Husky Liners

“THAT’LL HOLD A CUP-A-JOE. OR A GALLON OF YEEHAW!” * IT’LL HOLD THE MOST ABOMINABLE MESS.

Husky floor liners come with our patented FormFit Edge™ which is a raised ridge that runs along the door jam to protect your truck or SUV from the most abominable mess. So go ahead...play in the snow and make your snowman –Husky Liners has ya coverd.

Precision fit to perfectly match the contours of your truck or SUV. Precision fit to perfectly match the contours of your truck or SUV.

FormFit Edge ™ contains a spill until you can pull it out, wash it off— good as new! FormFit Edge ™ contains a spill until you can pull it out, wash it off— good as new!

StayPut ™ Cleats keep your liner from shifting around underfoot over carpet or vinyl. StayPut ™ Cleats keep your liner from shifting around underfoot over carpet or vinyl.

BUYERS’ GUIDE PRODUCTS: PROGRAMMERS

Bully Dog BDX Performance Programmer Descriptions: Bully Dog’s BDX hand-held performance tuner gives drivers the performance they need, whether tackling tough terrain, pulling a heavy payload or maximizing fuel economy on the highway. Its sleek design, full-colour display and customizable gauges help track and ad- just powertrain performance to deliver more horsepower and torque when it’s needed most. Specifications: Cloud-based tune delivery over built-in WiFi means that the BDX will always be running the latest tuning - enabling drivers to stay one step ahead of the pack. Applications: Over 800 applications available with this single part number Website: www.bullydog.com

Bully Dog GTX Performance Programmer & Monitor Description: Bully Dog’s GTX is performance tuning, reimagined - no computers necessary. It has a super-responsive 5-inch colour touch screen. Along with the ability to hold 20 custom tunes, GTX comes preloaded with multiple Bully Dog tuning levels. GTX is also the premier data monitoring solution, giving drivers the ability to monitor the industry’s most extensive list of PIDS, or engine parameters, on an easy-to-use device. Specifications: Its unique grab n’ go magnetic mounting system allows the device to be kept front-and-centre while driving, and then quickly stowed away when not in use. Applications: Currently, Ford, with new vehicles being added soon. Website: www.bullydog.com

DiabloSport inTune i3 Description: DiabloSport’s new inTune i3 Performance Programmers provide your truck with an easy way to boost power and torque without ever even having to open the hood. In addition to power gains, the tuner will provide your vehicle with better throttle response and improved fuel economy. The inTune i3 comes loaded with dyno-tested performance programs, provides fast vehicle read/write times, and offers OBD-II data logging. Specifications: Programmer can also read and clear DTC codes. Applications: Now supporting the Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L. Website: www.diablosport.com

DiabloSport Trinity T2 Description: DiabloSport’s all-new Trinity T2 is the most advanced performance programmer and monitoring setup of its kind. It boasts a high-resolution screen with full swipe functionality, amazing gauge designs and can add tons of horsepower and torque. The T2 is available in two versions including the EX which features custom or pre-loaded tunes, while the MX is a monitoring device only. Specifications: EX version offers tunes created by DiabloSport or another version which is capable of using tunes created by third-party tuners. Applications: Now available for the 2017-2019 Ford F-150 Raptor. Website: www.diablosport.com

Edge Amp’d Throttle Booster for Wrangler JL Description: Edge’s Amp’d Throttle Booster for the Jeep Wrangler JL adjusts your vehicle’s throttle sensitivity which reduces that dead pedal feeling while accelerating. Late model vehicles are built with an accelerator pedal position sensor to control engine fueling and the booster takes that stock signal off the accelerator and changes the mapping which leads to a more sensitive throttle which provides more power. Specifications: Features six modes including stock, low, medium, high, valet and ‘feel the power’. Applications: Available for the 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL. Website: www.edgeproducts.com

HyperTech Max Energy Spectrum Power Programmer Description: HyperTech’s new Max Energy Spectrum Power Programmer features a large, 4.3-in., daylight readable colour display in a bold package. The Spectrum’s fast processor speeds mean faster programming and a more fluid user experience and it offers optimized engine tuning for maximum performance, application-specific performance features, and the most powerful tuning available for towing. Specifications: Also has ability to read, display and clear diagnostic trouble codes. Applications: Visit website for application listings. Website: www.hypertech.com

Description: The new REACT from HyperTech is an innovative throttle optimizer that offers fully customizable control over your vehicle’s throttle response. The simple knob allows you to switch between multiple modes and control the throttle intensity of each mode on the fly. The product installs easily and is completely plug-and-play while also featuring an automatic setup sequence. Specifications: The REACT comes with a magnetic A/C vent mount with a pedestal swivel mount also available. Applications: The REACT is available in three versions - Performance, Tow, and Off-Road, each of which has been specifically designed to aid in their respective categories. Website: www.hypertech-inc.com

K&N Throttle Control Module for Wrangler JL Description: K&N’s Throttle Control Module for the Jeep Wrangler JL is designed to improve throttle response and acceleration and increases pedal sensitivity without having to modify the factory ECU settings. The system is able to process input data from the gas pedal and modifies the signal before sending it to the ECU for an adjustable level of sensitivity which creates the increased throttle response. Specifications: Kit includes the module, wiring harness, adjustable knob, hardware and detailed instructions. Applications: Available for the Jeep Wrangler JL. Website: www.knfilters.ca

SCT BDX Performance Programmer Description: The SCT BDX Performance Programmer delivers street-tested, dyno-proven tune files developed by SCT’s expert calibrators to unlock each vehicle’s true potential. Select from multiple SCT tuning levels or load up to 20 custom tune files from one of the thousands of custom tuning dealers worldwide. Direct-to device updates and custom tune delivery over WiFi means cables and computers are a thing of the past. Specifications: A variety of customizable vehicle functions from timing and rev limiter adjustments, to wheel and tire size calibration, enable the BDX to custom tailor your vehicle to your unique standards. Applications: Over 800 applications are currently available with this single device. Website: www.sctflash.com

SCT GTX Performance Programmer & Monitor Description: SCT’s GTX is the easiest-to-use tuner on the market, loaded with powerful fea- tures and SCT’s most advanced hardware to-date. Along with the ability to hold 20 custom tunes, GTX comes preloaded with multiple SCT tuning levels. GTX is also the premier data monitoring solution, giving drivers the ability to monitor the industry’s most extensive list of PIDS, or engine parameters, on an easy-to-use device. Its high-resolution customizable gauges and WiFi con- nectivity add to the truly unparalleled user experience. The GTX also gives users greater insight into their vehicle by reading out and clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Specifications: GTX’s unique grab n’ go magnetic mounting system allows the device to be kept front-and-centre while driving, and then quickly stowed away when not in use. Applications: Currently, Ford, with new vehicles being added soon Website: www.sctflash.com

Superchips Pulsar and TrailCal for Wrangler and Gladiator

Description: Superchips is now offering the Pulsar and TrailCal kits for the Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT which both offer numerous options to add horsepower, calibrate for aftermarket tires and gears and configure a custom gauge layout, and also enable other features such as engine idle adjustment and running light controls. Specifications: Four performance levels offered including performance, tow, economy and stock with options. Gains of up to 30 horsepower and 27 lb-ft Applications: Available for the 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator 3.6L. Website: www.superchips.com

Superchips Pulsar and Flashcal for JK Wrangler

Description: Superchips Pulsar and Flashcal for the Jeep JK Wrangler provide power gains of up to 20 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque in addition to allowing for tire/gear adjustments, TPMS adjustments and engine idle adjustability. The programmers will correct the speedometer when larger wheel and tire packages are used, and in addition to the programming aspects, the product will also read and clear diagnostic codes. Specifications: Locking axle options with the transfer case in 4-Hi and 4-Low on Rubicon models. Applications: Available for the 2015-2018 Jeep JK Wrangler. Website: www.superchips.com

Being safe and prepared

Story and photos by Spencer Whitney

Each autumn, quiet excitement ripples through the off-road community in Western Canada. Many of us wait patiently, watching weather reports for signs of the approaching winter, and others venture out each weekend in search of freezing temperatures. Then, suddenly, it hits - Snow! Winter wheeling is a popular pastime among the off-road crowd, and with good reason: below-zero conditions transform the landscape, turning tired trails into new challenges. Snow brings with it a completely different experience in a 4x4, one that can be enjoyable and very challenging, depending on how you’re equipped.

This past December, in the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I went out with some friends on a snowbound day trip to the far reaches of the Squamish and Elaho River valleys. My Defender didn’t make an appearance due to a planned axle disassembly for maintenance, so I rode shotgun in a built-up Mercedes G500. With us were a few Jeeps and a Ford Raptor, along with one brave (or crazy?) individual in a windshield-less side-by-side.

The G-class is well known for its off-road abilities, but I hadn’t yet experienced one in the snow. Our own Canadian Forces chose the underlying platform (known internally by its designation as LUVW: Light Utility Vehicle, Wheeled) for light-duty service at home and abroad. While there are some significant differences, the basic design is similar to the road-going G-class vehicles you might see in swankier parts of town. However, without a steady supply of military surplus G’s (they’re holding on to them for dear life), it’s actually very expensive to build one of these rigs up. But if done right, they’re a very comfortable and capable way to get around!

We set off toward the furthest limits of pavement in Squamish. Here the valley road turns to dirt, and usually by the time winter sets in, this forestry road is in poor shape from relentless rain. This year was no exception, and there wasn’t much more than a few hundred metres of smooth gravel road throughout the whole day. Luckily this G500 was equipped with a 2-inch Old Man Emu lift kit that soaked

up all but the most violent potholes, and after a few kilometres, the road surface turned to softer and more comfortable packed snow. This is a well-traveled road but still requires some caution - a few sections have unexpected curves or banked corners that don’t help with stability. Our first attempt at finding deeper snow was to take a spur road toward one of the many logging cut blocks that adorn the mountains on either side around the river valley.

Snow is popular wheeling terrain not just because it looks great (who doesn’t like a good photo op with some snowy trees and mountains) but it also tends to be more forgiving. Sliding into a snowbank usually causes less damage than rocks! That said, it can also be very challenging and deceiving, introducing traction problems that you may never experience if your rig stays on pavement for the winter, and we experienced this first hand on our way up that first mountain.

As we climbed this particular trail, a long steep hill appeared in front of us. Made confident by a fresh set of perfect tire tracks in front of us, we kept pressing on - and slowly lost every bit of momentum! Despite every traction aid engaged and the pedal to the floor, gravity eventually took over - as soon as the G500 stopped, it began sliding back down the hill, taking with it one of the Jeeps. Somehow, we came to a stop right at a curve in the road. Had the mass of the Mercedes been allowed to carry on, we could have very well ended up off the edge with serious damage.

With three lockers right from the factory - front, rear, and centre (for locking the part-time system in to full four-wheel-drive) - you’d think the Mercedes was invincible off-road. This is mostly true, and what the G-Class lacks in flex it makes up for in sheer traction, as well as the power of a big German V8 engine. Along with the previously mentioned lift, this one was equipped with a Front Runner roof rack, Lightforce off-road lights, a German-made front bumper,

and a custom-made rear bumper. (Accessories for the G are hard to come by, so for an OEMlooking front winch bumper that could hold a 12,000-lb Warn Zeon winch, the owner had to source something from Germany.)

However, all this was put to the test in the snow. Even with capable BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires, the Mercedes (and others in the group) just simply couldn’t maintain traction on that particular trail. After assessing the minimal damage to both vehicles and making sure that everyone was okay, we checked out the hill by foot. It turns out that recent snow was covering up a significant amount of ice, and we could barely even walk on it. In these areas there’s a thaw-freeze cycle that can change road conditions by the hour - and this is why it’s important to not only be prepared, but to constantly make yourself aware of the road conditions around you. In this case we were led astray by evidence of another vehicle having possibly been up the mountain that morning. (It turned out to be equipped with studded tires and was much lighter than any of our rigs.) It’s also critical to remember that being in a 4x4 - even a heavily built-up one - doesn’t make us invincible and unstoppable!

Now, we weren’t about to give up on a day in the snow because of one mishap, so after coordinating with the rest of the group that we would maintain more distance and go a little slower on the way down. we decided to push further up the valley roads, which are certainly