The F Series line of pickups from Ford have stood the test of time.  I myself have owned two different ones, a 97 F150 and an 04 F150, both of which I was very happy with.  Dependability, performance, even a little luxury, but maybe they weren't quite as rugged as I would have liked.  That's why Ford offers Super Duty F Series options, for those who really need to beat up their trucks.

The redesigned 2011 Super Duty will over 2 different engine configurations.  The gasoline V8 will be a whopping 6.2 liters, while the diesel version will be a 6.7 turbo charged v8.  Either one sounds like they won't have any trouble pulling whatever you might be able to hook up to.  Also, thanks to Ford's relentless pursuit of efficiency, just because you need a big dog doesn't mean it will eat like one.  Ford claims that the new Diesel 2011 Super Duty will be the best-in-class for fuel economy.

2011 Ford Super Duty

The reviews are in for Suzuki's new small truck offering, the Suzuki Equator.  For all intents and purposes the Equator is a carbon copy of the Frontier, with a few small offerings that make it a Suzuki.  Furthermore the Suzuki Equator holds it's own in terms of ruggedness and dependability with the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota, so why choose the Equator?

Options may be what sets the Equator apart from the rest of the small truck pack.  For example, most tests are performed on the top of the line Equator RMZ-4, which comes packing 261 horsepower paired with a 5 speed automatic.  Obviously this type of setup will over power the more common 4 cylinder Ranger or weak v6 Dakota.  Hell, this RMZ-4 option setup offers towing for up to 6,000 lbs.

Once you start removing all the bells and whistles and start looking at a more modestly equipped Equator then the playing field becomes more even.  Most industry experts like the Equator, but be careful with the options because the price tag can easily sore to over $30,000, which seems like a lot for this old soul for a small size pickup.

Suzuki Equator

Green Motorcycles

Recently there was a post in the The-Grayline.com automotive forum stating that motorcycles pollute more than trucks and SUVs.  The thread starter claims that the typical motorcycle will emit 10 times more pollutants compared to a passenver car, light truck, or SUV.  Personally, I find it hard to believe, but is there any truth to the inefficiency of motorcycles.

California has already taken steps to to make sure all motorcycles on the road are meeting or exceeding emission standards.  However, these standards are different than passenger vehicles and may reflect a lower requirement.  In February of 2009 California issued legislature to require maintenance and smog check checks every year for motorcycles.

An argument more fitting to the emissions of motorcycles is, don't we have bigger fish to fry?  I mean, motorcycles are typically driven only a few months out of the year, compared to passenger cars that are driven year round.  So, focusing on such a small percentage of the actual problem shouldn't we work on broader strokes?  Even more to the point, if it's a single person getting from A-B isn't it more efficient to drive a motorcycle than a 4 passenger vehicle?

Comparing an SUV with a Truck many will say is like comparing an apple to an orange. Is a SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) considered a truck? Or better yet is a truck a Sports Utility Vehicle?  To figure that out we need to define what a truck really is. Can the two be separated into two different categories? Like this: a truck has an open back bed and the SUV is a heavier sporty van.

Truck owners will say that a truck is a pickup in which you can carry 4'x8' sheets plus. The SUV owner has this to say: a SUV is a passenger vehicle which can combine the towing capacity and strength of a pickup truck with the passenger-carrying space of a minivan meshed with on or off road capability.

With today’s gas prices there are quite a few Trucks and SUVs for sale countrywide. The following are important facts to consider when looking for new or used trucks and SUVs.

Drive/Tranny: Most trucks come with either manual and automatic transmissions as well as two- and four-wheel drive---SUVs also have both transmission options however most SUV’s are 4x4s

Size: Trucks fall into the compact or full-size category, although there are a couple considered mid-size---SUVs come built on either truck or car chassis.

Safety: Most trucks offer such safety equipment as front air-bags and seat-belts for each passenger---SUVs come with the same.

Passenger Capacity: Trucks have 3 body styles. 1) Regular cab has 2 doors and seats 2-3 comfortably. 2) Extended cab mainly adds extra storage space behind the front seats. 3) Full sized Crew cab version can seat 3 additional passengers with 4 doors---SUVs offer full seating in the front for 2 and 3 in the real with 4 side doors.

Versatility of Interior Seating: Most trucks with crew cabs offer the ability to either fold the entire rear seat up or at least one half---most SUVs have fold down seats too or the rear seats can be taken out too.
Towing Ability: This all depends on the size of the truck and its engine---SUVs can also be used for towing, the weight varies with engine size.

Operating Costs: A compact truck is relatively fuel-efficient and fairly cheap to insure however as you add size and cylinders so will the cost of insurance as is the addition of four-wheel drive to any trucks---SUVs are higher to insure them trucks.

Fuel efficiency: This again depends on the engine and body size of the truck—SUVs can be slightly more gas-thirsty, especially if they’re towing.

When buying a used Truck or SUV the only consideration has to be given to the purpose of the vehicle. With other words the construction worker would probably get better use out of a pick-up truck and the SUV would deliver a slightly sportier experience.

Roll Pan

It's been awhile since I've been interested in modifying a truck, but as of late I've been focusing on some cosmetic kits to customize my truck.  One of the most common modifications is a truck roll pan.  A roll pan is a replacement for a bumper that essentially deletes the bumper and makes it look like a rounded bottom to the back of the truck.

A roll pan makes a truck look very clean and often will hide the trailer hitch.  A common practice is to hide the trailer hitch behind the license plate, which is mounted to the back of the truck roll pan.  The only downside is that the cleaner and smoother apperance isn't as functional as a rear bumper.

The stock rear bumper of a truck is more function than form.  Not only does it serve as a step for access to the truck bed, but it also provides protection in the case of an accident.  Most bumpers are designed for five mile an hour impacts, but will deflect damage and impact at higher speeds.  The most typical experience with impact bumpers are on parking lots where there are slower speeds.  The rear bumper will protect the body of the truck in case of a small bump from another car.  If you have a roll pan, there is more likely a chance to damage the paint and rear body work.

Most roll pans come unpainted, so that they can be better matched to your vehicles paint color.  This adds another cost to the purchase of a roll pan, but is required.  So keep that in mind when ordering your next body piece, the cost of painting can sometimes eclipse the price of the part itself.

Looking to topple the Ford Ranger off the leader spot for small size truck, the 09 Suzuki Equater rolls like a Frontier.  The 09 Equater is a small truck setting on a Nissan frame and suspension components.  Other than badging and a few small differences, if you've driven a Nissan Frontier, you've driven a Suzuki Equator.

Nothing really to get excited about here, other than for the Suzuki ATV fanboys that want to pull their gear coordinated haulers.  The idea is that the customer base that buys all of Suzuki's motorcycles, ATV's, etc will want to pull those toys with a Suzuki branded truck as well.  So enters the Suzuki Equator.

In an economy that is struggling to sell new full size pick up trucks for $10,000, the entry level package for the Equator has me confused.  Atlthough there is plenty of standard equipment to keep buyers happy, the $33,000+ basic 09 Equator is a little intimmidating.  I think I'll pass and spend my money on their toys, rather than their pickups.

What's the point of having a big jacked up vehicle if you can't enjoy a little off road trail riding?    I'm always amazed when I see a lifted 2WD truck, with monster tires, huge lift kit, but wouldn't make it 10 ft off the pavement.  What's the point?  I guess if your goal is to get lower gas mileage, wasting money on offroad mods for an onroad truck is ok.

But what about the rest of us, looking to spread our wings, and hit the biggest offroad trails in the US?  I've been doing some searching on YouTube for what would be the best offroad trails to hit and generally it looks like self made local trails are the most fun.  Of course, if you've got a big enough vehicle the world is your trail, just make sure you obey all the trespassing laws.

This is damn near someone's monster truck being taken onto an offroad trail, obviously showing off for the spectators.  I would hate to think how much money this guy has loaded into this old Chevy.

Truck tires vary greatly in size, shape, and grip depending on what purpose you use your truck for.  The same truck tire that would be equipped for towing would not necessarily be the best choice truck tire if you plan on doing off road driving.  This article will help cover the differences in truck tires when buying a new site for your vehicle.

Truck Tire Ratings

The first difference between truck tires is the type of truck you intend on mounting them to.  A light truck, like a Ford Ranger, will have a different tire than say an SUV will.  Not to mention each OEM rim will require different sizes, but the composition of the tire will actually be different as well.

Codes help to determine what type of tire should be matched with what vehicle.  For example, a light truck tire will have an 'LT' imprinted into the tire code on the tire.  Along with denoting what type of tire classification a truck tire will also include a number code indicating the width of the tire, tread depth, construction type, and load range.  The load range is typically accompanied by PSI ratings, which change depending on how much weight is hauled.

Tires for Safety

Having the proper tires on the vehicle can make all the difference, safety wise, if evasive action is required.  Luckily, in the US, there are organizations that monitor and rate tires based on their recommended speed and use.  The DOT (Department of Transportation) and the NHTSA (National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration) are both companies that help regulate what kind of tires are allowed on public roads and what type of tire is recommended for your truck.

After selecting the proper truck tire it's also important to perform routine maintenance on your tires.  For example, having the recommended inflation pressure can keep the tire operating at it's peak performance level.  Furthermore, having the proper tread level on a used tire can insure that your truck maintains it's proper braking and steering functions.

To test if the tread on a tire is sufficient, place a US Penny upside down into the grove of the tread.  If part of Lincoln's head is below the grove level, then you are driving on sufficient tread for typical on road driving applications.  However, if all of Lincoln's head is exposed, then it's time to replace those truck tires.  Large grove treads, typical on off road truck tires, will typically wear down much faster during high way driving.  Keep an eye on your tread levels, especially if you live in an area prone to bad weather.

Tread Wear

Tread wear is the most important factor when deciding on a proper truck tire.  Buying a truck tire based on looks alone, without consideration for tread wear, could result in a very short life span for the tire.  However, there are ways to prevent premature tire wear on a truck or any vehicle.

Proper inflation will insure that the tire always has the maximum amount of tread on the road, to prevent uneven wearing.  Having a wheel alignment will also help keep even wear, as opposed to noticing lower tread on the outside or inside of the tire.  TKPH is a measurement used to gauge the work load of tires or also known as TMPH in the United States.  Making sure your tire has the proper TMPH measurement, matched to the work being done like hauling heavy loads, will insure that your tire wears as designed.

Conclusion

Remember, safety first when selecting a new truck tire.  Buying a tire based on it's meatiness or looks underneath your truck should be a small consideration when buying tires.  Safety for yourself and others on the road should rely on you making an informed decision, based on what type of vehicle you drive, where you will be driving, and if you will be hauling any heavy loads.

Used truck prices can very a lot, just like any vehicle, depending on which part of the country you live in. For some reason, in the Midwest I've found that used truck prices are extremely high and damn near equal the same as a new truck. A domestic used truck price will usually hold it's value, as long as it's taken care of, free of rust, and has a strong motor.

Normal wear and tear doesn't bother potential used truck buyers, because they are buying a truck for a purpose, not a luxury. Having a used truck for sale with general wear and tear, like scratches, and dents just adds character to a dependable investment. As mentioned, buying a used truck for a purpose means that the truck will be used for work and be more susceptible to these imperfections by the new owner anyway.

Small pick up trucks experience a little bit more depreciation on the market when comparing used truck prices.  This is due to the fact that a typical small truck will not have the durability or longevity of a heavy duty full size pickup truck.  Furthermore the uses for a full size pickup far outweigh what can be done with a small size, like a Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado.

New Truck Buyers

The good news for those looking to buy a brand new pick up truck is that you could expect the resale value to hold.  The less depreciation you expect when driving off the lot, the better and the more likely you will be able to resell in a few years and recoop some of the original buying price.  There is always a market for used trucks that are priced right, because you just can't haul a mattress or tow a trailer with a gas saving small car.  Everyone needs a friend with a truck to help them move...right?

Used Trucks on eBay

Dodge Dakota 1993 Dodge Dakota Used Pickup Truck FL    US $810.00

Chevrolet C K Pickup 3500 dump used red dumpbed truck    US $810.00

GMC 1988 GMC Cargo Truck Used    US $1,000.00

Enthusiasts drive the automotive industry and making a truck look good requires a few necessary items.  Customizing a truck can be tricky, when getting started, but one thing that you must have are either running boards or nerf bars.  I personally enjoy the looks and function of nerf bars far more than running boards and typically a nerf bar will be more fitting on a 4x4 truck and hold up better when going off road.

Nerf bars are the round metal bars that you see along the bottom of a truck, generally the same length as the doors.  They provide function, by allowing a step for people to use when entering tall trucks or to be used simply for convenience and comfort.  To some extent a nerf bar will also protect the bottom of the doors or floor board in the case you were to bottom out.

As far as style, there are plenty of different flavors of nerf bars to choose from and just as many manufacturers and quality difference.  In past trucks owned I always went with the painted black nerf bars, because frankly the chrome or aluminum ones were just a little too flashy for me.  Nerf bars also vary in price, from as little as $180 up to $1,100, length can have a great impact on the price of nerf bars.  Therefore having 4 doors on a truck will increase the price of a nerf bar, so dont' get shocked when you start shopping and see all the differences.

03 04 05 06 07 08 H2 HUMMER NERF BARS STEP BARS CHROME    US $119.00

Heavy Chrome nerf bars chevy extended cab see desc    US $.99

OEM Ford Ranger Step Nerf bar mounts    US $.99