Riding in the back of a pickup truck can feel liberating. It can conjure up memories of your nostalgic childhood, as you rode in the back of the family pickup. But with the changes in vehicle safety laws, you might be wondering if it’s legal to ride in the truck bed these days. Although it may seem unimaginable now, there was a time where wearing a seatbelt was merely a suggestion. Let’s take a look at some of the details on laws that prohibit (or permit) riding in the back of a pickup truck.
State by State Case
The easy answer to your question is that it depends. While 31 states place some regulation on passengers riding in the bed of a truck, there are still 20 states that have no legal regulation. You won’t need to worry about legal restrictions on riding in the back of a pickup truck if you’re in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia or Wyoming.
However, for the remaining 30 states, you’ll need to make sure you check the legal requirements for each state. Some states only have regulations on the age requirements of passengers who ride in the back of a pickup truck. Others (like Arkansas, Utah, and New Jersey) prohibit passengers from riding in the back of a truck altogether. If you’re ever in doubt, do a simple internet search to see what the legal restrictions are for riding in the back of a pickup truck.
Risky Business
It’s also important to remember this caveat – just because something is legal, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Riding in the back of a pickup truck can fall under this umbrella.
Opting to ride in the back of a pickup truck comes with some safety tradeoffs. For example, passengers in the bed of a truck don’t have the security of interior safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, though truck bed rails can be installed for better handholds within the truck bed. In the case of a collision or sudden stop, passengers in the bed of a truck are at a much higher risk of injury. While joyriding in the bed of a truck can seem like fun, it can become dangerous very quickly. This is especially true if the driver is not paying attention or traveling at speeds that can jeopardize the lives of the passengers in the bed.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to which state you’re in. As you can see, the laws vary from state to state, and many states don’t have any restrictions on riding in the back of a pickup truck. While riding in the bed can bring back nostalgic memories, it’s important to consider the potential risk factors before you go for a trip down the street or off-roading on a trail.
Once you have the tools, experience, drive, determination, and the know-how to get the job done, the next question is, what pickup truck can get you and your payload to the site and back? For contractors, the right work vehicle is an important part of the job. Whether you’re hauling the everyday tools you need to a job site or transporting heavy machinery, you need to be able to rely on your truck. Below, we’ve explored how to determine the best truck for you if you’re a contractor.
A ½ Ton vs. ¾ Ton Pickup Truck
A “½ ton” refers to the maximum amount of payload a truck is able to haul. To further explain, if a ton is 2,000 pounds then it would be expected that a 1/2-ton pickup truck should be able to safely transport 1,000 pounds of cargo and passengers (and a 3/4 ton would transport 1,500 pounds of total weight). It is important to note, however, that these standards were set in the 1960’s and that truck manufacturers have made vast improvements allowing for more weight carried-although the references to the trucks have remained the same. The term ½ ton and ¾ ton are still used today but more on a relative basis than an absolute basis. To determine your pickup truck’s capacity, read your manual.
There are several pros and cons to both the ½ ton and ¾ pickup truck. To determine which truck is best for you, consider how you will be using it most. Do you primarily haul heavy cargo? Or do you put a lot of highway miles on instead? How often do you tow, and what types of equipment are you towing? Below are some general things to consider when deciding which type of truck best fits your needs:
For trips back and forth to the job site, carrying smaller loads, workers and supplies-your best bet would be the one-half ton.
However, if you will be using your truck to haul heavy loads (either in the bed or pulled behind) very often then the three-quarter ton may be the better option.
No matter which one you choose always make sure that it fits your specific weight capacity requirements.
Understanding Your Payload Requirements
According to Work Truck Online, there are three components to determining the payload requirement for your company’s vehicle: payload weight, the volume of the payload and the type of payload.
Payload Weight
Ask yourself how much weight will the truck need to carry in its daily workload? One way to determine actual payload is to take a normally loaded truck and weigh it at a truck stop that has scales. Another method is to weigh the front and rear axle. This will tell you if you are overloading the whole truck or just one of the axles.
Volume of Payload
Your company pickup truck needs to be large enough to handle the volume, or size of the payload. Payload size will also help determine if the cargo can be loaded and unloaded by hand, or whether you will need a power Liftgate or some other type of assist to get your payload into the body or onto the bed. You also need to know if the payload is stackable, or limited to the floor space? Finally, how will you secure the product? Bottom line: the size of the payload matters.
Type of Payload
The third component is the type of payload. Are you hauling loose gravel, pallets, or boxes of merchandise? This will determine the type of commercial truck body, van body, or box truck configuration you need to choose.
In summary, “spec’ing the truck to the minimum necessary payload rating (by basing it on an average load) means that the vehicle will be operating at peak capacity most of the time, which may compromise safety and the length of its service life. Conversely, too much payload capacity is wasted capacity,” according to Automotive Fleet.
Considering Fuel Efficiency
A controllable fuel expenditure is the elimination of unnecessary idling. According to Work Truck, drivers should avoid idling whenever possible. If a driver leaves the truck, the employee should be instructed to turn off the engine. It is also important to keep in mind that an engine wears out twice as fast idling as under normal operation.
“When considering fuel efficiency, another way to reduce both tire and fuel costs is to establish a process for drivers to regularly monitor tire inflation. This will increase tire wear-and-tear and reduce fuel efficiency. To control replacement tire costs, eliminate driver behaviors that decrease tire tread life, such as speeding, excessive braking, and driving over curbs.” (Automotive Fleet)
Which Types of Vehicles Do Contractors Prefer?
According to a 2014 study by “Tools of the Trade”:
GCs who do new construction prefer pickup trucks over other types of vehicles. They also prefer trucks with sufficient towing capabilities.
Handymen do some of everything so it should be no surprise that they drive some of everything, though pickups are by far the most popular.
The finish carpenters who answered the survey are big on pickups, standard vans, and trailers.
The electricians who took the survey are as likely to drive standard vans as pickups and make high use of trailers.
Truck caps, both aluminum and fiberglass, commonly dominated the market for pickup covers through the early 1980s. They provide a dry environment for transporting materials and marginally increased the security of the payload. With the advent of mini vans and subsequently SUV’s, the need for truck caps was diminished. Sales fell off tremendously and many manufacturers turned their efforts to other products.
Truck Caps Today
Today, truck caps are still available although they are less popular and considerably more expensive than Tonneau covers. Truck caps provide for hauling larger payloads under cover, but in a less secure environment than a hard Tonneau cover where passersby cannot see the payload. They are generally color matched or coordinated with the truck color, while Tonneau covers are frequently black. Truck caps are removable as they’re installed with C clamps or bolts – but it’s a bit of a nuisance to take it off and on as they’re heavy and you’re likely to need to replace the foam tape between the bottom sill of the cap and the truck rail. So unless it’s really important, you’re limited in hauling capacity to what goes under the rear door.
Tonneau covers don’t have this restriction. Tonneaus come in a variety of styles, from roll-up covers to retractable or hard folding or hard non-folding tonneau covers. Most of these offerings allow for hauling with a completely open bed (aside from any space occupied up from with storing the cover). This is a big benefit. The non-folding hard Tonneau cover traditionally opens with gas prop arms and is not easily removable, therefore limiting the payload. However, it is one of the most secure systems for protecting cargo.
An additional benefit to Tonneau covers is that they decrease gas consumption by reducing the air drag against the tailgate.
Common benefits to both caps and Tonneau covers include protection from weather elements such as snow and rain, as well as security against theft. Many truck owners also install truck covers to enhance the appearance of their vehicle.
Types of Secure Truck Covers
Hard Non-Folding Flat Tonneau Cover
The most secure Tonneau cover is the hard non-folding version. These covers are not easily removable and should not be driven with the cover in an open position. So this limits available space for cargo. If someone is looking for an option to maximize covered cargo space, this is not the right choice. This is the best option, however, if you’re looking for a cover that’s low profile, sleek and stylish, highly secure and generally color matched to your vehicle.
Aluminum Truck Caps
Aluminum truck caps provide more cargo storage than Tonneau covers and typically come with windows on the sides and back. They are significantly less expensive than fiberglass caps and hard Tonneau covers and have a boxier look than a fiberglass cap (that can mold to contour the shape of the truck’s cab).
While most aluminum truck caps are built from lightweight aluminum frames and purchased primarily based as an inexpensive option to cover the back of the truck, some manufacturers build commercial aluminum caps that are designed for a more heavy duty use. These caps have wood frames, heavier wall aluminum or steel. These aluminum truck caps are an affordable option for contractors who don’t want to invest in a service body.
Both consumer aluminum caps and commercial aluminum caps offer all the options like roof racks, side doors, shelving, etc.
Fiberglass Truck Caps
Fiberglass caps offer a molded, EOM truck look. In most cases, you might think it was part of the original truck. Fiberglass wins the award for best looking, strongest, most durable and most expensive. They custom mold to each specific truck to provide a snug fit – not like an afterthought that bolts onto the back of your truck. You can color-match a fiberglass cap in gel coat from the factory in order to match your truck. Fiberglass caps offer all the options that aluminum caps offer – and then some.
Common benefits of Truck Caps:
All truck caps cover the payload from weather, have a locking rear door, provide options of windows, walk-in doors, roof racks, tinted windows, etc.
Benefits of Specific Types of Tonneau Caps
Roll-up Tonneau Covers
The least expensive Tonneau cover option
They’re easy to install and require no drilling
Made from a soft material, usually consisting of vinyl or cloth
Provide the benefit of decreased fuel consumption with minimal investment
Retractable Tonneau Covers
A more durable Tonneau cover option
Requires a semi-permanent installation
Usually made of vinyl or aluminum materials
Provide the benefit of decreased fuel consumption
Hard and Folding Tonneau Covers
Made of aluminum or fiberglass
Made to be sturdier and long lasting
Hard Tonneaus require a more permanent install, involving drilling
Most people think that when you buff your pickup truck, or wax it, that you’re removing scratches in the paint. However, this is actually a common misconception. When you wax your truck, you’re adding a layer of protection on top of the paint. Polishing differs from waxing because you have to work polish in using a combination of heat, abrasives, and friction for it to be successful. The thought of using these tools on your paint can be intimidating, however, once you understand the process and learn it correctly, you can polish your truck quickly and safely to get that shine all on your own.
When polish is correctly done, it prevents light from reflecting scratches and swirls by either softening their edges or removing small bits of paint around them. How much paint is removed depends on the aggressiveness of the pad, polish, and application.
Getting Started
Buffing is the process of removing a small layer of your vehicle’s paint. Once this happens, a fresh, clean layer of paint can be seen underneath it. Therefore, the process helps restore the car’s original look and shine. The general recommendation is to buff your car every 4-5 months to give it a fresh, new look. Buffering may be done more frequently depending on your environment and the amount of dings, dents and scratches your truck comes into contact with.
Avoid Common Issues While you Buff Your Pickup Truck
Among the most common issues people face when buffing their truck are using old, dirty rags and not using proper technique. “For you to emerge with a thoroughly clean automobile, ensure that the product finish is perfectly dry before buffing… failing to get this done could harm the finish, which makes the entire job very expensive.” (Repair Daily, 2017)
Another frequent error people make is not fully working in the treatment they use. If you only apply polish and allow it to haze before buffing it off, you will not get effective results. In fact, it may give you a cloudy appearance causing your finish look worse than when you began. Polishing usually involves a few steps. First, an aggressive polish will remove blemishes. Next, a finishing polish will prevent cloudiness.
Buffing by Orbital Polisher
First, it’s important to use a good quality, high-speed buffer. “High speed buffers will eliminate surface scratches and blemishes completely, leaving behind a brilliant shine. However… improper use of a high-speed buffer can strip the paint and damage the finish permanently by leaving swirls and scratches.” (WikiHow, 2018)
Here are some simple tips and steps to getting the best shine:
• Tape off items such as trim, emblems, and other rubber and plastic pieces that may get scratched
• Use halogens or other bright lights- lighting is very important.
• Pick up a polish that is no more than medium-aggressive especially when working on dark colored vehicles. Do not use a polish that claims to remove scratches without the use of an abrasive. These just hide imperfections that show again after a few washes.
• You may need a range of types of pads to see which is right for your vehicle
How to Safely Buff Your Pickup Truck
In a 2ft square area, start with the least aggressive polish and pad.
Buff the polish in completely, wipe clean and check to see if you need to go more aggressive. If so this can be accomplished with one of the following: a more aggressive pad, a higher speed, or more pressure
After you are satisfied with the result, use a less aggressive polish and pad to remove hazing left behind. You may have to do this step more than once.
Once you are happy, you will know exactly which pad and polish combo to use for the rest of the truck.
With time, your truck’s exterior may begin to appear more dull and loose it’s “new truck” look. When you buff your pickup truck, it’s a great way to chip away at the environmental elements that begin to diminish your vehicle’s appearance. “Acid rain, Aging, Bird droppings, Sand and dust wear on the clear coat or Sun’s UV rays all take a toll on your truck’s paint job.” (Your Mechanic, 2018) Learn how to properly buff your pickup truck and it will be in restored condition in no time. Looking for additional information? We’ve also outlined 10 tips below on how to detail your truck wheels like an expert >
Throughout the winter months, diesel trucks carry products from one location to the next, buses take people where they need to be and businesses of all types rely on them for various services. Diesel vehicles play a large part in the American transportation industry, however colder winter weather can be problematic for these trucks. Explore information on how to avoid diesel problems in the winter.
Spray-in bed liners are permanent liners that are made to protect your truck bed. They are made from polyurethane elastomer which adheres directly to the truck’s cargo area. Spray-in liners will not fall out, or shift as your truck moves. When installed correctly, they also block water, dirt and other environmental elements from damaging your truck bed. Most bed liners have a gritty consistency to them, to prevent objects from shifting or sliding around in your truck bed.
When it comes to picking the best spray in bed liner for your truck, there are several bedliner companies to consider. However, three top manufacturers typically come to mind. These manufacturers are ArmorThane, Line-X, and Rhino Linings. Explore the below information about each manufacturer:
1. ArmorThane – ArmorThane is the counterpart of Rhino Linings and users consider it to be indestructible. Even in extremely harsh weather, movement within the truck bed with an ArmorThane spray-in liner is practically absent. Tests show that even after spilling materials such as oil and lacquer thinner on this bed lining, no destruction was visible.
Reviews online also state that if you want to choose a spray in bed liner that would last your entire life, ArmorThane is the best option. Customers of the liner say that nothing gets through this liner and no scratches are typically seen after several years.
ArmorThane lists the following benefits to their product on their website:
No scratching paint
Maximized cargo space
Wide range of colors and OEM color match
No worry with fit; fits all sizes, shapes
No vibration or noise
No fading, warping, cracking
Easy to clean
Increased resale value
“ArmorThane shows Performance TV how to prep a Bed Liner”
“Applying ArmorThane Bed Liners”
2. Line-X – While people complain that Rhino Linings make the side walls look sagging, Line-X is a good choice for those who want them to look more molded in appearance. As compared to Rhino Linings, Line X seems to be more durable, especially for people who are going to use their trucks on a regular basis. Line-X keeps the truck perfect looking while Rhino Linings develops tears and the texture is almost rubbery which is off-putting to some.
A regional manager of a Line-X store confirmed that Line X is more durable than Rhino Linings because of a superior curing process. While Rhino Linings follow a low pressure curing system which makes them less durable, Line X is made from a high pressure curing system. According to their website, “Line-X’s range of tough, durable coatings are guaranteed to protect your truck and more from the harshest of elements… In addition to customizing trucks and SUVs, we excel at delivering advanced protective coatings solutions with commercial, municipal, industrial and manufacturing applications.”
“2015 Ford Aluminum F150 Line X Bedliner Install”
“Removing Line-X Bedliner from a pickup”
3. Rhino Linings – Rhino Linings is most famous for its ability to deaden the road noise when it is used on the pickup bed. It is also a versatile product which can be used at a lot of places without any hassles. The brand is trusted and loved by truck owners because of its reliability. Reviewers of the product also commend the way only a hose is needed to wash off the truck and make it as good as new after Rhino Linings has been used and things like bulk sand, Belgian Block, firewood and others have been carried. It’s important to these linings from a reputable installer.
Rhino Linings come with a lifetime warranty but it’s imperative to have a professional install the lining initially to ensure it’s quality. Various spray on technologies were tested by the government for the purpose of bomb protection and as per that report, Line-X was the only one that passed the test.
Rhino Linings have been around for “more than a quarter century” and have gained a reputation of “superior quality, strength and durability” according to their website. They also have than 2,000 independently-owned and operated businesses in almost 80 countries.
The depth of a tire’s tread is one of the most obvious indications of its performance. Tread depth is also a safety issue and therefore subject to government regulation and inspection. It’s especially important to inspect your truck’s tires when they wear down. Several methods of inspecting tires are available, ranging from the highly scientific to the very casual.
A tire’s tread helps it to maintain traction with the road, especially in wet or icy conditions. The specific pattern of the tread determines the conditions for which the tire is best suited. For example, the treads on rain tires are generally V-shaped, allowing them to quickly channel water away from the tire’s driving surface. In comparison, snow tires have unusually deep treads that allow them to dig into snow and other soft surfaces more deeply. The rubber on the tire’s driving surface wears off with use, which reduces tread depth over time. Snow tires wear out more quickly because they’re made of a softer rubber that makes greater contact with the road. Understanding the specific type of tires on your truck will ensure you’re able to properly care for them throughout the year.
Inspection
Tread depth may be measured in sixteenths of an inch, with 5/16 inches being a common depth for a new, all-season tire. Tires are generally unsuitable for snow and rain when their tread depth is less than 3/16 inch, due to the greater traction these conditions require. A deeper tread is needed in snow to maintain maneuverability and control. Wet surfaces also require a greater tread depth to avoid hydroplaning, a condition that prevents tires from getting any traction all.
Tires shouldn’t be used under any conditions once the tread depth reaches 1/16 inch and should be replaced immediately. Most states also require tires to have a tread depth of at least 1/16 inch before they can pass inspection. Inspectors measure the tread depth on truck tires at about 15-inch intervals and usually measure more than one tread.
The tires on all vehicles generally must be inspected by the state once per year, although commercial trucks have more stringent requirements. You should also inspect your own tires when they reach their maximum recommended mileage or if you’re buying used tires. Used tires should have more than 1/16 inch of tread to ensure that you get some use out of them.
Tread Bars
Tire manufacturing in the United States is regulated by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). It requires all commercial tires to have wear bars, also known as wear indicators or tread bars. Most tires have at least six wear bars, although tires with a rim diameter of 12 inches or less may have as few as three wear bars. Wear bars are a series of raised features in the bottom of the tire tread which create a specific pattern in the molding of the tire. They typically have a height equal to the minimum tread depth allowed for the tire, typically 1/16 inch. The wear bars discolor the tire when they come into contact with the road surface, providing the vehicle owner with a visual cue that the tire has reached its minimum tread depth. A tire that shows this discoloration should be replaced before the next inspection, since it probably won’t pass.
Tread Gauges
A tread depth gauge provides the most accurate method for measuring tread depth. These devices are readily available in automotive stores and other retail outlets. Tread gauges are typically accurate to the nearest 1/32 inch, and modern versions have a digital display to eliminate human error from the measurement. Truck tires are considered legally worn out when they have worn down to 2/32″ of remaining tread depth, according to RightTurn. Tire dealerships are able to measure the tread depth on your tires with a gauge, usually as part of a general tire inspection.
Cracking
Tire cracking is generally the result of tire age, although there are several other causes that may also result in the premature cracking of your truck tires. Unbeknownst to most people, tires that are not in use will also crack overtime, due to the fact that “electric motors can create ozone that degrades the rubber in tires” (RightTurn). Typically, tire cracking occurs on the sidewall of the tire, as opposed to other areas of the tire. Factors such as excessive heat, exceeding a tire’s load limit and the improper use of cleaning chemicals may also crack your truck’s tires. Ensure you’re using the best type of tire cleaner for your tires by consulting an expert at a tire dealership.
Tire Sidewalls
Examining a tire’s treads and sidewalls will ensure you’re aware of any warning signs that your tires need to be replaced, such as cracking and excessive wear. The sidewall of a tire supports the weight of the vehicle and helps absorb shock from bumps in the road, according to RightTurn. Underinflated tires are among the most common factors that result in damage to a tire’s sidewall. “Air inside the tire holds the sidewall securely against the rim. The sidewall is layered with sturdy rubber in order to hold its form and keep air inside the tire.” (RightTurn)
Tire Rotation
To ensure your tires are being properly maintained, it’s important to have your vehicle’s tires rotated every 5,000-6,000 miles. An easy way to remember to have your tires rotated is to request a rotation every other time you receive an oil change (which is typically 3,000 miles). Some newer vehicles require less oil changes, so it’s important to note that if your tires have more than 6,000 miles on them in between oil changes, you’ll need to schedule a separate tire rotation to ensure tire safety.
Tire rotation is necessary as your vehicle’s front and back tires are generally used for different things; your front tires are responsible for steering the vehicle, while back tires are generally more stationary in terms of lateral movement. Therefore, rotating your tires ensures the wear of all the tires on a vehicle will remain relatively consistent. Schedule an appointment with a truck dealership or certified auto mechanic to rotate your tires.
The Penny Method
Vehicle owners traditionally used a penny, or a quarter, to estimate tread depth, although this method is less common today. To try this method yourself, insert a penny into a tire’s tread so that Lincoln’s head goes into the tread first. Ensure the edge of the penny is touching the bottom of the tread, rather than a tread bar. The distance from the edge of a penny to Lincoln’s head is about 1/16 inch, so you need to replace your tires if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head. To test additional areas around the tire, examine both the inner and outer grooves of the tire in areas at least 15 inches apart. This will help you detect whether there are any strange wear patterns throughout the tire, which may be the result of a mechanical issue.
In Summary
Properly maintaining your vehicle’s tires is key to the lifespan of the tire, as well as a driver’s safety. Trying the penny test is one simple way to check tire tread. By consistently rotating tires every 5,000-6,000 miles, and keeping an eye on tire cracking, you will also extend the life of your tires. Consult a tire dealer with any specific questions related to tire maintenance or issues.
A bead lock is a safety feature for tires that’s primarily used in off-road racing, especially four-wheel drive vehicles. Several designs are available, depending on the particular type of vehicle and its drive train. The Trail Ready Beadlock Wheel is a highly-rated brand of bead lock specifically designed for competitive racing; but does it deserve your hard earned money? Let’s lock it down.
Overview
A tire bead is the edge of the tire that’s placed against the wheel rim. Air pressure inside the tire pushes the tire bead against the inside of the rim when the tire is inflated. This air pressure combined with the soft rubber of modern tires is normally sufficient to keep the tires in place. However, tires can easily separate from the wheel under extreme conditions such as off-road racing. A bead lock prevents tire separation by mechanically securing the tire bead to the rim, rather than just relying on air pressure to perform this function.
Bead locks were introduced on military trucks shortly after World War II, and the military currently uses Trail Ready Beadlock Wheels on its special operations off-road vehicles. Marsh Racing Wheels manufactured the first bead locks for racing in 1980 after testing them for years. Several specific designs of modern bead locks are currently available, depending on the type of vehicle. A bead lock made for a car or truck is a metal ring with 16 to 32 holes around its circumference. Bolts are then placed into these holes to clamp the tire to the wheel. Motorcycle bead locks are more precisely known as bead stoppers or rim locks. These devices are curved plates that are held in place by a single bolt.
Function
Bead locks help prevent the tire from dislodging during hard cornering, and they also reduce the possibility of it slipping off the rim during high acceleration and braking. These functions are especially helpful for racing on dirt tracks, where tires must be under inflated to increase traction on loose surfaces. The tires used for dirt racing have coarse treads, but it’s still necessary to increase the contact surface by reducing the air pressure in the tires.
However, under inflation creates a safety hazard since the air pressure may not be sufficient to keep the tire on the wheel by itself. The forces pushing the tire to the side of the wheel are greatest during cornering, especially on the rear outside tire. The rear tires have greater stress because they’re pushing the truck and the outside tires have more stress because the truck’s weight shifts to the outside during cornering. Under inflated tires are also more likely to overheat due to the increased friction with the ground.
Even with bead locks, tires can still slip on the rims without coming off the wheel. This can occur when the traction between the tire and the ground is greater than the friction between the rim and the tire.
The Trail Ready Beadlock Wheel Features
The Trail Ready Beadlock mounts to the outside of the tire bead on one side of the wheel. The package also includes a set of beads that you can place inside the tire well. These beads settle in thin spots on the tire, thus improving its balance. This bead lock uses 24 mounting bolts that should be fastened in a crisscross pattern to distribute their tension evenly. Trail Ready bead locks also have a locking ring that overlaps the wheel for additional security. A flat tire won’t damage these parts. Take a look at the image below, from TR Beadlock Wheels Facebook page, which shows their high quality materials; it speaks for itself.
TR Racer Brian Shirley of Lucky Dog racing demonstrates the advantage of a US made cast wheel. Our wheels are counter-pressure cast at nearly twice the pressure of the imports resulting in a part that shares some strength characteristics with forged wheels. Brian killed this wheel running a whole race lap on a flat tire, then hammered it back into shape, keeping it for a spare. Try this with a China wheel and you’ll need a bag for all the pieces. Thanks for the photo Brian. – TR Beadlock Wheels
Benefits
Bead-lock wheels are generally designed for high performance and durability, since they’re often used in racing. The Trail Ready Beadlock Wheel is especially capable of handling almost any condition, including heavy off-roading. It can perform well on many off-road surfaces such as dirt tracks, rocks and deserts without compromising ride comfort on paved roads. They’re also available in a particularly wide variety of colors, sizes and styles. These are just some of the reasons that Trail Ready Beadlock Wheels are the first choice of competitive off-road racers, and should be considered when looking to spend those hard earned dollars.
All photos credit to: TR Beadlock Wheels Facebook Page
What are the average fuel costs for pickup trucks? Nowadays gas prices have been fluctuating. Some days the prices are so high that they are almost $4.00 and on other days the prices could be around $3.00. Basically, everyone who owns a non-electric car purchases gas in order to keep his or her cars running. In fact, nowadays a lot more people have been purchasing pickup trucks because of their high horsepower and exterior durability. For those who are curious here is some information on pickup trucks and how much gas should be used for them. Also some of today’s popular pickup truck models will be listed.
Child car seats and trucks with a open or closed bed has been an ongoing conundrum for decades; most of the negative comments coming from those in the pediatric profession. Surprisingly enough, less than half of the states in this country restrict transporting passengers in the “cargo” area. And yes, most states all have different laws that pertain to child seats in pickup trucks. Comments range from:
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