Get your FREE CATALOG at LMCTruck.com 800.562.8782LMCTruck.com 1947-13 Chevy/GMC 1948-16 Ford 1972-15 Dodge “KEEPING GENERATIONS ON THE ROAD”® Different Truck ... Different Boys But Generation To Generation The Story Stays The Same
The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is an old-school truck in many ways ...pg 10TREMOR:SUSPENSION:SuspensionBuyersGuide...pg162022FordF-150Tremor...pg22 1970s:Whenpickup trucks became beautiful ...pg 26 FLUIDS:Fluids/LubricantsBuyersGuide...pg CONTENTS33ALSO INSIDE: Fresh Tracks -------------------------------------------4 Ford Maverick --------------------------------------- 30 Ford Truck History -------------------------------- 36 Gearing Up -------------------------------------------- 58 Stuck Trucks------------------------------------------ 62 What’s new in Class B Motorhomes ... pg 40 SimplicityRV-ING Land Rover Defender 90 P400 ----- pg. 47 2023 Ineos Grenadier ------------------- pg. 50 B.C. Overland Rally ---------------------- pg. 54 3AUG/SEPT 2022 Trucks Plus MAGAZINE
FRESH TRACKS
GMC Introduces 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition GMC has revealed the new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition which GMC says is the most off-road capable factory Sierra 1500 ever made. Upgrades include AEV stamped front and rear bumpers with heavy-duty recovery points and winch capability, steel skid-plates, race-inspired 18-in. wheels, 33-in. Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, updated front grille and fascia and available off-road rocker panel protectors. This special edition features improved approach and de parture angles as well as breakover angle and ground clearance. Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-locking differential and two-speed transfer case with selectable modes for different offroad conditions all come on the Sierra AT4X, that also features the Obsidian Rush interior. Interior features include a 12-speaker Bose system and full grain leather-wrapped power-massaging front seats. The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition will be available later in the 2023 model year.
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Jeep has announced it is offering two new exterior production colours for the 2023 Wrangler which are called Earl and Reign, the latter of which will be offered only in a limited-capacity. First seen back in 2020 on the Gladiator Farout concept, Earl is a standout shade of gray with hints of aquamarine that make the Wrangler really pop and will be offered for the first time in 2023. Purple is making a comeback, having last been offered on the 2018 Wrangler
Ford has announced that it will be introducing a 2023 F-150 Heritage Edition to celebrate 75 years of F-Series trucks, that will be a modern take on the 1970s and 1980s two-tone exterior paint offerings. The package will be available on XLT series trucks and offers a fresh take on the classic A-B-A exterior paint pattern with an A colour encompassing roof and pillars, a B colour for the mid-section and then the same A colour on the bumpers, lower door and lower body. Interior colours offered on the Heritage Edition include slate gray and black, with distinctive seat trim covers with unique inserts and embossing on the console lid. A white “75 Years” logo appears on the upper centre windshield and also appears in the centre screen startup animation. Production on the F-150 Heritage Edition starts this fall.
Publisher: Dean Washington dean@rpmcanada.ca Associate Publisher: David Symons david@rpmcanada.ca Managing Editor Jordan Allan jordan@rpmcanada.ca Distribution Manager: Brenda Washington brenda@rpmcanada.ca Copy Editor: Gerry Frechette gerryf@rpmcanada.ca Advertising Sales: Elaine Fontaine elaine@rpmcanada.ca Contributing Writers / Photographers: Jordan Allan Howard J Elmer Gerry Frechette John Gunnell Dan Heyman Spencer Whitney Benjamin Yong TRUCKS PLUS Magazine is published seven times per year by RPM Media Inc. MAILING ADDRESS: 2506-2789 Shaughnessy Street Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 0C3 TELEPHONE: (604) 629-9669 FAX: (778) 285-2449 TOLL FREE: (888)-500-4591 EMAIL: info@rpmcanada.ca WEBSITE: www.rpmcanada.ca Second Class Mailing Agreement #40050183 Volume 15, Issue No. 4 August / September 2022 CONTACT INFORMATION STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
Jeep Debuts Two New Wrangler Exterior Colour Options
JK, with the limited-production Reign colour. “We received a lot of positive feedback on Earl when it debuted on the Gladiator Farout concept, and we work to deliver what our customers tell us they want,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “These limited-run colours like Earl and Reign draw a huge enthusiast following because they’re exciting, authentic and stand out, much like the Jeep community.” Earl and Reign join a long lineup of available colours for the 2023 Wrangler and will be available on all models including Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, 4xe, and 392.
Trucks Plus MAGAZINE AUG/SEPT 2022
Ford Marking F-Series’ 75th Anniversary with 2023 F-150 Heritage Edition
Auto. Home. Pet. Find Your Fit. WORK. RINSE. REPEAT. The WeatherTech® FloorLiner isn’t just a winter mat. Engineered with laser-measured precision to perfectly contour your vehicle’s floor, it has an industry leading design with an exceptional fit. So exceptional that it will become your spring, summer, fall and winter floor protection. And with a lifetime guarantee, your carpets will stay clean and stain free during any season’s adventure, for as long as you own your vehicle. 888.905.6287 | WeatherTech.ca
Ram recently unveiled the addition of the new 2022 Ram 1500 TRX Sandblast Edition to its light-duty lineup. The Sandblast Edition enhances the TRX Level 2 equipment group and includes a Mojave Sand exterior colour and graphics, unique 18-in. all-black bead-lock capable wheels, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, spray-in bed liner and an LED cab-mounted brake light. Inside, the TRX Sandblast Edition includes Light Frost accent stitching, an embroidered TRX seat-back logo, unique carbon fibre accents, a leather and carbon-fibre flat-bottom steering wheel, a unique centre console badge and much more. The truck still features the intoxicating 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 that produces 702 horsepower. The Ram 1500 Sandblast Edition is on sale now. 2022 Ram 1500 TRX Sandblast Edition Joins Ram Lineup 2022
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Volume 15, Issue No. 4 August / September 2022 Air Design USA ---------------------------- 46 ARIES Automotive ------------------------ 45 Bully Dog ----------------------------------- 21 Bundutec ----------------------------------- 55 Dominion Sure Seal ---------------------- 43 Eibach -------------------------------------- 17 Enthuze ------------------------------------- 63 Extang ---------------------------------------- 5 Ididit ---------------------------------------- 64 LMC Truck ----------------------------------- 2 Lordco Auto Parts -------------------- 25, 51 McGard ------------------------------------- 35 Retrax -------------------------------------- 29 SnoMaster --------------------------------- 53 SPC Performance ------------------------- 19 The Gear Centre --------------------------- 57 Truck Hardware --------------------------- 31 Truxedo ------------------------------------- 13 UnderCover -------------------------------- 39 WeatherTech --------------------------------- 7 PICK UP ADVERTISERLOCATIONSINDEX
It seems the Ram 1500 TRX may have some serious competition when it comes to high-powered, off-road pickup trucks with Ford’s recent unveiling of the all-new 2023 F-150 Raptor R. The truck will feature a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine borrowed from the Shelby GT500 Mustang that delivers 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Ford Performance recalibrated the engine’s supercharger and installed a new pulley to optimize its power for off-road use, which sees it increase torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range. To maintain the off-road durability, Ford also upgraded the original engine’s exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design with a unique oil cooler and filter plus a deeper oil pan. Air intake volume has also been increased 66-percent thanks to a wider air intake inlet and higher-flow, higher-efficiency conical air filters. The engine is paired to a 10-speed SelectShift transmission with improved calibra tion, and the truck features a new front axle with a higher-strength carrier casting and an aluminum-ribbed structural cover to manage the engine’s added torque. A specially tuned torque converter with heavy-duty turbine damper and four pinion rear output assembly further allows the truck to better transfer torque and provide a smoother powertrain feel. The truck sits on a five-link rear suspen sion that boasts extra-long trailing arms, a Panhard rod and 24-in. coil springs. Advanced FOX Live Valve shocks are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control and utilize suspension height sensors and other sensors to monitor terrain conditions independently and hundreds of times a second, while adjusting suspension tuning ac cordingly. The Raptor R will feature a unique dual-exhaust system with a pass-through muffler and Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja drive modes. The truck features a class-leading 13.1-in. ground clearance and class-exclusive 37-in. tires straight from the factory. The Raptor R will be available in eight colour options with production slated to start in late 2022.
9AUG/SEPT 2022 OFF-rOAD Plus MAGAZINE
All-New Ford F-150 Raptor R Cranks Out 700 Horsepower
Still, though; even with all that, the Tacoma continues to have a rabid following from all walks of life. Younger buyers, families, adventurers, boaters – they all love them, and they all buy them in droves, probably because they’re just so darn simple and honest.
T he Toyota Tacoma has to be one of the true treasures of the modern car world – which is quite a thing, since it is a fairly old-school vehicle; a body-on-frame pickup with locking differentials and the option for a manual transmission? Doesn’t get much more traditional than that.
2022SimplicityNo-NonsenseiskeyfortheToyotaTacomaTRDPro
Take my tester, for example; it comes finished in Electric Lime metallic paintwork, which is all-new for 2022 and looks…well, pretty much unlike anything offered by any other truck manufacturer. Green paint is in these days, but green paint like this? That’s something else that looks almost aftermarket – in a good way.
Having said that, however, they can be had in a number of variations that – if you think creatively – can be made quite unique. Hard to do when there’s so many of these out there, but there are ways.
Story and photos by Dan Heyman
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gone are the stick-on graphics that used to adorn each side of the bed, replaced here by actual stamping that looks just the right amount of tough and modern. The “Tacoma” stamping on the tailgate, meanwhile, is the icing on the cake of what is a great exercise in how to add some eye-catching detail to your pickup. I’m also a big fan of the Rigid Industries fog lamps and heritage “Toyota” grille.
Add the narrow headlights with LED DRLs that debuted when the Tacoma was redesigned for 2020, and you’ve got a truck that makes a stylistic statement. Which, if you ask any designer, is not something that’s very easy to do, as pickups and full-size SUVs are some of the toughest vehicles to make unique. Of course, more than just the badging and wheels, the TRD Pro spec also adds a silver bash plate (with red “TRD” badging) up front as well as red coilover suspension and aluminum upper control arms. Since there’s so much room between the tire and the fender with the increased ride height the TRD Pro gets, you can pretty much see those red suspension parts from a mile away. If it wasn’t for that bright green paint, they’d be more visible still.
Inside, it’s a little more buttoned down, but there are some eye-catching details such as the red contrast stitching on the seats and gearknob, more TRD badging than a SEMA concept and…not a whole lot more, really. There is some flash but it is best described as “Spartan” in here. Which is fine, but competition from the likes of the Jeep Gladiator and even the new Nissan Frontier has upped the ante in the interior flash and dash department, and there are more and more pickup buyers
Other exterior details follow suit; the black TRD wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires are another example of “aftermar ket-not-aftermarket” and they are a great match for the blacked-out grille, hood scoop (it’s non-functional, but does look cool) and badging. That badging is a carryover from the ’21 TRD Pro, though it has been replaced on the doors with chrome “Tacoma” badges; personally, I would like to have seen those finished in black as well, for a sense of Speakinguniformity.ofbadging:
Pro comes only as a double cab with a five-foot box – its doesn’t get the longer box and shorter cab other trims do – so we’re talking the most creature-comfortable cab style offered for the Tacoma. The rear cabin area is adequate, but there’s a lot of gear stuffed up in the cabin floor so it is high, meaning your knees get pushed up and headroom isn’t exactly generous. I do like the underseat storage you get back Speakingthere.ofthe bed: short it may be, but it comes well-equipped with a 120V/400W outlet, a storage cubby, tie-downs, bed light and bed rails. It also gets a nicely dampened tailgate that doesn’t slam down when you release it. It is a high-riding truck, though, so one thing I would like to have seen is some bed access aids; there are none here, so you’re left with having to step on a tire to access the mid-front portion of the bed. Luckily, there’s such a large gap between tire and fender that you could fit a hefty duty steel-toed workboot in there. Moving past the interior looks, there is an impressive feature set that comes with the transition to TRD Pro: seven-speaker audio, 8-inch display with multi terrain view monitor (it looks ahead and down, to let you know what’s coming toward you on the ground below), navigation, leather seats, power moonroof, blind spot system and wireless Speakingcharging. of the gear knob – in my tester, it comes attached to a sixspeed manual ‘box, which is a feature you don’t get in the Frontier or Ford Ranger in Canada. It’s a close-ratio ‘box with a lever that, unsur prisingly, is pretty long on throw and you do have to wring its neck a little
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out there that appreciate that. I do like how simplified the gauges are, though – black faces with bright white accents and needles is Theperfect.TRD
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to get the most out of it. That means some fairly loud progress but I don’t mind it – it’s not cheap-sounding, but purposeful and befitting of all that “bigness” on the exterior. Power from the 3.5-litre V6 is rated at 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque – not bad, but down on the horsepower front to the Frontier, the Ford Ranger and the Gladiator and beats only the Gladiator on the torque front. Hence the need to wring its neck, and hence why it’s great to have the manual transmission. I’ve sampled the automatic version as well, and I appreciate the elevated control you get with the MT even though the auto has a manual mode. At the end of the day, though, it comes as little surprise that when it comes to the TRD Pro, the power is somewhat secondary. This truck is all about that chassis, which is as robust as it looks. It rides higher than it used to and the suspension has been tweaked – remember those aluminum A-arms? – so it takes an absolute bowling ball of a stone to upset anything. Anything smaller than that, and you get the distinct impression that as you traverse, those big tires are literally picking up the gravel, munching it and spitting it out as if it were work ing at Boston Sand and Gravel. It’s incredible just how unstoppable the TRD Pro feels. While there aren’t any drive modes to speak of, the Tacoma does offer a 4L/4H/2H transfer case as well as a hill descent control system, which do well to fit in with the TRD Pro’s ethos. If you opt for a truck equipped with an automatic gearbox, you also get Toyota’s pro prietary creep system that handles all the powertrain stuff for you, so you can focus on the steering inputs required to keep it on the trail. Sim ply twist a dial mounted above the rear-view mirror, and you can choose from five pre-selected levels of speed with which to traverse the forestry roads many TRD Pro owners are sure to frequent. It’s a feature I’ve sampled before and it works well considering how simple it is to operate. Which, really, does well to play into the simplicity of the Tacoma TRD Pro as a whole. It’s a no-nonsense body-on-rails pickup that can conquer most anything you throw at it and while it may be a little harsh ‘round town, my guess is the 2.5 billion or so Tacoma owners won’t give two shakes of a lamb’s tail about that. You do have to really want the extra ride height, different suspension and aggressive tires the TRD Pro provides over the Off Road model, though, as there isn’t a huge difference between them and the price jump – about 15 grand -- is tough to ignore. If you want the top spec of one of the world’s top trucks, though – and are willing to pay for it – then you’re in for a treat.
SUSPENSIONEibachPRO-TRUCK
Specifications: The PRO-TRUCK Reservoir shocks’ damping characteristics are carefully matchedto work in conjunction with Eibach coilover systems which provide the perfect balance of control andride quality off-road.Applications: Visit website for complete listings.Website: www.eibach.com Air Lift’s LoadLifter PROSeries Air Springs
BDS Suspension 2-In. Coilover System
Specifications: The systems lift and level the stance of your truck with clearance for 33in. tires. Applications: Available for the 2019+ Ram 1500 4WD. Website: www.bds-suspension.com
Daystar Shock Shaft Bump Stops
Specifications: The kit comes with two air springs, all necessary brackets and all of the hardware, as well as a fully illustrated installation guide. Applications: Check website for application listings. Website: www.airliftcompany.com
Applications: Not applications specific. Website: www.daystarweb.com
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Description: Daystar’s new line of Shock Shaft Bump Stops are a great way to prevent your suspension from bottoming out whether on- or off-road. The stops are sold in pairs and are made from a soft but extremely durable polyurethane that will provide heavy-duty protection.
Description: Air Lift’s all-new LoadLifter PROSeries air springs provide your truck with up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity, and feature anodized aluminum end caps and stainless steel hardware for the ultimate in durability. An industry-exclusive internal jounce bumper gives the ProSeries Ultimate added protection when towing or hauling especially heavy loads.
Bilstein B 5100 Shocks
Description: Bilstein’s B8 5100, ride-height adjustable shock absorbers are designed for trucks and SUVs with a front OE coilover style suspension and feature multiple snap-ring grooves in the body which allow for different spring seat positions. The monotube shock ab sorbers feature a 46mm digressive piston with self-adjusting deflective disc valve setting.
Reservoir Shocks
Description: Eibach’s all-new PRO-TRUCK Reservoir shocks are the newest addition to Eibach’s selection of off-road performance dampers and feature hardened nitro-steel piston rods and a 46mmmonotube construction. The shocks are equipped with a piggyback remote reservoir system and featureincreased fluid capacity which allows for more controlled pressures under severe abuse, which translatesto more consistent damping forces on extended runs, or with heavy loads under rough terrain.
Applications: Visit website for complete listings. Website: www.bilsteincanada.com
Specifications: The shocks provide increased wheel travel and will improve handling.
Description: BDS Suspension’s 2-in. performance coilover system has been specially de signed to improve vehicle capability, ride quality and strength. They are offered with FOX 2.5 factory series remote reservoir coilovers, BDS upper control arms and rear FOX 2.0 shocks. The system will fit trucks that do not have the factory air ride suspension system.
Specifications: The bump stops are able to be installed without the removal of your shocks, and are available in four different sizes.
BUYERS’ GUIDE PRODUCTS:
Capable of handling any terrain in its path, the PRO-TRUCK-LIFT is a system of Eibach springs and shocks developed to give your truck a lifted and leveled stance. Each PRO-TRUCK-LIFT maximizes all available wheel travel to deliver a balance of off-road performance while maintaining a controlled, compliant ride on the street. Include our new LIFT-BLOCK-KIT for leveling heavily equipped vehicles.Shop online at Eibach.ca PRO-TRUCK-LIFT Performance Suspension
Description: Hellwig’s EZ-550 Helper Spring kits are designed for vehicles that need lighter assistance in carrying a load and feature a simple, bolt-on design using only common hand tools for an easy installation. They are ideally suited for light towing and loads are fully adjust able using the heavy-duty U-bolts. Specifications: They are manufactured with heavy-duty powdercoated and plated com ponents and come complete with hardware and installation instructions. Applications: They level load capacity up to 500 lbs and are ideal for small trucks and SUVs. Website: www.hellwigproducts.com
Specifications: Material: Hot-formed and heat-treated 4140 Chromoly Steel. Finish: Silver Hammertone. Diameter: 1-1/4-in. and 1-5/16-in. Adjustable rate on most applications.
Hellwig’s EZ-550 Helper Spring Kit
Website: www.eibach.com Enthuze Lift Kits
Description: Built upon decades of off-road racing victory, the Eibach PRO-TRUCKLIFT combines a series of PRO-LIFT-KIT springs and PRO-TRUCK Sport shocks to create a perfectly tuned suspension system engineered for both on- and off-road performance. Each PRO-TRUCK-LIFT is designed and tested to deliver maximum ride height without compromis ing the integrity of factory bushings, ball joints and other components.
Specifications: Available in a variety of heights.
Description: ICON Vehicle Dynamics has engineered all-new suspension systems for the 2020 and up GM Heavy-Duty 2500 and 3500 trucks, with three unique offerings available with either tubular steel upper control arms or fully adjustable billet aluminum upper control arms. Both options feature alignment correction and ICON’s heavy-duty Delta joint. Specifications: The entry-level Stage 1 system includes the upper control arms, Internal Res ervoir front shocks, rear shocks and all necessary hardware. Stage 2 adds Remote Reservoirs to the front shocks and upgrades the rear to reservoirs as well. Finally, the Stage 3 system adds ICON’s Compression Damping Control Valve for ten unique settings of tool-free adjustment. Applications: 2020-up GM HD 2500/3500 Pickups Website: www.iconvehicledynamics.com
Applications: 2019-2022 Ram 1500 4WD.
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Eibach PRO-TRUCK-LIFT for Ram 1500
Description: Ranging from 3 to 6-in., Enthuze lift kits are complete suspension systems that include all front and rear lift components and hardware required for a smooth ride. These lift kits offer an ideal solution to adding larger wheels and tires and getting that aggressive look that you desire for your ride!
ICON Vehicle Dynamics 2020-Up GM HD 2500/3500 Suspension Systems
Website: www.hellwigproducts.com
Specifications: Precision shock valving allows compliance over large obstacles and control through rough terrain while also improving on road comfort and performance.
Description: Hellwig Big Wig Sway Bars are specifically designed for trucks with slide-in campers or lifted applications. The large-diameter sway bar reduces body roll/sway, enhanc ing control and comfort for most 3/4- and 1-ton applications. Provides unmatched handling improvements over other sway control options. Easy bolt-on, no-drilling installation can be performed in the driveway of your own home.
Applications: Chevrolet, GMC, Ram and Ford pickups.
Applications: Ram, Ford, GM trucks. Website: www.enthuze.ca Hellwig Big Wig Rear Sway Bar
Website: www.revtek.com Trucks
Description: Patented design allows rear lift op tions of 1.0-in. up to 2.0-in...or anywhere in-between. No more requirement to determine rear lift prior to installation. Simply install, adjust, and lock-in your desired ride height. Supersedes ProRYDE SKU# 56-2600R. Specifications: Manufactured from machined steel & black e-coated components for heavy-duty service.
Description: Revtek’s coilovers have been designed from the ground up and allow a lift height of up to 3-in. while maintaining the factory suspension geometry to ensure your on-road ride is not compromised.
Rancho RS5000X Shock Absorbers
Specifications: Included with the kit are upgraded rear shocks, a differential drop and fully assembled front struts. Applications: The coil-over kits are available now for late-model Toyota 4Runners and Tacomas, and Revtek says more applications are coming soon.
Website: www.gorancho.com ReadyLift -In. Big Lift Kit for F-150
Description: ReadyLIFT is now offering a 6-in. Big Lift Kit for the 2021-2022 Ford F-150 4WD that provides plenty of tire clearance combined with a nice lifted stance. The kit is available in three shock configurations depending on preference and is equipped with heavy-duty ¼-in. steel plate constructed front and rear crossmembers that offer increased strength in all driving situations.
Specifications: Each shock is gas pressurized to 150 PSI, and they are available for a wide variety of trucks and SUVs. Applications: Available for a wide variety of vehicles. Visit website for complete listings.
ProRYDE Nex-Gen Adjustable Rear Coil Lift Kit
Specifications: Kits include everything necessary to correct suspension, steering and driveline geometry.
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Description:Rancho’s RS5000X Shock Absorbers fea ture cross-tuned technology, while the core of the shock utilizes Rancho’s rebound valving system and an advanced compression phase of the shock absorber. The RS5000X series features a 2-1/4-in.-diameter shock body which al lows for increased fluid capacity to operate cooler and to increase vehicle control with varying speeds and terrain.
Applications: Available for 2021-2022 Ford F-150 4WD. Website: www.readylift.com Revtek Coil Over Suspension for Toyota
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Applications: Ram HD2500 late model with Rear Coil Spring Suspension (SKU# 58-2650R)
Website: www.prorydeliftkits.co m
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Applications: For 2021+ Ford F-150.
Description: Improve droop travel, drivability and tire wear with SPC’s adjustable front upper control arms for Rangers equipped with steel knuckles. Fit bigger tires without rubbing fenders. Featuring a greaseable ball joint and rubber isolated xAxis™ bushings, this arm is designed to correct alignment angles on standard height vehicles as well as lifted and lowered vehicles, while maintaining factory ride quality.
Specifications: Features high-strength ¼-in.-thick steel crossmembers and differential skid Applications:plates. Available for the 2020+ Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500HD/3500HD. Website: www.zoneoffroad.com
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Website: www.specprod.com
Applications: 2021-2022 Ford F-150.
SPC Ford Ranger Front Adjustable Upper Arms
Applications: 2019+ Ford Ranger Website: www.specprod.com Superlift -In. Ford Lift Kit for 2021-2022 Ford F-150
Specifications: The kit clears room for 35-in. tires and aligns to OEM specifications which preserves existing parts.
Website: www.superlift.com TrailFX Mid-Lift Suspension Kits
Description: Whether you are escaping to the great outdoors or headed to the city, TrailFX has the accessories to outfit your vehicle for any occasion. Increased ground clearance and visibility, and a smoother ride are all benefits of a TrailFX mid-lift suspension kit.
Description: Superlift has a new 6-In. Lift Kit for the 2021-2022 Ford F-150 that features a variety of shock options from Superlift Shocks to Bilstein 5100 and Fox performance series 2.0 IFP which allows customers to choose the ride that’s best for their truck. The complete replace ment knuckle-style suspension lift kit includes fabricated rear blocks, brackets, cross-members, steering knuckles, u-bolts, spacers and hardware specific to the F-150 for installation.
Specifications: SPC’s fully forged steel design provides the strength and durability needed for the most demanding environments. These remove-and-replace arms are sold in pairs.
SPC Ford F-150 ADJ Upper Arms
Specifications: Kits contain all required, ready-to-install components in one box, under one part number.
Applications: Available for GM, Ford, Ram, Toyota and Jeep Website: www.TrailFX.com Zone Offroad 5-In. Lift Kit with FOX 2.0 Shocks
Description: Lifted trucks lose caster which wears tires and leads to wandering at high speeds. These arms improve droop travel, drivability and tire wear as well as adjusting tire position in your wheel well with SPC’s adjustable front upper control arms. Featuring an up graded greaseable ball joint and rubber isolated xAxis™ bushings, this arm is designed to correct alignment angles while maintaining factory ride quality.
Specifications: The arm’s proven design provides the strength and durability needed for the most demanding environments. These remove-and-replace arms are sold in pairs.
Description: Zone Offroad’s 5-in. lift kit with FOX 2.0 Shocks maintain the factory ride quality and handling characteristics while also improving ground clearance and correcting suspen sion-steering-driveline geometry. It allows for up to 37-in. tires to be installed and features CNC-machined ductile iron steering knuckles and a Zone Offroad-branded front skid plate and torsion bar relocation brackets.
Speaking of days remembered: what about the days where your pickup bed was just a place to haul a few two-by-fours or camping gear? You can still do that here, of course – the Tremor comes only with a 5.5-foot bed – but now, you can also power the tools you brought via an optional on-board generator. It’s called ProPower Onboard (PPO) and on my truck, it was able to generate 2 KW of power, enough to power a table saw at the jobsite, or a television
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Speaking of functional surfaces: the pickup bed’s tailgate gets a few nifty features of its own to show that it’s more than just a way to close the bed or lengthen it. There are a pair of rulers stamped thereon, a cupholder, an area to mount your tablet, the requisite “Ford” script and on the leading edge in addition to your retracting bed step, c-clamp slots. Remember the days when a tailgate was a hunk of steel that flopped down clumsily? Not anymore.
F-150: large rear seat with a flat floor and underseat storage (it’s available only with a four-door SuperCrew cab), optional 12-inch display equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, luxury-spec B&O audio, Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment interface that has quickly grown into one of the best in the industry, and a digital gauge cluster whose look changes depending on which of the eight drive modes you’re in. That also means you cycle through the drive modes the same way as previous, which I don’t love as it means spinning a wheel that seems to always make the drive mode menu scroll in the opposite direction you intended; I swear, I could sit there with the drive mode menu engaged, take at least ten seconds to decide which way to spin the wheel to get to the mode I want and still get it wrong. That stuff is all good, but it’s standard Ford fare. Less so is the collapsible gear lever that, with a button press, will tuck itself into a little cubby and allow you to fold the armrest out, revealing a flat surface whose acreage explains why that central armrest is so durn big. Said surface can be used for a laptop or tablet at the jobsite, or an eating surface at the jobsite and any number of functions between.
at the tailgate party. My tester had two 120V outlets, but PPO can also be had with a 240V option. In case you absolutely have to have a washing machine onhand while camping, for example. In addition to that, there’s a spray-in bedliner, tie-downs and cleats but surprisingly, no additional storage cubbies as found in so many other trucks out there. The bed step system, meanwhile, is a little awkward to operate (and looks awkward when deployed) but more than just a step, you get an extra hand-hold as well that you can decide not to deploy if you’d just rather have unfettered ac cess to the bed. One thing my tester didn’t have, however, were side-steps that extended further back to the rear wheels, which would provide easier access to the front of the bed. I can only imagine its omission here is due to Ford wanting to ensure the Tremor’s extra ground clearance wasn’t affected.
To that end: I took the Tremor on the forestry roads I always test off-roaders on – from Volvo cross-country wagons to Jeep Wranglers – and it acquitted itself as well as most anything I’ve taken up there. The suspension is tuned so you get just the travel you need without having to deal with too much wallow on smooth roads, or even lightly gravelled roads like these. The Raptor, for all its off-road strengths, is a bear on faster paved roads with its XL tires and immense ride. The Tremor gives you the boost you need, but can handle itself more readily on the types of roads its likely to spend more time on. And if you want to get techy, the Tremor comes with Trail Turn Assist and One Pedal drive, the two basically combining to create sort of an off-road cruise control system, like you’d find on the PowerBronco.comes from a familiar source; the venerable 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, good for 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque in this application. It’s the only option for the Tremor, a nod to its being a more performance-oriented F-150 both in terms of powertrain and chassis.
In the many applications that the three-five is used in, it works well – most F150s these days are sold with it – and the same goes for the Tremor. Smooth power delivery with a nice growl from the twin-tailpipes, which is a feature that truck people appreciate, just as muscle car people and performance compact people do. Ford knows this, and with a name like “Tremor,” they’ve made sure to give it a voice. I like this F-150 trim. It’s offered on other Ford trucks as well – the Ranger Tremor graced these very pages not long ago – but the name comes with more weight in this application, the F-150 Tremor feeling just that much more “special” than the Ranger does, both in terms of looks and performance – I mean, those blue seats! Wow. It’s a more premium package on the bigger truck, and though you will have to lay out an additional 16 grand or so over the Lariat trim to get it, there is good value there. If you want to make your F-150 that much more special but keep the workaday aspects intact, with the Tremor, you got it.
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WHAT WE DO SINCE 1974 PRO U DLY C a n adian Ow n ed&Oper a t de @lordcoparts lordco.com We deliver an exceptional customer experience fueled by quality and expertise driven to keep you moving
Story and photos by Howard J Elmer S ummer is here and it’s time for light reading and lazy memories of times past. Month after month, I review and report on what’s new in the world of towing and pickup trucks. However, sometimes you can benefit from looking at what came before – as with all history, it leads to where we are today. This also applies to me personally and I hope Trucks Plus’ readers will indulge my summer ramblings as I look back to see just how I got to love pickup trucks and have spent my life writing about them. In 1970, my dad bought a Chevrolet C10 pickup truck. It was a base model, yet as a 12 year-old I remember thinking it was the most beautiful truck I’d ever seen. A year later I’d regularly lift my Dad’s keys and drive it around an empty parking lot on Sundays behind his Toronto machine shop – instead of sweeping up like I was supposed to. I taught myself how to drive using the famous “three-on-the-tree” manual transmission in that truck. Mind you, not before stalling it a hundred times. A year later, my Dad sold that truck and as it turned out that was the only Chevy he’d ever own. We had Ford F100s before and after the C10, yet fifty years later, it’s that lone Chevy that sticks in my mind. So, through a series of coinci dences a decade ago, I got a chance to go back in time and relive that part of my adolescence by finding a much nicer version of my dad’s truck in the Western USA. I bought it in the spring of 2012, sight unseen, and I drove that childhood memory of mine (a 1971 Chevy Cheyenne Super 10) 3,200 km from Colorado to Ontario. It was a memorable six days for me; however, I realize now that nostalgia really is all emotion - there is no brains involved. I say this because in comparison to any truck produced today, my ’71 is an uncomfortable dinosaur. Still despite its primitive comforts, it holds that special place in my heart. And, appar ently, I’m not alone; this is currently the single most collectible model in a long line of Chevy pickups. Why? The truck design itself does stand alone, however with further study it becomes clear that this second-generation C-10 truck (1967 to 1972) also heralded a brand-new era for truck builders and buyers alike; a legacy that is still inspiring designers today.
The 1970s are when pickups became beautiful
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By the mid-60s, American pickup trucks had become a mainstay down on the farm and in daily urban work ing life; vital to their owners as work vehicles, they also became very much loved - but from a design perspective they remained completely utilitarian and barren. Little more than a rolling cargo box on wheels – the pickup truck got none of the glitz and luxury features that went into passenger car design. But, Detroit couldn’t ignore the sales numbers – and the clamour from their dealers – to start building some style into their trucks. For Chevrolet, this unfulfilled need also hinted at a chance to trump cross-town rival Ford. So in 1967, the second generation C10 was debuted. Chevy advertising that year boasted that the ’67 was “a new concept in personalized pickups.”
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GM had finally noticed that truck buy ers had been customizing their own trucks for years – now the factory would do it for them. These new sleek-bodied trucks had a rugged, yet modern look. The last of the post-war roundness was gone and buyers responded to the new sleek look; however, it was the new Custom Sport Truck (CST) model that really caught people’s attention. Inside, the CST came with unheard-of comforts, found only in passenger cars. For men who spent uncountable hours in their
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trucks, this was a sweet new breeze. Carpeting, headliners, padded dashes and even air conditioning were finally avail able to the truck buyer. At the same time, GM also responded to North America’s demand for more power by offering the 327 V8 engine for the first time. In ’68 and ’69 they would add the 350 V8 and 396 V8 as well. That debut year saw Chevy V8’s outsell 6’s for the first time ever. But where GM really scored was with the addition of several trim levels over the bare steel cab Custom/10. In each year, from ’67 on, they added more and more comfort through expanded trim packages. After the CST came a new base; the Custom Deluxe featured a full-width bench seat, vinyl upholstery, padded arm rests and other upgrades. Then in 1970, the Cheyenne trim level added a cargo lamp, cab headliner, extra sound insulation and upgrades to seating and interior trim. The top trim, the Cheyenne Super 10, (added at mid-year 1971) also included a chrome tailgate release, woodgrain side moldings and an AM/FM radio. Sales climbed steadily from ’67 on, with Chevy truck production setting a record (to that point in time) in 1971 of 739,478 built, outselling Ford. In 1972, sales trailed slightly in anticipation of the third generation debut in 1973. Today, this relatively short generational run is one of the most collectible and by many considered the most beauti ful trucks Chevy ever built. I’d have to agree. Now, ten years after crossing into Ontario, my Cheyenne Super 10 spends its winters in my barn – but today, a beautiful July day, I’m going to take it out and for a short while I’ll get to be 13 again.
Compact Resurgence 2022 Ford Maverick
the brand’s classic utility-in spired design, it features a squared-off black grille housing a unique bar that runs across the face, overlapping the big LED head lights. The rest of the truck boasts a similar blocky aesthetic, though still manages to look almost sleek thanks to details including body-coloured wheel arches and a seamless transition from crew cab to tailgate.
The auto industry is slowly embracing the compact truck again, and it’s glorious. The unexpected poster child for this resur gence? The Ford Maverick, which is a standard full-hybrid unibody offering — the first one in North America — based on the Escape crossover (and by association, the Bronco Sport). Trucks Plus got a chance to get a good feel for the model during a recent media event held on Salt Spring and Vancouver Island. “The Maverick is meant to attract new kinds of customers used to driving small sedans and hatchbacks and who are missing the practicality of a fuel efficient pickup. If you’re a maker, who likes to have a lot of fun, play a lot of sports on the weekend, the Maverick allows you to do everything. And then, during the week, you can drive around the city in a very fuel efficient vehicle,” says Mathieu Rompré, Ford marketing manager, during a product presentation standing in front of a bright egg-yolk-ish Cyber Orange Metallic Channelingexample.
Story and photos by Benjamin Yong
Rompré alluded to the model being great for makers, and here’s why. The interior is equipped with a number of Ford Integrated Tether (FIT) slots. Essentially acting as receivers accepting a matching mount, the manufacturer provides all the CAD data right on its website so people with access to 3-D printers are free to customize their own accessories. The pickup on display had an interesting portable pet food dispenser installed made by an owner. Or, those
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less ambitious may buy a factory bundle consisting of cup holders, a trash bin, hooks and more. Elsewhere inside, practicality and functionality is the name of the game. The comfortable cloth bucket seats appear durable, and plenty of innovative storage is available such as extra-tall door card pocket and hidden storage under the rear bench perfect for stowing tools or valuables. Next to the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is a small cubby; the one in our press demo had a one-off 3-D printed pen holder nestled inside. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Sirius XM (Lariat only) and Ford Pass Connect and Wi-Fi (subscription required) are Similarly,supported.the4.5-foot
bed is flexible, permitting owners to create segmented storage, recreational gear racks, an elevated floor and so on, simply using 2x4s or 2x6s inserted into side-mounted slots. Complementary tie-downs and D-rings ensure stuff stays secure and safe. There’s also access to pre-wired 12-volt power in case any electrical projects spring to mind. And, like the Bronco, a handy bolted-in bottle opener is ready to help quench some thirst at a moment’s notice.
In typical Ford fashion, a whole range of trims and configurations are offered. The 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle inline-four hybrid motor (XL and XLT only) makes 162 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque and is sold in either front or all-wheel drive. If extra oomph is required, step up to the turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost inline-four (XLT and Lariat) producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
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Journalists had an opportunity to try out the two setups across a variety of terrain and I actually preferred the partially-electrified op tion as under normal conditions, the performance felt just fine, and the sub 7.0 L/100 km fuel consumption is exquisite — especially in today’s gas price climate. And interestingly, both possess a 1,500pound payload and a tow rating of 2,000 pounds. However, EcoBoost consumers can purchase a 4K towing package upping the former to 4,000 pounds. That’s good enough to haul a small trailer around, as we did on a test run. Better alternatives exist in terms of off-road pickups, but the higher two grades have an FX4 version adding all-terrain tires, speciallytuned suspension, underbody protection and Mud/Rut and Sand drive modes, as well as hill descent control. The 2022 Ford Maverick starts at MSRP $27,750 (XL), $30,050 (XLT) and $35,400 (Lariat).
Website: www.castrol.com Gumout® All-in-One® Diesel Fuel Treatment
Applications: All diesel engines, for both consumer and light duty applications including; Automobiles, SUV’s, Pick-Up Trucks, Vans and Commercial Vehicles. Website: www.gumout.com
BUYERS’ GUIDE
Specifications: Comes in 16- and 64-oz bottles, 5-gallon pail, or a 55-gallon drum.
Applications: For use with diesel light trucks and passenger cars where API CJ-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF, SL, SJ or SH are recommended.
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Description: Black Magic® Factory Black is a Professional-grade Trim & Plastic Restorer. Proprietary reactive silane chemistry that actually bonds deep into the treated surfaces. Restores faded trims and plastics to like-new look with extreme durability. InviArmor Technology protects against fading for a long lasting dark, rich shine.
Specifications: 5W-30 Viscosity.
Applications: Ideal for Asian and American applications with multi-valve technology and turbocharg ing. Website: www.liqui-moly.com
Liqui Moly Molygen 5W-30
Castrol GTX Diesel Oil
Website: www.amsoil.com
Description: Castrol’s GTX Diesel oil is a premium-quality lubricant formulated to provide exceptional protection from piston deposits, oil thickening and valve train wear while minimizing engine sludge formation. It is engineered to provide exceptional performance in engines operating under severe service conditions.
Specifications: One 296mL bottle treats up to 68 litres of diesel fuel or biodiesel fuel (up to B20).
Description: Gumout® All-in-One® Diesel Fuel Treatment is an all-season, multi-functional, and powerful additive that addresses fuel-related issues in modern engines. This All-in-One® treatment keeps diesel injectors clean and helps to prevent future deposits. It improves cold flow, boosts cetane, and increases diesel fuel lubricity to keep your engine running smoothly.
PRODUCTS: FLUIDS / LUBRICANTS
AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean
Description: AMSOIL’s Diesel Injector Clean is a performance concentrate that removes performance-robbing deposits from diesel fuel injectors. The Cleaner is made to restore lost horsepower as well as improve fuel economy, and is made for all types of diesel engines.
Black Magic® Factory Black Trim & Plastic Restorer
Applications: Available for all types of diesel engines.
Description: Liqui Moly’s new generation Molygen 5W-30 motor oil has been formulated to specifically optimize modern Asian and American gasoline engines with multi-valve technology and turbocharging with and without charge air cooling. The low-viscosity, high-tech, low-friction motor oil reliably prevents the forma tion of deposits, reduces frictional losses in the engine and provides optimum protection against wear.
Specifications: Special viscosity improvers, anti-wear, anti-oxidant and detergent additives protect and maintain cleanliness in hot-running, heavy diesel and heavy-duty gasoline engines.
Specifications: Box includes Trim & Plastic Restorer 59mL bottle, Latex-free gloves, Spout cap, and Instruction sheet. Applications: Use on exterior trim & plastic surfaces such as bumpers, wiper arms & cowls, and mirror housings. Website: www.blackmagicshine.com
Motul Diesel System Clean
Website: www.royalpurple.com
Website: www.lucasoil.com
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Applications: Made specifically for diesel engines.
Description: Motul Diesel System Clean is designed to be used in all types of diesel en gines with direct or indirect injection, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and with or without catalytic converters. It cleans dirtying and clogging which appears in the whole fuel system. It provides a perfect lubrication during the cleaning process and prevents removed microparticles from depositing.
Red Line 15W40 Diesel Motor Oil
Website: www.redlineoil.com
Website: www.redlineoil.com
Royal Purple Max-Tane Diesel Additive
Specifications: The product is safe to use for vehicles with TPMS sensors.
Website: www.motul.com Red Line Diesel Fuel Catalyst
Description: Royal Purple’s Max-Tane diesel-additive is formulated for year-round use in all types of diesel engines and is compatible with any type or grade of diesel fuel. It is specifically formulated to solve problems with today’s new high-pressure common-rail diesel injection systems and will maximize your truck’s horsepower and improve engine responsiveness.
Applications: Not application specific.
Applications: For vehicles with any type of light, medium and heavy-duty diesel engines.
Specifications: Available in a winterized formula which reduces pour point of typical fuel by up to 25-degrees Fahrenheit.
Specifications: Available in a 0.3L can.
Description: Red Line’s Diesel Fuel Catalyst is designed for use in all diesel engines, as it compensates for the latest low-sulfur fuels. The catalyst promotes better fuel combustion and fuel system lubrication, and also provides faster ignition and reduced detonation and smoke, while improving efficiency. It utilizes powerful high-temperature detergents to clean fuel injectors.
Description: Red Line’s 15W40 Diesel Motor Oil is a fully-synthetic ester formula that provides excellent wear protection and friction reduction across a wide range of operating conditions. The high detergency allows extended drain intervals, and improves fuel economy and ring seal for more power.
Specifications: Completely compatible with other conventional and synthetic motor oils.
Description: Lucas Oil Products has recently introduced a new roadside safety product with its Lucas Tire Inflator, which is a non-flammable tire inflator and sealer that is fit for use in all passenger vehicles to quickly seal punctures and re-inflate a damaged tire. The product provides a temporary solution to a flat tire which can definitely come in handy when way out on a trail, and works quickly to seal the damaged area and inflate air back into the tire.
Applications: Popular for light-duty trucks including Chevrolet Duramax, Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke.
Specifications: Significantly increases Cetane rating of fuel when used as directed.
Lucas Oil’s New Tire Inflator
Applications: For vehicles requiring engine oil standards API SP, ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B.
Website: www.slime.com
Website: www.totalenergies.ca Shell Rotella T Full Synthetic Diesel Oil Description: Shell Rotella’s T6 Full Synthetic Diesel Oil aids your engine in protecting against harmful engine wear and sludge and is compatible with modern exhaust emission control systems. The oil provides protection in even the most extreme of operating temperatures and will immediately improve your fuel economy without compromising protection or durability.
IT’S MORE THAN PROTECTTAILGATEA.IT.
Our strong, lightweight lock never needs to be removed once installed, providing around the clock tailgate theft protection. No need for any vehicle modifications. The McGard Tailgate Lock fits most pickup trucks! IN THE TIME IT TAKES YOU TO READ THIS, YOUR TAILGATE COULD BE STOLEN. To see just how quickly a tailgate can be stolen, scan this QR code with your camera app or go to mcgard.com/tgl YOUR TRUCK’S TAILGATE IS IMPORTANT PROTECT IT WITH THE McGARD TAILGATE LOCK TailgateMcGardLock
Description: The Quartz XTRA engine oil with Eco-Science technology helps remove impurities and protects your engine. It is perfectly suited to meet the requirements of internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrid engine vehicles. The engine oil will help improve engine life and ef ficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Specifications: Available in 0W-20 and 0W-16 viscosities.
TotalEnergies Quartz XTRA Engine Oil
Specifications: Available in 5W40 and 0W-40 viscosities.
Applications: Great for preventing flat tires in: bicycles, dirt bikes, ATVs/UTVs, golf carts, riding lawn mowers, small trailers, tractors, scooters and all other non-highway tires.
Description: Slime® 2-in-1 Tire & Tube Premium Sealant works to prevent and repair flats in all off-highway tires and tubes. Instantly seals up to 1/4-in. punctures in tires and 1/8-in. in tubes. Continuously seals up for up to 2 years. Safe and easy to use.
Applications: For vehicles requiring API CJ-4 synthetic diesel engine oil. Website: www.rotella.shell.com
Slime® 2-in-1 Tire & Tube Sealant
Specifications: Non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable and non-corrosive, making it safe for tires and rims. Environmentally friendly and cleans up with water.
On June 16,2022—the date that marked Ford Motor Co.’s 119th anniversary--the biggest truck manufacturer announced that it was making a century’s worth of its archival materials available to the public. The information, photos and illustrations can be accessed through a new online database the company calls “The Ford Heri tage Vault.”
194 Ford ½-ton Panel Delivery truck.
194 Ford 1-1/2-ton Cab-Over-Engine truck.
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Story by John Gunnell, photos courtesy of Ford How many Canadians believe that Henry Ford invented cars and trucks? That’s a common misconception. Now, the company that created the world’s first motor vehicle assembly line is making its history public knowledge with a free historical database. And because of its leading role in manufacturing trucks, much of the history and historical photos in this unique collection showcase Ford trucks over the years.
Ford created the collection of historic materials in the Heritage Vault (https://fordheritagevault.com) for fans, journalists and old-car hob byists. The online resource makes it easy for fans to discover the company’s rich heritage from anywhere in the world. The search able artifacts are downloadable for personal use. There will be no charge for this service. Ford said it would be the first time for such a resource to be available as part of the American auto industry’s most comprehensive online database. The Ford Heritage Vault contains more than 5,000 curated photos and product brochures from Ford and Lincoln models, spanning the years from the company’s founding in 1903 to its centennial, which was celebrated in 2003. That was the year that Old Cars founder Chet Krause took his 1903 Ford Runabout to Dearborn for the celebration. Ford said it will grow the Heritage Vault over time, drawing from its archives.
Ford Unlocks its Truck History
1951 Ford ½-ton Pickup truck.
Custom
“We’re opening up in a way we’ve never done before,” said Ted Ryan, Ford’s archive and heritage brand manager. “Our archives were established 70 years ago and, for the first time, we’re opening the vault for the public to see.” Ryan also promised, “This is just a first step for all that will come in the future.”
with
body. 190 Ford
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The materials available in the online collection were carefully curated over the past two years by Ford’s archives team. Many of the high-resolution images showcase the design and functionality of Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Others are memorable images that will bring Ford’s heritage to life for fans and car enthusiasts. The materials will also educate newcomers to the Blue Oval brand about the automaker’s long heritage. truck box F-100 Cab Pickup
First year 1957 Ford Ranchero Sedan-Pickup. 1959 Ford C750 Chassis-and-Cab
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“Complementing all of the car and truck photos available in the Ford Heritage Vault, brochures like these add so much more infor mation and impact for people who want to learn about our products, heritage and accessories,” said Ciera Casteel, processing archi vist, who helped prepare materials for the Heritage Vault.
1974 Ford Bronco Sport Utility Vehicle.
1979 Ford F-150 Ranger Pickup with Lariat trim package.191Ford ½-ton Ranger Pickup.
Ford worked with graduate students from Wayne State University’s library and information science program in Detroit, as well as Ford employees and retirees, to pilot the Heritage Vault in advance of its Thelaunch.collection should appeal to casual browsers and dedicated automotive enthusiasts. Early users of the system reported a bet ter appreciation for Ford and its heritage after viewing the site. A Ford employee even remarked that seeing the old photos brought tears to his eyes.
The Website opens to a photo of a Mustang, with a search box. Users can type the year and model vehicle they want to find in formation or photos about. For example, you can put “1957 Ford Ranchero Pickup” in the search box and small photos of the first Ranchero will appear. You can then click the small photos to open a larger one that can be downloaded or dragged onto your computer screen and then dragged into an image file. The images are not supposed to be used for advertising or promotional purposes, but other uses of the photos are free.
Ford Bronco and Ford F-Series were common search items among testers. Trucks Plus has selected 10 examples of photos that can be downloaded from the Heritage Vault. These are what is known as a “factory photo.” Such photos were used to publicize newlyreleased models. Many of the truck images from the early ‘50s on are in colour. But there are plenty of very nice black-and-white truck photos as well.
What’sRV-ingNewinClassBMotorhomes
Story by Howard J Elmer, photos courtesy of the manufacturers T he Class B motorhome, or Camper Van, is rather unique among recreational vehicles. That fact was impressed on me over 20 years ago when I took my then-10-year-old son, Stephen, along with me on a Class B test. I was making notes inside and Stephen was wandering through the van when he stated “Dad, this is a go-somewhere RV – not a stay-somewhere RV - right?”
Winnebago Solis 59P
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Winnebago Solis 59P
I remember looking at him thinking, “out of the mouths of babes.” Yes, Stephen, you were right then and you are still right today – even though you are 30 and we now do video reviews of trucks and RVs together. Steve got it – even at that age. Class Bs are about travel, moving, exploring, seeing what’s over the next rise. Always was and still is; however, today there are more options than ever before to scratch that itch in this segment. The Class B market has been around for many decades – however it originally was based on the ancient low-roof vans that Detroit produced. These required a ton of re-construction by the RV manu facturer and in the end were just not that great. That all changed when Mercedes-Benz brought the Sprinter to North America from Europe. This com mercial van was unlike anything built in Michigan, and the RV industry quickly adopted it as a platform
for its new generation of Class B’s (plus it came with a small diesel engine). Its single greatest advantage was a high roof right from the factory. This alone cut down the amount of upfitting needed to make it a good Class B. That shift in van design more than 15 years ago was the beginning of European vans taking over from what Detroit was offering.
A few years have passed now, and the Sprinter, as it turns out, was just the tip of the iceberg. Today, only GM still offers an “old” style American-designed van and I suspect it too will be gone soon. Ford now has the Transit, MB the Sprinter, and Ram the ProMaster – which is a repurposed Fiat with a Chrysler Pentastar V6 engine. It’s unique in that it’s a front-wheel-drive design that has a low step-in height. This group of vans has not only increased the number of available platforms, it has also spread the price-point. At first, the MB chassis with its diesel engines typical ly cost well north of $100K as a built-out Class B. Now, with the Ford and Ram in the mix with their gas engines, that price can drop into the $80s. So, we have Mercedes to thank for this market transformation, but now we have the Ram and Ford and in the case of Ford they are now also built in America. So, are they really better than the old vans? Yes, in every possible way. And, with an Roadtrek Zion Slumber
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all-electric Ford Transit van arriving just this year, I expect to see some Class B offerings on that chassis shortly.
Coachmen Nova 20RB
Here is a current roundup of just some of the models being offered today. This is just a sampling – but it should get you thinking about the great trips that can come from driving a small RV.
One of the best things about Camper Vans is that they are simply nice to travel in. You have everything you need without the driving anxiety that larger, more cumbersome motorhomes can produce in many drivers. Remember this, too, when you look at the new RV prices, particularly between B’s and larger Class C’s. They can be very close in cost, but they don’t drive the same.
The key to a good Class B is an interior design that is an exer cise in efficient space management. Everything has a secure place and all the space is used – often in very clever ways.
Airstream Interstate 24X Trucks Plus MAGAZINE AUG/SEPT 202242
That was EZ. EZ Liner Bedliner and Industrial Strength Coating 1. Prep 2. Mix 3. Apply, it’s EZ! The toughest bedliner available to protect your hard earned investment. EZ Liner remains dominionsureseal.com | 1-800-265-0790 AVAILABLE AT
Of course, Land Rover continued to build out its line-up of vehicles with Range Rovers, Discoverys and others, and the company launched the latest Defender 110 a couple of years ago. With the old models avail able in both 110 and 90 configurations (referring to the wheelbase in inches), it was no surprise to see the introduction of a new generation of Defender 90 last year. As one might expect, the basic concept of the original has been faithfully carried over to the new one, with all the latest technology blended in. That means that the D90 is a short, tall, two-door SUV just like the original, and just like every other such vehicle ever built, it requires a degree of compromise in the owner. Namely, do you carry two people and a reasonable amount of cargo on that next adventure, or four adults and virtually no cargo, at least within the confines of the D90’s body?
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Story and photos by Gerry Frechette
Worthy Successor
Having said that, the 90 has advantages over the 110 and other long wheelbase SUVs. For example, on urban streets, it is more nimble
Shortly after World War Two, the Land Rover Defender was intro duced as an off-road-capable work vehicle, and it continued in much of its original form until it was discontinued in 2016, after Land Rover had stopped selling it in North America in 1997.
The back seat has plenty of room and is reasonably comfortable, but getting in an out of that space, even with the front seat all the way forward, requires a degree of climbing in and contortion that not all people may be willing to attempt. And behind the seat, which doesn’t slide forward, is a tiny luggage compartment, about a foot deep, fore and aft, into which you will be able to stow a few soft medium-size bags. The rear seat folds down, but not flat, so while you gain some usable space, it isn’t so useful with an inclined load surface. Luckily, the Defender 110 addresses all of these concerns and is much more of a family-useful Land Rover, leaving the 90 as more of a Defender for adventurous singles or couples.
There was certainly no hesitation in power delivery, as our P400 model was equipped with the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six that pumps out 395 horse power. One interesting aspect of it is that it is a mild hybrid with an electric supercharger replacing the starter motor, so it assists the engine with low-end power, and allows a stop-start function. The power goes out through an 8-speed automatic to all wheels, all the time. We managed consumption of 10L/100 km on the highway, and 15 in the city, which is not bad for a heavy, un-sleek vehicle. Also available is a four cylinder, and a V8 for those to whom ‘more than adequate’ power is simply not enough.
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and manoeuvrable, as well as being some 100 kg lighter and a bit less thirsty. That makes the 90 a more viable choice for younger, active city-dwellers who want a capable and stylish vehicle to get out of town in. Heading out on the highway, one might think that a tall, short-wheelbase rig like the 90 might be susceptible to road irregularities, cross winds, and the like, but our tester with optional air suspension and Adaptive Dynamics technology handled in a smooth and composed fashion, like the luxury vehicle it is.
We had no opportunity to take the D90 far off-road, but on a trip to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Toronto, we gave it a go on the rough gravel roads surrounding the property, and it showed how solid a structure it has. Inside the property, there is lots of dirt, mud and grass to drive on, and as expected, there were no issues – the D90 just goes where it is asked to. Choose the appropriate setting in the Terrain Response system (grass/gravel/snow in this case), engage low range on the transfer case, raise the air suspension to allow 11.4-inches of ground clearance, and away you go.
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And then, there is the interior. Call it industrial chic, or utilitarian luxury, but whatever, it is one of the outstanding interiors in the business, with plenty of nods to the Defender’s heritage (exposed screw heads, for example), but all the modern comforts and conveniences you’d expect.
The X-Dynamic model includes what Land Rover calls Robustec interior surfaces, which are durable and easily cleaned. They are combined with grained leather on the seat edges. There are lots of interior storage bins and areas, including a handy one along the top of the dashboard, and a large space under the console. The seats in our tester were 8-way power adjustable plus lumbar, and it was easy to find a comfortable driving position. The optional Merid ian Audio system was an aural treat. One must say that some of the controls, both through the 11.4-inch touchscreen or elsewhere on the dashboard and steering wheel, were a bit difficult to figure out the first time or two using them. But that is the normal Land Rover situation these days, it seems; they go about such things their own way. So how much is it? Well, Land Rover is obviously positioning the D90 to be the most expensive two-door short-wheelbase SUV, as the least you can pay for the base four-cylinder is $69,000. For the model we tested, it starts at $82,750, and with options like the Explorer Package (one of a few packages of grouped options, this one including high air intake, wheel arch protection, mud flaps, and waterproof exterior gear carrier) that cost $6,130 in the spring of this year, plus the Tow ing Package ($2,270), Air Suspension Package ($1,620, maybe the best value of all) and numerous other bits and pieces like black paint on the roof, the bottom line quickly gets up into six figures. The list of available options is mind-numbing. So, you won’t see yourself coming and going in a Defender 90 like you would in one of those other two-door SUVs. For some, the ex clusivity is enough reason to pay that much. But you’re also getting a capable and luxurious vehicle that is a worthy successor to the original Defender 90.
The Future Overlandingof
2023 Ineos Grenadier Makes Canadian Debut
Story and photos by Dan Heyman
For those looking for an off-road driving experience that goes back to the roots, the Ineos Grenadier is a fresh take on the genre - even if it doesn’t necessarily look it. Before we go any further regarding the Ineos’ take on the Land Rover Defender, it’s worth noting that Ineos Automotive Execu tive Vice President of the Americas Greg Clark is very aware that there is already a new Defender, built by the folks who built the original Defender.
That’s why in certain trims, you get three locking Eaton differentials, why you can wade in water over 30 inches deep (which, admittedly, is actually a little shallower than what the current Defender is capable of), has beefy suspension and axles, off-road tires (the show car wore BF Goodrich T/A rubber) and comes with a turbo six-cylinder BMW engine good for 282 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque as your only choice in North America – which is interesting as there was a time when BMW supplied engines to actual Land Rover models. Other markets get a diesel and Ineos is currently working
And so, the Grenadier was born – it looks more like an old Defender than the new Defender does, because it’s meant to do those kinds of duties. It’s meant to go on fishing trips or safari (the doors are crafted from aluminium but the hood is steel, to bet ter support the weight of a human on safari, among other things) and to allow very little to get in its way.
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He’ll be the first to tell you, though, that even though the Grena dier’s styling is an obvious allusion and Ineos Chairman and CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a seasoned Land Rover owner and driver, it doesn’t really matter. “By (Land Rover’s own admission), the Defender was moving in the direction of modern luxury,” Clark says. “We found that there’s a common group of customers who feel either the 4Run ner, Wrangler or Bronco aren’t for them. So what’s the choice for a pragmatic, rugged vehicle?”
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Founders Roy Lord and Ed Coates, the “Lord” and “Co” in Lordco Auto Parts, opened the door to our first location in 1974, in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. From our humble 900-square-foot beginning, we have grown to become Canada’s largest privately held automotive parts distributor and Western Canada’s largest distributor and retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories, with 85 stores, nine including Truck Centres, and seven centralized distribution centres, two of which are specific to Hi Performance and Truck Centre parts. Our delivery fleet of over 500 vehicles ensures that the quality products we offer are delivered to wholesale customers and retail stores quickly. Our 31,000-square-foot flagship location in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, features our new, modern retail store design concept, including a dedicated Truck Centre and power tool walls that allow our customers to handle products freely before deciding to buy. After over 45 years in business, we are growing faster than ever and have established a presence in Alberta, Canada, with even more locations in development. Lordco Auto Parts is looking forward to what the future has in store. It’s going to be a great ride!
Scheduled to open in early 2022, the magnificent 377,000 square foot facility is located in Port Coquitlam, BC. The purpose built space and prime location will offer strategic advantages to both Lordco and its customers.
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While the Grenadier is pretty much a spitting image of the old De fender (the headlight, taillight and grille shapes are different, but the profile is a spot-on facsimile) it doesn’t have many of the caveats those old trucks did. The Recaro seats are comfortable and there’s actually head- and legroom both front and back (there is no third-row
The more you talk to Ineos, the more it becomes clear that the Grenadier is a very specialized vehicle, and one they think will really be able to buck the trend we’re seeing today in cars and light trucks, a trend that is all about electrification, autonomy and so on. Not that the Grenadier is a fully low-tech vehicle, however. It may not have air-ride suspension, but it does have a fully-functioning infotainment system of its own as well as support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – even the $200,000-plus Lucid Air can’t make that claim for the time being. Further still, not only does the Grenadier support those apps, it doesn’t even have its own native navigation system. You need a smartphone for that.
“There is a customer that for what they want (a Grenadier for), is they want to have the stability and the certainty of being able to fill it up in three-and-a-half minutes at the gas station, or by pouring jerrycans into the tank,” he said. “That is where I think the use case is a little bit different (from the Bollinger).”
on both electrified and hydrogen power. It comes paired with a ZF eight-speed auto and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Right – about the electrification thing. These days, it’s more of a surprise when a new vehicle – especially from a start-up like this – doesn’t come with electric power at launch. Think Bollinger, or Lucid, or Rivian. According to Clark, though, that flies in the face of the Grenadier’s MO.
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option), the controls are well laid out on the massive central stack, and a roof panel handles all your auxiliary and four-wheel-drive control switches. Ineos is already planning a comprehensive set of customization bits such as storage bins, ladders, spotlights and so on. Further to that, according to Ineos, there are already third-party upfitters that are making plans for the Grenadier.
Speaking of making plans for the Grenadier: they must be on to something as it seems many are already making plans to acquire one. The Canadian launch event we attended was also open to prospective customers that have put down deposits, even though we won’t be seeing these until the Summer of 2023. During our time alone, three separate attendees strolled up to Clark saying “I’m going to buy one.” It seems the 35,000 units Ineos is able to produce annually out of its single production facility in Hambach, France – a former Mercedes-Benz facility – are going to be snapped up fairly quickly. Right now, however, a North American distribution network has not yet been finalized although Ineos does not plan on a Teslastyle direct-to-buyer system. They will be sold out of franchised dealer network that piggybacks current dealership networks – they just don’t know which ones yet. BMW seems the obvious choice considering the powertrain, but it’s not so simple with Ineos citing potential warranty issues and the fact that BMW has a very specific customer experience mandate for each one of its three brands. Could a rugged off-road truck find a place there? That’s the first issue; the second issue is pricing, in that North American pricing won’t be announced until early ‘23. It starts at about 50,000 GBP in the UK, and Clark is adamant that you’d be hard pressed to spec your Grenadier to reach the $100,000 level in EitherCanada.way, with the Grenadier, the future of overlanding and offroading is set for an interesting twist.
The F-150 Tremor proved to be the perfect rig to take down to the returning BCOR!
the event at the wheel of one of Ford’s newest off-road oriented pickups – a 2022 F-150 Tremor. We quickly equipped the truck with a full size roof-top tent mounted on truck bed load bars, and headed up the Coquihalla to B.C.’s stunning Nicola Valley to see what BCOR had to offer. Events may have been on hiatus in the last couple of years but new vehicles and products haven’t stopped appearing. The Tremor pack age is a recent addition to Ford’s truck lineup, and appears in both the Super Duty and Ranger lines, and most recently on the F-150 (in SuperCrew cab configuration only.) For those of us who would rather not spend the extra bucks on a Raptor, it’s a well-equipped choice in the ever-popular off-road truck segment. But what if you want your truck to do two jobs well – one by weekday, the other by weekend? There are few concessions on this platform, thanks to the well-known versatility of the F-150. With weekday fea tures like a built-in desk, managed power and inverter system, highly adjustable heated and ventilated seats, and a tuned but fuel-con scious 3.5L turbocharged V6, it’s already entrenched as Canada’s favourite pickup – commuting, hauling or towing. And after a hard
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B.C. Overland Rally
For the first time since 2019, the B.C. Overland Rally returned to everyone’s summer schedule. After an unwelcomed hiatus, BCOR resumed with a huge show of support from vendors, sponsors and enthusiasts alike. Now hosted at the Merritt Festival Grounds, the event spanned three full days in June and brought together over 600 off-roaders and dozens of businesses, and has become Western Canada’s largest off-road and overland show. We joined
Story and photos by Spencer Whitney
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BCOR, the Canadian entry in Overland Adventure Rallies’ series of events, is a three-day celebration of everything to do with overland and off-road. While some hardcore overlanders might scoff at the idea of gathering with hundreds of other people just outside a major town, there’s benefit to attending. Firstly, the classes, seminars and hands-on training at BCOR are second to none. Want to learn how to use your new winch? Maybe you just bought a new rig and need to find its limits in a controlled environment? Or perhaps you’re looking for a new camping setup – all of it can be found at BCOR. It’s also a great place to make friends, chat with like-minded enthusiasts, or just sit around and relax. We certainly noticed a proliferation of off-road trailers and truck bed campers at BCOR. With the popularity of overland travel, many people are finding that roof-top tents are suitable for the average two-night camping trip, but don’t quite cut it for extended touring. Companies like Four Wheel Campers blazed the trail (and remain a popular choice today) but the consumer is spoiled for choice here, with all kinds of pop-up, rigid composite, and tough-built truck camp w Luxury Tent at the Push of a Button! credit: www.codymcgowan.ca
week’s work, you can hit the back roads equipped with a full suite of off-road technology. The Tremor package simply adds more usability right out of the gate, along with distinct visual appeal. Standard on the Tremor pack is a locking rear differential, limited-slip front, and skid plates. It stays close to Raptor territory with tuned suspension that is said to provide about two inches of lift and an extra inch of wheel travel, when compared to the usual FX4 package. Stance is also wider than a standard F-150 by about an inch, and the truck sits on standard General Grabber all-terrain tires measuring in at 33-inches tall, wrapped around Tremor-exclusive wheels. On the rest of the exterior, you’ll find Tremor graphics and a subtle coloured line through the grille. Overall, the truck gives off a foreboding appearance without making the same statement a Raptor would parked in your driveway. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if cruising the twisty forestry roads of Western Canada in a widebody Baja-ish truck just doesn’t make sense to you.
photo
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Finally, disappoint ment – as the road de scended toward what we thought might be a way out, the creek widened, and in the heavy rainfall it must have become a roaring torrent that decided the road had to go – about 200m of gravel and dirt track had been washed downriver with no clear way to pass through. Even the most wellequipped rigs can’t ar gue with the raw power of mother Unfortunately,nature.this is probably the same story for most of south western B.C., and as more people get out exploring this summer, they’re likely to find their favourite routes have been cut off or damaged to the point of becoming proper offroad trails. Fortunately, a truck like the F-150 Tremor can keep up with purpose-built 4x4s and remains just as ready for your next weekday commute.
WeatherTech’s NoDrill MudFlaps are laser-measured for a perfect fit, and mount in minutes without the need for wheel or tire removal and, most importantly, no need for drilling into your vehicle’s painted metal surface. The flaps are contoured specifically for each applica tion and molded from a proprietary thermoplastic resin. Many of the MudFlaps feature the patented QuickTurn hardened stainless steel fastening system, while other applications come with the supplied hardware. They are available for a wide array of vehicles, visit the website for complete listings. For more information please go to www.weathertech.ca
Holley Classic Trucks’ new Black Door Panels for 1977-1980 C/K Series GM trucks are made with high-quality, injection-molded ABS using original patterns and designs that are meant to give you a factory appearance. The panels easily attach using the fac tory mounting points and are each made with precise tooling for excellent fit and finish. The panels are meant for trucks with manual locks and windows. For more information please go to www.holley.com
Sinister Diesel’s Pitbull Series Turbochargers are now available for the 2011-2016 Chev rolet or GMC 6.6L Du ramax engine and is the ideal upgrade for your stock setup. The Sinister Diesel turbo keeps the factory VGT and OE-style mount ing, allowing it to be a simple drop-in turbo with the potential for a big boost in power. The turbo maintains low-end response for daily driving but will still be capable of handling up to 650 horsepower. The Pitbull Series features a 64mm billet compressor wheel, mixed flow turbine and up to 80 lb/min of airflow. For more information please go to www.sinisterdiesel.com
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Sinister Diesel Pitbull Series Turbocharger for GM Duramax .L
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TECH: NEW PRODUCTS GEARING UP
For more information please go to www.bakindustries.com
Bak’s All-New Revolver X4s BAK’s Revolver X4s has new features, including matte black alumi num underbody, integrated safety slat caps, rear corner caps, and more. Other Revolver X4s features include industrial-grade vinyl and matte-finished seals and side rail extrusions. It is a bed cover engineered for real-world durability with a modern, stylish appearance. It has top-to-bottom, matte-black finishes to every aspect of the truck bed cover paired with one-of-a-kind details that set it above the rest. It is a premium option that offers dependable bed protection when cover is closed, and complete bed access when opened. It is available for a wide variety of late-model pickups.
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For more
Warrior Jeep Gladiator JT Bed Rack
Warrior’s latest aftermarket release for the 2019-2022 Jeep Gladia tor JT is the Platform Bed Rack. Always 100-percent U.S.-made, this rack features a one-piece welded platform offering unprecedented strength and functionality. The heavy-duty modular rack system is low profile and easy to install using the existing bed rail tracks. The versatility and ease of installation make the rack system ideal for both a permanent, or easily removable installation. The rack is ideal for roof top tents and compatible with most universal style mounts. The platform is also compatible with Warrior’s vast line of Foraccessories.moreinformation please go to www.warriorproducts.com Trucks
Air Design USA 2019-2020 Ranger Full Styling Kit with Front Skid Plate Air Design’s styling kits not only provide aggressive off-road flair to your truck’s exterior but provide it with functional protection as well. The kits are all application-specific and offer OEM-quality fit and a Satin Black finish that can be left as is or painted to match. The kits include fender flare extensions, hood scoop, tailgate spoiler, tailgate applique, fender vents, door rocker panels, skid plate and floor liners. Drilling is only required for the fender vents while the rest attach utilizing urethane adhesive.
For more information please go to www.airdesignusa.com
MagnaFlow Overland Series Cat-Back Exhaust System for Ford Ranger MagnaFlow’s Ford Ranger Overland Series Performance exhaust system is for 2019-2022 Ford Ranger models equipped with the 2.3L inline-four engine option. It improves off-road capability thanks to its undercarriage-hugging design and tip less exit that helps improve ground clearance and departure angles. The system features 3-in. diameter, mandrel-bent main piping that passes through a straightthrough offset/offset same-side muffler that exits on the rear of the passenger side. The system completely replaces the truck’s stock system and provides MagnaFlow’s signature sound and proven performance increases.
ICON Alloys Now Offering Wheels for 2022 Toyota Tundra ICON Alloys has re cently announced it will now be offering compatible wheel fitments for the 2022 Toyota Tundra in five wheel designs in cluding the Rebound Pro, vehicledimensionsapplication-specific18-in.signsCompressionthe17-in.willoutall-newthatferThetheThrust,Compression,Vector6andclassicRebound.wheelseachofauniquedesignwillhelpyourTundrastandfromtherestandbeavailableinOptions,withReboundanddealsoofferingoptions.Theoptimizedynamicsand tire clearance and are engineered to reduce unsprung weight and rotating mass for increased vehicle perfor mance both on and off-road. information please go to www.iconvehicledynamics.com
For more information please go to www.magnaflow.com
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!
It’s bad now, but it can get worse very quickly. Was the ocean thirsty? What on earth was he doing in the bush? We can’t see it, but you’d have to think getting out on the other side of the truck would be easier.
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Isn’t this what the Raptor is built for? Trucks Plus
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It looks so lonely out there.
