2023 Ram 2500 Rebel® | Power to the Weekend

The all-new 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel® helps make your life worth binge-watching. Power to the weekend.

F-150 Lightning: Ford Intelligent Backup Power | F-150 | Ford

With available Ford Intelligent Backup Power, the F-150 Lightning* automatically kicks in to power your home. Enough to power a home for 3 days with the extended-range battery.** *Pre-production vehicle with available features shown. Available starting spring 2022. **When home is properly equipped and home transfer switch disconnects home from the grid. Based on 30 kWh use per day using the F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery. Your results may vary depending on energy usage. Learn more about the Ford F-150 Lightning here: https://ford.to/3wgnSD9

56" High Harbor Trademaster Service Body

This Red Ford has a 56" high custom Trademaster service body with raised front compartments on both sides, two upper compartments that open upward for maximum visibility. This is also a horizontal series body where the horizontal compartment goes to the end of the body. This is perfect for longer items. This unit also has a 3-piece Cargo Bed Enclosure keeping what is inside secure and out of view.

Harbor offers standard TradeMaster with the 8' and 9' Single Rear Wheel models, along with 8', 9', 11' Dual Rear Wheel models. We also offer a 6.5' for HD short bed trucks and a 13' for longer wheelbase trucks. Since we manufacture this product, we can build bodies to specific needs, but the standardized models will be the most cost-effective generally.

To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452. Also find us at http://htbi.net/

Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving for F-150® | Ford How-To | Ford

Find out about available Ford BlueCruise* — hands-free highway driving technology available for the Ford F-150. *Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner's Manual for detail and limitations. Available on select vehicle models. The BlueCruise Prep Kit contains the hardware required for this feature. Requires purchased three-year connected service plan with regular map updates, FordPass™ App and modem activation. BlueCruise functionality expected third quarter 2021CY. Three-year Connected Service term with regular map updates begin on service start date. To continue service, a new connected service plan must be purchased. Plans are subject to change. See your Ford Account for terms and details. Service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Failure to regularly update could result in BlueCruise being unavailable. Learn more about Ford support here: https://ford.to/36tjcC2

EV Battery Show: LFP & NCM Explained

Ford is adding a second battery chemistry – lithium iron phosphate (LFP) – to its electric vehicle lineup beginning later this year. Learn how this new chemistry differs from Ford's current chemistry, nickel cobalt manganese (NCM). SUBSCRIBE: http://ford.to/SubscribeFordMotorCompany

USPS ordering 9,250 electric vehicles from Ford | FOX 13 Seattle

The U.S. Postal Service plans to buy more than 9,000 new electric vehicles from Ford.

Watch FOX 13 Seattle Live: https://www.q13fox.com/live FOX 13 Seattle is Western Washington's source for breaking news, weather, traffic, politics and sports.

Towing Tips, Tools and Tech: A Ford Towing Video Guide | Ford

Towing Tips, Tools and Tech features over an hour of towing knowledge, plus advanced technology available on Ford trucks and SUVs that you can take advantage of. We cover everything you need to know from how to determine how much your vehicle can tow all the way up to the exciting features that add convenience to the towing experience, like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Profiles, and more.

Fleet 101: What is Torque?

This Fleet 101 episode of Truck Chat episode focuses on a commonly misunderstood term in truck fleets today: #torque. Executive Editor, Lauren Fletcher, covers the basics of torque and helps you gain a greater understanding of the topic. Today's topics include: - What is torque? - How is torque measured? - Where does torque come from? - What causes differences in torque? - Why does torque matter to work truck fleets? This episode is sponsored by@Goodyear

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?

What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.

Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.

The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.

These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.

Value of Effectively Maintaining Upfits

 - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Having the right "tools" for the job is essential.

Your upfit is spec’ed, purchased, and installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.

Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:

A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.

“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.

At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.

“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.

Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.

“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”

When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.

“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.

“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.

6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:

Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection

Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.

“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance

When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.

“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.

To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.

“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.

Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly 

Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders. 

“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment

You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.

“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.

Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing

When you service certain upfit items is also essential.

“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage
Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.

“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits

The New 2023 Ram ProMaster® | Ready for the Next

Ready for the Next Challenge. The new 2023 Ram ProMaster® has been redesigned with your business in mind. Learn more about the new 2023 Ram ProMaster®: https://www.ramtrucks.com/new-ram-pro..

Curt BetterWeigh™ Mobile Towing Scale Smartphone Ready

This video is about the BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale – a Bluetooth-enabled, smartphone-compatible device that plugs into any OBD-II port and weighs the vehicle, trailer, cargo, tongue weight, pin weight, weight distribution and trailer brake gain.

Equipped with TowSense™ technology, BetterWeigh™ provides real-time, live measurements to take the guesswork out of towing and hauling. With it, you can know exactly how much weight you’re towing, and whether it’s safe to tow with your vehicle.

It has virtually no installation requirements. BetterWeigh™ simply plugs into the OBD-II vehicle diagnostic port below the steering wheel, wirelessly links with your smartphone and comes with a free, downloadable app.

Unlike physical towing scales and tongue weight scales, BetterWeigh™ gives you a digital readout, sent right to your smartphone -- no more walking to the back of the vehicle to check the weight.

BetterWeigh™ also makes brake controller setup fast, easy and accurate by calculating the exact trailer brake gain needed for your particular load size.

The CURT BetterWeigh™ mobile towing scale is compatible with Apple iOS and Android OS. The downloadable app is intuitive, easy to use and completely free.

BetterWeigh™ Features & Benefits

• Measures real-time vehicle-trailer weights for safer, easier towing and hauling
• Bluetooth connection provides active readouts on the driver’s smartphone
• No-install, plug-and-play setup into vehicle diagnostic port (OBD-II) below the dash
• Weighs vehicle, trailer, cargo, tongue and pin weight and weight distribution
• Provides easy brake controller setup by measuring exact trailer brake gain needed
• Wireless, compact, portable design
• Downloadable app available for Apple iOS and Android OS
• Limited lifetime warranty

The Harbor CraneMaster Body

West Coast Style Personalized to Meet Your Every Need...

CraneMaster bodies represent an open design that permits you to choose all the appointments to meet your every need when using 2,000-4,000 lb. cranes with capacity up to 12,000 ft.-lb. The west coast service body design is the preferred style for these cranes. Harbor has sorted out which cranes go with which bodies. Tell us what weight you are loading and what length of crane you need to get the job done (length in feet x weight in lb. = ft. lb.) and we’ll put you in the right combination. Then, we’ll help you choose from among the many options that will make this your personal design!

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Speed Limits

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - Obey speed limits - - Slow down at high risk areas - - Keep a safe distance -

FORD F-150 LIGHTNING PRO SSV | America’s First Electric Pickup Truck for Police

Ford pro launched America’s first electric pickup truck purpose-built for police: the 2023 Ford F-150® Lightning™ Pro Special Service Vehicle. Key facts: -2023 Ford F-150® Lightning™ Pro Special Service Vehicle provides the modern, always-on work-ready truck police departments need to help lower costs, drive efficiency and accelerate customers’ sustainability goals -F-150 Lightning Pro SSV combines benefits of an electric powertrain with law enforcement-specific interior features of F-150 Police Responder®, including police-grade heavy-duty cloth seats, built-in steel intrusion plates and available roof-mounted LED warning beacons - Ford Pro™ helps make the transition to electric easier for municipal customers with its top-selling1 police vehicle lineup, software, charging, service and FinSimple™ financing – now offering municipal loan options for charging solutions including installation, hardware and software Source : Ford #F150 #ford #police #FordF150 #f150lightning

Harbor False Floor / Dual Tailgate: Keep contents separated and secure

Here’s a great solution for contractors, utilities and municipal water departments, etc. - a false floor for the Harbor service body. The Dual Tailgate keeps contents secure while allowing access to each independently.

The best of both worlds, space for your equipment above and other storage below. For instance the storage below could serve as a sign box, storage for road signs or long tools while keeping the cargo area free for equipment.

Note that the lower compartment is lockable.

Find out more: Harbor Truck Bodies 800-433-9452

The All-Electric 2022 Ford E-Transit™ Is Ready | Ford Pro™​

Our all-electric 2022 Ford E-Transit™ van is ready for the challenges your business takes on. Available with Ford Pro™ E-Telematics,* where you can monitor things like range and help maximize run times, along with upfitting configurations based on your business needs, the E-Transit will be the workhorse of your fleet. So let Ford Pro electrify your fleet- giving you the ability to focus on the work that matters most. Ford Pro. A productivity accelerator for your business. *Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary 3-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the 3- year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Call 1-833-811-3673 to activate E-Telematics service.

CURT CrossWing™ Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch | Features & Benefits

The CrossWing™ 5th wheel hitch #16600 by CURT gives you the best of both worlds by packing extraordinary strength into one lightweight hitch. With the main body weight of only 60 pounds, it is 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheel hitches while still offering a 20,000 lb. weight capacity, so strength and muscle are not sacrificed. Its patent-pending ShockDrop technology provides a smoother towing experience by reducing jerking and jarring, and its structure allows fore, aft and lateral head articulation when connecting on uneven terrain, so you can be comfortable and confident in your ride no matter what type of rugged roads you encounter. The CrossWing™ also features a reinforced head connection point that provides exceptional strength, along with a unique coupling system that eliminates guesswork by offering a visible contact surface. Features and benefits of the CURT CrossWing™ lightweight 5th wheel hitch: - Premium steel construction offers robust 20,000-lb. capacity - Features patent-pending ShockDrop technology to reduce jerking and jarring - Reinforced head connection point for superior strength and peace of mind - Easy, one-person installation and removal (fits industry-standard rails) - 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheel hitches (main body weighs 60 lbs.) - Unique coupling system eliminates guesswork by offering visible contact surface - Head channel guides kingpin into place for easier hookup - Allows fore, aft and lateral head articulation when connecting on uneven terrain - Easy-to-reach release handle for ergonomic operation - Three points of height adjustment from 16-3/8" to 20-3/8" - Coupling point offset 5" rearward for added turning clearance - Premium, carbide textured black finish for lasting rust resistance - High-grade steel design for added strength vs. aluminum - Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J2638

Why Getting Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly Is Essential

The mechanical condition of a vehicle dictates its safety 

as well as its performance on the road. In order to guarantee

• a smooth ride,
• prolong the life of a car,
• and increase its safety

The owner should always consider getting the vehicle serviced regularly. The main reason why this procedure is required is to ensure that any mechanical anomalies can be spotted and rectified before they can cause harm.

The routine maintenance is a small price to pay to guarantee one's safety on the roads. So what are the benefits of acquiring this service?

• It reduces the repair costs - maintenance procedures are preventative in nature and this means that it is a good way of avoiding major repair bills as a result of oversight.
• It reduces the chances of getting surprise breakdowns.
• Regular car services will lower the possible risk of getting involved in an accident
• Servicing involves various procedures that guarantee better fuel consumption. In essence it is cheaper to run a car that regularly goes for servicing

There are several kinds of servicing available and they include the following:

6 month or interim car service

This is a procedure that is intended for those individuals who cover a lot of mileage over short periods. This means that the car will require more regular checks to avoid unforeseen faults. Some of the work includes filter and oil changes as well as a comprehensive diagnostic check for all essential functions.

12 month or comprehensive car service

This is an all inclusive checkup that should be mandatory for all cars that are used on a regular basis. Most service providers do no less than 70 checks as well as some necessary adjustments. Replacement of worn out components is also done where necessary. The procedure includes Spark plug and air filter replacement among other processes.

Winter Inspection

Ensure that your car is ready to withstand winter conditions by getting a specialised check. Winter safety checks should be a mandatory practice for all car owners.

Car owners have a wide variety of options when it comes choosing a vehicle servicing company, whether you are driving a Land Rover or a Volswagen Polo. There are even new companies offering to service your car at your home or work place.

Of course, for those owners that are mechanically savvy, there is the option of servicing the car themselves. But you have to be qualified to do so and you must know exactly what you are doing.

Whether you use a professional's help or do it yourself, getting your car is very important.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7432715

F-150 Lightning: Towing With Confidence | F-150 | Ford

The all-new Ford F-150 Lightning boasts the Built Ford Tough brawn to tow up to an available 10,000 pounds with its 775 lb.-ft. of electric torque*, but it’s the truck’s brains that will give customers the range information they need to tow long distances**. Ford equipped the electric pickup with smart technologies to more accurately calculate remaining vehicle range using real time conditions so customers can tow with greater confidence – and the more it’s used, the more accurate it gets. *Torque calculated via peak performance of the electric motors at peak battery power. Your results may vary. **Max towing on XLT and LARIAT models with available extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Pkg. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Towing and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. Learn more about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning here: https://ford.to/3KnD9so

Ford Pro Reveals New 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van | Ford Pro

Upfit-ready adventure vehicle designed for van-life on and off the road.

About Ford Pro: Ford Pro™ is a productivity accelerator designed to drive business forward, delivering solutions to commercial customers of all sizes. We offer the right tools, software and services designed to keep your business on track and your crews on the road. Ford Pro reveals new 2023 Ford Transit Trail van | Ford Pro https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyPg...

Trailer Hitch Systems - Curt Manufacturing

 

Learn more details at: https:curtmfg.com/basic-towing-components

Ford F-150 Lightning: Edmunds Best of the Best | Edmunds Top Rated Awards 2023

With the Edmunds Best of the Best award, we’re honoring the car, truck or SUV that’s not only Top Rated in its segment but a true standout among all vehicles on sale today. Out of the 17 excellent contenders in 2023’s Edmunds Top Rated Awards, it’s the Ford F-150 Lightning that stands out as a cut above them all. The Lightning fuses utility and an excellent electric powertrain together into an electric truck that’s truly the full package, pushing itself to the top of our list for Edmunds Top Rated Best of the Best 2023. 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning pricing and review: https://edmu.in/3HETiIO

Ram Revolution Concept | Reveal

Symbolizing where we've been and where we're going, the #RamRevolution Concept is our vision for electric vehicles and shows our commitment to an electrified future. Experience the Ram Revolution at https://RamRevolution.com.

Next Generation TradeMaster Service Body From Harbor Truck Body

Warren with Harbor Truck Body shows off all latest features of the next generation TradeMaster Service Body. See more at http://www.harbortruck.com

Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch | A Ford Towing Video Guide | Ford

Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch are 2 great features that can help you properly load your Ford truck when towing. Learn more in this video.

Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch | A Ford Towing Video Guide | Ford

Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch are 2 great features that can help you properly load your Ford truck when towing. Learn more in this video.

B&W TRAILER HITCH REVIEW- MULTIPLE BALL SIZES AND HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS!

If you're looking to buy a trailer hitch or make an upgrade, I highly recommend you check out B&W Trailer Hitches! The 5" drop hitch featured in my video is the last one you'll ever buy. It's made of American Steel and manufactured in Humboldt, Kansas. If you check out the Amazon link, you'll see that this is the #1 top rated trailer hitch from April 2021. The reviews are incredible, mostly 4.9 stars!

How to build a Ford F-150 Lightning? - Full Factory Tour!

I'm a HUGE fan of electric trucks - This video is not sponsored. I flew myself out to Dearborn Michigan to see exactly how the new Electric Ford F-150 Lightning is manufactured. The body of the new truck is actually conveyed in from a separate building using above street passageways. SUPER cool. Ford says the goal is to be manufacturing the F150 Lightning at a yearly rate of 150,000 trucks a year by the end of 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/@JerryRigEverything

How to Use Dynamic Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist | A Ford Towing Video | Ford

Dynamic Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist are great features you can take advantage of when lining up your hitch ball with a trailer coupler.

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Tires

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

You probably know tires are made of rubber — but how much more do you know? Here’s a run-through of some important tire-related terminology:

1) Aspect ratio

This technical-sounding term refers to the relationship between the width of a tire and the height of the tire’s sidewall. High-performance “low profile” tires have “low aspect ratios” — meaning their sidewalls are short relative to their width. This provides extra stiffness and thus better high-speed handling and grip — but also tends to result in a firmer (and sometimes, harsh) ride. “Taller” tires tend to provide a smoother ride and better traction in snow.

2) Contact Patch

As your tires rotate, only a portion of the total tread is actually in contact with the ground at any given moment.  This is known as the contact patch.  Think of it as your tire’s “footprint.” Sport/performance-type tires are characterized by their wider footprint — more tread is in contact with the ground — which provides extra grip, especially during hard acceleration on dry pavement and during high-speed cornering.

3) Treadwear indicators

These are narrow bands built into the tread during manufacturing that begin to show when only 1/16 of the tire’s tread remains. Also called wear bars, treadwear indicators are there to provide an obvious visual warning that it’s time to shop for new tires.

4) Speed ratings

An alpha-numeric symbol you’ll find on your tire’s sidewall that tells you the maximum sustained speed the tire is capable of safely handling. An H-rated tire, for example, is built to be safe for continuous operation at speeds up to 130 mph. Most current model year family-type cars have S (112 mph) or T (118 mph) speed ratings. High performance cars often have tires with a V (149 mph) or  ZR (in excess of 149 mph) speed rating. A few ultra-performance cars have W (168 mph) and even Y (186 mph) speed-rated tires.

5) Maximum cold inflation load limit

This refers to the maximum load that can be carried in a given vehicle with a given type of tires — and the maximum air pressure needed to support that load. In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you should be able to find the recommended cold inflation load limit. It’s important not to exceed the load limit (or over or under-inflate the tires) as this can lead to stability/handling problems and even tire failure. Always check tire pressure “cold.” Driving creates friction which creates heat; as the tires warm up, the air inside expands, increasing the pressure. Measuring air pressure after driving can give a false reading; you may actually be driving around on under-inflated tires.

6) Load index

This number corresponds to the load carrying capacity of the tire. The higher the number, the higher the load it can safely handle. As an example, a tire with a load index of 89 can safely handle 1,279 pounds — while a tire with a load rating of 100 can safely handle as much as 1,764 pounds. It’s important to stick with tires that have at least the same load rating as the tires that came originally with the vehicle — especially if it’s a truck used to haul heavy loads or pull a trailer. It’s ok to go with a tire that has a higher load rating than the original tires; just be careful to avoid tires with a lower load rating than specified for your vehicle, even if they are less expensive. Saving a few bucks on tires is not worth risking an accident caused by tire failure.

7) Radial vs. bias-ply tire

Bias-ply tires have their underlying plies laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread; radials have their plies laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. That’s the technical difference. The reason radial tires are dominant today is that they help improve fuel efficiency and handling; they also tend to dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires. No modern passenger cars come with bias-ply tires these days and their use is generally not recommended. (Exceptions might include older/antique vehicles that originally came equipped with bias-ply tires. Some RVs also used bias-ply tires, etc.) It is very important never to mix radial and bias-ply tires; dangerously erratic handling may result.

8) LT and MS tires

These designations indicate “Light Truck” and “Mud/Snow” — and are commonly found on tires fitted to SUVs and pick-ups. LT-rated tires are more general purpose, built primarily for on-road use — while MS-rated tires typically have more aggressive “knobby” tread patterns designed for better off-road traction.

9) Temporary Use Only

Many modern cars come with so-called “space-saver” tires which are smaller and lighter than a standard or full-size spare tire. They are designed to leave more room in the trunk and be easier for the average person to handle when a roadside tire change becomes necessary. However, they are not designed to be used for extended (or high-speed) driving. Your car will probably not handle (or stop) as well while the Space Saver tire is on – and you should keep your speed under 55 mph and avoid driving on the tire beyond what’s absolutely necessary to find a tire repair shop where you can have your damaged tire repaired or replaced.

10) Treadwear, Traction and Temperature ratings

Each tire has three separate ratings for Treadwear, Traction and Temperature.

Traction ratings run from AA to A to B and C — with C being the lowest on the scale. The ratings represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement under controlled testing conducted by the government. C-rated tires are marginal and should be avoided. Never buy a tire with a Traction rating that isn’t at least equal to the minimum rating specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Temperature ratings from A to B to C — with C being the minimum allowable for any passenger car tire. The ratings correspond to a given tire’s ability to dissipate heat under load; tires with lower ratings are more prone to heat-induced failure, especially if driven at high speeds (or when overloaded). As with Traction ratings, never buy a tire with a Temperature rating that’s less than specified for your vehicle.

Treadwear ratings differ from Traction and Temperature ratings in that they aren’t a measure of a tire’s built-in safety margin. Instead, these ratings — represented by a three digit number — give you an idea of the expected useful life of the tire according to government testing. A tire with a Treadwear rating of 150, for example, can be expected to last about 1.5 times as long as a tire with a Treadwear rating of 100. These are just guides, however. Your tires may last longer (or not) depending on such factors as how you drive, whether you maintain proper inflation pressure and rotate the tires per recommendations — and so on.

Comments?

www.ericpetersautos.com

Leading The Industry into The Future | Ch. 6 | This is Ford Pro™

Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley shares his commitment to the growth of Ford Pro. Watch as he discusses his excitement for the future of our company and how we work hand-in-hand with our customers to deliver the custom solutions they need for their businesses.

Under The Hood - Tire Tread and Pressure

                        Check the tread and pressure to get the best performance from your tires

Curt ShockDrop™ Technology | Comfortable, Controlled, Confident Towing

ShockDrop™ technology is a cushion hitch system designed to enhance your comfort, control and confidence when towing a trailer. It is comprised of an innovative, flexible polyurethane isolator that dynamically adapts to bumps, potholes and uneven surfaces on the road. It suppresses rattling, vibrations, jerking and jarring at the coupling point to provide you with a superior towing experience.

ShockDrop™ technology is engineered to be the next generation of towing products, offering valuable benefits for professionals and enthusiasts alike. ShockDrop™ is integrated into a growing line of CURT products, enabling a variety of lifestyles for a more enjoyable towing experience.

ShockDrop™ provides enhanced control in your driving by counteracting the effects of uneven roads. It also helps increase the driver’s control over the vehicle in events of sudden braking and combats the tendency for undesirable trailer sway. ShockDrop™ technology is also a benefit to the life of your vehicle and towing equipment. The cushion isolator reduces the strain of towing on your vehicle’s brakes and suspension system to promote longevity. Compared to other cushion hitch solutions, ShockDrop™ is lighter-weight, putting less stress on your receiver hitch.

For maximum confidence, ShockDrop™ technology is engineered for simplicity. Each product is designed to be virtually maintenance-free. The cushion isolator is thoroughly tested for thousands of cycles, and it won’t wear out like competitive solutions that use an airbag or bearings.

Harbor 3-Piece Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure, Material Rack and Conduit Box

Store and Secure your tools, materials and equipment

in your Harbor Service Body

This Harbor body includes an optional 3-piece cargo bed enclosure installed on the service body to keep those items in there out of sight and out of mind. The top opens up two thirds of the bed area when opened and glides smoothly on teflon pads. The other unique thing on this is the way the rear is finished. Most commonly, the rear would be barn doors with no tailgate and this one retained the tail gate also has modified the  barn doors with a HD lock assembly to boot.

This unit has a HD material rack with a conduit box and master lock system to make life easy on the job site.

This rig has plenty of storage and security. See more from Harbor at www.htbi.net

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