10/31/10

5 Benefits of Soft Pickup Truck Bed Covers

Pickup truck bed covers offer security for cargo in several ways. In addition the covers also enhance the look of a truck. Though several types of covers compete with the soft covers, the soft tonneau offers certain advantages that make it a top choice. Here are 5 of the several reasons to get a soft cover for your pickup truck.

1. Easy Access To Anywhere In The Bed

Soft covers come in roll up, fold up and tilt models. But most popular is the typical roll up version. With that style you just roll the cover forward and then the cover is stored as a roll to the front of the bed. Then you have easy access to anything in the bed just as if the cover wasn't there at all.

2. Installation Ease

With soft covers you get a frame and then the heavy vinyl cover that attaches to that frame. For virtually all covers, the frame doesn't bolt on, it clamps on instead. That way attachment just takes minutes to fir the frame in place and clamp it to the side rails of the bed. There is no complicated set-up and no heavy pieces to deal with at all.

3. Sealing Tricks To Watch

No tonneau covers is water-tight but many are quite weather resistant. That also means that the covers work well to keep out dirt and prying eyes as well. Covers include seal systems at the front and back of the bed and also at the sides. The side seals may be of several types. One popular style is the hook and loop method. With this style, it easy to get and keep a tight fit so you get a trampoline sort of fit of the cover to the bed.

4. High Cargo Fits

Maybe you haven't noticed, but some tonneaus will not work with tall cargo. For example a tilting lid will not close on anything that extends higher than the bed sides. That means if you haul a lawn mower the lid must stay up. That's not very practical. On the other hand, soft covers of the roll up sort just move right out of the way so you can haul whatever you want to whenever you want to haul it.

5. The Price Is Right

Some of the basic truck covers cost so very little. Not all soft tonneaus are the lowest price choice but you do have many very inexpensive models to consider. When you consider that many soft bed covers cost half of what typical hard covers sell for you can see the potential for a good deal. Compared to a premium retractable truck bed cover, the soft models will only cost about one-fourth as much.

The overriding advantage of soft pickup truck bed covers is the lower price compared to other styles. Other benefits include easy bed access, easy installation, ability to handle high cargo as well as the superior sealing. A soft cover works well to protect cargo and protect the truck bed all at a quite low price tag.

Pickup truck covers protect cargo as well as preserving your bed paint and bed liner too, if you have one.
Discover more about your best options for pickup and cargo protection with pickup bed covers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington

10/30/10

1974 Volkswagen Beetle & Camper - road test


5th wheel trailering in a VW Bug? May not be the best way to go about this. For better ideas, call Kevin at Vaca Valley Truck & SUV at 707-447-9905.

From YouTube: Please go to http://MuscleCarFilms.com/ for more info!

While it's not a performance road test (like my other videos), I just had to add this review of a bizzare Volkswagen Beetle/Camper combo

A.R.E. Truck Caps and Covers - SEMA 2008 - Episode 3

A.R.E. Truck Caps and Covers reporting from the 2008 SEMA show, at the A.R.E. booth, featuring an ActionKover fiberglass tonneau cover.






10/27/10

Little Luxuries - Lux SUVs Comparison

Big on amenities, not in size - We test the hottest lux SUVs from Audi's Q5 to Volvo's XC60.

10/21/10

Camper Shells

Truck camper shells, also known as caps or toppers, are a unique housing accessory for pick-up trucks.

They cover the pick-up bed entirely, and create a large utility space that can be used for camping and storage purposes.

Typically, the height of the camper shells is the same as the top of the truck. However, if you need more room, then taller models are also easily available.

There are some large toppers that even cover the top of the cab. If you are a camping enthusiast, then this particular style of bed cover is ideal for you. With a Truck camper shell, you can safely and comfortably spend the night in your truck.

Significant features of truck camper shells

Truck toppers are usually made of aluminum or fiberglass.

Aluminum caps are prepared in standard-sized molds. These are not only lightweight, but inexpensive too.

Fiberglass toppers, on the other hand, are made in custom molds so as to ensure that they cover the truck bed perfectly.

The color and contours of the cap harmonize flawlessly with your pick-up truck. Fiberglass toppers are more durable and sturdy that aluminum caps, but they are usually a lot more expensive.

At times, soft materials like canvas are also used. These caps are called soft-tops.

Some outstanding benefits of camper shells

A well-built truck camper shell provides complete protection against damaging weather conditions like rain, snow, sun, and wind.

These bed covers also keep your cargo absolutely safe and secure. Furthermore, by changing the aerodynamics of your vehicle, they help to increase the gas mileage.

They can also enhance the looks as well as the value of your automobile.

Taking care of truck toppers

The good thing about truck caps is that they don't require a lot of maintenance. Whenever you wash your truck, wash the shell too. This is the best way to keep it neat and clean.

It is advised that after every 6-months you remove the shell to check the foam seal. The seal must remain in excellent condition because...

It makes the topper weather-proof,

It prevents the bed cover from damaging the rails of the truck.

Camper shells are highly durable, and proper maintenance will further prolong their lives.

Things to consider while buying truck caps

Size- Truck caps come in a variety of sizes; you can select any one of them depending upon your needs. If you are intending to use you truck for camping, then you would need a large shell with windows and a removable curtain.

For hauling cargo, a simple topper, without extraneous features like windows, will be adequate to fulfill your purpose.

Material- Aluminum bed covers are low-priced and provide better gas mileage. On the contrary, fiberglass covers are quite costly, but they provide greater storage options and wide color range. If you use your pick-up truck solely for shipping purposes, then the soft-top is a good choice.

Installation- If your truck has pre-built bolts at the corners of the bed, then installation becomes fairly easy. If the bolts are not there, then you would first have to fix clamps and then the topper. Make sure that the truck cap you are looking at purchasing is easy to install and remove.

Security- Every camper shell has a back gate that can be locked to protect the contents from theft. Before buying the shell, ensure that the locking mechanism works perfectly.

Some good truck camper shells are...

Bestop Supertop Truck Bed Camper Shell
Carryboy Camper Shell
Hauler II Aluminum Pickup Truck Rack with Camper Shell

Jeremy Rumley is a Pick-up Truck enthusiast who learned the hard way that when it comes to pick-up's "Cheap is not always good and Good is not always cheap". His website at http://www.pickuptruckaccessoriesonline.com/ offers some valuable information about pick-up trucks and the most popular accessories, not only for the best dollar for dollar buys, but the best products over all, regardless of price.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Rumley

10/09/10

SpaceKap Utility Body


A.R.E. is the exclusive distributor in the U.S. except in the states of WA and OR. The SpaceKap utility body represents the ultimate alternative to commercial vans. Our service bodies can be customized to meet the requirements of your fleet of utility vehicles. The SpaceKap can be be installed or removed in a matter of minutes and its universal fit to most pickup trucks provides enhanced value. The unit is available in different versions according to truck model.

For more information...

10/05/10

Tonneau LSX Series

Using advanced components and technologies, our custom design team has created the best fitting fiberglass tonneau cover on the market today. Our scissor hinge technology allows for a perfect fit that can mirror the design of your truck bed. The LSX also has more adjustability points than any other fiberglass cover, which means it can be custom fitted to your truck bed better than any other cover available.

The LSX has quality written all over it. A.R.E.'s facilities are ISO Certified which means we hold every LSX to the same high production and quality standards. We use only the best components, materials, and processes when manufacturing the LSX Series.

LSX features include wired Electric Lock, a trimless edge, carpeted interior, scissor hinge technology, an A.R.E. designed lift assist system, and our patented palm handle. Our quality and fit, along with these unique features, set the LSX Series apart from all other fiberglass tonneau covers.

Read more at http://www.4are.com/product/lsx/

10/02/10