they weren’t already checked as part of the tune-up) and replace as necessary. Did you know a spark plug can fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles? This results in a lot of heat, electrical, and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug also causes misfiring, which wastes fuel.
4. Maintain the cooling system on the trucks. A cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold will lower the fuel efficiency by as much as one or two mpg. There also are improved radiator caps on the market today that allow the cooling system to operate at a higher temperature before boiling over, increasing the system’s efficiency and reducing emissions.
5. The last step toward keeping a “green” truck is to check tire inflation. Under- inflated tires increase friction and can reduce fuel economy. They can also cause a safety hazard as they can heat up and cause a blow-up during freeway driving.

Yes, a lot of this is very basic – but often, it’s overlooked by the individual owner/operator as well as by fleet operators. Plus, these little steps can make a big difference.

Do you know what the number one reason is why people do not like buying a used truck? They don’t know what they’re getting.

Well, Isuzu is out to solve that dilemma for you through our Gold Star Certified Pre-Owned Truck Program. Just look at all the major automobile manufacturers – they all have a certified used vehicle program and they have been hugely successful. Why? Here’s the one-two punch:

1. They have peace of mind because the vehicle is covered by a warranty, and
2. The vehicle costs considerably less than a brand new model.

That same success formula applies to our Gold Star program. In this article, we’ll bring you up-to-speed on what it has to offer.

Gold Star Program Overview

Our Isuzu Gold Star certified used truck program makes used trucks more attractive and more valuable because they offer you greater peace of mind when buying used… a truck that’s been thoroughly inspected, certified and warranted.

“Used” Just Makes More Sense

With the prices of new vehicles going up (thanks, in part, to the new emissions requirements), more of you will be thinking “used” when it’s time to fill out your fleet.

Gold Star Program Basics

With our Gold Star Program, you get the most for their money when you buy a certified pre-owned truck from your dealership. All you have to do is look for the Isuzu Gold Star Certified Pre-Owned Truck emblem!

With an Isuzu Gold Star Certified Pre-Owned Truck, you can choose from a great selection of carefully inspected and reconditioned vehicles, all backed by the assurance of a strong warranty and free 24-hour roadside assistance.

Five Years Old or Newer

Every Isuzu Gold Star Certified Pre-Owned Truck must be five years old or newer, based on current model year (and as you know, given Isuzu’s legendary reputation for reliability, that length of service is practically like being new).

Complete Inspection and Reconditioning

Your Isuzu dealership will give each truck a complete inspection, plus a mechanical and cosmetic reconditioning. That’s why we can confidently cover the engine and drivetrain on each Isuzu Gold Star Certified Pre- Owned Truck for 6 months/20,000 miles, or 12 months/30,000 miles. The program will take care of engine and drive train parts and labor for repairs over $100 during the covered period.

Free, 24-hour Roadside Assistance

For extra peace of mind, you will be glad to know that Isuzu Gold Star Certified Pre-Owned Trucks are covered by the same around the clock roadside assistance program as our new trucks. That way, if your Isuzu Gold Star Certified Used Truck has a problem, we will dispatch a tow truck to provide roadside repair or take your truck to your nearest dealer for service.

A Used Vehicle Warranty That’s Second To None

The Gold Star Pre-Owned truck warranty covers repairs to correct defects in material or workmanship of the covered Engine and Drivetrain components during the warranty period in accordance with the following terms, conditions and limitations:

What is covered:

Engine Coverage

The engine components covered under the Isuzu Gold Star Certified Pre-Owned Truck Warranty are: cylinder block, head and all internal parts, flywheel and intake manifolds. These engine components are covered for 6 months/20,000 miles or 12 months/30,000 miles (depending on plan selected).

Drivetrain coverage and components

Listed below are the Drivetrain components covered for 6 months/20,000 miles, or 12 months/30,000 miles (depending on plan selected). Genuine new or remanufactured parts will be used. Transmission - Transmission cases and all internal parts. Drive Axle - Differential, axle shafts, seals and bearings.

Repairs

Your clients come back to you for their needed repairs or adjustments. That gives you a great opportunity to build a relationship with these clients.

No Charge

Subsequent to Isuzu Gold Star Certified Pre-Owned Truck Program registration and qualification, warranty repairs over $100 (parts and/or labor) will be made at no charge, unless otherwise specified under What is Not Covered.

The bottom line is that this Gas-powered Crew Cab truck is the perfect truck for any application that requires a crew – particularly if they start at Point A… drive to Point B, park and do their work, then get back in the truck and drive back to Point A! For those types of applications, the gas V8 is the ideal engine.

In fact, here are a couple of key points to remember why customers select a gasoline-powered truck:

• Convenience – yes, in many areas, there are gas stations on every corner, while diesel can be harder to find.
• Cost – in most parts of the country, regular unleaded gasoline costs less than diesel.
• Maintenance – it’s easier to find a technician who knows how to work on a gasoline engine than a diesel engine.

New Cab Design

Based on the “Hexapod Design Concept” the cab has been completely redesigned to meet the needs of today’s truck operators. The new design concept brings maximum space to the cab interior while creating a bold look for the cab exterior. The exclusive Hexacube cab features unitary construction and increased rigidity for safety and a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The new cab roof cap is designed to channel water off of the roof to the side of the cab. This improves driver visibility in wet weather. Another key feature, the windshield is bonded to the cab for increased cab rigidity, less wind noise, and reduced chance of water leaks.

Large, Spacious Cab

Your customers will also discover that there’s a lot more space for heads, shoulders and legs. With more side-to-side and front-to-back space, and increased leg space for center crew cab, comfortable seating is available for a crew of seven. Storage has been increased with newly created areas overhead, behind the driver’s seat, and on the door panels. The instrument panel is more ergonomic and is designed for improved visibility. For easy routine maintenance, key fluid checks are located inside the cab.

High-Back Front Seats

With back pockets, tricot breathable cloth seats, and a new seatbelt design with the buckle in the seat for easier operation, this new design provides greater driver comfort, easier seat belt usage, and additional interior storage. The front seat has 36 mm more seat travel and reclines an additional 4.8 degrees. The Tricot seat material provides cooler seats in the summer and warmer seats in winter months.

Removable Front Panel

Allows access to wiper motor, wiper linkage, electrical cab connections and air intake filters. Also less costly replacement cost.

Low Cut Front Door Windows

Large, low cut windows for better side visibility.

New Side View Mirrors

Mirrors have breakaway function to protect side doors, allow vehicle in tighter places, and improve visibility and safety. Large West Coast style 17” x 8” mirror heads incorporate an 11” x 7” flat glass mirror and a 4” x 6” convex mirror into one mirror head.

New, Wider Step and Door Opening (384 mm vs. 301 mm)

85-Degree swing-out door opening and wide self-cleaning entry step allows for easier access in and out of the cab.

Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column

Allows for easier access and driver comfort.

Frame Strength, Width and Length

The N-Series crew cab features a 44,000-psi frame for greater strength. The 33.5 in. frame width is standard and allows for common body installation procedures. A new frame with 80/40 mm modular hole spacing also assists in making body mounting easier and faster for equipment suppliers. Wheelbases of 150.0 in. and 176.0 in. accommodate bodies 12 -16 ft. or longer for landscape applications with dove/beaver tail bodies.

Front Axle

6,830 lb. capacity Reverse Elliott I Beam maintains wheel alignment for less tire wear. Can handle large front axle loads.

Rear Axle

11,020 lb. capacity heavy-duty full floating Banjo type for greater durability and load carrying capacity.

Bring on the Competition

The number one competitors in the gas-powered crew cab segment are the Ford F-Series trucks. That’s because the Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks are the largest volume sellers of crew cab trucks in class 4 and 5.

• Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks use a pickup truck-based conventional cab
• Standard engine in the Ford F-350/F-450 Crew Cab is a 6.8L V10 gasoline engine

Big news

• 12,000 lb. GVWR Diesel 50-State Certified!
• Over 300,000 Diesel LCF trucks sold in the U.S. since 1985. 86% are still registered and on the road today (R.L. Polk)
• 50,000 Gas LCF trucks produced in the U.S.

All-new look… more contemporary style

• All-new cab is bigger inside and better looking outside
• High-quality chrome badging and front grille
• Sleek, flush-mounted headlamps, cornering lamps and turn signals
• Steel reinforced, composite covered front bumper
• Composite engine cover provides a cleaner, more finished rear-of-cab

More driver comfort on the inside

• Improved seating comfort with new seat design and position
• Tricot breathable cloth material is durable and comfortable
• High stain and tear resistance for longer life

More standard features

• Heavy-duty rubber floormat
• Power windows and door locks
• Tachometer to assist in PTO operation
• Standard cruise control
• Plenty of room for body builder switches and controls

Enhancements to improve our great reliability and durability

• Donaldson polypropylene air cleaner (on diesel single cab)
• Air cleaner uses large paper element with more surface area for better filtering, longer life is corrosion resistant and is easier to service

NRR 19,500 GVWR chassis advantages vs. the competition

• Offers 1,000 lb. more payload than Ford F-550
• Offers 1,100 lb. more payload than UD2000
• Costs thousands less than comparable UD

Extensive range of GVWRS (lb.)

• 12,000–19,500 lb. GVWR Diesel
• 12,000 and 14,500 lb. GVWR Gas
• 14,500 and 17,950 lb. GVWR Diesel in Crew Cab

Accommodates numerous bodies

• Wheelbases ranging from 109 to 176 inches on lighter capacity models and up to 212 in. on heavy GVWR models
• Body lengths ranging from 12 to 24 feet
• Van bodies, insulated/refrigerated bodies, utility bodies, stake bodies, landscaping bodies, sweepers, garbage packers, wrecker/rollback bodies, and many more

Gas and improved diesel engines

• Improved 5.2L 4HK1-TC turbo/intercooled diesel has higher power and torque: 205 hp/441 lb.-ft. torque
• 6.0L GMPT Vortec 6000 V8 SFI gasoline: 300 hp/358 lb.-ft. torque
• Gas engine can save customers approximately $7000 over the cost of comparable diesel truck

Strong, reliable powertrain

• New Aisin 6-speed electronic double overdrive automatic improves fuel efficiency and performance
• 4L80-E Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic with lock-up torque converter and overdrive for gas models Best-in-class turning diameter
• Turning circle as tight as 33 feet curb-to-curb (109-inch wheelbase)

Two crew cab models

• 14,500 and 17,950 lb. GVWR
• 150- and 176-inch wheelbases
• Greater flexibility
• Accommodates more body lengths than the competition

• The new rules cover engines made from Jan. 1, 2007
• All manufacturers must meet the new diesel rules. Everyone now sells Clean Diesel
• Particulate traps, oxidizing catalysts and cooled exhaust gas recirculation are now components of all MD truck engines. Isuzu engines have used these components for years in Japanese-market trucks
• Particulate traps clean themselves when they are hot enough, such as in highway operation in warm weather. When they don’t get hot enough, special engine controls will cause them to be cleaned by injecting extra fuel into the exhaust. In some conditions, trucks will have to be idled while this operation occurs
• Emissions components in the exhaust system can’t be moved or eliminated. Body builders will have to work around the exhaust components
• After extended use (estimates are typically greater than 100,000 miles), the particulate filters will need to be cleaned out
• Most manufacturers expect the new engines to have comparable fuel economy to the previous systems. Isuzu engineers have enhanced fuel efficiency with new 6-speed automatic transmissions on many models, and expect better fuel economy in the new trucks
• Ultra-low sulfer diesel fuel is needed with the new equipment. That’s all you can find at any stations now. It works fine in older diesel trucks
• New oils have been developed to work with the new diesel engines. Make sure your customers don’t use older non-approved lubricants
• Only Isuzu and GM offer an alternative: low-cost, efficient and reliable gasoline-powered medium duty trucks in low cab forward designs