Friday, May 31, 2013

Rack-It Builds Camper Shell Style Racks


Gary Kank, Sales Manager for Rack-it Truck Racks talks about the truck racks that are designed to be used with camper shells or truck caps. The design is slightly different for these racks to accomodate the shell with no loss in strenghth or usability.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Rack-It Builds Park Benches, Picnic Tables and Bike Racks Too!


Other products manufactured at Rack-It include Park Benches, Picnic Tables and Bike Racks. Gary Kank, Vice President at Rack-it Truck Racks shows us some of the different ways that Rack-it uses their rack expertise to produce other products utilizing steel pipe and other fabrications.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Truck Racks Aren't Just For Contractors - 8 Ways to Use a Truck Rack

When most people think of truck racks, they envision contractor's trucks -- often beat-up pickups with precariously mounted metal racks in their beds. While truck racks are well suited to a contractor's needs, they are also very versatile, practical accessories with many different uses.
To give you a taste of why truck racks are so popular among pickup truck owners, here are 8 ways to use a truck rack.

1. Hauling ladders and lumber.
As already noted, truck racks are the perfect solution for a contractor's needs. Strong ladder racks provide a way to haul ladders and lumber horizontally without hanging them off the end of the bed. Painters, auto glass installers, and similar professionals may also find that truck racks make it easier to haul their equipment and supplies.

When purchased to suit a contractor's needs, truck racks need to be very sturdy and reliable. Most likely a rack that features a permanent type of installation will work best for these purposes.

2. The cyclist's best friend.
Cycling is a popular sport in many areas, but unless you have an awesome network of bike routes in your city, you probably have to drive to get to the trailheads. Therefore finding a way to haul bikes is an issue for many people.

Truck racks make a great way to haul bikes -- much more appropriate than some of the other options, such as trunk racks for sedans. While bikes tend to bang around a lot when hung on the end of a trunk, truck racks enable you to secure them better -- often without having to take off the front tire, either.

3. Hitting the slopes.
Skis are another piece of sports equipment that is large and unwieldy, making transportation difficult. Leaving your skis loose in the bed of the truck to rattle and bang around isn't good for either your skis or your truck, and most sedans don't have enough room inside to carry skis safely. Truck racks and roof racks for sedans and SUVS solve this problem by enabling you to fasten your skis securely to the rack.

4. Four-wheeling glory.
Four-wheelers and ATVs -- small vehicles that people often drive on trails and across rough terrain in parks and open space -- are another type of sports equipment that must be hauled to your destination. Believe it or not, you can haul ATVs on truck racks and ladder racks -- the racks are made to withstand heavy loads such as an ATV, and keep the vehicle level and steady during transportation. Truck racks also make it fairly easy to load and unload ATVs, giving you more time to have fun when you reach your destination.

5. Carrying kayaks and canoes.
There is seemingly no end to the sports equipment that can be hauled on a truck rack! For obvious reasons, kayaks and canoes need to be transported to your destination, unless of course you live in Venice or happen to have a river running through your backyard. No matter how graceful these boats are in the water, they are heavy and unwieldy out of it. Truck racks provide a strong, secure method of transporting kayaks and canoes from point A to point B!

6. A place to put your luggage.
Whether you are taking your family on a road trip or run a shuttle service, truck racks and roof racks for vans and SUVs provide a great place to stash luggage. If you have four or more people in your family or if you have full occupancy in your shuttle, interior space will be at a premium, so why not move some of the luggage to the exterior? Luggage racks can help cut down on sibling squabbles during road trips -- or, for the shuttle owner, they can help to create a more organized and professional appearance to appeal to riders.

7. Saving space with cargo boxes.
Even when you are not taking a road trip or taking on passengers, space inside a vehicle -- particularly a truck -- is at a premium. Just thing about all the things you take with you when you leave the house -- things that quickly pile up inside the car -- and you will understand what I mean.

A truck rack offers a practical solution to this problem, as it can carry a couple cargo boxes. Instead of keeping things you rarely use inside the truck, you can put them inside the cargo boxes, and save the cab space for more important things -- like your friends and family.

8. Just for looks!
Of course, you really don't need to have a practical reason to put a truck rack on your truck. Many people buy truck racks just because they like the way they look. Many truck racks -- such as certain models of headache racks -- are compatible with light racks and other truck accessories, making them ideal choices for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their truck.

Whatever reason you have for wanting a truck rack, you have every reason to be happy with your investment - truck racks are some of the most versatile and useful accessories you can buy!

 By Andy West

Andy West is a freelance writer for BuyAutoTruckAccessories a website offering a huge selection of Truck Accessories at the lowest prices.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_West

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Vaca Valley Truck & SUV - A Rack-It Dealer in Vacaville, CA




Our Claim To Fame

Our customer service is second to none. We choose the best suppliers in the industry to offer the best, most reliable products to our customers, then we stand behind them like it was for us alone. Personal, friendly, knowledgeable service is our mainstay. Give us a call or drop by and see for yourself.



Give Us A Call Today!
Call Us at: 707-447-9905

Vaca Valley Truck & SUV
1240 Callen Street
Vacaville, CA 95688




Find Us At: http://www.vacavalleytruck.com/


Email: kevin@vacavalleytruck.com

Hours: M-F 9am-5:30pm
Saturday 8am-4pm
Closed Sunday

Thursday, May 23, 2013

How Much Can I Carry On My Rack-It Rack?


One of the most common questions we're asked at Rack-it, from dealers and end users alike is "What is the Load Rating on a rack?" or "How much weight can I put up on the rack?" It would be nice if we had a simple answer to that question, but load rating is a bit tricky ... here's why:

Rack-it "rates" our racks to carry up to 1700 pounds. However, this does not mean that the user should carry this type of weight on top of their rack. The rack itself can hold up to 1700 pounds in a static environment.

However the truck and / or truck body's bedrails it is attached to may not have this same "load rating."

You may have noticed when you purchased your truck a published payload capacity. Payload capacity for pick up trucks means how much weight it can carry, and takes into consideration both passengers and cargo in both the cab and the bed. The truck manufacturers do not publish any data on what their bedrails can support; therefore we have a pretty big gray area when it comes to "load rating."

At the end of the day, the rack can bear much more weight than the truck's bedrails it is attached to so we recommend the following:

1. Use Common Sense when loading your rack. If it looks or feels like too much weight, then it probably is.

2. Load the rack in a way that evenly distributes weight. Anytime a user places a load on top of a Rack-it Truck Rack, it will notably change the handling characteristics of the vehicle. We cannot control the way in which the end user loads material on the rack; therefore it is the sole responsibility of the user to secure these materials safely (distributing weight evenly) to the rack before transporting.

3. Never exceed the manufacturer's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) as overloading can cause serious damage to the bodywork of the vehicle.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The 9100 Series Bed Protector


Gary Kank, Sales Manager of Rack-it Truck Racks shows us the 9100 Series Angle Bed Protector.

To find out more, you may call Rack-It truck racks at 800-445-7666.
Also find us at http://rackitinc.com/

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Knapheide KUV Body "Topped Out" With A Rack-It Rack!




If the space inside the Knapheide KUV Body is not enough, then add a Rack-It Roof Mounted rack!  This rack was designed for a Knapheide KUV body; constructed of 2x2 square tubing. Because of the way the roof of the body angles, we designed the feet of the rack to pivot, ensuring a nice connection for installing to the body.

With six cross bars for support, this is very capable of handling loads. The rack was finished off with a heavy duty, industrial grade black powder coat finish.

This installation was done for West Coast Truck Equipment in West Sacramento. Jack Schmidt and his team at West Coast Truck Equipment have been providing top notch truck equipment products and services for nearly 20 years and we're proud to work with them on unique custom solutions like this one.


You may call West Coast Truck Equipment at 916-376-0690.
Also find them at http://westcoasttruckequipment.com/

See more at www.rackitinc.com or call 800-445-7666.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Angled Protection For Top Rail of Your Truck


Formed Angle Protection

Our formed angle found on 1000, 2000 and 4000 series racks, provides you with a continuous mounting surface and unmatched top rail protection. The angle runs the length of the bed rails, insuring a strong and sturdy connection to your truck.

The "return" at the front provides a continued uniform distribution of the load.



To find out more, you may call Rack-It truck racks at 800-445-7666.
Also find us at http://rackitinc.com/


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Lots of Inventory Ready at Rack-It Truck Racks!


Gary Kank, Sales Manager for Rack-it Truck Racks gives us a brief tour of Rack-it's storage and shipping yard to give you an idea of the selection of pre-built truck racks that can be shipped immediately.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Fuller Truck Accesories - A Rack-It Dealer in Fullerton, CA

 

Fuller Truck Accessories is a leader in the SUV and truck accessories market. Starting in 1976 as a small manufacturer of custom wood and aluminum shells, Fuller Camper, as we were formerly known, sold the manufacturing business and became one of the early distributors of fiberglass camper shells. The company is still family-owned and operates two stores in Southern California, one in Fullerton and the other in Riverside.

Today we still specialize in camper shells, or toppers as they are sometimes referred to, and have added several other specialized product lines as well. These newer items include tonneau covers or lids, truck bed tool boxes, job site storage equipment, commercial van interiors, truck bed liners-both hard and soft, Rack-Ittruck racks and truck carpet kits along with a wide variety of other truck and SUV accessories.

We have a professional sales staff on duty six days a week to assist you in your truck accessory buying decision along with a highly skilled staff for expert installations. We specialize in accommodating special orders and will go out of our way to help find a manufacturer not listed in our catalog to support our customers' needs. Our staff is trained to provide what the customer wants and not what we want them to have.

Fuller Truck Accesories
1900 W. Commonwealth
Fullerton, CA 92833
800-99-SHELL (74355)


Find us at  http://www.fullertruck.com/

Saturday, May 11, 2013

PAW Boxes - Protect Your Trash!



At Rack-it Inc. we’ve been manufacturing high quality products in El Dorado County for over 25 years. We have employed the same dedication to quality & customer service in building our new line of P.A.W. Bear Proof Trash Enclosures that has made us world-famous for our truck racks. From design to completion, each P.A.W. Box is built with precision machinery, parts and materials to ensure you’re getting the best on the market. Check it out...

P.A.W. BOXES
T 1 -800-445-7666
garyk@rackitinc.com
3910 Dividend Drive
Shingle Springs, CA 95682

 Specifications:
  •  Heavy Duty 12 gauge Steel Construction - Strongest Available
  • Dormer style roof design prevents snow & water from running down the container walls, protecting the powder coat finish 
  • Narrow Profile, Weld-on bullet hinges
  • Heavy Duty 2-Pt Latching System with child safety release lever inside
  • Reinforced single access door with square key entry keeps Bears out!
  • 6” Structural Steel Pipe Pedestal - Maximum structural integrity
Basin Bin:
BEAR PROOF TRASH ENCLOSURE
  • (L x H x D) | 48.5. x 46 x 28
  • 350 lbs | 12 gauge Steel Construction
  • Holds Two - 32 gallon Trash Containers
  • Child Safety Release Lever
  • 1 Year Structural Warranty
  • Choose Brown or Green Finish
  • $950.00
Sierra Slider:
BEAR PROOF TRASH ENCLOSURE
WITH SLIDING BASE
  • (L x H x D) | 48.5. x 46 x 28 365 lbs | 12 gauge Steel Construction
  • Holds Two - 32 gallon Trash Containers
  • Child Safety Release Lever
  • 1 Year Structural Warranty
  • Choose Brown or Green Finish
  • Unique, full-extension, ball bearing base slide allows for trouble-free access
  • $1175.00
Find out more and download the brochure at: http://rackitinc.com/otherproducts.html




Thursday, May 9, 2013

Look At This Monster! - A Custom Rack For Mobile Living, Concord, CA


Mobile Living Custom = Look at this monster! The team at Mobile Living in Concord, CA had a customer looking for a unique system where they could utilize their high rise camper shell and have storage space over the cab of the truck. The customer is big into the outdoors and this solution was exactly what they were looking for. The rack has fully custom mesh frame system for storage over the cab and was finished with a primer and gloss white powder coat.

Scott, Lori, Fernando and the rest of the gang at Mobile Living have been long-time Rack-it dealers and know our products inside and out. They carry top notch products and provide quality installation with great customer service. If you’re in need of a Rack-it Truck Rack or any other accessories for your truck, do not hesitate to contact them at (925) 776-4847 or visit them on the web at www.teammobileliving.com



To find out more, you may call Rack-It truck racks at 800-445-7666.
Also find us at http://rackitinc.com/

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

A Custom Removable Rack-It Camper Rack From Ace Truck Box

Here’s another great custom Rack-it Camper Shell Rack from Ace Truck Box in Martinez, CA.


The customer was looking for a 3000 Series Camper Rack, but didn’t want to use the rack all of the time. He wanted to be able to get the rack on and off the truck easily, without having to take the camper shell off his truck each time he removed the rack. We came up with a design that allowed him to do that by making a bolt-on connection at the mounting pad and with the pulley system he designed in his garage he is able to drive underneath hook up to the belts and easily remove the rack.



This customer was also particular about the design of the rack and wanted something different than the normal look of a Rack-it. With the customer’s input, we worked with him and the dealer to build the rack per his exact specification and design.



Ace Truck Box is great at working with each and every Rack-it customer on projects big and small. They are a great shop for contractors as they stock a large volume of Rack-it Truck Racks along with Tool boxes, hitches and other construction related products. Richard and his excellent team of Sales Reps are ready to help you with your next truck project.

Give them a call at (925) 228-6136 or visit them online at www.acetruckbox.com

Sunday, May 5, 2013

From Rack-It - A Sharp, Black, Able and Well-Protected F150 Supercab



Check out this custom rack we built for a Ford F150 with a Leer Camper Shell. The customer requested we use a woven wire style mesh system all the way up and down the cargo area of the rack.

We normally do not stock this material, but we were able to source it out quickly and get this rack on the customers truck. This 3000 Series model was powder coated gloss black and really looks great on this customers rig.



Notice the detail in the way the woven steel mesh is attached to the pipe. Every Connection is welded and smoothed -out. Also notice the extra middle, longitudinal pipe support.



Then this 3000 Series model was powder coated gloss black. Let us weave you one!

To find out more, you may call Rack-It truck racks at 800-445-7666.
Also find us at http://rackitinc.com/


Friday, May 3, 2013

2009 Silverado 3500 Outfitted With Custom Rack-It Rack




Mickey Robinson contacted us from Tacoma, WA looking for a custom rack for his 2009 Chevy. He told us he didn’t need a “full length” rack, but was looking for something to work just over the bed of the truck. We told him about our 8100 Series Ladder Pro Plus, but he was looking for something a bit more stout than that system. He asked if we could build our Standard Modular Rack without the overhang. We did not see any reason why not, so here it is … our standard modular design (minus overhang), with a bolt-on rear window mesh protection system. Mickey also requested two extra cross bars and he mounted the unit to his truck with our Mega Clamp system. Here’s a testimonial from the proud owner of this custom Rack-it Truck Rack:

I’ve attached a picture showing my 2009 Silverado 3500HD with the custom rack you built for me.  The look and functionality is exactly what I was looking for.  Took about 20 minutes to assemble and install it on the truck.  I’ve already had a few people ask me where I got it because they like the look of not having the extension over the cab but like the sturdiness.  I’ve dubbed it the Rack-It X-Sport.

Thnx again,
Mickey


To find out more, you may call Rack-It truck racks at 800-445-7666.

Also find us at http://rackitinc.com/

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

AT A GLANCE: 2013 NISSAN FRONTIER




The Nissan Frontier, which combines premium hardware, extraordinary power and off-road athleticism, continues to be a leader in the mid-size truck segment. For 2013, Frontier again offers an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance with the use of a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. A 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is also available (King Cab only). With its strong performance, combined with good fuel mileage (19 city, 23 highway, I4 King Cab 2WD M/T), the Frontier is a fitting truck for work or play.

A number of enhancements are offered for the 2013 model year – a tailgate spoiler is added on all models, a Desert Runner model is added to King Cab 4x2 A/T and Crew Cab 4x2 A/T and the Value Truck Package replaces previous SV Premium Utility Package and now includes floor mats, Dual Zone Auto A/C, RearView Monitor, rear sonar, sliding bed extender and trailer hitch.

Fuel economy for most 2013 Frontier models has increased one-to-two miles per gallon due to reduced engine friction and enhanced aerodynamics. A seal has been added between the cab and bed, the front spoiler has been extended and rear tire wind deflections and a new tailgate spoiler have been added.

In addition, PRO-4X models add Satin Chrome grille, fog lights, revised logos and decals, updated contrast stitching and seat embroidery, RearView Monitor, rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, auto on/off headlights and additional 12V power outlet, while SL models add rear view camera, rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, auto on/off headlights, additional 12V power outlet. SV models add SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and an additional 12V power outlet. A Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone added to SV and Desert Runner models and slide-on-rod style sunvisors are added for all models.

Finally, a navigation system is added to SL models and the PRO-4X Luxury Package, and a Display Audio with CD/AM/FM/Aux/USB is available with SV, Desert Runner and PRO-4X models. Three new exterior colors are available for 2013: Glacier White, Graphite Blue and Cayenne Red.

Highlights of the 2013 Nissan Frontier pickup include:

Body

• Available in a choice of King Cab or Crew Cab, with Crew Cab SV and SL offering a Crew Cab Long Bed model, measuring more than 13 inches longer than the Crew Cab’s standard bed
• Aggressive exterior design with chrome, angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs, large geometric stamped steel fender flares; Satin Chrome grille finish on PRO-4X 2/3
• Available high-utility bed with factory-applied spray-on bedliner and Utili-track™ bed channel system with adjustable aluminum-alloy tie-down cleats (standard on SL and PRO-4X trims) and available accessory racks, trays, dividers and modular storage systems
• New tailgate spoiler added to all models
• Sliding Bed Extender, fog lights and trailer hitch included with Value Truck Package
• Available tube-style, functional roof rack on PRO-4X/SL Crew Cab
• Available power tilt and sliding moonroof (SL Crew Cab only)
• Eight available exterior colors: Glacier White, Graphite Blue, Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Metallic Blue, Lava Red, Night Armor and Super Black



Engine and Driveline

• 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque
• Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), Continuous Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), silent two-stage timing chain
• Available 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder (King Cab 4x2 only) rated at 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque
• Available 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission (5-speed manual on 4-cylinder models)
• 6,500 pounds maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped)
• Available shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on all models
• Standard 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (2WD models) or 4-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (4WD Models)
• Available electronic locking rear differential, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist (4WD automatic transmission models only) Suspension, Steering and Braking
• PRO-4X model includes off-road tuned Bilstein® high-pressure performance gas shock absorbers, skid plates (oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case), electronic rear differential locker (4x4 only) and limited-slip (ABLS)
• All-steel double-wishbone front suspension
• Solid axle leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs with long suspension stroke for optimized off-road ride and ground clearance
• Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Standard for PRO-4X models are 16-inch off-road design aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires
• Crew Cab SL models feature 18-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 BFGoodrich Long Trail tires
• SV models feature 5-spoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/70R16 BFGoodrich  Long Trail tires

Interior Features

• Roomy, modern interior design with flexible seating and cargo utility
• PRO-4X model features leather-appointed white-stitched shifter knob (M/T only) and steering wheel, chrome accent rings and trip computer
• King Cab and Crew Cab feature flip-up rear seats and fold-flat front passenger’s seat
• Available leather-appointed power-adjustable seats, heated seats and mirrors
• Available Rockford Fosgate®-powered audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD autochanger, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and MP3 capability and WMA/MP3 player aux-in jack (Crew Cab)
• Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Available Dual Zone Auto A/C
• Standard RearView Monitor on PRO-4X, SL and SV Value Truck Package

Safety and Security

• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger classification sensor)
• Standard front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
• 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab)
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Models and Manufacturing

• Available in King Cab and Crew Cab 4x2 and 4x4 configurations
• Available S, SV, SL and PRO-4X (4x4 only) trim levels
• Assembled by Nissan North America, Inc., Canton, Mississippi and Decherd, Tennessee plants