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Contents

Truck King Challenge

2015 running of the Canadian Truck King Challenge ...pg 12

Tacoma Toyota’s mid-size pickup offering still remains relevant ...pg 22

Baja 1000

Lighting We look at the latest and greatest in off-road lighting ...pg 34

MKC

We cover the 47th Annual running of the Baja 1000 ...pg 42

ALSO INSIDE

Fresh Tracks---------------------------------------- 4 New Wheels: BMW X4---------------------------25 New Wheels: Lexus RX 450h - -----------------30 New Product: BFG All-Terrain Tires ------------52

The new MKC is a worthy addition to Lincoln’s fleet ...pg 47

F-150

We spend some seat time in the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 ...pg 28

SEMA

Look at some of our snapshots of the 2014 SEMA Show ...pg 49

Truck Tech: Titan Fuel Tank Install ------------- 54 Gearing Up----------------------------------------58 Stuck Trucks--------------------------------------62

DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus

FRESH TRACKS Volume 7, Issue No. 6 December 2014/January 2015 Publisher/Editor: Dean Washington

Ram EcoDiesel Named 2015 Green Truck of the Year

dean@rpmcanada.ca

Associate Publisher: David Symons david@rpmcanada.ca

Managing Editor Jordan Allan jordan@rpmcanada.ca Circulation: Brenda Washington brendaw@rpmcanada.ca Copy Editor: Gerry Frechette gerryf@rpmcanada.ca Sales & Marketing Elaine Fontaine elaine@rpmcanada.ca Contributing Writers/Photographers: Jordan Allan Howard J Elmer Gerry Frechette John Harwood Russell Purcell Albert Vandervelde Benjamin Yong

Green Car Journal recently announced its selection of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel as its 2015 “Green Truck of the Year,” beating out the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and the new aluminum-bodied Ford F-150 to claim the honour, as was revealed at the 46th annual San Antonio Auto & Truck Show in San Antonio, Texas. Green Car Journal editors consider all potential truck models in the North American market, weighting in environmental attributes with traditional characteristics that define what makes great pickups, factors like functionality, versatility, safety, value, and style. Although most wouldn’t consider pickups to necessarily be a green vehicle, manufacturers have made huge strides over the past few years in order to make trucks more fuel efficient. The Ram EcoDiesel features a new Italian-built 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine under the hood that achieves an astonishing 10.2L/100km in the city and 7.1L/100km on the highway, while still having impressive power numbers such as 420 lb-ft of torque.

Honda Launches All-New 2016 HR-V Crossover

TELEPHONE: (604) 629-9669

Honda recently unveiled the 2016 HR-V Crossover at the L.A. International Auto Show in November, and it is set to launch at Canadian dealerships next spring. The HR-V will be a well-equipped CUV that combines the styling of a coupe with the ruggedness and practicality of an SUV, and the quality and sportiness of a Honda vehicle. The HR-V utilizes a new global platform and will have one of the most spacious and versatile cabins in its class. With a total of 2835 litres of passenger volume and 1665 litres of cargo volume with the second-row seats down, the HR-V will be able to rival some of its competitors’ compact SUV models. On the outside, the HR-V will have a sporty appearance aided by its coupe-like cabin shape and its aggressive looking front end. Powering

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Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

FRESH TRACKS the new CUV will be a 1.8-litre SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valvetrain that makes 138 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, paired to either a CVT or 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, it will be offered in either a 2WD model or an AWD model that uses Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System for incredible all-weather traction.

litre V6 rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, heard from a concept performance exhaust system.

Chevrolet Colorado Performance Concept Debuted at 2014 SEMA Show

GMC recently announced that the new 2015 GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali will receive the new Hydra-Matic 8L90 8-speed automatic transmission to be paired with their 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engines. The new tranny is designed to be much more fuel efficient than the outgoing 6-speed version and allows it to achieve impres-

Chevrolet recently teamed with Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael to create the Chevrolet Colorado Performance concept which was created to showcase the lifestyle-supporting capability of the all-new midsize pickup. It debuted at November’s SEMA tradeshow and featured unique equipment that was able to facilitate the mounting of

Carmichael’s bikes in the 6.2-foot cargo bed, using a tailgate extender to further help secure the bikes and the standard CornerStep rear bumper, making it easier to access. The concept had features that were developed with the same eye on functionality that’s offered in the production version, like the GearOn system whose main goal is basically to hold larger items like bikes and boards above the bed, leaving room for smaller gear to go underneath. Additionally, the concept received a one-of-a-kind appearance, featuring a matte grey colour accented with high-gloss silver and yellow, plus Carmichael’s signature. The regular Z71 wheels also featured yellow accents and boasted Goodyear Duratec off-road tires. Under the hood saw a 3.6-

2016 BMW X5 M & BMW X6 M Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

2015 GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali Receive New 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

sive fuel economy numbers of 11.1L/100 km on the highway and 15.9L/100 km in the city. Along with the fuel efficiency numbers comes an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, both segment-leading numbers. The new transmission offers smaller steps between gears which allow the engine to more efficiently leverage its peak power bands. New shift controls and solenoids are more responsive and provide quicker shift times than the previous model, and a new torque converter delivers smoother performance at low speeds, especially when towing.

BMW Unveils Second-Generation X5 M and X6 M Models

BMW has recently unveiled the all-new 2016 X5 M and X6 M crossover vehicles which combine the characteristics and practicality of

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FRESH TRACKS the BMW X family with the fire-breathing performance attributes of an M vehicle. Under the hood of both, you will find a 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with a maximum output of 567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating the CUVs from 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds. The twin-turbo engine will be paired with the standard 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, and is able to achieve a top speed of 250 km/h. The outside received significant upgrades as well, as they take the traditional X5 and X6 styling cues but add much more aggressive features that really give it the true sense of an M vehicle. Large air intakes are featured at the front, as are side gills with a model badge. The signature M mirrors are included, as are M-specific forged 21-inch light-alloy wheels. An incredible exhaust note is heard through a four-tailpipe exhaust. The interior is also not short on sporty features, such as an M instrument cluster and leather steering wheel with aluminum gear shift paddles, and an M gearshift lever, just to name a few.

offered the best in audio/visual entertainment. The third concept showcased another possible use for the Metris as it was transformed into a rolling communications centre that could transport a Fire Chief to all locations in many situations and showcases the ability to offer itself as a mobile command unit for local and national government agencies. Finally, the last version was a rolling Pro Golf shop that had a high-tech golf simulator and infotainment system.

Report Suggests GMC Boss Looking to Change the Face of the Brand

A recent report from Edmunds has suggested that current Buick-GMC Vice President Duncan Aldred told them during a conversation that he

Mercedes-Benz Offers First Glimpse at New Midsize Commercial Van

Mercedes-Benz recently offered a first glimpse at its new midsize commercial van entry at the recent 2014 SEMA Show, as it introduced “Mission Metris” which showcased four new midsize project vans. The van, which will be called the Metris for U.S. and Canada but will plans on changing the face of the brand. Some have interpreted that this strategy could lead to the addition of a Jeep Wrangler-inspired SUV and a luxury SUV flagship that would slot above the current Yukon Denali SUV. He says GMC is currently in the brainstorming stage and that there are no immediate plans in place to add to the GMC line as of now, but that there is room throughout the range. In a direct quote from the Edmunds report, Aldred said, “You could consider a real flagship over Yukon…” as well as an “active all-road, Wrangler-esque type of vehicle.” Additionally, Aldred suggested that a subcompact crossover about the size of the Buick Encore is another possibility. remain as the Vito in other global markets, is said to be available in 2015 with production versions to be shown at a later date in 2015. The first of the four examples was a mobile DJ van that featured a clamshell-style roof that opened and acted as a backdrop for a DJ. The second van was a luxury-inspired executive shuttle van that

2015 Ford Super Duty Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

Ford Confirms Next-Gen Super Duty to get Aluminum Body

The Detroit News is reporting that Ford’s head of product development Raj Nair has announced to a group of current and potential investors that the next-generation Super Duty full-size line of pickup

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will indeed follow the F-150 and adopt an aluminum body. There is no word yet on when the new Super Duty will debut, but some suggest it could be in time to be a 2016 or 2017 model. While it is still unknown what kind of a weight reduction this would mean for the full-size pickup, the new half-ton F-150 weighs an impressive 700 pounds less than its predecessor. This automatically means it will be more efficient, which will be a huge aspect of adding aluminum bodies to the Super Duty line, as they are equipped with large, powerful engines meant to tow or haul large cargo.

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Production of Nissan Murano begins in North America for the First Time Recently, the first third-generation 2015 Nissan Murano rolled off the production line in Canton, Mississippi, marking the first time the model has been produced in North America. The Canton plant will be the company’s worldwide plant for Murano production as part of Nissan’s broad strategy to build where it sells and to achieve its goal

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of having 85 percent of the vehicles it sells in North America made here by 2015. The Murano is now the eighth model that is built at the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant and will be assembled on the same line as Xterra, Frontier, Titan and Armada. To support the new Murano production, Nissan added 1,300 jobs in Canton and since opening in 2003, Nissan has invested nearly $2.8 billion in the plant, as it has grown to support more than 6,000 jobs for the first time in its history. Nissan began producing vehicles in the U.S. in 1983 and since then, it has steadily grown. The beginning of the Murano production also marks the first time a global product has been built in the plant since it opened.

Bushwacker Awards Innaugural Founder’s Award to Builder of Top Truck or SUV at SEMA

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DEC 14 / Jan 15

The inaugural Bushwacker Founder’s Award was presented to the builder of the top truck or SUV at the recent 2014 SEMA Show. Josh Ellison was presented the Founder’s Award trophy and the top prize of $1,500 by Bushwacker Inc. founder Jerry Logan at the company’s booth in the truck section of the massive trade show. Ellison, who is the President of Royalty Core which is a manufacturer of truck grilles and accessories, built the award winning 2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty at his shop in Eugene, Oregon in only two short months. The truck, which of course features some Bushwacker Pocket Style Fender Flares, had almost every part of it customized including suspension, wheels and tires, bumpers, LED light bars, and even a custom rack in the bed fit for a Polaris RZR. The new Founder’s award was created to showcase the builder’s passion for the automotive aftermarket, which is exactly what Ellison’s did.

Canadian Truck

Story and Photos by Howard J Elmer

King Challenge

ho rents a drag strip, borrows 7-ton fifth-wheel trailers, and has five respected automotive journalists race the one-ton trucks head-to-head? We do. The eighth annual Canadian Truck King Challenge did just that (and much more) to clearly show the truck buying public who is the best of the best for 2015.

2015 TRUCK KING CHALLENGE This year, three HD pickups from Ford, GMC and Ram ran head-to-head at the Grand Bend, Ontario, MotorPlex drag strip while towing 15,000pound trailers as just one part of two intensive days of Truck King testing. The outcome? The GMC Sierra 3500 beat the Ford and Ram in each heat. It would also go on to win the title.

Here are the quickest quarter-miles from each truck, taken from multiple runs:

But, back to the drag strip - a curious fact emerged during this testing. On paper, the GMC boasted the least amount of horsepower and torque among the competitors. Yet, it won each race. We ran it several times – with the trailer and without. It pulled away from its competition each time. And, that’s the difference between real-world testing and paper tigers. The trap speed for all three trucks (at the quarter-mile line) was always plus/minus one mph of 80 mph. Trap Speed with trailer attached, again for all three trucks, was also plus/minus one mph of 60 mph. GM’s HDs are not new to the Truck King podium – the Chevy Silverado HD took the title in 2013, but failed last year, mostly due to its dated interior. This year, that’s changed with a significant interior refresh. However, what really put it over the top are new electronic systems for 2015 that can only be felt, not seen. And those can only be really appreciated when towing. After eight years of testing trucks, most readers are familiar with our methods, and while loca-

16.098 seconds when running empty. 21.932 seconds with trailer attached.

16.542 seconds when running empty. 23.303 seconds with trailer attached.

16.927 seconds when running empty. 23.581 seconds with trailer attached.

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2015 TRUCK KING CHALLENGE tions sometimes change, the methodology remains the same. We use multiple qualified automotive journalist judges who drive the trucks back-to-back in the same conditions on the same day. We always start with empty loops, then we add payload and finally towing (with the payload removed). Over the years, we have always kept track of our fuel consumption during each of these tests; however, our pencil and paper calculations were replaced last year with electronic data readers that take that information directly from the truckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s computer. These readers are plugged into the OBD port on each truck and record speed, distance, time and even hard acceleration and braking events. Needless to say this is much more accurate in determining fuel consumption. This was our second year using the readers, and they will be standard testing equipment during all Truck King events from now on. (See the individual results posted below) Once again we spent two days driving around southwestern

Ontario. The first day we ran the trucks empty from Toronto to London (200 km). Next, we loaded up at Patents Building Supply of London. Supplier IKO has helped us out for several years now by preparing pallets of shingles to use as payload. In this case, each pallet weighed 4,080 lb exactly. The dimensions of each pallet were 4-feet wide, 4-feet high, by 5-feet long. After loading, we took the shingles for a 200 km ride, switching up trucks every 30 minutes. The next morning saw us hooking up three similar fifth-wheel travel trailers at our other partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place of business, CanAm Trailer Centre. These weighed in at around 14,500 pounds each. We then spent the day doing a 300 km tour with the judges which included a three-hour stop at the drag strip in Grand Bend. As always, each judge (five for this competition) scores each truck independently, and the final outcome is an average.(See the individual results posted pgs. 18 & 20)

FUEL CONSUMPTION TRUCK

Empty Highway

Payload (4,000 lbTowing) City/Highway Mix

(15,000 lb) Highway 90%

2015 GMC 3500 6.6L Diesel

13.5L/100km

15.7L/100km

23.55L/100km

2014 Ford F350 6.7L Diesel

14.17L/100km

16.3L/100km

23.69L/100km

2014 Ram 3500 6.7L Diesel

14.95L/100km

17.2L/100km

27.14L/100km

*The fuel consumption numbers as shown have been reviewed and confirmed by the FleetCarma team. 16 Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

FORD F-350 Styling/ Appearance Stephen Clare Exterior 7.5 7.8 Interior 6 7.5 Quality 8 8 Occupant Environment Stephen Clare Driver Position 5 8 Visibility 9 8.3 Room/Comfort 7 8 Con/Ent. Features 6 7.8 Noise/Vibration 4 7.8 Performance Stephen Clare Throttle Response 9 8.5 Engine 8 8 Transmission 7.5 8 Vehicle Dynamics Stephen Clare Ride 7 8 Steering 5 8 Handling 7 8 Braking Feel 8 8 Subjective 7 8 Main test Values: Stephen Clare Payload 7 8 Towing 7 7.8 Empty 7 8 TOTAL: 132 151.5

18 Trucks Plus

Andy Howard 6 6.5 8 7 9 8

Test Results

Jil 7.5 6.8 7.5

AVG WGT % 7.06 5 7.06 5.5 8.1 6

SUM 0.35 0.39 0.49

Andy Howard Jil 9 7.8 7 5 6.9 7.8 8 7.9 8 9 6.5 7.5

AVG WGT % 7.36 8 7.4 2 7.78 5 7.36 3

SUM 0.59 0.15 0.39 0.22

5.94

0.39

6.9

6.5

Andy Howard Jil 9 7 7.5 9 8.1 7.5 9 7.5 7

AVG WGT % 8.2 3 8.12 6.5 7.8 4.5

SUM 0.25 0.53 0.35

Andy Howard 6 7 6 7.5 6 7 8 7.9

Jil 7.5 7 7.2 6.8

AVG WGT % 7.1 6 6.7 5 7.04 5 7.74 3

SUM 0.43 0.34 0.35 0.23

7.7

7.64

0.61

Jil 7.5 7.5 7.2

AVG WGT % 7.1 5 7.66 7 6.92 6

7.5

Andy Howard 5 8 8 8 5 7.4

138 140.4 138.5 140.08 100

DEC 14 / Jan 15

SUM 0.36 0.54 0.42 7.38

RAM 3500 Styling/ Appearance Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil Exterior 8 8.3 8 7.9 8.5 Interior 8 8.3 8.5 8.3 7.8 Quality 9 8 9 8.1 7.8 Occupant Environment Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil Driver Position 7 8 9 7.9 8 Visibility 6 8 6 7 7 Room/Comfort 8 8 8 7.4 6.2 Con/Ent. Features 9 8 9 7 5 Noise/Vibration 7 7.8 5 7.8 7.5 Performance Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil Throttle Response 5 7.8 9 6.9 6.5 Engine 6 7.8 9 8 7.5 Transmission 6 7.5 9 7.9 6.5

Test Results

AVG WGT % 8.14 5 8.18 5.5 8.38 6

SUM 0.41 0.45 0.5

AVG WGT % 7.98 8 6.8 2 7.52 5 7.6 3

SUM 0.64 0.14 0.38 0.23

7.02

0.46

6.5

AVG WGT % 7.04 3 7.66 6.5 7.38 4.5

Vehicle Dynamics Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil AVG WGT % Ride 6.5 7.8 6.5 7.7 8.5 7.4 6 Steering 9 7.8 6.5 7.5 7.5 7.66 5 Handling 7 7.8 6.5 7.5 7.5 7.26 5 Braking Feel 5 7.3 8 7.9 7 7.04 3 Subjective 8 7.8 8.5 8 7.8 8.02 8 Main test Values: Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil AVG WGT % Payload 6 7.8 5 6.9 6.5 6.44 5 Towing 7 7.5 8 7.4 7 7.38 7 Empty 7 7.8 5 7 7 6.76 6 TOTAL: 134.5 149.1 143.5 144.1 137.1 141.66 100

SUM 0.21 0.5 0.33 SUM 0.44 0.38 0.36 0.21 0.64

SUM 0.32 0.52 0.41 7.53

GMC SIERRA 3500 - Winner The GMC Sierra is the consensus winner among the judges and is named the 2015 Canadian Truck King Champion.

SIERRA 3500 Styling/ Appearance Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil Exterior 8 8 7 8 8 Interior 9 8 8.5 8.2 7.5 Quality 9.5 8 9 8.1 7.8 Occupant Environment Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil Driver Position 8 8 9 7.9 7.5 Visibility 8 8 4.5 7.6 8 Room/Comfort 8 7.8 8 7.5 7.5 Con/Ent. Features 9 8 8 8 5 Noise/Vibration 8.5 8.5 5 8 8 Performance Stephen Clare Andy Howard Jil Throttle Response 8 8.5 9 7.7 7 Engine 8 8.5 9 7.9 8 Transmission 9 8.5 9 8 8.5 Vehicle Dynamics Stephen Clare Ride 8 7.8 Steering 8.5 8 Handling 8 8 Braking Feel 7.5 8 Subjective 9 8.5 Main test Values: Stephen Clare Payload - 9 8.5 Towing - 8 8.5 Empty 8 8 TOTAL: 159 155.1

20 Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

Andy Howard Jil 6.5 7.5 8 8 7.9 7.2 8 7.8 6.9 8 7.9 8 8.5

8.4

Andy Howard Jil 5 8.6 8 8 9 7.8 5 8.4 7.5

Test Results

AVG WGT % 7.8 5 8.24 5.5 8.48 6

SUM 0.39 0.45 0.51

AVG WGT % 8.08 8 7.22 2 7.76 5 7.6 3

SUM 0.65 0.14 0.39 0.23

7.6

6.5

0.5

AVG WGT % 8.04 3 8.28 6.5 8.6 4.5

SUM 0.24 0.54 0.39

AVG WGT % 7.56 6 7.92 5 7.74 5 7.88 3

SUM 0.45 0.4 0.39 0.24

8.48

0.68

AVG WGT % 7.82 5 8.26 7 7.38 6

143 152.4 144.2 150.74 100

SUM 0.4 0.58 0.44 8.01

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Top of the Class

2015 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Toyota Canada

et’s face it, the mid-size pickup truck market here in North America has not exactly been a battleground over the past few years. Ever since the Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon twins left the market in 2012, the Toyota Tacoma has dominated the segment with its only competition being the Nissan Frontier. Although it hasn’t seen a complete redesign in almost 10 years, the Tacoma has done enough to keep it relevant and not just in the sense it was one of the only options out there. It has a proven track record of both on- and off-road performance and is perfect for those wanting the practicality of a pickup without the price tag or sheer size of a full size option. The interior of the Tacoma hasn’t changed much over the years, but still appears modern enough that you wouldn’t think twice about

it. The infotainment system is displayed through a 6.1-inch colour touchscreen and features all the modern goodies and technologies like satellite radio, Bluetooth capability, USB and auxiliary jack, and a six-speaker sound system. The captain’s chair feels like it would be comfortable, even for long hauls, and the backseat has a surprising amount of leg and headroom. Climate controls are easy to use, and the gauge cluster has somewhat of a rugged look to them. Under the hood of our test model was the biggest of the two engine options; the 4.0-litre V6 that generates 236 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a somewhat outdated five-speed automatic transmission. The engine provides you with competent power when you need it and what it lacks for in fuel efficiency, it makes up for in towing capacity, with a rating of 6,500 pounds; an impressive number for a mid-size pickup. During my test week in the Tacoma, I became more and more impressed with the way it drove each time I got in. There’s no

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mistaking that you are, in fact, driving a truck, but I found it has a fairly smooth ride for a vehicle of this nature, and even little things like the turning radius was a pleasant surprise. It became obvious to me that the Tacoma is an ideal vehicle for those wanting the practicality of a pickup truck in an urban environment, as it is able to deal with tight parking lots and tiny side streets with the best of them. Since it bears the Tacoma name, the truck will most certainly carry a bit of cachet about it when talking about offroad capability. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to take our test model off the pavement at any point, but I certainly understand where the notion comes from. It has a tall, wide stance perfect for any clearance issues, and the one-touch 4WD system would certainly

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be a breeze to use. It is light enough that it isn’t likely to sink in mud or sand, but is still big enough to carry all of your gear if you’re heading to your favourite camping spot. All in all, Toyota has a pretty good little truck in the Tacoma, as evidenced by the fact that it hasn’t received a significant upgrade since the current generation began in 2005, and yet still remains popular. With the GM mid-size twins set to re-launch for 2015, the segment is sure to heat up in the near-future, something that is not lost on Toyota. With a rumoured re-design coming for the 2016 model year, the 2015 version has done more than enough to not just be called a hold-over until the new model arrives. If Toyota uses the already successful 2015 Tacoma as a basis for the new generation, the Tacoma should have no problem remaining near the top of the class.

NEW WHEELS and 300 lb-ft of torque. My test vehicle featured the very smooth and powerful six-cylinder engine, and acceleration remained strong and linear during my time behind the wheel. This was especially true when the driver uses the Driving Experience Control to activate one of the two dedicated Sport modes. The X4 xDrive 35i is capable of launching from a standstill to 100 kilometres per hour in a mere 5.5 seconds, but it does so without extraneous noise or drama, which I must admit I missed. Oversized disc brakes supported by the latest in ABS braking technologies are on board to help rein in this four-wheeled dynamo in a hurry, and the X4’s braking system proved quick to react and very consistent when called into action.

An Innovative Model

The X4 shares much of its styling with that of the ground-breaking X6, albeit in a smaller scale, as the X4 is based on the X3’s platform. The X4, however, is slightly longer (14 mm) and lower (54 mm) than the X3, but width, wheelbase and track are the same for both vehicles. These enhancements, while seemingly minor, help improve

2015 BMW X4 xDrive 35i Story and photos by Russell Purcell

MW has been busy expanding its lineup of models recently, and one very interesting new addition to the catalogue is the recently launched U.S.-built X4, which represents the latest addition to the company’s Sports Activity Coupe category of luxury crossover utility vehicles. BMW’s product planning team sees these vehicles as a more stylish alternative to the traditional Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), but they also have been engineered to deliver a more dynamic driving experience. Currently there are two trim levels available, but both utilize the same ultra-efficient eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s proven

the X4’s road-holding and the overall stability of the vehicle. The large 20-inch wheels, wide performance tires, and sporty suspension give the X4 xDrive 35i a stable ride that inspires confidence in both the driver and passengers. While some may balk at the new design direction exhibited by models like the X4, the truth is these fresh faces are attracting new customers to BMW showrooms. Personally, I like the look of both the X4 and X6, as they stand out from the many cookie-cutter designs that inhabit the stalls of virtually every urban garage or parking lot. On the styling front, the X4 is immediately recognizable as a BMW product, especially if you approach the car from the front, as it features BMW signature elements like the twin kidney grille and halo effect head lamps. Buyers who step up to the xDrive 35i will appreciate that the vehicle gains the M Sport Line package as standard equipment, which includes the M Aerodynamics package with front and rear bumpers in the body colour and the diffuser insert in Dark Shadow metallic. The six-cylinder upgrade also cloaks the vehicle’s sill covers, wheel arch and door trim in the same colour paint as the rest of the body.

xDrive all-wheel drive system. The X4 xDrive 28i is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The X4 xDrive 35i derives its motivation from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder producing 300 horsepower

The X4 has a sporty look, as the sculpted, aerodynamic front fascia features oversized air intakes to feed air to the engine and cool the brakes, but their presence also adds a hint of visual aggression to help sell the sport element BMW’s designers were after. DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 25

NEW WHEELS SPECIFICATIONS: Price (MSRP): .................................................................$54,950 Price as Tested: ..............................................................$66,295 Type: ........................... AWD, front-engine, compact luxury CUV Engine: . ...................................3.0L, 24-valve, inline six-cylinder Power: ...............................................300 hp @ 5,800-6,400 rpm Torque (lb-ft): . ........................................300 @ 1,200-5,000 rpm Transmission: . ........................................................8-speed auto Brakes: ..................................................... 4-wheel disc with ABS Fuel Efficiency (L/100km): ............................City: 12.5; Hwy: 8.7

The X4 sits lower to the ground than an X3 or X5, and the aerodynamic body features a high beltline, gradually sloping roof, and rounded corners. There is a sleek character line running alongside the body, that splits at the rear door handle to help emphasize the distinct shape and curvature of the X4’s rear end. BMW has a reputation for designing very tasteful passenger cabins, and the X4’s is both spacious and comfortable. There is plenty of room for five adults, and surprisingly, given the slope of the roof, there is enough headroom for six-footers in the rear passenger compartment. The leather-wrapped seats are both supportive and comfortable, especially up front, where twin bucket units with healthy side bolsters do their best to hold the driver and passenger in place during even the most aggressive driving manoeuvres. As one would expect, both fit and finish are impressive, and there are plenty of places to stow small items such as phones, gloves and maps. Should larger items need to be hauled, the rear seats fold down (40/20/40 split) to create an almost perfectly flat cargo area. Visibility from the driver’s perch is very good, especially if you order the optional Premium Package which backs up the side mirrors with front and rear proximity sensors and a rear-view camera system.

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Handling and ride are exceptional, and the three-spoke steering-wheel features a thick rim and ultra-quick paddle-shift levers to permit manual gear selection. As BMW is known as a company that embraces the art of driving, the company’s cockpit designs always place the gauges and switchgear within easy reach of both hand and eye so that the driver will not be distracted. The BMW X4 offers consumers a level of sportiness that is unfortunately missing from many modern utility vehicle designs, but retains a level of comfort and luxury that BMW buyers demand. This innovative model is likely to appeal to young, urban professionals with their own unique style.

NEW WHEELS

Completely Redesinged Ford’s all-new 2015 F-150

Story and photos by Benjamin Yong

n early fall, Ford invited media to Texas for a preview of the 2015 Ford F-150 pickup that has been redesigned from the ground up. Of the many changes over the outgoing model, one of its most significant innovations is being more environmentally friendly. By combining lightweight construction with new EcoBoost engine technology, the truck manages to save fuel while still providing performance numbers segment owners expect.

because of its higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to regular steel. Not everything is built out of the versatile alloy, however. The frame is comprised of high-strength steel with improvements added, such as big-

Ford says it has managed to shave up to 700 pounds from the previous F-150 by using high-strength aluminum for the body and box. To demonstrate just how light the material is, a skeleton of the vehicle was displayed where a product engineer lifted up one of the truck’s fenders with one hand and passed it around the room. During the presentation, staff revealed a surprising factoid: the aluminum body is actually more dent resistant than before, contrary to what one might think. Unlike a pop can, the panels on the F-150 can be made thicker

ger frame rails and eight crossmembers, to be stiffer and more resistant to twists and bends. Also brand new is the 2.7-litre six-cylinder EcoBoost mill. There are three other engines available to suit different needs — a 283-horsepower 3.5 L V6 with 255 lb-ft of torque, a 385-hp 5.0 L V8 with 387 lb-ft and a 365-hp 3.5 L EcoBoost with 420 lb-ft — but the 2.7 offers a good balance of efficiency and power. Features include standard auto-start stop technology that shuts down the truck if idling to reduce fuel consumption and emissions (switchable, and disabled during towing or in 4x4 mode to maintain power on demand); 8,500-pound max towing capacity, good for hauling a 25-foot boat or a 28-foot camper; and a 2,250-pound maximum payload. 28 Trucks Plus

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NEW WHEELS

A number of stations were set up in the massive parking lot at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and elsewhere around town to illustrate the above specs. A drag race and slalom course allowed drivers to see how different the new F150s felt compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram.

and the truck performed brilliantly and predictably. One thing I noticed about being behind the wheel is that even though you have a good view of the road, it feels like you’re sitting in a car rather than a big pickup.

A short trek away at a nearby ranch, people took turns piloting various trims around a ten-minute off-road course that involved sizable dips, ruts, rocks, logs and even a couple of small creeks, all of which the F-150 ate up. A few V8s were loaded up with trailers carrying 9,000 pounds of sandbags and handed over to journalists to test driving them in traffic. I was even able to take one of the 2.7 L EcoBoosts on a private five-kilometre stretch of gravel road complete with “Beware of Cow” signs and accompanying wandering livestock. I changed the drive setting to 4WD and switched on sport mode for some more aggressive throttle response

The 2015 F-150 arrives in dealerships in late 2014. Visit a Ford store near you to learn more.

DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 29

NEW WHEELS

Luxury Crossover 2015 Lexus RX 450h SPORTDESIGN

bourhood of the advertised 8.2 L/100 km combined city/highway fuel consumption rating. I averaged 10.9 L/100 km in mixed driving, which, needless to say, is still fantastic for its class. The interior of the SPORTDESIGN has perforated leather seating surfaces, real wood trim, and the ingenious Lexus Remote Touch, a small joystick that you can use to navigate the eight-inch LCD display. After

Story and photos by Benjamin Yong

t’s hard for Lexus to do any wrong with its luxury RX crossover — it is the company’s best-selling vehicle in North America, after all. And for 2015, the mid-sized SUV gets another refresh in the SPORTDESIGN. The variant I tested this time around was the 450h hybrid. Mixing gasoline and electric technologies is something the company knows a thing or two about, first introduced in the RX line up as the 400h during the first generation. Design-wise, the front fascia has been tweaked with the lower part of the “spindle” grill given a mesh, F-SPORT-like treatment. The HID headlights now have big dual round lamps inside the housing above the signature LED daytime running light strips. At 1,885-millimetres wide, 4,770 long and 1,720 high, the size and form factor of the RX is perfect for people needing an upscale and practical everyday people hauler, without having to step up to a full-size SUV. Its basic shape hasn’t changed too dramatically since its creation in the late ‘90s when the segment wasn’t nearly as crowded, but now it seems every manufacturer and their uncle is coming out with a luxury CUV. There’s no doubt that the 450h looks great, except possibly when offered in the merlot-coloured Claret Mica that my press tester came in. The hybrid is powered with Lexus’ Hybrid Drive, a combination powerplant consisting of a 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson gasoline engine and a high-torque electric motor and generator, paired with a continuously variable transmission and high-capacity battery. If you fidget with the steering wheel-mounted menu buttons long enough, you can find a way to toggle between Sport, Eco and Hybrid Snow driving modes. Even with net 295 horsepower, I found the Sport not sporty enough and the Eco mode causing the vehicle to be too sluggish, so I just left it on normal most of the time. When you’re driving at your greenest, the instrument cluster glows blue to indicate that you’re on your way to achieving somewhere in the neigh30 Trucks Plus

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you get past the slight learning curve, I find it is a much easier-to-use peripheral for selecting on-screen text than the knobs and dials found in many modern cabins. Other than what’s mentioned, nothing else stands out too much on the inside. Some might call the styling dated, others may think of it as simple elegance. Smooth is how more than one passenger commented on the ride in the RX. Even with my spirited driving style, nary a coffee was spilled or head bounced. Performance might not be the vehicle’s strong suit, but it handled well for its size and everyone sitting inside was more than adequately comfortable during trips. And isn’t that all anyone can ask of a luxury hybrid crossover?

SPECIFICATIONS: Base price (MSRP): ........................................................$62,650 Type: ............................. five-door, five-passenger mid-size SUV Layout: ....................................... front engine, rear motors, AWD Engine: ..................................3.5-litre V6 Atkinson/electric motor Transmission: . ......................................................................CVT Power: ...............................................................................295 hp Torque: ......................................................234 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm Curb weight: . ................................................................. 2,110 kg Brakes: ................................................... front/rear disc with ABS Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): . ..........................8.0/8.5

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LIGHTING FEATURE checking out YouTube by now for some great Chevy truck jump shots – think Dukes of Hazzard with trucks and the Six Million Dollar Man at the wheel). Okay, now for some more boring Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure talk, read on.

Off-Road Lighting Story by Albert Vandervelde, photos courtesy of the manufacturers Albert: he fall time change is upon us and as we all know, it’s pretty much black out come 5:00PM at this time of year. Most of our street vehicles have just enough light to keep us safe driving home, but step off-road in the winter and you will be wanting for more. You can boost your light output via upgraded headlights (still restricted to maximum 55 watts low beam and 70 watts high beam). Two auxiliary lights can also be added with restrictions. So what can we do and not do when it comes to off-road lighting? I sent an e-mail into the Canadian motor vehicles department to clear up a few questions you might have before you head out and spend your hard-earned dollars on some illumination!

Here is what we need to do to keep the authorities happy: The Government: 4.09 (1) A motor vehicle may be equipped with 2 auxiliary (must display compliance markings for automotive use) driving lamps, mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height of not less than 40 cm and not more than 1.06 m, that are capable of displaying only white light. (2) An auxiliary driving lamp must be directed so that the high intensity portion of the beam is, at a distance of 8 m from the lamp, at least 12 cm below the height of the lamp and, at a distance of 25 m from the lamp, not higher than 1.06 m from the road surface. (3) An auxiliary driving lamp must operate so that it is illuminated only when the upper beam of a multiple beam headlamp is illuminated. Albert: So that does explain why our factory aux lights are tied into our low beam headlight circuit and turn off when our high beams turn on! Hope that clears up that part. Now you want to go ahead and light up the universe with cool HID and LED lights and stick them all over your rig like it’s 1984; can we all picture those smile covers on the KC lights from the TV show “The Fall Guy?” (All you young Internet 4x4 guys should be 34 Trucks Plus

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The Government: In Canada, Motor Vehicle Act Regulation (MVAR) Division 4 – Lamps – outlines the lighting requirements for vehicles operating on the highway. MVAR Division 4.02 prohibits the use of non-compliant lamps, which typically would include LED aftermarket lamps that do not display the required compliance markings for automotive use. However, MVAR Division 4.25 – Off-road lamps – states: • “A vehicle equipped with off-road lamps when on a highway must have the off-road lamps concealed with opaque covers.” • This regulation provides an allowance to equip a vehicle with off-road lamps or non-compliantly marked lamps provided they are covered. The use or illumination of any non-compliant device is only permitted for off-highway use. As the off-road lamps are only permitted to be illuminated off-highway, there are no regulatory specifications regarding where they may be so equipped on the vehicle. Albert: Of course, it’s the government, so here comes the warnings if you do not comply like the Borg tells you - you must. (That TV reference is a little more recent, YouTube may not be needed). More Government: • To note, equipping a vehicle with an unauthorized lamp is considered a violation under MVAR Division 4 and may result in the issuance of a violation ticket for a fine amount of $81. Further, illumination of an offroad lamp is also considered a violation under MVAR Division 4 and may result in a violation ticket being issued for a fine amount of $109. Albert: Okay, so there you have it, stick them all over the place and burn off the dark, but just make sure you have covers on those “off-road only” lights of eye scorching brightness when on a highway – and a good battery and charging system to power them up! Now that you have a better idea of what kind of lighting you’re allowed to have on your vehicle and when, here are a few examples of what you will find available in terms of aftermarket truck lighting today. PIAA RF Series 10-inch LED Light Bar PIAA’s RF Series 10-inch light bar utilizes the company’s Reflector Facing Technology (RFT), which uses rearward-facing LEDs that project of a computer-designed multi-surface reflector which offers more illumination

than forward-facing LEDs. The bulbs are 8-watt LED bulbs with a 6000K colour temperature for a pure white output, and the housing is made of cast aluminum and features a polycarbonate lens.

LIGHTING FEATURE PIAA LP 530 High-Intensity LED Driving Light Kit The PIAA LP 530 High Intensity LED Driving light kit offers the beam control of a halogen light with the lower power consumption and durability of an LED light. These lights also use Reflector Facing Technology (RFT) which offers better beam control and output than a traditional layout. LED lights themselves offer many more advantages than their halogen counterparts such as low power consumption, compact size and durability. GE H4 Rally Halogen Headlamps The H4 Rally halogen headlamp bulbs from GE (General Electric) are a specifically highwattage lamp that is meant for off-road use due to their intense light. They are double filament forward lighting halogen lamps that have 60-140 watts depending on the application and 12-24 volts.

age then standard halogen headlights. They utilize a rugged lamp housing to withstand impact and use a solid-state circuitry design for vibration resistance. The polycarbonate lens won’t turn yellow so visibility will always be at an optimal level. Due to the durability and illumination of these lights, they are perfect for the off-roader looking for that extra light for dark trails. Putco Luminix LED Light Bars The Luminix LED Light Bars from Putco are able to deliver high-quality, universal bright lighting that can be up to 300-percent smaller than other light bars. The bars are constructed of black anodized 6061 billet aluminum and feature Nichia 5W LED lights. They are available in 3.5”x4.5” up to 70-inch lengths and include a wiring harness and all necessary mounting hardware.

GE Nighthawk LED Headlights GE’s LED Nighthawk LED headlights deliver a much longer life and draw less amper-

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36 Trucks Plus

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DEC 14 / Jan 15

LIGHTING FEATURE Putco Ford F-150 Luminix LED Fog Lamps The Putco Luminix High Power LED Fog Lights for 20062015 Ford F-150 pickups are a direct replacement light that uses high-power Nichia LEDs and 15-degree focus lenses. The lights are housed in a black anodized 6061 aluminum housing, making the IP69K waterproof. They install easily, as they utilize the F150 factory mounting brackets and factory plug. Pro Comp SEL-Series LED Light Bar The SEL-Series LED light bars from Pro Comp are made to handle the punishment often dished out during intense off-roading. Each light is equipped with a 3-watt CREE LED and features a dual-purpose beam pattern that gives you a 60-degree light pattern for up-close needs, and a 10-degree pattern for long-range needs. The bar is 46.22-inches long and is 100 percent waterproof.

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Lumens LED Offroad Lighting Lumens has just recently joined the off-road lighting game by now offering a full new line-up of LED lights in various shapes with three beam patterns offered. The lights are all built strong, with solid housing construction and deep heat sinks to dissipate heat and deal with tough terrain. The LED lights are available as either square or round work lights, dual-row LED light bars, or single-row LED light bars, all with their own advantages. Rigid Industries R-Series 46 LED Lights Rigid Industries has recently introduced its first circular light with all the superior output and technology they are known for, called the R-Series 46 LED light. The adaptive light uses a curved lens, curved housing, crossbeam light pattern, compact design and an advanced heat sink. It can be used as a spotlight, in a fog light position, or just about anywhere you need. Rigid Industries RDS-Series LED Grilles Rigid Industries also offers a full line of RDS-Series LED Grilles,

LIGHTING FEATURE

all made with a stainless steel featuring a high-quality powder coat finish. They are available for many different applications such as Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, and GMC products and feature either a 20- or 30-inch LED light bar, depending on the application.

for passive cooling, and require no fan.

Hella Luminator Compact LED Auxiliary Light Hella’s Luminator Compact LED auxiliary lights with highperformance LEDs are made for off-road use and utilize a computer-calculated double reflector technology that provides incredible illumination. They use 75-percent lower energy than xenon technology and are able to be mounted upright or suspended, depending on your preference. They feature integrated electronics and fins

Bulldog LED Lighting 20-Inch LED Light Bar The 20-inch LED light bar from Bulldog LED Lighting uses 3-watt LEDs that draw 120 watts and have a lifespan of 50,000 hours. They are a dual horizontal row light bar and are available in three different beam patterns - flood, spot or combo beam. The housing is finished with a durable black powder coat and is constructed from aluminum.

formance offroad LED lighting platform that consists of two cores and are available as a standalone unit with a u-bracket. The power systems allow for multiple Dual or Arrays to be linked or even stacked together, allowing the user to create their own unique lighting systems. They feature 10W Cree XM-L2 LEDs with a 50,000hour lifespan. L i g h t f o rc e 1 7 0 Venom 50W HID Driving Light The 170 Venom 50W HID Driving Light from Lightforce features a 25mm shallow design which is designed to fit today’s new generation SUVs. Hi-tech LED lights surround the corners of the lights for improved safety and to add some distinction. The lights are dust tight and waterproof to handle the toughest of terrain, and a clear spot clip is included on the filter. Performance World 3200LM LED Headlight Kit The Performance World 3200LM LED Headlight Kits are ideal for use in vehicles with daytime running lights, and feature an instant-on requiring no warm up, as some other headlights do. The lights are plug-and-play

Pilot Automotive Navigator Off-Road Light The Pilot Automotive Navigator Off-Road Lights are made to specifically enhance the visibility in off-road conditions. They feature a powerful pencil beam that illuminates the darkness for a long distance. It is designed to mount on either a brush guard or light bars and includes a halogen bulb in a chrome stone guard with a 6-inch diameter, and also a clear lens that emits a white beam. KC Hiltes Flex Dual LED Light System KC Hilites’ new 20W FLEX Dual LED light is an expandable per-

with no need to acquire an extra harness, making installation a breeze. They feature a high-quality aluminum construction and are bright enough to provide ideal lighting when on a dark road or trail at night. Each kit comes with two bulbs and 2 LED drivers. DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 39

Performance World Generation2 12” LED Dual Row Light Bar Also from Performance World is the Generation2 double-row LED light bars that feature 24 LED lights and a combo beam pattern. The 3W Cree LEDs have a 4.2 Amp draw and produce an impressive 5,760 Lumens. In total, the 12-inch light bar has a 16-3/4” mounting width due to support brackets. Winjet 5.4-inch Heavy Duty LED Light Winjet’s 5.4-inch G1 40W Heavy Duty High-Powered LED light runs at a 6000K temperature for a very intense bright white light that provides optimal illumination in dark situations. The LED technology has many advantages over its alternatives thanks to low power consumption, no voltage spike at start up, and its 30,000-hour lifespan. Mount this light just about anywhere from your Jeep or pickup to your ATV or motorcycle. TrailFX LED Lighting Line TrailFX has recently released a full line of LED lights which are perfect to illuminate the road or trail in even the darkest of situations. The lights feature 30,000 hours of working life and a low power consumption, and all feature diecast aluminum housing. All of the lights include a connector, wiring harness, mounting brackets, tools or bolts, and a lighted LED switch. Some products offered on the line are a 2-inch LED compact light, dual- and single-row LED light bars, and a 3-inch LED cube light, just to name a few. SBX LED Light Bars The LED light bars from SBX Parts feature 3W Epistar LEDs and operate on 10-30 volts DC to ensure a universal fitment. The light colour temperature is 6000K which emits a purely white light and they feature a combo beam pattern. They have a waterproof rating of IP67 which protects it against any dust intrusion and is waterproof up 1 meter. The housing is made from die-cast aluminum and they also feature and unbreakable lens. SBX LED Driving Lights Each light housing of the SBX Parts LED Driving lights contains nine radially positioned projector beam style LED lights which emit a bright, white light. They have a 50,000 hour lifespan, yet consume a fraction of the energy of some alternative lighting technologies. The kit includes 2 lights with a plug and play harness and switch making installation a breeze. 40 Trucks Plus

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BAJA 1000

The Baja 1000

The Vast Unknown Story by John Harwood F o r 4 7 y e a r s , e v e r y N o v e m b e r, t h e y c o m e . F r o m t h e four corners, they bring teams with them. They bring a game plan and the best equipment. They seek glory and aim to conquer. Their force is strong and they are ready! The Trophy Trucks getting to the start line for the 47th running of the Baja 1000.

Their opponent, however, is a formidable one capable of anything at anytime, offering great joy and happiness in one hand and ripping the heart from the chests of the bravest souls with the other. The 47th running of the Baja 1000 was November 14th - 16th, 2014 from Ensenada to La Paz, Mexico. The 1,275 miles through the Baja Desert awaited all challengers! After qualifying first, Robby Gordon was the first trophy truck off the line. One by one, every 60 seconds, they set out. Before too

After qualifying first, Robby Gordon keeps the lead for the first 300 miles.

long, a pack of three trucks emerged. The Rockstar 11 truck of Rob MacCachren, Robby Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Speed Energy 77 truck, and 42 Trucks Plus

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BAJA 1000 Rob MacCachren’s Dream Team cruised to the finish line for the win with Jason Voss driving. Andy McMillin drove the middle section.

Cameron Steele started tenth, drove the truck for the first 345 miles and handed it over to Patrick Dean.

Bryce Menzies in his 70 Red Bull truck. Sitting in good positions just off the pace were Luke McMillin, Cameron Steele and Cops Racing Team’s Zak Langley. For 540 miles, the top three battled it out until the Baja made its first big move, breaking the hearts of Bryce Menzies’ Red Bull Team by taking their power away. Menzies started third and made it to first by race mile 300. “The race was going perfect,” said Menzies. “I passed Robby and Rob Mac at race mile 300 and put it on cruise control 70 percent to save the truck. Just past the Bay of L.A. at race mile 540, a broken rocker arm ended our day.” Unfortunately, that was it for Team Men-

First place at race mile 700.

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Bryce Menzies sitting just off the pace in his Geiser Trophy Truck.

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Zak Langley in his Langley Productions-sponsored Cops Racing Team Racer Engineering Trophy Truck finished an impressive 6th in class.

zies. It was the first race in Menzies’ career that he failed to cross the finish line. The Baja is THAT kind of beast! Robby Gordon, in first place after 700 miles, was soon to feel the desert’s wrath. In the last 300 miles, they ran into issues. A broken ring gear at race mile 960 cost Gordon some time and the engine was losing water. Robby got back to fourth place, but he fell back near the end. Baja strikes again!

Robby Gordon goes sideways, causing a sand storm for spectators.

Cameron Steele started 10th, drove the truck the first 345 miles and handed it over to Patrick Dean. Pat and Shane (Robinson) drove 400 miles and got The Desert Assassins Team into fourth spot before giving the truck back to Cameron in San Ignacia where he brought it into La Paz in third place. When asked An all-around great race for the Assassins and for the Geiser Bros with their second truck on the podium. (Winner Rob Mac’s truck is a Geiser Brothers truck also.)

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“Just past the Bay of L.A. race mile 540, a broken rocker arm ended our day.” Unfortunately that was it for Team Menzies. It was the first race in Bryce Menzies’ career that he failed to cross the finish line. The Baja is that kind of beast!

about their race, team member Pancho Arias said “Rene Brugger did a great job prepping the truck. We had a couple of flat tires but no issues.” An all-around great race for the Yokohama/Bulletproof Diesel team and also for Geiser Bros. with their second truck on the podium. (Winners Rob Mac’s truck is a Geiser truck also.) With Menzies out of the race and Robby Gordon having issues, it left the door wide open for Rob MacCachren and the dream team to cruise to the finish line for the win

The last 300 miles, there were a few issues for Robby Gordon. A broken ring gear at race mile 960 cost him some time, and so did the engine losing water. He got back into 4th position but fell back near the end. Baja strikes again!

with Jason Voss driving. Andy McMillin drove the middle section. Besides a couple of punctured tires, the. Geiser Bros Trophy Truck with Kroyer power ran flawlessly. The team finished the 1,275 miles in 22 hours and 31 minutes, almost half an hour before second place Luke McMillin. A lo n g, g ru el l in g Ba j a 1 0 00 ra c e i s over for another year. Those who came to seek glory and to conquer the wild desert leave with a great respect for its awesome beauty and power. Maybe a realization that you can never really beat The Great Baja, but instead, enjoy the sweet taste of her vast unknown.

NEW WHEELS

Worthy Addition The 2015 Lincoln MKC Story and photos by Gerry Frechette

ith the sales success of the new generation of the Ford Escape, and the latest push by Ford to position the Lincoln brand in the luxury marketplace, it was only logical that we would eventually see a compact SUV with the Lincoln name on it, and it has now arrived in showrooms. The MKC (em-kay-see, not Mark C) is technically based on the Escape, but Ford has wisely given it an entirely different design to reflect its elevated status. Its body is longer, lower and wider, with a wider track, and has what has become the trademark Lincoln split-wing grille treatment. The proportions are taut, and the stance is just right. It is said to be the first vehicle designed from the ground up in a dedicated Lincoln Design Studio. Those designers paid great attention to the interior, particularly at all the occupant interface points. The biggest of those are the seats, of course, and standard is Bridge of Weir Deepsoft Scottish leather that is unusually soft and smooth. Two varieties of wood trim are available, as well as the brushed aluminum that adorned the dashboard and door panels of our tester. What isn’t available is a gearshift, as the MKC dispenses with that crude control in favour of five buttons up on the dash, P-R-N-D-S. It does free up space on the centre console, and looks cleaner. Luckily, for those who like to shift manually, there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Both rear seat room and cargo space behind those seats are adequate for this size vehicle, although it must be said that total space with rear seat folded is significantly less than the Escape which shares the platform, and a bit less than its natural competition, the price paid for the low sloping roofline and short rear overhang. With neither batteries nor a third-row seat under the load floor, it is low and flat. The rear hatch can be opened

with a hands-free kicking motion under the rear bumper, a handy feature. The EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo engine is becoming ubiquitous in Ford-made vehicles, and the MKC is no different, as two different versions are available. Our higher-end tester had the optional 2.3-litre engine, which generates 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm, said to be the most power per litre in this class. The power moves through a six-speed automatic out to all four wheels, and the combination moves the MKC with satisfying authority, befitting its station in life. The engine, for such a big four, is remarkably smooth in operation, and you won’t miss having a V6. On our fully-equipped tester, technology of all sorts was rampant. Some is standard, some optional, so it is up to you how much of it you want, especially in the area of active safety. Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert comes only with an expensive package of luxury items, while the Technology Package (for $2,250) includes adaptive cruise control, forward sensing system, and lane keeping system, all of which help the inattentive driver keep the MKC on the straight and narrow, and not hitting other vehicles, to the extent that they can. Lincoln Drive Control is standard, and it includes Continuously Controlled Damping, which constantly monitors the road; the suspension reacts to surface changes on average within 20 milliseconds, providing a ‘smooth ride with enhanced handling,’ says Lincoln. Drivers can choose between Sport, Comfort and Normal drive modes; this driver kept it in Sport for the duration of the test, and was quite comfortable. Handling, braking and steering were confident in normal urban and highway driving, but we can’t vouch for the MKC’s capabilities on twisty country roads.

SPECIFICATIONS: MSRP (base): ...............................................................$39,940 Price as tested: .............................................................$54,170 Vehicle Layout: ........................................... Front-engine, AWD Engine: . .................................................................2.3L turbo I4 Transmission: . ..........................................................6-spd auto Power: .......................................................285 hp @ 5,500 rpm Torque: ....................................................305 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm Brakes: ................................................ 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD Fuel Efficiency: (L/100 km, city/hwy) ............................12.9/9.2

DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 47

TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

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Of course, a full suite of infotainment technology is mandatory, and our tester had the optional THX II 14-speaker surround sound system, a bargain at $995. The now-familiar SYNC system with MyLincoln Touch driver connectivity is the latest development of the system that has been maligned in the past, and it now has redundant knobs and buttons to control climate and audio functions. It all worked well in the time we had the car. While the MKC is far from Town Car-style luxury of the recent past, it is still an unabashedly American car, in the sense that it is as close to what people think of Lincoln-style luxury as it is possible to build in a modern compact vehicle. The seats, while pretty, are less firm and supportive than those found in overseassourced CUVs, just as an example.

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Maybe Lincoln will sell all the MKCs they want to here, with this more traditional take on luxury, but we wonder if there are plans for a more performance-oriented, harder-edged version to really take the battle to those foreigners. Given the MKC is a ‘world’ car, to be sold in China and elsewhere, and its competitors have sportier versions, we have to think such a version might be a possibility. In the meantime, the MKC is a worthy addition to the growing fleet of luxury compact CUVs available. The price of the many options, if equipped with all of them as ours was, quickly moves it up to compete with high-end nameplates like Lexus and Audi. Lincoln is convinced the MKC is up to the challenge.

SEMA SHOW

he annual running of the SEMA (Speciality Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada gives aftermarket automotive manufacturers and OE manufacturers the perfect setting to display their latest and greatest products to people involved in the automotive industry.

DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 49

SEMA SHOW

It is the premier automotive speciality products trade event in the world but also provides opportunities for educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events and networking opportunities. The 2014 iteration ran from November 4th-7th at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and was one of the biggest shows to date, with over 125,000 people in attendance as well as thousands of exhibitors. The show, as always, seemed to have it all from brand new 2015 Ford F-150â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already decked out before they even hit the market, to incredible hot rods and sports cars with the latest available styling and performance upgrades. Another highlight of the show worth mentioning was the New Product Showcase that featured over 2,000 product entries with the best products receiving awards in their various categories.

50 Trucks Plus

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We once again were lucky enough to attend the show, and present to you a small pictorial of some of what we were able to see.

SEMA SHOW

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DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 51

NEW PRODUCT

New All Terrain Tire from BFG Story and photos by Albert Vandervelde

he BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A tire is one of the most recognizable tire tread designs on the market. The large square footprint and interlocking lugs have been an all-round off-road all-terrain tire staple. When you consider the pedigree of 80 wins in all classes in the Score Baja race, which takes place each November on the Baja peninsula, you have a company committed to making the best off-road tires in the business. While the All Terrain KO performed admirably in most conditions, other manufacturers are making improvements in their tires as well, and without taking away from the distinct tread design, BFGoodrich went about reinventing the All Terrain to be the toughest and most durable tire in its class.

If you plan on a lot of mud, there are tires better suited, but we did manage a couple of good sections of wet muddy trail and the tire pulled us through everything. Back on the gravel road, the tires ejected the mud in the blocks in a matter of 20-40 feet thanks to the added stone and mud ejectors built-in between the tread blocks.

Introduced to Canadian media and dealers from across Canada in Lake Louse, Alberta this past October, BFGoodrich improved this new tire, dubbed the All Terrain T/A KO2, in ways that will work BFGoodrich launched the new BFGoodrich All Terrain KO2 at Chateau Lake Louse, AB for both journalists and retailers during the first week of October. An amazing setting for both the road drive and the off-road courses they picked.

well with Canadian light truck and SUV buyers looking for a more advanced tire to get their vehicle to where they want to go, on- and off-road. Lets start with the sidewall. This area has always been something that off-roaders have claimed the BFG All Terrain T/A needed to improve. When beating through trails covered in downed tree limbs, and rocky 52 Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

ejectors built-in between the tread blocks double the tire tread life in these conditions. This also aids in mud traction by better evacuating the tread blocks of sticky brown stuff.

creek beds, you need a tough sidewall to resist punctures. The new tread material is derived from BFGoodrich’s toughest off-road tire, the Baja race-proven KR2 – race tire rubber right into your daily driver tire. The courses the staff set up for us were designed around making a statement in this area by rubbing the tires back and forth on jutting sticks and rocks and after a week-long event, the tires took this punishment and shrugged it off. Traction in ice and snow showed a 19-percent improvement. The previous tire left Canadian winter drivers asking for more. More grip that is. The last-gen tire was rated M&S (Mud and Snow), while the new tire carries a Snowflake rating for true winter conditions. The tread blocks were redesigned with engineered sipes, which not only add traction, but their computer-designed 3D shape keep the blocks better aligned, which adds to tread life. Gravel road tire life improvement has doubled. For those who work in the far reaches of our vast country, having their tires survive the constant grinding on gravel roads is very important. A new rubber formula and redesigned tread blocks along with rock, stone and mud

A fleet of Chevy Silverados were at the ready to help show us what the BFGoodrich All Terrain KO2 was designed for. The KO2 is the perfect tire for those looking for something more capable then the OEM tires new trucks come with.

Other areas of improvement are:

• 15 percent better asphalt tire life • Staggered side lugs for better mud traction • Thicker sidewall rubber, with the tread blocks extending onto the sidewall • A wider range of sizes rolled out over the next six months to cover virtually every practical vehicle fitment.

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WWW.GEARCENTRE.COM DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 53

TRUCK TECH

Titan Spare Auxiliary Fuel System Install Story and photos by Albert Vandervelde

oday’s trucks, especially diesels, have amazing towing power out of the box, and with this capability, many more people are using shorter wheelbase trucks to tow larger trailers. If you’re planning to travel long distances with a travel trailer and drop it when you get there, who wants to go for groceries in a crew cab long-box dual-tire truck? I towed for years with my Chevy Duramax crew cab short-box and was very happy with its performance, but one of my pet peeves was the small 85-litre fuel tank, and most short-box trucks come with this size. When the truck was empty, it got a reasonable 600+ kilometres per tank, but stick my Jeep on the trailer behind it and that shrunk to a mere 400 kms per tank. When trying to cover some ground through the night, where at times diesel gets a bit hard to find, it always felt like you were planning around fuel stops. Last year, my travel buddy (who also has a 2006 Duramax) added a fuel tank in the back bed of his truck. While this was helpful for the long trip to the Easter Jeep Safari in Utah, it stole 50 percent of the bed space and was difficult to fill. Now, Titan has the ultimate fix for this in a nice, safe, easy-to-install package. The TITAN Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System installs into GM, Ford and Ram trucks where the spare tire resides under the rear of the truck. If you were like us, the spare rarely gets used, and then when you need it, the release mechanism is jammed anyway. Once, we had to cut the brackets to get the tire out - not very convenient if we ever needed to actually change the tire on a road trip.

The Titan Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System installs into Ford, GM, and Ram diesel trucks where the spare tire resides under the rear of the truck. The fuel system offers everything you need to add 30 Gallons of added fuel capacity while retaining the stock fuel tank. Average range with the stock 22-gallon tank in our 2006 Chevy Duramax was 600 km unloaded, 400 km loaded, so this fuel system more than doubles that range between fills! The STAFS fuel system is actually larger than the stock fuel tank, adding 30 gallons to the 22 gallons the stock tank holds. This translates into close to 1000 kms of towing distance and 1500 kms of unloaded distance. Think of driving from Vancouver to Calgary and back almost without stopping for fuel (or hauling a good bit of cheaper Alberta fuel home with you)! The fuel system comes with an array of fuel-safe technology to keep your refuelling safe. The STAFS tank pumps fuel into your main tank via a supplied fuel pump and filter, five gallons at a time. A dash monitor lets you know the fill status of your STAFS tank, and a rollover tube makes sure that excess fuel from the main tank can back-feed into the STAFS tank in the case of a crash or an overfill situation in the main tank. That spare tire? A tire buddy comes with the kit to mount your spare in the bed of your truck where you can reach it when you need it, rather than trying to lower a rusty tire crank under your vehicle in poor weather. If you travel long distances or tow heavy loads and want the added assurance of having the fuel you need without searching for stops every 400 km, this fuel system is for you!

The fuel system is best installed with the rear bumper removed, and the spare tire and spare tire cable crank need to be removed, as well. If you’re working on a vehicle a few years old like we were, expect some extra time to your install getting everything apart. Our spare tire crank would not lower the tire, and we had to resort to cutting the tire hanger out of the vehicle.

With the tire crank removed... 54 Trucks Plus

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TRUCK TECH The fuel tank slides over the threaded shaft and the large round plate is placed on the bottom of the tank and bolted into place.

... the new threaded stud can be installed using the stock bolt and new mounting bracket. A Tire Buddy bracket comes with the kit to mount your spare in the bed of the truck. Now you can see why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to install this tank with the bumper removed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it provides access to the fill tube on the top of the tank. The hose system for the new filler cap comes in pieces and needs to be clamped together. Some trimming of the hoses is required and gives you a little flexibility to where you place the new filler cap.

Some fittings need to be added to the fuel tank and all come in the install kit.

The fuel level sending unit, transfer hose and rollover hose are all installed prior to the tank being lifted into place. DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 55

TRUCK TECH The new filler cap gets installed into the truck box with the supplied gasket and aluminum filler door.

A 4-¾ inch hole needs to be drilled into the side of your truck – or inside the box if you do not want to cut into the outside of the truck. Titan gives several suggestions to its placement but all are behind the rear tire on the driver’s side. We went with outside – easier to fill this way, inside the box would be impossible to fill with a camper or a load in the bed. A pilot hole was drilled, then a large hole saw made short work of the bedside.

The filler door actually looks really good on the back of the truck. 56 Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

TRUCK TECH

The system uses a dedicated fuel pump and filter to pump fuel from the new tank into the main tank in 5-gallon bursts.

The fuel pump and filter were placed close to the filler neck of the stock tank and wired into the fuse box via a keyed 12-volt source.

The system comes with its own control panel, which needs to be wired into the cab. With a push of a button, the fuel system pumps five gallons at a time into your main fuel tank. A fuel level meter lets you know how much fuel is currently in the Titan fuel tank and in the case of an overfill, the fuel will just return back to the Titan fuel tank via the rollover hose.

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DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 57

GEARING UP Extang Now Offering Full Product Line for All-New 2015 Chevy/ GMC Colorado/Canyon The 2015 Chevrolet/GMC Colorado/Canyon mid-size pickup trucks were released late in 2014, and due to the fact that they are one of the few current mid-size offerings on the market today, they are sure to be popular. Having seen this, Extang is now offering its full product line for these trucks with everything from the popular Encore and eMax Tonneau covers, to the Trifecta Toolbox available for either the 5- or 6-foot bed option. Extang offers one of the world’s largest selection of tonneau covers, so owners can be sure to get the exact look they’re after. All covers include fast and easy installation that can be done by just about anybody. For more information please go to www.extang.com

Bushwacker’s New Fender Flare Colour Matching Program

Curt Manufacturing Offering Full Line of Cargo Straps

Bushwacker has added yet another great element to its line of fender flares by offering a colour matching program that will allow buyers to match the high-quality OEM factory colours on a number of applications. This will help reduce the cost of the installation thanks to a reduction in labour costs, as it will no longer be necessary to wait on body shop paint. Each application will have around 5-7 factory colours available, as extensive research has allowed Bushwacker to identify the most popular colours for each application.

New from Curt Manufacturing is a full line of durable nylon cargo straps that are resistant to stretching and abrasion, and made to tolerate heavy loads. Both cambuckle and ratchet-style straps are available in a variety of lengths and colours. The cambuckle straps have a work load capacity of 300 pounds with break strength of 900 pounds and come in 15- or 16-foot lengths. The ratchet cargo straps are available in a large variety of working load capacities ranging from 500-3,333 pounds, with break strengths of 1,500 - 10,000 pounds, in sizes of 10- to 27-feet.

For more information please go to www.bushwacker.com

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Mickey Thompson Introduces Deegan 38 Wheel Line at SEMA

Hellwig’s Big Rig Rear Sway Bar for 2014 Ram 3500

At the recent SEMA Show, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels proudly introduced the Deegan 38 line of wheels which will be available early next year. Developed with five-time Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series champion Brain Deegan, the line will feature two styles for truck, SUV and Jeep applications - the Pro 2 Black, and the Pro 4 Black. The Pro 4 heavy-duty model features an 8-spoke design with a two-stage matte black finish, and will be available in 15-17-inch fitments. The Pro 2 version is also an 8-spoke design and will be available in 15-20 inch sizes.

The Big Rig Rear Sway Bar from Hellwig is made to provide a significant increase in sway resistance and to improve handling when either loaded or empty. It will provide more cornering traction and better handling as well, and is ideal for commercial trucks or heavy haulers when towing. The 1-5/16” solid 4140 chromoly steel bar is heat treated and powdercoated to ensure long lasting performance and an overall slick look. The kit, which is now available for 2014 Ram 3500 in both 2WD and 4WD models, includes vehicle-specific hardware, steel brackets, and polyurethane bushings.

For more information please go to www.mickeythompsontires.com

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58 Trucks Plus

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GEARING UP New Hypertech Speedo Calibrator for 2015 GM Trucks, Ram Trucks, and Jeep JKs If you’ve replaced the OE tires or rear gears on your 2015 GM truck, Ram truck or Jeep JK, your speedometer will automatically become inaccurate. To fix this problem, Hypertech has released its Speedometer Calibrator which is specifically designed to correct this on these newly introduced applications. The Calibrator allows the speedometer and odometer to be easily recalibrated when running non-stock tire sizes or rear gear ratios, with no limitations for increased tire height. Use of this new calibrator doesn’t require you to cut into the factory wiring harness, as factorystyle connectors make installation and integration seamless. For more information please go to www.hypertech-inc.com

HOOD PROTECTORS AND SIDEWIND DEFLECTORS Easy Installation / Maximum Protection

JUST RELEASED 2015 FORD F-150

All-New Go Rhino RB10 Running Boards

The brand new RB10 Running Boards/Side Steps from Go Rhino are designed to protect your paint from debris such as stones or gravel, while also providing a wide, full-length step platform for easy entry into the front and rear doors. The running boards are Raptor-style and built from 16-gauge zinc-coated steel, sprayed in an extremely durable Black texture finish. The boards include a vehicle specific, no-drill mounting bracket system, and are available in 80- and 87-inch lengths to fit most popular extended and crew cab truck applications. For more information please go to www.gorhino.com

Pro Comp’s New Xtreme MT2 Radial Tire The new Xtreme MT2 radial tire from Pro Comp is designed for full-size trucks and SUVs that see a healthy combination of both on- and off-road use. The mud tires feature an ultra-modern design with a unique tread compound that is coupled with silica to enhance its ability to navigate just about any type of terrain such as wet roads, slick rocks and deep mud. Even when hauling heavy loads, the Xtreme MT2 delivers the toughness and traction to negotiate any sort of environment.

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For more information please go to www.procompusa.com DEC 14 / Jan 15 Trucks Plus 59

GEARING UP Bestop Unveils Trektop Pro Jeep Wrangler Top

Unveiled at the recent 2014 SEMA Show, the new Trektop Pro Jeep Wrangler top from Bestop features the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first hard rear glass hatch on a soft top. This rear hatch allows for an easy one-hand operation with easy accessibility to the rear cargo area, as well as the option for extra ventilation and easy removal of rear hatch and side window panels. The top is made from premium 30-oz. triplelayer black acrylic twill fabric to deliver maximum durability and a no-wrinkle appearance. The top weighs roughly 50 pounds in total, which is less than a typical hard top. For more information please go to www.bestop.com

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DEC 14 / Jan 15

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These good ol’ boys don’t appear the least bit worried about their truck.

Once again, not a truck but she shouldn’t have much trouble finding help.

If anything was going to make it through this snow, you’d think it would be this one.

For what they just went through, these guys don’t seem all that upset.

That is a rather quick drop off.

Rule #1 of off-roading: Make sure you have buddies to help push.

We’re sure that most of you have had the misfortune of getting stuck while out on a weekend adventure. So send us your photos of your adventure to stucktrucks@rpmcanada.ca and if we use your photos we’ll send you a cool Trucks Plus hat! 62 Trucks Plus

DEC 14 / Jan 15

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