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Finding the Best Deals on a Used or New Truck

January 30th, 2009 by Justin

If you love trucks and are looking to buy one that is not overpriced and offers a great deal, you should know that with today’s internet technology, there are plenty of great ways you can save off the sticker price.  Buying a truck is no longer an experience of tough bargaining and haggling with a car salesman. In fact, there are now ways to purchase a truck without ever having to talk with a salesman, except to pick up a vehicle.  Here are some tips.

Used Trucks in a Row

First off, there are plenty of car and truck information sites that give you extremely detailed information on pricing for both new and used vehicles.  Almost every new and used vehicle can be pulled up and pricing for different trims, special features, etc can easily be viewed in detail.  You can even find out how much the dealer gets the vehicle for and their profit margin.  Using these tools quickly levels the playing field and makes it easier than ever to get a great deal.

Besides researching vehicles so that you are well equipped when you go to the local truck dealership, there are ways that you can now purchase a truck, get a great price and never have to haggle or even talk to a truck salesman.  These sites pretty much ask you for the specific type of truck and features that you would like.  They then have several dealerships battle it out offering the lowest price- which you then agree to purchase the truck for.  Not only can you save potentially thousands off the sticker price, but you don’t have to do any haggling.  It should be noted that these services are usually fee based, but well worth the cost, since they save you so much money in the end.

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Posted in Financing, General | | 0 Comments

Keeping Cargo Secure In Your Truck

January 29th, 2009 by Justin

If you own a pick up truck, SUV or Jeep, besides being able to go anywhere with your 4×4, you also usually have plenty of utility to haul cargo.  While not all 4×4 vehicles offer the convenience of easy cargo hauling- many do.  And if you haul cargo often or are looking to purchase a vehicle in order to do so, here are some tips on hauling and securing cargo safely.

GMC Roof View

Gross Weight for Your Truck
First off, your truck can only haul so much weight in its bed.  So make sure you read the owner’s manual and only haul what is recommended.  Anything over the limit and your truck may have problems braking, with acceleration and even burn out the transmission.  So the first rule of thumb is to haul what is reasonably capable for your vehicle.  Keep in mind the elevations that your vehicle will have to climb.  Even with a regular load, if you are climbing up a hill, you can put undue burden onto your vehicle and damage it.

Secure Your Objects Safely
Today, with better designed straps, it is easier and much safer to secure a wide range of items in your truck bed.  Before setting out on your journey, check your straps and the load.  You don’t want items moving back and forth or too much slack in the strap- if you ever hit a big bump or are in an accident, your load and truck can be damaged.

Balance Your Load
Just like big rig hauling, make sure you balance your load when hauling heavy items.  A heavy load that is balanced incorrectly can cause your suspension problems and affect handling.  In extreme cases, it can even cause you to tip over if going around a very sharp corner.

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Posted in General, Truck Security | | 0 Comments

Heavy Duty Brakes for Your Truck

January 27th, 2009 by Justin

For those that drive trucks just to commute back and forth to work or to take the family to the mall, the brakes that usually come with your vehicle are more than good for the weight that you are carrying.  However, if you use your truck or SUV for heavy hauling or towing, you should definitely consider upgrading your brakes for heavy duty workloads.  Here are some tips on what you should look for when upgrading your brakes.

Heavy Duty Brake

For many light trucks and SUV’s, braking is extremely important.  Besides your safety and the safety of others, you also have a large load or items being towed that you have to be worried about.  While most vehicle manufacturers are pretty good when offering capable brakes, if you are consistently hauling large loads or towing items, upgrading your brakes to a set of heavy duty ones are a good idea.  First off, you will want to look for brake pads that are quite capable of reducing heat (friction) quickly.  The quicker friction is released, usually the faster and more capable your brakes can stop your vehicle.  With all the weight behind your vehicle, you will have to go beyond the regular set of brake pads and get yourself high performance brake pads made out of top materials that include ceramics and special fibers.

In addition to high performance brake pads, also look into purchasing new rotors that also help to dissipate heat quickly.  Rotors generally should be replaced when a new set of brakes are installed.  In addition, make sure that your brake cables and fluid are topped off and in good working order. Since every vehicle is different, it is always a good idea to talk to a professional to make sure you get the very best braking power for your specific use.

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Posted in General, Truck Parts | | 0 Comments

Trail Guides for 4×4’ers

January 27th, 2009 by Justin

If you have a pick up truck, Jeep or SUV and are serious about getting the most performance out of your vehicle, you are probably always trying to hit the trails as much as possible.  While it’s true that many buy 4×4 vehicles just to look cool and for the extra functionality, the real die hard 4×4 enthusiasts actually take their vehicles off road and on some punishing trails.  If you are looking for the best trails, whether around your neighbourhood, in your state or across the country, here are some tips for finding the best trail guides.

Encinitas Ranch Trail

It used to be that finding trails that were outside of your area was difficult to say the least.  Many used to have to research for long periods of time, making friends with people around the country and network with other 4×4’s.  However, today with the internet, it is easier than ever to not only find out about new trails, but to swap maps, photos and tips on conquering them.  If you are looking for great trail guides, you first stop should definitely be the internet.  There are plenty of 4×4 sites that specifically cater to off road trails for 4×4 enthusiasts.  Not only can you learn about new trails being formed or being enhanced, but also watch video, view detailed maps, view trail ratings and get coordinates to try your hand at some distinct challenges.

If you going to a specific trail that is well established, another great resource is to purchase a trail guide- usually sold at some bookstores and on Amazon.com.  These trail guides will be an easy way to learn about a specific trail, as well as carry this information with you when you go off road.   If you love off roading, then it is easier than ever to find great trail guides to enhance your off road fun.

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Posted in 4x4, General | | 0 Comments

Using Your Truck as Your Office

January 27th, 2009 by Justin

If you are like millions of workers, you not only use your pick up truck, SUV or Jeep to get from place to place, but for work as well.  Trucks are highly practical vehicles and besides hauling and towing, many professionals that run contracting or transporting businesses require their truck not only for work tasks or commuting, but also as an office.  Whether you are filling out paper work, making important phone calls to suppliers, associates or contractors or working on your computer, there are plenty of features that many trucks now offer to make your vehicle more like an office.

Truck Office

Plenty of Features for Making Your Truck an Office
Many larger pick up trucks and SUV’s realize that owners want more use than just getting from point A to B.  This is why they have included a wide variety of features to enhance office work.  Some of the more basic features include a wider center arm rest that actually turns into a mini-desk.  In fact, these arm rests open up to store documents, folders, etc.

In addition to the mini- desk many premium pick up trucks and SUVs come also equipped to handle all of your electronics including special hook ups for your computer, to charge your phone and other electronic devices.  In fact, if you require to make plenty of office type phone calls, a wide variety of pick up trucks now include in dash communication devices that work with Bluetooth and even Blackberry or other email type products that can deliver emails and voice mail directly to your vehicle and even read it aloud when you are driving.  There are plenty of ways trucks can help you take care of business when off site, making your truck or SUV the new office.

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Posted in Gadgets, General | | 0 Comments

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