Saturday, October 28, 2006
Nerf Bar for Your Truck or SUV
Nerf bars are not anything that is considered soft. Sometimes when you hear the words nerf bar you think about a nerf ball, that is soft and flexible but the truth of the matter is that nerf bars are hard, metal, and often times used to tie things into the back of a truck or to step on when you are getting in and out of your truck.
A nerf bar is going to be known by other things as well. You see trucks that have side steps to get up in the truck, this is also a nerf bar. You see trucks that are going down the road with a bar in the bed that is used to tie things in the back of the truck, this is a nerf bar. You see trucks or suvs that are going down the road with a bar over the front, along the front of the grill, this is also known as a nerf bar. A nerf bar is a round, tube like thing that is mounted on a vehicle, usually a truck but often times can be found on a suv as well. A nerf bar is sometimes known as a sports bar as well.
The nerf bars that you see most often are not installed at the factory. This is a way that people will customize and change the appearance of their truck or suv. The nerf bar can be installed using the factory mounts, which are holes and brackets in the vehicles. If you are putting a nerf bar on a vehicle that doesn’t have holes, your mechanic could make holes for the installation of a nerf bar without a problem.
The types of nerve bars you can buy are going to be tube like metal pieces that will be bent and fit for your particular vehicle. You can buy chrome nerve bars, or you can buy polished metal nerve bars. You can paint nerve bars or you can coat them with a plastic covering. Nerf bars also come in plastic, that are not heavy duty but that are created only to change the overall look and feel of the vehicle.
The nerf bars that are installed on the side of a vehicle are used to climb in and out of the truck or suv. These bars are made to support the weight of the person stepping into the vehicle and rarely are ever made of plastic. The nerf bars that are included for the use of the side of the vehicle are often times going to be flat in portions of the bar, for easy stepping into the truck without slipping off. Nerf bars can include logos, designs, and sometimes are painted brightly to catch the attention of people around them. Nerf bars are used to make a vehicle look more sport like, so that one feels as if they are different from all the other vehicles out there on the streets.
Truck Wash in North West Houston?
Would a truck wash business make sense on the North West Side of Houston? Many truck drivers take a short cut on Highway Six through Texas and also heading out of town on the 290 to get to Austin or to I-35. But would a truck wash survive there without actually being on I-10 or I-35?
Well indeed I am familiar with this region of our nation and know where that is and have done much business with the Auto Dealership in Hempsted there, before they sold out to the large consolidator auto dealership. And I have certainly also have noticed the truck traffic on that Hwy 6 from my travels and business;
Moving Truck Rentals
Moving to a new house or office is a challenging task, especially if you are moving to another state. Moving truck rentals, if you get a good bargain, can make the whole process easier and help you cut down on the cost of moving.
The cost of moving truck rentals depends on a number of factors, including is the size of the truck and the distance this truck will have to cover. Some well-established companies providing moving trucks may charge a little bit higher rent. The new players in the market might offer you a lower rate. But you must consider two important factors: safety and reliability.
The bookings for a moving truck can be made online also. Online resources provide detailed information about moving truck rentals by different companies. For different locations and destinations, different rates are available. The rental costs could also depend on whether you have hired a moving truck to shift household items or are looking for a quick business delivery.
Before one finally makes a decision about the company whose truck one is going to hire, it is better to compare quotes. During peak season, the costs spike upwards. They come down during certain months of the year. This movement in moving truck rentals depends on geographical locations and climate.
The moving truck rentals should also be compared with moving trailer rentals if you require a number of trucks. As the carrying capacity of an average trailer is greater than that of an average truck, a truck rental could prove to be much costlier to you. Moving truck rentals are quite high if you want to deliver a package across international borders.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
All Tour Buses and Shuttle Buses Should Have Solar Power
All tour buses, school buses and shuttle buses should have solar power. Why? Well, because they have huge surfaces on the roof to put on solar panels and because the price of solar panels in the solar power industry have come way down in the last 10-years.
It would cost less than $5000 per bus to put on solar panels that could operate most of the electrical needs of the bus. If all buses put solar panels on top then the price of solar panels would come down drastically. There would be more money due to the economies of scale to propel the solar power industry to come up with new inventions and innovations that would help with more research and development to make them even more efficient on top of that.
School buses run lots of lights that warn motorists that kids will be crossing and all these lights could be run from solar power or from solar power assisted batteries. If it was a cloudy week then of course the alternator would run the lights instead, but also consider that school buses sit over the weekend in the yard and can be generating electricity while parked.
Tour buses often have televisions, refrigerators and air-conditioning all of which have electrical needs and for about $10,000 you could set up a very nice solar power system. Shuttle buses, which take people to and from the airport also have lighting needs and hydraulic assisted handicap elevators and other very important electrical needs which could all be run by solar power. The great thing about solar power is that it generates energy whenever the sun is shining and except for the cost to install it, that is free energy. Consider this in 2006.
I Want to Do Truck Wash Clean-Outs to Make Money
Have you ever seen that show on TV; The Most Dirtiest Jobs in America? Well, I have one for you and one that I have been involved with. And that is the washouts on the trailers of 18 Wheelers.
You see trucks haul all kinds of things and each time the truck is reloaded it needs to be cleaned out. For instance it might haul chickens from South Carolina to California. Then it will load strawberries and drive them to New York or Boston. Then it will load fish or lobsters and go back to California and then fill up with avocados and drive them to Atlanta, where it will pick up peaches and drive them to Chicago. Do you see the problem so far; imagine buying a box of peaches that smelled like strawberries, chicken crap and fish?
Not only that but there are also health codes that have to do with the hauling of agricultural products, poultry and fish. It is mandatory that these trucks be cleaned out before they are reloaded and for that reason depending on the market you can charge up to $30 and a very efficient crew can clean five to six trailers or more each hour. You can see why this is one of the most dirtiest jobs in America, but why such a simple job could be lucrative and a good business to start if you're considering the business of your own.
It is a simple business and does not require much equipment, but you will need a pressure washer, water tank and a trailer and you'll have to get in good with some of the local produce haulers and truck terminals. Perhaps you can consider this in 2006 if you are looking for business to make Money.
I Want to Start a Truck Detailing Business
If you love trucks and 18 Wheelers then perhaps you might like to get into the truck detailing business. It may sound kind of funny to detail a big rig like you would a car, but believe it or not it can be lucrative business.
It will not be an easy business due to the size and shape of the vehicle, but there are a lot of trucks on the road and they need to be cleaned. There are two types of truck detailing customers for a truck detailing business; there is the long haul independent truck driver like B.J. and The Bear and there is the used wholesale truck detailing customer who owns a truck lot with either new or used trucks or sometimes both.
The independent truck driver is a dying breed however, they will spend big bucks to have their aluminum fuel tanks polished and all the chrome shinning. The truck dealer customer is much different as they are looking for a lowball price and will send you a ton of work. They need those trucks looking good to put on their truck sales lot so they sell fast. They may bring you three to six trucks a day if it is a high-volume truck dealer.
These customers will want the interiors claimed, the chassis degreased and the paint to look brand-new. They will also want the aluminum and chrome to shine like there is no tomorrow. But for this you can charge them $600 and now you are starting to see why the truck detailing business can be so lucrative. But be forewarned it is not an easy business as it is quite labor-intensive. Nevertheless a truck detailing business makes the top 10 list of small businesses you can start in trucking. So, consider this in 2006.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Mud Flaps and Mud Guards Prevent A Potential Accident
Rocks, sticks and debris meet their doom when they hit a mud guard. There's plenty of other benefits to slapping-on a set of mud guards, including:
- Cleaner fenders that'll save you a car wash or two
- Dent and ding protection that preserves your paint
- Sweet looks that go from mud-running master to smooth-style cruising
- Durable, long-lasting materials that stand-up to virtually any barrage
Cleanliness – it's godliness for your vehicle
Nobody likes that telltale sign they've been off-roadin' or trolling through puddles when you've only been cruising the streets. There's nothing decorative about the resulting splatter spread on your wheel wells, fenders and doors, either. By the time you get a chance to spray the mud off yourself or run your vehicle through the local touch-free car wash, that dirt is caked-on and dried like spackle.
Any mud guard, splash guard or mud flap stops the cycle of splatter marks. In fact, a mud guard keeps the mess contained in the wheel well–out of sight and out of mind. Plus, mud is more likely to just fall off if it cakes inside the wheel well or on the back of the mud guard. Most times, you'll just need a few minutes with a garden sprayer to dislodge the dirt and get back to a showroom shine. By keeping the splatter away, your truck or SUV stays ready for any on or off-road adventure.
A guide to mud guard protection
There's a lot more than mud that can fly-up and hit your paint, and they do much more than cause a mess. Think of all the obstructions you see on or off road that tires could be shooting right at your doors and fenders: rocks, sticks, random metal pieces, tire treads and even roadkill. A good set of mud guards acts like an all-star goalie with all the kick-saves you need to keep your paint pristine. Dings, dents and chips meet a brick wall of coverage.
Don't forget about potential damagers that are much more difficult to see and steer around. Sometimes it's freshly-painted lane lines or turn arrows. It might be new asphalt or tar that isn't quite dry. The corner cutting of a lackadaisical road crew can rob a few hours of your time, especially if enough tar or road paint makes its way onto your fenders. Thankfully, mud guards turn back the assault of these potential paint damagers, saving you time, energy, and rubbing compound.
A reference on mud guard and mud flap looks
Whether you spend your weekends churning through the deepest muck, or shuttling the kids to and from soccer with a side trip to the mini golf place, a nice set of mud guards or mud flaps can give your vehicle the look of an off-road commander. Or, a super long and flexible set of mud flaps helps you blend in with any convoy of 18-wheelers, which use these flaps to deflect costly windshield-wrecking rocks tossed at top speed.
Some mud guards offer not only serious protection, but eye-catching ornamentation, too. These include steel or aluminum sheet mud guards that offer premium gleam and rigid protection. While they look great, they can be quite troublesome if you're wheel well-deep in the mess with your mud guards digging-in. Then again, if you're that deep in the mud, you're probably in trouble anyway. Best to stay on the hardball with a set of these metal mud guards.
Looking for the pinnacle of mud guard looks? Many mud guards can be color-matched to your vehicle's finish. That's because they employ a textured surface that receives paint without the need for primer. Basic colors can be done at home; any paint tone can be matched by a local shop. The finished product blends seamlessly with the fender and wheel well shape of your vehicle, giving you an extra dose of custom looks the other rigs on the road don't have.
The basics of mud guard materials
Mud guards are offered in two basic material styles: sheet metal and rubber or rubber-composite. Both bring durability and longevity to your wheel wells, but they have a few distinct differences.
Rubber/rubber-composite mud guards and mud flaps
They can be a flexible mud flap, or a stiff mud guard. Either way, rubber and rubber-composite guards bring the rigidity you need to thwart debris, and the durability to last through the rigors of life on your wheel well. Certain rubber mud guards come ready to paint match with your vehicle's original color.
One issue with flexible rubber mud flaps is sail. At high speeds, wind resistance blows the flaps out of position to reject the full compliment of rocks, mud and moisture. That's why a premium flap-style mud guard employs bottom weights and/or a specialized frame that limits sail when you need coverage most.
Grille Guards And Bull Bars Are Ready For Battle Or The Burbs
A good grille guard can be quite the versatile tool for your truck or SUV. In fact, grille guards better your driving experience with the following features:
- Tough looks that add a serious dose of attitude or style to your front end
- Protection of delicate, expensive parts with rugged steel bars that deflect potential hazards
- A number of shapes and styles, from standard push bars to sleek euro-shaping that follows your vehicle's lines
- The versatility to hold auxiliary lighting or a winch
The basics of grille guard shapes and styles - breakdown!
Whatever grille guard shape and style you want, AutoAnything probably has it. We showcase every kind of grille guard, from full front end beasts to small nudge bars to intricate winch grille guards. Plus, there's standard-shaped utility designs and euro-inspired sleek models that reflect your vehicle's styling lines.
Full front end grille guards
The original front-end protector boasts solid uprights bolted to your frame. Some grille guard models feature padded uprights for damage-free pushing. Bolted to the uprights are typically a bar for mounting auxiliary lights, a top hood guard bar, and shaped headlight guards.
Nudge bars and sport bars
Crafted primarily for subdued looks and style, nudge and sport bar grille guards offer solid low-speed impact protection. Their short design, however, prevents these grille guards from protecting your upper grille and headlight areas.
Bumper guards
Laying low to guard against a vehicle's most frequently hit area, bumper guards boast padded uprights and steel tubing to stop minor fender benders from creating a $2,000 damage tab. Plus, they're the ideal safeguard against oblivious parking lot drivers and disaffected municipal workers. Front and rear bumper guards are available for duty.
Skid plates
A few of AutoAnything's full front end grille guards and center guards can be ordered with a skid plate. These tough guards, crafted from steel sheets or tubing, attach to the bottom of the grille guard for ground clearance protection. Anything you drive over - from tree trunks to parking barriers - will hit the skid plate instead of your sensitive underside parts. Not to mention the looks. A skid plate is the exclamation point on your vehicle's frontal attitude.
Taillight guards
Ever had to replace a taillight on account of a stray rock, wayward baseball or misguided vandal? Taillight guards surround them with a durable steel tubing perimeter and rolled steel crossbars. Taillight guards match the look of your front grille guard, and add to the tough style package on your truck or SUV.
Mounting accessories to your grille guard: quick advice
A grille guard can be a great utility station for your vehicle. There's a multitude of lighting options which can be mounted to the center bar. Or, for off-road enthusiasts and the perpetually prepared, many grille guards can be equipped with winch mounting plates.
Most of our full front end and center grille guards come pre-drilled for attaching auxiliary lighting to the center bar. This includes driving, fog and high-beam lights, which fit in a prime position for brightening the road and wiring to your vehicle's electrical system.
Winches can be rigged to most any grille guard, but they're best used with winch-specific grille guards and mounting systems that maximize pulling power. Winch-specific grille guards require more solid mounting to your vehicle's frame , a task that can require cutting, drilling, two or more extra people for help, and several hours time.
Which finish color looks best with your truck or SUV?
Grille guards come in two distinct finish looks: durable black powder coat and highly-polished. Polished models are either chrome plated over steel or feature a mirror-polish of stainless steel. Each of these finishes is available on front end grille guards and taillight guards.
- When you want the original tough grille guard look, go with a powder coat black finish model
- For extra shine that matches your chrome and other trim, pick a polished grille guard
- If you want the best coverage against corrosion, select a stainless steel or chrome plated polished grille guard
With many to choose from including grille guards from westin and Manik, you will surely find the grille solution without having to cook your pocket load in the process.
Nerf Bars And Truck Side Steps - One Leg Up On the Others With 5 Main Features
Side tubes, nerf bars, step bars, running boards. Whatever you call 'em, they look great and work even better. The need for side steps has grown as trucks and SUVs have gotten taller. You'll discover a number of features and benefits with a set of side steps, including:
- A stable extra boost up into your cab
- Safe stepping in any weather
- A variety of shapes and styles
- Heavy-duty materials for overall strength
- A multitude of finish choices for a smooth and tough appearance
- Sturdy mounting in a matter of minutes
Nerf bars, side tubes and running boards are sure to give a boost to tired legs and your vehicle’s looks, too. That’s right, nerf bars and running boards sure look cool and they do give a welcome step to hard worked legs. But they also help protect your vehicle’s body from those inconsiderate folks that swing their doors open without a thought. They’ll think twice next time after slamming into a solid nerf bar.
A guide to the extra boost provided by side steps
Whether you've got a low-rolling midsize SUV or a monster truck, you could probably use a solid step beneath your door for an extra boost when you need it. Nerf bars and running boards can be a welcome sight after a tiring day at the job site or an energy-sapping stint at the office. Think of your other riders, too. The sturdy stepping place provided by a set of nerf bars or running boards is a great measure of safety and peace of mind for your younger or older passengers.
Side steps are built to handle frequent use, too. They bolt-on to your vehicle in a pre-existing mounting position on the frame. This makes for sturdy installation that can handle whatever your passengers' feet dish out.
Side steps also boast incredible weight capacity. The typical set of nerf bars can hold 300lbs. or more at a time, supported by the steel construction and heavy-duty frame mount brackets. Most running boards boast an aluminum support frame beneath the stepping surface, giving these side steps a weight capacity of up to 500lbs.
The basics of safe stepping in any weather with side steps
Wet weather can make for unstable footing everywhere. That's why nerf bars and running boards feature treaded pads that help you get a grip on the step before climbing into your vehicle. These all-weather pads feature a grooved design that channels water away from the stepping surface.
Beyond providing a non-slip surface for stepping, nerf bars and running boards keep the mess from getting to your vehicle's carpet. The treaded pad is an excellent place to wipe your feet, while the tube or board itself becomes an ingenious tool for knocking off the mud.
The all-weather step pads stay in place with heavy-duty adhesive that's sure to hold for the life of your tubes. Plus, they're installed to recesses in the board or tube, meaning the strength of your step isn't compromised with a cutout.
The basics of side step materials
Nerf bars typically use thick-wall steel tubing to get their strength and durability. Either cold-rolled carbon steel or stainless steel are the metals of choice, with the carbon steel only used on powder coat models.
Running boards feature molded polymer top surfaces. It's a high-strength plastic, supported underneath by an integrated aluminum frame for added rigidity. That's how the wider, thinner running board can support more weight than standard tubes.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
One Way Moving Truck Rentals
One-way moving trucks pick up things at one location and drop it at another. In this case the truck does not return to the same facility. The one-way moving truck rentals cost more than round-trip rentals. These rentals also vary from company to company, and from season to season; it is difficult to find a one-way moving truck at a reasonable cost during peak season.
One-way moving truck rentals cost more during weekends as compared to rentals during weekdays. It is more expensive to hire one way moving trucks at the end of the month, and during those months when the weather is warm. The costs of one-way rentals are largely influenced by the availability of trucks at the place where the customer is going to pick it up, and the demand for trucks where the truck has to be dropped off. So prices can vary a great deal.
It is also possible to get a fixed-rate deal. Most companies insist on a deposit. Some companies accept only cash deposits; others may accept credit cards also. Before one goes for a one way rental service, one must ensure that the driver has a valid license. If it is a one way moving truck, you can afford to tow your car and ride together with the driver.
But that might not be possible for long journeys. There are few exclusive one-way rental services. Most truck rental companies provide one-way moving trucks. However, the rates vary according to which company is used, so before you decide on a company, make sure your compare the costs with other companies in your area.
Truck Wash Location Analysis for North West Texas
When putting in a truck wash you need to consider many things such as truck traffic counts, competition, labor availability, water supply and costs to put up a building, buy equipment and reclaim systems to treat the water. In Northwest TX there is significant truck traffic traveling all the back roads on major highways and on the main interstates.
Recently, I was asked by a gentleman; “I live in a small west Texas town of Tulia, TX. We are located on I27 half way between Amarillo and Lubbock” and he wished to know if this made sense for a truck wash. He noted that a local truck stop pumped some 30,000 gallons per day. Not a lot compared to interstate main routes in TX like I-20, I-10 or I-40 but still a decent amount of fuel. Below are some additional thoughts on this subject;
After reviewing the information you have discussed and in that particular market I would recommend a low-cost building with specific hours of operation; minimal cost building, skid pressure washer units (2) and simplified reclaim filtration. And I have concerns with labor supply there. Also if I were you I would consider a Mobile Wash Unit to clean truck fleets in both Lubbock and Amarillo, as well on off hours, due to the out of the way location.
Keep your truck wash unit to a minimum in cost and I also need a clarification on water supply there and drought issues too. Can you tell me if there is labor available other than illegal aliens and what the drought situation is too? You see there are many factors to consider when operating a truck wash and they must all be taken into consideration you see? Think on this in 2006.
Automatic Truck Wash Equipment is It Right for Your Truckwash?
The truck washing industry has come a long way in the last couple of decades and most people in the industry have seen the changes and not really thought much about them. For instance we are starting to see the first really capable automatic truck washes. Years the prior many municipalities, tour bus companies and large trucking companies began purchasing automatic drive thru truck washes and perhaps you are familiar with one of the more popular brand names of these RYCO. Recently some interested in perhaps purchasing such a unit asks;
“How do you feel about the totally automated truck wash systems? More over how do truckers feel?”
From an efficiency standpoint I like them, although under whelmed by some of the systems, especially cleaning tractors with all the mirrors, chrome, between tanks, around the stacks, etc. Not so good for that even this new Belanger V-Max System, yes, it looks cool, good for squares like box trailers, Greyhound Bus and such, for cleaning a polished out Peterbuilt? No, you will not be happy with the results, but it does cut the total time down to under 12 minutes, then you could hand brush the rest and finish er’ off to getr’ done.
My thoughts are I more like the InterClean system, mostly because I think the owner is a straight shooter, not very salesy. He seems to be a lot less BS and lot more Texas style cattle owner without the 10-gallon Stetson with pink silk inlay and fancy fake diamonds.
I just get so tired of the BS in the industry sometimes. I think those folks need some serious talking to really. But I tend to like a couple of the newer systems. The big question is can you get the long-haul independents to drive their pride and joy thru it? Interesting topic indeed, consider this in 2006.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Truck Wash Issues in Texas Rural Areas
One big issues with any truck wash is labor of course and one has to ask if you can secure enough labor to wash all the trucks when you get busy. In West Texas or North West Texas there is labor available and generally the labor is Mexican-American and very hard working.
If you are considering a Truck Wash in Texas labor is a very big issue indeed and that is great that you have labor there. There are also issues with water and the Perpetual Drought issue is a big deal too. As far as the Ogalala Aquifer it said to be plentiful down to Amarillo and a little past there, but some say that might change in the future and they say it is plentiful today, but not for long it is shrinking on all sides.
Of course it is a much bigger issue along the Colorado NE and WY-NE border, KS-CO border too, farmers are worried and wells are dry in some parts, big issues, it is not so unlimited as we once thought. But in those North West areas of Texas for now you seem to be alright you see. Maybe there will be plenty for a while since that area is at the bottom of the aquifer. Most people do not even realize it went much past Amarillo.
So the main consideration of Labor and Water seem to be available, but are critical and thus a truck wash on a busy highway does make sense in that part of Texas and therefore something to consider of course. So think on this in 2006.
Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.
Fed Ex Looking at Another Big Purchase
Well as predicted it appears that the Trucking Industry will be making some consolidation and now Fed Ex has agreed to buy yet another ground transportation trucking company; Watkins Trucking. This is a huge acquisition indeed and in fact it could be nearly one billion dollars in all.
Watkins Trucking is an LTL or less than load carrier and it runs offices in Canada and Mexico, giving Fed Ex Ground a huge boost in North American International Trade. UPS has also announced a very big merger in the coming future although has not entirely disclosed what that might be?
It appears we will continue to see large mergers in the Transportation Sector long into the future and especially in the next two-years as the fuel prices remain high and those carriers who are most efficient take home larger amounts of the profit and re-invest to further increase efficiencies thru economies of scale.
For companies like Fed Ex and UPS well they are in a league of their own and are clearly using their size and ranges of shipping to their advantage, while capitalizing on all aspect of the business cycle, competition and high fuel prices. Consider all this in the transportation sector in 2006.
Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.
Truck Towing
Tow trucks, also called wreckers, are used to clear disabled vehicles off highways and speedways. They constitute an emergency service that is of considerable importance in this age of heavy vehicle flow across the world. Without their efficient service, this flow would grind to a halt in less than no time.
Most tow trucks are run by private enterprises and are operated in fleets that specialize in quick road clearance and retrieval services. They are in a perfect position to supply captive customers to repair businesses and are an integral part of their economy. The government road authorities have their own tow truck fleets to service highways and areas like toll stations where bottlenecks are likely to occur if a vehicle breaks down.
There are various kinds of tow trucks in operation today, from the most rudimentary to the highly specialized. The most basic kind is the hook-and-chain truck, and it is still in extensive use in third-world countries. It employs chains that lift the broken-down vehicle by the axle with the help of a boom winch.
From this concept came the axle-cradling tow truck, which sports a single-unit yoke that can lift the front end of the disabled vehicle into the air for easy towing. The lifting mechanism is either hydraulically or pneumatically operated. This is arguably the quickest kind of towing and is often used in traffic control.
Flatbeds are used for long-distance towing. The flatbed accommodates the entire disabled vehicle piggyback. It does this by lowering a flat metal surface to the ground, making it possible for the broken-down vehicle to either drive or be drawn onto the back of the truck by a winch. There are also various combinations of the above-described tow trucks in existence.
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