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Ultimate Truck Articles
Tonneau Covers
What every pickup truck owner wants – but won’t admit!
Floor Mats
Interior Car Floor Mats are a must have for living in the Northwest
Truck Floor Mats or Auto Floor Mats - Make a Great Holiday 'Adult' Gift
Mud Flaps
Mud Flaps, Splash Aprons, Splash or Mud Guards - What is the Difference?
Mud Flaps a Required Pickup Truck Accessory in many states.
Seat Covers
Custom Fit Car Seat Covers Provide Protection and Style.
Accessories
Car and Truck Accessories Personalize Your Ride.
What every pickup truck owner wants – but won’t admit!
Everyone who has ever had or who currently owns a pickup truck, at one point in time, wishes they had more room. Sure trucks are considered a large size vehicle, with 65% of the size being the open truck bed, leaves for a lot of ‘room’ not being efficiently used. The open truck bed is no place anyone wants to leave valuables or items exposed to the elements, be it weather or opportunists ready to steal anything that is not locked up.
The answer- tonneau cover. A tonneau cover, is an aftermarket accessory that covers, protects and secures the open truck bed of a pickup. Today’s tonneau covers are custom manufactured to OEM specifications for pickup trucks (long bed, short bed, sport trac) and the new cross-over sport utility vehicles (Ford Explorer Sport, Chevy Avalanche). Each tonneau cover is custom made for the pickup and most tonneau covers do not drilling for installation. The cover is secured to the bed of the truck via heavy duty clamps. Because each tonneau cover is custom made for each truck, the leading manufacturers’ guarantee their products will be a perfect fit.
In the last ten years, demand for tonneau covers has pushed manufacturers to design and engineer a better cover. Due to the constant refining and reengineering consumers now have a large selection of tonneau covers to choose from. Options such as quality of vinyl, snap or snapless, rolls, hinged, soft folding and even hard folding tonneaus are available for the customer. There are also tonneau covers that open like a hood of a car and made of rigid fiberglass materials that can be painted to custom match your pickup truck.
Be prepared for a wide price fluctuation between tonneau brands and models. The price really does dictate the quality of (tarp/cover) material and components used in manufacturing the product.
Before you shop for a tonneau cover, first determine how you want to utilize your truck bed. Do you want to have fast easy access? A snap or roll up cover would be a good fit and moderately priced. Do you want a hard cover? A solid folding or fiberglass lid type will narrow your choices and increase the cost. Is your truck a work truck with rails? A TracRac tonneau works seamless with your existing rail system. Do you have a toolbox in your truck bed? There are several tonneau manufacturers that make toolbox compatible covers.
All of the leading tonneau cover manufacturers, (Extang, TruXedo, Bak, Access, TracRac, Lund) feature full use of your tail gate when the tonneau is completely closed. If your truck is not equipped with a tailgate lock, it is recommended to add a lock (Pop n’lock) to your tailgate for additional security.
The advantages of adding a tonneau cover to your truck will pay off quickly. Not only will you suddenly EXPAND your truck’s usable room, you’ll give your truck a new, personalized look. You’ll also save on fuel! Tonneau covers are designed to cut wind resistance which reduces drag and can help to increase fuel economy, gas or diesel. The biggest advantage is your cargo will be safe and secure – where ever you leave it in your truck – inside or in the truck bed.
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Interior Car Floor Mats are a must have for living in the Northwest
Living in the state of Washington requires driving in all types of weather conditions. Whether I'm driving in rain, slush, snow or its dry and dusty, my vehicle's interior floor was vulnerable to a quick deterioration if left unprotected. Repeated, everyday use and exposure to the elements a vehicle's floor will quickly devalue your vehicle's appearance. Here's a list of the most common offenders to damaging your vehicle's interior floor:
- Foot friction wear from the driver and passengers entering and exiting
- Moisture- rain, slush, snow
- Mud and road grime
- Fast food and sticky soda pop that spills
- Shoe grime and crude stuck to your shoe
For maximum protection of my Chevy Suburban's interior, I accessorized it with custom, form fitting WeatherTech floor liners for the first, second and third rows and a WeatherTech cargo liner for the back. Now every inch of floor space throughout my spacious Suburban is protected.
Before I bought the WeatherTech floor liners and cargo liner products, I wanted to shop to find the best product for my vehicle and my lifestyle. What I discovered while shopping was a vast selection of floor mats, floor liners and cargo liners. There is such a difference between manufacturers, price, materials used and the fit.
For me, living in Washington State with its temperamental weather conditions, l needed all-weather floor liners that would fully protect and shield my vehicle's OEM carpet. Only after researching all the different types of floor mats available, did I realize carpet floor mats are better suited for drier climates typical of the southern part of the United States. Hence, all floor mats and liners are not all alike and have different features for different climates.
Once I narrowed my search down to finding all weather floor protection products, I could look at the difference between all rubber or high tech poly-based materials - floor mats and floor liners. The difference between a mat and liner isn't as obvious as it may seem. A floor mat is easily removable and doesn't cover the whole floor area. Today's floor liners are digitally, custom molded and shaped to the vehicle's interior specifications for a quality fit and maximum protection.
For me the choice was easy with kids, Labrador dogs and an active life, I chose to go with floor liners by WeatherTech. The liners fit every exposed inch of my vehicle's interior floor. The appearance is complementary to my upholstery and dash. Clean up of the floor mats is easy by simply vacuuming and lightly wiping any remaining dirt off with a damp cloth. I am quite satisfied with my purchase of the WeatherTech floor mat and cargo liner and would recommend them to anyone looking for a superior floor protection product.
Joquan Mae is a content manager at Ultimate Truck and Auto Accessories.
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Truck Floor Mats or Auto Floor Mats - Make a Great Holiday 'Adult' Gift
Finding a meaningful gift is sometimes impossible during the holiday shopping season. Are you running out of gift ideas that the recipient will appreciate and won't have to worry about returning the gift? The answer is Truck Floor Mats or Auto Floor Mats make the perfect gift for anyone on your list with a luxury car, sports car, sedan, van, SUV, pickup truck, virtually for any type of vehicles.
Today's interior auto floor mats or floor liners are superior aftermarket products that provide extra protection for your vehicle's floor against spills, crud, mud, slush, grime and daily foot friction. Floor mats are a great, thoughtful gift because the recipient will think you every time they get in and out of their vehicle, many times throughout the day. You may even get the extra appreciation when the kids spill their fast food fries followed by the spilled pop - all of which is no big deal because the gifted floor mats or floor liners you gave as a gift, protected their vehicle's interior and clean up was a breeze.
You'll be amazed how easy is to give a meaningful gift this year, to even that most difficult 'hard to buy for' person on your list. To help you with a flawless purchase, before you buy floor mats be prepared to have the following information ready:
- Vehicle's year
- Make and model
- Basic vehicle layout (bench seats versus buckets)
Shopping online for custom, fitting floor mats, floor liners and cargo liners will also save you time and avoid the mad mall shopping scene. Easy search terms like "rubber floor mats", "truck floor mats", "car floor mats" "all weather floor mats" will aide in finding e-commerce sites selling quality floor protection products.
Some of the top automotive manufacturers for floor protection with products that provide protection, function and style are:
- WeatherTech All Weather Rubber Floor Mats
- WeatherTech Extreme Duty Floor Liners and Cargo Liners
- Husky Heavy Floor Mats, Floor Liners and Cargo Liners
- Nifty Catch-All Premium Floor Mats and Cargo Mats
- Nifty Catch All Extreme Floor Mats and Cargo Mats
Mats and liners provide a custom fit to the vehicle's interior dimensions. Custom fit floor mats and liners are achieved by today's digital manufacturing capabilities that can match virtually every type of vehicle interior. Common materials used are carpet, rubber, or a high-tech poly-based material, each with different application strengths. For example, carpet floor mats are generally more common in warmer, drier climates. While all rubber or the poly-based materials in floor mats, liners and cargo liners are for all weather climates where moisture is prevalent.
This year forget about giving gift cards or booze! Give something you'll get a sincere thank you! Floor mats, floor liners or cargo liners make a great gift for anyone on your holiday list.
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Mud Flaps, Splash Aprons, Splash or Mud Guards - What is the Difference?
Call them what you want, mud flaps, splash aprons, splash or mud guards, the piece of material that is attached to the wheel well and sole purpose is to defray and minimize the spray or splash of water, mud, snow, rocks. Pickup Trucks, Sport Utility Vehicles, Suburban, Jeep, Tahoe, Expedition, Explorer are examples of what type of vehicles commonly upgrade to aftermarket splash guards. The difference of names for the same product comes mainly from regional differences. In the West, mud flaps are most common. Splash or Mud Guards are terms used in the Midwest and Splash Aprons are common in the East .
Everyday, dealers throughout the United States sell brand new pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans that are not properly equipped with flaps. Driving in rain, snow, mud even dirt without protection can cause damage to your new vehicle or to those driving behind you. Many people view mud flaps to be unnecessary or may get in the way while 4x4ing. For many, this is just an excuse not to shop for them because of the confusion between the names for the product.
More importantly than what you may call them, are the materials used between the different automotive manufacturers clearly defines the difference between the types of splash guards available today. Many mass produced and OEM mud flaps are typically made from a high tech plastic, contoured and cover a minimal area of the tire. This type of mud flap is subject to breakage in extreme temperatures and doesn't offer much anti-spray protection. All- rubber splash guards offer more flexibility but tend to sail up, defeating the purpose. All metal, usually stainless steel, are prone bending or being easily dented. At this point, you'll probably asking yourself why isn't there a better mud flap available?
The most resistant, functional and stylish mud flaps on the market today are UltimateFlap, made with a high tech poly-based, extreme temperature tested, material with a built-in pattern to give additional spray defection protection. Stainless steel weights and galvanized steel brackets reinforce the UltimateFlap from swaying or sailing up. This small manufacturer in North Idaho uses all U.S. crafted materials to custom make their premium product. Engineered and designed for function and durability, Ultimate Flaps are road tested and have a 100% customer satisfaction record. UltimateFlaps are also guaranteed not to break, chip or rust and are backed with a lifetime warranty.
When you outfit your vehicle with front and rear Ultimate Mud Flaps you will have ultimate protection against rocks, mud, snow, rain and debris hitting your vehicle. UltimateFlaps will complement your vehicle's clean line and offer a tailored finish look. With UltimateFlaps on your vehicle, cars that are behind you will benefit from less debris and splash as you travel down the road. Drivers behind you will thank you and your vehicle will stay cleaner too thanks to the mud flap.
The only name to remember when you're looking for Mud Flaps, Splash or Mud Guards, or any type of Anti-Splash protection for your pickup truck, sport utility, van or Jeep is UltimateFlap, Made with 100% United States quality materials and backed with a lifetime guarantee, Ultimate Mud Flaps are built to outlast your vehicle.
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Mud Flaps a Required Pickup Truck Accessory in many states.
Pickup Trucks around the country are being ticketed by highway patrolmen for not having adequate mud flaps on their truck. Many states like Washington have made it a violation subject to fines if a pickup truck, sport utility, even vehicles with large tires and clearance like Jeeps and Hummers fail to have mud flaps, or mud splash guards to deflect debris from the tires back down to the road. The law is to protect other drivers when traveling to avoid mishaps caused by flying debris from tires. While getting any type of driving ticket is a bummer, receiving one for failure to have adequate mud flaps not only avoidable but down right inexcusable.
Mud flaps, mud or splash guards should be the very first truck accessory any new pickup truck owners adds to their new vehicle. Mud flaps have evolved from the long haul truck driver's ensign of the mud flap girl. Today's mud flaps are designed to protect the vehicle's side panels from mud, loose pieces of rock, gravel and other debris that can fling out from the tires. Any pickup truck without mud flaps will quickly be exposed to dings, dents and paint damage to their vehicle's exterior. The reality is, any type of large tired vehicle can benefit from installing mud flaps. When front and rear mud flaps are installed, the vehicle's door panels and fender panels are protected from flying rocks, paint chip damage, and driver's traveling behind you.
Like so many products, all mud flaps, mud or splash guards are not the same. The quality of design, materials used and installation greatly differ. More importantly than what you may call them, are the materials used between the different automotive manufacturers clearly defines the difference between the types of truck mud flaps available today. Many mass produced and OEM mud flaps are typically made from a high tech plastic, contoured and cover a minimal area of the tire. This type of mud flap is subject to breakage in extreme temperatures and doesn't offer much anti-spray protection. All- rubber splash guards offer more flexibility but tend to sail up, defeating the purpose. All metal, usually stainless steel, are prone bending or being easily dented.
The most resistant, functional and stylish mud flaps on the market today are UltimateFlap, made with a high tech poly-based, extreme temperature tested, and material with a built-in pattern to give additional spray defection protection. Stainless steel weights and galvanized steel brackets reinforce the UltimateFlap from swaying or sailing up. This small manufacturer in North Idaho uses all U.S. crafted materials to custom make their premium product. Engineered and designed for function and durability, Ultimate Flaps are road tested and have a 100% customer satisfaction record. UltimateFlaps are backed with a lifetime warranty and are guaranteed not to break, chip or rust. These truck mud flaps are built to outlast your vehicle.
When you install the right mud flap for your pickup truck, Suburban, Jeep, Tahoe, Excursion, Hummer or vehicle you get the peace of mind you're a law abiding citizen without the worry of a traffic ticket or road rage driver behind you. More importantly you'll be protecting your new vehicle's exterior finish and adding a styling touch with UltimateFlaps.
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Custom Fit Car Seat Covers Provide Protection and Style.
Today’s drivers spend a lot of time behind the wheel of their vehicle. Between driving to work, running errands, and keeping up with an active family, pets, eating and drinking in our vehicle has become routine. Spills, drips and messes are inevitable and unless your seats are covered, your upholstery will suffer. Adding quality seat covers are a good idea for retaining the condition of the upholstery, seats and interior style of any truck, sport utility, sports car, luxury car or sedan.
Automotive seat covers have evolved over the years from a small, limited selection of sheep skin or polyester foam-backed covers into a highly sophisticated industry. Quality automotive seat cover manufacturers such as Covercraft and Coverking offer custom fitting seat covers for virtually any type of vehicle. Custom fitting car seat covers that utilize CAD designs to make patterns for the wide selection of materials available. Whether the seat covers are all cotton or a high-tech synthetic material the choices available today are great. Drivers can now also add their personal taste and style with quality car seat covers.
Purely functional, durable and breathable seat covers are one hundred percent cotton Canvas car seat covers. The natural fibers allow air to pass through and circulate eliminating a ‘sweat’ build up behind the cover. Also washable in a home washing machine, Canvas seat covers offer protection without spending a bunch of money. Color selection is limited to basic colors like grey, black and tan.
The Cordura material used for seat covers offers the same strength and durability used for premium luggage. This waterproof and super resistant material is a perfect fit for active families or people who are in and out of their vehicle a lot. Cordura car seat covers are made to take high wear and use. Easy to care and clean since Cordura is washable.
Leatherette, a synthetic leather look a like, offers the luxurious look and feel of leather without the high cost. Easier to keep clean and new than leather, Leatherette car seat covers can be easily wiped clean with a soft cloth. Unlike a natural fiber material that will breath during a long travel. Leatherette is better suited for short, frequent trips.
Neoprene is the latest wonder material for car seat covers. Offered in a multitude of colors and patterns Neoprene is soft to the touch and comfortable. Coverking uses only CR grade neoprene for their seat covers. This is the same dense and thick grade used in surfing wetsuits.
Velour seat covers offer a high style interior touch with its plush and soft qualities. Foam backing adds structure and comfort to the car seat covers. When looking for Velour seat covers check the manufacturers warranty against fading and shrinking. Quality velour seat covers will provide some type of warranty, usually 1 – 2 years.
Forever classic truck seat covers are Saddleblanket. These classics offer a return to basics and a traditional style. Saddleblanket truck seat covers are foam backed and have a distinct stitched pattern material.
Whether you need to cover up an existing problem spot on your car upholstery or you want to preserve and protect what you have, custom fitting car seat covers are one of the wisest car or truck accessory to buy. Top quality, superior fitting car seat covers are widely available for virtually any type of any truck, sport utility, sports car, luxury car or sedan.
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Car and Truck Accessories Personalize Your Ride.
The days of bumper stickers proudly proclaiming the drivers opinions or supported causes have been lost in the masses of traffic. Cars and trucks are made of less metal and more plastic - the kind that won't let anything adhere to it. Between the technical advancement of automotive manufacturing and the evolution of drivers, the demand for car and truck accessories has never been greater. Yet the need for drivers to self express has never faded. Today's drivers want enhancements for their car or pick up truck that will increase the value, performance, style, function and add a personal touch.
Car and truck floor mats preserve the 'newness' of a vehicle and are made of quality materials that withstand daily use and are easy to clean. Virtually any type of vehicle made, has a quality car seat cover made to fit it. Seat covers offer a unique way to show a personal style while being functional to preserve and protect the upholstery underneath.
While car accessories are widely available for the interior, the exterior offers opportunities to add some chrome accents on the door handles, gas cover and license plate holders. Cars can get a performance enhancing boost with a new performance programmer. Examples of popular car accessories include:
The pickup truck has fast become a common vehicle throughout the world. For many truck owners, the truck bed goes unprotected, exposed and unused. The tonneau cover revolutionized the practicality of owing a pickup truck. A quality made tonneua cover is easy to use, locks, protects and offers full use of the truck bed cargo area. Mud flaps also commonly called splash or mud guards are a necessary accessory to be a courteous driver and benefit from a cleaner truck. Adding any type of exterior truck accessory definitely adds a personal style and function to your life. Stainless steel tube steps made it easy to get in and out of the truck. A carpeted bedrug makes the truck bed soft and safe to haul delicate cargo. To beef up a truck's torque and power add a programmer and a new intake air system to make towing and getting around easier. Examples of popular truck and sport utility accessories include:
As is the vast selection of products available, so is the choices of where to buy car and truck accessories. Today consumers have the choice of buying made in China floor mats from one of the big box stores, mail ordering from a parts warehouse, or shopping at an specialized auto and truck accessory retailer. Technology and the use of home computer have created a yet another great resource for consumers, shopping via the internet. Select auto and truck accessories retailer are also e-tailers. Some of the best automotive e-tailers offer an easy online shopping experience that helps narrow the search of products that fit specially to your vehicle backed with expert product knowledge and quality automotive grade accessories. Savvy consumers can save time, money and show some style by accessorizing their car or truck.
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