Semi Truck Accessories Are Your Best Advertisement

The best way to add value to your semi-trailer truck is to accessorize it. While these words may seem like a sales pitch by an accessory dealer, the fact is that often the first thing noticed by a potential customer for a trucker's services is his equipment. If the truck, or the whole fleet for that matter, looks well kept and attractive, the impression of that business is positive. This is true for a tow operator, fruit and produce distributor, over-the-road hauler, even sanitation pick-up and septic tank services.

Pride in a job well done and concern for customer service is reflected in the way a big rig is maintained. This can accomplished with a simple but well thought out paint job, and can go to the extreme with elaborate lighting and chrome accessories. For example, semi truck wheels can be simply painted and decorated with lug nut covers, or they can be covered with a variety of wheel accessories like axle covers or complete stainless simulators. A more expensive choice would be aluminum wheels with stainless axle covers and lug nut covers.

Increase Safety and Looks with LED Lights

Lighting is another method of displaying pride in your ride. Besides adding to the safety factor, today's LED lights use a minimum of amperage and deliver a big wallop. A trucker can use ten times the number of lights than in past years, and yet not draw any more power from the battery. LED lights are available in a large variety of styles and colors, and can be installed in unusual places on the vehicle - in wheel wells, in the grille, on a visor and in air breathers.

Big Rig Accessories Make Long Hours Behind the Wheel Enjoyable

Other standard equipment - fenders, bumpers, tool boxes, exhaust pipes, mud flaps - can be left in stock condition, but are often seen in chrome and stainless. These all contribute to a fine public image of your truck. Interior accessories, while not necessarily visible to the public, also give a sense of pride of ownership and make the long hours spent in the cab more pleasant. For example, there are dashboard accessories, designer steering wheels and gear shift knobs. Chrome and stainless accessories are available for most semi truck models, and custom items can often be fabricated. In all, these items add a touch of class to any big rig!

Michael Chase is a freelance writer for VirgoFleet.com. Virgo Fleet specializes in semi truck accessories including the widest assortment of big rig accessories on the Internet. Virgo Fleet is the top retailer for custom chrome bumpers, cb radios, air horns and many other quality truck parts.

Choosing the Best Nerf Bars For Your Truck

Whether you own a Ford, Dodge, Chevy or GMC truck, choosing the right accessories is essential. While custom grilles, running boards, tube steps and other accessories are more than popular, nerf bars remain one of the best ways to set off your truck with rugged good looks, yet ensure that you're installing something that will actually give you some use.

What should you look for in nerf bars? What elements will tell you if you're making a purchase that will stand the test of time? As you might imagine, it is essential that you choose high quality accessories; below, you will find just a few of the areas to consider.

Weight Limit

How much weight can your nerf bars bear? Is the weight limit sufficient to make these accessories a viable option? Remember, you will be using the bars as a step into the truck, as well as to help protect the vulnerable sides of the truck from debris and obstacles. Therefore, you should ensure that the bars are capable of supporting your weight.

Bar Construction

What materials make up the actual nerf bars? Does the manufacturer use high carbon steel? Do they use aluminum? Are the bars manufactured of steel overlaid with a layer of chrome? While each of these materials is certainly an option on the market, you should consider stainless steel as the most durable choice out there.

Aluminum can be a great choice, though these are very expensive. Carbon steel can be durable, but rust can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your bars. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is both economical and durable, capable of withstanding years of use and abuse outdoors.

Mounting Hardware Considerations

While the construction material of the nerf bars themselves is very important, the material used to fabricate the mounting brackets, nuts, bolts and washers is also of high importance. Many manufacturers utilize high carbon steel, with a coating of black paint over the top. This looks great and helps to hide the mounting hardware from sight. However, it might not be the best choice for durability.

A better option is to choose nerf bars that use stainless steel mounting hardware. Why is this? Consider the fact that your hardware will be exposed to just as much punishment from the elements as your nerf bars, perhaps more. Since they will be under the truck, they will be in almost direct contact with rainwater from the road, salt, rocks and other things that cause corrosion and wear.

If you opt for a set of bars that comes with basic carbon steel mounting hardware, you can find that your brackets, nuts, bolts and washers are incredibly corroded after just two years of use. Over time (a very short time, at that), this corrosion will eat through the metal, weakening the mounting hardware and causing massive potential problems.

Stainless steel mounting hardware is not subject to these problems. In fact, after two years installed on a truck, you will find almost no corrosion or wear. This ensures that you are able to get the most out of your investment. No one wants to throw money down the drain, but buying nerf bars with inferior mounting hardware is essentially doing just that.

Ease of Installation

The installation process for your nerf bars should also be a significant consideration. Will you need help to install them? Will you need to take your truck to a mechanic's shop? Check the manufacturer specifications to find out the mounting bracket locations, tools required and more. You'll also need to consider your truck - can you get underneath it easily? Can you do the job alone, or with a friend? These are vital considerations.

G. Evans represents ChromePickup.com, a 20 year retailer of truck accessories. To learn more about nerf bars for pickups products visit their website ChromePickup.com.

Daily Forklift Truck Maintenance

Many businesses require a forklift truck for their day to day operation. A forklift truck can be a valuable piece of machinery for any business involved in, or planning to be involved in, the movement of heavy goods and materials. Forklifts are used extensively, and there are many different types of machine, each more suited to a specific job that the next. Fuel type is one such consideration in the process of selecting the correct machine for the application. Forklifts are available as diesel, gas or electric, regardless of fuel type all require daily maintenance checks to ensure the safety and smooth running of the vehicle on a day to day basis. The following article provides an overview of what these checks should include for each fuel type, and who should carry them out.

Anyone involved in the operation of a forklift truck should be qualified to do so. This is a legal requirement much like obtaining a driving licence. Furthermore qualifying to operate one type of truck, does not cover the same operator to drive another. For example a licence for a telescopic handler would not cover the same operator to drive a rough terrain forklift truck. This is important to take note of, if your business requires the use of a number of different types of machine. Ensure that any operators have taken a conversion course to cover any additional truck types they are required to drive (see earlier article for more details on forklift truck driver training). A key component of any forklift truck training course, and one of the first elements to be taught is the routine daily checks, which must be performed on the machine prior to use. This is the case for diesel, gas or electric trucks, for which the following checks should be performed:

Electric

Check battery electrolyte levels after charging battery
Check hydraulic oil level
Check all wheel nuts for tightness
Inspect hoses for leaks and damage
Visually inspect tyres for damage and inflation pressure
Top up batteries with distilled water/di-ionised

Additionally ensure that batteries are recharged after each shift, and avoid engaging in random charging.

Diesel / Gas

Check radiator water level
Check engine oil level
Check all wheel nuts for tightness
Check fuel level
Visually check water trap
Inspect hoses for leaks and damage
Examine tyres visually for damage and inflation pressure

Ensuring that the above checks are carried out not only prolong the life and ensure the safety of your forklift truck, they also reduce any costs incurred. Any neglect or misuse of a forklift will result in damage and hence unnecessary costs, therefore it is wise to make sure operators sign off on such duties on a daily basis.

In summary making certain that your machine is well maintained, and daily checks carried out, can not only prolong the life of any machine the business owns and ensure safety is preserved, but also make sure that additional costs are not incurred and the smooth running of your business is ensured.

Charlotte Mclean works for an established forklift truck hire business run by her family for many years. Follow the links to browse our selection of new and used forklifts for sale or for more information on forklift servicing

5 Must-Have Truck Parts and Modifications

Tonneau Covers

Adding a tonneau cover is a great way to personalize your truck. Not only does a tonneau cover give your truck a sleek, aerodynamic look, but it can also help improve gas mileage. Over time, this money savings can pay for the tonneau cover itself. Whether you choose a tonneau cover that is soft, hard, roll-up, tilting, or folding, you will also benefit from the added security of potential thieves not seeing personal items in the truck's bed because it's covered. Buy a tonneau cover today and git er covered!

Tires

Does your truck have some skinny, all season radials that look like they came off a station wagon? It's time to get some serious truck tires for enjoying off road trail time. Upgrading tires can significantly improve your truck's off-road capabilities. Choose the right tire for your conditions, whether it's all terrain, mud terrain, rock crawling, or Baja racing. When you go with bigger tires, make sure you don't go too big for your existing setup. Tires that are too wide will rub on truck parts such as fender walls and suspension parts, and may not allow for proper steering of your truck.

Wheels/Rims

When those stock wheels that everyone else has just won't do, get a set that makes your truck stand out. You may want to buy larger wheels or wider wheels depending on the size of your desired tires. Some of the hottest wheels on the market now come in high gloss black, flat black, black and chrome, or in just pure chrome *bling*. Besides wheel diameter and width, you will need to know the number of lug nuts and lug nut spacing to ensure proper fit. Also, you may want to choose a wheel offset that is the same or similar to your stock wheel's offset. A wheel's offset is the distance between the centerline and the plane of the hub-mounting surface of the wheel. Wheels are often stamped with the offset using the Germen prefix "ET," which stands for "Einpresstiefe" or "insertion depth." An example would be "ET38" for a 38mm offset.

Lift Kit Suspensions

It's time to raise it up. Increasing ground clearance means you can get over obstacles that would have caused damage at stock height, or you'd get stuck. A 2" lift is great for accommodating larger tires, but you can go higher. How about an 8" lift kit for some serious rock crawling?

Exhausts

Adding an exhaust system is another great way to personalize your truck with an authoritative sound, great looks, and improved horsepower, torque, and MPGs. Look for an exhaust system built with stainless steel and minimal bends to improve airflow. The smoother your exhaust flows, the easier your truck breathes. This would be a great time to add an intake or drop-in air filter to further increase the engine's intake/exhaust flow.

By making these 5 modifications to your truck, you will transform a stock, off-the-showroom-floor truck into your unique and personalized transporter with improved off road capabilities and performance. Now, take an Internet break and go get your truck dirty!

Barth Mauler is an off-road enthusiast and part-time writer. He is an expert on performance truck parts and accessories. Barth is experienced with lift kits, wheels, tires, tonneau covers, exhausts, and other truck parts.

Truck Suspension - What You Need to Know About Custom U-Bolts

Truck suspension parts are integrations of rubber springs, shock absorbers, custom u-bolts, spring pins, spring bushing, shackles, hangers, leaf and coil springs, and more.

U-Bolts are designed for an extensive range of products inclusive of domestic, commercial buildings, industrial building applications, automobile industries, marine and fishing, and off-shore and coastal operations. Custom U-bolts that are available in the market vary in their characteristics such as shapes, sizes, materials and grades depending on its utility.

In automobiles, custom U-Bolts have many functions, they are used to hold springs to the front and rear axles of cars, heavy trucks, off-road trucks, etc. Generally speaking, U-bolts hold truck bodies to frames, rigging applications, and anything that may need clamping force between two or more pieces of material.

The U-shape helps keep the bolt firmly in place so that it will not pull away from its fittings easily, adding uncompromising security and stability. The strongest known metal - steel - is used commonly in manufacturing the U-bolts which keeps the fastening resistant toward any kind of corrosion and is also a rust-proof material. Custom U-bolts are also available in other materials like low carbon steel, plain finish, hot dipped galvanized, zinc plated, Teflon coated, hot dipped galvanized poly-coated.

What are the elements that will help you in differentiating one U-bolt from the other?

When you are looking for a custom U-bolt, all you will have to consider is the size and shape:

o Size: The thread size of your U-bolt, rod sizes, inside width of your U-bolt, inside length of your U-bolt.

o Shape: The shape of bending in the U-bolt also helps in identifying the difference; the top may be round, square, or semi-round.

Problems with the U-bolt could result in loss of control at its worst maximum, broken springs at the least and the exerted pressure having a direct impact on the tire.

The added advantage of the U-bolt is that it can be re-tightened according to its usage and load conditions based on its specification.

Never take your chances, always refer to the manual or go by the judgement of an expert so as to save your truck from over-tightening; over-tightening of U-bolt is equally harmful. Never use old U-bolts, when you are re-tightening old nuts, the nuts tends to grab the old worn out threads directly affecting the socket to rod position.

When you subject your vehicle to frequent bad roads and overloading, the U-bolt tends to get stretched from its original position separating it from the spring and its axle will yield to the pressure thus taking a toll on the suspension compressing it beyond its limit and affecting the traction position. The wear and tear stretches the legs of the U-bolts from its original position, although it is made of the most foolproof metal and mechanism. It is advisable to go in for U-bolts with torque value, in which case the U-bolt will stretch within its elastic limits and rebound to its initial point without any damage. Therefore, even if the axle twists from the leaf spring of the suspension, the elasticity will bounce back protecting it from any mishap.

To conclude, here are a few tips on U-bolt.

o Never ever flip a U-bolt without crossover steering or interference problems.

o Re-tighten as per the spec after a few hundred miles.

o Always check them before venturing out on a trail trip.

Gary Allen is the co-founder of All Cape Spring Co. He specializes in truck suspension and Custom U-Bolts and has an experience of over a decade. All Cape Spring Co. serves Cape Cod, Sagamore Beach and Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.allcapespringco.net

Truck Wheels and Jeep Wheels - Which Ones are Right for You?

Contrary to what you might believe, while they may be the most stylized of all truck and Jeep parts, wheels aren't all about adding glitz and shine. In fact, choosing wheels deserves lengthy consideration, as the right set of wheels can provide additional performance benefits that make buying them not just a stylistic decision, but a smart one as well. Particularly with regard to off-road oriented Jeeps, choosing the optimum set of Jeep wheels can be as important an item to consider as many other Jeep parts.

Factors to be Wary of When Choosing Truck Wheels and Jeep Wheels:

When choosing a set of truck or Jeep wheels, the first recognition that one needs to make is just how vital they are to a vehicle. The type of wheels chosen can have a direct, significant impact upon ride quality, handling, and safety, and oftentimes prove to be just as crucial as many other essential truck and Jeep parts. Moreover, picking the right wheels and taking proper care of them are crucial factors in maintaining optimum performance, and of course, keeping up that slick look. It is important to remember that wheels are providing stability for an entire vehicle. They are directly connected to the axle, brakes, and suspension system. Should a single wheel falter, this could be disastrous for other components in your vehicle.

Corrosion:

Ideally, when it comes to having polished, shiny Jeep and truck wheels, it is very important to keep them that way as much as possible. Wheel corrosion should be taken seriously, not only because of the effects on appearance, but for harmful and potentially unsafe consequences as well.

There are numerous types of corrosion that can damage or otherwise deteriorate Jeep and truck wheels. Rust can eat away at some wheel metals, causing disfiguration and stability breakage. Corroding brakes can also leak onto the wheel itself, leading to further corrosion. Additionally, brake dust that accumulates on wheels can permanently stain or tarnish certain wheel metals when combined with heat buildup during everyday driving. Finally, for the off-road enthusiasts, rocks, dirt, and sand can scratch sparkling chromes, and sometimes even become entrenched in wheels made of more porous metals, leading to further corrosion.

Granted, significant corrosion that results in considerable wheel damage is a rarity; however, this is not to suggest that regular upkeep and cleaning of your wheels can be outright neglected.

Bending/Breakage:

Bending and breakage are irregular occurrences provided that you exercise caution when driving, but this is not to suggest that they are factors to be taken lightly. Especially for off-road enthusiasts who tackle some of the toughest terrains using low air pressure crawling, wheel bending or breakage can ruin any off-road outing, as driving on one frayed truck wheel or dented Jeep wheel can damage an entire suspension system. Rough driving on bumpy roads or extended driving over potholes or speed bumps can also lead to wheel damage, particularly if air pressure is low, or if the suspension system is not sufficient.

Sizing:

Essentially, the job of the wheels on your vehicle are to work with the suspension system to keep as much of the tires in contact with the road, particularly during turns and braking. A set of quality truck wheels can mean the difference between a tire catching the road on a rainy day, or spinning out of control on a patch of pebbles on the highway. In order to ensure optimum tire contact, it is important to take truck wheel sizing into major consideration.

There are three aspects to wheel sizing that work together with the suspension design: wheel offset, aspect ratio, and tire width. Offset refers to the distance from the very center of the wheel to the mounting surface of the wheel disc at the hub. Wheel offset can be positive, negative or zero. A "0" offset means that the mounting surface of the wheel is in the center of the wheel. This measurement is very important in positioning the tire. This also allows for adequate dual spacing.

Aspect ratio is the ratio between the width of the tire and the height of its side wall. A tire specified as "205/60/15," for example, has a width of 205mm and 60% aspect ratio. The "15" refers to the size of the tire to which the wheel is fitted. Typically, tires with lower aspect ratio than what is required will wear them out easily, and ride quality will deteriorate; although, this could also result to more precision in turning. Some people consider using wider wheels to give a vehicle a racer look, but while is it true that wider wheels and tires can give a vehicle a sportier appearance, they can also ruin your driving satisfaction. This is because the weight of the vehicle would not be evenly spread over the wheel and tire width. Resistance is also increased, thus you wheels and tires could wear out fast, and gas mileage could be significantly reduced.

Wider wheels are sometimes required to adequately support larger and wider tires. This provides increased traction in a variety of different terrains such as sand and mud. Vehicles with larger wheels and tires also make less of an impact in the terrain opposed to a vehicle with narrow wheels that cuts into the terrain creating ruts and erosion.Types of Custom Truck Wheels and Jeep Wheels:

Custom truck wheels are available in three compositions and a seemingly endless number of styles. Each composition has its advantages and disadvantages, and it's a good idea to take each into consideration to help determine which type of wheel is right for you.

Steel Truck Wheels and Jeep Wheels:

Steel wheels employ solid construction and heavy-duty materials to reap certain benefits. The stamped construction of steel truck wheels provides a more consistent composition that you can't get out of cast and machined alloys. The end result is that steel wheels are typically more uniform, and therefore, less prone to warping or wobbling. There are not as many styles of steel wheels to choose from, but they are typically less expensive in comparison to cast wheels. This makes steel wheels an excellent option for off-road enthusiasts who are looking for a set of truck or Jeep wheels that are durable enough to handle off-road terrain, yet inexpensive enough to easily replace in the event of wheel damage. On the downside, steel wheels are heavier than alloys, which may slightly reduce performance and decrease gas mileage.

In Brief - Advantages of Steel Wheels:

Heavy Duty Durability
While slightly heavier than alloy wheels, steel wheels are also more durable. Additionally, steel is more malleable than aluminum, preventing chipping or breakage due to impact.
Consistent Composition

The stamped construction of steel wheels helps them to be more uniform and symmetrical, increasing structural integrity and reducing the likelihood of wobbling.

Longevity

Steel wheels are less porous than aluminum wheels, allowing better resistance against dirt, sand, and brake depletion.

Value

Steel wheels are a great, inexpensive option that can take a beating when going off-road.

Forged Alloy Truck Wheels and Jeep Wheels:

Aluminum forging utilizes heat and extreme pressure to create dense and strong wheels that are durable, yet still remain lightweight. Although forged aluminum wheels are slightly more expensive than other wheels, this is because no expense is spared with regard to tooling, development, equipment, and manufacturing, and the results show in the quality of these truck wheels. Aluminum alloys make the perfect culmination of lightweight composition, creative spoke design, and protection against the elements for a lasting shine. For maximum durability and reliability in an alloy wheel, forged aluminum wheels have no equal.

In Brief - Advantages of Forged Alloy Wheels:

Extreme Heat Forgery
Forged alloy wheels are subjected to extreme heat during the construction process, allowing the aluminum compounds to meld, creating dense and durable wheels.
Lightweight

Advanced aluminum alloy compounds are lighter than steel wheels.

Excellent Value

In general, forged alloy wheels tend to be slightly more expensive than their cast aluminum counterparts; however, in terms of durability, weight, performance, design, and overall quality, forged alloy wheels are the best overall value, giving you the most bang for your buck.

Cast Alloy Wheels:

Cast-molded alloy wheels are a reliable option that provides many performance benefits for on and off road drivers. Using aluminum compounds combined with low-pressure casting, the end result is Jeep wheels and truck wheels that are lightweight and durable. The porous metal compound of cast alloy wheels helps to dissipate heat during excessive brake application, and also provides a rust-resistant, easy-to-clean shine. The malleable nature of cast alloy Jeep and truck wheels also allows more creative freedom to craft some of the most vicious designs available. On the downside, cast alloy aluminum tends to be more porous, which may lead to various forms of corrosion, but this can typically be avoided with regular cleaning and care.

In Brief - Advantages of Cast Alloy Wheels:

Low-Pressure Casting
Cast alloy wheels employ low-pressure casting techniques for increased malleability. This allows alloys to be more flexible, therefore granting manufacturers a certain level of metallurgic creativity.
Porous Metal Compound

The aluminum alloy of cast wheels is more porous, which allows better airflow through the wheels to help cool down heated brakes.

Rust-Resistant Shine

Cast aluminum alloy wheels are rust-resistant, easy to clean, and produce a consistent, long-lasting shine.

Don't Forget the Lug Nuts:

They may be small, but lug nuts are crucial truck and Jeep parts that many people overlook when upgrading to custom wheels. The impact of lug nuts on wheel safety, security and durability just may surprise you. Here are some reasons why when upgrading to custom wheels, new lug nuts are near-essential truck and Jeep parts that ensure the utmost performance:

Style:

Lug nuts are the essential cherry-on-top that style enthusiasts are quick to overlook. Attention to detail is important when it comes to the appearance of your vehicle, and nothing complements a new set of wheels and tires like custom lug nuts. OEM lug nuts are bland, and can appear glaringly dull in contrast to the polished shine of new wheels. Particularly on aging stock wheels, the lug nuts may be significantly worn or warped, or the grooves may be stripped. Chrome and alloy lug nuts are quite commonplace and many styles are available to go with any wheels and tires.

General Maintenance:

Whether you're the weekend off-road enthusiast who alternates tires frequently, or even the everyday driver who's prompt with tire rotations, lug nuts can corrode and wear out over time. Loose, frayed lugs can result in instability, or rusted lugs might be irremovable in case of a flat. Lug nuts are in close association with the brakes and wheels, and corroding lug nuts may aversely affect your brake system, or damage chrome wheels.

Security:

Unfortunately, theft of your wheels and tires is as easy for thieves as changing a few spares. For this reason, lockable lug nuts can provide just enough added security to prevent you from becoming a victim. Heavy duty locking mechanisms make lug nuts difficult to remove, which can be the difference between a thief disregarding your vehicle and instead going after a far less painstaking vehicle without wheel locks. Spline drive lug nuts are also beneficial for added security, as they require a special tool to remove them (typically included in a set of spline drive lug nuts).

Lughole Sizing:

Lughole sizing can be a tricky endeavor if you're not sure how to do it properly. All tire and wheel shops have a special tool that they can place over the rim holes that tell them the pattern. Since this tool costs over $20 and you won't use it very often, you can check you own hole pattern if you have a simple tape measure.

Most lug holes are 1/2", 9/16" or 5/8". Most trucks and SUVs of 1/2 ton size or less will come with the half-inch size. If you're upgrading to a slightly larger tire size, chances are that the stock lug studs will handle the job nicely. However, if you're going to some really big tires, you might have to upgrade the stud size to handle the increased loads. Check with the after market wheel and tire manufacturer for their recommendations.

When measuring, be sure that your tape is located dead center on the hole (or on one edge with the five-hole pattern) for accuracy. It's very hard to tell small differences, but 1/4 inch can make a big difference. For example, the largest rim size you can get with a 5-on-4 and 1/4" wheel pattern is a 14 inch rim. But there are numerous 15 inch rims available in 5-on-4 and 1/2" patterns, so you can see how critical an accurate measurement is.

If the rim is still on the vehicle, it's often hard to get that accurate measurement. One simple trick is to take a sheet of paper and press it down firmly on the studs you need to measure then measure the marks on the paper.

Another trick is to take some stiff wire - a coat hanger will do fine - and bend the wire into a wide "U" shape, using the ends of them to act like calipers.

The very best method is to actually take the wheels off the vehicle, lay them flat on the ground, and measure the holes carefully, while looking straight down.

In Summation:

While the stylistic aspect of purchasing new Jeep or truck wheels is often the primary consideration, it's important to not overlook factors pertaining to performance. One should be wary of paying proper attention to upkeep and selection before choosing a set of wheels, as the wrong decision can significantly affect your vehicle as well as your safety. Knowing the differences between steel, forged, and cast wheels, as well as correct procedures for sizing, maintenance, and mounting are all crucial factors in getting the most out of your truck and Jeep wheels.

Billy Han currently resides in La Palma, CA, and works as a Copywriter for Transamerican Auto Parts. ransamerican Auto Parts is a leading aftermarket supplier for of truck parts and jeep accessories, including truck and jeep wheels, lift kits, suspension, wincges, tires, bumpers, performance parts, and more.