Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Rundown: Why You Want a Dee Zee Tailgate Assist

While it may feel lazy to install one, a Dee Zee Tailgate Assist has a wide range of benefits for you and your truck besides just ease of use. In this article, I'll walk through some of the biggest bonuses to having an assist installed on your truck's tailgate.

Impact Absorption

Likely one of the most overlooked reasons to install a Tailgate Assist is its ability to absorb impact. How many times have you opened your tailgate and let it fall down without holding it back? We are all in a hurry sometimes, or sometimes we are just lazy, but whatever the reason, that impact is hard on the tailgate. It puts a lot of strain on the gate's hinges, and well as stressing the cables and their anchor points. Over time, these repeated hard impacts can wear down and damage your tailgate. This could lead to rough hinge function, or even broken cables or anchors.

The Dee Zee Tailgate Assist is a gas shock that controls the descent of your tailgate and works with the factory cables to ensure a smooth open operation. This particular benefit applies to everyone's everyday use, regardless of physical capability or age.


Safety

The Tailgate Assist increases the safety of tailgate operation. This is applicable to a wide range of people. The elderly, or those who have suffered previous injuries or have weakened wrist and arm muscles or bones could injure themselves when operating a tailgate. They are quite heavy, and if they aren't used properly you could wind up in an uncomfortable situation.

Children are another important consideration when looking at these shocks, If your child has a tendency to play with buttons and knobs, they may just realize the tailgate comes open. Without the capacity to hold it up, the gate could drop on their head and cause serious injury. With Dee Zee, you can send your child to the back of your truck without fear of an accident.

Each shock is engineered specifically for your vehicle application, so you know it will fit right and work properly the first time, and for a long time afterwards. They are designed for, and have been tested with, heavy daily use successfully. If you find yourself putting a lot of strain on yourself and your tailgate, get the Dee Zee Tailgate Assist, and make your life a little easier.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Monday, May 29, 2017

Rundown: Form Fit Hood Protectors

Form Fit Hood Protectors are one of our newest products in the bug deflector/hood protector category, and they are an exceptional product worth looking at. 
Form Fit Hood Protector installed on 2015 Ford F-150 from Auto Truck Depot
These hood protectors are made right here in Canada, and are custom-designed specifically for every vehicle application to ensure a perfect fit. Each hood protector is contoured and shaped to match the vehicle's body lines exactly with the use of 3D print technology.

They serve several purposes, all of which involve protecting your vehicle from damage. They provide as barrier between your paint and the rocks and other road debris that are always kicked up. It will also help protect your windshield, directing those rocks up and away. Finally, they take the hits from a lot of bugs, keeping them off your vehicle, where they are much harder to clean. 
We have had the opportunity to install this new product on a series of brand new dealership vehicles and the results are stunning. The contour matches the vehicle exactly, and the low profile, smooth design adds a showroom aesthetic that can not be replicated with any other product.
Form Fit is the new standard for bug deflectors due to the advanced, low profile, contoured design. Find out more about Form Fit Hood Protectors from Auto Truck Depot.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Why You Want a Truck Bed Liner

For many people, their pickup truck is their livelihood. Whether you use your vehicle for a personal business, like contract work, on the job for a construction site, or to drag your gear and family out of the city for some much needed respite, your truck has your back. It gets you where you're going safely, it secures and carries all your cargo, and it may sometimes even be a bed.

Whether your truck bed is full of gear, people, or the ingredients for a tailgater, you want to make sure your investment is protected. Because in the end, that's what a truck is, a large investment in your lifestyle.

A standard truck bed is often quite bare. The painted steel is exposed to all kinds of strain from moisture, mud, and your cargo. Sliding heavy objects with sharp edges along the flooring and climbing in and out can cause the paint to chip and peel. Once that peeling happens, your vehicle's steel is exposed to the elements, and thus corrosion. Unless you can get the bed repainted quickly, rust is going to start popping up, damaging the structural integrity of your truck bed. Stop the rust problem before it even starts, and get a bedliner for your truck. 

Bedliners don't just protect against rust. They also help limit how much your cargo shifts in your bed by providing a higher friction surface, They also add a more professional, sharp style to your vehicle, and they make cleaning your bed much easier too.

There are a wide range of styles, each with their own pros and cons. I'll give you a brief overview of each style and offer you some suggestions on which we think are the best.


Bed Mats

This style of bed protection is the least expensive, and also the least intrusive. Simply lay it out on the floor of your truck bed, and your paint and steel are protected from potential damage. Like all bed liners, Bed Mats, like the TrailFX Rubber Bed Mat, offer protection for your bed floor and help prevent cargo sliding around. They also help keep your cargo from getting scratched or damaged by the metal of your truck bed.

They are easy to install, simply drop the mat into your bed, and they can be taken out easily for cleaning. The biggest down side to a mat is that it only protects the floor of your bed, leaving your sides open and exposed. They also don't protect as well against rain, snow, and mud.

All in all, Bed Mats are an affordable, quick and easy solution to guarding your bed, but if you're going to be doing a lot of heavy hauling we recommend going up a step.

Drop In Bedliners

Drop In Bedliners are the perfect middle ground if you want affordable, durable truck bed protection and ease of use. Pendaliner is one of our best selling bed liners, on both Auto Truck Depot and Tonno Cover Depot. Pendaliner makes two styles of bed liner, an Over-Rail and an Under-Rail.



The Over-Rail liner provides better all around protection for your truck bed if you don't have rail caps. It drops straight into your bed, and the high density polyethylene curves over to cover the top of your rail. For those not planning to use their stake pocket holes for accessory mounting, you should consider this version, as it provides better coverage. 

Under Rail Bedliners are more versatile if you're someone who uses accessories like tonneau covers or truck racks, or if you have bed rails installed already. These covers are built from all the same durable polyethylene materials as the over rail, they give you increased friction in your truck bed to stop cargo from shifting, and provide complete protection for the inside of your truck bed. Plus, they can be taken out and sprayed down, making your vehicle cleaning much easier.

Spray Liners

If you are looking for a more permanent solution to truck bed maintenance, Spray Liners may be the way to go. Line-X offers a Premium and Econo polyurethane spray which have been engineered to fill every nook, cranny, and orifice of your truck bed to leave an even, weather and water tight seal with no drips or sagging. This style of liner tends to be more durable and long lasting than drop-in liners and mats. Of course, you loose the ability to remove it, but if your truck is always hauling rough cargo or you spend a lot of time out in harsher weather, these may be the liners for you.

The Others


There are some other options available as well. BedRug makes a series of truck bed liners that look and feel like carpet. They are constructed from a 3/4" closed cell foam floor that won't absorb moisture. It's shock absorbent, soft to the touch, and provides better protection for your cargo against scratches and other damage. They're perfect if you find yourself hauling a lot of furniture or other cargo that could be damaged by a hard liner.

If you're looking for something with a little more rugged style, we also carry Wood Truck Bed Liners. These liners are custom built from plywood for your truck, and coated in a heavy duty weather resistant stain that is designed to last for a long time and keep your bed liner looking great.

Whether you choose a Bed Mat, Bedliners, or a Spray Liner, you will be doing your truck bed a favour. Each have their own benefits and limitations, and I hope I've outlined them clearly for you.

To ask more questions, or to inquire about an order, feel free to get in touch!


Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

The New, Exclusive LOMAX Hard Tri-Fold Cover

We are very excited to announce the LOMAX Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover now available from Auto Truck Depot. I know what you're thinking, what's so exciting about another tonneau cover? Well, it's because we are the only people in Canada to stock this particular tonneau cover.
The panels are constructed from the same aluminum alloy that is used in trailers, and the panels are supported by extruded aluminum channels. This means the cover is very light and also very durable. It can support up to 400 pounds of evenly distributed weight on top, which is great for heavy snow falls or for setting tools on top temporarily. It's also coated in a textured black finish that ensures it will match the OEM style of modern trucks as well as helping to hide minor scratches and grime build up.
It installs without any required drilling; simply clamp the rail in place and then install the eight TIGHT BITE™ Clamps to hold the rails against your truck bed. Then the cover can be locked into place simply by sliding it along the rail until it catches the latches.
There are ten locking points along the full length of the cover, ensuring that when it's closed it stays closed. To open it, simply pull the latch cable by your tailgate and fold each section back. As a panel is folded, it will automatically unlock the latch points on the next panel. Once you have it folded all the way to the cab, integrated retractable storage clips can be pulled out and clipped in place to hold the cover open so you can drive with the cover opened safely.
The LOMAX Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover has one of the lowest profiles of any tonneau cover, sitting less than half an inch above your truck bed rails. This offers a sleek, professional look that increases your vehicle's aerodynamic form and can even increase your fuel economy.The cover features vinyl coated hinges to keep the top waterproof and it is engineered to shed water off the cover without any drains or gutters. The cover itself overlaps your truck bed rails, creating a continuous seal that keeps your cargo secure and dry, as well as away from the prying eyes or sharp objects of potential thieves.
The LOMAX Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover can be operated and installed by one person, and if you ever need to take the cover off, the main piece can be separated by one person as well. It is lightweight, durable, dependable, and only available in Canada from the Auto Truck Depot. Check out the product page for pricing details and product information videos.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Friday, May 19, 2017

Rundown: The New Extang Trifecta Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

One of the industry's best selling tonneau covers just got better! Among Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers, the Extang Trifecta is up there with the best of them, and the new Extang Trifecta 2.0 brings a tonne of new features and improvements to the classic design.

Sleek New Design

Let's talk about style first, before we delve too deeply into the technical details. The Trifecta 2.0 features a new, slimmed down design with softer curves and a more low-profile appearance. The new look gives your truck an even more aerodynamic figure that can help improve fuel economy and offers your truck a more professional look.



The tarp top is constructed from heavy duty, leather grained fabric that is designed to last. It features a corner tuck design that helps pull the fabric taut, and keep it that way for longer so that your cover continues to perform at its best and look great.


Strength

Another element that Extang has improved even further is the durability and strength of the cover. Soft Tri-Fold Covers are hailed as one of the more versatile styles of tonneau covers. This is because they offer more strength than Soft Roll-Up covers but are also light and fairly compact. The more strength that can be packed into one, however, the better, and Extang has certainly done that.

One of the strongest in its class, the frame is constructed from aircraft grade aluminum, making it rust proof, lightweight, and strong. The redesigned MAX hinges feature a double pivot system and a tonne of extra strength to ensure long lasting functionality. They're also thought ahead, and have eliminated the need for adhesive by using snap on seals so that you can get long lasting, high quality weather protection for your truck bed.


Improved Clamps

The clamp system for the Trifecta 2.0 has also been greatly improved. Rather than using a uniform clamping system across the board, Extang has specially designed the clamp mounts to work smarter for the job they have to do. The Jaw-Grip Clamp at the front of your bed tightens horizontally, allowing it to clamp to the bed rail using more force without damaging your bed flange. This means a much more secure anchor mount that your cover can fold up on top of.

Meanwhile, the front EZ-Lock Clamp that mounts at the rear of your bed is engineered to lock automatically while requiring less user force. This means you can open and close your cover with ease while still feeling secure in the safety of your truck bed and cargo.

The Classic

Despite all the improvements, Extang has made sure that the important parts haven't changed. The cover can still be folded up to offer complete truck bed access, and still features all the same functionality and user friendly use that you have come to expect from a Tri-Fold tonneau cover. With rugged engineering and a stylish look, the Trifecta 2.0 is a tonneau cover you have to check out if you're looking for a reliable, easy to use, long lasting truck bed cover.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

How To: Measuring Your Truck Bed for a Tonneau Cover

Before purchasing a tonneau cover or other truck bed accessories, it's extremely important to know the size of your truck bed. It's not as straight forward as checking the advertised length, though. The process of finding the actual bed size of your truck is a commonly asked question, so today I will be giving you the information necessary to get the right number.
When measuring your truck bed, you must measure from the bulkhead to the inside of the tailgate. Measure flush against the inside walls of your truck bed straight across from the bulkhead to the tailgate. Note that it is from inside to inside. *See image for example.
Measuring your Truck Bed | Auto Truck Depot
Note: Keep in mind that the advertised truck bed length is rounded from the actual measurement and may be off slightly. This example table shows the actual size in inches compared to the advertised length in feet/inches. 

Bed Size Measurement Comparison Chart (for Example Only)

MAKEBED TYPEACTUAL BOX SIZE (Inches)ADVERTISED LENGTH
Dodge RamShort Bed67.4"5' 7"
Dodge RamStandard Bed76.3"6' 4"
Dodge RamLong Bed96.3"8'
Ford F150Short Bed67.1"5' 7"
Ford F150Standard Bed78.9"6' 7"
Ford F150Long Bed97.6"8' 2"
Ford F250Short Bed81.8"6' 10"
Ford F250Standard Bed98.0"8' 2"
Ford F350Short Bed81.8"6' 10"
Ford F350Standard Bed98.0"8' 2"
GMC CanyonShort Bed62.7"5' 3"
GMC CanyonLong Bed74.0"6' 2"
Nissan FrontierShort Bed59.5"5'
Nissan FrontierStandard Bed73.36' 1"

If you have any other questions, or would like details on ordering your own tonneau cover, don't hesitate to get a hold of us!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Monday, May 15, 2017

How to Survive the May Long Weekend

May Long Weekend, widely hailed as the first big camping weekend of the season, is quickly approaching, and I don't know about you, but I'm very excited. Hopefully you've booked your campsites already, because even with unpredictable weather they fill up fast.

Whether you're planning to hit some trails with your ATVs or bicycles, tow your watercraft to the lake, or are just out for a relaxing weekend it's important to be prepared. The roads are going to be crowded with people trying to leave the city, gunning for the mountains if you're here in Alberta, and the stores are going to be chaotic with people trying to pick up last minute supplies before they leave. It happens every year, and every year people fall into the same trap.

In this article, I'm going to list some tips to help you get your adventure started with relatively low stress so you can get right to the relaxing, fun part and spend more time there.


1. Get Your Site Early

Before anything else, you should know where you plan on going. On an average weekend, you'll usually be able to book a camp site a week in advance without too many problems, unless you're trying to go somewhere that's exceedingly popular.

May Long, however, everything becomes exceedingly popular. Everybody is trying to get out of the city and get their first taste of summer, so any campsite with an opening works. If you're smart, you'll plan ahead, find a place that you really want to spend your weekend, and book a site far in advance. Another benefit is that once you've decided where you're going it's much easier to lay out a plan for what you want to do, based on what's in the area.

2. Pack and Prep your Vehicles Beforehand

Yes, it's true that all of us wake up the morning of departure to pack bathroom bags, finalize the cooler, and get the last of your clothes together, that's hard to avoid. I'm not here to tell you to have your bags packed a week before hand, that doesn't work for everyone. What you can do to make your life much easier is get your RV or watercraft out of storage a couple of weeks beforehand. Make sure that if you're hauling a trailer or RV out to the woods, you've properly inspected and prepped it. If there's a problem that crops up on the Friday, you're going to have a hard time getting it fixed before you leave. For more info how how to prep your trailer or RV for the camping season, check out this article. If you're planning on hauling out any watercraft, make sure you've thoroughly checked them for damage before the weekend, or you may be short an activity, as it will be hard to get repairs done on a motorboat on May Long.


Cargo Storage

Getting yourself to your destination is fairly easy. The hard part is getting all of the gear you're gong to need out there when you have a vehicle packed with friends and family. It helps to know what you want to do beforehand. You don't need to plan every minute of every day, but having a general idea of the activities you want to hit on the trip will help you prepare your vehicle storage space.
If you're going to be camping near a beautiful lake or river and you want to do some kayaking or canoeing, make sure you can get the boats there. We offer a wide range of accessories that can help you get your boats out with you, including the Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Kayak Carrier and the  Access Adarac Truck Bed Rack. If you're towing a trailer, we even have trailer racks, like the Swagman Roamer LT Pop-Up Trailer Rack, to help you get your gear safely to your destination.


If you're not hauling watercraft, a Cargo Box may be a good way to make sure your ride is comfy. When you have your car packed with people, hauling enough camping equipment, personal gear, and food can be difficult, especially if you're planning on tenting. If your vehicle has a roof rack installed, you need to check out our selection of Cargo Boxes, like the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 or the Thule Force XXL. Both of these are large enough to accommodate a tonne of gear so your vehicle is less squishy. If you don't need something so large, maybe SkyBox 16, or one of our many Cargo Baskets will do the trick for you. If you don't have a roof rack, we can get you set up with one quickly and easily.


Bed Extenders

Once you're at your destination, how do you plan on transporting your ATVs? A trailer with a garage for your toys is great for the long haul, but horribly inefficient for transporting quads to a staging area. Be nice to yourself and the environment, and get a truck bed extender for your pickup, Not only will you have a better time hauling cargo, you'll be able to securely transport your ATVs in your truck bed. The AMP Research Truck Bed Extender, on our sister site Tonno Cover Depot, is one of several great options.

Tonneau Covers

A great way of increasing your secure storage space is by using a tonneau cover. A cover like the Access Original Roll-Up can turn your truck bed from an exposed area for storing large items into a secure, locked off place for hauling smaller cargo. If you're looking to haul a trailer, you still have options. Retractable Tonneau Covers, like the Pace Edwards JackRabbit can be locked in multiple positions, so you can haul a fifth wheel trailer and keep your cargo covered.

3. Plan for Your Absence

Always plan for the fact that you will be away from your house for several days. If you have a pet that isn't coming with you, set them up in a pet hotel or recruit a friend to visit them at your house once or twice a day. Make sure your heat is turned down, as this can do wonders for your heating bill. Secure all your windows and doors and at least partially close some of your blinds or curtains. If you're especially worried about break-ins, you can set a lamp in your house on a timer to come on in the evening for a few hours. These steps will help discourage potential thieves.

4. Buy Supplies Early

Don't be the person shopping to fill your cooler on the way out. Stores are always overcrowded at the beginning of the weekend with people who forgot hamburger buns, need ice, or forgot to pack water. Buy your groceries a few days before hand to minimize your time spent in lineups for a cashier. If you need to get camping gear, or other equipment, check that the week before and pickup up then. You run less risk of not findingh what you need, and then you can just pick up and go in the morning without having to mess around in a store.

4. Leave Your Work Behind

The long weekend is mean to be exactly that, a weekend. While it is a good idea to bring cell phones and a GPS in case of an emergency, leave behind your pagers and computers. Keep your cell phones off unless you really need them, because this time is the time to be with your family and friends. You only have one go at life, and once you retire, all you're going to have is the people around you so treat them right. 

5. Stay Safe, and Be Respectful

Remember that the people around you may not be as prepared as you are. Some of them have to work the weekend, some of them may be scrambling and stressed, Treat everyone around you with respect and basic decency, and everyone will have a much better time.

Make sure you treat the environment around you with respect as well. We want to be able to visit these campsites and wilderness for many years to come. We are lucky to have all of this wide open space in Canada, so get out their and enjoy it and stay safe!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Friday, May 12, 2017

Recall: Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks

Fiat Chrysler has just released a recall on one million pickup trucks in the United States, 216,000 in Canada, 21,668 in Mexico, and 21,530 elsewhere. The recall affects 2013 - 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups, and  2014 - 2016 Ram 3500 trucks.


The recall stems from a software malfunction that can cause the in-vehicle computer to believe a sensor under the truck has failed if there is a significant impact on the truck's undercarriage. If the computer thinks the sensor has failed, it will stop side airbags from deploying and seatbelt pretensioner from activating. The company has said they know of two accidents involving one death and two injuries that have occurred involving this malfunction.

The company says that owners will know if their vehicle is susceptible if a warning light comes on in the instrument cluster, and the issue can be reset by shutting the vehicle off and back on again. If the light goes away, the system, should be reset.

Although it's a dark mark to have on a company record, all manufacturers have recalled vehicles at one point or another, and I for one appreciate that they have taken the initiative to fix the error before more accidents have taken place.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Happy Mother's Day from Auto Truck Depot



On Sunday, one of the most important days of the year comes around. It's so important because without our mothers, none of us would be where we are today. She was one of the people who helped raise you and make you who you are today.

So remember, this Mother's Day make sure you thank her, show her how much you appreciate her because without her sacrifices and hard work, you wouldn't be here. And we know that there are all kinds of different mothers out there, from the stay-at-home mom to adventurous outdoorswomen. So if you're still trying to find a great gift for your mother this year, come to Auto Truck Depot, and help your mom let out her inner adventurer.


Running Boards

Running Boards are sure to add class and style to any vehicle, from an SUV to a pickup truck. Among the most popular are the Aries AdvantEdge, a running board whose unique eight sided design offers a combination of rugged style and aerodynamic looks. Give your mom the gift of style this year, and improve her truck or SUV's look with running boards.


Seat Protectors

Does your mother spend a lot of time out of doors? Nothing would mean more than for you to organize some mother-child time adventuring in nature. Go for a hike, or a bike, or take the ATVs out for a spin. Then surprise her with brand new Aries Seat Defenders when you get back to the vehicle covered in muck. Made from high quality materials with a double sided design, she'll never have to worry about wrecking her vehicle's seats again.


Auto Care Services

Auto Truck Depot offer a range of vehicle care services including professional Rust Proofing and Undercoating application, 3M Paint Protection Film, and multiple levels of Auto Detailing. These services are often overlooked by people. Treat your mom to a clean, well protected car!

If you want to make sure you mother gets the perfect gift, try an Auto Truck Depot Gift Card! For more information on these and other products, or to book a service appointment, contact us at:


Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca



Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Overview: Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers

Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers are a "best-of-both-worlds" cover. They are available in hard or soft folding styles, so you can get a cover that more accurately fits your needs. What is most unique about this style of tonneau cover is its fold-up 3-panel design. Because of the panel system, these covers are better sealed against weather and harder to break into than some other cover styles, as they have fewer weak points. 
The UnderCover Flex is one of the more popular tonneau covers on the market and is well known for its strength. Each panel is made of a high quality FRP composite material, which is stronger, lighter and more durable than aluminum.
UnderCover Flex Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot | Calgary, AB Canada
Another unique feature of the UnderCover Flex is its water tight seal and drain tubes that funnel water away from and out of your truck bed. Its design makes it one of the most waterproof covers available, so you know your cargo will be protected. 
Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers generally have 3 locking positions: full coverage, 3/4 bed access and full bed access. Some covers, like the UnderCover Flex, can opened by one person from either end of the vehicle to provide easy access to the front or back of the truck box.
The panels automatically latch, ensuring full security and simple operation. To open or close most Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers, a latch or handle releases the locks for easy access, and once your tailgate is locked, your truck bed is secure.
For more information on a specific Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover, check out this list of popular models carried by Auto Truck Depot.
Call or visit us today for more information:

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Sunday, May 7, 2017

How To Prep Your RV For Summer Camping

So you just got your RV or camper out of storage and are preparing it for your first camping trip of the season? Great! We are here to help you out. There are a few important things you should check to be sure everything is safe and in working order, and I will go through a few steps to help you get started.
Preparing Youro RV or Camper for Your First Camping Trip of the Season | Auto Truck Depot

Exterior

Check for Leaks

Assuming your RV or camper was just removed from storage, the first thing you should do is check it over for leaks or damage. Check for leaks or cracks in the caulking of the roof, around windows, vents, air conditioners and doors. If these areas are left unchecked, you are risking exposing your RV to water damage.

Check tires

It is especially important to check your tires before making a long journey. Inspect the sidewalls and in between the treads for cracks, and be sure to check the tire pressure. Be sure to fill the tires according to the pressure recommended for your RV. This information can be found in the hand book, or often on a sticker inside the cabinet.

Batteries

Before checking your battery, disconnect your RV or camper from shore power and make sure all appliances and main power switch are turned off. Once this is complete, inspect your batteries for cracks or corrosion. If they appear damaged, it may be worth getting tested and/or replaced. If everything appears to be okay, you should inspect and clean any corrosion that has built up on the battery terminals and connections. This can be done with hot water and baking soda. If you’re in need of a new battery, don’t worry, we have you covered.

Liquid Propane (PL)

Make sure all propane items are turned off and ensure there are no open flames or sparks near the area. Open all valves on the tanks and smell for leaks. Spray the lines and connections with a soapy mixture to test for any leaks. If a leak is found, the hose or fitting should be replaced and professionally serviced.

Sewer Hoses & Waste Tank Valves

Check for cracks or damage prior to using. Also be sure to check that waste tank valves open, close, and seal properly.   

Generator

Start your generator and let it run for a while. After running it, check oil levels and fill it as needed. Check your air filter for nests or damage and clean it out. If there are any damages, replace the filter.

Water

Make sure your hot water heater bypass valve is set to the “normal” position and that all faucets are closed. Fill up your RV with fresh water, and while it is filling, turn on a cold and hot water faucet at the same time to let air bubbles escape from the lines. Inspect vales and hot water heater drain plugs for crack or leaks, and faucets and pipes inside the RV.

Interior

Clean Appliances

Inspect all appliances thoroughly for dirt, nests, bugs and damage. Use household cleaners and light air from a compressor.

Test Appliances

Before testing any propane appliances, make sure your LP gas leak detector has fresh batteries and is turned on. Light a stove top burner, refrigerator and other appliances. Before turning on your water heater, make sure it is filled with water to avoid damages.

What Else?

Swagman 2 Bike Ladder RV Rack | Auto Truck Depot
You’re now ready to begin packing your RV or camper for your next big trip! If you like to travel with your bikes, try using the Swagman RV Bike Ladder Rack or Traveler XC2 2 Bike Platform RV Rack for easily hauling your bikes. We also carry vehicle storage solutions like cargo racksboxesbaskets, and more to help you prepare for that time away with friends and family.
If you’re in need of new hitch or servicing, we are here for you. We offer professional hitch installations, wiring, brake controllers, and anything you might need for towing. Come in for a free inspection and make sure you’re pulling your rig safely.
Come visit us or contact us today!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Friday, May 5, 2017

We Want to Hear From You!



Auto Truck Depot has been serving Canada from our home base in Calgary Alberta for over 40 years. In part, this is due to our mission to provide the best possible service at the lowest prices. Our online presence and unbeatable shipping policies make it easier for you to get the products you want in a timely manner.

But, in the end, we have only had the pleasure of serving Canadians for so long because of the Canadians we serve. Without your support, your patronage, and your respectable desire to get out into the world and explore, we wouldn't be here today. And we thank you for that.


One of the most important parts of running a successful business is listening to your customers. If there's a product you want us to carry, tell us. If we've done something in particular to make your experience with us great, or special, tell us so that we can make sure we continue to do those things. If we've done something that hasn't worked, or you feel that we places we can improve, tell us so we can continue to grow and serve you better.

There are multiple ways that you can give us feedback. Leave us a review on Google, or head over to our Facebook Page, and give us a review and a like there. Or, if you're feeling talkative, give us a call. Our sales and service team are highly trained individuals standing at the ready to answer any questions you may have. They work hard every day to try and make your experience with us as quick, painless, and exciting as possible.

Because, in the end, it's all about having the ability to do what you want to do. If you want to get your bikes out to the mountains, let us help. If you need to haul cargo that can get damaged by rain or blown away, let us secure your truck bed. If you need your truck to work hard on the job, let us outfit you. Because we love trucks as much as you do. We love helping you achieve your goals, and getting you out on the road, or off of it.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca


Overview: Hard One-Piece Tonneau Covers

Hard One-Piece Tonneau Covers are known for their single piece construction which makes them extremely durable. These covers fit over top of your truck bed and lift up from the back, often guided with hydraulic struts for easy use. Because there are less pieces and parts, they are easier to operate, and more secure against break-ins and weather than other types of truck bed covers. They do prevent full truck bed access while mounted, but they can be removed if necessary. The solid, single piece construction means they are more durable and long lasting than the other styles of tonneau cover.
The UnderCover LUX Tonneau Cover is one of our more popular models of hard tonneau covers. This cover is constructed of a durable, lightweight ABS composite material that covers the entire truck bed when installed. This tonneau cover has a single point lock that controls both locking hinges to make getting in and out of your truck bed as simple as possible. When closed, the UnderCover LUX tonneau cover seals the full perimeter around your truck bed to provide maximum protection against rain and moisture. 
UnderCover LUX Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot | Calgary, AB Canada
Hard top tonneau covers are the best option if you want full protection for your truck bed. These covers are the most watertight, durable and secure covers available due to their solid one-piece design, and they look great on any pickup truck. The covers can even be painted to match the colour of your vehicle.
For more information on a specific Hard One-Piece Tonneau Cover, check out this list of popular models carried by Auto Truck Depot.
Call or visit us today for more information:

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca