How Air Curtains on F-150 Help Reduce Aerodynamic Drag and Aid Fuel Efficiency

•     New air curtain technology that guides airflow across the front wheels to reduce wind turbulence helps make the all-new F-150 the most aerodynamically efficient F-150 ever
•     Horizontal slots underneath the headlamps channel air from the front of the truck through ducting to openings in the wheel wells – directing it across the outer surface of the wheel and tire
•     Distinctive Built Ford Tough style of all-new F-150 pushes boundaries of bold design while increasing aerodynamic efficiency over the previous model

DEARBORN, Mich., July 15, 2015 – The 2015 Ford F-150 is the most aerodynamically efficient F-150 ever, thanks in part to new aero curtains that reduce wind drag by guiding airflow across the front wheels.

Air curtain technology, which first debuted on the all-new Ford Mustang, allows air to flow through a vent underneath the headlamps and out around the wheel. Side-by-side animations show how airflow is smoother at the front wheel and down the side of the truck with the air curtain, versus without it.

By optimizing the aerodynamic design of F-150, Ford designers and engineers reduced drag to help F-150 deliver a best-in-class gasoline EPA-estimated rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when equipped with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine.1 

Using air to manage airflow

“With the new F-150, an extensive amount of time was spent running aerodynamic simulations and doing wind tunnel tests,” said Rob Lietz, Ford technical expert in applied computational fluid dynamics. “Major advances in our computational fluid dynamics capability let us quickly see how we could improve airflow while maintaining the tough truck looks expected from F-150.”

It’s not obvious to the eye, but rotating wheels are a major source of drag. Enclosing the wheels in skirts to smooth the flow isn’t necessarily practical or attractive – especially on a vehicle as hardworking as F-150. So Lietz and team adopted a different approach.

Horizontal slots underneath the headlamps channel air from the front of the truck through ducting to openings in the wheel wells – directing it across the outer surface of the wheel and tire. The wall of high-speed air works much like a skirt to reduce drag, while still leaving the alloy wheels fully exposed.

Other F-150 aerodynamic efficiency improvements include:

•     Flush-mounted windshield eliminates need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow
•     Tailgate top is designed to act as a spoiler, giving air that flows off the roof a place to land before smoothly trailing off – reducing turbulence behind the truck
•     Cargo box is narrower than the cab, with no reduction in box volume, which enhances airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box
•     Rear corners including taillamps are precisely angled so air breaks off cleanly – reducing turbulence behind the truck
•     Duct under headlamp channels air through to the wheelhousing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel

The result of the work of Ford engineers and designers is another incremental improvement in aerodynamics that helps F-150 earn its position as the most fuel-efficient gasoline pickup in the light-duty truck segment.

12015 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 4x2 model tested for EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary. Class is full-size pickups under 8500 pounds GVWR.

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 194,000 employees and 66 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.

Bear Proof Trash Enclosures - P.A.W. by Rack-it

The Rack-it  line of P.A.W. Bear Proof Trash Enclosures are  built with the same highest quality 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

Total Truck Accessory Center - A Rack-it Dealer in Anchorage, AK

Total Truck Accessory Center:  Total Truck is locally owned and operated, we go all out to meet our customer’s needs and provide the best service. Our staff is knowledgeable, skilled and experienced. We work to improve our customer satisfaction by constantly improving our operations. We have a wide range of resources to help meet your needs in truck accessories with excellent performance and value pricing.
 

Total Truck Accessories
7700 Homer Drive
Anchorage, AK 99518

Phone: 907-522-9393
Fax: 907-522-9396


Find out more at: http://totaltruckak.com/

New Camera Technology Helps Drivers See Around Corners; Next Super Duty to Offer Ford’s Most Advanced Cameras Yet

•     New split-view camera debuts on new Ford Edge and Explorer in the United States and China, helping customers see obstacles coming around corners
•     Next Ford Super Duty to feature the company’s most advanced camera technology yet – up to seven cameras and all-new digital architecture – helping customers see more angles around a truck and trailer than ever before
•     Ford plans to make rear-view cameras standard on all its North American light passenger vehicles by 2018 and front cameras available on a majority of its vehicles globally by volume by 2020
•  

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 23, 2015 – Ford is introducing new vehicle camera technology that can help see around corners even when drivers cannot, aiding in reducing driver stress and potentially averting accidents.

The new available split-view camera feature helps drivers see traffic and obstacles that enter the vehicle’s path from the side by displaying a 180-degree view of the area in front of or behind a vehicle. It is the latest example of how Ford is using camera technology to help make driving easier.

Split view uses real-time video feeds from 1-megapixel wide-angle lens cameras in the grille and tailgate. A tri-panel display in the 8-inch screen helps customers understand quickly whether an obstacle is coming from either side or straight on. Split view is activated at the touch of a button and automatically shuts off when vehicle speed reaches 6.2 mph (10 kph).

Ford introduced split view on the 2015 Ford Edge and 2016 Explorer in the United States and China. Front split view is offered on Edge. Front and rear split view comes standard in the United States on the 2016 Explorer Limited on sale now and Explorer Platinum, on sale soon. Front split view is coming to the all-new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy in Europe, available to order now. Split view will be offered on nearly all Ford SUVs globally by 2020.

A tiny telescopic jet washer keeps the front camera clean on every vehicle with split view. Explorer also incorporates a washer for the rear camera.

More cameras rolling out across Ford lineup
Ford plans to make rear-view cameras standard on all of its North American light passenger vehicles by 2018 – and front cameras available on a majority of its vehicles globally by volume by 2020 – meaning the company plans to put more than 2 million new cameras a year on the road.

Ford introduced rear-view cameras in the 2007 Expedition and now offers an available backup camera in every Ford car, SUV and light truck in North America. Backup cameras are standard in Focus, Fusion, Explorer, Escape, Edge and Mustang.

Next Super Duty to feature Ford’s most advanced camera tech yet
Ford announced today the next Ford Super Duty will offer the company’s most advanced camera technology, helping with lane-keeping assistance and enabling customers to see more angles around a truck and trailer than ever before.

The next Super Duty is featuring up to seven cameras and all-new digital architecture, making Ford an industry leader in advanced camera technology and helping customers better maneuver alone and in tight spots.

The 2016 F-150 has up to five cameras available, the most of any vehicle in the Ford lineup. Four cameras in F-150 are mounted in the outside mirrors, and rear and front of the vehicle to enable a 360-degree view and backup view functions.

A forward-looking camera mounted behind the rearview mirror is used to activate auto high beams and lane-keeping assist, which looks for lane deviations. The driver never sees the image from this camera, but the vehicle’s computer uses the visual signal to operate the rest of the system.

Camera technology also is a key enabler in Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on the 2016 F-150, which helps a customer steer the trailer with a control knob while the truck steers its wheels.

Dynamic Hitch Assist is another F-150 feature that uses cameras. It provides a center sight line in the display that helps the driver properly line up the truck to the trailer to hitch up.

Ford cameras are tested under extreme conditions – beyond what they will endure during a typical vehicle lifetime. Each camera component is subjected to more than 1,000 hours of testing to make sure it can withstand temperature changes, humidity, dust, salt and more. Ford engineers also immerse cameras to confirm the casing does not let water leak in.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle.
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 194,000 employees and 66 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.

2016 GMC Sierra Unveiled

 With exterior styling as its top reason for purchase, the new truck adds key design elements: LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights; new front fascia and grilles for each trim level; new LED fog lamps; new bumpers; and new “C-shaped” LED taillights.

The new Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.

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/, onTwitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.


GMC’s best-selling truck has great momentum coming off its best June since 2006 and 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains.

Rack-it Conduit Carrier is a great option for any rack!

The Rack-it Conduit Carrier is a great option for any rack where you will be carrying conduit, pipe and other long objects.  Lockable with your padlock and secured to the truck rack making it a safer and more secure load!

Close-Up Views

Sometimes you need just a little something extra, like this conduit pack. No problem. Just give us a call at 800-445-7666 and we can take care of whatever customizations you might need. For our standardized products, see http://www.rackitinc.com/.

Sneak Peak: 2016 Ram Laramie Limited 4 x 4's

We recently attended Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' annual What's New media event at its Chelsea Proving Ground in Michigan where we got a good handle on all things Ram for the 2016 model year. Unfortunately, we must wait for a Sept. 1 embargo before sharing certain information with our readers. However, we did see Ram's new chrome-and-flare-nostrilled Laramie Limited in half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton configurations. Those images are not restricted, so we're sharing these exclusive photos and some information now.

The biggest news for the 2016 Ram 3500 is that the latest generation of 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder Cummins option now produces a class-leading 900 pounds-feet of torque, but there are a few other details that have changed like the new backup camera setup.

We'll be writing more about the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups when we get time behind the wheel and a chance to put them through our rigorous testing procedures. For now, here are photos of the three highest trim packages Ram offers. For more information about the 2016 Ram 2500/3500, click here.

Source:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/07/sneak-peek-2016-ram-laramie-limited-4x4s.html

Cars.com photos by Mark Williams

Find a Rack-it Dealer in Oregon - Oregon California Supply

Oregon California Supply, has been serving the needs of the working people ever since it was founded by the Gallup brothers in 1996. We are located in Southern Oregon near the California border, which is why we feel the name fits.  With over 75 years of combined experience, the crew at either one of our locations are eager to serve you. We treat people right and have what you need to get the job done.

 We have two stores that are ready to help you find what you need. Located in Grants Pass at 574 N.E. F Street, and in Central Point at 5186 Crater Lake Ave. See our Services page for product listings.

Give us a call.  (888) 505-1377  Central Point

                         (877) 479-5990  Grants Pass

New F-150 Raptor Wraps Up Initial Desert Durability Testing

DEARBORN, Mich., July 7, 2015 – The 2017 F-150 Raptor – Ford’s toughest, smartest, most capable off-road truck ever – recently completed more than 1,000 miles of testing in the southwestern United States.

Over 1,028 miles of desert trail designed to parallel the Baja race course in Mexico, the 66-mile route featured a wide range of surfaces including fast sandy washes, deep-rutted silt beds, steep climbs in deep sand, and slow meticulous crawls through tight trenches. The truck topped speeds of 100 mph in places, slowing to 10 mph in others, for an average speed of approximately 50 mph. The 2017 Raptor is 25 percent faster than the current truck based on lap times.

At the end of each lap, the new Raptor completed a tabletop jump consisting of a steep ramp up to a two-foot plateau, then a step-off back to level ground. The vehicles tested were early build prototypes made from a mix of 2015 F-150 and 2017 F-150 Raptor components.

As is the case with all Built Ford Tough trucks, Ford engineers pushed the new Raptor harder in a few days than it will be pushed over the lifetime of a typical vehicle – far exceeding what an owner would do on the trail.

Testing of the next Raptor, first revealed earlier this year, continues into 2016. The 2017 F-150 Raptor goes on sale in fall 2016.

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 194,000 employees and 66 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.

2015 Tundra and F 150 Comparison Video

This is a video comparison of the 2015 Toyota Tundra and the F 150 that we found interesting.

Ford, Hewlett-Packard Using Coffee Stops, Big Data to Better Manage Fleets and Personalize Employee Drives

•     Ford and HP Fleet Insights experiment analyzes information from daily driving to lead to more efficiently managed fleets, car sharing and personalized driving experiences
•     Experiment gathered information from national HP fleet vehicles and HP employee volunteer drivers around the U.S., learning HP drivers share similar coffee, airport parking and refueling habits, which could be leveraged to reduce operating costs while improving convenience and services
•     The Fleet Insights experiment is one part of the Ford Smart Mobility plan aimed at better understanding consumers’ mobility needs around the globe

Ford Motor Company engineers have completed a real-world driving experiment with HP, one of the world’s largest technology companies, discovering which commuting commonalities could provide future breakthroughs for better managing fleets, personalized services and recommendations for individual drivers.

Using HP’s Big Data Discovery Experience Services and the HP Haven big data platform, the engineering team gathered data and analyzed it to determine possibilities for lowering operating costs and optimizing underutilized vehicles for fleets as well as personal driving.

Among the observations of the experiment: Regardless of location, most HP drivers grabbed coffee at the same national coffeehouse and refueled with the same brand of gasoline, while traveling employees often left vehicles unused at the airport for days.

While it’s no surprise road-tripping employees stop for coffee, data analysis about commutes and driving routines could lead to greater economies of scale for company fleets and new solutions for optimizing underutilized vehicles.

“The Fleet Insights experiment is one of the first steps to better understand and learn about how driving behavior is changing,” said Marcy Klevorn, Ford vice president and chief information officer. “Fleets could see operating costs lowered through national buying contracts and improved utilization and maintenance, while individual drivers could receive coupons or create cooperative pools to share unused vehicles.”

The Ford Fleet Insights experiment included HP fleet vehicles that were equipped with wireless sensors plugged into each vehicle. Ford data scientists and IT leaders used the HP Vertica analytics engine, part of the HP Haven platform, to explore patterns and multiple dimensions of fleet driver activity. Also, each driver could access their data using a custom smartphone app to recall trip details, if needed.

“HP and Ford share a common vision around bringing together data, mobility, and analytics to explore new ways to deliver better customer experiences, new revenue streams, and lower fuel and maintenance costs in the automotive industry,” said Martin Risau, senior vice president, Analytics & Data Management Practice, HP Enterprise Services. “The results of this experiment can help unleash improvements for business operations for fleet management and personal driving experiences.”

Observations during the experiment included:

•     Regardless of location, most drivers visited the same national coffee house and refueled with the same brand of gasoline
•     Traveling employees often left their vehicles unused at the airport for days. These vehicles could be utilized more effectively by nearby drivers
•     70 percent of trips took place during weekdays and typical trip distances were 13 miles or less

Trips fell into four groups:

•     City block driving (34 percent): Involved frequent direction changes, driving near the speed limit, idling at stoplights with short distances.
•     Freeway driving (21 percent): Involved few driving direction changes with large deviations from the speed-limit depending on traffic, and long trip durations and driving distances with less stop and go than City Block Commute.
•      Non rush-hour Driving (29 percent): Short trip duration and short-distance with less stops and idling
•      Rush-hour driving (16 percent): Short trip duration and short-distance with frequent stops and idling during peak drive hours

The Fleet Insight experiment data collection phase was completed in June after gathering information from nearly 100 vehicles. Data analysis continues through the end of 2015.
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 194,000 employees and 66 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.

•     Ford and HP Fleet Insights experiment analyzes information from daily driving to lead to more efficiently managed fleets, car sharing and personalized driving experiences
•     Experiment gathered information from national HP fleet vehicles and HP employee volunteer drivers around the U.S., learning HP drivers share similar coffee, airport parking and refueling habits, which could be leveraged to reduce operating costs while improving convenience and services
•     The Fleet Insights experiment is one part of the Ford Smart Mobility plan aimed at better understanding consumers’ mobility needs around the globe

Ford Motor Company engineers have completed a real-world driving experiment with HP, one of the world’s largest technology companies, discovering which commuting commonalities could provide future breakthroughs for better managing fleets, personalized services and recommendations for individual drivers.

Using HP’s Big Data Discovery Experience Services and the HP Haven big data platform, the engineering team gathered data and analyzed it to determine possibilities for lowering operating costs and optimizing underutilized vehicles for fleets as well as personal driving.

Among the observations of the experiment: Regardless of location, most HP drivers grabbed coffee at the same national coffeehouse and refueled with the same brand of gasoline, while traveling employees often left vehicles unused at the airport for days.

While it’s no surprise road-tripping employees stop for coffee, data analysis about commutes and driving routines could lead to greater economies of scale for company fleets and new solutions for optimizing underutilized vehicles.

“The Fleet Insights experiment is one of the first steps to better understand and learn about how driving behavior is changing,” said Marcy Klevorn, Ford vice president and chief information officer. “Fleets could see operating costs lowered through national buying contracts and improved utilization and maintenance, while individual drivers could receive coupons or create cooperative pools to share unused vehicles.”

The Ford Fleet Insights experiment included HP fleet vehicles that were equipped with wireless sensors plugged into each vehicle. Ford data scientists and IT leaders used the HP Vertica analytics engine, part of the HP Haven platform, to explore patterns and multiple dimensions of fleet driver activity. Also, each driver could access their data using a custom smartphone app to recall trip details, if needed.

“HP and Ford share a common vision around bringing together data, mobility, and analytics to explore new ways to deliver better customer experiences, new revenue streams, and lower fuel and maintenance costs in the automotive industry,” said Martin Risau, senior vice president, Analytics & Data Management Practice, HP Enterprise Services. “The results of this experiment can help unleash improvements for business operations for fleet management and personal driving experiences.”

Observations during the experiment included:

•     Regardless of location, most drivers visited the same national coffee house and refueled with the same brand of gasoline
•     Traveling employees often left their vehicles unused at the airport for days. These vehicles could be utilized more effectively by nearby drivers
•     70 percent of trips took place during weekdays and typical trip distances were 13 miles or less

Trips fell into four groups:

•     City block driving (34 percent): Involved frequent direction changes, driving near the speed limit, idling at stoplights with short distances.
•     Freeway driving (21 percent): Involved few driving direction changes with large deviations from the speed-limit depending on traffic, and long trip durations and driving distances with less stop and go than City Block Commute.
•      Non rush-hour Driving (29 percent): Short trip duration and short-distance with less stops and idling
•      Rush-hour driving (16 percent): Short trip duration and short-distance with frequent stops and idling during peak drive hours

The Fleet Insight experiment data collection phase was completed in June after gathering information from nearly 100 vehicles. Data analysis continues through the end of 2015.
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 194,000 employees and 66 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.

GM Advances Vehicle Theft Notification Technology

If some thief decides to take your new GM pickup for a drive while you are out of sight and earshot, your cell phone will be dancing.

OnStar Theft Notification

GM’s Theft Alarm Notification will alert OnStar subscribers their vehicle is being broken into or stolen.

Chevrolet’s Theft Alarm Notification is an enhancement to the existing Stolen Vehicle Assistance service allowing OnStar subscribers to receive a real-time alert when the vehicle’s alarm sounds.

The service will be available to eligible subscribers later this summer.

The Theft Alarm Notification feature is another enhancement to OnStar’s existing security features, which include Remote Ignition Block and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

With Theft Alarm Notification, OnStar subscribers can opt in to receive an alert through text, email or phone if a theft attempt triggers their vehicle’s alarm system and the alarm sounds.

“Prompt response and quick awareness of theft situations give customers a greater chance to recover stolen property,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “By leveraging the connection that OnStar provides, Chevrolet owners can remain in contact with their vehicle, even when it is out of sight.”

If a properly equipped Chevrolet is stolen, OnStar advisors will work with local authorities and use GPS technology to pinpoint the vehicle’s location.

In certain models, if the conditions are safe, advisors can send a signal to slow down the vehicle, aiding police officers in its recovery and preventing a potential high-speed chase.

The Theft Alarm Notification feature is included within OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Assistance service and is available to subscribers with the Security or Guidance package and a compatible vehicle.

Most 2014 model year and newer Chevrolet vehicles are equipped to offer Theft Alarm Notification. Subscribers can confirm if their vehicle is compatible here or by speaking with an OnStar advisor.

Click here to learn more about OnStar and Theft Alarm Notification.

Rack-it Dealers in Arizona

Arizona Truck Pros

5511 N. 51st Ave.

Glendale

AZ

85301

(602) 339-0892

Tom's Camperland

1620 North 19th Ave.

Phoenix

AZ

85009

(602) 258-3663

Fisher Tools

1990 E. 3rd Street

Tempe

AZ

85281

(480) 968-0123

Tom's Camperland

2183 East Apache Blvd.

Tempe

AZ

85281

(408) 894-1267

2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Off-Road : This Just In!

( http://www.TFLtruck.com ) The 2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is the most off-road worthy Tundra that you can buy. But just how well does it do on the rocky, snowy and muddy trails of the Colorado Rocky Mountains? Watch this video to find out

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

What is the Capacity of my Rack-it Rack?

(This is not a Rack-it Truck Rack - and in any event don't try this with any 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 pickup 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.