Ford at the Chicago Auto Show

Ford introduces the 2015 F-150 and 2015 Mustang to Chicago. Ford announced a new pinball game from Stern Pinball featuring the all-new Mustang and celebrating 50 years of the original pony car, and also announced that the all-new F-150 is the only light-duty pick-up to offer snow plow prep package across all cab configurations when equipped with 5.0-liter V8 and 4WD.

2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 (Crew Cab) | Pole Crash Test Documentation | CrashNet1

Rack-it Ladder Pro - Great for light duty or occasional use

Built to haul ladders, lumber, pvc pipe, kayaks, canoes for your work or recreational needs, the Ladder Pro is the perfect light duty rack for the everyday or occasional user. The Ladder Pro's two steel uprights mount to the floor of the bed and the inside of the bed rails on either side of the truck for a strong and stable hauling system. Available in gloss black powder-coat. Hardware is included. It is shippable anywhere in the country.

FEATURES:

• Quick installation and removal
• Load rated to 250 lbs.
• Rope hooks allow for quick and easy tie downs
• Black powder coat finish
• One size fits all design
• 24-inch carrying surface
   
   
• To find out more, you may call Rack-It truck racks at 800-445-7666.
  

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

  
  

Salem Off Road Center - A Rack-It Truck Rack Dealer in Salem, OR

Salem Off Road Center is a Rack-It Truck Rack Dealer

Founded in 1974 in the Willamette Valley, Salem Off Road Center has been the premier four wheel drive shop serving Salem Oregon for over 35 years. Our knowledgeable  friendly staff has the resources, enthusiasm, and over 60 years combined experience, to serve our customers every need and ensure their complete satisfaction.

We understand the vital role vehicles play in our lives. We rely on our trucks, SUV's, and even cars from business to pleasure, and our dedicated, non-commissioned sales staff can assist in outfitting your vehicles with the top quality components and accessories needed for each specific application.

From Suspension and Lighting products, to Body Armor and Winches and Recovery Equipment, Salem Off
Road Center has a complete selection of products to keep your rig getting you where you want to go. While catering to everything from Jeeps to Full Size rigs, Salem Off Road Center also offers a wide selection of accessories for your car and RV as well!

We offer installations by our experienced and conscientious installers, of virtually all the products we sell. With our modern showroom, state-of-the-art on-site installation facility, huge inventory, and local ownership, combined with our competitive pricing and our enthusiastic staff with decades of experience adds up to one thing: Customer Satisfaction.


You may find us at:
Salem Off Road Center
2953 Silverton Rd NE
Salem, OR 97301

Phone: (503) 399-7691
Fax: (503) 399-1816

Find us on the web at:
http://www.salemoffroadcenter.com/sorc7_005.htm

A New Era of Choice has Pickup Makers Maneuvering for Advantage

DETROIT -- From Ford's lighter aluminum F-150 to General Motors' stylish smaller pickups to Ram's light-duty diesel engine, the industry's dominant truckmakers have all shown their hands.

Now what?

This year will usher in a new era in the pickup market, with the Detroit 3 following distinctly different paths for their most profitable products. Each will pitch new technologies and ideas to truck buyers who in the past had to consider little more than the color choice for their V-8 pickup.

But as buyers get a wider array of choices, it becomes trickier for manufacturers to plot their market strategies. A high-stakes chess match is under way to protect market share in light of some potentially game-changing entries as pickup makers try to capitalize on resurgent truck demand.

Take GM. For six months it has had the freshest trucks on the market, leading to a leap of roughly $4,000 in the average transaction price for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, according to Edmunds.com. Yet its market share for November through January shrank to 32.7 percent, from 36.6 percent a year earlier, as Ford and Ram offered bigger incentives.

If that depressed market share sticks, it could drain as much as $800 million from GM's annual pretax profits, Barclays analyst Brian Johnson wrote in a research note this month. That helps explain why GM is sweetening pickup deals this month, offering more than $7,000 in discounts on some V-6 models.

But GM's tactical move could get even thornier this fall. The late 2014 rollout of the next-generation F-150 will afford GM the chance to give Ford a taste of its own medicine by offering aggressive deals on GM's full-sized trucks. There's just one problem: Cheaper Silverados and Sierras could stymie sales of the mid-sized Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon just months into their debuts.

"That's our concern about the Colorado: Will the net price be far enough away from the Silverado?" says Greg Williams, sales manager at Rentschler Chevrolet in Slatington, Pa.

Things get complicated for Ford, too, as it prepares to launch the 2015 F-150, which is expected to achieve a big jump in fuel economy by shedding up to 700 pounds through the use of aluminum for the cab, doors and hood.

Ford boosted F-150 incentives 16 percent last year, the only pickup maker to increase them, according to Edmunds.com. Keeping the heat on for 2014 models could risk short-circuiting sales of the '15s when they arrive, around December.

GM North America President Alan Batey acknowledges that GM "gave up a little bit of share" amid larger discounts by Ford and Ram. But he says the pendulum could swing back.

"We actually think in some ways it pulled some of their customers forward because of the deals they were offering," Batey told Automotive News last month.

Rumors that the redesigned F-150 could hit 30 mpg in highway fuel economy have "all kinds of people asking when they can order it," says Robert Vermillion, operations manager at J. Wilderman Autoplex in Mount Carmel, Ill. But he also knows that the pending changeover will drive bargain hunters into the showroom expecting primo deals on the outgoing '14 models.

"They'll be looking for even bigger incentives later this year," Vermillion says.

Meanwhile, Ram's full-sized pickup market share last year rose to 18.6 percent, from 17.9 percent, amid buzz about the 25 mpg highway rating on its V-6 truck, which uses a stop-start system and an eight-speed transmission. Ram's new light-duty diesel engine arrives at dealerships this month.

The innovations pouring into the pickup market could start to fray the strong brand loyalty among pickup buyers, says Tom Libby, an auto analyst at IHS Automotive in suburban Detroit.

The Chevy loyalist who reads an article about Ford's aluminum plans just might find himself visiting a dealership that had been enemy territory.

"The competition is so fierce," Libby says. "There's definitely the possibility that will lead to more cross-shopping and conquesting."

The segment's laggards are investing too. Toyota launched a redesigned Tundra last fall, and Nissan hopes to lift its tiny market share by adding a diesel engine option for the Titan in 2015.

Mark Williams, editor of pickuptrucks.com, an enthusiast Web site, says the situation demands more expertise from salespeople "to know not just more about the truck he's selling, but about the benefits and liabilities of the competition."

"That's where that door gets cracked open," Williams says, "to something other than that same loyal truck buyer sticking with the same old brand."




From Automotive News
You can reach Mike Colias at mcolias@crain.com.

CargoGlide slide at the Indianapolis Boat and RV Show.

A.R.E. Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers display with CargoGlide slide 

at the Indianapolis Boat and RV Show

Thanks to A.R.E. for sharing these with us.
Find out more at: www.cargoglide.com/

Updated Tundra Could Offer a Cummins

With all the attention focused on diesel powertrains, it's no surprise there is talk that Toyota's next Tundra will use the Cummins ISV5.0 V-8 turbo-diesel that also will sit inside the next-generation Nissan Titan.

According to WardsAuto, Toyota will likely use the Cummins 5.0-liter V-8 diesel engine in the 2016 model year to help meet the next level of corporate average fuel economy targets. The engine will act as a placeholder for more powertrain and weight-reducing improvements to come in the next version of the full-size pickup truck.

Earlier reports projected that Toyota was looking to its subsidiary, Hino Motors, for help with a new diesel hybrid powertrain (already available in global heavy-duty truck platforms), but that project was delayed due to the recession.

There is a lot of discussion about light-duty diesels, especially in the full-size pickup truck market, but this kind of powertrain could also work well in the full-size SUV segment, assuming diesel fuel prices come down and the extra costs associated with purchasing an optional diesel engine shrink as well. Right now, Ram's EcoDiesel is the only player in the segment, but the new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will have a baby Duramax option (already used overseas) for the 2016 model year. Additionally, Ford will have a five-cylinder baby Power Stroke available for use in its full-size Transit van ready to debut this year, and there doesn't seem to be any reason why that engine could not fit in a new F-150.

Depending on how you use your vehicle, how long you plan to keep it and the cost of diesel fuel in your area, a diesel-powered pickup may not be the best choice. As those with diesel engine experience know, diesels do not drive like gas engines so it will likely take some time in the marketplace for consumers to get up to speed on the gas versus diesel performance differences.

 Posted by Mark Williams www.pickuptrucks.com

BEDSLIDE 2013 SEMA

2014 Ram 1500 and 2014 Jeep® Cherokee Receive MotorWeek’s Drivers' Choice Award

February 6, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - MotorWeek, television’s original automotive magazine, has released its annual list of Drivers’ Choice Awards and Chrysler Group took top honors in two categories. The 2014 Ram 1500 earns Best Pickup Truck for the second year in a row and the all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee wins Best Small Utility.

“I was really impressed with the Ram 1500 when it won last year. After I drove the EcoDiesel I felt completely justified in making the 1500 a back-to-back winner,” said John Davis, host and creator of MotorWeek. “And, this is the best Cherokee yet. Hugs the road like a car and slings mud like a true truck. Really an awesome on and off-road utility that fully lives up to the Cherokee name.”

MotorWeek has judged the best new cars and trucks of the year for the past 33 years. Its annual Drivers’ Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view, judging on value and reliability, while also taking the latest trends and innovation into consideration.

"MotorWeek is a well-established source of information for consumers and we’re thrilled to accept their Drivers' Choice Award for both the Ram 1500 and our all-new Jeep Cherokee," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group LLC. "These awards were earned in two of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry. Third party recognition from MotorWeek affirms the hard work and commitment of Ram and Jeep employees to deliver great products."

An episode of MotorWeek featuring all of our winners is currently scheduled to air beginning February 8th on PBS and on Discovery’s Velocity Network, February 18th.

Ram 1500
Ram 1500 - the most recognizable pickup on the road - delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including a fuel efficient and powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. For 2014, the Ram 1500 offers a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine that delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency – at least 27 miles per gallon (mpg) - unsurpassed torque and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability.

All-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee
There is a new king of the hill in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment: the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee completely redefines the mid-size SUV segment, delivering legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model), superior on-road ride and handling, a modern, revolutionary design, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 advanced safety and security features. The Jeep Cherokee is set to delight consumers both on the road and on the trail.

Powered by two new engines, three innovative new 4x4 systems that feature the first use of a fully-automated disconnecting rear axle, the Jeep Cherokee revolutionizes the mid-size SUV segment. The Cherokee delivers leading-edge technology customers will value, world-class craftsmanship and clever features like the available 8.4-inch touch screen media center, the seven-inch full color instrument cluster display, inventive storage solutions and cargo flexibility not found elsewhere in the segment.

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is available in four different models in the United States: Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and Cherokee Trailhawk, and has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $22,995 (excluding $995 destination).

Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner Concept - 2014 Chicago Auto Show

Although it's not ready to make any official announcements yet about a new powertrain for the next-generation midsize Frontier pickup truck, Nissan will unveil an interesting project vehicle at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. Sitting under the hood of the stylized two-wheel-drive Frontier Desert Runner pickup sits an all-new Cummins turbo-diesel 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder. The concept truck's mission is to gauge the reaction of showgoers to see if there might be enough sales interest in a small diesel in a midsize pickup.

All-New Ford F-150 Adds Tough New Snow Plow Prep Option Across All Cab Configurations

• The all-new 2015 Ford F-150 will be the only light-duty pickup with a manufacturer’s snow plow prep option across all cab configurations
• F-150 owners with snow plow prep option can operate a plow installed via the aftermarket
• Maximum light-duty plow weight will be over 450 pounds

Winter warriors will have a tough new tool in their arsenal against Mother Nature with Ford’s new snow plow prep option, available on the all-new 2015 F-150. Ford will be the only manufacturer to offer a light-duty snow plow prep option across all cab configurations – Regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew.
When snow plow mode is activated via the push of a button, the vehicle temporarily turns off nonessential features to provide dedicated power for the plow.
The option package requires the truck be equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine and four-wheel drive, and is available across XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels.
“The new 2015 F-150 is the toughest F-150 ever, and by using more high-strength steel in its frame and advanced materials in the body, we’ve made the new truck up to 700 pounds lighter,” said Eric Peterson, Ford F-150 marketing manager. “This leads to more capability and better handling, which is exactly what you’d want for plowing. Adding a snow plow prep kit to our lineup helps ensure our customers have even more tools at their disposal to get the job done.”
Upon taking delivery of a new F-150 with the snow plow prep option, owners will need to take their truck to a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to purchase and install the plow hardware. The maximum light-duty plow weight will be over 450 pounds. 
Pricing for the snow plow prep option, excluding the plow, will be announced later this year. The all-new 2015 F-150 will arrive in dealerships at the end of 2014.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 181,000 employees and 65 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 corporate.ford.com.

Top 5 Details Chevrolet/GMC 2015 HDs Got It Right

We've already said it several times, but there is plenty to like about what the GM engineers did to the next-gen version of GM's heavy-duty pickup trucks. Sure, we would have liked some small investments in the frames and suspensions. But making the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500s/3500s just a tad stronger or offering a few more optional towing packages probably didn't make much sense to the execs or engineers, especially since GM completely redesigned the frame and chassis just three years ago. Here's our list of details that GM got right.

1. Cab Improvements
The new HDs get the same cab configurations changes that we saw in the light-duty versions last year, meaning the previous clamshell-type extended cab now has a front-hinged conventional rear door for better roof- and door-crush strength. Likewise, the crew cabs have been modified to offer rear passengers better legroom. All cabs offer extensive use of high-strength steel and insulation as well. We found the cabs to be dead quiet.

2. Better Exhaust Brake
Although the HDs already had a dedicated on/off exhaust brake switch, integration engineers made it more aggressive and faster to react. The system uses the variable vane technology in the turbo to create back pressure in the engine to control speed. During our 7 percent grade descents in recent test drives towing a 10,000-pound trailer, our speeds never climbed more than 2 or 3 mph above the cruise-control-set speeds.

3. Better Bed Features
Like the light-duties, the new HDs incorporate the same integrated bed step in the corner of the bumpers (with bedrail handholds), use rolled steel in the bed (inside and out) for added strength, offer upper and lower tiedowns in the cargo area for safety, have lighting features available under the bed rails and now allow dealers to install spray-in bedliners.

4. Bigger Info Screen
The 2008 Ford Super Duty was the first to offer drivers as much engine and truck data as possible through a small screen within the gauge cluster. We like how much information both Chevy and GMC are now making accessible from the various sensors and computer controls throughout the truck. GM has even done a pretty good job of separating the different makes and trim packages with unique looks and capabilities.

5. New Bumper Hitch
Creating stronger trailer hitches is a tricky business because the aftermarket trailer hitch industry can only go so far in certifying the strength and ratings of a given system. That's why some truckmakers are taking the control in-house, beefing up their own systems and offering their own ratings. The new HD bumper hitch is stronger than ever before (in fact, segment leading), offering more than 19,000 pounds of towing capacity, which means about 2,000 pounds of tongue-weight strength. We hope GM comes out with a new line of stronger balls and hitches as well.

 From www.pickuptrucks.com

The Rack-it Powder Coat Upgrade

There is an upgraded powder coat finish for your Rack-It Rack. Here is the Powder Coating difference:

No matter what level of powder coating finish you select for your Rack-it Truck Rack, a phosphate pretreatment is always applied. The phosphate coating is a porous transition layer between the coating and the material and can absorb the coating material. Upon curing, the coating solidifies, locking into the phosphate pores. This action provides excellent adhesion. We also use a D.I. water system which improves the final pretreatment quality by eliminating any mineral deposits on the parts.


In the upgraded powder coating process, a uniform mixture of electrostatically charged powder particles containing plastic resins and pigments (that impart color) is sprayed on a pretreated metal surface. It is then cured in an oven. In the oven, the powder goes through a gel and hardening stage that ensures a uniform, drip free surface.

The initial preparation or pre treatment is very important for a successful powder coating. If necessary, chemical treatment and abrasive blasting is done for successful powder coating. Pre treatment increases adhesion of the powder coat to the metal.

No matter what level of powder coating finish you select for your Rack-it Truck Rack, a phosphate pretreatment is always applied. The phosphate coating is a porous transition layer between the coating and the material and can absorb the coating material. Upon curing, the coating solidifies, locking into the phosphate pores. This action provides excellent adhesion. We also use a D.I. water system which improves the final pretreatment quality by eliminating any mineral deposits on the parts.

Let's take a look at our Powder Coating offerings from most economical to the top of the line finish:
Top Coat only - This is the most common powder coating job we offer. One coat of powder goes down on the rack and it's off to cure in the oven.

Primer Coat + Top Coat - Adding a primer coat to the rack is a great idea as it provides an additional moisture barrier layer. The primer is laid down right after the phosphate rinse and then is cured before receiving the final top coat.

Primer Coat + Top Coat + Clear Coat - Finishing off the rack with a clear coat creates a triple layered finish that is very difficult to penetrate.

Media Blast Pretreatment + Primer Coat + Top Coat + Clear Coat - This is the best finish solution available through Rack-it. We begin by media blasting the entire surface of the rack. This process provides good bonding of the coating to the material due to the surface profile left by the blast media.

Whatever your need is, Rack-It can provide it.

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

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

GM Engineers Get Firsthand Dealership Experience