The Columbia Utilitruck is a versatile electric vehicle designed for various utility applications, offering a blend of robust performance, user-friendly operation, and straightforward maintenance. This owner and operator manual provides comprehensive information to ensure safe and efficient use of the Utilitruck.
Function Description
The Columbia Utilitruck is an electric utility vehicle primarily designed for personal transport and light-duty hauling. It features a flatbed for carrying cargo and is available in configurations for both personal transport vehicles (PTV) and low-speed vehicles (LSV) applications. The vehicle is powered by an electric drive system, making it an environmentally friendly option for various tasks. Its design emphasizes safety, ease of operation, and durability, suitable for use on private streets, roads, and neighborhoods. The Utilitruck is equipped with essential features for safe driving, including a steering wheel, turn signals, horn, windshield wiper/washer, parking brake, and hazard warning switch. It also includes a Smartview display panel that provides critical information about the vehicle's status, battery level, and any potential fault codes.
Important Technical Specifications
The Utilitruck is powered by a 48-volt, 6-volt, heavy-duty, 225 Ah deep cycle battery system. The drive system utilizes a 5 KW or 7.2 KW AC Brushless motor, coupled with a 10.37:1 or 15.77:1 helical gear reduction with integral differential. Braking is handled by spring-applied, auto-adjusting hydraulic drum brakes on the rear wheels, front disc brakes, and an electric motor parking brake. Charging is facilitated by a built-in microprocessor-controlled, fully sealed, anti-drive away interlock charger, compatible with 100-230 V AC, 50/60 Hz power. Steering is automotive type rack and pinion, and tires are rated at 45 PSI. The vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) provides specific details about its model (S7S Short, S7L Long), power system (G = AC Drive, Induction Motor), voltage (48V or AGM), VIN spacer (Standard or Special Product), controller amperage (275 Amp or 450 Amp), brake system (V/R = HD F/R Hydraulic), build year (2017, 2018, etc.), and build sequence. For LSV models, the VIN specifies the line (L = Low Speed Vehicle), series (L = Utilitruck), body type (2 = 2 Person, 4 = 4 Person), engine type (8 = AC Power System), restraint (A = Type 1 Seat Belt Assembly, B = Type 2 Seat Belt Assembly (3 Point)), check digit, model year (2017, 2018), plant location (Reedsburg), and sequential numbers.
Usage Features
The Utilitruck offers several features designed for convenient and safe operation:
- Keyswitch: A five-position automotive type switch located on the right side of the steering column controls vehicle power, accessory mode, and drive mode.
- Direction Selector: A three-position selector (Forward, Neutral, Reverse) located between the seats allows for easy direction changes.
- Turn Signals/Lights/Horn Switch: A lever on the left side of the steering column controls turn signals, headlights (high/low beams), and the horn.
- Windshield Wiper/Washer: A switch on the right side of the steering column controls the wiper speed (High, Slow, Off) and washer function.
- Parking Brake: An automated electric motor parking brake engages when the vehicle is stopped and disengages when the accelerator is pressed.
- Steering Wheel: A conventional automotive-style steering wheel provides familiar control.
- Hazard Warning Switch: A toggle switch on top of the steering column activates hazard lights.
- Fuse Blocks: Separate 12V and 48V electrical circuit fuse blocks protect various vehicle components.
- Tilt Bed: Equipped with a remote control for raising and lowering, or manual operation for maintenance.
- Second Seat: Optional second seats can be raised or lowered to increase rear deck space.
- Smartview Display Panel: This multi-function display provides real-time information on battery level, speed, odometer, direction, system status, and fault codes. It allows users to monitor battery charge, current, voltage, temperature, and motor RPMs.
- Pre-Operation Checklist: A comprehensive checklist ensures the vehicle is ready for operation, covering battery charge, tire pressure, lights, brakes, steering, cargo, obstacles, seat belts, labels, and accelerator function.
- Towing and Transporting: The vehicle can be towed as a trailer or transported on an auto or truck trailer, with specific guidelines for maximum tongue weight, towing capacity, and securing the vehicle.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the Utilitruck. Key maintenance features include:
- Battery Access: Batteries are located beneath the front seats, accessible by removing the vehicle service panel.
- Battery Inspection & Maintenance: Regular checks for proper tightening of battery hold downs, clean and dry battery posts/cables, and equalization charges are recommended. Battery acid is poisonous and requires caution during handling.
- Battery Cleaning: Batteries should be cleaned with a solution of baking soda and water to prevent corrosion.
- Charging: The charger features LED indicators for charge status (Yellow, Green, Red) and fault conditions. It supports various charging cycles, including bulk/start, absorption, equalization, and float.
- Excessively Discharged Batteries: Guidelines are provided for managing and charging excessively discharged deep cycle batteries to prevent damage.
- Proper Care of Deep Cycle Lead-Acid Motive Power Batteries: Detailed instructions cover battery installation, watering, cleaning, charging, and storage to maximize battery life and performance.
- Battery Removal & Installation: Procedures for safely removing and installing batteries, including disconnecting and connecting cables.
- Single Point Battery Watering System: If equipped, this system simplifies battery watering by allowing all cells to be filled simultaneously.
- Maintenance Guidelines: General guidelines for regular inspection and maintenance of the vehicle, including checking electrical controls, adjustments, safety features, and performance.
- Brake System Maintenance: Regular checks and adjustments of the brake fluid level and brake pedal travel are necessary.
- Tire Care: Maintaining recommended tire pressure (45 PSI) is important for safety and performance.
- Wheel & Tire Removal/Installation: Instructions for safely removing and installing wheels, including lug nut torque specifications (65 ft. lbs. (88.1 N.m)).
- Cleaning: Recommendations for cleaning the vehicle's body, seats, battery compartment, and underside, avoiding harsh detergents and abrasives.
- Maintenance Schedule: Detailed weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual maintenance schedules for various components like tires, electrical system, brakes, body and frame, and lubrication.
- Vehicle Troubleshooting: A guide to common problems and their checks, such as the vehicle not moving, power keyswitch issues, or slow running.
- Controller Troubleshooting: Information on Clearview and Smartview display fault codes, with descriptions and recommended actions for diagnosis and repair.
- Record of Service History: A dedicated section to record maintenance and repair activities, including date, dealer, concern, and repair details.
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