The Ladder Pro Plus - Attractive and Removable

Unit can quickly be broken down
to its simplest form - a Standard or
Deluxe series headboard.

  

Ladder Pro Plus

Side bar easily mounts via
our added strength

By popular demand, Rack-it has expanded on our classic headboard. The Ladder Pro Plus includes both front and rear headboards, and left and right side clamp-on side rails to create a sturdy, fork lift loadable, cargo area rack with a removable rear bar. Side bars and rear headboard can be removed when the rack system is not required, leaving the front headboard in place for cab and/or rear window protection. Front headboard can be ordered with or without mesh. Fit is truck specific for most domestic and foreign made trucks. Works with most SureFit accessories. Hardware included.

Gusseted joints for added strength

FEATURES

• Modular design allows for 3 different rack configurations.
• Forklift Loadable.
• Rope hooks allow for quick and easy tie downs.
• Available with headboard mesh behind cab.
• Removable rear bar.
• Black powder coat finish.

GM and Partners Burn Rubber to Improve Fuel Economy

National Tire Research Center to speed testing, development of fuel-efficient tires

DETROIT – General Motors’ drive to improve vehicle fuel economy is expected to gain traction in January when GM engineers and scientists begin work with research partners to accelerate the development of tire technology at the new National Tire Research Center in Halifax County, Va.

The world-class facility, to which GM contributed $5 million, uses state-of-the-art tire performance machinery that will enable automakers and tire manufacturers to replicate real-world emergency events and improve vehicle highway safety.

By some estimates, tire design can help improve fuel efficiency by up to 7 percent. A tire’s rolling resistance is determined by variations in tread pattern, construction, material quality and processing techniques. Ultimately, the lower the rolling resistance, the less fuel is needed to move the vehicle forward.

Low rolling resistance tires are expected to help customers save money at the gas pump, as will more efficient conventional engines and electric powertrains.   

“The work we’ll undertake at the National Tire Research Center will have a big impact on how quickly next-generation tire technologies will be developed and the accuracy of their design and engineering,” said Ken Morris, GM’s executive director of Global Vehicle Performance and Safety, and proving grounds and test labs. Morris attended the center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in October.

The center’s $11.2 million tire performance test equipment, known as Flat-Trac LTRe, is unique in its use of electric motor technology and can run a tire up to 200 mph. It provides data on handling, ride, torque, and braking capabilities on various surfaces, including wet road conditions. GM was instrumental in developing the machine’s test specifications.

The Flat-Trac LTRe is capable of replicating all driving maneuvers of a passenger car or light truck on the road. GM and other automotive engineers will be able to use the data collected by the equipment to predict vehicle performance and modify tire characteristics to improve performance for low rolling resistance, better road-holding capability and other criteria.

“This facility’s test equipment is like going from a basic telescope to the Hubble – it opens up a whole new world of possibilities,” said Frank Della Pia, a former GM vehicle dynamics manager who is executive director for the tire research center. “It can test tires in the full range of the performance spectrum. This facility has no peer in the world. It’s going to enable a transformational leap in tire technology.”

The center’s facilities also include the Southern Virginia Vehicle Motion (SoVa Motion) Laboratory, strategically located in the heart of the Virginia Motorsports Alley at the Virginia International Raceway. SoVa Motion offers shock and suspension testing, virtual prototyping of vehicle components, and a range of on-vehicle sensing such as wheel force transducers. SovaMotion will take advantage of the Tire Center’s test data to conduct drive and handling simulations that could help reduce time and cost of vehicle program development.

“The work GM will do with SovaMotion and the National Tire Research Center will further improve laboratory test methods and improve our overall vehicle development process,” Morris said. “Ultimately, that means better vehicles for our customers.”

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Featured Products From Curt Mfg at Sema Show

Fayne Peck gives us a walkthrough of the CURT booth and gives us insights on some featured products. See more at www.curtmfg.com

GMC Pickups 101: Alphabet Soup of Acronyms

Explaining the GVWRs, the SRWs and the DRWs

Editor’s Note: For more than 100 years, GMC pickups have come in many varieties to suit a wide range of customer demands. From that have come a number of acronyms for various capacities and features. This third in an occasional series of “GMC Pickups 101” features explains those jumbles of letters.

DETROIT – Nearly every full-size pickup owner has a unique use for his or her truck. And considering the GMC Sierra’s 19 different cab and box combinations, the veritable alphabet soup of models practically has its own language of acronyms.

Some of the most important truck acronyms for owners to know are gross weight ratings. Exceeding any of a truck’s weight ratings is unsafe, and it’s a driver’s responsibility to know and avoid exceeding them.

“Nearly every vehicle performance attribute is designed and tested to one or more gross weight rating,” said Robert Krouse, General Motors trailering engineer. ”Body and chassis structural durability, powertrain and driveline durability, handling, braking, thermal and propulsion performance are all validated to specific ratings. That’s why it’s so important for owners to understand those limits.”

• GAWR, or Gross Axle Weight Rating, is the maximum amount of weight that can be placed on either a truck’s front or rear axle, including the weight of the truck, driver, passengers, equipment and cargo. A higher front GAWR generally means more capacity for accessories like plows, while a high rear GAWR relates to a higher payload.
• GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, is the maximum amount of weight for the entire truck and everything in it. This number isn’t simply each axle rating added together; for that to work, the owner would have to precisely load so that each axle weight rating is met just as the overall vehicle rating is met, which isn’t possible in real world conditions. As a result, GVWR is always lower than the sum of each axle to account for changes in weight distribution.
• GCWR, or Gross Combined Weight Rating, is the maximum weight of a truck and an attached trailer, plus everything in each of them. Some of a trailer’s weight is supported by the truck – this is known as tongue weight – a GCWR isn’t simply the GVWR plus the trailer’s weight. When attaching a trailer, an owner should factor tongue weight into a truck’s payload capacity.

“It’s very important that drivers observe these limits to maintain safe stopping distances,” said Krouse. “Not only that, overloading a truck causes excessive wear on suspension and brakes and could lead to engine or transmission failure.”

The 2013 Sierra’s highest GCWR is 30,500 pounds for a 3500HD Duramax DRW model. DRW, another truck acronym, applies only to 3500HD one-ton pickups. It implies a “dual rear wheel” option, as opposed to a “single rear wheel,” or SRW.

The option adds not only higher payload and weight limits, but also better stability with a large trailer attached. For a 2013 Sierra 3500HD 4x4 Crew Cab, a DRW option adds 5,700 pounds of available trailer weight rating and 1,011 pounds of payload capacity.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover.  GMC is the only manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid trucks with the Yukon, Yukon Denali SUVs and the Sierra pickup. The Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks in the market. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2013 Nissan Titan Full-Size Pickup Offers Revised PRO-4X Appearance, New Exterior Colors and Moonroof/DVD Packages

– Continues to Offer Innovative Bed Features, Standard 317-Horsepower 5.6-liter V8 –

Since introduction, the powerful full-size Nissan Titan has established a reputation as a  rugged, reliable, spirited choice for active truck buyers.  It offers a range of innovations, including the first-in-class Utili-track™ cargo-carrying system, available durable spray-on bedliner, lockable bedside storage compartment, Wide-Open rear doors (King Cab) and the longest Crew Cab bed in class*.  For 2013, Titan continues as a truck designed to get the job done, whether that job entails hauling cargo, a trailer or just family and friends.

Titan is again offered in a range of body, bed and drivetrain configurations to fit a variety of buyer needs and uses: King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations, two wheelbases (138.8 inches and 159.5 inches), three bed lengths and four well-equipped trim levels – S, SV, PRO-4X and SL.  Titan is also available as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designed to run on E85 Ethanol.

A number of enhancements are offered for 2013, starting with a new tailgate design with aerodynamic rear spoiler, along with additions and revised content for the various models and equipment packages. 

Titan PRO-4X receives a refreshed exterior appearance, with revised graphics, satin chrome grille, dark wheel finish and bright silver-finish lower radiator skid plate – along with a revised interior appearance with white stitching accents (previously red), new logo design and Titan embroidery for cloth seats (leather-appointed seats maintain PRO-4X embroidery).  Step rails are added as standard on SV and SL models and a standard 120V outlet is added to the truck bed on SL models (optional on SV and PRO-4X Premium Utility Packages).  New styled-steel wheels are added to S models and mudguards are now standard on SL models.  PRO-4X/SL Moonroof and DVD Packages are added to the list of available options. 

Also, a Display Audio/USB/Satellite radio is added as standard on PRO-4X (also available in SV Value Truck Package), with NissanConnect^SM with Navigation/USB standard on SL and optional on the PRO-4X Luxury Package (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).  The revised exterior color selection includes seven new colors: Pearl White, Espresso Black, Glacier White, Gun Metallic, Graphite Blue, Java Metallic and Cayenne Red, along with Galaxy Black and Brilliant Silver.

Titan is built on Nissan's rugged F-Alpha pickup platform, featuring a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft torque and a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.  Titan has a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds for King Cab and 9,400 pounds for Crew Cab (when properly equipped).

While Titan is first and foremost designed for hard work and hard play, an array of technology and comfort features are available, including Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), NissanConnect^SM with Navigation system, Rockford Fosgate audio system, heated front seats, leather-appointed seating and a DVD entertainment center with 8.0-inch screen.

A Generous Bed with Utili-Track™ Bed Channel System
The Titan exterior is anchored by a distinctive, powerful front end and cab appearance and an innovative generous utility bed design.  A new tailgate design is offered for all 2013 models with an aerodynamic spoiler, and step rails are now standard on SV and SL models.

Titan King Cab offers a 139.8-inch wheelbase and 79.1-inch bed, while the Titan Crew Cab features a 139.8-inch wheelbase and 67.3-inch bed.  The Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase model features a 159.5-inch wheelbase and an 87.0-inch bed, nearly 20 inches longer than the standard wheelbase Crew Cab bed and the longest in class.

Titan King Cab models also feature Wide-Open rear doors, which open 168 degrees for easy rear cab access.  Key to the door's design is a hefty, two-stage hinge with four axis of rotation.  The doors open first to a conventional 85 degrees, then can be swung the rest of the way for easy loading and unloading of cargo or passengers.

Titan's available spray-on bedliner (standard on SL models) helps prevent scratch damage and corrosion to the bed and inner tailgate surface.  Thinner than drop-in bedliners or typical aftermarket spray-on applications, the Titan bedliner also maximizes bed volume.

Also available is the Utili-track™ Bed Channel System, with five special "C" cross-section rails that are mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor, and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel).  Titan is the only truck to offer five channels.  Removable heavy-duty utility cleats (rated at 200 pounds) slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attachment points for tying down cargo.  The channels are open at the rear of the bed, allowing the cleats to be completely removed when not in use for easy cleaning.  To further maximize Titan's utility, Nissan offers an extensive line of bed accessories, including dividers, extenders, sliding cargo trays, modular storage units, bike and kayak racks and other accessories.

As required for a working pickup, the Titan bed also carries 4x8-foot plywood sheets between the wheel housings.  Titan's bed includes an available dampened tailgate assist that aids in the effort to open and close the tailgate.  Titan also features an available innovative bedside storage compartment located behind the rear driver's side wheel (SV, PRO-4X and SL models).  The bedside storage bin is designed to hold common utility items such as work gloves, chains, rope, road flares, first aid kit or a hitch ball.  The compartment is double-sealed to help prevent the intrusion of water and dust and uses the Titan ignition key for unlocking.

A Powerful, Refined Engine with Outstanding Towing Power
The 2013 Nissan Titan utilizes a rugged, fully boxed high-strength all-steel F-Alpha platform for crash performance and long-term durability.  Every Titan comes equipped with Nissan's advanced Endurance V8 as standard equipment.  The all-aluminum 5.6-liter V8 engine is rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque and utilizes an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshaft, graphite-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps and super silent single-stage timing chain.  Titan is available with Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology as a no-cost option (available in certain regions only).  Equipped with a common fuel tank designed to run on varying blends of gasoline with ethanol (up to E85), Titan FFV offers an alternative to conventional gasoline.  All Titans feature a 28-gallon fuel tank, providing an excellent driving range.

Titan's standard 5-speed automatic transmission is designed especially for truck use, with emphasis on serious towing and smooth shift quality.  A transmission temperature gauge is included in the meter cluster on SV, PRO-4X and SL models.  An Active Brake Limited-Slip Differential (2-wheel or 4-wheel) is standard on both 4x2 and 4x4 models.

Titan 4x4 models adapt an advanced shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes with electronic control part-time transfer case.  Titan features a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 pounds for King Cab and 9,400 pounds for Crew Cab (when properly equipped) – as much as some 3/4-ton pickups. 

Titan's responsive handling is a product of its all-steel double wishbone front suspension design and overslung leaf spring (dual rate) rear suspension with shackles mounted along the frame sides to increase departure angle.  Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard, along with 4-wheel disc brakes with Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. 

Titan offers new styled-steel 18-inch wheels on S models, with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels standard on SV models (optional on Titan S).   PRO-4X models feature dark finish off-road style 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard on the Titan SL.  Crew Cab SV models are offered with optional 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels and 20-inch chrome-plated aluminum-alloy wheels are optional on SL models. 

A Comfortable, Highly Refined Interior
Titan's interior features refined styling and two interior configurations – a bench seat with column shifter (seats six) or two front bucket seats with a large center console and gated floor shifter (seats five).  The bench seat is standard on S and SV models, while captains seats are standard on the PRO-4X and SL models and available as part of the SV Value Truck Package (SV models).  The bucket seat-equipped Titan's center console can hold a variety of beverage containers, including a one-liter bottle.  A 12-volt adapter is equipped in the back of the center console and can be used as a power source for a phone or other electronic devices.  The console offers a variety of storage choices, with size adjusted by simply removing or adding dividers.  The console's storage box can also accommodate hanging file folders and contains holders for maps, paper, pens and business cards on the console lid.

Also available among Titan's many interior features are standard flip-up 60/40 rear seat cushions for added cargo space and flexibility – with available grocery hooks on the bottom of the seat cushions.  The rear floor is designed to be nearly flat for maximum cargo utility. 

The Crew Cab's rear seat is large and relaxing, with a full 24 degrees of seat back angle, helping passengers take full advantage of the Crew Cab Titan's 125.6 cubic feet of available space, including front and rear seat leg room of 41.8 inches and 40.4 inches, respectively.

Both King Cab and Crew Cab Titans' rear compartments offer ample rear storage, including door storage bins and rear door bottle holders in the armrests and available power front windows with one-touch auto up/down function (not available on King Cab S models).  All Titan Crew Cab models feature a standard power down/up rear bed access cab window.

An available overhead console system gives passengers more storage options.  The console contains storage bins for both front and rear passengers for items like sunglasses, CDs, cell phone, PDA or a small tissue box.  Titan features an available fold-flat front passenger seat that allows extra versatility and can also be used as a working area.  Also available are power-adjustable front seats (8-way driver's seat, 4-way passenger's seat), a driver's seat memory system and heated seats.  Titan also offers available power-adjustable foot pedals with memory.  Crew Cab PRO-4X and SL models offer an optional rear-seat DVD Entertainment System with fold-down eight-inch monitor.

Safety and Security
The 2013 Titan includes a long list of safety equipment, including Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification sensor; front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters; front seat Active Head Restraints; three-point rear passenger seat belts; and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system.  Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags with rollover sensor are standard equipment on all models.  Other vehicle-incorporated safety features include Zone Body construction with front and rear structure crumple zones, an energy absorbing steering column, hood buckling creases with safety stops, knee bolsters, body side reinforcements and a shift interlock system.  Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard.

Model Lineup and Equipment Packages
The 2013 Nissan Titan King Cab and Titan Crew Cab are offered in four well-equipped models – S, SV, PRO-4X and SL – and with a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations, except PRO-4X which is available in 4x4 only.  Each is offered with a long list of standard equipment, including a powerful 5.6-liter Endurance V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Titan S models are equipped with a standard 40/20/40 split front bench seat with a center seat fold-down armrest, split fold-up rear seat and seating for six people.  Titan SV models include standard 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and 265/70R18 tires, chrome steel bumpers, front overhead console, manual lumbar support, power door locks with Auto-locking feature, tailgate assist, power windows with front auto up/down, cruise control, Remote Keyless Entry and more.

The Titan PRO-4X features satin chrome-finish grille, an identifying decal over the rear fenders and a number of exterior trim components to achieve a sportier look, along with a lockable bedside storage compartment, splash guards and auto on/off headlights.  PRO-4X performance equipment includes Rancho® performance shock absorbers, a lower final drive ratio (3.357), additional skid plates on the oil pan and transfer case, an Electronic Locking Rear Differential and unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with off-road style center caps and largest-in-class BFGoodrich^® Rugged Trail^® 275/70R18 all-terrain tires.

The PRO-4X interior receives styling cues that differentiate it from the rest of the Titan lineup with unique white-face meters and gauges, seats featuring an embroidered PRO-4X logo, white stitching and available leather-appointed seats and white-stitched shifter knob and steering wheel.

Titan SL models add 6-spoke 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, standard utility bed features, leather-appointed seating, Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with up to 10 speakers (eight speakers on King Cab, 10 speakers on Crew Cab), dual-zone auto-climate control system, wood appearance trim, Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), front and rear overhead consoles (Crew Cab only), power folding mirrors with heat, power adjust, auto dim, integrated turn signal and more.

A number of equipment packages are also offered, including the S Popular Equipment Package with sliding rear window with tint ((King Cab only), tinted rear door glass (King Cab only), front overhead console, Remote Keyless Entry (Crew Cab only), cruise control, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, receiver hitch, 7-pin wiring harness connector (rear bumper), and brake controller jumper wire.

The SV Value Truck Package offers cloth captain's seats with center console, gated leather floor shift, RearView Monitor, USB point, 120V power point (in center console), fold-flat passenger seat, rear HVAC vents (Crew Cab only), 8-way power driver's seat, fog lights, Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Rear Sonar System and receiver hitch, 7-pin wiring harness connector and brake controller jumper wire. 

Also offered is the SV Utility Package with lockable bedside storage compartment, Utili-track^® Channel System with 4 tie-down cleats, tailgate area illumination, bed-mounted 120V power point and factory-applied spray-on bedliner.  The SV Premium Utility Package adds a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with two additional speakers, HomeLink^® Universal Transceiver, power-adjustable pedals, lockable bedside storage compartment, Utili-track^® Channel System with 4 tie-down cleats, tailgate area illumination, bed-mounted 120V power point, factory-applied spray-on bedliner, lower final gear ratio, front tow hooks (4x2) and power heated extendable tow mirrors.

Four packages are also offered for Titan PRO-4X: the exclusive PRO-4X Premium Utility Package and PRO-4X Luxury Package, and the shared PRO-4X/SL Moonroof and DVD entertainment packages.  One exclusive SL package completes the options list: the SL Max Utility Package with lower final gear ratio, heavy duty battery (standard on FFV models), front tow hooks (4x2) and extending tow mirrors.

The 2013 Nissan Titan is assembled by Nissan North America in Canton, Mississippi.

Custom Trimmer Rack Is A Handy Helper

Besides our standard production racks with all the matching fit options, we build a lot of custom racks for specific uses. This is the Trimmer rack with holds weed whackers, and other like tools and fastens easily to the pickup bed using our Mega Clamp system and is removable just as easy as to install, yet it is secure while it is there.

Whatever your need is, just give us a call at 800-445-7666 and let us know what you want and how you want to use it and we can make the perfect rack for your customized needs. Visit http://www.rackitinc.com/.

Diamond Truck Body - Stockton, CA - A Rack-It Dealer

Diamond Truck Body Manufacturing Inc, is the leader in Utility and Service Truck body design & manufacturing, and has been adding improved functionality and versatility to service vehicles since 1979.

At Diamond Truck Body we understand the value of a satisfied customer. Our staff of experienced professionals will work closely with you to design a durable, versatile service vehicle that is custom tailored to fit your every need.

We enthusiastically hope that when your truck needs require rugged durability, versatility and innovation, you will call on Diamond Truck Body Manufacturing, we will exceed your expectations.

 

Diamond Truck Body is a Rack-It Truck Rack Dealer

”Nothing Outlasts A Diamond!”