January 20, 2012

Had to stop and take a picture of where the odometer clicked over 10,000 miles: Barber Motorsports Park entrance just outside Birmingham, Alabama.

Came here to help editor of our sister magazine, Total Landscape Care, shoot their cover.

Super Crew odo tripped 10,001 as I rolled into the Barber complex. A milestone of sorts.

Truck is a hit, too. Took a couple laps around the road course–got all of 35mph–to check out the best spot to shoot a zero-turn with a Porsche race car in the background.

Guess the zero-turn comparo story is in the upcoming issue of TLC.

As for the Super Crew, fuel mileage for the trip up to Barber has been hovering right around 14mpg cruising at 70.

Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tire pressures set at 50psi. Might be able to squeeze a coupe tenths more if they were at 60-65psi–but then ride would be a little firm. — Bruce Smith/Editor

Zero-turn at Barber Motorsports complex....

ONE KEY FOR ALL

BOLT toolbox handle retrofit kit utilizes pickup’s ignition key to secure latches; reduce time fumbling for toolbox keys with simple upgrade

by Bruce W. Smith

Tired of spending time fumbling through a half-dozen keys just to find the one that fits a toolbox latch? We were.

So we turned literally to BOLT and installed their new ignition key-coded toolbox latches on the the UWS crossbed toolbox and side toolboxes on our 2011 Ford Super Duty, Project Super Crew.

BOLT’s one-key lock technology allows a contractor to conveniently use the pickup ignition key to open padlocks, chain locks, tailgate handle locks, toolbox locks and hitch pin locks.

The Toolbox Latch Retrofit Kit, which retails for around $45, eliminates the need to carry extra keys for truck-mounted toolboxes by permanently programing the toolbox lock to the specific vehicle’s ignition key.

Here’s how the technology works: When drivers insert their ignition key into the lock cylinder, spring-loaded plate tumblers move up and down until they are matched exactly to that key.

Simply insert the truck’s ignition key into the toolbox lock, turn it once and the lock learns the key.

The BOLT Toolbox Latch Retrofit Kit works with DeeZee®, UWS Truck Accessories and other toolbox brands featuring a paddle-style handle.

Using one key for all the locks saves time — and time is money.

David “Chops” Adair at Truck Supply and Outfitters took us through the steps. it’s a simple retrofit anyone who can run a drill and pop in four rivets can easily handle (pun intended.) It should take less than 20 minutes per latch.

[View with PicLens]

Chrysler Group’s Full Year 2011 Modified Operating Profit More Than Doubled to $2 Billion With Free Cash Flow of $1.9 Billion

Chrysler Group's U.S. market share increased to 10.5 percent for the year from 9.2 percent in 2010

• Chrysler Group full year 2011 net income improved to $183 million from a net loss of $652 million in 2010 and despite a $551 million loss on extinguishment of debt in Q2 2011; fourth quarter net income was $225 million, the highest quarterly net income since the Company began operations in 2009
• Net revenue for the year was $55.0 billion, up 31 percent from a year ago; fourth quarter net revenue increased 41 percent to $15.1 billion
• Modified Operating Profit(b) grew to $2.0 billion for the year, 2.5 times higher than 2010, and $508 million in the fourth quarter
• Free Cash Flow(e) for full year 2011 totaled $1.9 billion driving Cash(d) at year end 2011 to $9.6 billion compared with $7.3 billion a year ago
• Net industrial debt(f) was reduced by nearly 50 percent to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2011, from $5.8 billion a year ago
• Worldwide vehicle sales for full year 2011 totaled 1,855,000, up 22 percent from 2010; fourth quarter worldwide vehicle sales were 479,000, up 28 percent compared with a year ago
• U.S. market share increased to 10.5 percent for full year 2011, up from 9.2 percent a year ago, driven primarily by a 43 percent increase in U.S. retail sales
• Worldwide vehicle shipments were 2.0 million for full year 2011, up from 1.6 million a year ago
• Chrysler Group achieved its third and final performance event in January 2012 by committing to produce its new fuel-efficient vehicle, increasing Fiat S.p.A.’s ownership interest to 58.5 percent

Chrysler Group LLC today reported preliminary net income of $183 million for the full year 2011, up from a net loss of $652 million a year ago, exceeding the objective set in November 2009.

The Company’s full year net income included a $551 million loss on extinguishment of debt recognized in the second quarter of 2011, when the Company repaid its outstanding obligations to the U.S. Treasury and Canadian governments in full, with interest, six years early. Excluding the charge, Adjusted Net Income(a) for the full year 2011 was $734 million, exceeding the Company’s 2011 guidance and further delivering on the goals established two years ago.

For the fourth quarter, net income was $225 million, up from a loss of $199 million a year earlier, as the Company continues to increase sales of its successful new and significantly refreshed vehicles.

As of January 2012, Chrysler Group has achieved all three performance events set forth in its Amended and Restated LLC Operating Agreement. As a result of achieving these events, and in combination with other transactions, Fiat S.p.A. now owns 58.5 percent of the membership interests in Chrysler Group.

“The house is in good order. We are proud of the work we’ve done,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC. “Now we greet a new year of high expectations with our heads down, forging ahead and focused on executing the goals we’ve set for ourselves as a company.”

Full year 2011 net revenue totaled $55.0 billion, a 31 percent increase from 2010, driven by increased consumer demand for Chrysler Group’s new and significantly refreshed vehicles. In the fourth quarter, net revenue was $15.1 billion, up 41 percent from the prior year.

The Company reported a full year 2011 Modified Operating Profit of $2.0 billion, more than 2.5 times the prior year’s level. The increase resulted from higher sales volume and improved pricing and mix, partially offset by increased advertising and industrial costs. Modified Operating Profit for the fourth quarter 2011 was $508 million, or 3.4 percent of net revenue, up from $198 million, or 1.8 percent of net revenue, in the fourth quarter 2010.

Modified EBITDA(c) was $4.8 billion for full year 2011, or 8.6 percent of net revenue, an increase of 37 percent versus the prior year. Fourth quarter 2011 Modified EBITDA increased 33 percent to $1.2 billion.

Interest expense for the full year 2011 totaled $1.2 billion, including $170 million of non-cash interest accretion, versus $1.3 billion in 2010, including non-cash interest accretion of $229 million. Fourth quarter 2011 interest expense was $280 million, including non-cash interest accretion of $32 million. This compares with $336 million of interest expense, including non-cash interest accretion of $57 million, in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Cash as of December 31, 2011, was $9.6 billion compared with $9.5 billion as of September 30, 2011, and $7.3 billion as of December 31, 2010. Total available liquidity totaled $10.9 billion, including $1.3 billion available under a revolving credit facility. Free Cash Flow totaled a positive $1.9 billion for the full year 2011, and a negative $54 million for the fourth quarter 2011.

Gross Industrial Debt(f) at December 31, 2011, totaled $12.5 billion, slightly higher than the $12.3 billion at September 30, 2011, and lower than the $13.1 billion at December 31, 2010. Net Industrial Debt(f) was $2.9 billion at the end of the quarter, consistent with the level at September 30, 2011, and reduced by nearly 50 percent from the $5.8 billion at December 31, 2010.

Worldwide vehicle sales were 1,855,000 for the full year 2011, up 22 percent from 1,516,000 vehicles in 2010, driven primarily by a 43 percent increase in U.S. retail sales. The improvement reflects increased consumer confidence in our new and significantly refreshed products. Chrysler Group’s U.S. market share increased to 10.5 percent for the year from 9.2 percent in 2010. Fourth quarter 2011 U.S. market share was 10.8 percent, up 2.0 percentage points from the fourth quarter 2010.

Worldwide vehicle shipments for full year and fourth quarter 2011 were 2,011,000 and 543,000, respectively, an increase of 26 percent and 42 percent compared with the full year and fourth quarter 2010, respectively.

2012 Guidance

The targets for 2012 are as follows:

• Net revenue of ~$65 billion
• Modified Operating Profit of greater than or equal to $3.0 billion
• Net income of ~$1.5 billion
• Free Cash Flow of greater than or equal to $1 billion

Significant Corporate Events Since Third Quarter 2011

Oct. 18: Chrysler Group committed to invest $165 million to add a body shop at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan.

Oct. 26: The UAW ratified a new four-year national labor agreement with Chrysler Group.

Nov. 16: Chrysler Group announced a $1.7 billion investment for the next generation Jeep SUV and added a second shift of production at its Toledo, Ohio, complex.

Dec. 13: Chrysler Group announced it will reopen its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit to produce the next generation SRT Viper. The plant’s reopening will bring nearly 150 jobs back to the city of Detroit.

Jan. 5, 2012: Chrysler Group announced it had achieved its third performance event outlined in its Amended and Restated LLC Operating Agreement, by committing to produce a vehicle built in the United States based on Fiat technology that achieves an unadjusted combined fuel-economy rating of at least 40 mpg. Chrysler Group achieved this milestone with a pre-production version of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart in December 2011. The unadjusted combined fuel-economy rating may vary from the rating disclosed to consumers at point of sale. The achievement resulted in Fiat’s ownership interest in Chrysler Group increasing to 58.5 percent from 53.5 percent (fully diluted). The VEBA Trust owns the remaining 41.5 percent of the membership interests in the Company.

Jan. 5: Chrysler Group strengthened ties with the city of Detroit, announcing it will add a third crew and 1,100 new jobs at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Further, the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup will be expanded with a diesel version for North America which will be built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant.

Jan. 6: Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne was named as the new campaign chair for the 2012 United Way for Southeastern Michigan campaign. As campaign chair, Marchionne will work to promote the growth and impact of the campaign among businesses and individuals.

Product and Corporate News

• All-new 2013 Dodge Dart, revealed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on Jan. 9, won the Autoweek Editors’ Choice Award as the “Most Significant Vehicle” of the auto show
• Chrysler Group was named “Company of the Year” at the 16th annual Urban Wheel Awards for its leadership in promoting diversity in the area of workforce development. It also achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Commission’s 2012 Corporate Equality Index
• Jeep Wrangler named “2012 SUV of the Year” by Autobytel; “2011 SUV of the Year – North America” by Overland Journal; “Best Cars for the Money – Off-Road SUV” by U.S. News & World Report; and “Play Car of the Year” (Off-Roaders and Sun Lovers categories) by Cars.com
• New 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Named “4×4 of the Year” by Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine
• Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 named The Fast Lane Car‘s (TFLCar.com) “Top-10 2012 Most Fun to Drive Cars”
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, recommends Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee named “SUV of Texas” and 2012 Dodge Durango named “Full-size SUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association
• Jeep Brand named Polk Automotive Loyalty Award – “Most Improved Loyalty to Make”
• 2011 Chrysler Town & Country won the “2012 Polk Automotive Loyalty Award” in the minivan category
• 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon named Four Wheeler “Pickup Truck of the Year”
• Consumers Digest named Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Challenger, Ram 1500 and Fiat 500 to its “Best Buy” list for the 2012 Model Year
• Consumer Guide named to its “Best Buy and Recommended Awards” list the Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500 and Fiat 500

Additional Information

The Company will present its preliminary fourth quarter and full year financial results during an analyst webcast and conference call at 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Feb. 1, 2012, at www.chryslergroupllc.com. A recording of the call will be posted on the same Chrysler Group website about 90 minutes after the conclusion of the call.

The Company intends to publish financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, in March 2012, when it plans to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Effective May 24, 2011, and in accordance with IFRS, Fiat S.p.A. was required to consolidate Chrysler Group’s IFRS financial results in its consolidated financial statements. Certain preliminary Chrysler Group financial results prepared in accordance with IFRS will be included in the Fiat S.p.A. earnings release, which will be available on the Investor Relations tab of the Fiat S.p.A. website on or after February 1, 2012 (http://www.fiatspa.com/en-US/investor_relations/investors/Pages/investors.aspx).

Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information and Other Items

(a) Adjusted Net Income (Loss) is defined as net income (loss) excluding the impact of infrequent charges, which includes losses on extinguishment of debt. The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income, Modified Operating Profit (defined below) and Modified EBITDA (defined below) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 1 of the attachment to the press release.

(b) Modified Operating Profit (Loss) is computed starting with net income (loss) and then adjusting the amount to (i) add back income tax expense and exclude income tax benefits, (ii) add back net interest expense (excluding interest expense related to financing activities associated with a vehicle lease portfolio referred to as Gold Key Lease), (iii) add back all pension, other postretirement benefit obligations (OPEB) and other employee benefit costs other than service costs, (iv) add back restructuring expense and exclude restructuring income, (v) add back other financial expense, (vi) add back losses and exclude gains due to cumulative change in accounting principles, and (vii) add back certain other costs, charges and expenses, which include charges factored into the calculation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss). The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income (defined above), Modified Operating Profit and Modified EBITDA (defined below) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 1 of the attachment to the press release.

(c) Modified EBITDA is computed starting with net income (loss) adjusted to Modified Operating Profit (Loss) as described above, and then add back depreciation and amortization expense (excluding depreciation and amortization expense for vehicles held for lease). The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income (defined above), Modified Operating Profit (defined above) and Modified EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 1 of the attachment to the press release.

(d) Cash is defined as cash and cash equivalents.

(e) Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flows from operating and investing activities, excluding any debt-related investing activities, adjusted for financing activities related to Gold Key Lease financing. A reconciliation of cash flows from operating and investing activities to Free Cash Flow for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 2 of the attachment to the press release.

(f) A reconciliation of financial liabilities to Gross Industrial Debt and Net Industrial Debt at December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 3 of the attachment to the press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current views with respect to future events. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the effective implementation of the Chrysler Group LLC 2010 – 2014 Business Plan outlined on November 4, 2009, including successful vehicle launches; industry SAAR levels; continued economic weakness, especially in North America, including continued high unemployment levels and limited availability of affordably priced financing for our dealers and consumers; introduction of competing products and competitive pressures which may limit our ability to reduce sales incentives; supply disruptions resulting from natural disasters and other events impacting our supply chain; and our ability to realize benefits from our industrial alliance with Fiat. If any of these or other risks and uncertainties occur, or if the assumptions underlying any of these statements prove incorrect, then actual results may be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Further details of potential risks that may affect Chrysler Group are described in Chrysler Group’s Form 10, as amended, and its subsequent periodic reports filed with the SEC.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Durango, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Attachment

These financial results are presented on a preliminary basis and will be superseded by the financial results included in Chrysler Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K to be filed for the period ended December 31, 2011.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

Rack ‘em up!

Pickup Bed Rack Buyer’s Guide: Pickup bed racks have long been a necessity for just about every contracting and landscape business, but these days racks are used for more than carrying just ladder and pipe

By Peter D. DuPre

Bed rack. Ladder rack. Pipe rack. No matter what you call it, the aftermarket bed rack is one of the most valuable and useful accessories an owner can install on a pickup. Carpenter, landscapers, contractors and plumbers use racks for hauling tools, cargo and equipment to and from the jobsite.

But like any piece of modern job equipment, the bed rack has to be able to do the required job and its design evolve with the times or it’s consigned to the scrap heap.

Over the past few years, a tough business climate, rising expenses and shaved profit margins have dictated that business owners re-examine the vehicle they drive, the accessories they purchase and the way they use their vehicles.

Trucks are no longer purchased with just load hauling in mind. Fuel economy is now a vital part of the equation, as is expanded utility.

Greater utility value

Today’s pickups are often used for business and personal use, which means that on the weekends, the tools and equipment are put away and the kayaks, dirt bikes and ATVs are put on board. This means that the bed racks being sold today must also be multi-purpose.

This may sound pretty obvious, but the fact is a ladder rack with permanent anti-slide bars installed may not be suitable for hauling a canoe or kayak as the vertical bars can damage boats and other toys.

Likewise, a bed rack with non-removable crossbars can make it difficult to load ATVs and dirt bikes.

Luckily, racks are changing. Over the past couple of years the bed rack has evolved so that it is more flexible for both work and play. A rack is no longer just a rack; it is now part of a cargo management system that helps make your work (and play) truck more practical and useable.

For example, on Protech’s Rear Goal Post rack, the front part of the carrier is also an aluminum mesh cab protector while US Rack’s Hawaiian Sawhorse acts as a load rack and when removed from the truck can be used as a storage rack for holding boats and functioning as jobsite sawhorses.

Backbone and Spyder Inudstries innovative truck racks act as cab protectors and can be accessorized with LED lighting for safety and improved visibility.

And if you don’t always need a rack but want the flexibility of having one whenever and whereever you might need one, the Invis-A-Rack clamps onto the bed rails and pops up to provide 500 pounds of load carrying ability whenever you need it and folds away again when the job is done.

Other racks are designed to be directly loaded by forklift, quickly install or un-install, carry integral tool bins/boxes, or even convert to carry boats, bikes and recreational equipment.

Fit & Finish

Another trend to hit the bed rack industry over the past couple of years is improved finishing.

It used to be that most racks came painted with a thin coat of semi-gloss black to protect the steel conduit construction – a finish that almost never looked good for more than a few short months before the unit started to rust.

Today, many steel and aluminum racks come with a durable powder-coat finish, and some companies offer their finishes in matched or coordinated colors to go with your truck’s finish. Box aluminum racks are also available with a mirror-like polished finish.

So whether you need a versatile bed rack that is forklift loadable, portable, multi-functional, easily removable, adaptable and even folds out of the way when not in use, odds are a bed rack manufacturer makes it.

And if they don’t, you can probably order what you need as a custom made unit that is specifically tailored to your business and personal needs. Here’s an overview of the market covering many of the major manufacturers:

Adrian Steel

The powder-coated Loadflex Ladder Rack from Adrian Steel (adriansteel.com) is a tough ladder rack with easy on, easy off uprights that can be quickly removed for recreational activities. Constructed of 1 1/2- by 1 1/2-inch, 14-gauge wall steel tubing, Loadflex racks have a 250-pound payload capacity, and no cutting or drilling of the Loadflex is needed for installation. Rest arms easily adjust from 20 1/2 to 35 inches for wide ladders and feature a slot-through bolt design to prevent separation. In addition, Plastisol rung stop and rope hooks are welded-on for securing loads to the rack. Fits all late model GM, Ford and Dodge full-size trucks.

Backbone

All Backbone truck racks (getbackbone.com) are manufactured in the U.S. for truck enthusiasts who appreciate form as much as they do function. Backbone’s stylish headache racks, bed rails and tie down systems are custom made for each application. The racks are made from TIG-welded and extruded heavy-gauge aluminum, and have color as well as polish options for a completely custom look. Their products also come with a lifetime warranty. The LED lighting option creates added visibility and opportunity for further customization with various lens options. Backbone’s “Knuckle” sliding tie downs can be placed at any point along the bed rails and on the headache rack, adding flexibility for securing loads. They are available in polished or powder-coated aluminum.

Christensen Manufacturing/System One

The Tradesman Package from Christensen’s System One (ladderracks.com) provides an impressive range of cargo handling capabilities and storage options using strong, lightweight aluminum components and stainless steel fasteners resulting in a flexible, fuel-efficient and easy-to-use system. The company’s ladder racks start with the Pick-up Trak which is fastened to the inside lip of the bedrail and forms a structural foundation distributing the weight of the ladder rack and cargo while protecting the bedrail. The System One racks, with their flexible design, can include accommodation for full access toolboxes, stowage bins and drawers, plus built-in winches for securing overhead cargo. Color inserts are included and come in 62 colors to match your truck or corporate colors.

Go Rhino! Products

The Quick Rack™ ladder and lumber rack from Go Rhino! Products (gorhino.com) is just that – quick to install. With its patented, no drill attachment system, the Quick Rack™ installs to the bed rail in just a couple of minutes. Furthermore, the three separate rack sections can be positioned anywhere on the bed rail for complete flexibility in cargo loading. The Quick Rack™ weighs only 30 lbs and is manufactured using a strong ribbed design that allows it to carry up to 500 lbs of cargo that can be easily secured by two, 14-foot ratcheted tie downs.

Invis-A-Rack

The Invis-A-Rack (invisarack.com) is, perhaps, the most innovative cargo management system on the market. The no-drill rack can be installed by one person in about 10 minutes. The unit clamps under the bed rails and the company’s design allows you to convert your truck from no-rack to a bed rack that will carry 500 pounds in just a couple of minutes, making it the most fuel efficient rack on the market. It is only used when you need it. The rest of the time the rack is tucked out of the way under the bed rails, allowing you to maintain the uncluttered look of your original truck. Additionally, the fold-a-way design means that when not in use and properly stowed, owners will experience a fuel savings when compared with similar vehicles carrying a standard bed rack. The powder-coated unit comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is constructed from 6000-Series structural aluminum.

Proline Products

Proline Products (prolineracks.com) offers a wide variety of truck and van ladder racks and related accessories from other manufacturers on their website, and they manufacturer their own racks as well with the TR-501, their top-of-the-line model. The TR-501, made from 14-gauge steel with a durable powder-coat finish, features a fully adjustable rack to fit virtually any truck and adjusting to a length of 10 feet (including overhang), fitting bed lengths from 5 foot 8 inches up to 8 feet long. The 501 easily installs to the truck bed rails, though some drilling is required, and the unit comes with “stand off” mounting plates to adapt the rack to trucks using bed caps. Also included with the rack are quick-release linch pins for quick removal of the rear crossbar, to enable easy loading of tall cargo. Weight capacity is 1,000 pounds when mounted to the bed rails or 750 pounds when using the mounting plates for bed cap-equipped trucks.

Pro-Tech Industries

Selling a variety of cab protectors, racks and accessories, Pro-Tech Industries (protech.net) builds sturdy cargo management systems from welded box aluminum, which means lightweight and enhanced fuel economy for the operator. Pro-Tech pickup cab racks are available with rugged aluminum mesh, stylish louvers or with no insert at all. Standard units are built to fit most truck bodies or styles. Brake light cutouts and 24-inch feet are standard on all units. Options include lumber ears, extended feet, sign brackets, rope hooks, slider cutouts and more. Complementing their cab protector rack is the Rear Goal Post rack that works in conjunction with it, providing both carrying ability of up to 250 pounds. For heavy-duty use, Pro-Tech’s box aluminum, cab-over lumber rack has a cargo capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. In addition, the company makes a variety of bed boxes that work with the racks – and they will also custom make a rack to your specifications.

Ryder Racks

Ryder Racks (ryderracks.com) stylish design provides stability and durability without the weight of a steel rack. These TIG-welded bed racks are fabricated with high-polished anodized aluminum that is corrosion resistant and rust free. Ryder Rack are made to order, which offers each customer the ability to customize their rack exactly how they desire. Accessories include additional cross members, removable cross members, window guards, side panels for decals, tie-down cleats, ratchet straps, and custom fabrications or modifications are always welcome.

Smittybilt

Although known mainly as a supplier of Jeep, off-road equipment and custom dress-up parts, Smittybilt (smittybilt.com) offers a full-feature bed rack that will fit just about any pickup. The Contractor’s Rack is manufactured from heavy-gauge 2-inch tubing finished in textured black matte, is completely adjustable to any in bed length or cab configuration and has a “no drill” installation that allows installation or removable in just minutes. The rack features adjustable legs and feet for complete custom installation, has removable center and rear crossbars to aid in loading tall cargo, and also has gusseted corners for extra strength, built-in tie downs and an air deflector to eliminate wind noise.

Spyder

Custom pickup racks that have distinctive looks with function are fast gaining popularity and one of the innovators is Spyder Industries (spyderindustries.com) where you can spec out your rack online or with a phone call. (We have one on our Project Super Crew sweepstakes truck.) Their dual-hoop spider web headache racks and single rear bed hoops, wich allows you to haul items up to 20 feet long, are built with steel and top-coated with a black powder coat finish. Spyder offers numerous options including built-in LED turn/tail/backup lights and work lights.

TracRac

A division of Thule, the TracRac (tracrac.com) G2 is the second generation of their aluminum sliding truck rack system and is designed to help you carry ladders, lumber, kayaks, canoes and more, safely and securely. Damage free installation and dual powder coating make this the one of the most functional, durable, and best-looking truck rack systems on the market. Features include aerodynamic design with wind deflection for reduced noise, aluminum construction, no-drill installation, heavy-duty load stops/tie downs that adjust across the full width of the truck, aluminum ARC side cleats, crossbars with endcaps, quick release clamping knobs and a 1,250-pound load capacity. Optional accessories include custom fit tonneau cover, sliding truck box, cantilever extension and base rail tie downs with 600 pounds capacity and locking mounts.

Truck Racks, Etc.

The Hauler II from Truck Racks, Etc. (truckracksetc.com) is a heavy-duty universal aluminum bed rack that fits all full size pickups, long bed or short. Construction is of bright dipped and anodized aluminum and there are no welds to break. Features a rack capacity of 1,200 pounds and includes legs that adjust along the cross bar for a universal and customizable fit. Mounting plates are available to fit trucks equipped with bed caps (up to 1,000 pound capacity when so fitted). The rack comes partially assembled, with the remaining bit bolting together with common hand tools.

U.S. Rack

Manufacturing the largest variety of distinct no-drill bed rack designs in the country, U.S. Rack (usrack.com) offers more than 30 different racks suitable for on-the-job and weekend use. All easily install and remove without drilling. The secret is a clamp-type design that allows sturdy installation with load carrying ability. For example, their sturdy Windstream design carries up to 400 pounds and is constructed from aerodynamically-shaped tubular aluminum. It is completely adjustable to fit any pickup, including Toyota, Nissan and Dodge trucks with bed rail accessory systems. Each independent aluminum crossbar contains a fir reinforcing spar and is firmly supported by extruded aluminum legs with zinc-plated, powder-coated steel connector hardware and integrated clamping bases that can be mounted anywhere along the bedrails.

Vanguard Manufacturing

If you are looking for a bed rack that’s compatible with a service or utility body, Vanguard Manufacturing (vanguardmanufacturing.com) has the answer. The company makes a variety of rack models, including a square-tube ladder rack, cab guards, caddy racks and racks that work with bed caps. Their TCR utility body rack is 70 inches wide and is available for both 8- and 9-foot long beds. Constructed from 1.625 OD steel tubing, with angle iron rack, torsion bar for load distribution and built-in mesh steel cab protector, and rear end bar that swings 180 degrees, it will carry up to 1,000 pounds in cargo.

Buy With Accessories In Mind

When it comes to buying a bed rack, the number one consideration for most owners is usually carrying capacity. A plumber may need to carry 1,200 lbs of galvanized piping and a carpenter may need a rack with a 700 lb capacity, while a painter or landscaper may only need a couple of hundred pounds of carrying ability. Capacity is important, to be sure, but it shouldn’t be the only determining factor in purchasing a rack.

Construction details are also important, especially if you are planning to accessorize you rack or use it in conjunction with bed boxes, use it with a bed cap, or install auxiliary lighting. Flexibility is the key here. When shopping for a rack, ask if it comes with mounting plates to accommodate a bed cap. Also, consider what tie downs and cargo security devices you’ll be needing such as tie down cleats, extra clamps, tracks, and so on. If you are considering carrying tool bins at a later date, you’ll need to be considering a rack such as those sold by System One. If you want portability and invisibility, then U.S.Rack and Invis-A-Rack may offer products compatible with your needs.

Planning on installing auxiliary lighting? Well, in our opinion, for safety and appearance sake, wiring needs to run in the structure and not be tied to the exterior. This means that for most purposes a box steel or aluminum rack is better than steel tube construction, as it is easier to run wiring.

On the whole, it is better to examine a particular company’s racks along with their accessory offerings. Not all accessories are compatible with all brands, so try to think ahead, choosing a rack that provides the most immediate practicality combined with future flexibility.

20-20 NIGHT VISION

Night vision diminishes as eyes age; new technology helps older drivers see better after dark, reducing the risk of accidents

by Peter duPre

It is said the eyes are the windows to the soul. While that may or may not be true, one thing for sure is our eyes are our windows to the world.

Virtually everything we do – from work to play – is dependent upon our having good vision.

Good vision is especially important to those involved with heavy construction who work outdoors while spending a lot of time behind the wheel of their pickups getting to and from jobsites.

The problem is our night vision degrades with age without us even realizing what’s happening; you may have 20/20 vision during daylight hours, but after dark the eyes just don’t see like they used to when you were younger.

That’s when impaired night vision becomes a real safety issue.

According to the National Safety Council, traffic deaths at night are three times greater than during daylight hours.

So what makes driving at night so dangerous? Ninety-percent of a driver’s reaction to a given situation depends on peripheral vision, depth perception and color recognition – all elements that are greatly reduced at night, slowing down reaction time.

A driver’s reaction time can be the difference between an avoiding an accident and being in one.

“Nighttime driving is particularly hazardous to all drivers because the human eye is designed to work best during daylight” says Dr. J.P. Wong, a Seattle area ophthalmologist we contacted about night vision and how it affects middle-age drivers.

During daylight, the eye’s iris closes down – like a camera lens in bright sunlight – making a very small opening to let in the bright light and providing a good depth of focus.

At night, the iris opens wide to let in more light, which has the effect of focusing the light over a larger area of the retina, making it more difficult to focus on objects.

Tools for improving your night vision include a brimmed hat and polarized/UV protective sunglasses for daytime use, so the eyes don’t get fatigued. Tinted or clear night-vision eye glasses reduce glare and increase contrast, allowing you to see better in the dark.

That, in a nutshell, is why older drivers are often taken unawares by driving at night; during the daylight hours they see just fine, but after dark driving becomes more of a challenge with objects not being in sharp focus, or glare and halos forming around pinpoints of lights.

This means that dangers such as pedestrians, animals, road hazards and other vehicles are often not seen until it is too late to react in time to avoid an accident.

Small fleet owners report that the average age of their drivers is hovering around 50-years old.

That means that virtually all fleets are exposed to increased accidents due to hampered night vision, resulting in property loss, employee hour loss, and increased insurance rates.

So what is a small fleet owner to do?

According to Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., a practicing ophthalmologist in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, the number one thing to do is to make sure drivers over 40 have an eye exam by a certified ophthalmologist at least once every two years to check for night vision acuity.

If your eye exam shows there is a diminishing of good night vision, there are a number of corrective lenses (clear or tinted) that can be used to bring night vision back to where it should be for safe driving.

The newest lens technology, called Wavefront, is also something to consider. It uses a laser to “map” each eye and matches your glasses accordingly. Very cutting edge, but also said to be very good for maximizing night vision.

Bedinghaus also suggests that drivers not be in a hurry to start driving after leaving a brightly lit area such as a shop or brightly lit jobsite. (The American Optometric Association says it takes 30-45 minutes for the eyes to get their night ­vision back after being exposed to bright light.)

“Don’t rush to hit the road upon leaving a brightly lit jobsite, gas station or store,” says Dr. Bedinghaus. “Allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for a time before you start driving. The more time you let your eyes adjust to the dark, the better your night vision will be.”

Between allowing your eyes adjust to the dark and making use of the new technology in nighttime eye wear, you can rest assured you’ll have a better view of the world you’re driving in and be able to react accordingly.

NIGHT DRIVING TIPS

Dr. Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., offers the following tips to help improve nighttime visibility:

• Keep windows and headlights/taillights clean
• Slow down to allow more reaction time to dangers
• Use the night setting on the rearview mirror to reduce glare
• Turn off interior lighting and keep instrument panel lights at low levels
• Make sure eyes are examined regularly
• Always wear an up-to-date prescription
• Lenses worn should be clear with an anti-reflective (AR) coating

EYE WISE

Protect eyes in the daylight: Daytime glare is particularly tiring to the eyes. Keep them shaded by wearing a hat and polarized and UV protective sunglasses. Daytime eye protection helps you see better at night.

Upgrade lights: Install a set of HID headlights, high-intensity fog and driving lights on your truck. See www.propickup.com buyer’s guides for manufacturers lists.

Aim headlights: Have the headlights properly aimed and adjusted if there’s been a suspension or tire size change. Mis-aligned headlights can blind on-coming drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

Wear night-vision glasses: Lenses with wavefront diagnostic technology, like those from iZon, Tag Heuer and Zeiss, can significantly sharpen night vision while reducing halos, star bursts, glare and other distracting visual aberrations.

Don’t smoke in the vehicle: Smoke is an eye irritant. Nicotine and other impurities in cigarette and cigar smoke build up on the inside of the windows, compounding night vision issues.

Don’t drive when tired: Being over tired and fatigued reduces the ability to focus the eyes. Fatigue also slows reaction time and level of concentration.

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The console allows users easy access to radios and light controls by placing them in the front of the console.

The console comes with a dual cupholder and armrest

January 27, 2012 – Stevens Point, WI – Gamber-Johnson announces a new work truck console that can be used in most trucks with bucket seats. The console allows users easy access to radios and light controls by placing them in the front of the console. The work truck console mounts directly to a Gamber-Johnson Top Plate and utilizes Vehicle Leg Kits for a no-drill installation.

The work truck console offers a locking file box for hanging folders or to be used as storage.. A vertical surface mount (Item No. DS-138) can be ordered separately to mount a computer on the passenger side of the box without obstructing access to radios or storage compartment.

For a more in-depth look at Gamber-Johnson’s full line of mounting system solutions, visit Gamber-Johnson’s web site atwww.gamberjohnson.com.

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These tires work well in off-pavement conditions where dirt, sand, rock and loose gravel are common driving surfaces. Tread pattern does a good job of ejecting fine gravel from the grooves.

Twisted Sister

BFG’s E-rated Rugged Terrain T/A a hybrid all-season light-truck radial

BFGoodrich is a name most pickup owners know well, as is the T/A acronym. T/As have been around as long as BFG has been making its tires in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. But the Rugged Terrain moniker on the sidewall of the tires under our Project Bedrock GMC Sierra shouldn’t ring any bells. That’s because BFG’s newest light-truck tire just rolled into dealers in May.

The Rugged Terrain is a new twist on BFG’s venerable Rugged Trail T/A tires, which have shod many a new pickup and SUV over the years right from the factory.

“At BFGoodrich Tires, our goal is to create quality products that appeal to every kind of driver,” said Marcus Baffoe-Bonnie, country marketing manager for BFGoodrich Tires.

“The BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A tire fits distinctly between the Long Trail T/A Tour tire, which is designed for pure on-road driving, and the All Terrain T/A KO tire, which can go as far off-road as you want.”

While the Long Trail T/A is very much a street tire and the KO a more aggressive all-terrain design, the tread pattern on the Rugged Terrain is a hybrid of the two, designed to provide better on-road performance in wet or dry conditions than the KO and better off-road traction than the Long Trail.

BFG claims the new combination of tread design and compound results in a “30-percent improvement over the Rugged Trail T/A in wet weather performance.”

Recent driving experiences behind the wheel of my own 2011 GMC Crew Cab 4×4 revealed the Rugged Terrains do take to water well, providing good traction and control during our southern thundershowers.

A lot of the tire’s gripping ability on wet pavement is the result of two large grooves that run around the tire’s circumference and the deep, curving channels that fork off them to the outer edges. The tread design evacuates water instead of letting it build up to the point of hydroplaning. The swooping grooves give the tire’s tread pattern its distinct look.

The tires also do a commendable job stopping. Our 60-0mph braking tests conducted with the GMC Sierra at Holiday Raceway in Woodstock, Alabama (holidayraceway.com), showed the hybrid Rugged Terrains stopped our GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab in 137.7 feet–six feet quicker than the stock tires.

The new tread pattern also keeps tire noise down. The E-rated LT285R70/17s we tested are just perceptually quieter (3dB) than the P265/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S tires that came stock as part of the GMC Z-71 Off-Road package.

While quieter, the Rugged Terrains stiffer E-rated construction transmits expansion joints, potholes and other road irregularities more than the D-rated OEM tires they replaced.

That’s to be expected, as the stock tires are “P”-rated and the BFGs “LT,” so the BFGs have a stronger sidewall and carcass with higher trailer tow ratings and load capacity. (Those are good things in the construction and landscaping world.)

The Rugged Terrain T/As perform quite well on gravel roads and in conditions where sand and dry soils are the primary driving surface. Rocky terrain is easily navigated, too.

Mud, not so much. Even though the Rugged Terrain’s tread wraps around to the sidewall for “improved off-road traction,” the tire’s tread pattern just isn’t open or aggressive enough to clean well in mud with a heavy clay mixture.

But mud traction for the majority of those who will be looking at the Rugged Terrain T/A isn’t going to be a real concern. Those who like the all-season/all-terrain look of BFG’s new light-truck tire are most likely looking to replace worn-out tires of similar design, not a traction or mud tire.

In that regard, the BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A would be a good upgrade as it is also backed with a 50,000-mile Manufacturer’s Limited Tread Life Warranty.

V-TEC WARLORD 394

Replacing worn-out tires is a great excuse to step up the appearance of any pickup, old or new. We took that opportunity to have the BFG Rugged Terrain T/As mounted on 17×8.5-in. V-Tec Warlord 394s from Vision Wheels (visionwheel.com; 800-633-3936).

These matte-black rims evoke the industrial look we wanted, and the machined face of the wheels give them a sporty edge that goes well with aluminum tool boxes and chrome trim found on many pickups. The Warlords are available in 5-, 6- and 8-lug bolt patterns and 17- to 22-inch rims to fit just about any application.

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