So it’s surprising that truck owners have not embraced hybrid technology. Who wouldn’t want phenomenally better gas mileage? But in some ways the reaction is understandable. The most well-known hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, is not known for its power to go up mountains or tow even a small cart much less two tons of rocks. Trucks, to fulfill their duties, need power first.

But ‘hybrid’ means merger and in this case, a gasoline engine and battery pack with the latter either supplementing or replacing the former depending on driving conditions. This combination can be tuned to emphasize power or fuel economy, many times providing both. The six-cylinder hybrid Honda Accord, for example, gets an additional fifteen ponies compared to its non-hybrid version while providing gas mileage like its four-cylinder Civic siblings. GM’s first full-sized hybrid trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, are estimated to get an additional ten percent increase in their mileage. While this may not sound like much, it adds ‘high mileage’ to the pair’s already impressive list of features. But most importantly, neither truck suffers lost of torque for speed, hauling or pulling power with the hybrid powertrain.

The batteries provide other advantages as well. The Silverado and Sierra can use their hybrid batteries to power equipment when on site, for example. Reviewers of the trucks for Automobile magazine found the feature heaven-sent when their computer equipment ran out of juice out in the middle of nowhere. Why haul miniature power plants or extra batteries when you drive one?

Finally, some of the most powerful and popular trucks have diesel option which is not allowed in many states due to environmental concerns. Hybrids were developed to be environmentally friendly and hybrid pickups could be used in lieu of their diesel brethren in such states.

Hybrids offer far more than just being friendly to one’s environment or better gas mileage. Truck owners, already driving one of the most versatile vehicles around, would have all those advantages magnified by a hybrid powertrain.

Joe Whyte publishes TruckTrend.coms truck reviews articles. His expertise in new and used trucks is evident is all his articles. Newly publishing Ezines online to illustrate and educate auto consumers.

Author: Joe Whyte
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The ‘milder’ hybrids are dependent primarily on the gas engine. They use a small electric motor/ generator to supplement this. There are also ‘strong’ hybrids in which the electric motor is given a larger role enabling it to propel the car on its own at low speeds.

Hybrid SUV Models

Toyota and Lexus are providers of hybrid SUVs. Honda provides the mild hybrids. These are the ones that rely mainly on the gas engine while using a small electric motor or generator to supplement it. Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid are examples of strong hybrids which have a larger role ascribed for the electric motor.

Features and Functionalities of Hybrid SUVs

The pathway of energy for the Hybrid SUVs can vary to wide extents. This depends upon various conditions and demands of the driver. Usually it is the electric motor that provides most of the momentum while driving at lower speeds despite the engine revving. The excessive power from the engine is absorbed by the smaller motor or generator and then routed back to the main motor to be used either for providing the energy to move the car or for charging the battery pack.

A simple system is involved in the Hybrid SUV setup. No rotating belt is there as in case of conventional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). There are simply two electric motors and a gas engine that is permanently linked together using a planetary gear set. The driver can perceive nothing but only a smooth flow of power in spite of the fact that there is a lot of variation in the different modes.

There is a third electric motor or generator in case of the RX400h and Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i – two models of Hybrid SUVs. It is worth noting that the front-wheel-drive Highlanders do not have this motor. These Hybrid SUV models have none of the typical elements present in an all-wheel-drive system, namely, individual drive shafts connecting the front and rear axles and a center differential varying the power split. The independent third electric motor or generator rated for 68 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque is instead built into a rear transaxle. It is only in times of need like during hard acceleration or starting on a slippery surface that the rear electric motor comes into play. While moving under force of gravity (coasting) and braking, this rear electric motor acts as a generator. In other circumstances the two models work as front drive SUVs.

Tania Penwell is a contributor for Go Hybrid – where you can find information on hybrid cars, hybrid SUVs, and more on energy-saving alternatives.

Author: Tania Penwell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There is no doubt that SUVs are high performance vehicles famous for their huge intimidating frames, powerful engines and capacity to adapt to extreme roads and driving conditions. These qualities are probably the USP of all Sports Utility Vehicles. These vehicles are usually built on light truck chassis and they combine the towing capacity of a pickup truck with the cabin space of a station wagon.

Most SUVs are equipped with technological features like four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, traction control, Anti-Lock Brakes, Locking Differentials etc making them suitable for off-road use. These powerful machines are capable of carrying more number of passengers compared to a normal car while maintaining the same comfort levels.

But is that all one looks for in a vehicle?

In case you are interested in buying a Sports Utility Vehicle, it may be worthwhile to ascertain your needs and expectations from a vehicle of such caliber before actually taking the step.

There have been many instances where people have spent fortunes on such a vehicle but never found it useful for their commuting needs. An SUV is a vehicle type designed specifically for the needs of a specific segment in the automobile market and even if your love for this vehicle may compel you to buy it, you could end up regretting your decision later.

So what factors determine whether a Sports Utility Vehicle suits your needs?

If you own a few other types of vehicles too and need an SUV only to add to your collection then I would say “Go for it, it is worth all the money you will invest”, but in case you want to use it as your only vehicle for all purposes, you might want to consider these factors.

You should consider the fact that an SUV has more moving parts and technological features and gadgetry than your average car. In due course of time, this could mean more maintenance and repair costs apart from the huge investment needed to purchase the vehicle itself.

The large size of this vehicle also poses more questions than it answers. You must also take into account the kind of roads you will be traveling on a daily basis. If you live in the countryside with wide highways, hilly remote areas and long stretches of roads or in cities marked with a decent network of wide multi-lane roads, then this vehicle will suit you like a charm. However, if you live in regions characterized by congested lanes and narrow streets, the big size of this vehicle could prove to be a hindrance.

The omnipresent fuel crisis and frequent fuel price-hikes can be another deterrent to the SUV owner. These vehicles are not meant to be fuel efficient. The term “Gas Guzzler” is quite synonymous with these vehicles unless you happen to drive a Hybrid SUV.

Although SUVs come with advanced features that aid effective driving, it is still considered a challenge to drive such enormous vehicles on the streets everyday. Most people switching from a normal car to SUV take a bit of time trying to adjust to the increased power and reduced maneuverability of this vehicle.

With such vehicles, city-driving at peak hours of the day can be quite a pain. You need a vehicle that can slither through the traffic. Also, the shortage of parking spaces in cities adds to the woes and it could be hard work nestling such big vehicles in narrow spaces. In this case, a hatchback is the best available option.

A Sports Utility Vehicle is sheer driving pleasure no to be missed by taking the back seat. If you prefer to be driven around by a chauffeur, then this is definitely not the right vehicle for you. You might be better off in a Sedan or a Saloon.

To conclude, a good decision is always one taken after careful thought. By carrying out a simple assessment of your driving needs, you can select a vehicle that suits you the best. Although a Sports Utility Vehicle may be packed with features and have its own advantages, it may not necessarily be the best option available.

James Rodham

Quality Auto Parts

James Rodham is the Information Architect at http://www.qualityautoparts.com

Author: James Rodham
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o If you know an automaker known for producing quality trucks, go for that brand

o Size: Size matters as it will also affect the cost of the truck. Decide if you want a compact one or if your needs are heavier then you can opt for the full sized large truck.

o Engine Size: Engine size will affect your fuel consumption which in turn will affect cost. Compact trucks usually have four to six cylinders while the large trucks have more resulting in more fuel consumption.

o Seating capacity: How many people would the truck have to accommodate at a given time would determine the seating capacity of the truck. The standard ones usually are two seat-ers in which the seats are of the bucket type. There is no second row in these types. Storage space at the back of the seats is also less.

o Towing needs: The size of the truck will depend on the towing needs. If the truck requires towing heavy objects, making sure you buy one which fits those needs.

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Author: Sergey Popov
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Hybrid and Electric Cars

Plastic truck bed liners are simple and efficient ways to protect the important equipment that you use every day to make your business work. When your trucks are used to haul heavy or abrasive materials, they can quickly degrade in quality. The items that they transport can really damage the bed of a truck, making it more liable to completely break apart. Cleaning truck beds after they have been used to move something particularly sticky or tacky can be a real chore, and who has time for that?

Using plastic truck bed liners is the best way to eliminate many of these issues. No matter what kind of materials your truck fleet regularly hauls – be it refuse, clay, coal or sludge – plastic liners can protect their integrity better than anything else on the market today. State of the art technology such as UV stabilization, corrosion-resistant UHMW and durable HMW components can all be combined to contribute to the usefulness and efficiency of plastic truck bed liners.

These types of liners are even more convenient because they can be cut to custom fit virtually any type of application imaginable. No matter what kind of equipment you generally use, there is sure to be a truck liner solution that will suit your needs perfectly. Even the largest, heaviest kinds of trucks, huge industrial sized dump trucks or a wide array of garbage trucks can easily put plastic truck bed liners to use.

Plastic truck bed liners can reduce the need for constant cleaning and repairing of your equipment. Why waste valuable manpower on this kind of maintenance, when these liners can cut those kinds of efforts in half? You will see your existing equipment last much longer than before once you start using high quality, state of the art liners. The need to constantly purchase expensive new equipment will also dramatically lessen; all of these benefits can only increase your bottom line, which is really the point of running a business in the first place.

When you decide to purchase a plastic truck bed liner, you should make sure that it does use the most cutting edge materials and the best design available today. The liners that you use should be of the absolute best quality, so that you can rest easy knowing that they do the job that they set out to do. Liners that are easy to install are also highly preferable to ones that are difficult. Take all of these things into consideration when you are looking for plastic truck bed liners, and you will find the best ones for your needs.

Horn Plastics specializes in dump truck bed liners, featuring Super-Slide UHMW and HMW industrial plastic liners for truck beds, trailers and truck boxes, dump trucks, garbage trucks, tandem trucks, end dumps, and bins.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/benefits-of-plastic-truck-bed-liners-862598.html

Today’s truck bed covers come in a variety of designs and with a variety of materials. Design selection includes soft rollup, folding, retractable, hard, hinged, and toolbox.

Historically, the most basic type of truck bed covers are made from cloth or vinyl and use a rib-like system to support the fabric and keep it taut. The next most common type of truck bed cover is the roll-up truck bed cover which is a unit mounted at the front of the bed just behind the cab. There is usually a small rectangular box attached at each side of the bed and inside the box is a retractable fabric or plastic cover that can be rolled out and secured to the end of the bed. This type is more convenient to use as it doesn’t involve any difficult or time-consuming assembly or disassembly unlike other styles.

Hard plastic or fiberglass truck bed covers are quite popular because they have the best appearance. These covers tend to be painted to match the truck (unlike the other styles which are generally black), fiberglass is solid in construction, and can be locked making it more secure than the other types. Fiberglass tops are usually heavy and requires gas struts to assist in opening and closing them. They operate much like a vehicles hood, opening from the tailgate end of the bed (back to front). Some of these truck bed covers are available with multiple compartments that will open front to back, back to front, side to side, or even rise vertically. Fiberglass or hard plastic truck bed covers are sometimes installed as a factory option with some new vehicles.

>>> Read Part 2 of Putting a Bed Cover on Your Truck >>>

A folding truck bed cover is favored by many because of their fast and easy bed access, simple installation and value. The hinged truck bed covers transform your truck’s bed into a full-blown trunk. Fast, pivoting access is the hallmark of the hinged tonneau.  Retractable tonneau covers offer the best security for your truck bed. Once you add a retractable tonneau cover, it’s like having an industrial strength garage door protecting your cargo. Plus, retractable tonneau covers deliver a stylish, low profile that not only looks great, but helps to improve fuel economy.

And last, the toolbox truck bed covers bring together the best of the bed world – tool storage and bed coverage. Toolbox bed covers are for truck owners who want a tonneau cover but don’t really want to give up the advantage of owning a truck toolbox.

Truck bed covers also help protect your vehicle’s bed from rusting or filling full of leaves and debris while parked.

So whether you want to save gas, protect your belongings or keep your truck bed free from debris, a truck bed cover is the way to go – it’s just a matter of deciding which one.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/putting-a-bed-cover-on-your-truck-845893.html

Most camper shells today come made either of fiberglass or aluminum. Each have their own qualities that you should weigh before choosing which is right for you.

Fiberglass Camper Shells:

• Shells are made from custom molds, which are designed specifically for your truck make, model, and year.
• Contour around the cab of your vehicle for a nice custom fit and a sleek look.
• Start in the $1,000 price range.
• Come painted to match the paint code of your vehicle, as specified by the truck manufacturer.

Aluminum Camper Shells:

• Are made from a standard mold and is only made to fit the bed of your truck (front of the cap may be taller or shorter than the cab of your truck).
• Do not contour around the truck’s cab.
• Start in the $400 price range
• Have only standard colors to choose from.

When picking out your camper shell, carefully examine how it was built. There are some brands of camper shells that are of high quality while others of less quality. What can you look for in evaluating the quality of your camper? Start with things like how the windows are installed – are they crooked or do they have gaps? How are the cuts of the doorjambs?  Are all the lines clean and even? Many campers are made from molds, especially those designed to fit your truck. But even with a mold, some manufacturers skimp on the details.

>>> Read Part 2 of Choosing a Truck Camper Shell >>>

What about durability for your camper shell? Fiberglass should be examined for thickness, at a minimum you want to see a double-layer. Some are made with a honeycomb reinforcement which creates a double pocket and adds rigidity.

What kind of locking mechanism does your camper shell come with? Some manufacturers use rotary latches, which work nicely.  Check to see if your camper shell is built with galvanized cables or stainless-steel rods. The stainless-steel rods are more secure while cables can come loose at the crimps.  Other locking features include a pop-out lock that fits flush with the cover, keyless remote options, or slam latches.

When paying to have your camper shell installed investigate how well it is being put on. Installing a camper shell takes some precision. Inexpensive installation may include the use of foam tape. Professionals suggest a shell should be installed with two, two-bolt seals, so that you get four weather-stripping seals across the bottom of the camper.

The mounting mechanism should also appear unobtrusive. You should just see the top of the bolt with a washer on it; not a big bulky clamp.

What is the downside of putting a camper shell on your truck? The only major complaint truck owners have is that camper shells are relatively heavy and inconvenient to remove and replace on a frequent basis. It usually takes at least two people to remove or install. But beyond that, putting a nice protective cover over your truck’s bed may be worth the occasional struggle to remove it.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/choosing-the-right-camper-shell-for-your-truck-845888.html