Friday, February 15, 2008

Pimp My Truck!

By Pat Caymus

 Platinum Quality Author

Pimp My Ride-or I Mean, My Truck


Do you feel like you're old convertible, jeep, or even huge truck needs some pimping? You basically don't have to scram. There are far too many choices that you can absolutely pick. These are called aftermarket accessories.


Aftermarket Racks


One of the most common problems in trucks, and even any other type of vehicle, is space. It seems like there's no area that will ever suffice your needs. But before you get mad and wish that there will be a car manufacturer who's open to building much larger vehicles, there are a number of aftermarket racks that can give you ample storage for the many things that you are probably going to transport, especially if you're going in a very long trip.


The aftermarket racks will give the extension your trunk needs. All you have to do is to take way your backseat and set up the trunk. This way, you can have more space at the back of your truck, particularly when you have a Jeep.


If you're truck has its own hard top, you can get yourself a rack basket that reminds you of Safari. It will surely make your jeep ultrafashionable; what's more, it can contain loads of cargo.


Aftermarket Winch


Let's face it, you enjoy it when you're traveling in rough terrain. It gives you a sense of hype, not to mention that it's going to be such a fulfilling experience if you can escape the mud, rocks, and slopes. But one of the biggest problems when it comes to such travel or off-roading is that you have all the probability of getting stuck. That's definitely okay if you have your friends with you. You can simply ask your buddy to come down and help you pull the Jeep or truck that has been buried in the mud. But what if it's only you? That's why it's very important that you bring with you an aftermarket winch.


If you're going to pick up a winch, it may be a good idea if you go for one that has a wire rope as long as 125 feet. It should be able to wound your motor and can pull up as much as 9,000 pounds. You'll be surprised on how fast you will remove yourself from your place.


Aftermarket Light Bar


Whether you like it or not, there will definitely be time when you have to travel when your environment's totally dark. That is the time when the sun is down or that stars and moon start to show up. However, it's also possible that you can drive around your truck without any source of light. What if you hit yourself and your truck to a tree? Of course, you can't blame the plant for your unfortunate situation.


There's a good way on how to prevent that. You can just install or mount an aftermarket light bar such as Maxi. Besides protecting the front side of your truck from getting damaged after the collision, it will also save you much time and effort as there's no need for you to drill them. All you have to do is to get rid of the torque bolts, which you can find at the half side of the top portion of your truck's windshield hinge, install the light bar, and then return the torque bolts. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Aftermarket Covers


When you're traveling, and especially if you have an open portion of your vehicle, it's very important that you can ensure that they are kept safe, especially from the harsh elements. You also need something to hold everything down. That's where the aftermarket covers come in. One of the most preferred choices can be the Tonneau covers. They are also highly valued because you can easily tuck them or put them in storage when they're no longer in use.


What are you waiting for? Pimp up your ride and add style and more functionality to your well-loved truck.








Pat Caymus loves trucks and writes about them at a Truck Bed Liners site and he discusses other truck accessories there, such as Spray on Truck Bed Liners and more.


Peterbilt Pick-Up Truck Pre-Purchase Check-List

By Holly Hendrick-tredway



Make a Check List before ordering your custom built Peterbilt Pick-Up Truck. There is a lot to consider when putting in an order for a custom built Peterbilt pick-up truck.


The chassis of course is a very important aspect of your truck. Half ton, three quarter ton, ton, super duty, are some of the options you have and must consider. Then of course, there are options, paint, paint and interior color schemes, chrome work, engine size and the list goes on and on.


Therefore, I have developed a check-list for you to go by before starting the process. Of course, this is just a guideline and you can add and take away from the list.


* Chassis


* Engine


* Tires and Wheels


* Paint- colors/schemes


* Transmission


* Time frame for delivery


* Type of delivery


* Warranties and Guaranties


These are just some of the things you need to consider when planning your purchase of a Peterbilt Pick-Up Truck.


Something else to think about is what exactly is the use of your truck going to be. Pleasure? Show truck? Everyday use?


If you have questions, which I'm sure you will; contacting the builder and visiting with him about your questions and/or conserns is, of course, the very first step in the process. Second and equally important is your spending budget as these unique pick-up trucks start in the area of about $40,000.00


These Peterbilt Pick-Up Trucks are not for everyone. They are not only custom built, but the cost isn't for the average pocketbook or wallet.


A true conoseur of automobiles will both appreciate these trucks as well as desire to own one for themselves.


Take a little time to consider the check-list and write down any questions you may have and then contact the builder to discuss them. This will make the buying process go smoothly and greatly reduce buyer's remorse and pre-purchase jitters.









H.V. Hendrick is the author of the book You're 50, Not Finished! Available at Amazon as a Kindle Book, She and her husband Mike also custom build Peterbilt Pick Up Trucks.


To get a better idea of what these unique trucks are and to get some of your questions answered and to see if this is the truck for you at my website http://www.peterbiltpickups.myccblog.com



Holly Hendrick-tredway - EzineArticles Expert Author

Trucks Require Constant Maintenance to Avoid Accidents

By Patricia Woloch Platinum Quality Author



18-wheelers and large commercial vehicles pose a significant hazard to most other vehicles on the road due their massive weight and size. A jackknifed trailer can become an impenetrable wall and result in a multiple vehicle collision and lost lives. An overwhelming majority of truck accidents that result in a fatality involve a passenger vehicle. This is the inevitable result of a truck weighing 60-80 tons colliding with a passenger vehicle weighing a little over one ton.


Trucks require proper maintenance. Mechanical failure of a truck, particularly the brakes, can create a great danger to other drivers. Brakes, truck lights and other safety equipment must be properly maintained and regularly checked. Truckers should always perform a pre-trip inspection of their truck, regardless of the length of the trip.


Maintenance Checklist


Truckers and their mechanics should do a chassis inspection daily (if possible). Any identified problems should be scheduled for repairs as soon as possible. Also, the following must be checked for each trip:


· Check the engine, transmission, rear differential, power steering, and wheel seals for lubricant or coolant leaks.
· Check your air pressure and make sure your truck is building up air to the proper level.
· Check the condition of all belts, hoses, and lines (engine belts, fuel lines, radiator hoses, water and air lines, automatic transmission lines, and power steering lines).
· Check tire tread and wear of all tires.
· Check the brake shoes and drums for cracks and wear.
· Drain your air tanks daily and check for excessive moisture.
· Make sure all lights work.
· Make sure horns and wipers work.
· Check windshield and mirrors for visibility and/or cracks.
· Keep flares and a fire extinguisher in the truck at all times.


It is very important that truck drivers watch all gauges while driving for signs of trouble.


There are inexpensive items that you can put on your truck to extend the life of the components. For instance, you can add oil coolers to the hydraulic system, power steering system and the automatic transmission. These simple additions can double, if not triple, the life of those components.


Also, preventative care is something that is typically much lower than repairs. Investing some money in the upkeep of your truck may just prevent you from investing thousands after a part breaks.








If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident in the Buffalo, New York area, please contact John Feroleto, Attorneys at Law today to schedule your initial consultation.


Fuel Oil Trucks Get Design Improvements

By C. Jent



When fuel oil distributors talk about their truck needs, the most frequently mentioned among these needs are durability and maneuverability. Practical design enhancements can make fuel oil trucks better tools to provide greater productivity for the oil industry.


Fuel oil distributors engaged in the task of selecting new delivery truck enhancements typically have a list of 'must-have' features and a list of 'like-to-have' features. Ideally, the truck that finally gets purchased has all of the 'must-have' features and at least a couple of the 'like-to-haves.'


Truck manufacturers have both of the lists and have been working to provide these and additional features after learning from the fuel oil distributors what actually is expected in performance. Bob Bees, marketing product manager for Volvo Trucks North America in Greensboro, N.C. said that while Volvo might not be an obvious or common choice for fuel oil delivery, "it's got a great wheel cut" - a primary consideration for operators who require maneuverability in negotiating driveways and other tight spots in the course of making deliveries.


Home heating oil tankers typically have a capacity of approximately 2,000 - 3,000 gallons. These are typically single-axle vehicles. The front axle often ranges from 14,000 to 16,000 pounds, with a rear axle typically ranging from 23,000 to 26,000 pounds. "They might go all the way up to a 30,000-pound rear axle," Bees said. "We can do this making a very, very good home fuel oil truck, but it's on the high end of the cost spectrum."


Other original equipment manufacturers (OEM) that make trucks that can be designed for fuel oil delivery to the priority of maneuverability have listened to the fuel oil distributors' needs. Freightliner, for example, said its Business Class M2 106 features up to a 55-degree wheel cut, achieved through a combination of a setback front axle and a swept-back bumper. They also offer to complement the wheel-cut, a 2,500-square-inch windshield, low-profile dash and an aerodynamic sloped hood - features that combine for visibility, which are crucial in the negotiating of tight spots. Wide door openings, low step-in heights and interior and exterior grab handles on the M2 are designed to help reduce fatigue, and offer easy entry and exit for drivers who make numerous fuel oil deliveries daily.


Hino Motors Sales USA in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offers a Hino Model 338 Class 7 straight truck with a 260 HP engine, optional in-cab controlled rear locking differentials and optional vertical exhaust. This truck also has an air suspension. The straight truck features an exceptional turning radius because of its 55-degree wheel cut and wide visibility for ease of movement during fuel oil deliveries, even to homes where access is cramped. The truck's dashboard includes a 'Driver Information Display' capable of presenting a range of information, including trip fuel economy, service, and interval maintenance check ups.


Some other design features, integral parts of the specs requested by the oil truck distributors, that different dealers are now offering are: automatic five-speed transmission because many fuel oil distributors find that the automatic transmission helps save several minutes off each stop; new halogen projector low beam headlamps which offer three times longer life than sealed beam headlamps; a new hood assist device and 90-degree hood tilt opening providing easy access to the engine compartment for mechanical repairs; air or hydraulic brakes; and the option of a combination of diesel and electric modes of operation automatically switching between the two seamlessly.


Oil Companies like Triple Diamond Energy Corporation are always looking into improvements in each of the systems of operation in their business to make it run as efficiently as possible.








Chris Jent is the Chief Marketing Officer of Triple Diamond Energy Corp


Triple Diamond Energy specializes in acquiring the highest quality prime oil and gas properties. For more information, visit http://www.triplediamondenergycorp.blogspot.com