Automotive Trucks information on net.

There are several types of tarpaulin (tarp) systems for trucks that make covering a truck’s cargo easy. The most popular tarp systems are front to back or side-to-side systems. All of these systems secure cargo in the bed of the truck easily and safely.

Front-to-back tarp systems feature long metal arms that hold the tarp in place. Some tarp systems have the tarp roll up into a cylinder behind the cab when it is not covering the bed, while other systems position the rolled-up tarp up over the truck’s cab. Front-to-back systems can be either manual or automatic. Automatic tarp systems have a switch in the cab that the operator flips to maneuver the tarp into place. The tarp is then pulled over the bed and secured at the rear by the metal arms. Manual systems are similar, but feature a crank that the operator turns to move the arms and the tarp into place. Automatic front to back systems cost at least $650 plus the cost of the tarp. Manual systems are significantly less expensive, starting around $150 plus the price of the tarp.

Side-to-side tarp systems are not as widely used as front-to-back systems, but they are just as secure. Side-to-side tarp systems operate on the same principles as the front-to-back systems, with metal arms pulling and then securing the tarp in place. Side-to-side systems also come in manual and automatic models, just as with the front-to-back models. Interested consumers should contact a local seller or an online vendor to find out what a custom side-to-side tarp system will cost for their truck.

Tarp systems make it much quicker and easier to secure loads in the beds of trucks. Whether one uses an automatic or manual system, tarp systems are a good investment.

Tarpaulins, often called tarps, are frequently used to cover and secure loads in different types of trucks. Truck tarps can make carrying loads in pickup trucks, flatbeds, dump trucks, and other types of trucks much easier. Having a truck tarp is also safer, with less likelihood of the load falling off the truck and causing problems for the driver or for other vehicles on the road.

Truck tarps for pickups typically cost around $40. Truck tarps for full size pickup beds are about $5 more. These tarps are made to cover a full load in the bed of the truck, securing it and protecting it from the elements. Good truck tarps come with hook and straps to secure the tarp to the truck bed and eliminate the need to tie complicated knots with rope to secure the tarp.

Truck tarps are also available for flatbed trailers. Cargo such as lumber and steel cables are often carried in flatbed trailers. Truck tarps covering a 48-foot long trailer with 8-foot drops can be purchased for about $400 online. Usually, two tarps are needed, bringing the total price to around $800. These truck tarps are waterproof and have grommets through which cables can attach the tarp to the truck.

Dump trucks also need to be covered with tarps to secure their load. Roll up tarps are usually used on dump trucks. These tarps roll up into a cylinder for storage up behind the cab of the truck, and can be pulled out and secured to the other end of the bed to cover the truck’s cargo. Tarps for dump trucks usually start at $300 for basic models, with bigger or more elaborate models costing more.

Covering truck beds is one of the many uses of tarps. There are a variety of other applications for tarpaulins.

Suspension and truck lift kits combine for your great off road rides. With such a large variety you can't but help having some fun. Grab your favorite drink and that mouse to go shopping for your truck lift kits. Whether serious off-roading or just some aggressive fun great auto accessories makes all the difference.

Dodge lifts, Ford lifts, Gm, Chevy, 4x4 lift parts, adjustable coil lift, shocks all combine for some great shopping items to enhance that truck experience in your life. It's no longer hard or annoying to find those truck items you're looking for. Isn't it neat to grab your favorite drink, sit back and relax, click the mouse and let you index finger do all the work.

Your new goodies will be drop shipped to your front porch with a great money back 100% satisfaction guarantee. Most all the online products are manufactured by outstanding reputable well experienced companies that have been in the business for years. They can also equipment you with the knowledge you need along with instructions. Try getting that type of help at the dirt world store.

Keep in mind that off-road suspension packages also will provide greater suspension travel. Again, this allows you to negotiate rutted trails more easily and travel over bigger rocks. Plus, increased suspension travels makes your vehicle's ride more comfortable when it's going over the tough stuff--even if the tough stuff is a road full of potholes. You can buy your truck lift kits wholesale online.

Truck accessories distributor

It wasn't too long ago that finding a truck accessories distributor meant a lot of work, miles and effort. These folks are the lifeblood for most of our truck needs. There was a time we could drive the street and see them all over but finding what we needed may have taken more than a few stops. Today, most of the small and even specialty shops have fallen by the wayside as the truck accessories distributor most likely swallowed up by the big chain stores.

The new kid on the block today are the outstanding internet website for general or specialty truck parts, supplies and accessories. The fun is now back in shopping as we grab our favorite drink, kick off our shoes and let the click of the mouse do the work. We can purchase online anything you could possibly conceive. From pickups to atv's there's the product we're looking for.

Not only are we going to enjoy our experience but we'll find good bargains and generally wholesale pricing with good money back guarantees. In just a few short days our order lands up on the front door with no muss no fuss.

We don't need to hunt help and deal with the total lack of interest we've become exposed too today in the store front. Anymore I feel that I’m intruding when I go for help. Enough of that nonsense. So much for the mighty chain stores marketing – it's simply the bottom line but we've lost that people feeling.

No wonder the internet has become rapidly our choice in shopping. Accessories for Toyota, Dodge, Chevy, Ford, GMC and Nissan trucks are now easy to find, at the right price, shipped normally the same day fro m major manufactures through the truck accessories distributor. So enjoy your shopping experience.

In addition to the security, Truck Bed Covers offer an increase of over 10% in fuel economy. This is excellent news with current fuel prices. Studies show by reducing drag due to airflow in the truck bed with a tonneau cover will result in an 11% decrease in drag as compared to a truck bed without a cover. The studies also revealed a canopy actually increase drag and fuel consumption. Results will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

This is how it works when airflow passes the truck’s cab. The flow separated behind the cab and enters the truck bed resulting in drag if the bed is not covered. Replacing the tailgate with a cargo net results in increase drag compared to removing the tailgate, which had an increase but not as much as the cargo net. The best method of decreasing the drag, thus increasing fuel economy, is to install a tonneau cover over the truck bed.

There are now more options available for customer to improve mileage while adding security and style.

There are conservatively 500,000 trucks with covers on the road everyday and based on the average gas savings, American’s save 60 million gallons of gas per year or approximately $100,000. Studies show the average truck owner drives 18,000 miles per year. At 15 mpg that comes to 1,000 gallons of gas. At a minimum 10% savings you would save around 120 gallons a year (and many reports show it to be more like 12%). You can see why it would not take too many months to have your new truck cover pay for itself.

There appear to be significant possibilities in long term storage of trucks for an avenue to expand into. Hibernation of trucks, which are no longer needed in the slowed economy are piling up and need care otherwise they will deteriorate further and be of zero value except for sparsely parted out salvage.

For instance disconnecting the fully charged batteries from the ground. Putting the trucks on blocks so no flat spot develops on tires and drop pressure to 15 PSI and coating them with thick silicon jell. Induce fuel stabilizers and micro-biocides so microbes cannot grow in tanks. Silicone jell on rubber door jams seals, and hoses and belts. Pump fresh grease into zerk fittings. Wax and poly coat the paint. Tape up exposed engine openings, periodically check for mice and other small nests and rodents living in the truck. Truck engine over without starting a few revolutions to keep inside of engine lubricated.

Our cost for Hibernation Services will be. Prep Work $600, quarterly services $30.00 per truck. Our company is considering offering such services after studying this.

Many companies are looking into such services and will also be offering hibernation maintenance to prime contractors of US Military to maintain all their units after the war is over, until we can cause another conflict somewhere else soon.

Some people do not really understand the need for Engine Air filtration. The average diesel truck engine uses between 8,000 and 10,000 gallons of air per gallon of fuel burned.

That is a lot and all that air needs to be clean to insure proper burn and performance. If the dirt gets through and mixes with the engine oil on the cylinder walls, you can already see the problem. Groves can form, piston rings worn, etc. 8 ounces of dirt can ruin an engine.

The air first goes through a pre-cleaner; this could be a screen in the air intake system. The air then heads for the filter and it pushes it's way through the passages and the dirt being heavier falls away. The dirt, which is trapped, helps trap other dirt.

This is why a clean air filter is not as useful as an air filter, which is a little dirty. Most truck filters have a 99 plus % rating for catching the dust. 99.6% is not uncommon. It is estimated that over 70% of all air filters are thrown out too early.

If you are telling your customer that they need air filter each time you maybe making money in up sell, but your are doing a dis-service to them.

Comparing Mid-Range Work Trucks

Comparing Mid-Range Work Trucks is a difficult task with all the variables, we are interested because we need the most efficient work trucks for our customers.

The NPR Isuzu seems to be the favorite at least in the last four or five years. Supply is good and you can buy it in a GMC too. $600 extra decal option, but same unit exactly. Only difference is the name. The NPR has a payload of 9,000 lbs., and is 1,000 lbs better than the next closest competitor in that size. We often use the 109 inch wheel base versions although they come in three sizes.

The Mitsubishi once king of the class has similar characteristics but 8,000 lb. payload but a 12,000 GVW as opposed to the 14,000 GVW Isuzu. Hino is 15,000 GVW, 8,400 payload on the option package.

Nissan or UD is 7,000 payload and nice looking truck but not in the ball park of the others, excellent turning radius and visibility and good enough for government work.

The Hyundai coming out next year in this class is owned 12% by Daimler Chrysler and probably another soaker like the Bering, which sunk most of their dealers last year.

No numbers yet, but judging by Chryslers exploits probably inline with Isuzu even if they pay out more in warrantees to place themselves at the top of the payload food chain in that class.

We use the Isuzu trucks for our company. We like them and agree that they are the best choice we have experienced so far, others might disagree, but not many I have talked too as I travel the country and set up franchises.

Over the Road Trucks Using Wireless Networks to Caravan or in Convoys will soon be a reality. Using small Wireless Network Sensors it maybe possible to have hundreds of trucks act like giant trains, by traveling together very closely. Literally tailgating by only three to four feet. By doing this they will cut down on the co-efficient of drag and have increased fuel efficiency.

http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/newsrelease/flytruck.html

Now mind you with fuel prices higher now and looking to go up again. And driving a truck all over the country. It behooves the mobile command center to stay at 55-60 mph and to travel in long lines of trucks, which flow the air out of the way, cutting down the head wind. Trucks moving down the road will pull your hat right off your head. Many cars often sit in the vortex behind trucks to improve fuel consumption for 50 miles or more. Tailgating is not too safe, but if the Wireless Sensor Networks are controlling the vehicle instead of eyes glued to the back of the trucks humans, then it can be done safely. Thus we save energy and drag.

Now realize on I-10, I-5, I-40, 20, 70 etc. in the middle of the night with little traffic there is little danger. In the movie with Tom Cruise, “Minority report” you saw the cars generally cruising without any intervention from the people, no cars hit each other at all, because they were communicating with each other and their missions and destinations were pre-configured. This is not to un-similar than Net Centric Warfare, or a computer assigning tasks to a larger network to break into pieces large problems by dividing and conquering or the packs sent through the Internet when sending a email. This technology is available and if we can reduce the coefficient of drag by 80% we can decrease fuel consumption by as much as 40%. The other friction is that of the tires on the ground, that can be fixed by use of magnetic levitation or low air-pressure methods of hydro-craft systems on specially designed highways and what will most likely be the future of rail within the next 100 years. This idea has many implications for military convoys as well, especially with Army recruitment quotas not being met. You can the importance of such logistics. Having done this research and trying to figure out the intervals that are safe and realizing that there is not a need for human reaction time or human error and using this data;

http://barolo.as.utexas.edu/ast301/hw2answers.pdf

It figures that four to five feet is very doable and also that the air dams on larger trucks are about four feet from the box. The best thought would be for the air dams to move closer to the trailers from the towing vehicles or bobtail at speeds in excess of 48 mph when the co-efficient of drag starts its exponential climb where energy is pitted against the gains in speed. If Look at the hyperbolic curve on charts such as for an aircraft you will see very much the same scenarios.

In racing the quarter mile any real street racer will tell you if you want to increase your quarter mile time by a tenth of a second either add 50 hp or shave off 100 lbs. Well there comes a point of diminishing returns. Trucks, which haul double and triple trailer set ups can do even better with one truck. As fuel prices rise and other costs associated there is a need to cut down on accidents to save insurance premiums and fuel costs. By using Wireless Sensor Networks these things can easily be done. When the Garbage industry went to trucks with only one driver and one mechanical arm they were able to lower costs and remove the trash more efficiently thus the cost savings was unbelievable.

The Honda Ridgeline is Honda’s new pickup truck on the market. It uses Honda's unibody large vehicle platform, shared with the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey. It is powered by an all aluminum 255 hp 3.5 L V6 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive capable of towing 5000 lbs. The Ridgeline will be the first pickup truck with a fully-independent suspension.

Some of the more innovative features of the Ridgeline are its tailgate, which can fold down or hinge to the side, and an 8.5 cubic foot “In-Bed Trunk" below the truck bed. The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. The Ridgeline comes with anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.

The bed is 49.5” x 60” with the tailgate up. With the tailgate down, you get 49.5” x 79”. And remember, the tailgate also swings to the side so you can easily access the in-bed trunk. The tailgate is designed to support 300 lbs. While driving. The steel reinforced composite bed resists dents and corrosion. Another neat feature were ample tie downs in the beds and several cargo lights.

Standard towing features include prewiring 4 pin and 7 pin, along with a brake controller. Heavy duty radiator, power steering cooler, and transmission cooler keep things cool when the work begins. Huge 4 wheel disk brakes help stop quicker with the aid of the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). All the dealer has to do is install the hitch and harness.

The 8” ground clearance works well with the 4 wheel independent suspension. Yes, all 4 wheels. Unheard of in a truck, but this is a Honda. They wanted their truck to instill confidence in the corners and a stable, responsive feel while maintaining ride quality. The closed box frame and unit body construction means this truck is tough and ready to work.

Traction control is standard along with a locking rear differential for extremely low traction conditions. It can stay locked with a push of a button up to 18 mph. Along with traction control, you get stability control called Vehicle Stability Assist. This corrects your cornering problems before they even become a problem.

The tires come with tire pressure monitoring systems which will be standard in all vehicles very soon (government mandate). Air bags are all around in front, side, and side curtain. It will only deploy what is necessary depending on the type of accident. These safety features along with ABS braking make this one of the safest trucks on the road.

There are three trim levels starting with the RT, RTS and the luxury RTL. You can get heated leather seats and a moonroof. These amenities were only thought to be available in cars. This truck also has available navigation system, homelink, and a hidden in dash cd changer.

The 22 gallon tank is ample for the 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway EPA mileage estimates. The six color combinations come with 3 interior choices. Options include a bed extender, tail light “garnish”, chrome bumper trim, 17” wheels, body side protectors, roof rack, fender flares, running boards and a towing package mentioned above. I’ve also seen hard tonneau cover-locking for the bed, and in-bed trunk dividers. There’s a larger brush guard for the front bumper available for you off roaders.

There are people all over the world looking for a truck for sale. This is great news for you if you are considering posting your truck for sale.

However, you need to consider your truck for sale options.

* Word of Mouth Advertising

* Newspaper Classifieds

* Online Advertising

Each of these truck for sale advertising methods has been proven to work successfully time and time again when it comes to selling a truck.

So let's evaluate your truck for sale options....

When a good friend recommends a movie, aren't you more likely to check it out than if you just see the previews?

Well, the same rule applies to a truck for sale. If someone that you know and respect recommends a truck for sale, you are generally more likely to give it a look, especially if you are interested in a truck for sale.

Word of mouth advertising can be very powerful! However, it is limited to a smaller group of people which is why you need to consider newspaper classifieds and online advertising.

If you have ever opened up and read the classified section of a newspaper, you have probably seen several truck for sale advertisements.

The reason that you see these advertisements is because they are a great way to expose your truck for sale to several people in your local area.

Newspaper classifieds are a great way to post your truck for sale.

Finally, there is online advertising of your truck for sale. Online advertising gives you the opportunity to reach a huge targeted audience of people who are looking for a tr truck for sale.

It has become a very popular and effective method of advertising when it comes to a truck for sale.

The internet offers a solution to finding used truck parts. In the past, finding used truck parts would often be a difficult task, especially if you lived in remote areas.

Imagine if you were looking for used truck parts like a radiator or headlight but had to drive several miles to pick up these used truck parts. Obviously, this caused a great deal of frustration for many people.

You also had a limited selection of used truck parts. For instance, let's say you needed a bumper for your old pickup truck. You would take the long journey down to your local auto parts store and upon arrival, you would discover that you had to order the part and wait another month before it would come in!

However, all that has changed now that we have the internet. The internet offers a solution to finding used truck parts.

* You can compare used truck parts prices using the internet. * You can locate stores in your area with the used truck parts that you need to fix your truck. * You can have your used truck parts delivered directly to your front door.

As you can see, there are some terrific benefits to buying used truck parts on the internet. It is hard to imagine not having the option of searching the internet for used truck parts.

So next time you need used truck parts, you may want to consider scanning the internet to see if you can find the used truck parts you need for your truck.

Finding good classic trucks for sale is often a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! You see, the internet provides you with a great way to locate classic trucks for sale.

While you may see a decline in classic trucks for sale in your local newspaper, there is a good chance that you will find classic trucks for sale on the internet.

This is because there are more people on the internet searching for specific items such as classic trucks for sale. Plus, there are more people selling their classic trucks for sale on the internet because they know there is a large target audience searching for classic trucks for sale.

Classic trucks for sale are more difficult to find than a ten year old pickup truck because they have been out of circulation much longer and several have been used for scrap parts.

Of course, that's not to say you can't find classic trucks for sale. I am just pointing out the fact that classic trucks for sale are more rare than recently built trucks.

This is why I suggest searching the internet to find classic trucks for sale. In my opinion, your chances of finding specific classic trucks for sale are much greater than newspapers.

Individuals and companies are posting their classic trucks for sale on the internet every day hoping that you will see them.

In conclusion, if you are looking for classic trucks for sale, you may want to take a look on the internet.

Over the Road Trucks Using Wireless Networks to Caravan or in Convoys will soon be a reality. Using small Wireless Network Sensors it maybe possible to have hundreds of trucks act like giant trains, by traveling together very closely. Literally tailgating by only three to four feet. By doing this they will cut down on the co-efficient of drag and have increased fuel efficiency.

http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/newsrelease/flytruck.html

Now mind you with fuel prices higher now and looking to go up again. And driving a truck all over the country. It behooves the mobile command center to stay at 55-60 mph and to travel in long lines of trucks, which flow the air out of the way, cutting down the head wind. Trucks moving down the road will pull your hat right off your head. Many cars often sit in the vortex behind trucks to improve fuel consumption for 50 miles or more. Tailgating is not too safe, but if the Wireless Sensor Networks are controlling the vehicle instead of eyes glued to the back of the trucks humans, then it can be done safely. Thus we save energy and drag.

Now realize on I-10, I-5, I-40, 20, 70 etc. in the middle of the night with little traffic there is little danger. In the movie with Tom Cruise, “Minority report” you saw the cars generally cruising without any intervention from the people, no cars hit each other at all, because they were communicating with each other and their missions and destinations were pre-configured. This is not to un-similar than Net Centric Warfare, or a computer assigning tasks to a larger network to break into pieces large problems by dividing and conquering or the packs sent through the Internet when sending a email. This technology is available and if we can reduce the coefficient of drag by 80% we can decrease fuel consumption by as much as 40%. The other friction is that of the tires on the ground, that can be fixed by use of magnetic levitation or low air-pressure methods of hydro-craft systems on specially designed highways and what will most likely be the future of rail within the next 100 years. This idea has many implications for military convoys as well, especially with Army recruitment quotas not being met. You can the importance of such logistics. Having done this research and trying to figure out the intervals that are safe and realizing that there is not a need for human reaction time or human error and using this data;

http://barolo.as.utexas.edu/ast301/hw2answers.pdf

It figures that four to five feet is very doable and also that the air dams on larger trucks are about four feet from the box. The best thought would be for the air dams to move closer to the trailers from the towing vehicles or bobtail at speeds in excess of 48 mph when the co-efficient of drag starts its exponential climb where energy is pitted against the gains in speed. If Look at the hyperbolic curve on charts such as for an aircraft you will see very much the same scenarios.

In racing the quarter mile any real street racer will tell you if you want to increase your quarter mile time by a tenth of a second either add 50 hp or shave off 100 lbs. Well there comes a point of diminishing returns. Trucks, which haul double and triple trailer set ups can do even better with one truck. As fuel prices rise and other costs associated there is a need to cut down on accidents to save insurance premiums and fuel costs. By using Wireless Sensor Networks these things can easily be done. When the Garbage industry went to trucks with only one driver and one mechanical arm they were able to lower costs and remove the trash more efficiently thus the cost savings was unbelievable.

The issues of safety, use of freeways at night and congestion, driver shortages, accidents and insurance, complaints by four wheeler drivers about trucks, expensive insurance, fuel costs, our reliance on foreign oil, etc. All this can be solved by wireless sensor networks without relying on a master grid which could fail, like the cascading of our power outage. It could work within the DOT framework, but independently. Many things are being done to set up grid networks for watching systems and if these systems run independently, you can watch them. In the future use the best and most efficient designs;

The Honda Ridgeline is Honda’s new pickup truck on the market. It uses Honda's unibody large vehicle platform, shared with the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey. It is powered by an all aluminum 255 hp 3.5 L V6 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive capable of towing 5000 lbs. The Ridgeline will be the first pickup truck with a fully-independent suspension.

Some of the more innovative features of the Ridgeline are its tailgate, which can fold down or hinge to the side, and an 8.5 cubic foot “In-Bed Trunk" below the truck bed. The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. The Ridgeline comes with anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.

The bed is 49.5” x 60” with the tailgate up. With the tailgate down, you get 49.5” x 79”. And remember, the tailgate also swings to the side so you can easily access the in-bed trunk. The tailgate is designed to support 300 lbs. While driving. The steel reinforced composite bed resists dents and corrosion. Another neat feature were ample tie downs in the beds and several cargo lights.

Standard towing features include prewiring 4 pin and 7 pin, along with a brake controller. Heavy duty radiator, power steering cooler, and transmission cooler keep things cool when the work begins. Huge 4 wheel disk brakes help stop quicker with the aid of the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). All the dealer has to do is install the hitch and harness.

The 8” ground clearance works well with the 4 wheel independent suspension. Yes, all 4 wheels. Unheard of in a truck, but this is a Honda. They wanted their truck to instill confidence in the corners and a stable, responsive feel while maintaining ride quality. The closed box frame and unit body construction means this truck is tough and ready to work.

Traction control is standard along with a locking rear differential for extremely low traction conditions. It can stay locked with a push of a button up to 18 mph. Along with traction control, you get stability control called Vehicle Stability Assist. This corrects your cornering problems before they even become a problem.

The tires come with tire pressure monitoring systems which will be standard in all vehicles very soon (government mandate). Air bags are all around in front, side, and side curtain. It will only deploy what is necessary depending on the type of accident. These safety features along with ABS braking make this one of the safest trucks on the road.

There are three trim levels starting with the RT, RTS and the luxury RTL. You can get heated leather seats and a moonroof. These amenities were only thought to be available in cars. This truck also has available navigation system, homelink, and a hidden in dash cd changer.

The 22 gallon tank is ample for the 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway EPA mileage estimates. The six color combinations come with 3 interior choices. Options include a bed extender, tail light “garnish”, chrome bumper trim, 17” wheels, body side protectors, roof rack, fender flares, running boards and a towing package mentioned above. I’ve also seen hard tonneau cover-locking for the bed, and in-bed trunk dividers. There’s a larger brush guard for the front bumper available for you off roaders.

As truck ownership has increased in America, so has the amount of off-highway recreation. There is no special license required to drive off-road, even though there are many different techniques and practices involved. There does exist an often unspoken etiquette that is practiced by old-school four-wheelers, which developed not just so that everyone can get along on the trail, but, primarily, for safety considerations. With the availability of trail-ready 4x4’s, both in the traditional truck mold and outside of it, the slow and steady progression of four-wheeling initiation through involvement and camaraderie has been bypassed. The honor-by-association process misses the chance to be taught to the enthusiastic guy who just bought his first real 4x4.

Responsible 4-wheeling is about finesse. Other features and driving techniques assist in the overall safety of your off-road outing, but finesse is the first and most important portion of your driving repertoire to acquire. Here are some hints to help you out in this area.

1. It’s important always to drive within your ability. There are times when in soft sand, like beaches and washes, speed needs to be moderate and flotation through mud and snow needs to be kept up, hence “within your ability.” Usually taking your time on the trail will allow you to pick a smooth path and allow you time to react to the varieties of terrain you can encounter like moving rocks and logs under the tires. If you have a ground clearance deficiency, going slow helps here, in that, if you do hit a rock with the differential or other rock grabber, it will usually stop the vehicle on impact or you will lightly scrape over it. If you were going too fast and hit a rock or other obstacle, it could knock a hole in the oil pan, differential, or even knock off the oil filter.

2. Avoid surprises by surveying the road ahead before you encounter it. Make sure the trail goes beyond the obstacle, doesn't become a bottomless quagmire, has no back side to the hill (cliff?) or just plain ends. You can get a good idea where to place your tires and the differentials to have a plan of approach. And follow through to beyond the obstacle.

3. Driving diagonally = Rollover. Always drive straight down hills or steep terrain. Know your approach and departure angles, the bumper to tire distance. Some trails will require off-camber driving. In situations like this it’s best to go slow, keeping the tires in the tracks. Make every attempt to avoid losing attention and ascending up a rock or stump on the up side of the hill. Trucks will tend to slide sideways before rolling over – the tires will slip sideways a little. Stop if the slide puts you off the edge of the track. If it is clear downhill and a rollover is imminent, immediately turn the vehicle into the slide and drive it down. If that is not an option, and you are going over, turn the vehicle off and hold on to your seat-bottom while hoping that the seat belt works properly.

4. Reducing tire pressure will increase traction on gravel and sand. For most 4-wheeling purposes, a tire pressure of 18 to 20psi will be adequate. Highway pressure is another consideration altogether. The tire is marked on the side, i.e., 50psi at 3300 pounds. In essence, that one tire could hold my Defender up. Depending on the weight of the loaded vehicle and the size of tire, a tire pressure of between 28 and 35psi works in most on-highway applications. Never overlook the importance of reading the manufacturer’s label. The air pressure difference between the front and rear is due to the tire and auto manufacturers’ experimentation for over/under steer and load variances.

5. Cross ditches or logs at an angle so that one wheel at a time goes over the obstacle; the other three help the one wheel to climb over. Dropping the tire into a ditch or crack in a rock can put you and your truck in a vulnerable position. Sometimes the vehicle pitches and one or more tires will catch air. Be very deliberate and careful when approaching this challenging section of any trail. Logs can bounce up and catch the undercarriage, so come off these obstacles slowly and carefully. Turn the vehicle at an angle to facilitate the one tire at a time approach. Be careful not to allow one of the front tires and one of the rear tires to get in the ditch at the same time.

One of the most crucial aspects to off-roading is understanding the absolute importance of tire pressure. Among the most pertinent tire pressure considerations in regards to summer off-roading is utilizing optimum sand tire pressure. Optimum sand tire pressure is a combination of many things, of which truck-owner’s myths are least productive. However, your tires, their construction methods and materials, what your car weighs, how it is loaded, and wheel width, all play into the sand-pressure tire formula with predictable results. Why low pressure works, and how to determine your best sand pressure, follows:

It’s a simple fact, which some diehard truckers still deny, the bigger the footprint, the softer the stuff you can travel in. Boiled down, it’s nothing more than a fact of nature. For those who say skinny, hard tires are better for snow, mud or whatever, please tell me why they don’t use ten-speed bicycle-type tires on snowmobiles? Sand rail people and mud boggers know big feet work better as well. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at tire pressure and footprints.

The choice of tread pattern, otherwise known as your tire’s footprint, is extremely important to consider during your new tire decision making process, and especially so if your are fitting your truck for an off-road adventure. Tread pattern should be chosen based on the intended use of your truck. The most popular tread pattern for all around off-road use is a mud terrain pattern.

The mud terrain or mud tire pattern is characterized by large lugs on the tire with big voids between these lugs. The large lugs provide plenty of bite in low traction conditions while the big voids allow the tire to clean itself by throwing off mud or other material when spinning, thus providing a good bite on every rotation of the tire. These tires are also very popular for rock crawling as the large lugs can provide a way of gripping and pulling the tires up and over irregular rocky edges where a smoother pattern would just spin. The biggest disadvantage of these patterns is that they run rough and loud on the highway. To reduce this problem; choose a tire with irregular or asymmetric spacing of the lugs and voids to reduce harmonic vibration at highway speeds. There are also situations such as light powdery snow or sand where an all-terrain pattern would be better.

The general purpose all terrain tire generally has an interlocked tread pattern with siping (small cuts) on the tread blocks. The voids in these tires are usually much smaller than those on tires designed for use in the mud. The more dense pattern of blocks and smaller voids make these tires more quiet on the street. It also increases the surface area of the tread which gives the tire improved flotation on surfaces such as light powdery snow or sand. The increased siping can be important in snow were it is the number of edges, even quite small edges, biting into the snow that provides the traction. The downside is that the smaller voids cannot clean themselves as easily of packed mud or slush. If these voids fill up with mud the tire loses much of its bite and traction is lost.

A variety of manufacturers also offer a family of tires sometimes called trail tires or some similar name. These are most often tires designed for use on light trucks or sport utility vehicles which see most of their use on the street. They will generally be quieter, get better gas mileage and last longer than either of the other off-road patterns. The tread patterns are designed to provide significantly improved comfort or performance on the street which can sometimes compromise off-road capability. Fortunately this is the limit to which most of their intended market are likely to take them.