Tool Truck Terms -
* Ballast - found in interior lights, this is the item that converts 12 volts to 110 volts. Other than the bulb, it is the reason lights fail. It is replaceable only in the fluorescent version, also found in LED light fixtures but it cannot be replaced by the end user.
* Body company - every truck has a body, whether by Utilimaster, Supreme, Morgan Olson, etc. This is not the builder of the store area.
* Bungy - the bungy, also called lacing, interwoven in pegboard on ceilings and walls.
* Cart Stop - this is a hinged strip of aluminum, on the Liftgate platform. After loading the equipment the operator flips it up to prevent things from rolling back off the platform.
* Coach Battery - these batteries are to provide power for accessories inside the truck, like a power inverter. They are separate and isolated from the truck starting batteries. If you sit with your lights on all day and truck isn't running, the coach batteries can go dead without affecting the engine battery(s).
* Converter - converts 110 volts to 12 volts so you can charge your batteries
* Deadbolt, deadbolt lock - used on the side and sometimes the rear door as a supplement to the locking door handle. Available in manual and electronic versions. The manual lock is typically a Yale
* Diesel Furnace - a heater that burns diesel fuel it draws from the truck fuel tank.
* Door Handle - See Kason
* Door Latch - to have a working handle, you need a latch. This is the separate inside part.
* Electric Step - a luxury for the tool dealer who has it all! An entry step that can be set so it slides out automatically when you open the door, and retracts when you close it. Or leave it out all the time (not recommended - hooking a curb or something can tear it right off).
* Engine Driven Air - this is AC like you have in your car. A compressor under the hood provides the power, and the air only works when the engine is running.
* Fantastic Roof Vent - this is a brand of vent in the roof, usually power, that allows you to bring in air on a nice day or blow out cigarette smoke etc. It manually cranks open.
* Finger latches - a type of drawer latch like you find on a kitchen cabinet. You insert your finger in a hole, catch the end of the latch, and pull it toward you to open. I would love to add another comment here, just can't bring myself to do it.
* Flip-up shelves - Shelves on an angle with storage underneath, they flip up. A drawback is you usually have to unload the shelf before you can lift it.
* Glo Bar - plexiglass bar in two chrome brackets that works as an entry assist handle, lights up too.
* GPS tracking device - theft deterrent. A GPS tracking device is a low cost way to know where your truck is all the time. About the size of a pack of gum, and a low draw on your trucks electrical system, it mounts up under the dash or some secret spot and is accessable from a cell phone, tablet or computer. Log into your account, Click on "locate" and see your truck icon on a map. The Buy here Pay Here people use these a lot because it can be used to disable a starter when payment is not received. Small annual subscription for service, usually $20 or less. A good investment, especially if you come out in the morning and your truck isn't there. Find it yourself and tell the Police where it is before it is stripped.
* High Top - the raised fiberglass roof over the cab of the truck that is installed for a Walk Thru.
* Hot Water heater - this is like the heater in your car, there are water hoses that run to the back of the truck. This heater only works when the engine is running.
* Interior - this is the store area
* Inverter - converts 12 volt to 110 volts so you can run a computer, a refrigerator, a printer etc.
* Jam nuts - used on stainless wheel covers, these are flat nuts that screw onto the wheel stud OVER the wheel cover and tighten against the lug nut, so you don't have to remove the lug nuts to install a cover. A chrome jam nut cover is usually available too.
* Jump seat - a folding seat that mounts in a bracket in a step van and gives a passenger the opportunity to experience what is must have been to ride in a buckboard wagon.
* Kason - this is a brand name for a chrome plated door handle. A Kason side door handle with a 3/8" or 5/15" shaft is used on sliding doors, and there is a different version of a Kason for the rear door(s). Kason also offers a handle for swing out doors and many other products. Like Kleenex is tissue but all tissue is not Kleenex, there are some door handles made by other companies, but these are not as commonly seen on Tool Trucks. Everyone seems to call door handles the Kason door handle.
* L-shape desk - has an L-shaped top so you can face the rear of the store area as you work.
* Lacing - the bungy interwoven in pegboard on ceilings and walls.
* LED light bar - resembles a fat pencil, it is a 12 volt LED light bar (no separate lens) that works well under the shelves where it shines 10 - 14" but isn't a good choice for the ceiling because light output is emitted 360 degrees
* LED light fixture - a very bright and long lasting 12 volt LED light for the interior of a tool truck. Has a separate and removable lens and at least one brand, Thin-Lite, has an on/off/dimmer switch. The fixture is designed to emit directional light and works well on the ceiling and under shelves.
* LED strip light - a row of LEDs on an adhesive-backed strip. These are usually used as accent lights or along with brighter fixtures. You could probably light up a truck if you ran two or three strips side by side, but that adds up to the price of a fixture or more.
* Liftgate - a hydraulic apparatus that lifts heavy objects like toolboxes. Offered in 1600 lb and 2000 lb capacities. Note: the capacity rating includes the weight of the liftgate.
* Liftgate platform - this is the part of the liftgate where you place equipment to be loaded or unloaded.
* Liftgate remote - a control box for the liftgate operation. You plug into a receptacle on the side of the truck.
* Liftgate Bumpers - round rubber disk (like a short fat hockey puck with a hole in the middle) that attach to the platform and protects your platform from the ground when you have it extended. Available in white or black.
* Lojack - a theft deterrent. Installed by Lojack and activated only by the Police after a theft is reported. One-time payment up front. Is not used for daily tracking.
* LP furnace - this type of heater/furnace runs on liquid propane, LP. There is a tank you must keep filled for the furnace to work.
* Manual Step - low cost entry step that slides in and out using your foot.
* Marinco Adapter - brand name, and it allows you to use a heavy duty extension cord to charge your batteries from your house current. Also called a Shoreline Adapter.
* Power converter - When you plug your truck into an electrical source, or when you use the onboard generator, the converters job is to reduce 120 volts AC down to 12 volt DC to supply power to all of the 12 volt accessories. The converter basically prevents your coach battery(s) from draining when you're plugged in. Usually works in conjunction with a built-in battery charger.
* Power Roof Vent - a vent in the ceiling with a lid that cranks open to allow fresh air into the truck or to release bad air. Most have a 3-speed reversible electric fan.
* Removeable shelves - can be anywhere, but most people are referring to removeable shelves over the tool box openings. To display a top and bottom box you just remove the shelves. If you sold the top box or routinely display just a bottom box, installing the shelves allows you to display product above the bottom box
* Rolling shelves - the idea is that if you sell your toolboxes or just want to change the look of your truck, you load the shelves with tools and roll it inside.
* Self closing Liftgate - use your foot or the remote to close your gate, no lifting of the platform.
* Shoreline adapter - it allows you to use a heavy duty extension cord to charge your batteries from your house current. Also called a Marinco adapter
* Southco Latch - this is a brand name and type of drawer latch. You will also see these on boats and RVs. Its round and hinged, you lift a lever and the latch opens. It comes in non-locking, locking plastic versions and a non-locking stainless steel model.
* Swingout door - found on truck bodies by Alfred. Instead of sliding, it is hinged in front and swings open.
* Truck builder - the company that puts the Tool Truck together
* Velcro dots - stick an adhesive-backed dot on the back of a package and the velcro side will stick to the wall carpet. Then put your product on the wall. When customers want a closer look they can pull the item off the carpet without tearing the package. Also comes in a strip you trim yourself.
* Wheel Well - step vans have them, box trucks don't. Truck builders have to work around the wheel well when laying out an interior. Cab Chassis / Box truck floors are completely flat.