Tonneau covers are used in pickup trucks to secure cargo in the truck bed area. Benefits to installing a tonneau cover 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. When purchasing a tonneau cover, you’ll find there are several different types. So how do you know which is the best type of tonneau cover? Common tonneau cover choices include roll-up covers, retractable and hard (fiberglass or aluminum) options.
Roll-up Tonneau Covers
Roll-up covers are generally the least expensive tonneau cover option. They’re also easy to install and require no drilling. Typically, roll-up covers take between 10-15 minutes to install, making them appealing to pickup truck drivers who are looking for a simple solution. “The cover attaches to the truck bed with clamps and opens and closes with a hook and loop system,” according to Truck Champ.
Roll-up covers are made from a soft material, usually consisting of vinyl or cloth “which uses a rib-like structure to support the fabric and keep it taut,” according to Wikipedia. Once installed, roll-up tonneau covers are opened by carefully rolling the cloth material back, towards the truck cab.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
A more durable tonneau cover option is the retractable cover. This cover requires a semi-permanent installation, where the unit is mounted at the front of the bed as well as the sides. From there, the cover retracts from the tailgate of the truck towards the cab.
Retractable tonneaus are made of vinyl or aluminum materials and thought to be more secure and long-lasting than soft tonneau covers. “This type of tonneau cover takes about an hour to install, but provides super ease of use once installation is complete. This type of truck bed cover easily retracts to allow complete access to your truck bed and truck bed contents, and its small canister depth provides maximum truck bed storage capacity,” according to Truck Champ.
Hard Tonneau Covers
A hard tonneau cover is made of aluminum or fiberglass. These covers are more sturdy and long lasting. These tonneau covers can be painted to match the exterior color of the truck. They also can be locked, which allows truck drivers to secure their cargo when they truck is unattended. “These covers are usually heavy and require gas struts to assist in opening and closing. They operate much like a vehicle’s hood, typically opening from the tailgate end of the bed (back to front). Some have multiple compartments that open front to back, back to front, side to side, or even rise vertically. Fiberglass, hard plastic or aluminum tonneau covers are sometimes installed as a factory option on new vehicles,” according to Bed of a Truck.
Hard tonneaus require a more permanent install, which may turn truck drivers off. If you’re looking to avoid drilling into your truck, this is not a good option for you. Hard overs are also the most costly of the tonneau cover options. “You’ll pay a pretty penny for these types of covers but they are really great quality products that each offer something special” according to Bed of a Truck.
Summary: Which is the Best Type of Tonneau Cover?
There are several different types of tonneau covers to choose from. Ultimately, there is not one best type of tonneau cover. Each style has specific pros and cons, depending on your budget, and how you plan to use it. In general, tonneau covers are a great way to protect your truck bed as well as your cargo.
If you’re looking to upgrade your truck’s appearance and functionality, Pickup Truck Bed Rails are a great way to do it. Bed rails allow truck owners to easily tie down cargo in the bed area. They also help secure long or oversized items that need more reinforcement than the truck rack can provide on its own. Whether you use your truck every day to haul equipment, or you’re looking to add some style to your ride, bed rails are a good option.
How Do They Work?
Magnum’s Pickup Truck Bed Rails are designed to protect the truck bed when hauling long or larger equipment that may extend over the side of the bed. Bed rails allow truck owners to easily tie down and secure items, which helps prevent scratches, dings or other damage to the bed. If you’re looking to hold a piece of equipment in place as you transport it, such as a motorcycle or snowmobile, bed rails allow you to secure it easily, from multiple angles.
Installation
Bed rails require zero drilling for installation. They’re also customized specifically for the make and model of your truck, ensuring they’re a perfect fit. Although most truck beds appear to be similar in size, the stake pockets that bed rails are mounted to are often located in different places depending on the specific type of truck. “So, though Silverado truck rails and Ford Ranger truck rails look identical, this specific mounting system sets them apart.” (www.autoanything.com)
Our Pickup Truck Bed Rails were custom designed to specifically work with your front Magnum Rack. They also require absolutely no drilling to install and come complete with everything you need to get them on your truck. The interior Glide Track works with sliding D-Rings (optional) to secure your cargo and keep your load safe.
Available standard with a matte black powder coated finish or in mill finish at no extra charge.
Benefits
Our bed rails are custom designed to work with your front Magnum Rack
Comes complete with everything you need for installation
Bed Rails Uses
Securing a common piece of equipment to your truck, such as a latter.
Transporting a heavy piece of machinery in the bed of a pickup, without worrying that it may tip over or move around while the truck is moving.
Protection for the side rails of your truck; no more unsightly dings, scrapes and missing pieces of paint.
Pickup Truck Bed Rails- Summary
Whether your job requires you to haul bulky or oversized items every week, or you simply want to upgrade your truck’s appearance, Pickup Truck Bed Rails are a great solution. Benefits of bed rails include additional areas to tie down heavy cargo within the bed and the added security that machinery or appliances being transported in the bed is being done safely and securely.
There are several pros and cons when considering a tonneau cover for your pickup truck. Tonneau covers can be made of hard or soft materials and their purpose is to protect cargo in the bed of a pickup truck from environmental elements. The cover is also used to conceal items stored in the truck bed when the vehicle is unoccupied. Tonneau covers can be pricey, depending on the type and brand you opt to purchase, therefore it’s important to do your research before buying one.
Explore the pros and cons of a tonneau cover for your pickup truck below:
Pros of a Tonneau Cover
Protection from weather elements: One of the biggest benefits to installing tonneau covers on your pickup trucks is the instant protection it provides from elements such as rain and snow. Furthermore, the sun’s UV rays can damage your belongings (such as perishable materials, electronics and more), as well. Your cargo will be safe from any dirt and debris, moisture (which can potentially lead to mold), and animals.
Protection from theft: Theft is a struggle that pickup truck owns face when leaving their cargo unattended in the truck bed. Whether you’re running errands in town during the daytime, or your vehicle is parked overnight in your driveway, if your items aren’t covered they’re susceptible to being taken. By installing a tonneau cover with a lock system, you don’t need to worry about theft any longer.
Added appearance to your truck: Aside from the more obvious benefits listed above, a tonneau cover also provides protection from your truck appearing dirty, or faded from the sun. Also, “a cover just makes your truck look neater and more streamlined rather than having a bunch of items rolling around in the bed of your truck,” according to Auto Anything.
“Old school trucks look great with old school vinyl covers… You can even polish up the snaps! Got an 80’s truck? The roll up covers look right at home on these trucks, no snaps or Velcro to clutter up the look. Newer truck? A fiberglass hard cover painted to match your truck might be the way to go. They all look cool with the right application,” according to Buy Auto Truck Accessories.
Cons of a Tonneau Cover
Although there are a lot of benefits to installing a tonneau cover, there are a few cons to consider as well. Three common drawbacks to purchasing a tonneau cover are:
Cost: The biggest con of pickup truck tonneau covers is the price tag. Although prices vary greatly depending on the brand and type of cover you opt for, they typically run between $200- $1,000+. Some truck owners prefer soft covers which cost less than hardcovers on average, although hard covers offer a greater level of protection for items in the truck bed. It’s important to do your research on things like hard vs. soft, brand and installation requirements when opting for a tonneau cover.
Difficulty to use with other truck accessories: Sometimes tonneau covers prevent access to other truck accessories, such as a tool box or bed rails. If you currently have truck bed accessories installed on your truck, be sure the tonneau cover you’re looking at is compatible with those items. A simple call to the tonneau cover manufacturer should inform you of this.
Installation issues: Like any truck accessory, it’s important to install your tonneau cover correctly or you risk it not working properly. If you’re unsure of how to install the cover, leave it to a professional. “… you may find that some covers require you to drill holes in order to attach them to the bed. Some people don’t want to have to drill holes in their bed as it may lower the value of the truck. If this bothers you then simply buy a cover that uses clamps instead of screws,” according to Bed of a Truck.
Tonneau Covers- Summary
Before purchasing a tonneau cover for your truck, research the pros and cons thoroughly. There are many benefits to a tonneau cover, including protection from weather elements and theft and an enhanced look for your truck. Some of the cons of tonneau covers include the price, not being compatible with other truck accessories and installation issues.
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.
For working trucks, truck bedliners are a vital piece of equipment. Bedliners are products that “shield the inner-side of a truck bed from damage and also can create a skid-resistant surface allowing cargo to stay in place, depending on circumstances,” according to Wikipedia. Bed liners protect the truck’s bed, so you can use it without fear of damage to your truck’s paint. For most truck owners, a bed liner is simply part of the package. In fact, some have said that a truck without a bed liner “feels like a foot without a sock.” If your truck does not yet have a bed liner, here are some considerations to make.
Photo Credit: https://www.pickupspecialties.com
Know the Options
Bed liners can be as simple as a couple of two-by-fours you lay down in the truck to protect the bed to a complicated drop-in design. When buying a liner, you must first decide if you are going to buy an aftermarket liner or one directly from the manufacturer.
Aftermarket liners include everything from rubber mats to outdoor carpeting. These can be affordable and effective, but they can also be ineffective. A better option is to choose one from the manufacturer, as this ensures a good fit and great protection.
Manufacturers offer two main options: spray-in liners and drop-in liners. Both provide their own set of benefits and drawbacks that you should consider. In short, drop-in bedliners are a less permanent and more affordable option for your truck bed. They require no preparation and can be easily removed when necessary. In contrast, spray-in bedliners adhere to your truck bed meaning they can’t easily be taken out once installed. They provide more protection for a truck bed but are also more costly.
Pros and Cons of Drop-in Liners
Photo Credit: AutoAnything
Drop-in liners are typically made from a form fitted plastic sheet that is placed (dropped in) the bed and bolted into place. Because they come directly from the manufacturer, they should provide an exact fit for your specific truck.
Drop-in liners come with several options. You can decide, for instance, if you want the liner to cover just the floor of the bed or the sides as well. Liners can be under the rail or over the rail, depending on what other things you will add to the truck. An advantage to a drop-in liner is that they’re much more affordable than spray-in liners. After-market drop-in liners range from $100-$400+.
According to AutoTrader.com, “spray-on liners are extremely tough, but they tend to be thinner than drop-in options. Heavy or sharp objects can cause gouges or scratches in your liner that might be better protected by the thicker drop-in option. Keep in mind, it’s possible to break a drop-in bed liner, but the force required is significant.”
The hard plastic of a drop-in liner makes it easy to load large objects. Also, they are easy to replace if needed, and can hide current damage to the truck bed. Drop-in liners do allow water to get trapped between the plastic and the truck, which can cause rust. Over time, they may also become loose and will need to be replaced.
Pros and Cons of Spray-in Liners
Spray-in liners are permanent liners because they are created by spraying polyurethane elastomer directly onto the bed. “Spray-on bedliners can be applied by roller, low pressure, cartridge driven by an air compressor or high pressure machine” (Wikipedia). This means that these liners do not allow any water, dirt or other damaging items to get trapped between the liner and the bed. They also can’t break or fall out, as can drop-in liners. The durability and overall performance of a spray-in liner is dependent on the truck bed’s initial surface preparation.
Photo Credit: Mechanical Caveman
Spray-in liners typically have a gritty texture. This means that items in the bed of the truck will not slide around, because the bed itself has traction. A spray-in liner is also more aesthetically appealing, because it does not add bulk to the truck. That said, these are more expensive than drop-in liners. While you can do it yourself, it’s best to have the factory install this liner to ensure it is done right. Loading heavy items can be difficult, because these liners are designed with built-in traction, so the items don’t slide in easily.
Also, it’s important to note that “environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, wind, and elevation can affect the cure process of a spray-in bedliner. Nozzle aperture, thinners, and spray pressure can be modified to allow proper distribution of the spray lining chemicals” (Wikipedia).
Summary
“At some point, virtually every truck owner stands at a crossroads — whether to drop in or spray on a bed liner. This seemingly small decision will determine how your truck ages, how you are able to use the bed and how the vehicle will look for years to come.” (AutoTrader.com)
So which type of liner is best? The answer depends on what you will do with the truck. If you are looking for longevity and the best overall protection, you want a spray-in liner. If you want ease of loading, are happy to replace the liner sometimes and need the more affordable option, then you want a drop-in liner.
Regardless of the one you choose, a liner is an important protection for your truck. Install one today, and protect the paint while enjoying the full working capabilities of your pickup.
A truck rack is a vertical metal frame that’s mounted directly behind the cab of the truck. Traditionally, its primary purpose was to prevent heavy or sharp items in the bed of the truck from going through the cab’s rear window. Truck racks, also referred to as headache racks, have evolved over time to serve a variety of different functions. In addition to being functional, racks are also installed by truck owners to give their vehicle a stand-out, striking look. Many truck racks now include optional eye-catching lights and a sleek design.
Truck racks have traditionally been made from steel, although aluminum racks are now gaining in popularity. Some truck racks also contain both aluminum and steel parts. To determine the best choice of material for a truck rack depends on factors such as the rack’s required strength and the environment. So, which should you choose: an aluminum or steel truck rack?
Overview
When comparing the properties of steel and aluminum racks, it’s important to remember that aluminum racks are made of aluminum alloys rather than pure aluminum. Although steel is sometimes stronger and more durable than pure aluminum, aluminum alloys are actually stronger than some common steel alloys. Aluminum also weighs significantly less than steel does, which allows a manufacturer to make the metal thicker (i.e. “gauge” it) in certain areas of a product, without adding an unnecessary amount of weight.
According to Ford Motor Company, “aluminum (is) a third as dense as steel, (so) you can have three times the thickness before you have the same weight as steel. So, in a lot of cases, we tailored it to the strength we needed… (furthermore) aluminum actually has better properties for dent and ding resistance, but we can also just up-gauge it another tenth of a millimeter and still save 40 percent of the weight.” (Forbes.com)
A rack should be able to withstand the sudden impact of items from inside the truck that could strike it during heavy braking such as clamps, hammers and wrenches. A truck rack may also need to protect the cab window from much heavier cargo in the truck bed. Racks may also be used to hang items, requiring the rack to support a constant load. In the case of pickup trucks, these items may be relatively light such as emergency lights or rear-facing cargo lights. The racks for semi-trucks are more likely to be used for heavier items such as tire chains.
Steel Racks
Historically, steel truck racks have been generally less expensive than aluminum racks of the same strength. However, over time aluminum racks have become equally as competitive in price and are no longer sold at a premium in comparison to steel. Generally, steel racks are constructed by welding various pieces together.
One advantage of steel is its magnetism. This property allows you to attached magnetized items by simply placing them against a steel truck rack. In general, however, there simply aren’t as many benefits to manufacturing truck products from steel anymore. Steel is corrosive and will determinate over time, whereas aluminum is a longer-lasting product. Steel also rusts, which gives an unsightly appearance. Before welding can be done on steel, all old paint must be chipped and removed first, which can be very labor intensive.
Aluminum Racks
Aluminum’s light weight is one of its primary advantages over steel. Aluminum has about one-third the density of steel, as outlined above in the Forbes.com article. The net result of these differences is that an aluminum rack will typically weigh 10 to 15 percent less than a similar steel rack. This weight difference can be significant for large racks, especially in the case of commercial trucks where cargo capacity is important.
Aluminum racks don’t rust because aluminum alloys do not contain iron, which is the primary component in steel. Truck racks made from steel must use additional methods to protect them from rust. Stainless steel resists rust well, but it’s also more expensive than regular steel and not as strong. Steel truck racks can also be galvanized, which involves coating them with zinc. This process prevents the steel from rusting, but it also adds to the cost of the rack. In addition, galvanized steel requires preventative maintenance to keep the zinc layer from wearing off over time. Overall, an aluminum truck rack will keep a polished, new appearance far longer than a steel rack.
Summary
In 2017, aluminum racks are the clear winner when compared to steel. An aluminum truck rack is comparable in price to a steel rack but it is significantly lighter weight. This allows a manufacturer to manipulate specific areas of the rack to provide more strength through “gauging.” Aluminum racks are also much more polished, due to the fact that they do not rust like steel racks.
A light bar is a series of bar-shaped LED lights held within a strip of plastic or other material. They’re a popular aftermarket accessory for trucks because LED bars provide both practical capabilities as well as cosmetic appeal. LEDs also provide advantages over traditional incandescent lighting, especially for vehicles. LED light bars for trucks are commonly installed in a variety of places on a truck including your truck’s headache rack.
Overview
50″ LED Double Row Light Bar
The primary disadvantage of incandescent lighting for vehicles is its inefficiency. These lights draw power from the vehicle’s electrical system, which requires the engine to work harder and use more fuel. LED lights typically uses 1/3 the power of the equivalent incandescent bulbs. Magnum offers a 50″ LED Double Row Light Bar that can be added to an existing Magnum Rack Glide Track. This light bar features 100 3-watt high-performance LED lights, which provides 20,000 raw and 13,489 effective lumens. This is done while only using an insufficient 17.6 amps from your truck’s system. Magnum’s light bars offer versatility, ease of use, and serious durability.
LED lights also provide greater visibility than incandescent bulbs since their color temperature is more similar to natural lighting. Magnum’s light bars are created with high-impact polycarbonate lenses which resist yellowing. Our light bars also meet the IP-67 dust and water immersion rating. LEDs have characteristics that make them safer to use than incandescent bulbs.
The efficiency of incandescent bulbs means that much of the electrical energy that the bulb receives is converted into heat rather than light, which is why they get so hot. Furthermore, incandescent bulbs require more time to turn on than LEDs. An incandescent bulb requires about 1/4 seconds to reaches maximum brightness, while LEDs turn on almost instantly. This delay can be critical in emergency situations such as a driver braking without warning.
Tailgate
A light bar for a tailgate is typically installed on the bottom of the tailgate so that it’s just above the bumper. These light bars are used as brake lights to provide additional warning to other drivers during braking. Some owners also use tailgate LEDs as running lights to indicate that the vehicle is in operation.
Tailgate LEDs can increase your truck’s overall visibility by connecting them to other lights such as hazard lights, reverse lights and turn signals. They are normally red when serving as running lights, although they can become brighter when used as brake lights or turn signals Tailgate LEDs can also turn white when you back up.
Rear Bumper
Trucks with a high ground clearance, often times that have a lift kit installed, sometimes have a step on the bumper to help passengers climb into the cab. LED lights on the bumper allow passengers to find the bumper step at night. Like tailgate lights, bumper lights can also mirror the behavior of other lights by becoming brighter or changing color.
Rear bumper lights also help drivers who frequently use their trailer hitch for hauling. Having additional rear-facing lights makes getting hitched to a trailer, or other piece of equipment easier than ever. Rear bumper lights can also help protect your truck’s bumper from hitting another object when backing up.
Spotlights
Spotlights make the truck easier to see at night, especially in circumstances of poor visibility such as working off-road or rough weather conditions. Magnum’s LED rectangular utility flood light provides the right amount of light, exactly where you need it. Spotlights are often used when short range light output is required. Spotlights typically have sturdy housings that allow them to be securely mounted to the front of the truck. Some truck spotlights can be grouped together in various ways to further increase their lighting intensity and create an eye-catching look.
Brake Lights
Drivers often fail to notice a truck’s brake lights immediately when it only has one brake light on each side of the truck. A third brake light in the middle of the truck can get the attention of other drivers more quickly since they’re more likely to be looking at this location.
LED lights that are used specifically as a third brake light can also serve as additional hazard, reverse and turn signals. Some truck owners replace their existing brake lights with a more stylish LED light bar. The most common location for this type of LED strip is typically along the top of the cab. Magnum offers an easy-to-install reverse light to assist drivers when backing up »
Hood, Cab and Grille
LED light bars on a truck’s hood, cab and grille provide greater visibility for the front of the truck in the same way that tailgate lights increase visibility in the rear. These lights also give the truck a more stylish appearance and an off-road look. The most common installation locations for hood and cab LED lights are on the front of the cab above the windshield or in front of the hood.
The primary reason to place LED lights on your truck’s grille is to increase cosmetic appeal. Often times aftermarket grilles have LED lights included, so they don’t require additional installation if you’re already replacing your stock grille.
Summary
A light bar can be used in a variety of different areas on a truck to provide a truck driver with additional lighting. Additional lighting also achieves a cool, off-road look as well. LED lights are superior to incandescent lighting because they require less energy from the vehicle to run, and they also give off a more natural light. LED lights typically uses 1/3 the power of the equivalent incandescent bulbs.
F3 Manufacturing, which includes aluminum truck rack company Magnum Manufacturing as well as truck and van bodies manufacturer DuraMag, offers a large variety of aluminum truck beds to meet your business’s needs. We have truck beds for everyday hauling, heavy duty loads, and everything in between. From landscaping and construction use, to platform and haulers, we have a truck bed designed specifically for your application. Our aluminum beds are thoroughly tested to ensure they are will outlast and out perform any other truck bed on the market.
The History of Magnum Manufacturing and DuraMag
F3 MFG has been involved in the custom aluminum fabrication industry since 1995, and officially entered the aluminum truck body and accessories industries in 2009, launching Magnum Manufacturing and DuraMag Truck Bodies. After studying the truck rack and truck body markets, we determined there was a huge opportunity to make an impact where other manufacturers were not, by introducing aluminum options in these industries. Simply put, it was clear that aluminum racks and truck bodies were far superior to the existing steel options available.
Hauler Truck Beds
Our experience in the aluminum recreational trailer industry prior to 2009 proved we could make a major change in truck bodies. In fact, we drove the market change for Aluminum trailers in the recreational trailer business by creating a new way to develop and market Aluminum trailers at steel prices. Our team created the largest manufacturer of Aluminum recreational trailers in North America. We knew F3 MFG could also transform the truck rack and truck and van bodies markets, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
Quality Sets Us Apart
We use only quality materials when manufacturing our truck racks and bodies, and we’re confident that when maintained, our beds will never rust; regardless if it’s a medium duty bed, landscape bed or dump body. We use high quality box tube extrusion and 6005 T6 extrusion for superior strength and durability. The floors of our truck beds are made from interlocking planking giving a rugged appearance coupled with superior durability. Furthermore, the lights of our truck beds are wired LED lights that are rubber mounted in our box tube extrusion. Our wire harnesses also use heat sink butt connectors. Nothing is exposed to the weather and everything important is always protected.
Custom Bodies
Furthermore, our lead times for designing and manufacturing your new product, is incredibly short. Our experienced designers can create custom van and truck bodies to dealer specs faster than the competition. We pride ourselves on the level of precision and expertise that is put into our standard, HD, heavy duty and custom beds and bodies. We can build aluminum truck beds and bodies for Dodge, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, Toyota trucks and more.
For many of our aluminum truck bed models there are also options for various heavy duty sill lengths and upgrades as well as light bars, depending on the specs of your truck and what you need. To make working with us even easier for you, we can either weld on your sills according to dealer specs or ship them to you separately for you to position as you prefer.
Van Bodies
We take pride in our work and we look forward to new challenges. We can provide a quote for any custom bed or body that you dream up and look forward to tackling the task. None of our truck beds were designed on a white-board. We build them and tear them apart then rebuild them until we have created the best bed for longevity, performance and durability. Whenever we build a bed we have the working man in mind and put ourselves in your shoes.
The Benefits of Aluminum
We work strictly with aluminum and never with steel, because we know it’s a superior option for our customers. There are numerous benefits to aluminum truck bodies and beds, including cost savings for our customers, increased efficiencies across a business and environmental benefits as well.
Did You Know? Get the real facts about aluminum:
Aluminum is no longer priced at a premium. DuraMag truck beds and bodies are priced competitively or lower than our steel competitors.
Because our truck bodies weigh up to 40% less than steel, our competitors can haul more payload in every trip. This equates to less drivers needed, and a serious time savings.
Lighter truck bodies and beds means less fuel needed every time you fill up at the tank.
Another benefit to your team is that aluminum bodies are typically a more comfortable ride for your drivers.
They’re more environmentally friendly as they produce fewer greenhouse gases than other metals.
An Aluminum body lasts longer than a steel body. Why settle for a steel truck body that will only last the span of one single company truck? Aluminum bodies won’t deteriorate, so they’re able to be moved to a second truck when the initial truck wears out over time.
Aluminum bodies are easier to perform maintenance on, because the metal is much easier to cut than steel.
With aluminum, there is no more scraping old paint from a steel body before any welding or work can be done!
Aluminum truck bodies also do not rust over time like steel bodies do. They appear new and polished, year after year when they’re maintained.
Trading in your truck? In the event you leave your aluminum body or bed on, you’ll increase your truck’s trade-in value. On the other hand, rusted steel bodies will generally deduct value from your trade-in.
Summary
At Magnum Manufacturing and DuraMag Truck and Van Bodies, our goal is to continue to shape the truck accessories and bodies markets by showing consumers that opting for aluminum means cost savings, increased fuel efficiencies, less maintenance on rust repair and repaint, and significantly higher payloads among numerous additional benefits. Most importantly, an aluminum product is a more professional look for your company.
Those of us who are owners, or potential owners, of heavy-duty pickup trucks know the importance of having the best possible tires for our vehicle. Because of its use not only as basic transportation but as a utilitarian tool for work as well, our pickup trucks can put their tires through a really rough existence. It can be difficult to know the best tires to choose when putting new ones on for whatever reason.
Below are a few of the best tires for heavy-duty pickup trucks, all manufactured by Goodyear, that you can purchase and install on your heavy-pick up that will provide you with great service, regardless of what you use your truck for.
Why choose Goodyear tires? “As one of the world’s leading tire companies, Goodyear is also one of the largest operators of commercial truck service and tire retreading centers. In addition, it operates approximately 1,240 tire and auto service center outlets where it offers its products for retail sale and provides automotive repair and other services. Goodyear manufactures its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries.” (www.goodyear.com).
Among the benefits of choosing a Goodyear tire are the performance handling of its tires, as well as the all-weather reliability and affordable quality.
1. The Goodyear Custom Hi-Miler SS
This is an all-season tire that is worth the price. With a tread design that is beyond unusual in its ribbing, long tread life is guaranteed, and you are provided with handling that will assure your confidence on the road. Sized between 12 and 16.5 ml, these tires can handle a maximum load that stands at 4080 pounds, with rims measuring between 8.3 and 9.8 in width approved, with a true measurement at 9.75 inches wide.
This tire comes with a Goodyear Tread Life Limited Warranty, as well as a Goodyear Highway Auto & Light Truck Tire Replacement Limited Warranty. Check with your Goodyear dealership or go online to find out the specific details of your warranty. This tire is priced at just above $780.
A Unique Ribbed Tread Design Helps Provide Long Tread Life and Confident Handling
Eligible for the Highway Auto and Light Truck Tire Replacement Limited Warranty See Details
A Long-Wearing, All-Wheel Position Tire
Unique ribbed tread design: Long tread life and confident handling
2. The Goodyear Traction Hi-Miler
Features and specs of this particular quality Goodyear truck tire include:
Eligibility for Highway Auto & Light Truck Tire Replacement Limited Warranty, as well as the Goodyear 30 Day Pledge
A tread designed with 5 ribs for the ultimate in traction and driver control
Sturdy nylon and rubber corded body makes for long tire life
Great traction on the road and overall long-lasting toughness
3. The Goodyear Wrangler RTS
This is an excellent all-terrain, all-season tire that will simply outperform other tires that are in a comparable class, and the price is right, too. Starting at $116 MSRP, this tire includes the following specs:
Eligibility for the Highway Auto & Light Truck Tire Replacement Limited Warranty
Lug tread design that is continuous, providing a ride that is quiet and comfortable, both on and off-road
Flat tread and radial construction improve the life span of the tread as well as the tire itself
Included Tire Maintenance Guide, Goodyear 30 Day Pledge, and Goodyear Tread Life Limited Warranty
According to Goodyear, this is a versatile tire that is great for your heavy-duty pick-up truck, and priced affordably for your budget. With a continuous tread lug design, this unique feature is engineered to provide you with a smooth, quiet driving experience regardless of terrain conditions. The light truck tire provides optimum traction for any kind of driving, whether on or off the street.
Additional Tire Companies
Looking to explore additional tire brands for your pickup truck? We’ve outlined three of the top pickup truck tire companies in the industry. Whether you’re looking for a specific tire for a specific job, or you simply want your truck to stand out from the crowd, these are the tire companies to consider.
Nitto
Nitto prides itself on creating tires for road noise reduction, and incorporates technology to aid in “enhancing dynamic contact points while driving.” (www.nittotire.com) Nitto states that their engineers successfully identify and counteract undesirable tire responses in a variety of driving conditions. If you’re looking for high-quality tires that provide extended tread life, improved traction on both wet and dry roads and inspire driver satisfaction, look no further.
BFGoodrich
“Our tires are designed and built by enthusiasts — people who go to track days or off-roading on the weekends. We work to continually improve tire performance (for) more control, more grip and more smiles behind the wheel… When you ride on BFGoodrich tires you experience what your car is really capable of doing.” (www.bfgoodrichtires.com)
Atturo
“Atturo is a tire brand dedicated to the SUV, Cross Over and light truck market segment. Whether you are replacing your original equipment tires, or upgrading to a larger size, Atturo offers a tire to enhance the performance and appearance of your truck at an affordable level. Atturo tires are tested by independent agencies to assure consistent quality standards. A three-year warranty applies to all new Atturo tires.” (www.atturo.com)
Truck owners who need a new truck bed typically must choose between steel and aluminum. Steel has been the traditional choice, but aluminum truck beds have been gaining popularity since they entered the market in 2000. The best type of truck bed is currently an issue of debate among truck owners, with cost, strength, weight and maintenance being the most important factors. However, after comparing all the factors, Aluminum beds seem to be the better choice for truck owners and the direction most truck beds will take in the future.
Overview
An aluminum truck bed is generally more expensive than a steel truck bed, although aluminum beds have tremendous benefits. Steel is generally strong enough but only with the burden of heavy weight. Aluminum is less subject to corrosion and therefore requires less maintenance, especially in salty environments. However, all truck beds benefit from regular cleaning to prevent corrosion due to long-term exposure to salts.
According to DuramagTruckBodies.com, Aluminum truck bodies provide the following benefits over steel truck bodies:
Aluminum truck bodies almost always carry longer warranties
In addition to cost savings, there are other benefits of Aluminum vs. steel. Aluminum produces fewer greenhouse gases than other metals, making it more ‘Green’ than steel.
Strength
Pure aluminum generally has one-third of both the weight and strength of steel. However, aluminum truck beds are made from aluminum alloys that are significantly stronger than pure aluminum. These alloys are still more than 95 percent aluminum, with metals such as chromium, copper, titanium and zinc comprising most of the remaining five percent. Other metals are also present in small amounts to further tailor an aluminum truck bed’s characteristics.”By adding elements like silicon, magnesium and lithium to pure aluminum and through special processing techniques, aluminum can be engineered to be as strong if not stronger than some steel.” (Aluminum.org) The overall strength of an aluminum bed is generally comparable to that of steel.
According to Aluminum.org, “Aluminum is used by the U.S. military, NASA and others to build vehicles and structures capable of thriving in some of the harshest conditions imaginable.” Furthermore, the U.S. Air Force has relied on the strength of Aluminum – over wood, steel, wire and others – for their military aircrafts. In fact, the airframe for the famed fighter jet – the F-16 – is 80% aluminum.”
Duramag Aluminum Body Destruction Test
Weight
An aluminum truck bed typically weighs up to 40% less than a steel bed of the same strength. A steel truck bed weighing 2,000 pounds can therefore be replaced by an aluminum truck bed that’s up to 800 pounds lighter. This difference can then be added onto the truck’s payload capacity. “Every pound that you don’t carry around in a truck body or truck bed is a pound you can increase your payload by. Increased payload translates to significant savings: fewer trips to deliver the same amount of product, more on-time deliveries with the same fleet, fewer labor hours, less wear/tear, depreciation of the fleet.” (DuramagTruckBodies.com)
The lower weight of an aluminum truck bed also provides other advantages, such as increased gas mileage. Truck owners who have used both types of truck beds consistently report that an aluminum truck bed provides a smoother ride than a steel bed. Some owners even say that a loaded truck with an aluminum bed gives a smoother ride than a steel bed that’s empty. “If you can use technology and materials to take weight out of the vehicle, you’ll always end up with the best solution,” says Pete Reyes, chief engineer for the 2015 Ford F-150 (Forbes.com).
Corrosion
All steel alloys contain large amounts of iron, making plain steel highly vulnerable to rust. Manufacturers typically protect steel beds with various galvanizing and galvannealing processes, which generally involve coating the steel with a layer of zinc known as a galvanic layer. Zinc doesn’t rust, but the protection only lasts until the galvanic layer is breached. Some manufacturers also add protective layers of other material such as paint. Regardless of the number of protective layers it has, truck beds are constantly exposed to the abrasive effects of weather and cargo. It’s therefore only a matter of time before the steel is exposed.
Galvanizing and galvannealing are also expensive processes, which can erode the cost savings of a steel bed. The floor is often the only part of a steel truck bed that receives a galvanic layer, meaning that the frame is exposed to the elements. Even with this protective layer, steel beds still don’t resist rust as well as an aluminum bed.
Maintenance
Aluminum beds generally require little maintenance, with lubrication of hinges and latches being the most significant issue. Steel beds require much more maintenance, which primarily involve the prevention of rust. Truck owners must regularly inspect a steel truck bed for bare steel. Scratches in the paint and galvanic layer must be touched up quickly before the exposed steel begins to rust. Steel truck beds that are galvanized or galvannealed don’t need to be inspected as frequently as plain steel beds.
Galvanized steel beds are more expensive to repair than plain beds. The galvanic layer must be removed before the underlying steel can be welded. Attachment hardware such as screws and rivets also damage the galvanic layer. Repair areas must then be properly finished with a galvanic layer after each repair. The required removal and reapplication of the galvanic layer comprises a significant portion of the repair process for galvanized steel beds.
Today, with the high use of aluminum in pickups and cars, body shops everywhere are equipped to weld aluminum. When it comes to cutting out a damaged component, aluminum is significantly easier to cut. Additionally, steel will have paint on it that has to be removed prior to welding.
Summary
“Aluminum always is more expensive than steel on a per-pound basis, but a couple of things we’ve come to understand are: Very few vehicles every year actually need heavy repair, but even when it comes to replacing panels, the fact that you can just grind out the rivets and not have disturbance to the base metal and just pop in a new panel, we’ve been told, that’s pretty simple and elegant.” (Forbes.com)
Over the past several years, there has been a significant shift away from heavy steel to strong, lightweight aluminum in many facets of the truck industry. This is a transition that’s taken place over the past 10+ years in the aluminum trailer business and one that we’re watching play out with Ford Trucks and in the truck equipment industry with many truck equipment manufacturers. (www.duramagtruckbodies.com)
Change Vehicle
2. The Goodyear Traction Hi-Miler
