Archive for the 'Automotive' Category

27 DecHow to Save Gas with a Tonneau Cover

A truck tonneau cover provides a lot of benefits for many people. It has many practical uses such as the provision of lockable space for providing security to your cargo and other valuable belongings placed and stored in the truck bed. Aside from offering protection for your cargo from the prying eyes of thieves, it also protects this from harmful weather. The tightly closed truck bed cover also reduces wind drag in order to improve fuel consumption.

However, if you’re planning to purchase a truck bed cover, there is a need for you to think also of its disadvantages. Some truck bed cover makes it hard for you to carry tall and large cargo with sizes higher than the rail of the truck bed. Access to the cargo contents of your truck is even made more difficult specially the small items stored on them. A tonneau is costly to buy at the same time expensive to install.

But most pickup truck owners don’t use their truck bed more often so that they don’t consider this a problem at all. The full capacity of the truck bed is not frequently utilized and sealing off the bed may not be a sacrifice at all. Most covers often make it easy to remove even the small items from the truck bed so that even if these are carried and transported together with the large ones, these can still be removed easily.

There is a question on whether a bed cover can really save on fuel. There were studies done which tested the effects of the closed bed cover on the gas mileage of trucks but most of these were done by the automotive industry. This means that we can see their vested interest on the outcome for testing the cover to boost sales. However, there were positive results seen though the improvement in gas mileage is only observed at highway speeds than when the truck is used in city driving. Wind drag is reduced when the truck is equipped with a closed cover, such as a ford tonneau cover; to enhance the truck’s aerodynamics thus helping in the truck’s fuel economy by increasing the driving speed.

When you need to do a lot of highway driving, a good bed cover will keep your gas consumption down affording more savings. Therefore, in the long run, you are saving enough money for the amount for buying the bed cover which depends on how much you have spent for it and how much gas is consumed every trip.

15 NovBakflip G2 Installation Tips

The Bak Bakflip is one of the most sought-after folding tonneau covers in the industry.  With the advent of their 2nd generation hard top folding tonneau covers, gone are the days of inaccessible truck beds and the flimsy protection for your cargo and truck bed.  The Bakflip’s state-of-the-art design lets you easily access your truck bed, while providing the best protection any aircraft-grade aluminum tonneau cover can provide.  But with the durability and flexibility it provides, it is surprising to know that installing and using the Bakflip is incredibly easy.  Read on to know how to install the Bakflip G2 easily with only crescent wrench.

The first thing you need to do is to mount the Bakflip rails and secure with the clamps.  Depending on the size of your truck bed, you will be provided 6 or 8 clamps to secure the rails.  The clamps can be tightened or loosened with a crescent wrench.  The rails have to be attached forward and as close to the truck cab as possible for you to be able to close the truck bed cover.  If your truck has tapered inner rails, you may need to attach shims prior to the installation of the rails to avoid the rails from tilting.

Once the rails have been secured, take the Bakflip G2 cover and position it over the rails.  Fold the tonneau cover back to ensure that you have placed the cover on the rails correctly.  One way to know that you have placed the tonneau cover correctly on the rails is if the latches under the panels fasten itself on the rails and the rubber lip of the front and the rubber seal on the tail gate lies exactly on top of the bulkhead rail and the top edge of the tailgate respectively.  Once you’re sure that the truck bed cover is already in place, attach the flathead bolts in the flat panels to keep the cover in place.  Secure with the star knob and the washer underneath.

The last part of your folding Bak Tonneau would be the installation of the drain tubes that keep your tonneau covers dry.  Just roll up the tonneau cover again and run the drain tubes under the liner.  You can also locate the best place to drain the tubes, like for instance, the drain plugs on the floor or on the cabs.  Just remove the plugs or drill a ¾ inch hole through the plastic plug to provide a place for the drain tubes.  Once the drain tubes are attached, you can now attach the arm stay locks if you would like to travel with the truck bed cover open.  Just slide the locks into the vertical plates and inserting them on the bolts.  Lightweight and easy to install, it will only take you a few minutes just to install the Bakflip G2.

12 SepThe Benefits of a Hard Tonneau for your Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram pickup trucks were prized for their performance, durability and capacity.  Its truck beds are big enough to store large cargos, making it a good choice for a business vehicle.  A Dodge Ram already looks smart and stylish by itself.  But if you are planning on adding a few modifications to your truck, a tonneau cover is a good thing to start with.   Dodge Ram Tonneau covers not only add to your truck’s aesthetic appeal but also serve an important function.  For starters, it protects your cargo from damage by heat, rain and other harsh elements.  A damage-free cargo means a good return of investments.

If you’re planning on investing on a Dodge Ram tonneau cover, consider what you need it for.  If you’re running a business which requires you to bring your truck around for delivering cargo, a hard tonneau cover may be a good choice.  It’s a bit expensive compared to its vinyl and leather counterparts, but the benefits outweigh the costs.  For starters, hard tonneau covers offer better protection and coverage compared to soft tonneau covers.  With soft tonneau covers, anyone can stab the leather or vinyl covers to get the goods.  That can’t possibly happen with a hard tonneau cover, especially with the variety that comes with power locks.

Apart from that, hard tonneau covers are better suited for harsh weather conditions compared to soft tonneau covers.  If you live in a location frequented by snow storms, hail and fleet, a hard tonneau cover is much adept to protecting your cargo and truck bed.  In terms of longevity, it’s also built to last for a long time.  Good hard tonneau covers are made with durable materials so you can be sure that they will protect your cargo for a very long time.  Plus, it gives a more sleek and smart appearance to your truck.  You can choose from a variety of colors if you want a more personalized tonneau cover for your truck.

The hard tonneau cover is also easier to clean up compared to soft tonneau covers.  With soft tonneau covers, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when cleaning.  For instance, it has limitations on the type of cleaner you can use with soft tonneau covers.  With hard tonneau covers, you can use whatever you use with the rest of your pickup truck.  This saves you time, money and effort in cleaning your truck.  Sure, hard tonneau covers come at a steep price but with all these benefits, it’s surely worth the high cost and guarantee better return of investments.

29 AugHow to Choose the Nerf Bar Suitable for your Pickup Truck

When you are ready to purchase the truck nerf bars or side steps for your pickup truck; there is a need to consider carefully what your choices are. Because of the limitless brands and numerous styles and designs offering these truck accessories in the market, you are challenged on the kind of choices you make and the product that you are going to purchase eventually. It is because of this reason that you need to be cautious on your selection and choose the one that will best suit your pickup truck.

The size of nerf bar for trucks also refers to their shape. Basically, these side steps are available in three shapes, the oval, round, and hooped style where the latter is the type showing some cropping design in a U-shaped manner below the bar. This particular type can be availed of in one, two or three step sizes. The different sizes available for these side steps are the 3” and 4” traditional round tubes; 4”, 5” and 6” oval tubes; and the special style which is the hooped.

The material and the finishes of the bars refer to what the products are made of as well as their coating. There are some people who are not satisfied with the natural metal color coming out of these side steps and have the option of having their purchases painted. Though the products are already presented in a finished form after the purchase, they can choose to have them painted to match the color of their vehicle according to their desire. The materials and finishes that these side steps, like Nasta nerf bars; are usually constructed of are steel, stainless steel, and polished stainless steel; as well as chrome and black powder-coated.

Your selections of the type of side step or running board for your truck or SUV, such as the nasta nerf bar; depends on what is your particular favorite. The factors you need to consider when finalizing your choice is how much it is worth, how it would look when installed to your truck, and how functional it is for you, and for the passengers of your truck. You will also need to choose the type and length of side steps. There are some products that are only produced for the particular brand of trucks though you can also find one that is suitable and the perfect fit for your vehicle.

No matter what your choice for the nerf bar that you desire, there will surely be one that is suited for your pickup truck.

09 AugThings to consider when Buying Tonneau Covers

When purchasing things we always look forward to what we can get out of it. We always do the check and balanced.  With cars, accessories are now necessary not only to improve its appearance but at the same time enhance our cars functionality. One of the most famous car accessories is a tonneau cover. With tonneau covers installed in your pickup truck, you are assured that all your personal belongings big and small are safe and secure at all times.

What are the things that we need to consider when buying tonneau covers?

  • Appearance.  There are many tonneau covers available in the market today; however nothing beats when your truck is noticeable in a crowd. When people get to appreciate the enhancements that you have made on your truck. Currently, one of the most appealing is the F-150 tonneau cover. This is most suitable to the F-150 pickup truck same brand and style.
  • Safety and Security. Tonneau covers are designed to protect your important belongings from the prying eyes of robbers. It covers or hides your cargos. Its aim is safety first. Retractable tonneau covers rolls away toward the front of your pickup truck. This is to give easy access to your truck bed covers.  This is the also the safest way to load and haul your things.  In addition, when there is a sudden change of weather this truck bed covers shield your things from heavy rain, storm, hail, snow and even the sun.
  • Save Money. Many car enthusiasts and travellers with tonneau covers installed on their truck believed that their gas mileage has improved. With this, they were able to save money out of it. What a great advantage, isn’t it?
  • Warranty and Guarantee. When purchasing any product you will always think of the service contract.  Product warranty assures customers that no matter what happen within the period of one year the manufacturing company or vendor will assist the customer of whatever problem he or she will encounter with the product. This will make the customer comfortable with the product being sold.

Anyone who is interested to purchase a tonneau truck bed cover needs to take the list carefully. This will guide the customer to know if he or she really needs the car accessory. At the same time, it will guide him or her on what to expect when customer already has the product.

05 JulNerf Bars For Trucks – What Can You Get From Them?

Nerf bars for trucks have different names and have many functions.  Step bars, tube steps, side steps are the many names of nerf bars.  Call them whatever you like but basically nerf bars are nothing but bent tubes which work as additions to vehicles.  These bars such as Ionic step bar, Honda nerf bars and running boards are more than just an accessory to dress up your car as these work to help make getting in and out of your truck relatively easy.

These bars have more to offer. Listed below are the benefits you can get from nerf bars for trucks:

Making climbing in and out of your tall truck easy

If you have a tall truck then you will need a sturdy step bar to climb and easily get in and out of your truck.  Consider your passengers which often ride with you.  Children and elderly may need help in getting in of your truck and these bars will surely be helpful as they will provide your passengers a step to safely and easily get in and out of your truck. These mentioned bar would make a great addition to your ride no matter you own a sedan or monstrous truck.

Safe and stable step regardless of weather condition

Hopping in and going out of your truck during wet season when roads are wet and slippery can be difficult and dangerous.  These step bars are made to ensure that you don’t slip or get out of balanced when going in for a ride or stepping out of your ride.

Durable and offers a long lasting service

Today, step bars are made of heavy duty; thick walled steel tubes making them offer a long lasting service.  To guarantee strength and durability, makers of these step bars make use of stainless steel or carbon steel.   There are also treaded pads to wipe your feet which will help get rid of mud from your shoes before getting in of your truck. With this you can avoid messing your carpet.

Available in various shapes and finishes for enhanced truck appearance

These nerf bars for trucks are available in polished stainless, chrome, and black powder coat finish.  They are also made available in various sizes like wheel-to-wheel and oval.  When it comes to installation, most are easy to install as they can be bolted to existing holes in the body of your car.

Protection for the sides of your truck

Step bars do not only enhance the look of your truck, it also provides protection for the sides of truck especially if you travel off-road or in rugged lands.

You can surely get a lot of benefits installing these useful car add-ons. Having step bars installed in your truck can drive your vehicle to new heights.  Therefore, if it is protection and style that you want for your truck then consider investing in nerf bars for trucks.

25 MayTruck Bed Cover – Your Ally In Combating Theft And Harsh Elements

Owning a truck comes with a responsibility of keeping it well maintained and running at its best. Not only that, you should also keep the valuables on truck bed safe and protected.  So how do you do this?

As a truck owner or truck driver I suppose you are familiar with truck bed covers.   These items are great when it comes to protecting your truck bed and the valuables in it.

Truck bed covers comes in different types, styles and designs.  You can find soft tonneau covers, dodge tonneau covers, retractable tonneau covers, f150 tonneau cover and more in the market today.  All these can be your ally in dealing with theft and protecting your truck bed and items in your truck, especially if you are transporting, loading and unloading huge and heavy items in your truck.

No matter where you use your truck, at work or getting groceries you are sure that all your valuables and truck bed are safe as a tonneau cover keeps  everything concealed and out of sight from thieves.  Aside from that tonneau covers can protect your items from harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, drenching rain, harshest rays of sun, and heavy snowfall.  If you are carrying and transporting foods it can protect it from moist days and certain situations that can spoil your provisions.  Hence, having a bed cover installed in your truck means reassurance that your fill is kept in good condition and safe.

However, choosing the best tonneau cover for your truck will depend on how you will use it.  I can see soft tonneau covers are sold like hotcakes in the market as they are cheaper, easy to install and remove.  Hard covers are also best seller in online auto merchants as they give superior protection because it comes with a durable locking system however they are a bit expensive owing to the security level it provides as well as its materials.  Roll back types are also great as they are practical and provide easy access to your items. Today there are many different types of covers that are surfacing which are tailored to suit your truck bed, needs and personal preference.

Truck bed covers are made to hang on your truck as they are made of quality materials to withstand harsh weather conditions.  Aside from that you also enhance the look and feel of your truck making it a nice and practical accessory for your truck.

Getting a well-fitting tonneau cover for your truck will give you a peace of mind as your cargo will be safe and organized.  You do not have to be bothered about cargo flying out of your truck or losing it by theft.

In case you want to know more about truck bed covers, you can ask a local merchant in your area or know more about bed covers online.

In conclusion, a truck bed cover is your best ally in combating harsh weather and preventing loss of items caused by robbery.