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Side tubes, nerf bars, step bars, running boards. Whatever you call ‘em, they look great and work even better. The need for side steps has grown as trucks and SUVs have gotten taller. You’ll discover a number of features and benefits with a set of side steps, including:

- A stable extra boost up into your cab

- Safe stepping in any weather

- A variety of shapes and styles

- Heavy-duty materials for overall strength

- A multitude of finish choices for a smooth and tough appearance

- Sturdy mounting in a matter of minutes

Nerf bars, side tubes and running boards are sure to give a boost to tired legs and your vehicle’s looks, too. That’s right, nerf bars and running boards sure look cool and they do give a welcome step to hard worked legs. But they also help protect your vehicle’s body from those inconsiderate folks that swing their doors open without a thought. They’ll think twice next time after slamming into a solid nerf bar.

A guide to the extra boost provided by side steps

Whether you’ve got a low-rolling midsize SUV or a monster truck, you could probably use a solid step beneath your door for an extra boost when you need it. Nerf bars and running boards can be a welcome sight after a tiring day at the job site or an energy-sapping stint at the office. Think of your other riders, too. The sturdy stepping place provided by a set of nerf bars or running boards is a great measure of safety and peace of mind for your younger or older passengers.

Side steps are built to handle frequent use, too. They bolt-on to your vehicle in a pre-existing mounting position on the frame. This makes for sturdy installation that can handle whatever your passengers’ feet dish out.

Side steps also boast incredible weight capacity. The typical set of nerf bars can hold 300lbs. or more at a time, supported by the steel construction and heavy-duty frame mount brackets. Most running boards boast an aluminum support frame beneath the stepping surface, giving these side steps a weight capacity of up to 500lbs.

The basics of safe stepping in any weather with side steps

Wet weather can make for unstable footing everywhere. That’s why nerf bars and running boards feature treaded pads that help you get a grip on the step before climbing into your vehicle. These all-weather pads feature a grooved design that channels water away from the stepping surface.

Beyond providing a non-slip surface for stepping, nerf bars and running boards keep the mess from getting to your vehicle’s carpet. The treaded pad is an excellent place to wipe your feet, while the tube or board itself becomes an ingenious tool for knocking off the mud.

The all-weather step pads stay in place with heavy-duty adhesive that’s sure to hold for the life of your tubes. Plus, they’re installed to recesses in the board or tube, meaning the strength of your step isn’t compromised with a cutout.

The basics of side step materials

Nerf bars typically use thick-wall steel tubing to get their strength and durability. Either cold-rolled carbon steel or stainless steel are the metals of choice, with the carbon steel only used on powder coat models.

Running boards feature molded polymer top surfaces. It’s a high-strength plastic, supported underneath by an integrated aluminum frame for added rigidity. That’s how the wider, thinner running board can support more weight than standard tubes.

Ground Clearance

Side step thickness varies greatly, especially among nerf bars. For standard tubes and steps, non-lowered trucks and SUVs will have no trouble. Lowered trucks and SUVs may have clearance issues with any tubes or steps. And, only full-size trucks can tackle jumbo-sized 4″ nerf bars. Just another thing to keep in mind when deciding to customize your ultimate driving machine…..:)

Jeep is an all-purpose vehicle that is capable of traversing rough terrain. The first jeep prototype was designed by the Department of Army for purposes of carrying personnel and supplies.

Later on, Ford and Willys-Overland produced two more jeep prototypes. In the end, Ford and Willy’s-Overland manufactured the first mass production of jeeps.

The origin of the word jeep is not clear, however people believe that the word came from phonetically slurred pronunciation of “GP” or vehicle for general purpose.

Some people also think that the name for this multi purpose vehicle came from a character in Thimble Theater comic strip Popeye, the character is known as Eugene the Jeep. Eugene the Jeep is a character that could walk through walls and ceilings, climb trees, fly and just go anywhere it wanted.

Early Americans believe that soldiers were so impressed with the versatility of the jeep that they named their prototype from the comic character.

After the production of the first jeep prototype and the second set of jeep prototypes from Ford and Willys-Overland, Willys-Overland Motor Company was designated to produce the first mass production of jeeps in Toledo, Ohio.

However, because of the huge quantity requirement of the United States Government, Ford Motor Company complimented Willys-Overland to help complete the requirements.

In combination, the production of Willys-Overland and Ford reached about 600,000 units of this high mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicle, which some call hum-vee.

The jeep is widely copied by other countries such as in France and The Netherlands. The french version of the jeep is designed by Hotchkiss and in The Netherlands, Nekaf is the manufacturer of their jeep.

Other versions of the jeep are the railway jeep and the amphibious jeep, which are more useful than any other vehicle of its size.

Part of the war effort brought jeeps to the Red Army during the World War II.

Today, the trademark holder of Jeep is DaimlerChrysler. DaimlerChrysler is the successor of the company Willys-Overland. Jeep aficionados are believed to recognize the distinction of the seven bar grille design of jeep as popular as Mickey Mouse.

DaimlerChrysler also believes that the jeep brand is famous worldwide, second only to the Coke brand. This can be true for those who are lovers of this versatile vehicle.

It is true that jeeps are multipurpose and known worldwide; as in fact, there are also producers of the jeep brand in Beijing, China. This manufacturer did this coming from the joint venture between Beijing Jeep Corporation Ltd., and DaimlerChrysler Corporation located in China.

In addition, other jeep vehicles have different model designation. Some of them are civilian jeep that carries the “xJ” designation although not all are well-known as the classic CJ or Civilian Jeep.

Historical models of the jeep:

Jeep CJ - Civilian Jeep similar to the original Willys’ Jeep
Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Honcho - Full-sized pickup truck
Jeep Cherokee - The original SUV
Jeep Dispatcher - A postal truck for the USPS
Jeep Jeepster - Passenger truck
Jeep Forward Control - Light truck
Jeep Wagoner - SUV

Current Jeep models

Jeep Wrangler - small successor of the Jeep CJ (TJ in Canada)
Jeep Grand Cherokee - large family-oriented SUV
Jeep Liberty - Small SUV (called Cherokee outside of North America)
Jeep Commander - Newest model in the Jeep line, it is a seven passenger SUV

Jeep is a multi-purpose vehicle, which you can use even on rough terrain. It is very helpful to have one especially for those who are using their vehicle for their business.

Toyota’s growing popularity hasn’t been without controversy. No, the automaker doesn’t have much of a quality issue to contend with and, no Toyota isn’t likely to begin losing market share anytime soon. Yet, there is one area where the Japanese automaker has a bit of a perception problem and that has to do with styling. Of course Toyota vehicles aren’t ugly but there are few models being built today that are truly exciting. All that is now beginning to change as Toyota releases several head turning models including the latest rendition of its popular Camry sedan and one of its newest models, the FJ Cruiser. Keep reading and we’ll take a glance at just how Toyota is breaking one mold by breaking new ground.

Maybe it was the success of the Nissan Xterra or perhaps it was the desire to recapture past glory [or something in between] but Toyota’s decision to build the FJ Cruiser may not have been an easy one. With a line up filled with various trucks and SUVs, the proposed FJ Cruiser would not only be competing against the Jeeps and Land Rovers of the world, but with some of its own models including the car based Highlander and the versatile, truck based 4Runner. Still, the model was thought to stand a chance for two reasons: the FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled vehicle taking its design cues from the FJ40 of the 1960s/1970s and for its 5 passenger seating capacity: just the right sized vehicle that consumers would want to take off roading.

Yes indeed the FJ Cruiser is one beast with an attitude and an effective competitor in a sea of SUVs. For the money, this is what you get with the standard model:

Land Cruiser style and versatility. As the original Land Cruisers were noted for their off road prowess, the FJ Cruiser matches its heralded relative by climbing over rocks, surging up hills, and navigating sandy terrain with relative ease.

Retro styling. Much like Chrysler, Ford and GM which have each successfully introduced and sold retro styled vehicles, the FJ Cruiser’s two tone body, restrained roofline, and painted black bumpers effectively combine the old model with the new.

Safety features everywhere. Available as a 4×2 or 4×4, the FJ Cruiser comes with vehicle stability control and vehicle traction control along with ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution for added stopping capabilities. Add in optional driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers and the FJ Cruiser has riders thoroughly protected.

Dependable engine/transmission. Not to take too much of a risk with this model, Toyota snagged the same 4.0L engine powering the 4Runner and other Toyota trucks of its size and stuck it under the FJ Cruiser’s hood. A five speed automatic or six speed manual transmission helps the off roader triumph as it scales rocks or takes steep hills.

The interior of the FJ Cruiser is anything but austere, but it certainly doesn’t rise to the level of the overdone Land Cruiser, not a bad thing though. Power windows and door locks, keyless remote entry, and a six speed CD radio are some of the features found in this model. On the outside, 17 inch steel wheels do their part in helping the vehicle tow as much as 5,000 pounds. Whatever you choose not to tow can be stuck inside or carried on top; with the second seat folded down the FJ Cruiser’s ample storage area is tops in its class.

Best of all, the base FJ Cruiser retails for just over $21,000 with 4×4 versions selling for about $2,000 more. One drawback reported by consumers is dealer price gouging: some buyers are claiming that dealers are adding four to five thousand dollars to the sticker price of every FJ Cruiser sold.

Finally, if it is fuel efficiency you are seeking the FJ Cruiser just isn’t there. Average fuel economy of 20 mpg is not terrible, but it is not great either. Chances are if you are interested in a vehicle like the FJ Cruiser, then fuel economy will be one of your least concerns at least Toyota hopes so.

Truly it appears that Toyota has gotten the styling side of their house in order with this capable retro 4×4 vehicle as evidenced by strong sales in a vehicle segment that has been hit hard by high gasoline prices.

Truck batteries are a type of lead-acid battery which powers not just trucks but the majority of automotive equipment such as cars, wheelchairs, tractors, and motorcycles. These type of batteries are shaped similar to a rectangle and have sulfuric acid in them which if exposed to the skin burns it on contact.

Recycling is the top way of the disposal of truck batteries as there are numerous components to the battery which can be used again.

There are numerous benefits from the correct disposal of truck batteries in the procedure of recycling. There are many metals which make truck batteries which can be recycled. These metals can be used to create additional batteries. This is also the case for the plastics that are recovered from recycled batteries as it can be used all over again as well to make other products.

Considering that truck batteries have sulfuric acid in them there are some ways to be extra cautious in their disposal. Make certain to handle the batteries with gloves that are leather or acid resistant. Anything that produces a spark or a flame ought to be kept away from truck batteries when they are being recycled.
Do not place anything metal on top of the batteries as this can produce sparks which can lead to a fire. Before handling the battery get rid of everything metallic such as rings and chains. In handling truck batteries make certain that the battery stays appropriate side up as to not spill any of the acid that the battery holds.

When you are transporting batteries for recycling purposes use a container for carrying the battery that is non metallic and does not leak. Batteries that do have a leak in them ought to be neutralized by scattering baking soda or calcium carbonate on the area and after that flush the vicinity well with water.
In the event that spilled acid contacts the skin make certain to wash out the area that the acid touches with water right away. Afterwards you ought to visit a medical doctor or an emergency room if the burning persists.

When you are buying truck batteries make inquiries concerning the disposal of an old one as a lot of retailers, which sell truck batteries, will accept the old ones which they recycle. They might also markdown the cost of the new battery since you are trading in the old one.

Around 96 percent of all lead, which can be found in any automotive battery, is in due course recycled. Even though this is a high number there are still lots of truck batteries, as well as other lead based kinds, that are not stored correctly. Around 20 percent of all the households in the United States stores at least one type of battery from an automobile or truck. This number amounts to approximately 30 to 40 million second-hand lead based batteries that are not stored suitably or recycled.

This is a difficult question. But to boot, we are the ones who will decide when shopping for motorcycle parts. Thus, we must know how to choose cleverly. We have to do it after evaluating each of the possibilities available.

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The rule of thumb though is: if you are looking for a replacement or improvement part, first you consider the availability of the motorcycle parts. Second consideration is your budget. Finally, you can consider other aspects about the purchase.

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Some riders are confused and perplexed in deciding whether to buy OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts. First, we have to know the difference between the two.

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Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) parts do not necessarily mean Original Manufacturer (OM) parts. Riders might have noticed that many motorcycle manufacturers do not manufacture every part of their motorcycle. They usually have the motorcycle parts designed and manufactured by other independent companies. However, these motorcycle manufacturers install them in their machines or put them in their own packaging to be sold as OEM motorcycle parts.

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Aftermarket motorcycle parts on the other hand, are replacement parts that can perform as well as OEM parts. In addition, they can be of equal, higher or lesser quality with OEM parts. They are produced by companies other than the original manufacturer.

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The latter are usually resorted to if used as replacement parts or if you want to customize your bike. What are the things that you must consider before purchasing the same? First, make sure that your guarantee period is over. There are states that render your guarantee void if you have an aftermarket motorcycle part installed by an unauthorized mechanic. Based on my observations, high performance parts and devices such as carbon fiber, titanium, aerospace aluminum parts and gizmos, can be had as aftermarket motorcycle parts. Another valuable observation I got was that equivalent aftermarket Suzuki motorcycle parts are cheaper than OEM parts. In addition, they can slash down the price to 70% compared to OEM price.

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When you are buying aftermarket motorcycle parts, be sure you are getting at least the same quality as that of its OEM counterparts. You can do this by probing up to date reviews about brands and performance. You can find some in the Internet. Moreover, you can consult your trusted mechanics and seasoned riders.