Saturday, December 30, 2006

Styles Of Truck Tool Boxes

Truck tool boxes are great for carrying tools for work. They are also beneficial for carrying sports or fishing equipment. Pick up trucks have limited space in the cab for hauling tools and other items. Tool boxes allow items to be carried safely in the bed. There are a variety of different styles made for every type of truck.

Top mount tool boxes are mounted in the bed behind the cab of the truck. They may have single or dual lids; one compartment or several smaller compartments are used. The style you choose depends on what you will be carrying in the box. For several smaller items, you may want something with multiple compartments. If you carry larger tools, you will probably want one large compartment.

Side mount boxes mount on the side rail of the bed. Most of the box sits inside the bed. These come in a variety of sizes to fit every size truck, from a compact to a full size bed. The box opens from the top. Look for a model that locks into the bed to prevent theft. The lid should also have a lock. These features are good for any type of box.

The crossover box is the most popular type of tool box for a pick up truck. These fit behind the cab of any size truck. A variety of models and styles of box are available to fit every need. Most of these tool boxes can be bolted to the bed of the truck to discourage theft. Most major manufacturers make crossover boxes.

Materials Used in Truck Tool Boxes

Plastic tool boxes are the least expensive type. These are cheaper than other materials and not as durable. They are a good basic box, if cost is an issue. Plastic is great for recreational use, but may not stand up to heavy duty professional use.

Aluminium is another common material used in tool boxes for pick up trucks. It is light weight, yet more durable than plastic. The cost is slightly higher, but the box will last much longer. The finish is durable and easy to clean. These come in either aluminium color or black.

Steel is the most durable and strongest of all materials. Steel boxes are great for professional use and will stand up to regular, heavy use. They are also the most expensive type of all boxes. Look for powder coated steel, which increases the durability of the finish. This coating allows the box to stand up to the weather.

Manufacturers of Truck Tool Boxes

Delta tool boxes are one of the most preferred brands by professionals and recreational truck owners. A variety of styles are available in both steel and plastic. The plastic models are good quality, but not as durable as the metal. These are good for carrying fishing equipment, camping gear or any other recreational equipment.

The delta champion series is a good collection of crossover tool boxes. A variety of sizes and styles are made to fit full size, mid size and compact beds. These boxes have a rigid insulated lid, with three layer laminate. This design increases durability and security. A lock system helps prevent theft. Weather stripping on the lid helps seal out water.

The pro series delta tool box is made of steel and aluminium. The crossover has a double jaw latching system and reinforced front rail to help prevent theft. There are storage areas for small tools, or other small items. This model is the sturdiest of all tool boxes made by delta.

Truck Bed Covers - Save Gas And Transform Your Truck

Truck bed covers are attachments to a pickup truck’s bed that protect against weather and provide security from theft. This allows you to store items in the bed away from the weather, from damage, and from the prying eyes of thieves. Unlike truck attachments like camper shells, bed covers do not provide additional vertical cargo space. Bed covers are best when you desire your truck to maintain a low profile or when you wish for your truck to have an easy on, easy off cover for its beds.

1. Save Gas!

As air flows over the front end of your vehicle, it careens into the hollow bowl of your bed and produces opposite force to your truck. This could easily eat several miles from your gas mileage every time you use your truck. These types of covers also provide extra gas mileage by reducing air drag that is exacerbated by the truck bed - an aerodynamic nightmare. You could even save about 10% on your gas with a good truck cover!

2. About Bed Covers

- Strong, rigid canopy covers
- Protect your transport items
- Some are detachable
- Easy to install
- Do not restrict the use of your tailgate

3. History Of Truck Covers

Truck covers are also known as truck bed covers. They have evolved from a number of versions that have been designed for a different uses. Because of this, no one person can claim to have invented the truck cover. Soft covers gained became popular on major speedways. Sport truck racers used soft truck covers to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. Hard top truck covers rose in prominence as an alternative to camper shells. These highly-customized truck bed lids evolved to suit the various needs of truck drivers.

4. Truck Cover Storage Basics

When you need to transport items ranging from groceries, to heavy furniture, the truck cover does the trick. The cover shields your items from view, from the weather and from damage. Even simple covers can sufficiently protect your stuff. In some instances, truck covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel the moisture away from the covers. With such equipment, truck owners have a greater peace of mind when transporting items sensitive to such. With most models, installation requires no drilling into the truck bed.

Black is the standard color offered by most manufacturers, but many do offer a variety of other colors. When purchasing a truck bed cover, you need to decide between a hard cover (solid fiberglass) and a soft cover (vinyl). The differences between the two are highlighted below:

5. Hard Covers

Firmly attached, they do not blow off even at highway speeds. They are available with hinge systems to allow an easier lifting of cover to put or get cargo. It also is secure and lockable. These hard covers weigh about 100 lbs. Hard covers are also more expensive than vinyl covers. They are more durable and are also weatherproof.

6. Soft Covers

These, on the other hand, are easy to remove and install. They often just snap on to the truck rails and are ready to go. Although they may not be as tough as hard covers, they are still strong enough to provide protection for 1 to 2 people. If you are hauling large cargo, these covers come off easily to accommodate the extra space.

Truck Seat Covers For Monster Protection

If you want some hard action when driving, trucks are the most appropriate vehicles. Of course, if you want to protect your truck’s car seats, you will need more than just ordinary seat covers. What you need is a seat cover that is equally strong and reliable like its user - truck seat covers. Truck seat covers provide optimum protection to your upholsteries and renders advantages in many ways.

1. Creativity

Truck seat covers give your truck a distinctive display or design. This can either illuminate your truck’s interior design or amplify its contents!

2. Protection

What could be more important in driving your monster truck but to protect it so as to keep it in top shape? Truck seat covers are ergonomically designed to render utmost protection against harmful elements that may trigger your upholsteries deterioration. Plus, if your seats are already destroyed or have holes in them, a seat cover can effectively hide those unsightly aspects of your seats and at the same time provide optimal comfort.

3. Normal Wear And Tear

Trucks are like SUVs or Family Sedans - the whole family can be accommodated, trucks are most often used in camping, picnics, and other vigorous activities because they can carry more load compared with what SUVs and cars can do. And so, because of increased exposure to a lot of elements brought about by different activities, trucks are vulnerable to a lot of harmful elements that mat destroy the seats like:

Moisture.

Whether your family went swimming, surfing, or even mountain climbing or strolling, the moisture left in your clothes can have great effects on your truck’s upholstery. Generally, most truck’s upholstery is made up of leather. And we all know for a fact that leathers hate waters. It is their number one enemy. And so, protecting them with truck seat covers against moisture will provide a longer life span for your truck upholstery.

Friction

No one would ever think that the actual activity of getting in and out of the truck can put more pressure upon the seats. And the friction that is initiated by merely rubbing against your truck’s upholstery is enough to damage your seats. You will only see the effects as time wears it out. And so, the most feasible way to avoid such spoilage is to cover up them up with truck seat covers. It will provide enough barriers against you and your upholstery.

Ultraviolet destruction

What you thought is only harmful to the skin is equally damaging to your truck’s upholstery. Because upholsteries are made up of leather, they are vulnerable to sun damage because the ultraviolet rays of the suns dries out the oils present in the leather seats. Without these lubricants, the upholstery may dry out and eventually will crack. So, to avoid this kind of problem, it is best to cover your truck’s upholstery with truck seat covers.

Unavoidable accidents.

We all know for a fact that accidents do happen and they are really unavoidable. Such case applies to your truck’s upholstery. Without the protection that truck seat covers can bring, your upholstery is doomed to accidents like spills, oily stuffs from potato chips, pet’s dung, and other dirty elements. But if you have your upholstery covered up with nice sets of truck seat covers, you can be assured of stain-free truck seats ahead.

4. Different Kinds of Truck Seat Covers

Truck seat covers vary with different colors and designs. But what makes it more appropriate protection for your truck seats is that it is available in three different fittings, individually capable of providing you the kinds of fitting that you want.

Semi-custom fittings

Among the three truck seat covers, semi-custom fit is the most common among truck owners. This is because most trucks have different huge seats that typical fittings cannot be accommodated. And so, with a combination of custom-made and a little patterned design, semi-custom fit is the ideal truck seat covers for every truck users.

2. Custom seat

These are exclusively tailor-made just for your truck’s seats. In making these seat covers, careful considerations where given to every details of your seats. That is why custom fittings are more expensive than the other two.

3. Ultimate fit covers.

The last type of fittings in trucks is the Ultimate Seat covers. It is made up of original automotive grade fabric that is specially designed to give the truck’s upholstery utmost protection.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Honda Ridgeline: The Truck That Works

Of course, most vehicles that are produced and manufactured around the globe work well. However, upon meeting the Honda Ridgeline, the views have changed and people have started proclaiming this vehicle as the truck that actually works. This is based on the premise that most of the trucks that roam the streets and country roads are built to perform. However, these trucks are not very much capable of doing all types of work and have not been specifically built to take in various types of cargo without much hassle. This missing link has already been created and it comes in the form of the Honda Ridgeline.

What the new Honda Ridgeline has are the essentials that a truck must have. It could do rough road duties that just shows off just how durable this vehicle could be. It is constructed with a certain rigidity so as to withstand the various pressures of being a truck. Its cargo room is quite plentiful and it is entirely versatile so much so that any kind of cargo could be loaded and transported using the Honda Ridgeline. Honda prides itself for the Honda Ridgeline for they have been able to create and design a truck that is the very first and at present the only pick up truck that has received the government crash rating test of five stars for frontal impact tests as well as for side impact tests. This mainly proves that the truck is not only excellent in its duties and responsibilities but it also is outstanding when it comes to providing safety for its passengers which is very important. The chances of this truck doing a rollover are also minute as tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

5000 pounds is the Honda Ridgeline’s towing capacity. Its payload capacity reaches some 1550 pounds. The power comes from a very efficient V6 engine that produces 247 units of horsepower. Agile, efficient, and durable are just a few of the adjectives that describes this remarkable truck.

Truck Accessories

If you own a pickup truck you might have the desire to change it up a little. Doesn’t matter what kind of change or look you are going for you can get the right parts that will transform the look of your car.

You can get accessories at the dealer you bought your car from, but buying the accessories online will give you a wider rang of selections. Not only will shopping online give you a wider selection but you can save quite a bit of money. You will more likely encounter deals and bargains on the internet.

Let’s talk about exterior accessories first. There are many different exterior accessories available to change the outside of your truck. Some of the accessories are air dams, bug shields, bumpers, bras and masks, fender flares, graphics and emblems, grille guards, hoods and scoops, mirrors, roll pans, truck steps, rack and cargo accessories, wings and spoilers and the list goes on. However you should select items that will complement your truck, make sure it doesn’t look all cluttered.

Changing the interior of your car is more the comfort then anything else. Some example of accessories you can get are seat covers, door accessories, floor mats, horns, cargo trays and liner, 12 volt accessories, instrumental panel covers, pet accessories and much more.

Another way to change you interior is by adding electronic features. Such as GPS and navigation systems, CD or satellite radio, radar and laser detector, security systems and antennas, remote starters and many other things.

It is hard t list all the different types of accessories that you can add to your truck in one article. You will be able to see and find out more accessories available on the internet. You might just find what you are looking for. Whatever you have in mind you will be able to get the truck you’ve always wanted.

Benefits of using a Tonneau Truck Cover

Tonneau truck covers are best suited for trucks that haul cargo that is heavy. These covers provide the ultimate protection as typically, they are made of aluminum and steel that is of superior quality.

Some Tonneau Truck Covers are made of fiberglass, whatever the case all the covers are light in weight and can be used easily. This also makes for easy assembly of the covers and they can set up in a short span of time. Many of the Tonneau covers come with an easy railing snap mechanism, which makes drilling holes into the truck railing redundant.

Tonneau covers come with numerous advantages; and have emerged as one of the most valuable assets for people who own pickup trucks. One of the biggest benefits of using Tonneau covers is that they are configured to provide able security to the valuable cargo that a truck will carry. They are made in a way such that they can lock the cargo, thus preventing many a robbery. They also protect the cargo from the elements and can withstand the toughest of road conditions. Moreover, these covers can be used in any weather condition and you can be assured that the objects underneath these covers are not damaged in any way.

If you are one of those who appreciate a sense of color in your covers, then Tonneau covers cater to this requirement as well. They are available in a range of colors that can blend in with the color of any truck. A potential customer can choose from a wide variety of colors that add that extra something to the overall look of the truck.

Some Tonneau covers are so light that children can easily set them up. As aforementioned this lightweight quality makes them very popular as they can be handled easily. Furthermore, all Tonneau covers are easily foldable and can be tucked away in a small corner of your garage.

Some Tonneau covers are available in the aerodynamic variety. They enable a truck owner to increase mileage of the truck. We have said earlier that they can be put up easily but we forget to mention that all Tonneau covers can be taken down as easily. Once they are down some covers can also be hung well out of the way. Such covers look like a mounted hardware and thus do not stand out.

Some Tonneau covers are retractable in nature. However, bear in mind that a hard cover retracts only in parts. Soft covers retract completely. Aerodynamic retractable covers can retract automatically by the simple pulling of a strap. For those who want a cover for their toolbox, well do not fret. Tonneau toolbox covers are tailor-made to suit this demand as well.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Top five trucks for gas mileage

A few years ago, people would scoff at you if you told them that you were looking for trucks with the best gas mileage. But, as truck sales began to slip downwards, manufacturers started giving due importance to this factor. Today, there has been a dramatic change in the scenario.

The rising costs of gas, has propelled potential truck buyers to go for trucks that can meet their gas mileage demands. Truck makers have now taken firm steps to improve the fuel economy of their makes at all levels.

Usually the ranking of the top five trucks based on gas mileage is founded on a combination factors. The prime parameters are the fuel economy rating given by EPA, the transmission of the vehicle, and its inherent popularity amongst car buyers. The formula for calculation for most gas mileage rankings is a combination of the city mpg rating, which forms 55 percent of criterion, and the highway mpg rating that completes the remaining criteria.

It is really very difficult to bring forth a list that enumerates the top 5 trucks on the basis of fuel efficiency. Not one, not two, but three trucks hold the first rank. This spot is shared by the 2006 Ford Ranger one of the premier trucks that are out in the market today. Ford has made it a point to come out with trucks that offer the best gas mileage. This is why most of their newer models find a place on the best gas mileage list year after year.

However, all the trucks, which feature in the list, have the same engine; the 2006 Ford Ranger is a supremely refined version of its older model that came out in 2005. It has the better off-road capability then other trucks in the rankings and is one of the best alternatives in your search for a truck giving you the best gas mileage.

The completely redesigned 2006 Toyota Tacoma comes next in the list. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the roomier trucks available in the market and its looks are an epitome of sophistication. The only disadvantage of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma is its price tag. It is more expensive then the others.

If you are looking for something on the cheaper side then the 2006 Mazda B-series is the truck that you must go for. A fuel-efficient truck delivers on its promise. It is called in some circles as the bargain pickup truck. Don’t expect styling and comfort but you do get an unashamed practicality with this vehicle.

The Toyota Tundra is the next in line of your picks. It comes with 4.0 liter V6 engine that is geared to give you competitive gas mileage. The truck gives you a mileage of 20 /mpg on the highway and a 16/mpg when you drive in the city.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes a close fifth in the rankings. It comes with a mild hybrid engine that enables the electric motor to keep the vehicles running when idle so the gas engine can be shut off.

Description: When looking for trucks with great gas mileage, the list can be pretty large. You will have a wide variety to choose from. Select the one that best suits your requirement. This article lists out the top five!

Truck Tires

Selection of proper truck tire gives a comfortable ride and reduces the wear and tear on the tire drive mechanism, brakes and suspension parts. Many factors determine the selection of suitable type of tire. These include the terrain where the truck is mostly driven, the climatic conditions, normal driving speed and the full load that is expected to be carried in the truck. Three major tire companies who design and manufacture truck tire for wide range of applications on different and difficult terrains are Mickey Thomson, Super Swamper and Pro com.

Mickey Thomson Truck tire
Mickey Thomson truck tire manufactured by Mickey Thomson Tire Company was founded in the year 1963. Design, development production and distribution of tire and wheel for all applications are the main business of the company. Main focus of the company is to design and produce innovative tread patterns and tire compounds to build the best performance tires in the world, both for on-road and off-road applications. The company has two locations in the United States, one in Ohio and the other in California. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company which is also in tire business having the head quarters at Ohio, USA acquired Mickey Thomson in the year 2003. The combined strength has further helped to consolidate the position of Mickey Thomson in the tire industry as a significant global player.
The company’s major brand name is “Baja” and the specific products under this brand are named on the basis of the type of the tire, such as Baja claw non radial, radial Baja claw, Baja belted and Baja radial MTZ.

Super Swamper truck tire
Interco Tire Corporation located at Louisiana is the manufacturer of Super Swamper Truck Tires. Over three generations, the Interco Tire Company through its sustained focus on design and development has evolved as a leader in developing and manufacturing high performance tires for four wheel drive trucks and all terrain vehicle applications. The company’s patented Thee Stage Lug (TSL) tread design offers effective traction under tough running conditions. The products are branded as Super Swamper and the individual products are classified under this brand name on the basis of the tire type as well as its applications. Super Swamper TSL Bogger, Super Swamper TSL/SX, Super Swamper radial TSL are some of the popular tires manufactured by this company.

PRO Com truck tire
Pro com tire are manufactured by Pro Competition Tire Company located at Ohio, USA. This Company is owned by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, which also owns the Mickey Thomson tires. Cooper tire is a global Company with manufacturing facilities in three continents and the sales and distribution network all around the world.
Pro com tire are molded with the superior quality rubber compounds, steel and polyester cords in state of the art production facilities. These reliable and long lasting truck tires are supported by warranty. The pro com tire brand carry the general name pro com and the specific products under this name are branded based on the application of the tire. The specific brands are ProComp All Terrain, ProComp Mud Terrain, ProComp X-Terrain and Procomp Xtreme A/T.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Security Release: Important Tips For Your Vehicle

You car is probably one of the most expensive items you have ever purchased. Therefore you must protect it well to help you keep your car and belongings from being stolen or vandalized.

Here are some important tips for the security of your vehicle:

Tip 1: Park in a Well Lit Area Places which are well lit and have a lot of traffic are the best place to park your car. No sensible thief will steal a vehicle where there are a lot of people around.

Tip 2: Don’t Attract Attention Attracting attention tells people that you have something valuable in your car. Don’t attract attention by placing high valued items in full view. Hide them away or risk losing the whole vehicle!

Tip 3: Take your Belongings with You Take everything out of your car. Anything that can call attention probably will, and thieves love to hotwire cars that have expensive things inside. Don't leave in plain view any money, electronic items or expensive items.

Tip 4: Thieves Love Audio Equipment as Much as You do A good snatch-and-grab man can get a stereo out of a car in seconds, often before passers-by even notice. So to make sure that your equipment is safe, you should make it difficult for the thief. Some companies make accessory frames that bolt your head unit securely to the car's body.

Tip 5: Get an Alarm System Although an alarm system will not get the police rushing to your vehicle or get passer-bys restraining the thief, it will however lessen the time a thief can work your vehicle. Furthermore, many theirs will not even attempt your vehicle if they see that you have a security system installed.

Tip 6: If You can Help it, Don’t Customize Tinted windows, custom wheels, fog lights, all these accessories attract thieves. You car will of course look like a powerful vehicle, but that means more thieves would want your car as well. If you really want to add performance accessories to your vehicle, don't tell the whole world about it. Install them where no one can see them. Have your car look like something fresh out of the factory.

Tip 7: Lock at All Times Last but not least, no matter how long (or how short) you are going to be away from your vehicle, lock your vehicle. Make sure there is no way for anybody to get in, be it passenger doors, the boot or even the sun-roof. That short 2 minutes you don’t lock your vehicle can be costly.

An Informational Guide To The Benefits Of Truck Tonneau Covers

Putting a tonneau cover on your vehicle is one of the best upgrades you can add to your pickup. This informational guide explains the benefits that tonneau covers provide.

If you've got a truck, adding a tonneau cover to your bed is an absolute must. Not only are tonneaus useful in any situation, they provide loads of essential benefits, including:

• Organized storage for whatever you're hauling in your truck bed, plus the bonus of keeping a lid on loose items

• Coverage from potentially damaging weather conditions, like rain, snow and extreme sun

• Complete coverage of your payload that keeps your cargo out of sight from potential theft

• An immediate improvement in gas mileage with tight, aerodynamic materials covering your otherwise drag-prone open bed

• Sleek looks that range from smooth leather grain patterns to ultra-custom color matched style

Tonneau Cover Storage Basics

You haul everything from hardware to the occasional load of groceries in the back of your truck. A tonneau cover helps keep a lid on all of it, shielding your cargo from the blowing winds of freeway driving and all kinds of pounding wet weather. It's an easy way to make sure nothing disappears from your bed while you're driving or parked.

A guide to protecting your gear from the weather with a tonneau cover

Even simple cover over your gear can help prevent weather damage. Tonneau covers take protection a few steps further though, with some ingenious design features. For instance, most tonneau covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel water away from your cargo. And, many models use raised and arched support bows to encourage moisture runoff. While no bed cover is completely water-tight, most will do an outstanding job of keeping your gear high and dry in nasty weather.

Tonneau Security: A Quick Reference

When your cargo is out of sight, it's out of a would-be thief's mind. Tonneau covers make the contents of your truck bed a mystery, giving you confidence that your belongings will be right where you left them.

Beyond simple coverage, tonneau covers offer higher levels of security, depending on the model. Most hinged (lift-up) tonneau covers can be fully-secured using a locking tailgate. Hard top and retractable tonneaus generally have secure key locking systems that latch closed at the tailgate.

With a variety of security measures, a good tonneau cover makes your truck bed far more versatile than ever before — ideal for use as a hauler or hiding spot.

Gas Mileage and Tonneau Covers: The Basics

Trucks are getting taller, engines are bigger, payloads are getting deeper and the traffic is thicker than ever. You can probably hear big oil companies laughing with their fistfuls of cash every time the pump takes a big bite from your spending money. A tonneau cover helps you even the score in one of the only ways you can - by prolonging your next trip to the service station.

Lift Kits - The Raised Truck Craze Gone Wild

There was a day when trucks were a working man’s vehicle and scratches were expected. Shells protected valuables and tonneau covers protected tools. Those days are over and truck enthusiasts are souping up their rides more than ever before. With the addition of popular movies featuring fancy cars and popular television shows that glorify plasma screens and ground shaking stereo systems, the custom truck rage is here to stay.

As a sign of manhood or personal taste, many truck owners decide to lift their rides for a performance altered appearance. Lift kits can actually be found online and can be installed on your truck in a do-it-yourself fashion. Some lift systems can be somewhat difficult to install, but after all, challenges are what get us men going and when we are determined, who knows what will happen.

The following bullet points are the benefits to installing a suspension system on your truck: The sky’s the limit when you go high-profile with your truck or SUV! Lift Kits push ground clearance and aggressive looks to new heights, letting you conquer on or off-road obstacles with confidence. Lift Kit Manufacturers make custom parts that will fit your specific truck to a “T” to give you the look that you’ve been wanting. My lift kit was recently tested at an off road rally down near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and let me tell you - I didn’t get stuck in the dirt. Ground clearance was needed on the off road trails that we were on and the drool on my buddies faces proved that the style could easily make a grown man cry.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Truck Tonneau Covers for your own unique style

The following are the top reasons that most customers purchase tonneau covers:

• Organized storage for whatever you're hauling in your truck bed, plus the bonus of keeping a lid on loose items

• Coverage from potentially damaging weather conditions, like rain, snow and extreme sun

• Complete coverage of your payload that keeps your cargo out of sight from potential theft

• An immediate improvement in gas mileage with tight, aerodynamic materials covering your otherwise drag-prone open bed

• Sleek looks that range from smooth leather grain patterns to ultra-custom color matched style

Tonneau cover basics for storage

You haul everything from hardware to the occasional load of groceries in the back of your truck. A tonneau cover helps keep a lid on all of it, shielding your cargo from the blowing winds of freeway driving and all kinds of pounding wet weather. It's an easy way to make sure nothing disappears from your bed while you're driving or parked.

A guide to protecting your gear from the weather with a tonneau cover

Even simple cover over your gear can help prevent weather damage. Tonneau covers take protection a few steps further though, with some ingenious design features. For instance, most tonneau covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel water away from your cargo. And, many models use raised and arched support bows to encourage moisture runoff. While no bed cover is completely water-tight, most will do an outstanding job of keeping your gear high and dry in nasty weather.

Security with a tonneau cover

When your cargo is out of sight, it's out of a would-be thief's mind. Tonneau covers make the contents of your truck bed a mystery, giving you confidence that your belongings will be right where you left them.

Beyond simple coverage, tonneau covers offer higher levels of security, depending on the model. Most hinged (lift-up) tonneau covers can be fully-secured using a locking tailgate. Hard top and retractable tonneaus generally have secure key locking systems that latch closed at the tailgate.

Gas mileage with tonneau covers

Open truck beds can be a huge drag on your gas mileage. As air flows over the aerodynamic front end of your vehicle, it can swirl into your bed and catch on your tailgate — stealing several miles off your latest tank.

Covering your truck bed with a tight tonneau cover — even a soft model — stops the tailgate drag. Air hits the taut surface of a hard or soft tonneau cover and continues past your vehicle with nothing to catch. And, it saves you mileage without crazy tailgate removal or potentially damaging open-gate driving.

How much savings? A 5% improvement in fuel economy is the industry-wide accepted number, though up to 10% is possible. Your vehicle could see bigger or smaller effects. Still, the idea is simple: a tonneau cover will save gas and eventually pay for itself.

Truck and SUV Exhaust Systems

Let’s assume that you have decided to purchase a performance exhaust system. Let’s also assume that you already know the benefits of putting a high-performance exhaust system on your truck or SUV: better gas mileage, more horsepower and torque, and a louder, high-performance sound. These high-performance exhaust systems give you all of those benefits by providing less restriction and making it easier for your motor to send it’s exhaust gases through the exhaust system.

And just a side note, the following phrases all mean the same thing: cat-back exhaust, high-performance exhaust, high-flow exhaust system, performance exhaust, free-flowing exhaust, aftermarket exhaust, and custom exhaust.

So, now that you already know the benefits of a high-flowing exhaust system, let’s talk about the different styles or the different configurations for cat-back exhaust systems.

Single Side Exit This type of aftermarket exhaust system uses one pipe to vent the exhaust gases from your motor and away from your truck or SUV. Typically, these have an exit location (where the end of the pipe is) just behind the rear, passenger-side wheel. These also generally cost less than a system with two exhaust pipes. Surprisingly, these single pipe systems tend to produce more power than most dual systems.

Dual Side Exit This style of custom exhaust system is quite similar to the Single Side Exit, but uses two pipes to exit the exhaust gases from your truck or SUV instead of one. This means that your engine has less restriction and generally has quicker throttle response. It also lends itself to producing a louder, more aggressive exhaust tone.

Dual Rear Exit This configuration of high-flow exhaust system uses two pipes to vent the exhaust gases from your motor. This unique design differs from the previous two because the pipes exit out the rear of the vehicle, just under the bumper or roll pan. This free-flowing style of exhaust system has all of the benefits of the Dual Side Exit exhaust but can be perceived as louder because the sound is directed out the rear of your vehicle, directly at the traffic behind you. Depending on how aggressive your driving habits are, this can either be a good thing, or a bad thing. One side note: you may not be interested in this exhaust system if you are towing any kind of trailer because the exhaust gases can leave soot on whatever you’re towing.

Extreme Dual Exit or Opposite Side Dual This style of cat-back exhaust uses two pipes to exit the exhaust gases from your motor but differs from the Dual Rear Exit. The Extreme Dual Exit has one pipe exiting behind each rear tire. This free-flowing exhaust system has all of the same benefits of the other dual systems, but unlike the Dual Rear Exit, it won’t leave soot on your trailer.

Freight Trucking

Freight generally means shipping of goods through a slower process of shipping than “express.” So when you speak of shipping goods freight, you are talking of a transport process that will take time (at least over a day to cross the country or an ocean).

Freight is the term commonly used for the transport packages. These goods are usually transported via a ship, as well as in air cargo or over land on trucks and trailers. Several companies offer freight services for residential (such as moving furniture) and industrial use. A freight company can also forward your goods to wherever you need them. Different sizes of containers and boxes are available for freight in various specialties and sizes, such as refrigerated containers.

Many freight companies, especially online, have services available to move your belongings or goods for you. To pick the correct one, you need to search for the best rate you can get. It is simple to get rates and quotes for freight online. Numerous companies work through online forms, which require you to fill in descriptions of what you need to have shipped in order to get a quote back.

After getting an estimate and selecting a particular company, make sure you get the quote in writing. If you would ever need to file a complaint against the company, you must have a paper trail ready. You should thus ensure that you get a binding contract, with the amount quoted to you mentioned in the contract. All charges and a guarantee of how long it will take should be included.

You should ask what their on-time record is, as well as check to see if there are any outstanding complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau in your state. Additionally, check your homeowner’s policy to see what is covered during moving, for moving companies sometimes do not offer full coverage on breakage. Finally, examine everything before signing the receipt, watch the loading and unloading, and take an inventory before shipping.

Monday, December 25, 2006

A Look at Truck Tire Chains

Truck tire chains can be purchased for everything from a pickup truck to an 18-wheeler. Drivers can find a chain to fit just about any need, spanning every size and style, and desired performance.

Single highway truck chains are recommended for highway use on trucks, buses, and RVs. For trucks that see more off road action than highway time, single V-Bar reinforced traction chains are recommended. This type of chain is available for light trucks, heavy trucks, busses, and RVs.

Of course, studded truck tire chains are always a good choice for off-roading. Drivers should first make sure that studs are legal in their state. If they are, studded cross chains provide one of the best options for off-road traction. Single studded truck tire chains can be purchased in 6, 7, or 8 mm. Dual triple studded tire chains are also available in 6, 7, or 8 mm.

For dual tires that are more accustomed to highway driving, dual triple truck, bus, and RV chains are recommended. The V-Bar is also available for dual tires. For vehicles with minimal clearance between dual wheels, dual mount chains are built without a center chain.

Finally, wide base chains are available for vehicles that have minimal clearance between wide base tires. Whether driving a light truck, heavy duty truck, bus, or RV, truck tire chains are available for every condition.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

A Look at Truck Tonneau Covers

Pickup Tonneau covers are a versatile way that owners can add security and style to their truck. The market is saturated with a variety of models with features to fit the diverse needs of pickup truck owners. Prices vary greatly depending on the model and the features offered. Some basic models sell for a little over one hundred dollars while more elaborate editions can retail at close to a thousand.

For the many people who use their trucks to carry heavy-duty cargo, a hard top Tonneau cover is often the right choice. Hard tops provide security to items in the bed, and locks protect against theft they will protect cargo from rain, wind and sunlight. Most hard tops are made of fiberglass or aluminum and steel.

A soft-top Tonneau cover is another option. These covers are usually made of high-grade vinyl and are designed to withstand rain, wind, and sunshine. Soft tops are extremely lightweight and easy to attach to the truck bed. Most soft top Tonneau Covers for pickups can be easily retracted into a storage device right behind the truck’s cab.

Truck Tonneau covers can increase a pickup’s speed by cutting down on wind resistance. When one of these devices is installed on a truck, they cover the bed and do not allow wind to push against the tailgate. Without Tonneau covers for pickups, drivers must either drive with the tailgate open or remove the tailgate and replace it with a net to avoid wind resistance. Both of these options leave the bed’s cargo free to shift while the truck is in motion, and items could fall out of the bed while the truck is moving at high speeds, which is especially dangerous on the highway or other high traffic areas.

Truck Tonneau covers are perfect to guard cargo against theft and the elements, and also add an element of style to any pickup truck.

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