Should You Install Running Boards on Your Truck?

Adding running boards to your ride is an excellent way to increase the style of your vehicle, as well as providing a bit of assistance when getting into and out of the cab. Running boards are available for trucks, as well as SUVs, of all varieties. How do you know if you are making the right choice? You will find quite a few considerations that need to be made prior to purchasing a set of running boards for your ride.

Pick Your Poison!

Your first decision comes early on in the buying process. You will find two basic types of running boards - plastic boards with metal mounting brackets and plastic boards mounted to an aluminum chassis, or frame. Therefore, your first decision is which type you want for your truck. Here are a few pros and cons to each.

Molded Plastic - Molded plastic running boards are the most affordable solution out there. However, you will find that their maximum weight load is quite low; in fact, some of these are little more than decoration. Of course, if your truck is low enough to the ground that you don't need that extra step, then these can be viable solutions to your need.

Metal Chassis - Molded plastic boards mounted on a metal chassis offer much more strength and durability than do their plastic only counterparts. However, you will find that these are often quite a bit more expensive.



Find Your Fit

Not all boards fit all vehicles. Therefore, if you have a Ford F-250, you will need to find a set of running boards custom made to fit the vehicle. This ensures that the running boards mount correctly and that they conform to the dimensions of the vehicle. You will find a wide range of manufacturers that create custom running boards to fit Dodge, Chevy, Ford, GMC, Toyota and other truck brands.

Mounting Hardware

As with most other types of truck accessories, the type of mounting hardware used is of great concern. You will find some brands out there that utilize galvanized steel mounting hardware. However, you should consider purchasing a brand that uses stainless steel hardware. Galvanized steel hardware is durable, but after a couple of years out in the weather, it will begin to show signs of corrosion. Stainless steel lasts much longer and is therefore a better investment.

Can You Install Them?

The final question that you must ask yourself concerning any set of boards is whether or not you can install them on your own. Some will require that you remove the mudguards in order to install the boards, while other types stop short of the mudguards. Some brands can be successfully installed with the vehicle resting on the ground, while others will require that you put it on a vehicle lift. Professional installation is a great option, but it will certainly increase the cost of your boards and should be taken into consideration.



A Note Concerning UV Resistance

Running boards are made of high quality plastic. However, while the plastic is certainly durable, UV light can cause damage quite easily. You should ensure that the set you purchase is UV resistant, sometimes denoted as UV stable. This will help make sure that your running boards look great and hold up under real use for a longer period.



Slip Resistant Pads

One final concern should be the presence of slip resistant pads mounted to the running boards. These should be located directly below the doors and provide a bit of assurance against slipping on the plastic surface when it is wet.

Visit : motorcycle av Auto Parts Polk Audio Automotive Oil&Fluids

Should You Install Running Boards on Your Truck?

Adding running boards to your ride is an excellent way to increase the style of your vehicle, as well as providing a bit of assistance when getting into and out of the cab. Running boards are available for trucks, as well as SUVs, of all varieties. How do you know if you are making the right choice? You will find quite a few considerations that need to be made prior to purchasing a set of running boards for your ride.

Pick Your Poison!

Your first decision comes early on in the buying process. You will find two basic types of running boards - plastic boards with metal mounting brackets and plastic boards mounted to an aluminum chassis, or frame. Therefore, your first decision is which type you want for your truck. Here are a few pros and cons to each.

Molded Plastic - Molded plastic running boards are the most affordable solution out there. However, you will find that their maximum weight load is quite low; in fact, some of these are little more than decoration. Of course, if your truck is low enough to the ground that you don't need that extra step, then these can be viable solutions to your need.

Metal Chassis - Molded plastic boards mounted on a metal chassis offer much more strength and durability than do their plastic only counterparts. However, you will find that these are often quite a bit more expensive.



Find Your Fit

Not all boards fit all vehicles. Therefore, if you have a Ford F-250, you will need to find a set of running boards custom made to fit the vehicle. This ensures that the running boards mount correctly and that they conform to the dimensions of the vehicle. You will find a wide range of manufacturers that create custom running boards to fit Dodge, Chevy, Ford, GMC, Toyota and other truck brands.

Mounting Hardware

As with most other types of truck accessories, the type of mounting hardware used is of great concern. You will find some brands out there that utilize galvanized steel mounting hardware. However, you should consider purchasing a brand that uses stainless steel hardware. Galvanized steel hardware is durable, but after a couple of years out in the weather, it will begin to show signs of corrosion. Stainless steel lasts much longer and is therefore a better investment.

Can You Install Them?

The final question that you must ask yourself concerning any set of boards is whether or not you can install them on your own. Some will require that you remove the mudguards in order to install the boards, while other types stop short of the mudguards. Some brands can be successfully installed with the vehicle resting on the ground, while others will require that you put it on a vehicle lift. Professional installation is a great option, but it will certainly increase the cost of your boards and should be taken into consideration.



A Note Concerning UV Resistance

Running boards are made of high quality plastic. However, while the plastic is certainly durable, UV light can cause damage quite easily. You should ensure that the set you purchase is UV resistant, sometimes denoted as UV stable. This will help make sure that your running boards look great and hold up under real use for a longer period.



Slip Resistant Pads

One final concern should be the presence of slip resistant pads mounted to the running boards. These should be located directly below the doors and provide a bit of assurance against slipping on the plastic surface when it is wet.

Visit : motorcycle av Auto Parts Polk Audio Automotive Oil&Fluids

How Can I Get Better Gas Mileage For My Truck?

Prices of fuel continue to rise. Many truck owners feel the pressure each time they fill in their tanks. The common questions that they ask is "How can I get better gas mileage for my truck?"

In this article, you will explore ways to get better gas mileage with trucks such as Dodge Hemi and Dodge Dakota.

Are your tires properly inflated? Do you know that under-inflated tires can decrease your driving speed but improve gas mileage? A study indicates that the average pressure of car tires is 80% of the recommended level. So, when your tires are under-inflated, you lose 0.5% of your mileage for every PSI. This maybe a small percentage but when it adds up, you will see the big difference. Usually for 32 PSI of pressure, a vehicle can go as far as 22 miles per gallon. In a year, you will drive about 12,000 miles. If your tires are low in pressure, you will pay for an extra of 20 gallons of gas a year. Always ensure that your tires are properly inflated.



Do you exceed the speed limit? Studies show that if you don't keep to the speed limit, it will cause bad gas mileage. They reveal that better gas mileage can be achieved if you drive less than 60 miles per hour. Usually your car will record its best speed for better gas mileage but the 60 miles per hour is a good indicator for your engine to consume less fuel. In figures, if you drive at more that 60 miles per hour, for every 5 miles per hour, you are paying about 20 cents more per gallon depending on the current price of the fuel.



You can install fuel economy devices or use oil addictive for your engines. However, the FTC warns many truck owners not to be conned with the outrageous claims that the retailers or the manufacturers make for their gas addictive or gasoline saving devices. You can check with friends to determine the fuel efficiency of these gadgets or addictive before you decide to buy any of them.



Going to the Internet to search for low prices of gasoline is another method where you can improve gas mileage. Some of the web sites offer calculator for you to calculate the savings that you can enjoy. With the online services, you can locate which gas station offers the lowest price. Most of the times, their information are up-to-date. You can save a lot of money if you travel a lot with your truck. Truly, these online tools can help thrifty drivers like you to buy the lowest possible price of gas.



How often do you maintain your vehicle? A properly maintained truck does make a lot of difference when it comes to fuel efficiency. If you get your truck tuned up correctly, you can get up to 4% improved gas mileage. A truck with serious problem can cost as high as 40% on fuel expenses. Always examine the air filters. They should be replaced on a regular basis. Dirty air filters increase the fuel consumption and the chances of engine damage. A clean air filter can increase the driving distance by up to 10%.

So now you have some of the answers to "How can I get better gas mileage for my truck". Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and always maintain your truck by changing the air filters, tuning the engine and changing the engine oil. Driving below 60 miles per hour can increase your driving distance.

Related : motorcycle av motorcycle-atv

How Can I Get Better Gas Mileage For My Truck?

Prices of fuel continue to rise. Many truck owners feel the pressure each time they fill in their tanks. The common questions that they ask is "How can I get better gas mileage for my truck?"

In this article, you will explore ways to get better gas mileage with trucks such as Dodge Hemi and Dodge Dakota.

Are your tires properly inflated? Do you know that under-inflated tires can decrease your driving speed but improve gas mileage? A study indicates that the average pressure of car tires is 80% of the recommended level. So, when your tires are under-inflated, you lose 0.5% of your mileage for every PSI. This maybe a small percentage but when it adds up, you will see the big difference. Usually for 32 PSI of pressure, a vehicle can go as far as 22 miles per gallon. In a year, you will drive about 12,000 miles. If your tires are low in pressure, you will pay for an extra of 20 gallons of gas a year. Always ensure that your tires are properly inflated.



Do you exceed the speed limit? Studies show that if you don't keep to the speed limit, it will cause bad gas mileage. They reveal that better gas mileage can be achieved if you drive less than 60 miles per hour. Usually your car will record its best speed for better gas mileage but the 60 miles per hour is a good indicator for your engine to consume less fuel. In figures, if you drive at more that 60 miles per hour, for every 5 miles per hour, you are paying about 20 cents more per gallon depending on the current price of the fuel.



You can install fuel economy devices or use oil addictive for your engines. However, the FTC warns many truck owners not to be conned with the outrageous claims that the retailers or the manufacturers make for their gas addictive or gasoline saving devices. You can check with friends to determine the fuel efficiency of these gadgets or addictive before you decide to buy any of them.



Going to the Internet to search for low prices of gasoline is another method where you can improve gas mileage. Some of the web sites offer calculator for you to calculate the savings that you can enjoy. With the online services, you can locate which gas station offers the lowest price. Most of the times, their information are up-to-date. You can save a lot of money if you travel a lot with your truck. Truly, these online tools can help thrifty drivers like you to buy the lowest possible price of gas.



How often do you maintain your vehicle? A properly maintained truck does make a lot of difference when it comes to fuel efficiency. If you get your truck tuned up correctly, you can get up to 4% improved gas mileage. A truck with serious problem can cost as high as 40% on fuel expenses. Always examine the air filters. They should be replaced on a regular basis. Dirty air filters increase the fuel consumption and the chances of engine damage. A clean air filter can increase the driving distance by up to 10%.

So now you have some of the answers to "How can I get better gas mileage for my truck". Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and always maintain your truck by changing the air filters, tuning the engine and changing the engine oil. Driving below 60 miles per hour can increase your driving distance.

Related : motorcycle av motorcycle-atv