12/30/20

Detroit Tested | Tested. Proven. Safe | CURT MFG


CURT’s engineering and testing facility, located just outside of Detroit, MI plays a large role in the production of the highest-quality towing products on the market today.

From conventional trailer hitches to 5th wheel hitches to ball mounts, each product is tested in-house. Our Wixom testing facility gives us the opportunity to test each and every product to the most stringent standards. CURT performs a variety of tests, including fatigue, weight carrying and weight distribution. We also have capabilities to do real-time, on-vehicle, three-axis testing, similar to the European CARLOS.TC test. Every hitch that goes through CURT’s testing facility passes SAE J684, J2638, or J647 protocols.

State-of-the-art testing abilities ensures we provide a superior, well-designed product that works right the first time. This concept extends beyond trailer hitches. CURT uses industry-leading equipment to design, refine, and develop its electrical products using thermal test chambers, insulation testers, and load-pull testing for terminals and connectors.

These processes ensure product safety and reliability above and beyond what typical after-market products go through.

For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products.'

12/28/20

2020 Ford Transit AWD Overland Review


We test the new 2020 Ford Transit AWD on our test track, including steep climbs and descents, cross-axle terrain, and embedded rock. This vehicle relies heavily on the traction control system for forward progress. While not an off-roader, it is certainly ready for vanlife travel around the world!

12/26/20

Ranger Design Lockers & Workbenches for Commercial Vans


The Ranger Design locker for secure cargo van storage has the space needed to store your tools and your valuables. The lockers can be mounted inside the rear of the van to provide easy access to your most valuable supplies. The lockable storage units have a hook inside that gives a tidy place to hang work clothes while providing a private compartement to store personnal belongings. It comes with a 10 year limited warranty. The Ranger Design heavy duty van workbench with a high quality wood surface is great for tradesmen who work in their van. It is perfect for filling out paperwork, counting parts or doing any other task that requires a flat surface. Options include built-in shelves and drawer cabinets, and lockable storage. Comes with a 10 year warranty. https://rangerdesign.com/

12/24/20

Christmas Truck Parade


Every year Victoria, BC The Island Equipment Owners Association (IEOA) has a lighted truck parade, quite something to see, enjoy the ride!

12/22/20

All-Electric F-150 Prototype: Tough Testing | Ford


Tough testing on the all-electric F-150 prototype continues. When the production model arrives in mid-2022, it will be purpose-built for Americans who need to get the job done. Learn more about the Ford F-150 here: https://ford.to/3hFeRM9

12/20/20

2021 E-SERIES CUTAWAY

2021 E Series dual rear wheel cutaway with utility upfit

Name your vocation, and rest assured a Ford E-Series Cutaway can be configured to satisfy your particular requirements. For over 50 years, the E-Series Cutaway with its rugged body-on-frame construction and strong Twin-I-Beam front suspension has provided the proven foundation for school buses, shuttle transport, ambulance service, delivery and recreational applications. And now there's a new upfitter interface module to make it easier than ever to adjust your E-Series for the job.

Learn more here: https://www.ford.com/commercial-vehicle-center/


12/18/20

2021 FORD F-150 POWERBOOST HAS BEST EPA-ESTIMATED COMBINED FUEL ECONOMY FOR GAS-POWERED LIGHT-DUTY FULL-SIZE PICKUPS



  • All-new F-150 with 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 – the only full hybrid powertrain available in a pickup – has the best combined fuel economy for gas-powered light-duty full-size pickups with an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg on 4x2 models.
  • Strong fuel economy doesn’t end at the pavement; 4x4-equipped PowerBoost F-150 has an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined fuel economy rating – best among 4x4 gas-powered full-size light-duty pickups
  • PowerBoost gives customers the ability to tow up to 12,700 pounds and haul more than 2,000 pounds confidently with 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. of torque, while helping improve productivity by replacing standalone gas-powered electric generators with Pro Power Onboard featuring best-in-class standard exportable power of 2.4 kilowatts, with an unprecedented 7.2 kilowatts available

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 11, 2020 – Ford F-Series – America’s best-selling pickup for 43 years – has once again advanced the state of the art in truck engineering with the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 – which is also a fuel economy leader among gas-powered full-size light-duty trucks.

The 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 – the only full hybrid available in a pickup – has the best combined fuel economy rating for gas-powered full-size light-duty pickups with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on 4x2 models. The 4x2 PowerBoost, with EPA-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, has an EPA-estimated range of 750 miles on a single tank of gas*. The 4x4 PowerBoost has an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined fuel economy rating, which is best among 4x4 gas-powered light-duty full-size pickups. The 4x4 PowerBoost-equipped truck has an EPA-estimated range of 700 miles on a single tank of gas**.

“Our team spent months living with and observing truck customers at their homes, on job sites and on the weekends,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product platform and operations officer. “Using electrification, we realized we could now give customers something they had long wanted but didn’t think was possible – tremendous power, great fuel economy and all-new capabilities to make their F-150 even more productive.”

Delivering 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque ever for F-150 – the 4x2 PowerBoost truck is rated at a maximum 12,700 pounds of conventional towing with Max Trailer Tow Package and a maximum payload of 2,120 poundsƗ.

Pro Power Onboard is standard on PowerBoost-equipped F-150 with 2.4 kilowatts of exportable power on tap at outlets in the cabin and cargo box. The optional 7.2-kilowatt output provides up to 18 times more exportable power than the nearest competitor – enough to power everything from a tailgate event to a construction site.

The all-new F-150 features decades of innovation – from its high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body atop a high-strength steel frame, to revolutionary EcoBoost® technology. F-150 is the only light-duty full-size pickup that comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission across all engine offerings.

With six engine options, F-150 offers customers the choice to create their own optimal balance of power, capability, fuel economy and affordability. In addition to the 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 full hybrid, available engines include the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, 5.0-liter V8, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 3.0-liter Power Stroke® diesel V6. 



The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 ships to dealer showrooms nationwide this week, just as it earns a seventh consecutive Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award. F-150 is assembled in America at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

 

*Range calculation based on 30.6-gallon tank and EPA-estimated rating of 25 combined mpg. Actual range will vary. 

*Range calculation based on 30.6-gallon tank and EPA-estimated rating of 24 combined mpg. Actual range will vary.

ƗƗHorsepower, torque, payload, towing and EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

12/16/20

Drivetrains 101 | Consumer Reports


A drivetrain is how you get power from the engine to the wheels. Consumer Reports’ expert explains the difference between front-wheel, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel, and four-wheel drive. Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

12/14/20

DEALER, CUSTOMER EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS ALL-NEW F-150 ARRIVES IN SHOWROOMS, EARNS KELLEY BLUE BOOK BEST BUY AWARD

 


2021 Ford F-150

The 2021 Ford F-150 ships to showrooms nationwide this week, and early sales indicate customers can’t wait to drive the all-new version

The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 has earned its seventh consecutive Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award – recognized for advancing the full-size truck segment with new features ranging from a full hybrid powertrain that can double as a mobile generator to an Interior Work Surface and a Tailgate Work Surface to help make customers more productive

F-150 is part of Ford F-Series, which has achieved its 43rd straight year as America’s best-selling pickup and is the best-selling vehicle for 38 years in a row

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 8, 2020 –  The Ford F-150 arrives in dealerships nationwide this week, and early sales are indicating that customers can’t wait to start driving the newest version of the F-Series, America’s best-selling truck.

The first sales of the truck have already occurred in the Midwest and F-150 is now on its way to dealers in other parts of the country; the number of retail orders placed is at an all-time high.

“Customer sold orders are up over 210 percent from a year ago November, and dealer orders for stock are more than double the current production schedule,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing and sales. “It’s apparent that this F-150 is something that our customers both want and need.”

All-new for 2021, F-150 has best-in-class available towing¹ and available payload capacity². It offers the only full hybrid powertrain available in a pickup, with 430 horsepower³ and the ability to function as a mobile generator with Pro Power Onboard with up to 7.2 kilowatts of electrical output available.

The all-new F-150 features smart new innovations aimed at making truck customers more productive, including the available Pro Power Onboard, an available Interior Work Surface and an available Tailgate Work Surface. Every F-150 features standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking4 and available advanced driver-assist technology, including an available Active Drive Assist Prep Kit for hands-free highway driving that’s expected to arrive next fall. 5

Standard over-the-air updates will help keep F-150 at the forefront of technology, while the truck’s all-new interior is designed to be comfortable, useful and connected while on the go.

Dealers are enthusiastic about deliveries, as well.

“I’ve been selling Fords for 28 years, and I’ve never seen my staff this excited about a vehicle launch,” said Tim Hovik, owner of San Tan Ford in Phoenix. “The F-150 is the gold standard of trucks.”

Media outlets are taking notice of the new truck’s strengths, too.

Kelley Blue Book recognition

Ford has earned top honors from Kelley Blue Book – a leading industry buyer’s guide – for the seventh consecutive year for the all-new F-150, while the Expedition full-size SUV has earned a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award for the fourth consecutive year.

Kelley Blue Book’s annual Best Buy awards are determined based on a yearlong regimen of expert vehicle evaluation of nearly every new vehicle available in the U.S., along with analysis of a broad array of vehicle-related data, including vehicle pricing, five-year cost-to-own – which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing, fuel, fees and taxes for new vehicles – consumer reviews and ratings, and vehicle sales information.

“The Ford F-150 has been a Best Buy award winner seven years in a row, staying in this top spot because it continues to advance the full-size truck segment,” said KBB.com editors.

The voice of the customer is a guiding force behind the longtime success of Ford Expedition, including its string of KBB Best Buy honors. Expedition is recognized for its sleek new styling, efficient EcoBoost® engine and advanced drive/passenger/powertrain technology. Plus, owners appreciate Expedition’s innovative rear seating and storage solutions.

“The 2021 Ford Expedition continues with a proven formula based on a rugged ladder frame with independent rear suspension,” said KBB.com editors. “As such, the big aluminum-bodied Ford shines as a comfortable truck-based family hauler that’s at home in the daily grind or when doing work like towing a trailer to a campsite.”

# # #

Towing, payload, horsepower and range are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR.

¹Max towing on F-150 SuperCab 8’ box and SuperCrew 4x2 with available 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Trailer Tow Pkg. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.

²Max payload on F-150 Regular Cab 8' box 4x2 with available 5.0L V8 engine and Max Trailer Tow and Heavy-Duty Payload Pkgs. Max payload varies and is based on accessories and vehicle configuration. See label on door jamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle.

³Calculated via combined performance of the engine and electric motor(s) with peak battery power. The calculations utilize SAE J1349® engine results and Ford electric motor dyno testing. Your results may vary.

4Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's attention, judgment and the need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving.  See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

5Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle.  Active Drive Assist is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner's Manual for detail and limitations.

The Active Drive Assist Prep Kit contains the hardware required for this feature. Software for the feature will be available for purchase at a later date. Active Drive Assist functionality expected 3rd quarter 2021CY. Separate payment for feature software required to activate full functionality at that time.

 About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

12/12/20

FORD EXPANDS OFF-ROAD FAMILY OF TRUCKS WITH ALL-NEW 2021 F-150 TREMOR – A RUGGED 4X4 FOR WORK AND RECREATION


Ford knows truck owners love off-road upgrades so we made an F-150 that's ready for the trail the moment it leaves the lot.* Introducing the 2021 F-150 Tremor.** *Pre-production model shown. Available summer 2021. **Always consult the owner's manual before off-road driving, know your terrain, and use appropriate safety gear.

12/10/20

Ford Auto Nights: SEMA Show Special - F-150 | Ford


The all-new 2021 F-150 is the most productive and most powerful ever – work and play has never been easier, and of course, it is Built Ford Tough. The BDS F-150 HEV build looks great and is a completely functional truck to take you from work to play. For more info – including free, downloadable digital illustrations of the latest and greatest vehicles from Ford – visit https://ford.to/FordAutoNights.

12/08/20

CURT 5th Wheels Introduction


The CURT 5th wheel line offers a range of weight capacities, mounting options, and more OEM puck system products than anyone else on the market.

Each 5th wheel fits into one of three categories based on features, design and quality: the A-series, Q-series, and E-series. All 5th wheels are available with legs, base rails, rollers, OEM legs and OEM roller adapters

12/06/20

What to Know About Towing | Consumer Reports


There are so many vessels and vehicles to satisfy your inner adventurer. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you need to know about getting these beauties from point A to point B.

12/04/20

A.R.E. DoubleCover - Unique Truck Bed Cover That Lifts And Retracts - Quick Overview


The A.R.E. DoubleCover truck bed cover. The Industry's first and only truck bed cover that lifts up for quick access and retracts for full bed access. Learn more at: https://www.4are.com/#

12/01/20

What To Keep In Your Truck or Car


Mickey shares his Truck EDC setup. Includes a medical kit from D-Dey Response Group, security best, battery jumper, proper vehicle jack, outdoor boots, snacks and much more... F150 Truck Cover by Diamondback.

by: Carry Trainer