AVAILABLE IN: 1500K GREEN
3000K YELLOW
4300K OE
6000K WHITE
8000K SLIGHT BLUE
12000K 25000K 35000K 40000K MORE BLUE
DEEP BLUE
PURPLE
PINK
MATCH YOUR XENON HIDS WITH OUR LED PRODUCTS FOR A COMPLETE LOOK!
SALES@LUMENSHID.COM 1�888�822�6120 / DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME
Contents
Luxury Meets Rough & Ready Labrador Part 2 of our journey from Toronto to Labrador in the Toyota Tundra ...pg 18
X5
The 2014 Land Rover LR4 ...pg 12
4Runner The 4Runner is a true off-road capable SUV ...pg 33
ProMaster
The BMW X5 presents a package that’s hard to beat ...pg 24
ALSO INSIDE
Aluminum
Fresh Tracks---------------------------------------- 4 Performance Tire Guide-------------------------27 New Wheels: Infiniti QX60 ----------------------32 New Wheels: Nissan Rogue --------------------35 Off-Roading: Rubicon Trail --------------------- 40
How will aluminum-bodied trucks stand up compared to steel? ...pg 52
RVing
Ram debuts the all-new ProMaster City ...pg 38
The 2015 Jayco Greyhawk 31FK ...pg 47
Product Review: Pro Comp Tires -------------- 45 Truck Tech: Bak Install -------------------------- 54 Gearing Up----------------------------------------58 Stuck Trucks--------------------------------------62
AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus
FRESH TRACKS Volume 7, Issue No. 4 August/September 2014 Publisher/Editor: Dean Washington
2015 GMC Sierra Denali to Feature Magnetic Ride Control
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 Arch Linsao Russell Purcell Norm Ross Albert Vandervelde Benjamin Yong
MAILING ADDRESS: 2460 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC Canada V3C 1T4 TELEPHONE: (604) 629-9669 FAX: (778) 285-2449 TOLL FREE TEL: 1-888-500-4591 EMAIL: info@rpmcanada.ca WEBSITE: www.rpmcanada.ca Trucks Plus is published six times per year by RPM Media Inc. Second Class Mailing Agreement #40050183
Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
W
hen the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali hits the showroom floor, it will be the first full-size pickup to offer the all-new, exclusive Magnetic Ride Control, which is an electronically-controlled damping system that provides more precise body motion control, resulting in a more refined ride without sacrificing any payload or trailering ability. It will be standard on all Sierra Denali 1500 models, whether it be equipped with the 5.3L V8 or the 6.2L V8. The Magnetic Ride Control’s sensors are able to read the road every millisecond, which triggers damping changes in as little as five milliseconds using electronically-controlled shock absorbers that replace mechanical-valve shocks. The shock absorbers are filled with a magneto-rheological fluid that contains minute iron particles which, under the presence of a magnetic charge, align to provide damping resistance. When the magnetic charge is changed, it alters the damping rate of the shock almost immediately, which results in a smoother, more refined driving experience that feels more like a luxury vehicle than a full-size pickup.
Hyundai Being Sued in Native South Korea over False Fuel Economy Claims
Hyundai is facing a lawsuit in its home market of South Korea, after the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport alleged that the company misstated fuel economy numbers on some of its crossovers, leading 1,500 Santa Fe owners to file the lawsuit against the company. The suit was filed in Seoul Central District Court by a law firm called Yeyul who said the suit was a sign that angry customers could go after a manufacturer if they were wronged by the company’s product, as reported by Autoblog. Yeyul and its clients are after 1.5 million won (which
DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS
FRESH TRACKS has a value of about $1,600 Canadian dollars) in compensation for owners of Santa Fe models built between May 2012 and June 2014. It is not known yet if Hyundai will look to settle for a lesser amount, as the $1,600 is higher than what the company compensated American owners with after stating incorrect fuel economy figures in the U.S. market for Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Majority of Pickups Could be Made Using Aluminum by 2025
A report in the Detroit News has revealed that marketing research firm Ducker Worldwide has predicted that by 2025, as many as seven in ten pickup trucks made for North America could be made completely or substantially of aluminum. Ducker forecasts that once the all-aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 comes out and works out issues with dealerships or the automotive repair industry, other truck makers are likely to do the same. The Detroit News also noted that members of the Steel Market Development Institute predict more advances are to be made with less-expensive high-strength steels by the 2025 date. Part of the speculation about the use of more lightweight materials is the fuel-efficiency targets that full-size pickups will have to eventually meet as set by the U.S. government. Obviously, lighter vehicles would naturally help improve fuel economy, and using lighter materials is a surefire way to do so.
Jeep Cherokee Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
GM Cancels 1500 Versions of its Full-Size Vans
Starting in the 2015 model year, GM will no longer be offering the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans in the 1500 lightduty format. This means all future Express and Savana models will exceed the 8,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating which is the
threshold for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. GM makes the move following its competition, such as Mercedes, which doesn’t offer a 1500 version, Ford whose E-Series E-150 surpasses the 8,500-pound mark, as do the Ram ProMaster and most versions of the 2015 Ford Transit. GM has found that customers much prefer the 2500, 3500, and 4500 versions of the vans, as the 1500 versions have accounted for only 23 percent of Express and 7 percent of Savana sales, GM sales spokesman Jim Cain told pickuptrucks.com.
Stop/Start Technology to Come Standard on Certain Models of 2015 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep has announced that it will make the fuel-saving Engine StopStart (ESS) technology standard on certain models of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV. ESS technology made its Chrysler Group debut on the Ram 1500 full-size pickup which is the most fuel efficient vehicle in its segment. Jeep Cherokees with the 3.2L Pentastar VVT
TechLiner™
Pickup Bed Protection
Laser Measured
FloorLiner™
Available for over 900 Applications in Black, Tan and Grey
COMPLETE COVERAGE FOR YOUR VEHICLE See our full line of Automotive Accessories at WeatherTech.ca
All-Weather Floor Mat
In-Channel Side Window Deflectors
Accessories Available for Order Now: 888-905-6287 © 2014 by MacNeil IP LLC
No-Drill MudFlaps
BumpStep™
Hitch Mounted Bumper Protection
Acura · Audi · BMW · Buick · Cadillac · Chevrolet · Chrysler · Dodge · Ferrari · Ford · GMC · Honda · Hummer · Hyundai · Infiniti Isuzu · Jeep · Kia · Land Rover · Lexus · Lincoln · Maserati · Mazda · Mercedes-Benz · Mercury · Mini · Mitsubishi · Nissan Oldsmobile · Plymouth · Pontiac · Porsche · Saab · Saturn · Scion · Subaru · Suzuki · Toyota · Volkswagen · Volvo · and more!
Canadian Customers WeatherTech.ca
American Customers WeatherTech.com
European Customers WeatherTechEurope.com
FRESH TRACKS V6 engine option will be able to experience fuel-economy improvements of up to three percent thanks to the new technology, which also helps reduce harmful emissions. To give a better understanding, ESS technology works by engine controls constantly monitoring vehicle speed and when the vehicle brakes to a stop, fuel flow is cut and the engine turns off, which reduces emissions and saves gas. Larger batteries are used in order to maintain other vehicle systems so in-cabin comfort is untouched. When the brake pedal is released, the engine automatically restarts and the transmission is engaged all within 0.3 seconds. Drivers can also choose to turn off the technology if they wish, with the push of a button.
Refreshed 2015 Ford Expedition Receives EcoBoost Engine Plus
many new safety features and technologies such as SYNC, MyFord Touch, push-button start, and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert. Other improvements include a quieter ride from the cabin, a revised front end with halogen projector headlamps and LED fog lamps.
Audi to bring Apple CarPlay to new models by 2016
Audi will begin offering Apple CarPlay, which is a smarter and safer way to use an iPhone in the car, in its vehicles starting in Europe next year and in North American markets by 2016. CarPlay will help
Ford recently unveiled the refreshed 2015 Ford Expedition that receives the same 3.5L EcoBoost engine found in the F-150, plus a host of other new technologies and features. The Expedition, which first debuted back in 1996, will feature three rows of seats, and comes in either a standard version that sits on a 119-inch wheelbase with up
integrate Audi’s built-in controls such as the Audi MMI touch system as well as dial and voice controls to easily activate SIRI. This allows Audi drivers to safely access their iPhone to make calls, check maps, listen to music, or send and receive messages. Vehicles equipped with CarPlay will allow users to simply connect their iPhone and will be able to access their apps through the car’s native controls. Additionally, drivers will be able to seamlessly switch between the CarPlay view and the Audi infotainment functions. to 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space, or a longer 113-inch wheelbase version that has a maximum cargo space of 130.8 cubic feet. The 3.5L EcoBoost will be the only engine offered in North America for the Expedition, which will be paired to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with manual mode. At 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, the new engine delivers more power and efficiency than the outgoing 5.4L V8. On top of the new motor, the Expedition receives
Cadillac to Consider Offering More Engine Options for Escalade According to a report from Automotive News, Cadillac is reportedly considering expanding the powertrain options for the Escalade SUV, as currently only a big 6.2L V8 is available. The report suggests that a
2015 Cadillac Escalade Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
NEW
SOFT TRI-FOLDING COVER WITH FULL BED UTILITY
Q Folds upright at the cab for MAXIMUM accessibility. Q Easy to use tri-fold design with all-weather vinyl. Q Industry’s best lifetime warranty.
For more info on e-MAX Tonno visit us at extang.com
STRONGER TOUGHER MORE DURABLE
CHOOSE FROM 6 UNIQUE FENDER FLARE STYLES NEW AND LATE MODEL APPLICATIONS: Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge, Toyota, Jeep & Nissan ®
MOUNTING IS EASY, fasteners hold flares in place, using existing factory holes (most applications) 2015 GMC SIERRA
MATTE BLACK FINISH
Pocket Style Flares ®
(can be painted)
possible twin-turbo V6 and a V6 turbodiesel could be on the table, as well as possibly a Vsport version of the Escalade, much like the one it offers on the CTS. This move would come as a way to get buyers of the Lincoln Navigator, which now offers the 3.5L twin-turbo engine, to consider an Escalade instead. Another motive for the move would be to help the Escalade sales in other markets like Europe, where higher fuel prices make driving a large V8 SUV very costly. Information on the possible Vsport model are not yet known, but in the case of the CTS Vsport, Cadillac offers a 3.6L twin-turbo V6 that puts out 420 horsepower, which is about 100 more than the naturally aspirated version. The V8 Escalade is already at the 420-horsepower mark, but that doesn’t mean GM wouldn’t consider slapping a supercharger on that, which is sure to boost the power significantly.
Ford to Build Bronco-Like SUV in Brazil
We here in North America are often forced to sit idly by while great vehicles are released in other markets with no plan on bringing them here. Well, this is another case of that, as Ford has decided to build the Ford Troller T4 SUV which is basically a reborn Ford Bronco, although it will not be badged as a Ford in Brazil. Ford bought out Brazillian offroad automaker Troller back in 2007 and the T4 is set to be the first new vehicle produced by them since the buyout. If you’re familiar with the Ford T-R Concept you will recognize some similarities with the new vehicle, but the T4 does feature a more modern look with LED lighting features. Under the hood of the T4 will be a 3.2L diesel engine that is to be paired with 6-speed manual transmission, and to this point, there are no power figures released yet. A four-wheel drive system is definitely thought to be featured heavily on the Troller, which we can safely assume judging by the massive 4x4 badge on the driver’s door.
GM to Offer 8-Speed Automatic Transmission on Chevrolet and GMC Trucks
General Motors has recently confirmed that it will be offering a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon Denali models that have the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine. The Hydra-Matic 8L90 8-speed transmission was developed by GM and is about the same size and weight as the 6L80 Hydra-Matic six-speed tranny. It will have a 7.0 overall gear ratio spread which is wider than GM six-speed automatic transmissions and will provide a numerically higher first gear ratio which will allow users to start off more confidently with a heavy load or when towing a trailer. The 8L90 will also allow numerically lower rear axle ratios, which in turn will reduce engine rpm on the highway. A pickuptrucks.com report states that after some slight modifications, it will find itself into vehicles equipped with the smaller 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine.
2014 TOYOTA TUNDRA
Extend-A-Fender Flares ®
Adds protection from nicks and scratches
800-338-3800
bushwacker.com 10 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
NEW WHEELS
Rough-and-Tumble SUV
2014 Land Rover LR4 V6 SC Story and photos by Russell Purcell
T
he Land Rover LR4 is one of the most popular luxury sport utility vehicles available, due to its unique styling, comfortable passenger cabin, and unmatched all-terrain capabilities. For 2014, the LR4 receives significant styling and powertrain revisions in hopes that the iconic utility vehicle will be able to maintain its popularity and widen its overall appeal. While the LR4 represents the mid-range offering for the storied British brand, one look at its luxurious interior and broad equipment list reveals that the fine folks at Land Rover have raised the bar for this segment.
With the price of gasoline entering the stratosphere, the product planners at Land Rover knew that they had to make some changes under the hood in an effort to improve fuel economy. Gone is the 5.0-litre V8 that powered the outgoing model, and in its place you will find a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. On paper it is clear that power is down just a smidge, but there is no reason to fret, as overall performance is similar to that delivered by the V8. The V6 produces a very healthy 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This is sufficient enough to hustle this luxurious beast from zero to 100 km/h in a respectable eight seconds. It has been paired with a very sophisticated eight-speed transmission that has been engineered to make the most efficient use of the vehicle’s power resources. The LR4 has a wide torque band which means there is plenty of grunt available at most engine speeds, and it was a pleasure to explore the vehicle’s capabilities using the steering-wheel mounted paddle shift controls. This potent combination helped make short work of freeway on-ramps, extended climbs, and rubble-strewn logging roads.
There are three trim levels available - LR4 V6, LR4 HSE, and the LR4 HSE LUX – and all will leave you with a new appreciation for the level of refinement, equipment and performance the company is packing into its current line-up. Land Rover vehicles follow a successful styling formula that was established decades ago and has carefully evolved over time. As a result, the new LR4 is tall, long, and wide just like its forebears. Many wrongly assume that these styling elements are retained largely as a nod to Land Rover’s more utilitarian past, but in reality, this design allows for increased interior room and a wider track. The latter helps bestow the LR4 with the stability of a mountain goat when the conditions get slick or steep. 12 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
Although the LR4 has been carefully engineered so that it can tackle just about any off-road challenge you put before it, the reality is that it will spend the majority of its time navigating paved highways and tight city streets. As a result, equal attention was directed at optimizing the LR4’s handling and road worthiness. During my test period, I found the LR4 to be an excellent grand touring vehicle, as the steering, suspension and traction control systems work together to make you feel more connected to the road, without compromising off-road performance. Marketed as a luxury vehicle, it should come as no surprise that the LR4’s passenger compartment is well insulated from wind, road and engine noise, and its highly adaptable air suspension provided a smooth ride, predictable handling, and exceptional steering response. Steering is precise, but it takes a little seat time to get used to the LR4’s handling dynamics, as the tall centre of gravity and overall heft of the
NEW WHEELS extreme off-road conditions, having optimal clearance is a plus, but the system also features an “access” mode that drops the vehicle by almost two inches to facilitate the loading of passengers or cargo. During my time with the LR4, I took it for a brief off-road adventure to explore the vehicle’s climbing and descending abilities. Prior to ascending the deeply rutted trail before me, I activated the air suspension to raise the vehicle to its optimum height. This helps the LR4 achieve the very impressive approach angle of 36.2 degrees, and a departure angle of 29.6 degrees. This, along with short overhangs, should help ensure that you don’t drag the tail or bury the nose.
vehicle promotes enough body lean that you are unlikely to toss this vehicle into corners.
My test unit was fitted with the standard single-speed transfer box, so there is no Low setting available, unless you opt for the Heavy Duty Package which adds a two-speed unit. As my front wheels began to scurry up
The overall driving experience delivered by the LR4 is nowhere near as dynamic as that offered by its Range Rover siblings, but this is not a sports machine. Instead, the LR4 is a luxuriously outfitted go-anywhere machine with room for the entire family. Where the LR4 excels is off-road. It features Land Rover’s Terrain Response System, which is a well-sorted, and user friendly, full-time four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to select from four settings – Special Programs Off, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand – to custom tailor the vehicle’s operational set-up for different terrain conditions. At the push of a button, Terrain Response reconfigures LR4’s settings so you can take on any surface with confidence. By utilizing the LR4’s highly adaptable air suspension system, the vehicle is rewarded with a full 9.4-inches of ground clearance. When operating in
the loose gravel and light debris that made up the majority of the road’s surface, I was able to monitor what was happening to the suspension (as well as the direction of my front wheels) by utilizing a visual information screen that has been incorporated into the system. This clever technology comes in handy when climbing steep grades where the windscreen is painted with blue sky and clouds rather than helpful visual cues like
5HÁHFWRU )DFLQJ 7HFKQRORJ\ 5)7
» More Output Per-watt Than The Competition » Focused Beam Pattern In Fog Or Driving » Maximizes Light To Conserve Amp Draw » More Light Where You Need It 800-525-7422
14 Trucks Plus
www.piaa.com/lp
AUG / SEPT 2014
IF I ONLY HAD A
TRAILFX WINCH...
GET UNSTUCK!
Features and Benefits:
• 6.7 Horsepower, the most of any entry-level winch in the marketplace • Available in 8,000 lb., 10,000 lb., and 12,000 lb. capacities • Includes remote control and 94 feet of heavy wire rope • Limited Lifetime Warranty Exclusively distributed through Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. dealers. Contact us via our website for a dealer near you!
®
www.TrailFX.com
NEW WHEELS rocks or trees. Without it you would have no way to see the terrain below, which is dangerous to both man and machine. In an effort to further enhance visibility, Land Rover will equip the LR4 with a trick five-camera array. At the touch of a button, this system allows the driver to observe what is happening around the vehicle. These cameras made navigating tight trails a breeze, as I could avoid rocks,
SPECIFICATIONS: Base price (MSRP): ........................................................$59,990 Price as tested: ...............................................................$76,030 Type of vehicle: ........ Front-engine, seven passenger 4WD SUV Engine: . .....................................3.0L supercharged 24-valve V6 Power: . .......................................................340 hp @ 6,500 rpm Torque: ............................................332 lb-ft @ 3,500-5,000 rpm Transmission: . ........................................................8-speed auto Brakes: . .........................................Front and rear disc with ABS Fuel consumption (L/100km): ......................City 14.6; Hwy 10.5 The rectangular shape of the Land Rover LR4 helps maximize interior volume, and the spacious cabin offers seating for seven. The second row seating area allows for three adults to ride in relative comfort, while two stowaway seats can be found beneath the floor of the cargo area.
logs and obstacles that otherwise, I would be unable to see. They also proved invaluable when parking or operating the vehicle in congested urban settings. My test unit rolled on 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with Continental all-season performance tires that excelled during the pavement portion of my testing. For those owners looking to get the most out of the LR4 off-road, I would suggest that they invest in a more aggressive all-terrain tire selection. I will admit, however, that the all-season Continentals still managed to haul this hefty rig up all but the steepest grade during my off-road antics, and with only minor slippage. While descending, I activated Hill Descent Control which, when partnered with Gradient Acceleration Control, acts to help the driver maintain control and vehicle speed when operating in off-road conditions. Remember, the LR4 is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the planet, and as such, is also equipped with a full complement of skid plates to protect vital components.
16 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
The LR4’s spacious cargo compartment is accessed via a clever split door design. It is comprised of a compact, folding tailgate (which seconds as an excellent bench seat) and an up-swing lift gate to protect you from the rain. If long items need to be carried, you can readily fold both the second and third row seats. Much like its Range Rover sisters, the quality of the leather seating, trim pieces and interior build materials used on the LR4 is top-notch. The tall windows and raised seating positions promote excellent visibility throughout the vehicle, and all but the tallest individuals should be able to get comfortable in the two front seating positions. High-end comfort features include adjustable front seat armrests, a heated steering wheel, and a chill box for beverages and snacks hidden in the centre console. The Land Rover LR4 has two distinct personalities that complement each other very well. It is a rough-and-tumble SUV perfectly suited for adventure, but on the other hand it cleans up nicely and looks classy in its formal dress. It excels as a luxurious urban shuttle and highway cruiser, but is equally proficient when the pavement comes to an end.
NEW WHEELS
Toyota Tundra Takes Labrador
Part 2 Story and photos by Howard J Elmer
A
s many readers might know, the ALCAN Highway on the northwest coast of the continent was built during World War II to ship war materials through Canada and across Alaska, so they could safely be shipped across the Bering Sea and the Trans-Siberian Railroad to war fronts in Eastern Europe. The Trans-Labrador highway has a similar story, though the enemy in this saga was the Cold War-era Russians. In 1943, construction began on the US Air Force base at Goose Bay, Labrador. Back then there was no road; everything landed by ship at the end of a 200 mile-long fjord that slices inland from the North Atlantic. However, this waterway is solid ice nine months a year, so the idea of a road was born. Unlike the ALCAN, though, which was built in less than two years, the Trans-Labrador would take more than three decades to complete. The first section of it, up through Quebec from the St. Lawrence River, got a real push when iron ore was discovered in Eastern Labrador. Today, three massive open pit mining operations are running full tilt in the area of Labrador City, Wabush and Fremont, Quebec. Their output, once destined for steel mills up the St. Lawrence River in Ontario, Ohio and Pennsylvania, now all heads in the other direction – to China. As you remember, we were driving a 2014 Toyota Tundra 1794 edition, and almost mechanically identical 2007 Tundra with 70,000 miles already on the odometer. Plus, our 24-foot trailer. This trailer acted as storage for all our gear, a Yamaha snowmobile, extra parts and tires, and as a rolling billboard. The extra fuel this combination would consume became a problem, as we left most the country’s population behind. Fuel stops are a minimum of 150 miles apart and some up to 250 miles. After pulling into Labrador City on fumes, I figured an investment in plastic jerry cans was in order. For the rest of the trip we’d always have an extra 15 gallons of fuel in the trailer. At Labrador City, we were already a thousand miles from Toronto, so we had a good handle on the fuel economy. On average, at that point, our consumption was between 14 and 16 mpg. That number puts Toyota’s V8 on par with Ram’s Hemi V8. For reference, the EPA pegs the trucks at 13 18 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
mpg in the city, 17 on the highway and 15 mpg combined (US Gallons). As both trucks ran the 5.7-litre V8 engine, the old truck turned out to have the same fuel consumption as the 2014 model with or without the trailer. While towing, though, the trailer sucked an extra seven to nine mpg. No wonder we ran out. It’s also why every Toyota owner we ran into in Labrador pleaded with us to convince Toyota to offer a larger fuel tank. After all, Labrador isn’t called the Big Land for nothing. The Tundra’s fuel tank is 26.4 gallons. Ford offers the largest tank at 36 gallons, while Ram will sell a 1500 with a 32-gallon tank. Chevy, like Toyota, only offers a single 26-gallon tank, less than ideal for the area. The Trans-Labrador highway was built east to west and each year construction and upgrading continues. Running from Labrador City to Churchill Falls, we found mostly pavement, with short 5-10 mile interruptions of gravel. At this point, the most challenging aspect of the drive was the
weather. While we had left a balmy spring-like Toronto three days earlier, we were now back into full-blown winter with temps dropping to well below zero and snow – lots of snow. When we pulled into our overnight stop in Churchill Falls, we were reminded of just how far north we really were. A sign in our rooms read: “Please don’t clean game in your room.” This is also where cameraman Dan Bailey asked for a Greek Salad and got a bowl of torn lettuce with Italian dressing on it. When Danny
NEW WHEELS Mud and freezing temperatures produced some cool art on the trucks.
While the highway had been a mix of pavement and gravel to this point, the last leg from Goose Bay to Red Bay was all gravel. This is the newest section of the road, open only since 2011. Known as the south coast section of the Trans-Labrador, it’s 400 miles of the most gnarly, potholed, mud-bogged road that I have ever covered. And, while someday in the future, it will be paved, for now, it’s torture on trucks and the real reason we came here in the first place. And, it was not helped by the fact that the temperature suddenly shot up into the high 30s F. What was a solid ice-road started to melt at an alarming rate. How bad the road gets was brought home to us by our own transit. First day, the frost was still in the road, so it was mostly surface water we had to deal with. Second day, running back to Goose Bay, the mud was already 6-10 inches deep in places with water-filled potholes over a foot-and-a-half deep. On the morning of the third day, pulling out of Goose Bay and passing the entry to the south coast road, a large emergency sign flashed “ROAD CLOSED” at anyone dumb enough to attempt the run.
protested, our waitress looked at the bowl and declared, “Yup, that’s a Greek Salad, alright.” Knowledge of what makes up a Greek Salad aside, the only reason anyone lives in Churchill Falls is because they work at the second largest hydro-electric dam in the world. For us, it was a stop for fuel and sleep. However, CF does have cell service and it’s here that I got a call from the Newfoundland & Labrador ferry service. It was not good news. Ice had jammed the straits of Labrador and the Canadian Navy icebreaker was not available for our crossing to Newfoundland. When I asked the lady when they’d be running again she giggled. “When she’s good and ready to give up the straits” was the response. In this part of the world, you can plan; but Mother Nature trumps all. Talking to the locals at breakfast, it became apparent that spring ferry delays were common and there was just no point in getting anxious; as one guy said to me “Plan B boy – you got a Plan B don’t ya?” Uhh, no I didn’t. We packed up and pushed on westward to Goose Bay, hoping the ice would break up in the next day or two. This 179-mile stretch of the TransLabrador is rougher, as you cross a mountain range and the amount of gravel picks up. When we arrived in Goose Bay, we had done about 75 percent of the highway and had decided that if the ferry still wasn’t running, the following day we’d have to U-turn and head back to Toronto. Well, next day came and the lady at the ferry office told me to stop calling her – she’d call me (fast-forward – the next time she called me to advise of a sailing, I was already home). The air base at Goose Bay is certainly not as busy as back in the day when an entire wing of nuclear-armed B-52s were billeted here. Imagine the noise and traffic as one-third of that force was always in the air, circling, Heading south towards the Atlantic from Goose Bay.
As you’ll see in our photos, we left the trailer behind in Goose Bay. We were spooked by locals who kept telling us that there was no chance our trailer – with its six-inches of ground clearance – would make it. So we unhitched the dead weight and left it behind in the care of a local hotel. We didn’t doubt the locals’ advice as by this point only half the lights on the trailer worked – we’d torn out the wires at the back, and the high marker lights had simply shaken themselves to death. Up until this point, both trucks had remained on the road and the pile of tow straps, jacks and tools we brought along for emergencies had been unused. That changed when a ditch swallowed up the passenger side wheels of the 1794. We were told later that in the spring, the plows push Closing in on Labrador.
the snow banks way out over the ditches so the water won’t run onto the road. Unfortunately, this habit also leaves a wide, very solid-looking section of snow - which is now groomed out over a ten-foot ditch. I went to make a U-turn and she went down like the Titanic. . The truck was nearly able to climb out of it, but the more we tried, the deeper the wheels sank till it was in danger of tipping. Thankfully, the recovery hooks on the front of the Tundra are easy to access. A quick tug from the 2007 model in its four-wheel drive low setting had all four wheels back on the road without damaging either truck. We made it to Red Bay on the Atlantic Coast, and it was a welcome sight. A patch of ocean blue mixed with bobbing ice. And while this should have been the end, it now simply marked the half-way point. We stopped just long enough to shoot some photos and then we began the 1,770-mile slog all the way back to Toronto. In total, the trip took 10 days to complete and saw us cover over 3,600 miles.
ready to go 24/7. Today, several air forces use Goose Bay for training and as a way-point. While interesting, we didn’t have time to tour the base; a storm had blown in and we hunkered down in the hotel to plan our next move. The ferry was no longer an option; however, we hadn’t driven this far too just not finish the road to the coast. We decided to go. 20 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
A curious sight on the highway was the speed limit; 45 mph is the suggestion. This, on a road where you see another vehicle perhaps once an hour. I mention this because when we decided to do the whole trip twice, we also knew that we could add only one day to the duration. The camera guys and we had other jobs to do. A leisurely drive was not in the cards. So, we drove (as I wish I could everyday) as fast as the road
D-Sign & Oversized Load Available!
Internal LED Lighting in Molded Plastic Lamp Socket
Full LED Lighting Built-In Flasher’s With Sync Control
* No Switches or Large Labor Bill’s To Install!
Scan code to go to our website: www.ior.ca
Scan code to go to our Pilot Car Sign Video!
FOB Control Offers Painless Wiring! NEW
Optional Electric Liniar’s For Easy Up & Down!
* As we strive to offer the BEST sign in the industry we will soon release our latest version with solid wiring from sign to battery, new external fuses on sign with LED warning light in the even of failure.
Prince George, B.C. 1594 Nicholson Street ♦ (250) 562-6760 Toll Free ♦ 1 (800) 663-4344
Optional Stop Sign For Your Added Safety
Edmonton, A.B. 17210-103 Avenue ♦ (780) 451-0030 Toll Free ♦ 1 (866) 444-4435
UNPAVED? NO PROBLEM!
would allow. Sometimes that was at 20 mph and at other times it was at 90 mph. And it was this continuous pounding that finally netted our first, and only, malfunction.
BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL WITH
BAJA STZ The Baja STZ™ offers excellent steering response, superior grip, and great all-weather traction making it the perfect choice for work, play, or sportsman applications.
It also has an aggressive tread design, variable density nylon over wraps, serrated tie bars, and shoulder scallops, and strategic siping for improved stability, long wear, and traction in wet or icy conditions.
During the last leg, the 4HI symbol in the centre gauge of the ’07 starting flashing along with the ABS and traction control lights. At first, nothing seemed wrong, until we discovered that the transfer case would no longer shift into four-wheel drive when asked. We did some preliminary checks of the fuses and relays, but couldn’t locate the problem. Later, we learned that we had cracked the housing on the front wheel ABS sensor; it was repaired at a glass shop with some glue and a zip-tie. Even in two-wheel drive mode, the ’07 traversed the south shore road just fine. However, without the Vehicle Stability Control working, it was tiring constantly steering to counteract the tendency for the backend to step-out as the front end pushed mud. Meanwhile, in the Had to turn back at Red Bay because the ferry was unable to take us to Newfoundland
CLASSIC III™ & CLASSIC III™ BLACK
NOW IN
20”!
CLASSIC BAJA LOCK™ & SIDEBITER® II
OFFICIAL TIRE
ADD A SET OF M/T WHEELS FOR A LEGENDARY PACKAGE DEAL!
SHOP, COMPARE, SAVE. Click the “Buy Now” button at MickeyThompsonTires.com.
BE A PART OF THE LEGEND
BAJA ATZP3
BAJA MTZ
BAJA CLAW TTC
NEW
BAJA STZ
NEW
For a dealer near you, call 866-943-7178 or visit us at www.MickeyThompsonTires.com DEEGAN 38
1794, this nanny would cut power and apply brakes to keep the truck in-line. While I’ve found this annoying at times on normal roads, here, hour after hour at high speeds, it took the pressure off the driver as it nipped any oversteer condition immediately. Once repaired, we turned southeast, bound for home. We ran down the road back into Quebec, where the road improved as a layer of new snow actually filled in many of the potholes. We then spent three sleep-deprived days covering the same ground that took us five on the trip out. The last push was 17 straight hours from Baie-Comeau, Quebec to Toronto. This is a trip we won’t soon forget; in fact, it might be a while before I make fun of a manufacturer’s idea of an off-road test again, either.
Why Do ICI Nerf Bars Crush the Competition? — HIGHEST GRADE MATERIALS
Polished 304 Stainless Steel, Black E-Coat Finish Available
— BEST CONSTRUCTION
Welded End Cap on Stainless Bars, Molded Wrap-Over Style Step Pads
— EASIEST INSTALLATION
Attaches to OE Mounts, Diagrams Included
— INDUSTRY LEADING WARRANTY
Lifetime on Stainless Bars , 3 Years on Black
4” Ovals
Cab Length & Wheel to Wheel
5” Ovals
6” Ovals
3” Round
Cab Length & Wheel to Wheel
4” Round
Cab Length & Wheel to Wheel
NEW WHEELS
Modern Utility Vehicle 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35i M Sport Line Story and photos by Russell Purcell
C
anadians love BMW products, as the German automaker seems to strive to produce vehicles that are always fun to drive. This holds true across BMW’s ever expanding lineup, but always comes as somewhat of a revelation whenever I get behind the wheel of one of the company’s renowned Sport Activity Vehicles.
help it deliver smooth power, while maximizing fuel efficiency. The engine’s Twin Scroll turbocharger spools up instantaneously to ensure that power is always on tap. Of course, a full suite of EfficientDynamics technologies - Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO Mode, Valvetronic, Double Vanos (variable camshaft control) and High Precision Injection - are on board to help consumers get the most from each drop of precious fuel, while still delivering a driving experience worthy of a BMW. BMW is renowned for its transmissions, and the eight-speed automatic transmission fitted to the new X5 is ultra-smooth, efficient, and very quiet. The driver can select his or her own shift points by using the gearshift paddles fitted to the steering wheel, and transitions between gears take place very quickly. Having the ability to operate the X5 in 7th or 8th gear at low engine speeds enhances fuel economy, but it also results in a substantial reduction in operating noise when cruising
What is a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), you ask? While other manufacturers build sport utility vehicles to meet the needs of that segment of their clientele who need a larger, go anywhere workhorse of a vehicle, the product planners at BMW have taken a different direction. Traditional SUV designs deliver a rather bland driving experience making them unsuitable for BMW’s traditional customer base, one known to be comprised of individuals who relish their time behind the wheel. Therefore, BMW’s SAV designs provide buyers with the utility of a SUV, but with the precise handling and refined driving dynamics usually reserved for the realm of the modern sports sedan. The X5 is BMW’s largest utility vehicle, and it offers seating for five. It is available fitted with either a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-litre, inline sixcylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.0-litre V8 which generates a prodigious 445 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. There is also a diesel-powered offering, the 35d, which delivers 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-litre straight-six.
at highway speeds. As the X5 is a luxury offering, the latter fact helps BMW deliver one of the most serene passenger environments I have ever experienced in a sport utility vehicle.
Our test subject, the BMW X5 xDrive 35i, featured the gasoline-powered straight six-cylinder engine which utilizes a host of intelligent engineering innovations to improve performance. The well-sorted engine has been carefully engineered with a broad torque band to
The majority of BMW automobiles sold in Canada come equipped with the company’s xDrive advanced all-wheel drive system. Having power delivered to all four wheels helps the X5 35i accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres-per-hour in a claimed 6.6 seconds, but by playing
24 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
NEW WHEELS wheels. Then there’s the Air Breather, which channels the air flow at the front wheels. Another trick to optimize aerodynamics is the incorporation of an automatic air vent control system which opens or closes the vehicle’s radiator air vents depending on the cooling needs of the engine. This technique also shortens the engine’s warm-up phase for reduced fuel consumption. All those years of research and development at the track continue to pay off for BMW, as further aerodynamic tweaks are evident at the rear of the vehicle. The rear spoiler that sits at the roof edge combines with the Air Blades (joined to it at the sides) to form a highly efficient “trailing edge.” This aerodynamic device acts to define air flow at the rear with such precision that it negates the effect of disruptive air swirl and keeps the braking effect of negative pressure to a minimum. with the vehicle’s dynamic settings using the console mounted switch, I managed to get closer to six seconds on multiple occasions. During the winter months, xDrive will help you conquer snow, slush, and slippery road conditions, but it is also perfectly suited for travel on gravel roads and cottage trails.
At first glance, the new X5 is immediately recognizable as a BMW due to its twin kidney grille and upright proportions. However, the side windows are taller which helps improve visibility, which is further enhanced by the presence of an expansive glass panel roof. Large wheels and wide tires give the vehicle an aggressive stance which is accentuated by subtle fender flares.
Styling is familiar, but a great deal of work has taken place to lower the coefficient of drag. The slippery new shape features a new front fascia, fenders and undercarriage design that incorporate innovative improvements to reduce air resistance and fuel consumption.
The look and feel of the passenger cabin is much more refined than that of the outgoing model, and all the comfort, convenience, and safety features expected in a premium model are present and accounted for.
The integrated Air Curtain channels air through two vertical air inlets and along the front wheel arches. The accelerated air flow creates what BMW’s designers refer to as a “curtain” on the outer side of the
For those consumers looking for a modern utility vehicle with sharp looks, impressive fuel economy and inspired driving dynamics, the 2014 BMW X5 presents a package that is tough to beat.
SPECIFICATIONS: Base price (MSRP): ......................................................$62,990 Price as tested: .............................................................$85,155 Type of vehicle: ......................Front-engine, full-size AWD SAV Engine: . ......................................... 3.0L Twin-turbo 24-valve I6 Power: . .........................................300 hp @ 5,800 - 6,000 rpm Torque: ..........................................300 lb-ft @ 1,300-5,000 rpm Transmission:.........................................................8-speed auto Brakes: . .......................................... Front & rear disc with ABS Fuel consumption (L/100 km): ....................City 11.4 ; Hwy 7.5
26 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE Heck, that’s why I, like many others in this great big tire industry, have a job. The truth is that there are so many tires out there, it’s downright overwhelming at times. Especially when it comes to choosing performance tires. And that’s what people like me are here to help you do. We’re not here to help you find the perfect performance tire, we’re here to help you find the perfect performance tire for you. See, there are those two important words again. And they do make all the difference. Every person out there has different needs when it comes to their performance tires. And there are so many factors that go into finding that perfect tire for each one of them. Driving style, driving habits, vehicle choice, road conditions, climate and even budget. These are all things to consider when trying to find that one ‘perfect for you’ performance tire. Obviously, if you’re a more experienced and aggressive driver who likes to take your BMW X6 M to its limits, you’ll need a more aggressive tire than the person next to you at the red light in their bone-stock Hyundai Santa Fe Sport who also enjoys a spirited drive but also needs tires that will last more than a couple of summer seasons and be affordable so that they can still pay for their kids’ Tae Kwon Do lessons. These two people just have different needs when it comes to choosing what performance tires they put on their cars. The same way they had different needs when it came to choosing what cars they put those performance tires on.
The Holy Grail of Tires? Story by Arch Linsao, photos courtesy of the manufacturers
D
oes it actually exist? The one tire that we are ALL searching for? The one tire that does everything that everyone wants and needs it to do? The ‘holy grail’ of tires? Well, I hate to shatter your hopes and dreams... but it doesn’t. Unfortunately, the ‘holy grail’ of tires is nothing but a myth. An urban legend, even. And as much as many people out there think they’ve found the perfect tire, and try to sell you on it, well, they’re wrong. It just doesn’t exist. Just think about it....you’ve probably heard friends, or friends of friends, say they’ve found it. You may hear other car enthusiasts or forum trolls say they’ve found it. Now, have you ever heard a tire expert, or even your trustworthy mechanic or ‘tire guy,’ say that they’ve found the perfect tire? Probably not. What you have likely heard them say is that they’ve found the perfect tire for you. Those last two words make all the difference. Really, if you think about it, it makes total sense. If there was, in fact, one single tire that was deemed to be ‘perfect’ and the ‘holy grail’ of tires... to put it simply, there’d be only one tire out there. Basically, if one tire is considered to be the best at everything, there is simply no need for any other tire to exist. But we all know that’s not the case.
In many cases, our lifestyle plays the biggest role in deciding what car we drive. And that, in turn, plays a big role in what performance tires we put on that car. Whether it be a supercar, or an SUV, or whether you’re a Sunday morning cruiser, or a spirited driver addicted to curvy and fast roads. There will always be a perfect tire for you. But it won’t always be the perfect tire for the person in the car next to you. Just keep that in mind when you’re reading up on performance tire reviews, trolling car forums to see what everyone else is buying, and asking people you know what they’ve got. Remember that their needs may be different than yours. And as perfect as their tires may be for them, they may not be as perfect for you. Really, choosing performance tires is just like choosing a performance car. Or any car for that matter. There isn’t one perfect car out there. It just doesn’t exist. If there was, everyone would have it and there would be no need for any other car to exist. We’d all have the same car. And if that was the case, there wouldn’t be any reason for three automotive journalists from the UK on a show called Top Gear to ramble on and argue with each other for 21 seasons about what they each consider to be the perfect car. Now that would be a sad world and I’d hate to live in it. And on that bombshell...
Featured: g-Force T/A KDW
Features & Benefits: The g-Force T/A KDW features g-Control sidewall inserts that resist deflection for more control in high-speed cornering, resulting in tremendous cornering force. Exceptional dry and wet traction and handling from the unidirectional race-influenced tread design. Deep, wide grooves help speed water evacuation and reduce hydroplaning for confident wet traction. Large CAD-designed tread elements and rounded shoulder profile give this tire excellent stability, wear and handling under high torque loads, and progressivity and predictability at the limit of adhesion. AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 27
PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE Featured: Dueler H/P Sport
Features & Benefits: The Dueler H/P Sport lives up to the high performance standards of your premium Sport Truck or SUV. The non-vent design and aggressive look of the sidewall fit the sleek lines of these imposing vehicles. In fact, the Dueler H/P Sport is an Original Equipment choice in the category. Expect the tops in wet performance with a power traction combination of UNI-T technology and high silica content to let you drive with confidence in changing road conditions. Featured: ContiCrossContact UHP
Features & Benefits: A high-performance tire for your high-performance SUV. Solid shoulder blocks with links to the pattern rib provide steering precision, cornering stability and increased traction and braking. Wide circumferential grooves to expel water aids in water evacuation. Offset positioning of tread halves results in low and discreet tread pattern noise. All this adds up to outstanding handling and driving enjoyment, shorter braking distances and a quieter ride. Featured: Azenis FK453-CC Features & Benefits: The new AZENIS FK453CC is designed to target the growing demand for Europeanmade luxury Crossover vehicles as well as SUVs produced by U.S. and international automakers. The result is a tire that offers higher performance, greater longevity and superb style. The FK453CC boasts a large shoulder block, with a continuous outer rib that provides greater handling and stability. It also effectively reduces tire noise and improves ride comfort. Additionally, the FK453CC is solid in adverse conditions, calling upon its three wide, continuous grooves that effectively evacuate water, significantly improving resistance to hydroplaning. Finally, Falken has created a stylish new sidewall design which highlights the Falken “F-Arrow” identity, enhancing the overall look of the tire and complementing the luxury Crossover or SUV. Featured: Grabber UHP Features & Benefits: Versatile & stylish, the Grabber UHP is designed to provide dependable all-weather traction. This high-tech tire delivers extended tread life and a quiet, comfortable ride. Second-generation silica compound delivers excellent handling, braking and traction in all conditions. V-shaped directional tread with grooves from centre to shoulder aid in efficient water evacuation and improves road contact for control in wet conditions. Flat belt contour, shallow slots and increased tread depth in the shoulder area work together to deliver even wear and extended treadlife. Advanced sound reduction technology and continually varying groove angles help assure an incredibly quiet and comfortable ride. Featured: Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV
Features & Benefits: Active CornerGrip Technology for commanding dry grip and ultra-high performance handling. Asymmetric tread design uses an outer tread zone for dry grip and a watershedding inner tread zone to aid in wet traction. The Active CornerGrip Technology also helps maintain even tread pressure to enhance grip while cornering. Next-generation polymer tread compound also enhances dry and wet traction. Featured: Ventus AS RH07
Features & Benefits: VENTUS AS RH07 is Hankook Tire’s premier tire for SUVs. Smooth ride and low noise levels resulting from advanced technology. It’s the first tire in Korea featuring six main grooves for better water drainage and greater stability. Engraved patterns on the sidewall add to the stylish design. Its solid centreline improves driving stability while an open shoulder design provides “see-through” evacuation of water. Stepped groove walls provide extra edges for steering traction and handling. Nylon belt overlay provides strength to the tread area and restricts belt motion – the key to high performance handling. And the two extra-wide high tensile steel belts give the tire crisp handling and flex to absorb road shocks. 28 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE Featured: Ecsta STX
Features & Benefits: The Ecsta STX is part of Kumho Tire’s Ecsta performance family and is focused on delivering premium high-performance driving pleasure for your pickup truck, SUV and crossover utility vehicle. The directional tread and sidewall design delivers an eye-appealing combination for that sporty appearance. The Ecsta STX offers a perfectly balanced all-season performance compound and tread design to deliver year-round confident driving pleasure even in light snow. The Ecsta STX is available in a size range that covers both original equipment and plus fitment applications and offers a speed rating of either V or W to cater to the sportier applications. Featured: Fortis T5
Features & Benefits: The unique tread of the Fortis T5 features an asymmetrical pattern and uses a compound technology with silica that allows its anti-skidding ability to be reinforced while reducing tire noise and maintaining driving comfort. It features excellent control and grip on both wet and dry pavement, and meets the many dynamic requirements of most luxury vehicles. It also features a heavy body ply for sidewall strength and handling, overwrap layers for strength and high-speed performance, and enhanced wet traction and handling Featured: Latitude Sport
Features & Benefits: This ultra-high performance SUV/Crossover tire delivers sport performance handling and is original equipment on high-performance SUVs and Crossovers such as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. It incorporates the same tread pattern and tread compounds found in the legendary Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 to achieve unparalleled dry grip. FAZ Technology places reinforcing filaments under the tread precisely where they need to be for a stable feel and crisp, confident handling at high speeds. This all results in a tire that provides high-speed confidence and that is bred for performance. Featured: Roadian HP
Features & Benefits: For enhanced high-performance grip on any road surface, the Roadian HP is the right choice. Its large shoulder block maximizes cornering grip and stability, while the arrow-type centre rib improves handling. Pattern noise is reduced by a 5 random pitch variation. When wet conditions hit, wide deep grooves provide excellent drainage, braking and anti-hydroplaning.
Featured: NT421Q
Features & Benefits: Vehicles have evolved throughout the years (from sedans, to SUVs, and now the crossover utility vehicle), but have your tires done the same? The 421Q® is Nitto’s premier all-season tire built specifically for your crossovers (CUV) and SUVs. From style to function, the 421Q® has been created with the foremost purpose of getting you safely to your destination throughout the seasons. The unique and stylish asymmetric tread design provides quiet and comfortable ride while delivering all-season traction. Backed by a class-leading mileage warranty (75,000-mile for H, V speed rated sizes, and 60,000-mile for W speed rated sizes), you can be confident in replacing your original factory equipped tire with the 421Q®.. AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 29
PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE Featured: P Zero SUV
Features & Benefits: Replicating the exceptional qualities of the P ZERO™ created for top-of-therange sports cars, this tire has been developed to respond to the performance requirements of the most powerful SUVs. Multi-step block geometry, wide longitudinal grooves and an asymmetric pattern ensure excellent roadholding. The P ZERO™ improves braking performance and enhances handling and control of even the heaviest SUVs. The wide longitudinal grooves improve roadholding in the wet and reduce the risk of aquaplaning. A new nano-composite compound for maximum grip and stability provides structural integrity that makes steering more precise and facilitates uniform tread wear for excellent performance on both dry and wet roads. Featured: HTR Sport H/P
Features & Benefits: Designed for the plus-sized look, load requirements for SUVs and Light Trucks, passenger car ride, and sports car performance. It features Twin Reversible Sidewall Designs – a smooth sidewall for clean shiny appearance, or stylish serration-style sidewall for a more decorative look. Nondirectional all-season tread pattern and centre rib provide greater straight-line stability. Two-in-one shoulder blocks provide superb lateral grip combined with reduced irregular wear. The secondary rib block is designed for maximum wet grip and stability. Featured: Proxes T1 Sport SUV
Features & Benefits: Toyo continues to offer innovatively-designed and technologically-advanced tires to suit the needs of your performance truck/SUV. The Proxes T1 Sport SUV is Toyo Tires’ latest flagship UHP summer tire designed for luxury performance SUVs. It features the same advanced performance and comfort characteristics as the Proxes T1 Sport, with added technical characteristics and construction specifications for improved performance required by today’s luxury performance SUVs. The centre rib and wide blocks provide high-speed stability and increase the tire’s contact area. Both of these, combined with an asymmetric tread pattern, add up to a tire with improved braking, cornering and handling performance and quick responsive steering. Finish it all off with wide, straight grooves to provide a wide water channel for excellent wet weather performance and traction. Featured: Advan ST
Features & Benefits: Yokohama keeps its presence in this market with the proven Advan ST. This tire was conceived as a tire to handle the specific demands of today’s ultra-performance vehicles with a low centre of gravity. Its newly developed silica compound and W-shaped multi-directional tread grooves create massive traction in both wet and dry conditions in a good range of temperatures, and the larger shoulder blocks and steel sidewall reinforcement enable responsive steering and great control and lateral stability at high speeds and cornering. Featured: Argus UHP
Features & Benefits: The Zenna Argus UHP is an ultra-high performance tire with the latest design and technology for the most demanding drivers. Outstanding ride control is achieved with a tread designed for stability with a large contact patch, yet it’s been noise treated to keep it quiet. Exceptional wet and dry performance for all weather conditions. 30 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
NEW WHEELS
Size Meets Efficiency Story and photos by Benjamin Yong
have the AroundView 360-degree camera system that is part of the $5,000 technology package, but you also get navigation, Infiniti Connection (voice guidance, enhanced roadside assistance, Google Calendar sync, etc.) and the Bose premium audio setup. For a base MSRP of $48,950, I found some interior details lacking in refinement. For instance, the bezels around the door handles are made of plastic sprayed to resemble metal. However, the black quilted leather seats, heated and cooled in the front, do look nice, and access to the sixth and seventh seats in the back is a cinch. Just pull a lever on either side of the second row and the section scoots forward with the bottom part of the seat folding up to maximize space. Further space saving comes from the lithium-ion battery pack hiding under the third row seat so there’s no unsightly bump as found on some other hybrids. When you press the engine start button, you hear the near-silent activation of various electrical devices typical in this type of car. Wait a second more and the rumble of the 230-horsepower supercharged gasoline engine follows. Combined with the electric motor, that’s good for a net 250 hp with 243 lb-ft of torque coming awfully close to the nonhybrid V6 that makes 265 hp/248 lb-ft. One of Infiniti’s main selling points for this vehicle is a “delivery of power equivalent to the 3.5-litre V6 but with four-cylinder fuel econ-
T
he introduction of the Infiniti QX60 all-wheel drive crossover utility vehicle marks the third hybrid joining the partially electric fleet at Nissan’s luxury division alongside a couple of sedans, the Q70 and Q50. Essentially a fancier version of the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid that is also new for this model year, Infiniti says the premium seven-
omy,” something that feels fairly accurate when the drive mode is set to anything other than the sluggish Eco mode. The tradeoff of power for mileage would have been okay if I were able to get close to the advertised 7.2 L/100 km combined city and highway fuel economy, but my best was 11.9 during testing. Does the QX60 deliver on its promises? The hybrid is as peppy and eager to carry a full passenger load as some of the other CUVs we’ve tested as of late. But at an asking price of $62,950 fully loaded, the fact that the fuel efficiency didn’t quite measure up almost warrants looking at cheaper, non-electric options. seat CUV has class-leading fuel efficiency without compromising performance or usability. I spent a week in a press car with all the options to find out if that was the case. Congruent with the styling of their other vehicles, the look of the QX60, originally introduced as the JX35 last year, has a very animalistic quality to it. The pronounced side ridges on the hood look like part of it is trying to flee upwards, and there is a large razorsharp ridge running down the entire length of the vehicle. Speaking of length, there is a lot. Like the Pathfinder, the vehicle is long, measuring 4,989 millimetres, making it just a tiny bit shorter than its sibling. That makes for tricky parking in tight city spots if you don’t 32 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
SPECIFICATIONS: Base price (MSRP): ......................................................$62,950 Type: ..............................five-door, seven-passenger crossover Layout: ......................................................... front engine, AWD Engine: ....... 2.5-litre four, supercharged w/15 kw electric motor Transmission: ......................................................................CVT Power: .......................................................................250 net hp Torque: ..........................................................................243 lb-ft Curb weight: ................................................................. 2,098 kg Brakes: . ............... regenerative, power-assisted front/rear-disc Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): ..........................7.6/6.9
NEW WHEELS
Staying True to its Roots
The 2014 Toyota 4Runner Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Toyota Canada
G
iven that mid-size SUVs that have actual off-road capabilities seem to have gone the way of the dodo bird, it’s refreshing to know that there are at least a couple of manufacturers with options out there that are staying true to their roots and retaining some of their original ruggedness. One of those options is the Toyota
The body and frame construction is not the only aspect Toyota has decided to bring an old-school approach to, as the exterior look of the vehicle provides a much more rugged feel than nearly all of its competitors. At 70-inches tall and 76-inches wide, it is most certainly a massive SUV with a large front end complete with an aluminum bumper design, a large grille, and angled headlights that all combine to give it a very aggressive appearance. The hood scoop is a nice touch in the rugged direction, as are the nine inches of ground clearance which will most certainly allow it to go through even the most challenging terrain with ease. Step inside the 4Runner and you’ll find a well laid-out interior that’s as comfortable as it is practical. Although it may not have the premium feel of some of its competitors, it does keep up with
4Runner, which has been heavily refreshed for 2014 and has maintained its 4x4-friendly body-on-frame construction as opposed to the uni-body construction most of the once-rugged SUVs have gone to, causing them to feel more like a car than a truck.
modern times by offering the full range of amenities like a navigation system, backup camera and heated seats. The centre stack is dominated by large buttons and knobs which serve to add to its ruggedness quotient, but is also practical as you’re never searching for the control you’re after instead of watching the road AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 33
NEW WHEELS and see exactly what it can do off-road. I had found that in spite of some misgivings that I may have had heading into this testing, it actually provided a fairly smooth ride that handled cornering well, while not feeling so large that it became awkward, as can be said for some other large SUVs. No question that some on-road capability has been sacrificed in the name of ruggedness, but
(or trail). There is a third row seat available on some trims, but it is better suited for children or very small adults, especially when on a long haul. Under the hood, there is only one option available, which is a 4.0-litre V6 engine that puts out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque - most certainly adequate, as there is plenty of passing power when you need it, and although it is a massive vehicle, it never feels sluggish like some other comparable vehicles do. The engine is paired with an old-school five-speed transmission, as opposed to the six-to-eight-speed trannys that are generally found these days. After testing the 4Runner for a full week, I found myself regretting that I never had the opportunity to take it to its natural habitat‌
34 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
when you consider just how off-road capable it really is, it makes it that much easier to sacrifice. Luckily for those of us who enjoy these type of vehicles, Toyota decided not to drop the 4Runner from its lineup when it introduced the similarly sized, more road-friendly Highlander back in 2001. They obviously recognized there is still a market for large, off-roadcapable SUVs. The 4Runner is still able to offer what few others on the market today can - a fully capable, people-moving SUV that also doubles as a weekend wheeler, all at a competitive price.
NEW WHEELS
A Real Contender The 2014 Nissan Rogue SL Story and photos by Gerry Frechette
T
he Rogue, Nissan’s compact crossover, is all-new for 2014, and to nobody’s surprise, it is larger (especially inside), betterequipped and more refined, for about the same amount of money as the previous version. Indeed, it looks like it is almost more of a small mid-size SUV, a junior Pathfinder if you will. But actually, it is only marginally taller and wider than before. All the manufacturers seem to have taken this path, their newest models being more of everything, making them more attractive to the people who buy them, which is just about everybody these days. These crossovers have become the prototypical vehicle for the suburban family. At first glance, the new Rogue is certainly more mature than the first-gen model that was introduced several years ago. The latest Nissan design language, especially at the front and rear, is much in evidence, and the look is more muscular and solid, with the wheels pushed out closer to the corners of the body, which should appeal more to male buyers. Our SL AWD model with Premium Package was what you would call ‘loaded,’ although it didn’t have the available third-row seat that the roomier interior allows. We have always questioned just how often these kids-only seats get used, so we are glad to see that Rogue buyers have the choice of forgoing it. Mechanically, there are no choices to make, as all Rogues are equipped with the well-known 2.5-litre four and Xtronic CVT automatic combination. The engine makes no pretences at being anything like sporty; it is a competent performer with its 170
horsepower, no more or less than that. Which is what most owners will be happy with. As for the transmission, enough has been said about continuously variable transmissions that we are not going to get too much into it, except to say that its manufacturer in Japan has made enough improvements to it that it is now quite acceptable in normal use, and still supposedly delivers better fuel efficiency than a traditional geared automatic box. One can dial in more revs at a given road speed in the CVT by pressing the ‘sport’ button. But there are no other driver options, not even a manual shift gate. Rogues come standard with front-wheel drive, and are available with all-wheel drive, which our tester had. The system drives the front wheels until traction is needed, and then the rear wheels get power. In normal city driving, there was no discernible advantage to the AWD, but I’m sure that in snow, gravel and even just rain, you would want to have it. Especially considering it has a ‘Lock’
SPECIFICATIONS: MSRP (base): ...............................................................$30,498 Price as tested: .............................................................$33,353 Vehicle Layout: ...................... Front-engine, 4-door, AWD CUV Engine: . .............................................................. 2.5L DOHC I4 Transmission: . ............................................................CVT auto Power: . .....................................................170 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque: ....................................................175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm Brakes: . .............................................. 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD Fuel Consumption: (L/100 km, city/hwy) . .......................8.2/6.2 Towing Capacity: . ........................................................... 453 kg function which distributes power equally to all four wheels on slippery surfaces, for even more traction. Inside, the new Rogue is a design revelation compared to the old one, as Nissan has vaulted it up into the top rank of attractive, luxurious interiors in the class. Certainly, our top-of-the-line SL could have been mistaken for an Infiniti. It’s comfortable, too, as the front seats are a special “zero gravity”-inspired design, says Nissan, wherein the articulated seat shape provides continuous support from the pelvis to the chest. It worked for us. Those in the second-row seat will not feel disadvantaged, as it both slides fore-and-aft and reclines. With the EZ Flex™® Seating System, AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 35
NEW WHEELS 8.2L/100kms city, 6.2L/100kms highway, but in urban driving with a light throttle, our average was in the 12L range.
every seat except the driver’s easily folds down flat. Of note – the foot-operated parking brake is way too far out towards the middle of the footwell, interfering with the driver’s left leg.
Nissan has hit a stand-up triple with the Rogue. The CVT transmission might still take some getting used to, and there is little for the
The cargo area on the tester, not burdened with a seat hidden beneath it, was made very useful by the Divide-and-Hide system that allows you to create ‘split level’ cargo floors for more flexibility. The space is commodious and usefully shaped. When it comes to active safety, nothing beats driver awareness and vision, and the Rogue offers the Around View® Monitor system that utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a “bird’s eye” virtual 360° view of objects around it, and Moving Object Detection that provides visual and audible warnings if the system detects moving objects within the displayed image in situations such as when pulling out of a parking space. Very useful. Rogue’s fuel efficiency is claimed to be 18-percent improved over the last generation. AWD models are rated (by EnerGuide) at
36 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
enthusiast, but it is a well-packaged, very well-equipped crossover that is a good value and a real contender in the segment.
BEST-SELLING ROLL-UP TONNEAU COVER IN NORTH AMERICA A sleek, low profile design is the signature of the Lo Pro. One look at this rolling cover is all you will need to make you a part of the TruXedo family. Not only does the Lo Pro look outstanding, but it’s constructed with a heavy duty aluminum frame and tension control to ensure your truck bed always looks its best, no matter what temperature it is outside.
truxedo.com
HANDY STORAGE KEEPS TOOLS, SUPPLIES, LOOSE ARTICLES CONTAINED.
NEW WHEELS
2015 Ram ProMaster City Introduction
Story and photos by Howard J Elmer, additional photos courtesy of the manufacturer
E
arlier this year, the Ram ProMaster commercial van made its Canadian debut. A Fiat by birth, this delivery vehicle put the Ram brand back into the fleet and commercial market and offered buyers another full-sized van choice. Now, Chrysler has once again tapped the Fiat European stable for its second commercial van – the Fiat Doblo. This smaller livery vehicle now starts life here as the ProMaster City. It will be sold
as a Ram and will be offered through all Ram truck dealers. This introduction was the highlight of the full-line show at Chrysler’s proving grounds in Chelsea, MI recently; and while the ProMaster City is dull in comparison to the new muscle-bound Challenger, the potential sales for the company are obvious. The North American delivery van market eats up nearly 350,000 units a year, and with Chrysler just now finally getting back into this market, the hope that the larger ProMaster (and now the ProMaster City) will take off is palpable among executives. 38 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
Falling into what’s called the Class 1 van segment, the PM City is a direct competitor to Ford’s Transit Connect, Nissan’s NV200 and the Chevy City Express (a borrowed Nissan version). As with most of the recently Americanized European vans, the Doblo has been sold in much of the world for years; sales currently total more than 1.3 million units. This fact brings a pedigree of success to the PM City, even though many of the components are locally sourced. Built on a steel unibody 122.4-inch front-wheel drive platform, the van is powered by Chrysler’s 2.4L Tigershark I4 engine. It is also paired with the world’s first (in a commercial van) nine-speed transmission. This powertrain combination makes 178 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Cargo volume in the van is 131.7 cubic-feet, with a max payload of 1,883 lb. In the back, the distance between the
NEW WHEELS
wheelwells is the vital four-feet and the available floor space in total is 60.4 inches by a length of 87.2 inches.
Each version was well-designed and looked to provide exactly what a customer would require of a purpose-built van in this class. At the very least, they look to be on par with the competition. The van is fitted with sliding doors on each side, which open to 26 inches. At the rear, the barn doors are split 60/40, with the larger door swinging towards traffic shielding the driver as he unloads towards the curb. These doors open to 90 degrees and also to 180 degrees for dock and pallet loading. The van is also upfitter friendly with wiring and frame mounting points already in place for most aftermarket applications. In all, the factory will build eight different versions of the PM City, mostly around windows – or no windows – or some windows. There will also be two trim levels, though the standard model does seem to cover the basics pretty well. The first chance to test-drive the new PM City will come in late summer and units will arrive at dealers this fall.
So, while some may think that a van is a van is a van, Ram marketing will be pushing not only its usefulness but increasingly the formula for cost of ownership, says Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand. “As businesses strive for lower costs, the demand for a smaller, more efficient van has increased and Ram Commercial is answering that bell with the all-new ProMaster City” To prove its point, Ram is claiming that the ProMaster City offers best-in-class cargo area, payload capacity and standard fuel economy. The units on site in Chelsea were set up as people-movers, a straight delivery vehicle and a service truck with built-in shelves.
AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 39
OFF-ROADING
The Rubicon Trail
Story and photos by Albert Vandervelde
T
he oldest designated 4x4 route in the USA is still a great challenge for young and old. Of course, I’m talking about the Rubicon Trail. Originally a gold prospecting route, the “trail” was designated a road in 1886, but the history of the area can be traced back to the 1850s. In the late 1800s through to the 1930s, the Rubicon Springs Hotel and Spa was an active endeavour through a host of owners, and the road improved from a horse-drawn carriage route to a road suitable for vehicles. Very few pictures exist of those times, but one of a pair of open-top Studebakers in front of the historic Juniper tree at one end of the Little Sluice (the tree is thought to have been 1000+ years old) which fell during heavy storms in 2012, and one of the hotel, are generally circulated on the web. My relationship with the Rubicon started right after I bought my first 4x4 – a one-year-old 1989 Chevy Stepside in 1991. Not exactly the type of vehicle you would drive the Rubicon in way back then, but fun nonetheless. I traded a Camaro for my first Jeep just so I could “Jeep” the Rubicon. That old 1980 CJ7 got a four-inch lift, a set of 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrains and a Warn 8000 winch, and was driven from Victoria to the trail and back (not without incident). I took part in the Jeepers Jamboree in 1994, the oldest running Jeep trail event, which is now in its 62nd year. This event differs from its “Jeep Jamboree” counterpart 40 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
and has a more adult atmosphere with live bands at night and twice the attendance. Our trip saw 350 vehicles enter the springs over the two days. We chose the shorter of the two events, the only difference being an extra day of camping at the springs. At the time it was the hardest off-roading I’ve ever done. Spring ahead ten years, and as you can imagine, a lot of things had changed for me (besides now being in my mid 30s.) That first Jeep experience got me hooked, and four years later, in 1998, I started 4WD magazine, and as you can imagine, put a lot of trail time in and actually learned about lockers, tire pressure, and axles that didn’t explode when looking at them hard. My current ride in 2005 was a Jeep on one-ton axles and 46-inch
Ah, my trusty first Jeep a 1980 CJ-7. Four-inch lift, vintage 33-inch BFG Mud Terrains and an M8000 Warn winch. Drove it from Victoria and back. Had a driveshaft fail in downtown San Francisco on the way there. Fixed it on the side of the road. On the way home it failed again so we took it out and drove in front-wheel drive – that is until Vancouver, Washington where an axle tore off on the I5 at 60 mph, sending the rear wheel and axle end rolling down the highway and my Jeep dragging its butt to the side of the road. Thankfully only a short tow to Woody’s 4x4 where we again slept under the Jeep till they opened in the morning and salvaged us some repair parts. Oh, and on the trail? Not a scratch…
TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
WITH THE NEW DICK CEPEK
FUN COUNTRY
When you go on the Jeepers Jamboree, you will not go hungry. Your entry includes your main meals including a steak feast for 1,000!
tires that got trailered to the trails – a long way from that near-stock CJ7. I also had a beat-up rusty 1987 Toyota I was using for projects. I always thought that after all those years, the Rubicon just wasn’t hard enough anymore. A call from a couple of clubs in Victoria that they were doing the Rubicon got me motivated. I installed a four-inch lift in the Toyota and installed 33-inch MTRs this time, and a Warn winch, and planned to drive it to and from the Rubicon – to celebrate that first trip and to make sure the trail was a challenge. Well, okay, I cheated this time and loaded the rear solid axle with a Detroit Locker and the front IFS diff with an EZ locker – I’m no glutton for punishment…
The FUN COUNTRY ® by Dick Cepek Tires and Wheels was developed using a unique combination of design elements, technology and engineering. It delivers excellent off-road traction, a quieter ride and superior durability for today’s light trucks and 4x4s. • New compound with improved cut and • chip protection • Scalloped shoulder lugs for improved • off-road traction • Deep, aggressive, multi-dimensional • sidebiters for grip and protection
• Interlocking tread elements without • sacrificing void • Multi-draft grooves for self-cleaning and • improved wear • Famous DC tread pattern • 3-ply sidewall construction
PACKAGE IT UP! ADD A SET OF DICK CEPEK WHEELS.
DC2
And how does all that great food, and the grand piano, get to Rubicon Springs? Why, by helicopter of course. Keep in mind it might have taken you all day to get to Rubicon Springs over all the bumpy rocks, but its only a short distance in a straight line for a helicopter!
W!
NE
TORQUE
W!
NE Fun Trail Country ™ Country ®
Mud Country ™
TORQUE GUN METAL
GUN METAL 7
Crusher ™
PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE
For a dealer near you, call 888-317-8640 or visit us at www.DickCepek.com
OFF-ROADING
The vehicles stage two-deep right down the centre of main street Georgetown for the Jamboree. Don’t worry about booking accommodation – almost everyone sleeps under their Jeeps for the night in the street before the Trail Jam starts. It’s a good idea to make sure all of your drips are in control before you turn your Jeep into a tent though.
The group consisted of a wide range of rigs, early Broncos, Suzukis, Toyotas and a big ole ‘80s Suburban. The trip was planned early in the season not long after the snow was off, to
and about seven miles of the trail. That first seven miles and the gatekeeper were an added bonus and the challenge of wheeling the trail in the early season made for a great, challenging trip. It wasn’t long and the independent front suspension on my Toyota earned the little rig a nick name – the rock magnet. Every time I went uphill, the front end raised and gave me more ground clearance. Going downhill – well, it was just the opposite and I spent 15 miles smacking what seemed to be every rock on the Rubicon Trail, but I will say I only needed one winch, as I got that front suspension caught on a rock pile and didn’t want to tear that light-duty front end apart. Our one-night trip turned into two nights and a great experience for everyone and a great getting back-to-basics trip for me. As I look at the calendar I see it’s now 2014… it’s looking like the Jeepers Jamboree better be on my calendar next year. It’s one of the many I’ve wanted to take my non-wheeling Wife on since I got so sucked into this amazing hobby. Now that I have her snowmobiling and enjoying the sand dunes, I think it just might happen! The Rubicon Trail has always been under great pressure due to its popularity, and as an icon for the 4x4 enthusiasts, it has come under attack many times form environmentalists who see any type of back road vehicle access as unacceptable. This off-road sport is meant to bring like-minded people together to challenge themselves and experience the great outdoors. Groups like the Blue Ribbon coalition and Friends of the Rubicon work tirelessly to keep access to these great historic areas open to the public. If you get a chance and you own an off road 4x4, the Rubicon should be on your 4x4 bucket list.
Dinner music complete with Baby Grand piano greets you while you wait in line for dinner while camping in Rubicon Springs, and a live band will light up the night in the grandstand – hence why they say if you bring little kids on your trip, stick to the Jeep Jamboree. The Jeepers Jamboree is more adult focused and is capped at 500 vehicles, and Jeep Jamboree is more family focused and is capped at 200 vehicles.
avoid the big events. At the last fuel stop, a couple of guys in bigger rigs mentioned we were going to find the trail harder than during a Jeep Jamboree as for the big events they rock stack all the hard parts. Also this time, unlike the Jeep and Jeepers Jamboree, we were going to run all 22 miles rather than the short cut that drops in at Loon Lake and avoids the gatekeeper
My second trip back to the Rubicon consisted of no Jeeps at all, but rather four vintage Broncos, two Samurais and two Toyotas. On our return trip, we completed the entire trail from Wentworth Springs. For the big events, the organizers bypass this section and enter at Loon Lake.
42 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
NOW AVAILABLE: JEEP速 CJ-7 AND YJ BEDRUG KITS
MUD READY 4-Door JK BedTred Kit Shown
100% WATERPROOF Q CUSTOM MOLDED - PERFECT FIT Q EASY TO INSTALL, REMOVE & CLEAN
PREMIUM LINERS FOR JEEP 速 Call for more information or a free sample: 800-462-8435
Q bedrug.com
OFF-ROADING Ian and Dennis cross the bridge over the Rubicon River. The bridge lies at the bottom of the Big Sluice. To leave Rubicon Springs you need to climb Cadillac Hill, named after a crushed car believed to be buried in the road base.
Dusy/Ershim – 33 miles – seasonal closure, check forestry site. Generally Aug1st to Nov 1st. http://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra/ Funtreks guide books: http://www.funtreks.com/ If you want to go, these two great events are an excellent way to experience one of the most amazing off-road trails in the world. Both offer excellent trail support, mechanics and spotters along
Visit these great links below; they will help you organize your trip so you can enjoy it the best way possible. Guide books and GPS routes are also easy to find if you want to experience the trail with a lighter traffic load. http://www.rubicontrail.org/ http://www.jeepersjamboree.com/ http://jeepjamboreeusa.com/ http://www.rubiconsafaris.com/ http://www.rubithon.com/ http://www.delalbright.com/ Other great trails in the area include Fordyce Creek and the Dusy/Ershim routes, The California 4Wheel Assoc. hold the Sierra Trek on Fordyce Creek, while the Dusy is restricted to Aug-Nov trail openings due to its elevation. Fordyce Creek & Sierra trek 12.2 miles http://www.cal4wheel.com/sierra-trek
the trail, full meals and great campfire entertainment. If you have kids younger than 14, the Jeep Jamboree is for you as the Jeepers Jamboree is more adult oriented, with louder music and a more party atmosphere at the springs. JeepJamboreeUSA 33 events across the United States, of all skill levels. The Rubicon Jeep Jamboree is in its 17th year. www.jeepjamboreeusa.com The Original Jeepers Jamboree started in 1952 – and is in its 62nd year. Independent of the Jeep Jamboree, the Jeepers Jamboree is open to all makes and models. Hosted as a two- or three-day adventure. www.jeepersjamboree.com
Ian, Dennis and me at Observation Point. My ride was the 1987 Toyota far right. I built the Toyota that year and repeated my original trip. To keep the challenge, the independent front suspension Toyota was equipped with 33-inch tires, four-inch lift and a Warn Winch. However, I did cheat and add locking differentials at each end. This spot is at the end of the hard part of the trail. From this point, you drive several miles on rough rock-filled gravel roads to get to Lake Tahoe. I returned home with all parts intact this time!
44 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
PRODUCT REVIEW
Off-Road Tire Review
Story and photos by Albert Vandervelde
O
ur recent JK build allowed for use of 37-inch tires when combined with high-clearance fenders. We chose the Pro Comp Xtreme M/T to provide good road manners and excellent off-road traction. The stepped lug design helps in cleaning out the lugs in muddy and sandy conditions, Pro Comp offers a full line of stylish wheels in a wide array of finishes to suit your style. For this build we chose the newest wheel to the line up, the Pro Comp Alloy Series 5035 in Satin Black.
while the sipes help with ice traction. The side lugs help protect the sidewalls while a raised lip along the rim edge helps reduce rock rash to the rim edge off-road. The tires are available in sizes up to 37 inches and wheels from 15-20 inches. If you’ve wanted better road and ice traction, you may want to look towards the Xtreme A/T.
Pro Comp Xtreme M/T 2 Radial The Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 radial is designed for full-size trucks and SUVs that see a combination of on- and off-road use. No matter if it’s hauling heavy loads or exploring rugged terrain, the new Xtreme MT2 delivers the toughness and traction needed to get the job done. The aggressive open-tread design was optimized using computer modelling to deliver unsurpassed grip and control without excessive noise. It also delivers improved self-cleaning performance in mud and snow. Pro Comp Xtreme M/T 2 Tires come with 40,000-Mile Tread Wear Warranty. Check out www.procompusa.com for a complete list of sizes.
R/T Tire and Wheels in South Surrey, B.C. helped set up the tire and wheel package for us and ran them through their computeraided balancing equipment and mag wheel install machine to keep our wheels looking great and rolling true down the road. Stick-on weights were used inside the wheels to keep the weights out of the way of trail debris.
AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 45
PRODUCT REVIEW The tires clawed onto the wet rocks and molded to the terrain pretty well, even without reducing tire pressure. The 37x12.5R17 are rated at Load Range D, though the metric sizes do come in an E rating for heavier trucks. The tires were 36.9 inches tall – pretty close to a true 37 inches - and featured a tread depth of 22/32.
Xtreme All Terrain Radial
Xtreme M/T 2 Radial
Xtreme All Terrain Radial The Pro Comp Radial Xtreme A/T features an aggressive directional tread design that combines superior on- and off-road performance, minimal road noise and a 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty. State-of-the-art Tri-ply construction provides greater puncture resistance in the sidewall, while two steel belts and a spiral-wound nylon overwrap offer better stability and load carrying ability at highway speeds. The Pro Comp Xtreme A/T is ideally suited for heavy-duty applications. Features Computerized Directional Pattern Massive Shoulder Lugs Full Depth Lug Sipes Extra Thick Sidewall Treatment Dualguard™ Polyester Body Plies Check out www.procompusa.com for a complete list of sizes.
With our lift, we needed a larger offset wheel to clear the suspension arms. The larger tires will rotate further into the wheelwells and the larger offset will widen the track width slightly, but also allows the vehicle to use its full steering rotation without rubbing suspension parts. These 5-spoke-design wheels are one of the newest designs and without being overly intricate, are easy to keep clean, and offered the 4.5-inch backspacing we needed in a JK 5-bolt pattern.
Go the Distance TM
with a TITAN extended range fuel system In-Bed Fuel Tanks
Extra-Large Midship Replacement Fuel Tanks 46 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
TM
(800) 728-4982 | TITANFUELTANKS.COM
Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System
RV-ING
2015 Jayco Greyhawk 31FK
Story and photos by Howard J Elmer
I
t’s been a while since I drove a Class C. In fact, it’s been a good long while since I’ve really paid attention to them. And, while other RV segments are bursting with design innovation, the Class C just seems to plod on, the same as ever. Or so I thought. That was my mindset as I was preparing for the test of this new Jayco Greyhawk. Much like the mini-vans I’ve reviewed over the years, I figured this box on wheels had pretty much reached its potential and stalled. But, then I found that was not true for minivans, and on closer examination, I found it’s not true for this Class C either. Both of these vehicles share a common design heritage. By that I mean the shape does not change for either because that is what they must be. Each box on wheels is offering the maximum space and design potential necessary for its mandate. So, in essence, neither the Class C nor the minivan ever changes. But inside, within the box, innovation, decor and mechanical systems are changing and in the case of this Jayco, for the better. Let’s start with ride quality – something that no Class C has ever been really good at. I’ve come to expect the wallowing and side-to-side rocking of these RVs, so it was with some surprise I noticed the much more controlled ride in the Greyhawk. This improvement comes from a new system called JRide. The elements of JRide are a rear stabilizer bar that reduces roll in corners, Bilstein shocks with a mono-tube design that also reduce bounce, and Hellwig helper springs. These extra springs deal with load changes (which change handling characteristics) by supporting the body more evenly. When the effects of these improvements are working together, there is a pleasant noticeable change in the ride quality of this Jayco. The company says this JRide system is currently exclusive to them. Driving through southwestern Ontario with the Greyhawk was an improved experience because of JRide. It reduced my fatigue from over-steering and also handled cross-winds and buffeting better. Now, it is an option; but now that I’ve used it, I don’t think I’d want a Class C without it.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Jayco Greyhawk 31 FK Chassis:.............................................................................. Ford Wheelbase: .........................................................................223” Engine: . ............................................................ 6.8L Triton V10 Length: ...............................................................................32’5” Width: ..................................................................................100” Height (with A/C) . ...............................................................138” Interior height: .......................................................................84” GVWR: ........................................................................ 14,500 lb Fresh water: ................................................................ 32.75 gal Grey water: ..................................................................... 40 gal Black water: ..................................................................... 32 gal
Standard features • Roadside assistance program • Electric patio awning with LED lights • Battery tray slide-out • Front fibreglass cap • Soft touch vinyl ceiling • Command centre • Glass shower door • Water filter system
• Hidden hinges • Roof ladder • Power door and window locks • 30-amp power cord • Fibreglass running boards • Satellite hook-up • TV antenna with signal booster • Outside speakers • Electric entrance step • Radial tires with wheel liners • Tinted safety glass windows
Optional features included in my tester • 15,000 BTU A/C with heat pump • 22-inch TV in bedroom • Frameless windows • JRide package • Levelling jacks • Outside grill • Tankless water heater • Aluminum wheels Price of unit as tested. $122.921.00
Unit provided for testing courtesy of Hiemstra Trailer Sales, London, ON AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 47
Jayco still uses the Ford E450 chassis as its base. The engine is the 6.8-litre EFI V10. It makes 305 horsepower and is more than adequate for this unit. Here again, my sense of ‘nothing changes’ kicked in. But, in this case, that’s a good thing. This chassis and engine have been used in the RV business for almost twenty years now; in fact, last year, Ford said that they would stop producing the E-series altogether, but demand has remained so high that they changed their mind. When it comes to these mechanicals, brakes, transmission, etc., tried-and-true is best.
Inside, this unit is about family. Sleeping and dining space are maximized, and convenience features are thoughtfully designed. My tester came with a single slide that opened the main living space to a ballroom-sized salon. In the slide are the fold-down dinette (it uses the new one-motion, push-down leg support – very convenient) and the fold-out sofa. Being in the slide makes both of these sleeping locations roomy and easily accessible. Across from the slide is the full kitchen. The hardwood-fronted 8 cu-ft refrigerator/freezer anchors the kitchen on one side, while the pop-out countertop ends its run at the side entry door. This counter is attractively finished
in shiny Corian material and features a double sink with high gooseneck faucet and separate sprayer. The sinks have flush covers that increase the counter space by almost half. The pop-out design also makes for deeper drawers and more space in the under-counter cupboards. In the centre, you’ll find the oven, three-burner stove (with metal cover and 9,000 BTU super burner) and overhead, a microwave with exhaust hood attached. Being directly across from the dinette this makes it a useful, step-saving galley.
RV-ING looking for better ways to build that mouse trap. For instance, light switches easily accessible by occupants in bed. A bottommounted gas shock that holds the side door open, preventing the wind from slamming it in your face as you exit. An 84-inch inside ceiling height. Labelled switches. A backup camera that also shows side views when the signals are activated. Full access inside, even with the slide closed. And nice decor touches like matching seat covers on the driver and passenger seats, that also match the rest of the coach. The bathroom in the Greyhawk uses the full width of the RV to give a private bath experience to the occupant. With the large shower on one side and the toilet on the other, the solid door extends across the aisle for space and privacy. At the same time, the master bedroom has its own accordion door for the same purpose. Just on the other side of the entry door is an offset floor-to-ceiling entertainment centre. Including a 32-inch HDTV, it’s angled towards the sofa and dinette. There is also a 22-inch wall-mounted HDTV flat screen in the master bedroom. Hey, nights are for movies and some days it does rain, so these will keep the kids at bay. Also, with closed cupboards above and below, CDs, DVDs and other entertainment items can be neatly stored. I mentioned right off the top that I wondered if Class Cs had reached the end of their innovation – well, they haven’t. On this Jayco, I ran across small things that proved that design engineers were still hard at work
50 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
Speaking of the master. The pedestal bed is queen-sized with a nice spring mattress. Below it is storage space, and the bed easily raises with gas shock assists. This space, while not large, is still well-proportioned with access on both sides, and a large hanging wardrobe and corner TV cabinet. There are also overhead cupboards and aimable reading lights underneath. While the day I was testing was supremely muggy (I had the A/C cranked the whole time), I noted that throughout the unit, cross ventilation is possible including in the cab-over bunk area with screened windows on either side. In addition, there are powered vents in the bathroom
RV-ING For the driver, the plush leather seating also comes with six-way power control. Cruise control, power heated mirrors, excellent storage and beverage space make for a comfortable tour. Also included is a 6.5-inch touchscreen that displays the backup camera, as well as a built-in GPS and available infotainment systems like Sirius radio. I’ve always said that the reason I like motorcoaches is the sense that I’m seeing the world from my living room, and that goes for this Class C. And now that it’s even easier to drive, I’d suggest everyone who thinks
and rear bedroom to draw air out and through the coach. As for the rest of the HVAC system, the 15,000 BTU A/C is roof mounted and feeds through well-placed ceiling diffusers, front to back. This is in addition to the engine A/C which, during travel, is pretty much enough to cool the unit. Heat from the 31,000 BTU furnace is pumped through vents at floor level, again well placed. Note that this is a four-season unit. While an option, another innovation (and great space saver) is a tankless water heater. It takes up so little space and it also never runs out of hot water. In fact, you’ll run out of water before you run out of heat. What is not an option on this Class C is a 4,000-watt Onan MicroQuiet generator. I’m glad this is a standard item because with the 400 watt inverter included, you really can go off the beaten path. This system also has an auto-changeover feature. That much less fuss; just start it and use it.
these units haven’t changed in years go out and re-introduce yourself to the Greyhawk. I almost forgot – this Jayco will also tow up to 5,000 lb. One more familyfun option. What will you take along?
Retrax Your Truck! ™
It’s the cover your pickup deserves – it’s the last bed cover you’ll buy.
You work hard. Your truck works hard. Now you need a retractable bed cover that won’t let you down. We build America’s most dependable pickup bed covers for a wide variety of makes and models. Our retractable covers are rugged, stylish and operate smoothly with one hand. In fact, we’re so confident in Retrax™ covers that we’ve given them the industry’s best warranties. t -JNJUFE MJGFUJNF XBSSBOUZ t 4NPPUI POF IBOEFE PQFSBUJPO t -PDLT JO BOZ QPTJUJPO
t 3FUSBY130™ made from rugged aluminum t 1PXFSUSBY0/&™ opens / closes with a wireless remote
Look For Us On Facebook
www.retrax.com 800-206-4070
Scan to learn more about Retrax™ Retractable Bed Covers.
AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 51
TRUCK TECH
2015 Ford F-Series All-Aluminum Truck Body Testing
Story and photos by Howard J Elmer
T
he all-aluminum body of the new 2015 Ford F-Series has been scrutinized, debated and speculated about in the press since its reveal this past January. Most of that print has been devoted to the question “how will aluminum stand up compared to steel?” in the new truck. And, as with all speculation, all the comments and conclusions to date are little better than opinion; Ford knows this too and right now they are working to get out front of these coming questions.
While all owners try to avoid dings, dents and damage to the truck cab, the bed, by contrast, gets dinged and dented from day one. Every type of tool and cargo scrape, scratch, bang and puncture the cargo-bed – so how do you test for this kind of abuse?
Obviously, they have been doing intensive testing on the new body; but with pickups, some things are harder to test than others. Case in
In Ford’s case, they outfitted six current model F-150s with the new all-aluminum cargo box and delivered them to three customers, three years ago. None of the customers was told what they were evaluating; they were asked to simply use and drive them the way they would any other truck in their fleet.
point. The main concern with the cab body would be that it deforms, and how it will react in a crash? Ford can test for this very accurately by simulating thousands of kilometres of road travel – and by crashing prototypes in test bays in Dearborn. The cargo-bed, though, is a different story. 52 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
The test customer I visited last week in Elko, Nevada has two of these F-150s and a Canadian connection. The Cortez gold mine I visited is owned by Barrick Mining of Toronto. This is the third largest gold mine in the world and the two test F-150s were assigned to the survey crews that spend their shifts GPS mapping soil to be excavated, blasted and dumped over the 2,800 square-kilometre site. This is a 24/7 operation, and while the trucks rarely leave the open pit site, they already have well over 160,000 km on each.
TRUCK TECH Elko is in the high desert, around 5,000-feet above sea-level. This location gives them very cold winters with plenty of snow, and brutal summers of +40C. Throw in lots of mud, and this makes a tough job site for trucks. For me, this was a chance to examine the aluminum truck beds myself, but more importantly, to speak to the men who have been using them exclusively for the past three years. So here is what I saw. The boxes were straight, without any obvious stress to the aluminum on either the box walls or the bed-floor. However, the bed was dented, scraped and pockmarked – in exactly the same way I’ve seen steel beds damaged from similar use. Paint was missing; in some places worn off, in others deeply gouged. The tailgate also took the punishment that is typical of heavy equipment being pushed in and dragged out of a truck bed. At this point, I’d say that if you didn’t tell me the box was all-aluminum, I would not have known. It simply looked the same as any other abused F-series cargo box. What I didn’t see, though, is rust. That is also what the surveyors told me. They noticed a few months in that the boxes were getting scraped up, yet no rust blooms or orange streaks appeared. This is even more significant because one of the waste elements in all this excavated ground is calcium chloride – as in salt. Most every one of the several hundred trucks on site is rusty – particularly lower body panels and quarter panels. So, after three years, these test trucks do have rust on the bodies (which are still last generation steel) but none in the beds. I also did
not see one puncture in the aluminum on either truck. Over at the maintenance shop, I also had the foreman tell me that what he noticed with the new bed is no more broken mounting welds, a chronic problem on the old steel-bed trucks. Lastly, what did Ford learn? Well, while they wouldn’t tell us specifically, they did change the design of the tailgate halfway through development to provide a flatter surface to prevent loads snagging as they were dragged out of the bed. That and changes to some hinges and other connectors. And while they were not specific on that score, frankly, whatever they changed was based on data collected from an open pit mine where they beat trucks; this can only be good for the average consumer. And, it also answers the question Ford was concerned about; how will that aluminum box hold up?
...With Top-of-the-Line 4x4 Parts from The Gear Centre!
FULL SERVICE SHOPS
For a Location Nearest You, Call:
www.GEARCENTRE.com AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 53
TRUCK TECH
BAK Industries Roll-X Tonneau Cover Story and photos by Norm Ross
A
nyone with a pick-up truck has probably considered getting a tonneau cover (maybe when it’s raining and all the groceries are rolling around on the back seat floor?) I have had two different covers before getting the new BAKIndustries RollX cover, and the new RollX is the best by far, for a number of reasons. If you’ve ever had a hard tonneau cover (most are fibreglass), you already know what a pain they are if you need to haul something more than 18 inches tall or if you want to get a load of top soil or bark mulch for the garden. It takes 2-1/2 men to disconnect the lifting struts and then carry the thing to… oh wait, where are you going to store it where it doesn’t get damaged? So, then you think, “I’ll get one of those hard covers that fold up.” Well that’s good if the item you’re hauling is more than 18 inches tall, but doesn’t work if the item is larger than the folded part opens and again you have a very heavy (two people to move) unit to take off for the load of top soil, not to mention storing it somewhere where it won’t get damaged. Of course, there are the soft covers (mostly vinyl). These look really flush and sleek, they keep the water out, but they are no good at keeping the thieves at bay. Also, after a while, the vinyl starts to sag. Now, BAKIndustries has solved all these problems with its RollX model; it’s lightweight, it’s flush and sleek, it’s very secure, and it
looks terrific on my truck. Made of vinyl over interlocking aluminum bars, it’s essentially a hard cover that rolls up when not needed and locks down when you want it to cover the bed. If you have had the other version of rolling cover, where it rolls into a can below the bed rails, you know that they take up about a foot of the box (which on the supercab trucks is already short). The RollX rolls up above the bed rails, so this isn’t an issue, and it only weighs 45 pounds, so one person can easily remove it if needed. The locking mechanism works easily and even in a couple of heavy rainstorms, it kept 99 percent of the water out (it only came in through the vertical tailgate seams). Installation was super easy. I got a friend to help, but you could do it on your own just as easily. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this tonneau cover. The BAKIndustries RollX has solved all the issues I had with other covers and I highly recommend you get to your local dealer to see for yourself.
1. Installing the side rails. No drilling holes – uses a clamping system.
3. Installing the foam sealing gasket on the front of the truck box.
2. Push down as you tighten the clamping bolt.
4. Mounting the Roll-X cover to the front of the truck box. If needed, it’s easy to remove without tools
54 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
World’s Leading Manufacturer of Body Lift Kits ZZZ SHUIRUPDQFHDFFHVVRULHV FRP (928) 636-7080 3UHPLXP /LIW 6\VWHPV
Check out our NEW Website!
Benefits and Features:
Ĺ? /RZ &RVW )UDFWLRQ RI WKH FRVW RI a full suspension system. Ĺ? 'RHVQ¡W HIIHFW WKH 2(0 Electronic Stablitiy Control.
*0& 6,(55$ *$6 3/6
Ĺ? ,PSURYHV YHKLFOHV SHUIRUPDQFH RQ DQG RII URDG ZLWKRXW effecting the factory suspension. Ĺ? ,PSURYHV JURXQG FOHDUDQFH Ĺ? $OORZV WKH XVH RI ODUJHU WLUHV Ĺ? 'RHVQ¡W FKDQJH WKH 2(0 IDFWRU\ ULGH RU YRLG WKH ZDUUDQW\
'2'*( 5$0 ',(6(/ 5$',86 $50 6863(16,21 3/6
%RG\ /LIW .LWV
&+(9< 6,/9(5$'2
'2'*( 5$0
Ĺ? ,W¡V WKH ´7RWDO 3DFNDJHÂľ WR \RXU YHKLFOHV OLIW VROXWLRQ
/HYHOLQJ .LWV
'2'*( 5$0 1(: 5$',86 $50 6863(16,21 &2,/ 635,1* '/ 3$
72<27$ 7$&20$ &2,/ 635,1* /8* 7/ 3$
WE HAVE APPLICATIONS FOR CHEVY JEEP MODELS DODGE TOYOTA GMC FORD NISSAN -. Â&#x2021; 7- Â&#x2021; <- Â&#x2021; &- Â&#x2021; ;-
TRUCK TECH
5. Buckle for the holding strap when in the rolled up position at the front of the truck box.
7. Tie down strap keeping the cover in the rolled up position.
6. Rolled up, the Roll-X takes up no room in the truck box.
8. Locking mechanism. With a locking tailgate and pushing down on the back edge of the cover secures it from prying hands.
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TAILGATE EXTENDERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; #07600 ÇŠ OE ORDG FDSDFLW\ ÇŠ 3(5)(&7 IRU VKRUW EHG WUXFNV ÇŠ $GGV IW WR ER[ OHQJWK ÇŠ )LWV LQWR ÇĽ +LWFK 5HFHLYHU ÇŠ (DVLO\ KDXO ORQJ ORDGV FDQRHV H[WHQVLRQ ODGGHUV OXPEHU GU\ZDOO DQG RWKHU RYHUVL]HG ORDGV For a retailer in your area visit us @ www.ericksonmfg.com or contact us @ 1-888-546-4668
56 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
ROLL-X FEATURES ALUMINUM ROLL-UP COVER
The world’s first hard roll-up tonneau. OEM marine grade vinyl is laminated over rugged secure aluminum. Mechanical locking rails secure Roll-X the entire length of bed.
Know when to ROLL, Know when to FOLD! BAKFLIP FEATURES The world’s most popular hard folding tonneau.
AMERICA’S #1 HARD FOLDING COVER
BAK Flip releases easily from underneath on either side Locking tailgate secures the bed and your valuables.
ALSO ASK ABOUT:
Toolbox folds out to hold up to 400 lbs! Works with both flip & rolling covers
bakindustries.com
When it comes to truck beds, we’ve got you covered!
GEARING UP PIAA LED Replacement Light Kits for Toyota Tundra New from PIAA are two kits that are made for mounting LP530 LED lights in 2014 and 2015 Toyota Tundra pickups. The two kits were designed to replace the dim OEM lamps in the bumpers of the new Toyota Tundra and are able to provide roughly 3x the light output from the stock lights. One kit comes with all the parts needed to install the LP530 LED driving lamps while the other allows for LP530 LED SAE fog lamps. Both kits come with two mounting brackets, wiring harness, and mounting hardware. For more information please go to www.piaa.com
Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II Wheels
Introducing Truck Luggage Cargo Management System
The Sidebiter II wheels from Mickey Thompson are built to be a heavy-duty performer with an easy-to-clean satin finish and great styling to really improve the look of your Jeep, truck or 4x4 vehicle. They feature a high-strength low-pressure casting to ensure durability, and feature an embossed centre cap with the Mickey Thompson logo. They come in a wide variety of sizes from 15x8 to 20x9 with a number of different offsets and bolt patterns available, which allows them to fit most popular trucks, Jeeps and SUVs.
Truxedo has announced its newest line of accessories called Truck Luggage, which are accessories that are designed to keep tools, supplies and loose articles contained and off the floor of your truck bed. The Expedition is a cargo storage sling that is able to attach anywhere along the rails of the truck bed and provides a quick and convenient storage space that can be removed in seconds. The Saddlebag bag mounts behind the driver’s side wheelwell for easy access to smaller items. Both items feature an easy installation and require no drilling.
For more information please go to www.mickeythompsontires.com
For more information please go to www.truxedo.com
Fastway’s ONEstep Wheel Chock
Outback Commercial Truck Canopy from SnugTop
Fastway’s new ONEstep wheel chock is one of the fastest and easiest tandem axle wheel chocks available on the market today. To place the chock, simply slide the ONEstep into place and step down to ensure no rolling. Once you’re ready to take it out, easily pull on the cable handle and the chock will pull right out without having to bend or kneel down. The standard size ONEstep adjusts from 16- to 24-inches while the XL model adjusts from 24- to 32-inches. For more information please go to www.fastwaytrailer.com 58 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
SnugTop has recently introduced the Outback truck top/canopy, which combines the durability usually associated with commercial-type canopies, with contemporary styling and clever engineering. A very prominent feature on the Outback is the use of two Suburban-style full-length rear doors that split 60/40. In addition to that, the Outback can carry up to 500 pounds-worth of gear in its optional storage racks and features large sliding windows, an LED rear brake light with provisions for a backup camera, heavy duty door hinges, and additional roof reinforcement. For more information please go to www.snugtop.com
GEARING UP McGard Jeep Wrangler Door Locks The doors on your Jeep Wrangler can be stolen within minutes but McGard has come up with a solution to that by offering Door Locks to fit most Jeep Wranglers. These locks simply replace the lower hinge nuts with the locks which match the OEM hinge nuts. They are easy to install and provide excellent security due to their being made from hardened steel that prevents gripping, drilling or cutting. The locks are available for 2- or 4-door Wranglers.
HOOD PROTECTORS AND SIDEWIND DEFLECTORS Easy Installation / Maximum Protection
For more information please go to www.mcgard.com
Superwinchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Line of Synthetic Winches New from Superwinch is the redesigned line of Tiger Shark synthetic rope-equipped winches that are made expressly for the abuse synthetic rope puts on a winch. The new winches see a powerful combination of motors combined with efficient gears to produce the hardest working torque curves. A couple of key improvements on the new line was moving the brake from inside the drum and putting it in the motor, as well as changing the drum itself by building thick-walled steel flanges and drum tubes with a better grade of steel. The line consists of two winches capable of rated line pulls of 9,500 and 11,500 pounds. For more information please go to www.superwinch.com
New Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs The Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs have a 2,800 lb capacity air spring for each side and heavy duty brackets that are able to withstand demanding loads and provide a softer ride. The kits only require half the air pressure that a normal 2500 lb air spring would require to level the same load, and are 3-inches larger in diameter and up to 3-inches taller than standard air springs. Now available for the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 the kits feature bulletproof brackets and all necessary hardware.
DESIGNED / ENGINEERED
2FIT At Stampede, form meets function. We create products that are not only more aerodynamic, but provide an integrated style that compliments your vehicle. And keep in mind, our products FIT LIKE A GLOVE.
For more information please go to www.hellwigproducts.com
800.858.5634
StampedeAutomotiveAccessories.com
AUG / SEPT 2014
Trucks Plus 59
All-New Pro Comp Suspension Systems for 2015 Ford Super Duty
Pro Comp has recently unveiled a wide array of suspension systems for the 2015 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty. Firstly it is offering Stage I and II, 6- and 8-inch suspension systems that not only provide the truck with an aggressive look but also greatly improve ride quality. In addition to that, it is also offering traction bars, dual stabilizer kits, Pro Runner shock kits, Level lifts and even more. All of the kits will improve the look of your Ford full-size pickup, and they come with all parts and hardware necessary for installation. For more information please go to www.procompusa.com
Auto and Truck Accessories
Snow Plows
Cargo Carrier
Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack 1080 Clay Avenue Burlington, Ontario phone: 905-335-8357 e-mail: info@detailk2.com
Motorcycle Carrier 60 Trucks Plus
AUG / SEPT 2014
Flip Rack
www.detailk2.com
GIVE YOUR TRUCK
A FACELIFT EXCLUSIVE
FRONT END DRESS UP KITS FOR 1973-87 CHEVY/GMC PICK-UP TRUCKS
1973-74 Single Headlight Kit
1981-82 Single Headlight Kit
1975-78 Single Headlight Kit
1981-82 Dual Headlight Kit
(SS *OYVTL )LaLSZ
1979-80 Single Headlight Kit
1983-87 Single Headlight Kit
9V\UK /LHKSPNO[Z
(SS *OYVTL )LaLSZ
1980 Single Headlight Kit
1983-87 Dual Headlight Kit
9LJ[HUN\SHY /LHKSPNO[Z
(SS *OYVTL )LaLSZ
Polished Bowtie Grille Emblem
GMC Grille Emblem
6]LYZPaL 7HY[ *OHYNL@V\Y VYKLY ^PSS PUJ\Y H JOHYNL VM MVY LHJO V]LYZPaLK WHY[ (KKP[PVUHS KLSP]LY` [PTL YLX\PYLK
FREE Parts & Accessories Catalogs for Trucks & SUVs
1947-2013 CHEVY/GMC | 1948-2013 FORD | 1972-2012 DODGE Â&#x2039; /RQJ 0RWRU &RUS
(800) 562-8782
www.LMCTRUCK.com
Not a truck but it’s safe to assume these ladies won’t have much trouble finding help.
Obviously it was much deeper than he had hoped for. We’re guessing this guy didn’t check the depth of the snow before going in.
Something tells us this one has been stuck for a while.
Looks like he probably should’ve thought twice before going in there.
We think he may need a few more horsepower to get out of there.
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
AUG / SEPT 2014