Choose Diesel over Gasoline Engines
If you are planning on buying a truck, it is usually better to choose a diesel engine over a gasoline engine.  For most heavy duty trucks, engines almost always only come in diesel; however, light trucks usually offer you a choice.  Diesel engines have been improved over the last several decades and are now more efficient, quieter and easier to maintain.  Most diesel engines can increase truck fuel economy by 30% to 50%.  Besides increasing fuel economy, maintenance costs can also be lower.

Keep Your Truck Properly Maintained
Since most trucks are used for business purposes, they are relied upon to work hard.  However, many times this extra work duty causes trucks extra wear and tear.  By keeping your truck properly maintained, you can easily increase your trucks fuel economy by 5% to 10%.

Properly Inflated Tires
Just like cars, a truck’s fuel economy can improve when the tires are inflated to the proper level.  Make sure that you always have an air gauge to measure the tire’s pressure and consult your owner’s manual as to the proper air pressure of the tires.

Don’t Haul Unnecessary Loads
Many trucks are made for hauling, however many truck owners keep unnecessary weight on their vehicle that they don’t need.  Keep your truck’s load as light as possible and you will save a lot when it comes to fuel economy.

Avoid Stop & Go Traffic
Obviously, you always can’t dictate where your truck will need to make deliveries, but generally speaking, stop and go traffic can waste fuel unnecessarily.  Try to drive at periods of the day and night that have less traffic and offer smoother traveling.  It is also a good idea to stay at a steady speed- usually 55mph in which your trucks engine is calibrated to offer the most fuel economy.

Today’s hybrid trucks for consumers generally are gasoline–electric hybrids. This means that these vehicles are a cross between both a gasoline truck and an electric truck. The advantages of a hybrid truck are more efficient gas mileage and usually better emissions. In a typical gasoline powered truck, the truck has a fuel tank filled with gas which is used to power the engine. The engine then in turn powers the transmissions which turns the wheels and moves the vehicle. However, electric vehicles are much different. Instead of having a fuel tank, they have batteries which hold electricity. Electricity is sent to an electric motor which then turns a transmission which turns the wheels and moves the vehicle forward.

Both types of trucks, gasoline and electric have pros and cons. For instance, a gasoline engine is very inefficient and environmentally unfriendly due to the many pollutants it releases. However, gasoline engines have an enormous range (usually 300 miles) and they are easy to refuel (taking only a couple of minutes).

Electric engines on the other hand have very low range (currently about 30 miles to 50 miles) and can take hours to recharge using conventional methods. The upside is that they are much more environmentally friendly and do not pollute. Hybrid trucks are built with both a gas engine and electric motor and try to reap the benefits of having the advantages of both technologies.

The typical hybrid truck has the following components: a gasoline engine, an electric motor, a fuel tank, battery and transmission.

Fuel Tank

Obviously used for gasoline engines, the fuel tank holds the gas that powers the engine. However, it should be noted that gasoline is a better way to store energy. For instance, it can take up to 1,000 pounds of batteries to store the same amount of energy found in one gallon of gasoline.

Gasoline Engine

Gas engines found in hybrid trucks are usually smaller in size than normal since they are made for fuel economy and have a secondary motor (electric) to power these vehicles.

Batteries

Batteries hold electricity; however unlike gasoline which is only used to power the engine, batteries can not only power the electric motor, but receive and store a charge.

Electric Motor

Electric motors found in a hybrid truck are very complex and sophisticated. They not only include the motor to power the vehicle, but a generator as well. Having a generator within the motor it can both take energy from the batteries and charge the batteries extending the distance the hybrid truck’s range. With a hybrid truck you do not need to plug your vehicle into an electric outlet to charge the batteries, the gas engine helps to charge the batteries. In addition, the electric motor’s generator helps to charge the batteries- such as when the vehicle brakes.

Transmission

For the most part, many hybrid trucks have transmissions which are the same as their non-hybrid counterparts. The transmission receives power from the engine or motor and turns the wheels.

Hybrid Truck Performance

There are two main goals that a hybrid truck tries to achieve. The first is better fuel efficiency and the second is less pollution. Hybrid trucks usually offer 20 to 30 miles per gallon more than their non-hybrid counterparts and as far pollution is concerned- while each vehicle is different, generally speaking pollution is considerably lower with hybrid trucks.

Hybrid trucks usually offer similar performance to non-hybrids. When a truck needs to accelerate from a stopped position, the hybrid uses the gasoline engine which offers the most torque and power to accelerate the vehicle; however when your vehicle is driving on the highway and no longer needs lots of power, the hybrid switches to the electric motor which not only saves fuel, but lowers pollution. On board are sophisticated computers and sensors that make the change-over from gasoline engine to electric motor extremely smooth and seamless.

1. Every Ford Bronco made was a four wheel drive vehicle.  There are two wheel drive varieties around, but they were altered using aftermarket parts made by companies other than Ford.
2. Ford started redesigning the Bronco as a full-size vehicle, eventually basing it on the F-100 truck, in 1972.  Because of concerns over the fuel crisis of the 1970’s though, the full-size Bronco would not make it’s debut until 1978.
3. Beginning in the late 1980s and through the 1990s until it ended production, the Bronco which was normally only available in a two-door version became available in a four-door model.  These four-door Broncos were conversions made by another Michigan automobile company called Centurion Vehicles and among the other options they offered was a built in TV and VCR.
4. The famous white Bronco that O.J. Simpson was riding in while being pursued by the Los Angeles Police Department before his trial in the death of his ex-wife and her friend was a 1993 model.
5. Donald Frey, the man who conceived of the Ford Bronco was also the main person behind the conception of the Ford Mustang.

The Ford Bronco was one of the early sport utility vehicles and it played a large role in revolutionizing the automobile industry.  Even today, many people look back fondly on their memories of the Ford Bronco.  With its unique blend of features common on both a car and a truck, it proved itself a versatile vehicle that could perform many duties.  The Ford Bronco will be looked at for years as one of the greatest automobiles of all time.

Toyota 4Runner First Generation (1984-1989)

When Toyota first released the 1984 4Runner onto the market, it was essentially a Toyota pick-up with a fiberglass shell over what was once the truck bed.  Toyota was spurred to get into the mid-size SUV market based on both the success and upcoming releases of competitor’s models like Chevy’s S-10 Blazer and Ford’s Bronco II.  Although designed to compete against these other mid-size SUVs, the original 4Runner more closely resembled the full-size Ford Bronco and Chevy K5 Blazer because of its removable fiberglass top over the rear section of the vehicle.  From the dashboard to the front bumper there was little or no difference between these first 4Runners and the Toyota pickups of the same year.

In 1985, Toyota made rear seats available in all 4Runners, not just the upscale SR5 package as had been the case in the original 1984 version.  Another addition coming in the model’s second year was a new electronically fuel-injected 2.4 liter engine.  The overall stability and handling was improved on the 4Runner in 1986 when Toyota widened the wheel base by a few inches and added an independent front suspension system.  An interesting thing to note on the 4Runners imported to the United States from 1984 through 1986 is that most came without the rear seats.  In this way they were classified as trucks and avoided the higher custom duties associated with larger passenger vehicles.  The last significant change to these first generation Toyota 4Runners came in 1988 when Toyota also offered an optional 3.0 liter V-6 engine.  This more powerful engine proved very popular with motorists and Toyota rewarded buyers with other features exclusive to the V-6 models like a whole new transmission and transfer case which resulted in a significant reduction in cab noise from the previously made 4-cylinder models.

Toyota 4Runner Second Generation (1990-1995)

1990 saw Toyota make vast changes to its signature SUV.  All 4Runners made from 1990 on were no longer built on the same frame or platform as the company’s pickup trucks.  The 4Runner now had its own body designed and mounted on its own frame.  Because it was no longer built on the basis of the Toyota Pickup, this was also the end of the removable fiberglass shell as all 4Runners from there on out were built as a whole unit.  One of the carry over design elements from the first generation models was a tailgate that still had a retractable rear window.  To open the tailgate, the driver still had to first retract the window into it and then lowering it similar to the tailgate of a pickup.  There were changes made during the life of the second generation Toyota 4Runner, but most amounted to little more than cosmetic changes like headlamp redesign.

Toyota 4Runner Third Generation (1996-2002)

While the look of the Toyota 4Runner third generation models remained similar to the second generation, there were enough interior and otherwise upgrades that the 4Runner was now seen as a competitor to the higher end Nissan Pathfinder, and a step above the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Blazer.  The engines available for the third generation 4Runner were the same engines being made for the new Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks that were hitting the market.  Both the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines were enlarged, the 4-cylinder from 2.4 liter to 2.7 liter and the V-6 from 3.0 liter to 3.4 liter, with the newer more powerful engines becoming very popular with SUV buyers.

Many cosmetic and interior upgrades and changes would be included in the 1997-1999 model Toyota 4Runner.  These included color matched cargo covers, updated switches and knobs, a new steering wheel, a redesigned air bag system, new bumper design, turn signals, color matched running boards, and reorganization of the controls for the vehicle’s rear window related features.  Other changes during this model’s production resulted in both increased interior space and cargo space.

Toyota 4Runner Fourth Generation (2003-)

The fourth generation of Toyota 4Runner changed significantly, although it continued to be marketed towards the same high end/sub-luxury SUV market.  The vehicle was now being based on the Land Cruiser Prado which resulted in a very different look than that of previous 4Runner models.  The engine upgrade to the 4.0 liter V-6 was now standard on all models and for the first time the 4Runner came with the option of upgrading to a powerful V-8 engine.  The V-8 engine available for the 4Runner is essentially the same V-8 available for the full size Toyota Tundra and Sequoia models.  2004 saw a tire pressure warning system added as one of the many standard features on the 4Runner while an option for a third row seat was also introduced.

With the introduction of the 2005 model came a new transmission as now a five speed automatic transmission was now considered standard equipment.  Many cosmetic and add-on features also became available in the following few years like roof racks, chrome grilles, black running boards, a rear spoiler that had been redesigned, LED tail lamps, projector-beam headlamps, fog lights, a seat memory system, new bumper design, MP3 capable stereo systems, as well as both sixteen and eighteen inch wheels.

With its constant redesign and a commitment to putting a quality SUV product on the road, the Toyota 4Runner doesn’t only look like one of the more popular SUVs today, but it looks like it will remain so for a number of years.  The vehicle that is now considered a borderline luxury SUV has come a long ways from the days that it was a pickup truck with a fiberglass shell.  The continual adding of popular features and redesign of the overall vehicles has kept up with the public’s demand for a quality modern vehicle that can also hold a good amount of cargo, whether that cargo is in the form of other passengers or in the form of goods and products.  The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most sought after SUVs on the market for good reason, it not only meets the expectations of those looking for an SUV, but it exceeds them.

Backing up a truck is as dangerous as running beyond the speed limit near a school and pedestrian crossing zone. You need to be extra cautious about persons and things standing behind your car.

Back up alert makes sure that your pathway is clear by alerting you that there is something that you might run over. Back up alert uses sonar technology that is activated each time your truck is placed in reverse. Sonar technology makes a thorough scan of the area behind your car as if you have someone assisting you while you back up the driveway or parking lot. If it senses obstruction, it will sound to warn you, thus avoiding accidents from happening.

That is why each time we get into the truck they give us that one look that just melts our hearts away.  But what if you have just vacuumed the truck down to the last bit of hair or you have just had installed that expensive leather seat cover?

This is the best solution if you are in that predicament. Pet pads allow us to have the best of both worlds. We get to drive around with our pets in tow while keeping our trucks clean and tidy. Pet pads are also washing machine safe for easy cleaning. After each road trip, just dunk it to the wash and it is ready for the next escapade.

Yes, you could give James Bond a run for his money with the auto remote truck starter. Remote-controlled trucks are no longer the exclusive property of futuristic detective movies. The auto truck starter will start your truck parked down the street and turn on the heater or air conditioner while you walk towards it. It can also control your truck’s power door lock, power slide van door, power trunk, dome light and more. It can also connect and controls your security and anti-theft devices as an added and important feature.

With the auto remote truck starter, who needs Kitt or the Batmobile?

Things you need to take with you when going off road driving:

First Aid Kit
The most important thing you need to take with you on an off road driving trip is a first aid kit. When driving off road on unstable land and among cliffs and trees, anything can happen. When it does you should be prepared for the worst.

Tool Box
Bringing the tools you may need for minor and even semi-major repairs is very important, knowing how to use them to make those repairs is also important. Doing this can lead you to avoid some serious expenses related to repairs and vehicle recovery.

Vehicle Jack & Spare Tire
When driving off road, the chances of having to change a tire are multiplied because the roadway you will be on is not nice flat smooth pavement. If that were to happen, having a jack and spare tire will make your situation a lot more doable.

Electric Drill
If extensive repairs are needed to a vehicle, these repairs will go much more smoothly if they are able to be done with cordless power tools.

Flashlight
Whether your off road trip is taking place in the day or night, a flashlight with new batteries is a necessary item. During engine work it can come in handy to see into dark places, and during the night time it can be useful to find your way out of the darkness.

Duct Tape
Whether repairing a hose or any number of other minor repairs, duct tape may make the difference between getting your vehicle back to civilization or having to leave it behind and walk out of the wilderness.

When all of the necessary items are included in the vehicle when you take an off road driving trip, it extremely lessens the chances that something can go wrong. In fact, if something does go wrong, being prepared for the worst can lead you to recover faster when bad things happen. Enjoy your off road trip, but take care of yourself and your passengers by making sure you are as prepared as you possibly can be.

The Jeep Cherokee SJ series started production in 1974 and was manufactured by the Jeep brand of the American Motors Corporation (AMC) until 1983. The Cherokee was originally marketed as a more sporty version of the Jeep Wagoneer that had been manufactured since 1963. In fact, the early Jeep Cherokees shared a large number of features and parts with the older Jeep Wagoneer. One of the large attractions to the early Jeep Cherokees was the fact that if someone were to own one that had been assembled with the 6.6 liter V-8 engine, it was far faster than any other similar four wheel drive vehicle in the marketplace, it had no problem reaching highway speeds greater than 100mph. The SJ series of Jeep Cherokee was developed originally as a two door vehicle and a four door version was not added to the line until 1977.

The Jeep Cherokee SJ series ended production in 1983, and the XJ series started production the following year. The Cherokee XJ was popular and stayed in production from 1984 through the 2001 model year. The XJ was a more compact version of the original Jeep Cherokee SJ and many attribute it as the first of the modern SUVs based on it being used by many people in place of normal passenger cars. The Jeep Cherokee XJ was immitated by other automobile manufacturers and soon after its introduction the market was suddenly flooded with a great number of SUV options for buyers to consider purchasing. The Cherokee XJ was available thorugh its entire run in both two and four door versions.

The plan that Jeep, then under the ownership of Chrysler, had was to phase out the Jeep Cherokee XJ and phase in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Due to its popularity though, it was decided to go ahead with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee even though they would continue production of the Cherokee XJ at the same time. The Jeep Grand Cherokee began production in 1993, it had been intended to hit the market in the late 1980’s but was moved to a non-priority project when Chrysler decided to focus on redesigning and marketing their mini vans. The Grand Cherokee was immensely popular upon its initial release and has remained so throughout its production run. In the first year of production, 1993, Jeep also made a luxury version of the Grand Cherokee that was sold as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. In 1999, the Grand Cherokee was extensively redesigned including having the structure of it stiffened greatly using Porsche Engineering. The redesign of the Grand Cherokee in 2004 included many modern options like rear seat DVD players and an optional 5.7liter Hemi V-8. Only minor changes have been made to the Grand Cherokee since those last design changes.

The Jeep Cherokee KJ series was introduced in 2002, in North America the model was known as the Jeep Liberty and was seen as a replacement for the popular Jeep Cherokee XJ. The Jeep Liberty was available in either two wheel drive and four wheel drive versions, and with a great number of options and modern styling. The Liberty carries the spirit of the Cherokee which inspired it forward into the 21st century.

The Jeep Cherokee revolutionized the old sport utility vehicle market, and then it provided the impetus for the modern sport utility vehicle market too. The model won over many fans based both on its comfort and functionality in the city as well as its high level of performance when off road and putting its four wheel drive status to the test. The Jeep Liberty takes the torch from the Jeep Cherokee and appears to be well on its way to establishing itself as a worthy successor.

The Cadillac Escalade was introduced in 1999 as Cadillac’s answer to the Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade was popular with celebrities and the wealthy from the day it was released. There seems to be no limit to the amount of accessories available for the Escalade, many of them are manufactured by companies independent of Cadillac and many are only available through the Cadillac company itself. The 2008 Cadillac Escalade picks up the luxury SUV torch and carries it on into the future, representing very well the legendary name of Cadillac.

the 2008 Cadillac Escalade comes armed with a 6.2 liter V-8 engine which throws out a very robust 403 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission successfully propels the Escalade down the road and the shifting is almost unnoticeable. The Escalade is head-to-toe covered in polish and shine on the interior, but don’t be deceived as under the hood the Escalade is all about pure raw power. As powerful as it is, there is also the option of getting a 2008 Escalade Hybrid which features a 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the standard model. It is able to achieve this through the use of two independent electric motors that assist the vehicle under slower moving traffic and normal city driving situations.

Some of the many options available for the 2008 Cadillac Escalade are things like: satellite navigation, rear view live image cameras, 52.8cm rims, dual zone climate control, headrest mounted DVD screens, and Ipod/MP3 compatible surround sound stereos. One of the things to keep an eye out for in the future of Cadillac Escalades is the use of what is known as Smart Engine technology that will reduce the number of operational cylinders based on the performance needs of the vehicle at the time, saving engine wear and fuel at the same time.

The Cadillac Escalade is known for its luxury features and flashy appearance. Many high profile people travel regularly in a Cadillac Escalade, but the Escalade is more than that. The Escalade combines a great amount of power with the top of the line comfort and quality that Cadillac has been known for since its debut to bring to the public a four wheel drive vehicle that can comfortably carry the whole family or group wherever they need to go. The company has even taken steps to increase fuel efficiency with a more environmentally friendly version of the same vehicle available. Truly one of the finest automobiles on the market today.