Truck Maintenance | Trucks and Trailers

Truck Window Vents

September 14th, 2008 by Shenron

Window vents serve a very important function in the truck. Especially for those who love to travel in the countryside and at the edge of the speed limit.

With window vents, you can slightly open your window to direct fresh air inside the truck without the irritating noise of the rushing wind. It also keeps bugs and insects out of the truck when you feel the need for opening up a bit. It will allow you to open the window even when it is raining outside without the fear of getting wet. This is very important because by introducing fresh air circulation during rain, you can prevent the formation of foggy mist on your windshield which can greatly reduce road visibility.

Window vents are very easy to install and you can do it yourself in half an hour or less. You can choose different styles and colors that will suit your personality and taste. Installing truck window vents can actually make your truck look more trendy and hip with the plus factor of fresh air driving.

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4X4 Off Roading: The Importance of a Good Winch

September 13th, 2008 by Justin

If you are a serious off roader and hit the dirt trails often, one of the items that you should definitely put some thought into is a winch. A winch can be the difference between being stuck in the mud for a few hours (or days for those really unlucky) or enjoying a fun filled day in the dirt. There are considerations you should make when choosing a winch, here are a few of them.

A Good Winch is There When You Need It
You might never need a winch depending on what kind of driving you do, but when the need arises, you will kick yourself if it doesn’t perform. Winches require a tremendous amount of energy and while cheaper winches can be a decent choice for some lighter vehicles or for those that never hit the bogs, if you are planning on using a winch for more than a few minutes, the strength of a truck battery usually doesn’t offer the amount of juice you will need for heaving winching. A better choice for heavy duty winching is a hydraulic winch. These winches are made to provide steady, continuous power that won’t die out after a few minutes and leave you and your vehicle in the mud.

Reliability is an Issue
Another consideration is reliability. Many drivers don’t off road on a regular basis, however if you do, make sure you choose a winch that will last for the years to come. Electric winches are affordable and usually good for several years however, if you are a die hard off roader and require the utmost in reliability, a hydraulic winch is usually the most reliable. Its parts are not that complex and hydraulic winches are easy to maintain and even fix. While a little more expensive than electric winches, most hydraulic winches are definitely worth the extra investment.

(You might also want to check the article on Trailer Winches)

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Truck Bed Modifications

September 11th, 2008 by Justin

If you own a truck, one of the reasons you probably bought it was due to the practicality and convenience of a truck bed. The truck bed is perfect for hauling your motorcycle, lawn equipment, furniture and all your tools back and forth from work. However, most truck beds that come stock don’t usually last for the life of the truck without needing maintenance, an overhaul or modifications. Here are just a few modifications that you can do to your truck to extend the life and functionality of your truck bed.

Polyurethane Liners
One of the easiest ways to add functionality to your truck- especially if it is past its prime is with a polyurethane liner. Polyurethane liners are sprayed on. And while not the perfect choice for those with trucks readying for a beauty pageant, if you have an old workhorse that you want to squeeze out more practicality from, these liners are affordable, easy to add and durable. The polyurethane is sprayed onto the existing bed at about ¼ inch thickness. This thickness is enough to cause an air tight, water tight and scratch resistant bed for the long term.

Installed Liners
Obviously, if you have a decent truck and few bucks in your pocket, this is the professional way to maintain or add more functionality to your truck. Many manufacturers offer high quality bed liners that really add quality to your truck. Whether you require a heavy duty liner or want to accessorize your truck to look its best these liners are usually the right choice.

Roll on Liners
For the do-it-yourselfer’s, these liners take some prep work and about an afternoon of expertise to install (some do take longer), however they look good, offer added functionality and are usually an affordable choice. Most roll on liners are made from a rubber or rubber-like material.

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4X4 Lighting Tips

September 10th, 2008 by Justin

Whether you are an avid off-roader or would like to customize your jeep or SUV for any environment that you come across, one category of items that are essential to 4×4’s is lighting. While many of today’s 4×4 vehicles now come with higher quality lighting than in the past for those that hit the bogs or trails after dusk you will need high performance lighting to maximize your off-roading enjoyment and safety. Here are just a few lighting accessories perfect for your 4×4.

4X4 Driving Lights
Two types of driving lights which are perfect for dark country roads as well as off road trails are Halogen and HID (High Intensity Discharge). It should be noted that some municipalities have strict ordinances on the types of lighting your vehicle can have, especially when on the road. However, both types of lighting are ideal for driving conditions. When driving on pavement, your most important consideration will be distance. You will usually be driving at a higher rate of speed than when off road, so make sure your lighting offers plenty of power to reach further distances. Most stock high beams usually come to about 100,000 candlepower, so choose something more powerful. You can find driving lights that offer 150,000, 200,000 and 300,000 candlepower.

4X4 Off Road Driving
When considering lighting for off road use, distance is not as important since your speed will be reduced. Instead focus on lighting that not only give you straight on illumination, but also offers cornering and lateral lighting. On the trail, you need good cornering and lateral lighting to see curves in the path, any obstacles on the periphery and brush that can damage your vehicle. Since no trail is straight and smooth, these factors are extremely important. Finally, besides a good lighting fixture, make sure your lighting comes with some good protection to shield the lighting from branches, gravel and debris.

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Towing Tips for 4X4 Vehicles

September 9th, 2008 by Justin

One of the reasons many people buy 4×4 trucks is the incredible utility they offer. 4X4’s are extremely practical and one of the jobs they do best is tow. Whether you are towing a trailer, a couple of dirt bikes or your heavy lawn equipment, here are a few tips you should consider every time you hitch up.

Checking the Hitch

A lot is riding on your hitch, so before you start towing, make sure you check the hitch for any defects or problems. No matter what kind of hitch you have (air ride hitch, ATV hitch, etc), make sure to check that your hitch ball is firm and tight. You also want to make sure that the coupler is tight and for those that are towing an ATV trailer or other kind trailer check the chains and wiring as well.

Checking the Tires

Besides the hitch, another important component of your trailer that should be checked is the tires. A blowout of your trailer tire during towing can cause serious safety problems so make sure you check the tires before hitting the road. It is also a good idea to make sure both your vehicle and the towing trailer’s tires are inflated to the proper setting. This will ensure safety as well as good gas mileage.

Trailer Lights

In most municipalities in order to tow a trailer, it must have working lights. Before you set out on the road, check your lights (brake lights and directionals). This will not only ensure safety, but also help you in avoiding a large fine from your friendly police officer.

Secure the Load Your Towing

No matter what you plan on towing, make sure before you start towing, the load is secure. Make sure all objects are tied down and secure. Even the smallest objects can become extremely dangerous if they fly off your trailer at high speeds.

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