Saturday, April 19, 2008

Custom Truck Wheels - Express Yourself

By Ernest Jarquio Platinum Quality Author



Many years ago a truck was, well, just a truck. They were tough working vehicles used for hauling goods and getting to work and not a whole lot more than that. These days the term "light truck" refers to a variety of vehicles including pick-up trucks, SUV's and vans. These "light trucks" account for approximately 25% of all vehicles on the road and they are considered to be much more than just a "work truck". In fact, for many people the light truck is their only vehicle or their main source of transportation. A current trend includes adding details including custom truck wheels to personalize the truck and express the driver's personality.


Styles To Choose From


Custom truck wheels come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. The average sizes range from 17 inches up to 24 inches in diameter and every size in between. When choosing the size you would like for your truck, it is a good idea to take into consideration the cost of tires since getting "unusual" sizes may cost more especially for a truck since the tires need to be rated "heavy duty".


Another consideration for the size of your custom truck wheels is the effect that size has on the overall appearance of the truck. A simple change such as going to a slightly smaller or larger wheel size can have a large impact on the look of the truck and the statement that the truck makes about your personality. Some people prefer to use two different sizes with slightly smaller wheels on the front and larger wheels in the back.


Effects And Designs


The designs are virtually unlimited and range from ultra-shiny chrome spikes to dazzling rhinestones. You can express yourself in many different ways with custom truck wheels and make your truck one-of-a-kind. Your truck may have an "outlaw" appearance with black wheels accented by silver studs or a "jetsetter" look with polished chrome and rhinestone accents. Maybe you would prefer a superhero image with a spider web design on your wheels which could be carried over into a custom paint job with Spiderman on a web?


Other custom wheels create an optical illusion that the tires are spinning backwards and get your truck extra attention when you are out on the road. Your options are as unlimited as your imagination. "Pimping your ride" is as easy as choosing a custom truck wheel that compliments your truck and your personality.



Shopping For Them


Finding custom tires these days couldn't be simpler. You can get them at most tires stores and the most unique wheels can be found on the internet for a reasonable price. Many of the online stores include a free downloadable instruction guide to assist you in installing the custom truck wheels yourself saving you even more money.


No longer just an old work horse out on the farm, the modern truck has evolved into almost a work of art. Your truck has become almost an extension of yourself and people will recognize you while driving down the road by the unique look of your truck.








Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Just-Tires-n-Rims.com. He provides more resources on topics such as discount truck tires, cheap chrome rims and Good Year tires that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.


Sunday, March 9, 2008

Dodge Wheels - Equivalent to Rugged Dependability

By Matthew G Thomas



Ever wondered why the term "wheels" has developed into a slang word for a car? The wheels can be held responsible for this because of its form, as it is the oddest-looking external parts of the car. But more than that, it is because the wheels are the most integral feature that makes a car's main purpose even possible, which is to bring its passenger from one place to another. Sleek interiors and state-of-the-art engine system are all well and good, but without those wheels, the car owner just can't get anywhere.


A wheel can be simply defined as a circular device capable of rotating on its axis, thus facilitating motion. When wheels are used in conjunction with axles, it produces that familiar rolling movement normally witnessed in transport systems today. However, over the years, wheels that are relative to commercial vehicles have developed to serve other purposes. Besides the main objective of transportation, wheels have also become a means to display the vehicle's performance and project its distinctive road style. As a result, wheels of varying diameter and material have been designed to fully cater to these overall goals.


In terms of material, commonly available and the most preferred kinds in the market today are those of steel and aluminum wheels. Steel wheels are the first to gain an extensive fanbase because of its durability and high scratch-resistant feature, while aluminum wheels albeit more expensive are also fast becoming popular due to its lightweight attribute, superior heat conductor trait, and ability to produce customized wheel design through its casting methods. Other wheels offered in the market can also be made from alloy, chrome, magnesium, and silver alloys.


In choosing a set of wheels, Dodge wheels are a smart choice because of Dodge's reputation and continuing commitment for power, style, and rugged dependability. As the wheels are the one who make that vicious connection with the road every time, Dodge wheels have been painstakingly designed to withstand a great deal of pressure under extreme conditions. And as its trademark for quality, it ensures the exact precision fit for every particular model. Dodge models actually have their own standard rim size, but customized rims have been made available as well for other vehicle types. In fact, besides being amenable to custom orders, Dodge wheels have designed every configurations and accessories there is in the market. Most importantly, Dodge provides the guarantee that its wheels will last for a good, long while.


Wheels are not meant to last forever though, what with all the abuse it obtain from the road. Murky road water containing corrosive substances can splash against the wheels, triggering rust on the lug nuts. Numerous road debris can persistently grate on its surfaces. Thus, constant inspection must be made to ensure its proper working condition. Wheels that are producing vibration and road noise are problem signals to watch out for.








Do not procrastinate in purchasing that new set of Dodge wheels, in order to maintain optimum car performance and road safety.


GMC Truck Parts for a Powerful Truck Function


Sunday, March 2, 2008

Why Are Eighteen Wheelers so Slow?

By Eric Lorence

 Platinum Quality Author

Commercial tractor trailers have evolved in the last twenty years beyond the simple beasts they once were. In the old days, trucks were hulking monsters billowing black smoke and rumbling down the road, shaking the pavement as they rolled by.


Todays eighteen wheelers have some of the most advanced technology available, computerized engine management, twin turbos, modern emission systems, automatic transmissions, and air ride suspensions. But even with light weight aluminum bodies and modern aerodynamics, the biggest expense for trucking companies is still fuel.


Skyrocketing diesel costs has led most major transportation companies to use "governors" or "limiters" on their engines. The largest companies keep those governors set usually between sixty two and sixty eight miles per hour.These slower speeds keep costs down and in many instances increase safety.


Another strategy is to lower the "horse power" rating of the engines. This is accomplished through the computerized engine management system. This however, has the effect of much slower speeds while climbing hills, and slower acceleration in general.


Transmissions and rear-end gear ratios also play a roll. Since heavy trucks are made-to-order at the factory, these specifications vary greatly. Companies will "spec" these trucks according to their various needs and nature of their business.


With new congressional laws on the horizon, owner operators also will have to contend with governor regulations. Soon we will see an entire nation of trucks governed around sixty five. Independents will have little choice but to comply, or risk loosing their "authority" or right to transport goods "interstate".


Lower governors usually mean less "momentum", momentum allows heavy trucks to maintain speed over hilly terrain. This allows a higher average rate of speed that would otherwise be far below the speed limit.


These issues, combined with the massive weights trucks carry, (around eighty thousand pounds or forty tons), will contribute to the "slowing" if the nations highways in the coming years.









About the Author...


Eric Lorence was a "long haul" truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.


Visit his Home Page at http://www.zentrucking.com/


Eric's marketing blog at http://www.thoughtsearch.com/


Ready to get OUT of the truck? Trucking life not at all what you expected or were promised? I left the trucking life and started a home internet business. Built it all from my laptop, and so can you! http://www.zentrucking.com/



Eric Lorence - EzineArticles Expert Author

Double Wide Trailers

By Tony Pang Platinum Quality Author



Have you ever thought about how we rank everything on a continuum? We seem to love to compare things and then judge the worth of each thing and place it on a scale of what fair good and best. This usually starts with individuals opinions and then as more people agree the rankings become a general consensus.


We do this with everything from what brand of peanut butter we prefer to which hotel we are going to stay in. We also do this with housing choices. When most people are starting out they cannot afford to own their home. They begin with renting an apartment. For people in rural areas many time rentals will include a trailer home, or mobile home. When people have enough money to purchase land but not enough to build a home alternatives that are looked at are double wide trailers. The improvements that have been made on them are remarkable. Double wide trailers provide a great alternative for the person that does not have the money or the time to create a home from the ground up. The construction of the double wide trailers has greatly improved.


In the past double wide trailers used to look like regular trailer houses only wider. Today it is difficult to be able to tell them apart from stick built homes. There are many models to choose from. Some look like ramblers, others are two stories with dormers. If you have the time you can have one custom built regarding the lay out of the rooms. In most models that are knew you pick out the flooring, wall colors, cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and trim just as you would in any other home built. Many of the fifty-five and older communities in popular retirement areas are featuring the double wide trailer as the home for the future. They can be placed on a basement foundation or on a slab; they can have decks attached, as well as garages built on to them. Because of their sound construction they tend to be quite economical to heat and cool. Many resorts and golf courses are using them as their rental properties. They are more economical initially and have the same life span as a house built on sight. The price is lower because several of the homes can be worked on at one time by a crew that stays in one location. This cuts down on the labor cost. You can have one group that does the framing and another that does the more skilled labor. Double wide trailers are moving up the continuum regarding a choice for housing. Due to better construction materials and labor they are a sound alternative for housing.









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Helpful Tips for New Truckers

By Genevieve Bordeaux



The trucking industry continues to grow rapidly. In 1920, there were one million freight trucks on American roads. By 2006, there were 23 million. This is just one example of many that show what a great industry trucking (freight hauling) has become. There are many things that new truck drivers should keep in mind. Here are just a few:


• If you want to break into this industry, but don't have the experience...what do you do? It is a common catch-22, not just for the trucking industry, but for every working industry. How are you supposed to get experience if no one will hire you because you don't have experience? It can almost feel like you are stuck in limbo. Or stuck between a rock and a hard place or any other cliché will work here. One option is to find a local construction company that use dump trailers. They will usually pay hourly or possibly percentage. Even though it isn't the best pay, it is great for the experience you need to boost your trucking resume.
• Also, if you are new to the industry, it might be a little difficult to understand all the terms and lingo used by other truckers.
• Training is really important for the trucking industry. Some are really great programs and others kind of just let students slide through. You, of course, want the best training so you can get the best job and do the best work, right? So, do some research about the reputations of each trucking school. Your potential employer will probably know which trucking schools are the best as well; this might impress your future employer. Also, some training is free, but make sure they have a great reputation.
• Sometimes road conditions are less than perfect. This can be scary, or at least worrisome, for new drivers. My advice to you is to be prepared for everything. Also, practice in parking lots in bad weather. It is also very important to know your vehicle: How it handles and so on.
• Lastly, find an employer that treats you right. This also requires a lot of research and talking to current employees. Find the pros and cons of each company and figure out what you can deal with and what you can't. There are so many options for trucking companies that it will pay off in the end if you put the time and effort into finding the best opportunities.


In my area, Utah transport is a booming industry as it is across the United States. Trucking companies are always hiring, you just have to have the experience and the motivation to work. Good luck in your trucking endeavors.








You can find a glossary of trucking vocabulary at http://www.twna.org/trucking_terms.htm This seems to be the most comprehensive list of terms.


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