Selecting the Best Retractable Tonneau Cover

The trend of customizing light trucks with specialty equipment may be one you've enjoyed indulging. But did you know there's a single accessory that can add style, security and versatility to your truck? A retractable tonneau cover lets you ride in style while protecting whatever you're hauling.

Here are three quick tips for selecting the right one for your vehicle.

Look for Versatility

By allowing you to access your load without cumbersome tonneau removal, a retractable tonneau cover lends real versatility to your light truck. While selecting a cover for your truck bed, opt for features that allow you to load and go quickly.

Remote-controlled retractable tonneau covers like the Pace Edwards Bedlocker give truck owners unparalleled ease of use. The push of a button sets the cover gliding down custom rails, giving full access to whatever is in the bed of the truck. If your truck bed is high traffic, make it even more versatile with a cover you control remotely.

Insist on Security

If you're like most light truck owners, you want to know that what you're hauling is secure. Full metal retractable tonneau covers built from aluminum panels offer improved security as well as style. Combined with remote controlled locking features like those found on the Pace Edwards Bedlocker, your truck becomes virtually tamper-proof.

Also look for "latch and lock" features that let you lock down the cover at intervals along the rails. This allows you to keep the bed secure, even with an irregular-shape load. Pace Edwards covers, in particular, seem to offer this feature in several models, especially the JackRabbit.

One more reason truck owners install tonneau covers is to protect the truck bed from the elements. With the right features, like interlocking panels and drain tubes to draw moisture away from the top, you can eliminate most of the damage rain, ice and snow cause to your truck bed.

Focus on Style

Even if you use your light truck constantly for hauling, there's no reason to sacrifice style. Today's retractable tonneau covers offer sleek styling as well as load security.

Look for durable finishes like powder-coated aluminum to insure a tough, good-looking cover. Another good option is a vinyl polymer cover built on an aluminum frame. Both materials are tough enough to withstand years of use without showing the wear.

While you're shopping, ask about low-profile tonneau cover models. These provide a flush fit that hides the hardware, so they won't detract from a great looking truck. Some truck owners prefer the classic good looks of an "old school" roll-top cover. Take the time to find a style that adds class to your truck's profile.

By the way, not only will a retractable tonneau cover improve your truck's looks, it can also increase your gas mileage. An independent wind tunnel study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association proved that adding a tonneau cover can decrease the drag factor in almost every truck model.

Installing a retractable tonneau cover is always a great investment for truck owners. With some careful shopping, you'll find a cover that gives you greater versatility and load security while preserving your truck's smooth styling.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Selecting a Tonneau Cover.

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Mudding Trucks Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Some stay with more of a stock design for their off road experience. These generally look a little better as mudding activity is the end result. Some of the stock designs are not to bad.

Mudding trucks are available in many shapes and sizes. Some are jacked up monster trucks that may require a ladder to climb into. They will usually have high performance engines that Nascar would be proud of. You can tell if it has been a good weekend as they are usually covered in mud. A bad day mud-slinging is better than a good at work.

Tires are a very important tool in mud boggin. A large tire helps to give the truck a little more lift. Also some tires have raised ridges that helps to find something to grab onto. Do not have the tire over inflated as this will make the tire to hard. A softer tire helps in the grabbing process.

Keeping the air intake system clean is very important. The air cleaner housing should be washed thoroughly after each outing, and the air filter should be in new condition. Some mud slingers are using a filter that can be cleaned after every mud slinging outing.

Air intake systems that are extended out above the windshield helps keep the filter and inside housing free of unnecessary debris. As any excess material in the cylinder will score the rings and cylinder wall and reduce power and lead to oil consumption. Maintaining a clean air intake system is very important.

For more Information visit my blog.

S W Allen Mudding Trucks Blog http://muddingtrucks.net/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_W_Allen

Advantages of Open Auto Transport

When shipping or transporting a car, many auto transport companies will offer the option of open auto transport or enclosed auto transport. The most important thing that people decide which mode of auto transport to go with is the cost involved. A driver of an open auto transport company determines his price per vehicle based on the route he is driving. Enclosed drivers price per vehicle is based on miles driven; the more miles traveled the cheaper per mile. The rates for both types of car carriers are typically driven by fuel prices.

If you are planning to shift your home to a new destination, there are lots of difficulties. You may be worried as to how would you transport your vehicle at an affordable rate. Your problem can be solved by hiring an auto transport company for shipping your vehicle. Many people have started using vehicle shipping more by more, because of the high cost of gas. If you are moving 1,000 miles and your car has poor gas mileage, you can end up paying hundreds of dollars for gas. A lot of extra money is being shelled out to cover the cost. But if you use auto transport service, you end up paying less compared to cost on gas and normal wear and tear expenses. One more possibility is that when you drive down your vehicle instead of shipping you may incur certain damages. In order to avoid this you can transport your vehicle.

Open auto transport services can be afforded by many people because it is economically priced. If you have spent time on US highways, you would have seen such open trailers at work. These trailers have one or two open air levels on which cars are loaded and secured. Open carriers can carry nearly 8 to 10 cars at a time. These trucks are nearly 75 to 80 feet long and about 14 feet high. Because of its massive size, these trucks are allowed only on limited roads and they ply only on roads which do not have low trees or low clearance bridges. Open auto transport carriers are the most common method of auto transport to transport new cars from the factory to the showroom or various places.

Open trailer is the least expensive form of auto shipping and by far the most common method. Enclosed auto transport is typically 25% to 50% more expensive than open auto transport. This method is also of industry standard and will provide more options and is likely a faster pick-up delivery window. Some of the drawbacks of open auto shipping are exposure and security. Exposure means the vehicle is exposed to sun, heat, snow etc. If your vehicle is not protected by sunlight or rain, chances are that your paint may be removed. Security is another major concern. If you have expensive products like high-end stereos or other expensive electronics item then chances of getting them stolen are higher in open auto transport. In open shipping you can request the shipping company to ship your vehicle on the top rack and/or immediately behind the truck.

Nisha is a Copywriter of Auto transport. She's written many articles in various topics. For more information visit:car shipping. Contact her at malar.article@gmail.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nisha_Sabbik

Tonneau Covers - Improve Security With a Truck Tonneau Cover

Installing a tonneau cover onto the bed of your truck is a simple solution to two fundamental issues: how can you keep cargo secure from theft and also protect it from the harsh elements of nature. Of course there are multiple types of tonneau covers to consider, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

• Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
It used to be that a roll-up tonneau cover was great for keeping your things out of sight but didn't really offer all that much protection. Well things have certainly changed. Now you can get a roll-up tonneau cover with a locking device just as strong as any other tonneau cover. It is made of a softer, more pliable material that allows you to easily roll back the cover whenever you need to get something. This gives you the added bonus of only rolling it up a certain amount to get access to what you need. Of course, the softer material also means that it's not going to be able to handle as much of a weight load as other tonneau covers. However, it is also most likely your cheapest option.

• Folding Tonneau Covers
A folding tonneau cover provides similar flexibility to a roll-up tonneau cover with a little more support. These covers are built so that they can fold up in three or four segments, which is a faster and more precise way to gain access than having to roll up the material. A previous disadvantage was that the tonneau cover would stop with the last segment, leaving you with only partial access to your truck bed. These days, however, you can find folding tonneau covers that go the extra mile and fold up to rest against the rear window, granting you full access. However, their weight load is going to be similar that of a roll-up tonneau cover, which is slightly less than other options.

• Retractable Tonneau Covers
A retractable tonneau cover offers the easiest access to your truck bed. It glides smoothly back, allowing you complete access with almost no effort. Plus, most retractable tonneau covers come with a number of locking positions, so you can determine exactly how much you want it to open. This heavy-duty option provides some of the best weight support, so almost no amount of snowfall can take it down. Of course all the extra support and ease comes with a price - this is likely to be the most expensive option.

• Hard Tonneau Covers
Hard tonneau covers use hinges to grant you access to the bed of your truck. From the back of the truck, all it takes is one hand to lift it up and let the hinges catch and support it while you load or unload your cargo. The one-piece construction gives it basically the heaviest weight capacity of any tonneau cover. Of course, the fact that you tilt the tonneau cover up means that access to the part of the truck bed closest to the cab will be limited; it doesn't make it impossible, just a little more awkward.

No matter which tonneau cover you end up choosing, you can rest assured that it will be incredibly weather resistant and keep your cargo safe from possible theft.

Transamerican Auto Parts has been a leading provider of tonneau covers, Jeep tops, lift kits, and other off road vehicle parts for over 40 years. Learn more about how a tonneau cover can benefit you athttp://www.4wheelparts.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_B_Jones

Folding Tonneau Covers - Really Beneficial?

Folding tonneau covers are offered for pickups of every make and model. There exist numerous varying styles of folding tonneau covers in today's automotive aftermarket. Often they're constructed from aluminum or vinyl with metal cross supports. The greater the number of panels a folding tonneau cover is comprised of, the smaller the space necessary for storage. The majority of covers fold from the tailgate to the front of the bed, though a few models feature panels folding in the reverse direction, granting access to the truck bed from the sides. Nearly all folding tonneau covers require an investment between $400 and $700 ... occasionally more.

Both aluminum and vinyl folding tonneau covers attach to the truck bed using stainless steel rods. The vast majority of such rods call for a little drilling along the bed rails, while others simply snap into the truck bed using drill-free clamps. When installed, the aforementioned hardware firmly holds the covering over the truck bed. Just about all folding tonneau covers provide locking mechanisms above the tailgate used to lock both cover and tailgate, making larceny extremely challenging. Folding covers constructed from either type of material are lightweight and simple to maneuver. And, each separate panel, even aluminum models, weighs but a few pounds.

Covers using additional panels fold into an even smaller area, allowing for even greater access to the truck bed. Most of these tops can be taken off in order for the entire bed to open. That said, it is equally practical to be able to leave the cover in-place and still access the entire truck bed. Many foldaway tonneau covers can be maneuvered so that, when folded, they are stacked, resting on one panel right behind the cab of the truck.

Again, as more panels are folded into an out-of-the-way position, more of the truck bed becomes easily accessible. A number of models feature the hinges in the middle, running front-to-back, allowing users to gain easy access to the truck bed from each side. This style of cover typically has two panels, each one supported in the upright position with some manner of gas shocks.

All that said, folding tonneau covers are the perfect complement for truck owners who need quick and easy access to their truck beds without sacrificing the peace of mind and security of a tonneau cover.

Eric Weeks has been one of the internet's leading experts on the folding tonneau cover and folding truck bed covers since 2001. Visit these sites now to learn how you can take advantage of this technology that can safeguard both your vehicle and your belongings while improving your gas mileage by as much as 10 - 12%. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Weeks

Add Sheer Beauty to Your Pickup Truck With a Fiberglass Leer Tonneau Cover

When adding a tonneau cover to your pickup truck, you'll want a cover that's durable, weather-resistant and design-friendly. With a fiberglass Leer tonneau cover, you can have all of these without breaking the bank. With several fiberglass lid designs in various colors, it's easy to match a tonneau with your truck and style.

Benefits of Fiberglass Tonneaus

Fiberglass tonneau lids are not only stylish, but are also lightweight and easy to install. The hard covers feature locks so you can easily protect your merchandise. They also hide valuable items from outside view. The fiberglass material (sometimes used to build entire car bodies) is lightweight but very strong to withstand wear and tear as well as weather. Most are easily accessible and have hinges for easy opening and closing. There are designs that will open from both sides so you can access whichever side needed without lifting the entire truck tonneau.

You can customize a fiberglass truck tonneau to match your truck's exterior paint colors and to blend with other design features. Tonneaus can even be painted with a business logo or your favorite artistic designs.

Familiarize Yourself with Tonneau Designs

Buying online enables you to review all the features and benefits of various truck lids before you commit to a purchase. For example, with fiberglass Leer tonneau covers, you can compare various models such as the 800 Series, the 700 Series, or the 550R Series. The 800 Series features a Leer Quick-Release hinge, a Leer SuperLift system, a Leer FlexSeal water barrier, optional keyless remote, primer gelcoat, fiber-based honeycomb, a Billet stainless steel lock with a cover.

The 700 Series is a little more upscale if you desire high-dimension styling. It features a Leer articulating four-bar hinge, hand-laid fiberglass, Leer twist handle rotary lathes, and marine plywood and/or metal reinforcements. The mid-priced 550R Series has easy no-drill installation, low profile styling, a removable four-bar hinge, Leer's SuperLift system, heavy-gauge locking rods, a black anodized Leer flip handle lock, gas assist props, and more.

All these tonneau covers add value to your truck while also increasing gas mileage. Studies show that gas mileage improves with certain tonneaus because the tonneau reduces aerodynamic drag.

Fiberglass Tonneau Shopping Hints

When shopping for tonneau covers, look for styles you love that will work with your truck's size and design. Also compare features and pricing online to learn what's available. Look for key benefits such as friendly customer service, a lifetime warranty on paint color fading and the tonneau cover's structure, easy no-drill installation, and tonneaus with lock and security features.

There are also retractable tonneaus and folding or soft tonneaus including those that snap on. While browsing the many truck covers, look for all the features to fit your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the more easy-to-use features a tonneau has, the more time you'll save when loading and unloading cargo.

You'll be pleasantly surprised to see high quality truck lids such as fiberglass Leer tonneaus at such affordable prices when you shop on the Web!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

Learn more about Fiberglass Leer Tonneau Covers.

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Truck Bed Nets Keep Your Stuff Where it Belongs

Have you ever worried that your stuff was going to be gone with the wind as you motored down the highway. Truck bed nets are the answer to securing your cargo in your truck bed.

Core is one of the manufacturers with a cargo safety net to secure your load.

Many times I've been loafing down the road with an overloaded truck bed when some yoyo pulls right up on my bumper. What are these people thinking? Can't they see all this stuff piled on this truck? Have they never seen something blow off a truck? It would be a disaster if some flying item off the back of my truck caused somebody to have a wreck.

Now I shouldn't be driving down the road with an unsecured cargo liable to fly out. The solution is a tough net that'll keep everything in where it belongs.

The Cargo Safety Net by Core will solve the problem. Core's net is non-elastic and comes in three different sizes. All you have to do is clip the metal fasteners to any tie-down and it's installed. No tools needed. The netting is strong, but lightweight.

The net conforms to most any size and shape of cargo so it's great for camping, hauling stuff to the dump or the beach. Keeps any load secure so you don't need to worry about getting stopped by police officers either. Save the cost of a ticket.

Truck bed nets are an easy way to keep your cargo in your truck and reduce the stress from hauling with an open bed pickup.

Ready to get a truck bed net? Visit our site for tips to help pick truck bed nets.

We invite you to visit http://www.TruckBedStuff.com for answers to your truck bed questions.

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