http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/rss.xml A blog about truckaccessoriesetc.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/?a=36307 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>While a truck canopy is primarily used to cover the cargo that you're hauling from place to place, you might be surprised to learn how versatile it can be. Untie it from where it's attached to your truck, remove it from the vehicle, and you now have a durable cover that can serve a variety of different purposes. With it's tough construction, waterproof and weather resistant fabric options, and variety of colors, styles and sizes to choose from, your truck canopy can be an invaluable accessory to both your on and off road habits.<br /><br />Truck canopies can serve as a great way to get protection from the elements. Stay dry from the rain or cool off in the shade by using your canopy as an awning, anchored to the side of a dwelling or hung above a porch to provide refuge the way an umbrella would. You can feel assured that since canopies are designed to be tough, sturdy enough to transport rugged materials like rocks, sharp pebbles or gravel, they won't blow over or collapse the way other, more flimsy coverings could. <br /><br />Another lesser known use for a canopy is as a swimming pool cover. Mesh canopies are ideal for this, as they are light, buoyant and can resist the harsh rays of from the sun. Canopies made of this material also allow water, like the rain or melted snow, to pass through the surface, not accumulate and weight it down. <br /><br />Ready to find the truck canopy that's right for you and your lifestyle? There are many to choose from, but a few recommended canopies include the following: <br /><br />TUK-IT Retractable Canopies (Range Rider Truck Canopy Specialists) A perfect choice for your pick up truck, this canopy includes a customizable fiberglass cab spoiler that can be painted to match the color of your truck. Made of waterproof fabric and convenient to store, this canopy is also retractable, which means you won't need extra hands, or time, to use it. Manage it yourself in just a few seconds time.<br /><br />EZEE Truck Canopies are ideal for the outdoors, plus this canopy is tough enough to handle the extremes, both in terms of what you're transporting and conditions like the weather. It's made of tough, ultraviolet resistant material, an aluminum frame, top of the line fittings and a sound base. With more than a dozen different colors to select from, this canopy is perfect for storage, hauling needs, camping, and travel adventures. <br /><br />Beltex Truck Canopies, constructed of less expensive P.V.C or canvas, with or without windows, and optional side access doors, depending on your preference, Beltex Truck Canopies are assembled to your specifications. Choose the type of material for structure and the blueprint for your design and Beltex will deliver, and install, a canopy built to please. Beltex also can complete metal works at your discretion.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as truck parts and accessories at <a href="http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com/">http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com</a></p> 2006-11-12T00:33-05:00 http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/?a=36306 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Hitch your Wagon to a Star with New Truck Campers<br /><br />Do thoughts of lumpy sleeping bags, cold hot dogs and collapsing tents scare you away from camping outside? If so, there's no longer reason to be afraid. Three manufactures of truck campers have released models that make it possible to bring the creature comforts of home along for the ride while testing your skills in the great outdoors. <br /><br />From the manufacturer Lance come the models listed below.<br /><br />Lance Lite Series 815:<br /><br />A shower, toilet, sink, heater, and stove are just a few of the amenities this camper has to offer. After a long day outside, you'll also be able to get a good night's sleep in the queen sized bed this self contained camper provides for your comfort. <br /><br />Lance Series 951:<br /><br />Improved for 2006, the Lance Series 951 gives you more bang for your buck by adding more storage and tank capacities than previous models have in the past. It also includes a dinette eating area and refrigerator and comes complete with a top of the line roof and fiber glass exterior.<br /><br />Lance Series 1181:<br /><br />A premier camper that really does include everything...and the kitchen sink! With a dry bath, large pantry, ample drawers for storage, extensive counter space, a full sized refrigerator and wardrobe, the Lance Series 1181 is ideal for those who can make do with the bare necessities. <br /><br />From the manufacturer Palomino:<br /><br />Ideal to tow from your pick up truck, the lightweight Bronco won't weight you down during your travels. This folding model, operated by a manual crank, has tough side walls, a durable vinyl roof and lots of room to relax. <br /><br />Affordable and rugged, the Yearling is a great choice for those looking to charter new ground. Complete with the all the niceties you need when on the road, this camper is perfect for a family looking for easy living and great value.<br /><br />Get ready to roll with this aerodynamic hybrid trailer called the Stampede. Completely furnished with a roomy living area and additional storage space, adds to the appeal of this all-aluminum option from Palomino. <br /><br />From the manufacturer Bigfoot:<br /><br />1500 Series<br /><br />In need of an RV? Look to the four models of the 1500 Series. Crafted from molded fiberglass and polystyrene insulation, each of the Bigfoot options available top quality appliances and three different interior looks from which to select. <br /><br />2500 Series<br /><br />Camp in rain or shine with this weather resistant, durable camper. Well insulated and constructed, campers in this series come complete with exterior storage space and a wastewater holding tank heated by a furnace. <br /><br />3000 Series<br /><br />The wide-body series from Bigfoot uses their exclusive Fibercore Wall System to provide a superior level of insulation. Campers in the 3000 Series also include all of the features Bigfoot makes standard in their models, like a dual battery compartment and a high output furnace.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as discount truck accessories at <a href="http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com/">http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com</a></p> 2006-11-12T00:30-05:00 http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/?a=36305 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Owning a truck is extremely popular these days, particularly for the younger generation. When these trucks first hit the market so may decades ago, they were primarily purchased for their utility value. They were used on ranches and farms and in those areas that did not have finished roads. They were tough, so they could get the job done without worrying about causing any damage to the vehicle. They could handle all kinds of rough terrain and their suspension system would not be affected.<br /><br />Today, you see corporate executives cruising behind the wheel of these trucks. Its not often that you see the old rancher driving around in his mud spattered truck, wearing work clothes and a cowboy hat. Even women enjoy driving these cars because the newer models are made to look so sleek and attractive that they can't resist them.<br /><br />One thing that a person typically overlooks when purchasing these vehicles, is to get a cover or camper shell to put over it. Camper shells are not just for camping trips any more. Now they are used to cover the backs of these vehicles to protect them from weather and even worse, thieves. <br /><br />When a mom heads out to make her Saturday shopping run, chances are she has to go to more than one store. It's not wise to leave your parcels in the open bed of a truck, and then go into the next store, leaving them unprotected. The same applies to men who may head out to buy some tools, and then need to stop somewhere else. The chances are high that if their tools or whatever it is that they are carrying, are left unprotected then they may just come out to find that their truck bed is empty. <br /><br />There are many types of camper shells available and they offer protection against someone being able to steal your things. They are also waterproof, so you can leave your parcels in the truck and not have to worry about them getting water logged should it rain. <br /><br />Camper Shells have to be custom fit for your truck. They come in a wide range of prices, depending on the style and size that you want. The best place to buy one is at the dealership that sold you the truck. They are likely to have one that fits your vehicle.<br /><br />There are popular ones you can consider, such as the SNUGTOP varieties. These are well known for their durability and you can match them to the color of your truck. You can also consider one of the LEER Truck Camper Shells. They are also famous for their camper shells and have many available for whatever make and model that you own.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as pickup truck accessories at <a href="http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com/">http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com</a></p> 2006-11-12T00:26-05:00 http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/?a=36304 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Depending on how old you are, you may remember the good old days, when you pulled into a gas station and someone came outside to help you. There you sat, comfortably behind the wheel, while the gas attendant filled your car with gas, (requested by gallons and not dollars), checked your oil, cleaned your windshield and thanked you for your patronage. You never worried about what type of weather it was, because you didn't have to get out of the car to pump your gas. The attendant did it for you, so your clothes would stay as fresh as they were when you left the house. You could fill up your tank, hand over a ten dollar bill and actually get change back. <br /><br />Unfortunately for everyone, those days are over. Now you sit in line behind other harried customers at the gas station and have to get out of the car, go inside to pay for the gas if you don't want to use your credit card, then come back out and pump the gas yourself. Now people no longer say they want ten gallons of gas. That's been changed to ten dollars worth of gas, if you please, and you clean your own windshields and check your own oil. Hopefully you won't drip gas on your clothes or stain your hands when checking the oil level in your car. <br /><br />When SUVs came on the market, it seemed like everyone just had to have one. Thanks to the cool commercials showing drivers zipping through Arctic weather or driving over treacherous terrain, they seemed just too cool to pass up. It became a status symbol to drive one, even though many of those who bought them lived in the suburbs where there was no danger of rough terrains and unpaved roads.<br /><br />Now that the cost of gas has skyrocketed, many of those same people that drove their SUVs home from the dealership with a huge grin on their face, are now sobbing when its time to go to the gas station. These gas guzzlers now put a huge dent in their paychecks and no longer seem as attractive as they once did.<br /><br />SUV and truck manufacturers recognized the need to produce vehicles that did not consume so much of the owner's salary just to fuel it. They have come out with a line of Hybrid SUVs and trucks that are just as attractive as the other models but much more fuel efficient. Ford has presented the Escape Hybrid, Lexus is competing with its RX400 and Toyota has come out with its Highlander Models.<br /><br />If you still want to drive an SUV, but not worry about the potential of filing for bankruptcy due to expensive fueling, then consider one of the Hybrid SUVs and trucks on the market. Your wallet will thank you.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as truck accessories at <a href="http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com/">http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com</a></p> 2006-11-12T00:23-05:00 http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/?a=36303 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Chevrolet automobiles seem to have been around for as long as cars have. This is true in more ways than one. There are still plenty of people driving vintage models that perhaps your grandfather or great grandfather drove so many years ago. These are now considered to be collector's items by many car enthusiasts. They buy old Chevy trucks and then lovingly restore them to their previous glory. By the time they are finished, you would never know that they had rolled off the manufacturer's line so many decades ago.<br /><br />Chevy is famous for many types of vehicles. As the years passed so did the style of the car. However, even with the newer, sleeker models of cars available, there was a longing for the old style, so they brought back a classic model, slightly altered to make it look more modern. Chevy is also famous for their line of trucks. This has been true for decades and is still true today. They've come a long way from the models your older relatives used to drive, being sleeker and carrying all of the latest technology. <br /><br />When your ancestors drove them, they probably weren't purchased because of their aesthetics. They were probably purchased to do tasks such as hauling things. Many of them were highly regarded as farm and ranch vehicles. This was particularly true in rural areas where the roads were unfinished and rough. The Chevy truck is renowned for its ability to handle tough terrain, even while burdened with bales of hay or vegetables that needed to get to the market to sell. You will often see these trucks in old movies, covered in mud and driven by cattle ranchers. Times have changed, but Chevy Trucks continue to be a prime choice in work vehicle as well as family transportation.<br /><br />Now instead of seeing them being driven by ranchers, you see soccer moms behind the wheel, with her children in the back seat. Many men purchase them, not for their capability of carrying heavy loads, but because of their cool look. <br /><br />A favorite Chevy Truck is the Silverado. Not only are these sleek looking vehicles, they retain the speed and durability that Chevy is known to produce. You can get them with all the bells and whistles and may not even want to haul anything in it, because it might spoil the look. Another consumer favorite is the Chevy Colorado. With its two tone detailing and attractive contours, this truck is coveted by many. <br /><br />There are a variety of Chevy cars and trucks that are suitable for just about any type of travel that you can think of. Whether a classic from old days or one with the classy look of the present, you can't go wrong with whatever choice you make.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as Chevrolet truck accessories at <a href="http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com/">http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com</a></p> 2006-11-12T00:19-05:00 http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/?a=35528 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>There is a lot of debate and controversy about gas and diesel engines. Let's take a look at some key points of both.<br /><br />Diesel<br /><br />Less expensive to run<br />Not as powerful<br />Offer more torque<br />Vehicles powered by diesel more expensive.<br />Vehicles are more reliable because less complicated internally.<br />Vehicles are heavier to build.<br />Vehicles normally last longer.<br />Generally less expensive.<br />Will normally last longer in terms of miles.<br />Engines are generally loud.<br />Emits black smoke when engine is throttled.<br />Fuel is dirtier.<br />Turbo charged diesel will match standard gas engine in terms of power.<br /><br />Gas<br /><br />Produce more horsepower<br />Gas engines are more tunable than diesel.<br />Can get better power increases.<br />Less expensive in terms of producing power.<br />Parts are a lot less expensive.<br />Engine doesn't last as long as a diesel because it is less complicated and less heavy internally.<br />Fuel is usually more expensive.<br />Fuel burns cleaner.<br /><br />Diesel is often thought of as smelly and noisy. Many think that the only place for diesel is in a tractor or a semi, there are many other vehicles that are diesel powered however. Each person must determine what their individual needs are. A person has to do their research before making a purchase of any kind, but especially a large purchase such as a vehicle. You do not want to spend thousands of dollars just to realize later that you made the wrong decision, so take your time and do your research to help you make the best decision for you. <br /><br />One question that isn't answered here is the emission standards with the black smoke that comes from the diesel engine. The reader is left to wonder if the emission standards are fine or if they are high due to the dirtier burn of diesel. This would be worth investigating. It should also be investigated if noise pollution is a factor with these engines.<br /><br />When choosing which type of vehicle is what you want you must first determine what your needs are. If what you want is power and tuning options then a gasoline engine is what you are looking for. But if it is power and torque (a force that produces or tends to produce a twisting or turning motion, so in this instance the turning of parts of the motor) that you are looking for then you need a vehicle with a diesel engine. There are certainly plenty of choices out there. Just be sure that you are checking on what your needs are and you will be certain to have the right vehicle for you. Make certain that the vehicle will match your needs and give you the performance necessary to do the job.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as other Truck Accessories at <a href="http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com/">http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com</a></p> 2006-08-18T00:06-04:00 http://articles.truckaccessoriesetc.com/?a=35527 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Often times, people decide to purchase a large truck to haul very heavy loads. If that is not your intention, and you'd like to purchase a truck to drive more like a car (with quick, quiet acceleration), you may want a gasoline engine. <br />There are three main benefits to this:<br /><br />Gas engines run smoother<br />Fuel is easier to find<br />Gas engines start easier in cold weather<br /><br />If, however, your intent is to use your truck for towing, you may want to consider a diesel engine. The three main benefits to this are:<br /><br />Good fuel economy<br />High mileage<br />Better for towing<br /><br />Now, the price of a diesel truck is very high, but it very well may be worth it. They have many benefits, and could very well save you a good deal of money in the end. Benefits vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. You can compare these benefits below:<br /><br />Ford<br /><br />In 1994, Ford introduced its international engineered power stroke diesel. This pushed the 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck market to where it is today. Before this, the big one inch gasoline engines made these poorly built diesels barely considerable. Over 70% of super duty Fords were sold with the optional 7.3L V-8 diesel engine from 1994-2002. Because of this engine, Ford became one of the leaders in diesel trucks.<br /><br />Dodge<br /><br />In 2002, Ram didn't have enough power with the 245 HP 9.5L, so Dodge promised more powerful engines for the 2500/3500 platform, and they definitely followed through on their promise: the 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Heave Duty trucks are the newest &frac34; and 1 ton trucks on the road.<br /><br />The new base engine is the 5.7L gasoline V-8, which revives the well-known, historical Hemi name, as it is the most powerful engine of the group at 345 HP.<br /><br />Chevrolet/GMC:<br /><br />Coming standard with GM's 6.0L gas engine V-8 are the GM 2500/3500 twins Silverado HD and Sierra HD. The engine is ideal for &frac34; ton trucks where towing isn't a concern. Based on Chevrolet's venerable big block engine are the upgrades that start with the 8.1 gas V-8.<br /><br />Diesel trucks have proven to be:<br /><br />Efficient with mileage<br />Great for towing<br />Easy on maintenance<br /><br />Also, you won't need to get them tuned up nearly as much as gasoline engines, because-unlike gasoline engines-diesel engines do not have spark plugs.<br /><br />If you need or want to haul heavy loads frequently, you should probably stick with diesel, since you can get better mileage (diesel trucks are built to go 250,000 miles more). Because of all these reasons, although diesel trucks tend to cost more, they will end up being well worth the money in the long run.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as other Truck Accessories at <a href="http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com/">http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com</a></p> 2006-08-18T00:03-04:00