S2G propane bobtail forum opens lines of communication

About 100 Propane Expo attendees went to a forum focused on Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G challenges and opportunities. Photo by Brian Richesson

A forum focused on Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G challenges and opportunities drew more than 100 attendees during the NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo in Nashville, Tennessee.

The overflow crowd heard from Freightliner, as well as from Power Solutions International and Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) representatives. The parties sought to gather S2G stakeholders, facilitate open communication about recurrent issues that have plagued the propane-fueled bobtail since production began several years ago, and also to present solutions.

“We’re here to convey that we see opportunities to move this product forward, enhance the product and help it gain a greater presence in the industry,” says Michael Stark, a product manager at Freightliner.

He later added, “We’re not very comfortable at all. That’s why we’re here – to make everyone feel more comfortable.”

During the forum, Freightliner announced its transition to a Tier 1 customer support process, in which customers and dealers can call the company directly (at 800.FTL.HELP/800-385-4357) with any questions and receive answers at anytime of the day.

“You [can] call them for any issue,” says Brian Caudell, a technical sales manager at Freightliner. “Give us the first opportunity to get in there and see what the issues are.”

“If you have an issue, our single job is to fix the problem. This is your investment,” adds Tucker Perkins, COO at PERC. “We believe a propane bobtail has to work for the industry.”

Freightliner says the S2G’s 8.0-liter engine will remain as the established foundation of the product. The company is currently building 400 S2Gs a year, with 1,500 in the market.