Sunday, May 31, 2015

Cargo won't fit? Rack-it rack allows carrying it on top of the KUV!




Can't get materials in the back, Rack-it rack allows placing and securing them on top of the roof. Are they too wide or too long? This rack allows materials as wide as the body to be placed on top. Maybe you just want to keep stuff off the floor, secure it on top!

Designed and built for a Knapheide KUV body, this rack is constructed of 2x2 square tubing. Because of the way the roof slopes,the feet of the rack were designed to to pivot ensuring a solid connection to the roof.

It has six cross bars for support,an extremely stout load handling solution for this application. The rack was finished off with a heavy duty, industrial grade black powder coat finish. 


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


Friday, May 29, 2015

2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro - Review & Test Drive + Off-Road



The 2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Crewmax features a 5.7L V8 gasoline engine producing 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. This Tundra includes unique TRD Pro content, a 6 speed automatic transmission, 4WD on demand and an electronically controlled transfer case. It also features a 4.300 rear differential, engine and transmission coolers, tow hitch receiver, and a heavy duty battery and alternator.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Chevrolet Introduces 2015 Silverado Custom Sport HDs



Monochromatic appearance 
for 2500 and 3500 HD pickups


DENVER – Chevrolet adds a sophisticated monochromatic look to the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD with new Custom Sport editions, which debuted today at the Denver Auto Show.
Silverado Custom Sport HDs feature body-colored front and rear bumpers, a body-colored grille with chrome-accent bars, chrome door handles and body-side moldings, and chrome-accented trailering mirrors.
Silverado 2500 Custom Sports feature 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, while 3500 Custom Sports feature 18-inch polished aluminum wheels on single-rear-wheel models, and 17-inch polished aluminum wheels on duallys.
Silverado Custom Sport HDs are available in LT or LTZ models in either Summit White or Black.
Suggested retail package prices will vary from $700 to $1,695, depending on the model. Dealers can place orders now.  
Silverados targeted at unique customer needs
The Silverado Custom Sport HDs join a family of Silverado 1500s targeted at the needs and tastes of specific groups of truck customers:
·         The Silverado Black Out takes advantage of the black grille and bumpers of the Silverado 1500 WT to let customers to create a dramatic look at an affordable price. Available for regular and double cab WT models, the Black Out special edition includes 20” black painted aluminum wheels, P275/55R20 all-season blackwall tires, deep tinted glass and black bowties. Blackout also offers a dealer-installed carbon fiber decal kit and black assist steps. 
·         Silverado Rally is based on the LT trim level and features a body-colored grille with a black bowtie, black Rally stripes on the hood and tailgate, and black mirror caps and door handles. The Rally 2 takes the race inspired look further by adding 22-inch black alloy wheels and black tubular side steps.
·         The Silverado Custom offers Chevy Truck capability and dependability in a stylish package, priced within reach of many truck customers. Based on the popular double-cab Silverado 1500 LS, the Custom package adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome bumpers, a body-colored top cap above the front bumper, and chrome mirror caps and door handles.
·         The new Silverado Custom Sport includes projector beam headlamps, and heated power-adjusted mirrors.
·         Beginning with a black Silverado 1500 Z71, the Silverado Midnight adds an all-black front end with body-colored grille, bumper, headlamp bezels, tow hooks and fog lamps; 18-inch black painted alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires; special Z71 badges on the doors; a spray-in bed liner (black, of course); and the finishing touches – black Chevrolet bowties front and rear

Chevrolet also offers GearOn and Trail Boss editions for the new midsize Colorado.
Editors’ note: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Includes dealer freight charges and option package discounts. 

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive & active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Diesel vs. gasoline: Which fuel type is better for your line of work?


As a business owner who depends on a commercial vehicle for your work, you need the right truck for the job. A truck that comes up short on capability is no help — but too much truck can be a problem too, as the cost of operating it will eat into your profits. Instead, the ideal truck is one that does everything you need in the most efficient way possible.

One important decision to make when choosing your truck is fuel type. Comparing diesel vs. gasoline reveals advantages and drawbacks for each, so you need to choose the best engine and fuel type for your particular needs. Making a wise choice means doing the right thing for everyone who depends on the success of your business: your customers, your employees, you and your family. Below are some considerations for owners who want to get the most from their trucks.

Engine output

Engine output refers to the amount of horsepower and torque that an engine can produce. Horsepower is critical for sports cars, since it helps deliver quick acceleration. But torque is the more important figure for business owners who use their trucks for work. Ample torque means the truck can tow and haul heavy loads with relative ease.

If you push your truck to the limits of its towing or hauling capacity, you can depend on diesel to do the job with an impressive combination of toughness and efficiency. Those 18-wheelers you see pulling 53-foot-long trailers on the interstate use diesel for a reason. Gasoline engines can’t match diesels when it comes to heavy loads.

Fuel economy

Diesel engines also typically trump gas engines in terms of efficiency, delivering more miles per gallon to save you money at the pump. Consider the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which delivers up to 28 mpg on the highway while providing more torque than even the Ram brand’s HEMI® V8 engine.

There is a flip side to the fuel economy advantage, however. In most places, diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is about $0.80 more than a gallon of regular gasoline. Be sure to consider that price premium when estimating the costs of operating a diesel-powered truck against one that runs on gas.

Fuel availability can be an issue for diesel drivers, too. Gasoline is more widely available than diesel in many parts of the country.

Other ownership considerations

Besides capability and efficiency, small- and medium-sized business owners should consider maintenance costs and resale value in the diesel vs. gasoline decision process. Because gasoline engines are more common than diesels, parts and service for gas engines may be more affordable and easier to find.

But when it comes time to sell your work truck and replace it with a new one, diesels often deliver better resale value. Of course, diesels are typically more expensive to purchase new, too. The capability of the diesel truck will pay off for those who truly need it, though, and the extra value at trade-in or sale can offset some of the cost of the next truck.

Both gasoline and diesel offer advantages and disadvantages for work vehicles, depending on how you use your work truck. But generally speaking, gasoline engines are more affordable at the time of purchase, and gallon-for-gallon, gas is cheaper at the pump. Diesel engines, on the other hand, provide more capability and better fuel economy, but are pricier to buy up front. Like so many business decisions, this one comes down to figuring out what’s right for your particular needs.

 Source: http://blog.chryslercommercialvehicles.com/2015/04/28/diesel-vs-gasoline-which-fuel-type-is-better-for-your-line-of-work/

Saturday, May 23, 2015

2015 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCab Get Top Ratings From NHTSA



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released safety ratings for the 2015 Ford F-150 regular-cab and SuperCab models, and they are identical to the SuperCrew results.

Both the regular-cab and SuperCab (commonly called extended cab) models got five-star safety ratings (the highest possible) in three crash categories: frontal, side and overall. Both cab configurations received four-star ratings for rollover safety, just like the SuperCrew. These 2015 federal safety ratings are better in frontal-crash tests and overall when compared to comparable 2014 cab configurations.

NHTSA also gives the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado regular-cab and extended-cab models five stars in frontal, side impact and overall testing. That same pair of 2015 Ram 1500 cabs get four stars for frontal and overall, and five for side impact. The 2015 Toyota Tundra regular and extended cabs scored four stars in frontal testing, five in side impact and four stars overall. No test results are shown for the 2015 Nissan Titan.

Although NHTSA test results are often quoted in marketing material, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also does vehicle safety testing that includes roof-crush ratings as well as offset crash results. Those results have not been completed or reported yet for the 2015 Ford F-150. That will likely come later this summer.

Cars.com photos by Evan Sears

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Demo of the Rampage Power Lift for Motorcycles



This video offers a full demonstration of the Rampage Power Lift for motorcycles. The Rampage offers fast, safe, one-person loading of any size motorcycle including full dressers like Harleys and Gold Wings. The Rampage also offers attachments, so you can use this to load your personal watercraft, trike, or snowmobile.

 Visit http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/ram... for more info or to order.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

2015 Chevy Colorado 4WD Z71 V-6: Off-Road



Chevy has a long history with the Z71 name, but in the last several decades it has languished and never quite lived up to its potential. The Z71 trim offers uniquely tuned front and rear springs, specially tuned shocks, unique wheels and tires, and some extra skid plating. But the suspension is at stock height. The package does offer GM's G80 rear limited-slip differential that can fully lock (after a good amount of spin) in certain low-traction situations. GM also included a hill descent control feature, but that's only offered with the four-wheel-drive version (the Z71 trim can be ordered on two-wheel-drive Colorados). The low-range gear is 2.72:1, and the crawl ratio (multiply 1st gear by ring-and-pinion gear by low-range gear) is 37.8:1.

Friday, May 15, 2015

OnStar 4G LTE now available on Buick & GMC Fleet Vehicles



Get more work done in the field by making your vehicle a mobile office with OnStar 4G LTE. Connect up to 7 device and stay connected with your fleet with OnStar 4G LTE.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

F-150 SuperCrew Gets 5-Star Rating



Here’s the inside look at how the 2015 F-150 SuperCrew received its 5-star safety rating.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Chevy Trucks have a Lock on Capability

‘G80’ locking rear differential makes the most
 of traction for slick surfaces


DETROIT – Trucks need traction to get the job done. And whether it is winter snow, spring mud or the weed-covered boat ramps of summer, an automatic locking rear axle can help keep Chevy trucks moving ahead with enhanced confidence and control.

Often referred to as the G80 for its order code, the rear axle locks automatically if one wheel starts to spin, enabling both rear wheels to propel the truck. The added traction lets a 2WD pickup to go places traditionally thought of as 4x4 territory, and further enhances the capability of 4x4 pickups.

“The G80 locking axle provides a greater traction advantage than limited-slip differentials in most situations, while its automatic engagement requires no driver involvement, unlike some competitors’ electronic lockers, which require driver activation,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. “The G80’s simplicity, durability and sure-footed grip have been proven with generations of customers, as it has been a staple of the Chevy truck lineup for more than 40 years.”

The G80 automatic locking rear axle is available on most Silverado models, and is standard on LTZ and Z71 versions of the Silverado 1500 and all Silverado 2500 and 3500 HDs. Additionally, it is available on Colorado WT and LT models, and standard on Colorado Z71. It is also standard on Tahoe and Suburban.

With technology by Eaton, the G80 performs as an open differential until excessive slip in one wheel automatically triggers the locking mechanism, ensuring the rear wheels turn at the same speed. It provides more sure-footed traction than a conventional limited-slip axle, which can allow the wheels to turn at different rates in a low-traction environment, limiting the amount of traction-enhancing torque that can be channeled to the faster-spinning wheel. Unlike electronic lockers, the G80 engages and disengages automatically, with no input from the driver.

When the G80 detects excessive wheel slip, a flyweight-type governor engages. A self-energized clutch system causes a cam plate to ramp against a side gear, compressing disc pack to cause both rear axle shafts/wheels to rotate at the same speed.

The lockup and disengagement processes happen instantly and are practically imperceptible to the driver. Ride is smoother because the G80 operates mostly as an open-type differential in normal driving conditions.

“There are no buttons to push or electronic settings to engage,” said Luke. “The G80 does its job instantly and quietly, so drivers can go about their job with confidence.”

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com 

Saturday, May 9, 2015

New Factory-Installed Strobe Warning LED Lights Available On All 2016 Ford F-Series Super Duty Trucks



Ford is offering an available factory-installed strobe warning LED light kit for all models of 2016 F-Series Super Duty trucks for customers – such as utility, road construction or municipal crews – that require enhanced vehicle visibility while working on-site. The no-drill option is warranted and not susceptible to corrosion issues that can be a result of poor aftermarket installation. The front- and rear-mounted amber-lens strobe lights that have been evaluated for any applicable regulations and industry standards, can be seen as far as 1,000 feet away during the day and as far as a mile away at night. The strobe lights installed on F-Series Super Duty trucks in use at worksites are designed to warn motorists and others that workers may be present and to proceed with caution.
 

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Mikes Truck Outfitters, Santa Clara, CA - Rack-it Truck Rack Dealer

Yes We Have That!  Rack-It Truck Racks and 4 Wheel Drive Products, etc.
at Mikes Truck Outfitters, Santa Clara, CA


Mikes Truck Outfitters
2351 De La Cruz Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA
(408) 988-2622
http://www.mikestruckoutfitters.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

2015 Ford F-350 Power Stroke: Ike Gauntlet Extreme Towing Review



2015 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4x4 Dually has an upgraded V8 turbo-diesel Power Stroke engine. The bigger turbocharger and updated injectors combine to make 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. So, how does it do when towing a 1942 M2 Halftrack (combined weight with trailer 21,600 lbs) up a steep incline at over 11,000 feet of elevation? How does it compare to the Ram 3500 with the same trailer? This is exactly what this video answers.

( http://www.patreon.com/tflcar ) Please visit to support TFLcar & TFLtruck.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

2015 GMC Canyon Earns Ward’s 10 Best Interiors Trophy


Premium midsize truck boasts winning design, 
comfort and technology features


DETROIT – From soft-touch materials on the instrument panel to the latest OnStar 4G LTE capabilities, GMC Canyon impressed the editors at WardsAuto with its spacious and well-appointed interior. The automotive trade publication named the premium midsize truck one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors for 2015.

“It’s important that great interiors be available in every class of vehicle, not just luxury models that most consumers will never be able to afford,” says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. “The Canyon demonstrates that shoppers need not buy a loaded full-size pickup to get lots of soft surfaces, a Bose audio system, supple and durable leather, an easily navigated touchscreen and advanced safety features.”

The award is based on WardsAuto staff’s evaluation of 42 new U.S.-market vehicle interiors and their rankings of elements such as design harmony, ergonomics, materials, driver information, safety, comfort, fit-and-finish and value. Aesthetics and design harmony was the most heavily weighted category.

“There’s an elevation of design and materials in the Canyon’s interior that reflects GMC’s precision in craftsmanship,” says Helen Emsley, executive director, Global GMC Design. “Details such as authentic aluminum trim and high-quality stitching reinforce Canyon’s position as the segment’s only premium offering, while features such as multiple USB ports and seats designed for long-haul comfort are thoughtful elements that are essential for active-lifestyle customers.”

Whether drivers are navigating their daily routines or finding recreational adventure, the interior was carefully considered to suit their needs. SLE and SLT models bring connectivity and entertainment with two additional USB ports for charging, an eight-inch diagonal color touch screen radio with Intellilink, and a multicolor driver information center display. SLT models include leather-appointed, heated front bucket seats with power passenger seat.

Technology and connectivity are further enhanced in the Canyon with OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows drivers to stay connected at any time, in any place.

Safety and convenience are also highlighted in Canyon with segment-first available forward collision alert, lane departure warning and standard rear-vision camera.

In addition to Ward’s 10 Best Interiors, Canyon was recognized as Autoweek’s Best of the Best Truck for 2015 and won a midsize pickup comparison by Cars.com.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Friday, May 1, 2015

2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Earns 5-Star Top Government Crash Ratings Thanks to 31 New Safety-Related Innovations

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew with its five-star Overall Vehicle Score in New Car Assessment Program, the highest possible rating, making it the safest F-150 ever
  • All-new F-150 safety features include an advanced restraint system with dual-stage airbags, Curve Control to help drivers stay on their intended path, and available inflatable rear safety belts in SuperCrew models – a segment-first innovation
  • 2015 F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever – includes the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-sized gasoline pickup on the market, plus best-in-class towing and payload ratings
The all-new Ford F-150 SuperCrew has earned the government’s highest possible crash safety rating –  adding to the F-150’s strengths as the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever.

Thanks to 31 new safety-related innovations developed by the Ford truck team, the 2015 F-150 SuperCrew has earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

“The five-star safety rating is a terrific example of One Ford collaboration and innovation,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Our truck team worked together for years to deliver this accomplishment, using an unprecedented combination of advanced materials throughout the all-new F-150. The 2015 model is engineered to be the safest F-150 ever, which matters to customers who depend on this truck to not only get the job done, but also get them safely home.”
F-150’s improved performance is enabled by up to a 700-pound weight savings through the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering.

A cross-functional group comprised of Ford truck product development veterans and researchers worked to precisely optimize vehicle weight savings and manufacturing design to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and crashworthiness. The team created and patented new structures, materials and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

Supercomputers for safety
The F-150 team started engineering the truck with supercomputers before the first units were ever even crash-tested in a lab.
Engineers developed digital safety models with nearly 1.4 million separate elements to examine how even the smallest parts of the truck would perform in a crash situation.

Safety starts with the frame
Safety starts with the truck’s signature, fully boxed frame – the backbone of the all-new F-150.
Engineers added an extra crossmember and increased the use of high-strength steel to improve stiffness, durability and safety – while also helping reduce the frame’s weight by up to 60 pounds.
“The team had to invent new ways to manage crash energy, because advanced materials like high-strength steel behave differently,” said Matt Niesluchowski, Ford truck safety manager. “We found that changing certain shapes led to a weight reduction, while also improving crash performance.”

Safety engineers developed a patented 12-corner front crush horn to dissipate more energy in a front impact. The uniquely shaped structure helps manage crash forces so the frame buckles predictably to keep those forces away from occupants in the cabin. This is just one of the 31 new safety-related innovations the team developed to make the truck safer in the event of a crash.

Safety improvements to the aluminum-alloy body
Ford’s advanced research and safety teams worked together to engineer F-150’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body structure to manage what happens to the body in the event of a crash.

The truck’s cab features hydroformed roof rails that constitute a cage-like structure around the doors, extruded roof bows to provide lateral strength across the top of the cab, and extruded rocker rails near the bottom to reinforce lower body strength.

How various parts of the truck were joined also yielded safety improvements. In many cases, welding was not the most effective way to join parts, so the team developed and patented methods to connect parts using high-strength adhesives. This resulted in structural strength equal to or greater than traditional welds.

Additional safety features
New to F-150 is an advanced restraint system that includes an adaptive steering column that adjusts energy management depending on occupant size and safety belt usage. The system includes dual-stage airbags and side-curtain airbags.
The all-new F-150 offers the following safety features:
  • Safety belt pretensioners added to the belt anchor side that further tighten the lap belt around front seat occupants, keeping them in a more secure spot early in the event of a crash
  • Curve Control, a technology that will slow the vehicle when it senses the truck is going too fast for a particular curve
  • Available inflatable rear safety belts for SuperCrew – a segment-first feature
Driver-assist features
The 2015 F-150 introduces all-new driver-assist and semi-autonomous technologies, including several class-exclusive features such as adaptive cruise control and active park assist.

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support use radar in the front of the truck to measure the distance and speed of vehicles ahead. Using this information, F-150 can automatically slow to keep a consistent following distance set by the driver. Collision warning triggers visual and audio alerts if the system detects the following distance is diminishing too quickly and a collision may occur. It also pre-charges the brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly.

Active park assist uses two ultrasonic sensors and electric power-assisted steering to help drivers parallel park. The sensors measure the gap between two vehicles to determine if there is enough room for the truck. After confirming the F-150 can fit, active park assist automatically steers the truck into the space, while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals.

Lane-keeping system is designed to help prevent a driver from drifting out of the intended driving lane. The system detects the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror. A warning vibration in the steering wheel is used to alert the driver that the vehicle is drifting out of the lines. Semi-autonomous lane-keeping aid then can provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed.

Toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever
F-150’s advanced materials and weight savings lead to customer benefits regardless of model configuration or engine choice. The innovative new truck can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds than the 2014 model, and it has the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-sized gasoline pickup on the market.

When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine, the all-new F-150 4x2 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.