Friday, December 1, 2017

What's So Great About the A-Series Tonneau Cover from Roll-N-Lock?

Tonneau covers are one of the most worthy investments to make for a pickup truck. They are versatile, extremely useful, and they protect your cargo from weather, theft, and other physical damage. But choosing the right cover can be difficult, and there are a lot of things to consider, as can be seen in one of our previous posts, Top 10 Questions. While all of the products we carry are top of the line, a new cover has just hit the shelves that we are very excited about.
Roll-N-Lock has recently released their newest member of their retractable tonneau covers, the A-Series. Similar to the M-Series, the A-Series features a horde of new, premium features that will ensure security and ease of use. While many tonneau covers boast security, none have eliminated weak spots and perfected durability more effectively than the Roll-N-Lock A-Series, without the hassle of snaps or heavy, awkward panels. Let me walk you through some of the best features of the A-Series and why you should seriously consider this cover if you're in the market for a new tonneau cover.
Powder-Coated Aluminum Cover Body
Why is aluminum so commonly used in truck bed tonneau covers? The answer is simple. Lightweight, rustproof durability. Aluminum is one of the lightest metals, so tonneau covers that use it are very easy to maneuver and operate. Aluminum doesn't rust, so you can be sure that this cover is going to stay strong and looking good for years on end. And to top it all off, Roll-N-Lock powder coats their aluminum to give it a clean, black look that is scratch resistant and sleek.
Patent Pending Theft Resistant Hinge
This is the feature that really rockets the A-Series ahead of many other tonneau covers in the security department. What good are heavy duty, durable panels if a knife-wielding thief can just poke through the rubber seals and tear apart your cover? If you're looking for 100% security with a nearly impenetrable cover top, the A-Series tonneau cover is perfect for you. The hinges interlock perfectly, with no straight line through the cover and no visible rubber. Without weak rubber seams, all you're left with is a smoothly operating, seamless top, and how is anybody supposed to break in to that?
Built-In Tailgate Lock
If the Anti-Theft hinges aren't enough, consider that most other tonneau covers rely on your locked tailgate to ensure your truck bed is inaccessible to unwanted people. This works fine unless your tailgate doesn't lock, or the tonneau cover can be forced open. The A-Series features a built-in tailgate lock that not only provides a key lock for your tailgate cover, but simultaneously secures your tailgate as well with a four-point locking system. This means that your tailgate can be locked, your cover can be locked, and then the two of them are locked together to ensure maximum security for any precious cargo you want to keep safe. The key slot is protected by a cover, which is particularly important here in Canada. Ever had your car locks freeze? Imagine how much easier it would be if the slot was facing upwards. This cover ensures that no water or mud get into your key slot so that you can feel safe knowing your cover will unlock every time. Keep in mind that this feature does not work for every truck bed type, so read through the installation manual for your truck model to make sure you know how it works before you purchase.
Torsion Spring Equipped
Let's talk durability for a minute. Remember how I mentioned that aluminum doesn't rust, and will resist wear for years? That's all fine, but what about the moving parts? Don't those usually break first? Well, The Roll-N-Lock A-Series is equipped with a heavy-duty torsion spring tucked away in a 3" aluminum reel. There's that aluminum again. This means that the most vulnerable part of your cover is protected from dirt, weather, and other physical damage by 3 inches of a durable, rustproof material. You can't get much better protection that that. Plus, the heavy-duty engineering of the torsion spring ensures that your cover will be retracting and unrolling smoothly for as long as you need it to.
 Drainage
Water can be your worst enemy when it comes to extending your gear's lifespan. Thankfully, Roll-N-Lock have thought of this. Their A-Series tonneau cover features a unique and effective drainage system that can be hooked up with your choice of corrosion inhibitors to quickly and effectively remove all water from the cover's housing. This ensures protection from mold, rot, and general wear on your cover's moving pieces. To see more on the installation of the drainage system, check out the Roll-N-Lock installation videos or the installation manual that comes with your Roll-N-Lock A-Series cover.
Multiple Latching Positions
The difference between a good tonneau cover and a great tonneau cover is versatility and usability, and the A-Series masters these factors. Not only can the cover be locked in the fully closed position, it can also be secured in the housing fully open to allow for full truck bed access while you're, in case you need to haul out the ATVs or your kid's furniture to their university residence. But what if you're loading up a fifth wheel and you want your hitch open but the rest of your cargo covered? What if you just have a few boxes that are slightly taller than the truck bed but you really need to cover some fragile gear? Never fear, because the A-Series can be locked in multiple positions along the length of your truck bed, allowing maximum versatility when it comes to truck bed access, with full driving capability. Not only that, but locking it is as simple as turning the locking lever, so you won't have to struggle to keep your cover in the right place.
Clamp-On Installation
Roll-N-Lock's A-Series features their patented clamp on system to ensure easier installation and a secure hold. There are a few tools necessary outside of the hardware kit, primarily a flathead and Phillips screwdriver as well as a drill for the self-tapping screws. Installation requires minimal truck modification and can be done in 45 to 90 minutes.The clamp system ensures that most trucks will not require holes drilled in the sides of the truck bed and expediates the installation process.
Appearance and Extra Features
You want your truck to look good, and Roll-N-Lock knows that. That's why they've engineered their new A-Series cover with a sleek appearance in mind. The housing for the retractable cover top is compact and aerodynamic, barely sitting above the top of the truck bed. It looks good and it allows better airflow over the box of your truck, which means better fuel economy. It is topped off by a sleek looking lid that adds to the aerodynamic profile of your truck as well as giving it a professional, clean cut look. The handle for the cover top mechanism sits flush with the housing unit so you get maximum space efficiency out of your truck bed.
Cargo Manager
For even more efficiency, Roll-N-Lock offers a special accessory compatible only with their tonneau covers, the Cargo Manager. Easy to use, this cargo manager slides along a rail that mounts to your Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover rails with the pinch of a clip. This way you can secure cargo to one end of your truck bed or the other so that it doesn't move around the bed and cause potential damage. The Cargo Manager can slide the full length of the bed, or be tilted upwards out of the way to make room for longer cargo.
Roll-N-Lock's new A-Series cover comes with their customer-friendly warranty policy that will ensure you will get the best use of your cover. This tonneau cover is sleek, easy to use, durable, and more secure than any tonneau cover available. On top of it all, the cover requires very little maintenance. Spraying the cover top with a protective solution occasionally will ensure smooth operation and longevity. Accessing the housing to inspect for blockage is simple. Remove the two screws on either side of the cover housing and remove the lid. You can then check the housing for leaves, dirt, water, or other unwanted items which can then be easily removed. This will help keep your cover working smooth and ensure the longest possible lifespan.
The new A-Series from Roll-N-Lock is a tonneau cover of incomparable durability, versatility, and security. If you're looking to invest in a cover for your truck box, look no further than the Roll-N-Lock A-Series Retractable Tonneau Cover.

Auto Truck Depot

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

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Pickup Truck Cab Styles

If you are looking to purchase a tonneau cover or other truck bed accessories, you may need to know what kind of cab style your pickup truck has. Here is an overview of the various styles and how to tell the difference. 
VEHICLE MAKECAB STYLEDESCRIPTION
Chevrolet / GMCRegular CabA regular cab has two doors (one on the passenger side and one on the drivers side). There are no back seats.

 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab
Double CabA double cab has 4 full doors that all open in the same direction. Each door has a handle located on the outside of the truck. The back doors are noticeably smaller in width than the front doors.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab
Extended CabAn extended cab has 4 doors. The front doors have to be open in order to open the back doors, and the handles are usually located on the inside of the door and not visible from the outside.
 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab
Crew CabA crew cab has 4 full doors that all open in the same direction. The door handles are all located on the outside of the truck, and both the front and back doors are the same width.
 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
FordRegular CabA regular cab has two doors (one on the passenger side and one on the drivers side). There are no back seats.
 Ford Ranger Regular Cab
Super CabA super cab has four doors. The front door has to be open to open the back door and the back door opens in the opposite direction
 Ford Ranger Super Cab
Super Crew CabA super crew cab has 4 doors that all open in the same direction. There are door handles located on the outsides of all 4 doors.
 Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab
Dodge RamRegular CabA regular cab has two doors (one on the passenger side and one on the drivers side). There are no back seats.
Dodge Ram 2500 Regular Cab
Quad Cab (Old Style)An old style Quad Cab has four doors. The front door has to be open to open the back door and the back door opens in the opposite direction.
 Dodge Ram Quad Cab (Old Style)
Quad Cab (New Style)A new style Quad Cab has 4 doors that all open in the same direction. There are door handles located on the outsides of all 4 doors
 Dodge Ram Quad Cab (New Style)
Nissan TitanKing CabA king cab has four doors. The front door has to be open to open the back door and the back door opens in the opposite direction.
 Nissan Titan King Cab
Crew CabA crew cab has 4 doors that all open in the same direction. There are door handles located on the outsides of all 4 doors
 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
Toyota TundraRegular CabA regular cab has two doors (one on the passenger side and one on the drivers side). There are no back seats.
 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab
Double CabAll four doors open in the same direction. The back doors are often smaller than the front doors and the handle is positioned differently, often towards the back of the door.
 Toyota Tundra Double Cab
CrewMax CabAll four doors open in the same direction and have handles that look identical

 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Cab
Click on the vehicle models shown in the chart for more information.

Auto Truck Depot

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

Monday, November 27, 2017

BAKFlip F1, G2 & HD Tonneau Cover Similarities and Benefits

BAK Industries has developed some of the most well known Tri-Fold tonneau cover models available. The BAKFlip F1G2 and HD are all top quality hard tri-fold covers with distinctive differences in material construction and functionality, which you can learn about with the BAKFlip F1, G2 and HD Comparison Chart.  Every tonneau cover model produced by BAK Industries has something unique about it, but what do all BAK tonneau covers have in common? This article will discuss the similarities you can expect from BAKFlip, no matter what tonneau cover you choose!
BAKFlip Tonneau Covers | Auto Truck Depot

100% Truck Bed Access

BAKFlip HD | Auto Truck Depot
 All BAKFlip tonneau covers provides 100% full truck bed access. Whether it be the F1, G2 or HD, every cover folds all the way open and prop rods lock the cover to allow driving in the upright position. This is ideal when loading large equipment, or whenever you require full truck bed space. The tonneau cover is securely held in the upright position against the cab so you don’t ever have to remove it.

Easy To Use

BAKFlip HD | Auto Truck Depot
Every cover can be opened easily with quick release cables from either side of the cab. This makes getting in and out of your truck bed as simple and easy as possible.

Incredible Security

With your tailgate locked and BAKFlip cover closed, you can be assured that your truck bed is secure. The quick release cables are hidden away, and without unlocking your tailgate, there is no way for intruders to get in.

Partial Bed Access

BAKFlip Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot
BAKFlip covers can be locked in partially opened positions with the built-in buckle system, which holds the cover securely in the folded position. Even with the cover partially open, you are given complete rear window visibility so you can drive anywhere safely.

Weather Resistance

EPDM rubber will keep your cargo dry and secure even in the most extreme weather conditions. The covers are sealed around the edges and in between the panels to securely keep out not just moisture, but dust and dirt as well. Whether you're on the job or out at play, BAK has your back.

No-Drill Installation

All BAKFlip covers install easily with the use of clamps that mount the cover to the rails of your truck bed without any need for drilling. This means no lease agreement breaches, no modifications to the vehicle, and a quick installation that will get you on the road faster.

Automatic Latching System

Each panel cover automatically latches when closed to ensure security and ease with operation. There is no need to carry around extra keys, just close the cover and your truck bed is secure.

Sleek, No-Profile Design

BAKFlip HD Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot
All BAKFlip tonneau covers sit flush to provide a streamlined profile and sleek look. The low-profile also increases gas mileage!

Third Brake Light Visibility

BAKFlip HD Tonneau Covers
BAKFlip covers can fold past 90 degrees to allow full truck bed access. BAK knows trucks, and they know what it means to use their own equipment. Even with the cover propped all the way open, no lights or OEM safety equipment is blocked.

Protected Cab

The cab is protected when the cover is in the upright position with built-in bumpers that shield the cab from contact. The bumpers act to protect both the cover and your cab from damage from shifting cargo when the cover is open past 90 degrees.

Access to Stake Pockets

BAKFlip FiberMax Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot
All BAKFlip covers are designed to provide full access to OEM stake pocket holes. This ensures you will never lose valuable mounting options or the ability to add other accessory options.

Easily Added Organization

BAKFlip BAKBox 2 | Auto Truck Depot
The BAKBox 2 can be added to any BAKFlip tonneau cover for added truck bed storage without interfering with the tonneau cover’s operation.
Check out some of the BAKFlip products we have in stock!

Auto Truck Depot

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

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Thule Vs. Yakime: Which is Better?

Yakima Vs Thule: Which One Should I Choose?
Whether you're looking for a roof rack, ski or snowboard carrier, cargo box, or any other vehicle cargo solution, you may be split between choosing one of two dominant brands: Thule and Yakima. The most common question from those looking to suit up their vehicle with a rack system is, what's better of the two, Thule or Yakima? There's a good chance you've asked the same question, considering you're reading this blog.
Yakima ShowCase 20 Cargo Box | Auto Truck Depot
I'm going to cut to the chase and tell you straight up that there's no real answer to this question. Both Thule and Yakima make exceptional products that are very similar to each other, and within the same price range. Whether you need a roof rack system, or are looking to retrofit your existing rack to carry more, both companies make loads of products suited to all your needs. Both Thule and Yakima offer rack systems for bikingkayakingskiing, and both offer a wide range of cargo boxes suitable for any adventure.
Thule Bike Rack | Auto Truck Depot
So, how should you form your decision? The deciding factor is sometimes based on compatibility. Some vehicles are more compatible with one company's racks over another, which would make the decision easy. Style may also be a factor if you like the look of one rack and its available accessories over another. 
Whatever you choose, we recommend sticking to that brand as you add more accessories such as cargo boxes and water sport carriers. Although this isn't always necessary, it ensures that all your products will be compatible with one another and lets you secure all your gear with a one key lock system, rather than having to have multiple keys to try and secure your belongings.
Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love it! Find a rack suited to your vehicle so you can begin your long anticipated adventure.

Auto Truck Depot

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

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Overview: Titan Fuel Tanks

When it comes to aftermarket fuel tanks, the quality of TITAN stands out due to its durable and seemingly indestructible construction of military-grade polymer. These fuel tanks provide numerous benefits over competing metal tanks, and here's why.
TITAN 50 Gallon Polymer Fuel Tank

TITAN fuel tanks let you drive twice as long between fuel stops, and can extend your drive by over 805 km. A standard metal fuel tank can probably help you achieve this, but here is how TITAN Stands apart. 
These tanks are constructed of a highly durable, nearly indestructible military-grade polymer that provides all the benefits of metal plus more, without the known pitfalls. These tanks are designed to outlast and outperform metal tanks in nearly every measurable way.
TITAN Fuel Tanks:
  • Do not delaminate
  • They are not corroded by bio-diesel
  • Condensation problems are non-existent 
  • There are no welds or weakened spots to worry about
  • They are lighter, quieter and more reliable than metal
  • Designed to fit in places a metal tank never could
TITAN tanks surpass metal tanks in durability, and if you don't believe me, just watch this video.
Take a look at a TITAN Fuel Tank for your vehicle.

Auto Truck Depot

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

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Black Friday Blowout!


Black Friday Blowout!



With the up and coming holiday season looming ever nearer, and Black Friday weekend approaching, we are offering a huge blowout on tonneau covers across the board! It's more of a Black Friday week at Auto Truck Depot, because starting at midnight tonight and running until December 1st we are offering 10% nearly every single tonneau cover on our website!


Included in our Black Friday Week sales are the Rockstar Splash Guard Mud Flaps, and the Roctection and Roxter Hitch Mounted Mud Flaps! With winter rolling in, the roads are covered in gravel and salt, and both can do major damage to your vehicle's undersides if you aren't protected. Plus, mud flaps are a legal requirement in many places, so cover your rear while the price is at its lowest.

With the largest selection of tonneau covers in Canada, from Access to Undercover, we've got something for everyone. Are you shopping for a gift to give a loved one this holiday season? Maybe you're rewarding yourself for a year of hard work. Whatever the occasion, this is the best time to buy a new tonneau cover.


But that's not even everything yet. On top of the ten percent off, if you purchase a UnderCover Ridglander by December 31 2017, you'll get to choose between a FREE 4 Ski Carrier or Luggage bag from Rhino Racks! Ridgelander isn't the cover for you? The UnderCover Flex tonneau cover comes with a free Tailgate Pad if you purchase one before November 30th!


Not only that, but until December 14th, we are also offering 10% off all Husky Liners products! Winter is hard on your vehicle inside and out, and Auto Truck Depot wants to help you keep your truck in the best shape possible for as long as possible. Guard your carpeting from mold, rot, and mildew by putting a Husky Liners mat between the floor and your snow and mud covered boots.


Another great gift idea this holiday season is a Remote Car Starter. Nothing is worse than getting up early for work in the morning and having to run out into the cold to start a frozen car. Instead, enjoy a relaxing morning, eat a healthy breakfast, all while warming up your vehicle remotely.

Unlike our competitors, our remote starter prices include everything, with no fees or charges to be tacked on after. That means that our listed price includes all of the parts and labour for our professional installation technicians to get your new starter installed properly, safely, and quickly.

Auto Truck Depot is your Canadian source for the highest quality truck and automotive accessories at the best prices. If you find a price in Canada that's better, we will match it!

Friday, November 17, 2017

Best Products to Maximize Your Vehicle Storage Space and Lifespan

Whether you've got a family camping trip planned this summer or you're looking to hit the slopes with friends this winder, the issue of vehicle storage always comes up. There are too many people and gear, not enough space. Especially if you own a small vehicle. In this article, I will walk you through the details of the types of storage expansion options we carry, and what you can expect from each.

Cargo Boxes

Cargo boxes come in various sizes and styles for any vehicle. These boxes are durable, secure and install on an existing roof rack system to let you store your cargo safely on the top of your vehicle. 
Yakima SkyBox 18 Carbonite Cargo Box | Auto Truck Depot
The Yakima SkyBox 18 Carbonite Cargo Box secures to the top of your vehicle to provide 18 cubic feet of additional storage. This box is ideal for hauling cargo for up to 4 people and it is great for snowboards and skis up to 215 cm in length. Its sleek aerodynamic design reduces drag to make your ride smooth, and most importantly, it frees up room inside your vehicle to make your adventures more comfortable.
Yakima boxes come in various sizes and styles. Here are some available options to choose from.

Cargo Baskets

Cargo baskets, such as the Yakima Loadwarrior, can help secure and transport items on that you can't fit in your vehicle. The open air platform provides extra cargo space on the top of your car to secure larger items, and there are a wide range of products that can be added to help further secure the cargo.. 
Cargo Nets, like the Thule Stretch Cargo Net can be used to cover and secure your cargo inside a cargo basket. Most cargo nets are made of a mesh that stretches and conforms to your load.
Yakima LoadWarrior Cargo Basket | Auto Truck Depot
There are various sizes and styles of cargo baskets to choose from, depending on personal preference and need. Here is a list of a few we carry.
  • Thule Canyon Cargo Basket
    • Tapered side walls make loading and unloading easy
    • Wind fairing shape increases aerodynamics and reduces drag
    • Built for style 
  • Thule Trail Large Cargo Basket
    • Flat cargo area for easy loading and unloading
    • Integrated front and rear t-track channels for mounting additional rack accessories such as lights
    • Upper load surface is covered with rubber to provide extra grip for longer loads
  • Thule Trail Medium Cargo Basket
    • Flat cargo area for easy loading and unloading
    • Integrated front and rear t-track channels for mounting additional rack accessories such as lights
    • Eight adjustable tie-down loops included for securing loads
  • Yakima LoadWarrior Cargo Basket
    • Adds cargo space to the top of your vehicle
    • Open air platform allows easy access to tie-down materials
    • Accessory bars act as crossbars form gear specific racks and provides added security
  • Yakima MegaWarrior Cargo Basket
    • Larger version of the LoadWarrior
    • Accommodates most Yakima gear and mounts
    • Best for larger trucks and SUVs 

Cargo Bags

Thule Interstate Cargo Bag | Auto Truck Depot
Cargo bags are durable and water-resistant to provide additional cargo space on top of your vehicle. These products provide a great deal of space when needed and can be easily folded and stored. Here is a list of cargo bags we carry.
  • Thule Interstate Cargo Bag
    • Provides up to 16 cubic feet of additional storage
    • Twin compression straps ensure cargo is safely secured
    • IP-X3 test certified for water resistance
  • Thule Outbound Cargo Bag
    • Provides up to 13 cubic feet of cargo space
    • Twin compression straps ensure cargo is safely secured
    • IP-X2 test certified for water resistance

 Ski & Snowboard Mounts

For anyone planning on hitting the slopes this winter, a proper ski or snowboard mount is ideal, and it's always good to think ahead. There are various styles and sizes that are designed to protect and secure your skis, boards and vehicle during transportation. Check out the wide range of high quality ski and snowboard carriers we stock and start planning for the future.
  • Thule Snowcat Ski & Snowboard Mount
    • Telescoping arms change to the width of your vehicle for a perfect fit
    • Rubber coated arms protect skis and boards from being scratched
    • Fits up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
  • Thule Tram Ski & Snowboard Carrier
    • Transforms an existing bike carrier into a winter ski and snowboard carrier for your vehicle
    • Hold skis and snowboards securely with rubber padded arms
    • Locks skis and snowboards into carrier with 2 Thule One-Key lock cylinders
  • Thule Universal Flat Top Ski & Snowboard Mount
    • Ultra-soft rubber arms hold skis and snowboards securely
    • Holds up to 4 pairs of fat skis or 2 snowboards
    • Oversized push button for easy access, even with gloves
  • Thule Universal Pull Top Ski & Snowboard Mount
    • Skis and boards slide from top of roof to side with telescoping arms
    • Ultra-soft rubber arms grip and secure skis without scratching surfaces
    • Fits up to 6 pairs of fat skis or 4 snowboards
  • Thule Universal Snowboard Carrier
    • Safely and securely transport up to 2 snowboards
    • Angled design prevents binding and vehicle contact
    • Lock arms grip and secure boards without scratching surface
  • Yakima Big PowderHound Ski & Snowboard Mount
    • Holds up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
    • One-button access for easy loading and unloading, even with gloves
    • SKS LOCK CORES included for full security
  • Yakima FatCat 4 Ski & Snowboard Mount
    • Holds up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
    • DoubleJoint hinge system lets you mount modern fat skis and boards
    • Includes SKS LOCK CORES for full security
  • Yakima FatCat 6 Ski & Snowboard Mount
    • Holds up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
    • DoubleJoint hinge system lets you mount modern fat skis and boards
    • Includes SKS LOCK CORES for full security
  • Yakima HitchSki Ski & Snowboard Hitch Rack
    • Converts hitch rack into ski carrier
    • Upper arms adjust to 2 positions and lower arms are adjustable to accommodate various ski and board sizes
    • Caries up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
  • Yakima PowderHound Ski & Snowboard Mount
    • Holds up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
    • SKS LOCK CORES included for full security
    • One-button access makes loading and unloading easy, even with gloves
If these options aren't quite cutting it for what you need, or you want to explore other options, check out our article, Choosing the Right Roof Rack System, for another method of cargo transport.

Auto Truck Depot

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

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Chevrolet and GMC Cab Style Guide

Chevrolet and GMC have a larger number of Cab Styles than most other brand of truck. This gives you more options when purchasing a truck, but makes getting the right accessories more difficult. In this article, we will help you navigate the cab types so you can correctly identify your vehicle and get the right accessories the first time.

Chevrolet/GMC Pickup Truck Cab Styles

1. Regular Cab

Chevrolet Pickup Truck with Regular Cab
A regular cab has two doors (one on the passenger side and one on the drivers side). There are no back seats.

2. Double Cab

Chevrolet Double Cab
A double cab has 4 full doors that all open in the same direction. Each door has a handle located on the outside of the truck. The back doors are noticeably smaller in width than the front doors.

3. Extended Cab

Chevrolet Extended Cab
An extended cab has 4 doors. The front doors have to be open in order to open the back doors, and the handles are usually located on the inside of the door and not visible from the outside.

 4. Crew Cab

Chevrolet Crew Cab
A crew cab has 4 full doors that all open in the same direction. The door handles are all located on the outside of the truck, and both the front and back doors are the same width.

Auto Truck Depot

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

Monday, November 13, 2017

Tips for Safe Driving This Coming Winter

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving

Winter Driving Tips | Auto Truck Depot
You can never be too prepared when it comes to winter, especially in Canada. Rather than putting off the necessary work until the last minute, try starting to prepare you vehicle now. You'll be happy you did when your life is less stressful come the onslaught of winter.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and in working condition. Clean posts and make sure the connection is strong. Replace your battery if it does not hold a full charge, has cracks in the casing, or seems otherwise unsafe. We carry a line of high quality Optima Batteries to help get you going.
Check your ignition. Check and replace any worn or damaged wiring. Replace any worn spark plugs. Make sure that all lights are working properly and replace any that are burnt out. Make sure that your head lights are properly aimed. Be sure to check and service your brakes to ensure even braking. 
Install winter tires. Do not mix tires with different tread patterns. This can cause uneven traction. It is important that you check your tire pressure frequently to ensure you have the best traction on icy surfaces. It is best to check your tire pressure in colder temperatures to prevent under inflation. If tires are checked in a warm garage they can lose pressure when in cold weather, making the tire pressure unreliable on ice.
Check your exhaust for leaks that could result in harmful carbon monoxide emissions in your vehicle. Check radiator hoses and drive belts for cracks and replace any that are worn. Make sure the heater and defrost work well.
Visibility is important, especially when the weather is bad. Be sure that your windshield wipers are in good working condition. Replace any windshield wiper blades that streak. It is worthwhile to get wiper blades that are designed for winter. If you are in need of new windshield wiper blades, check out some of the wiper blades carried by Auto Truck Depot. Be sure to keep your windshield washer fluid full with fluid for up to -40°C and always keep extra in your vehicle.

Safety tips

Check the weather patterns before driving, especially before driving on the highway. Be prepared for the weather. Keep your vehicle stocked with an ice scraper/brush, flashlight, booster cables, a shovel and warm clothes. You never know when you might need these things.
Always drive at speeds that are safe for the conditions. This is often slower than the speed limit. Keep distance from other drivers to reduce collisions. This is especially important when conditions are icy. Know how your vehicle handles, and drive appropriately and brake slowly. Avoid locking your wheels as this can cause you to lose control.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca
Sources Cited:
Transport Canada. Winter Driving: You, Your Vehicle and Winter Driving. N.p.: Transport Canada, 2015.CAA. Transport Canada. Web. 12 Dec. 2015. http://www.caa.ca/working-for-you/safe-driving/winter-driving.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Explore the Alberta Rockies: Top Skiing and Snowboarding

The ski season is still in full bloom, and Alberta has some of the most incredible ski resorts the world has to offer, so load up your belongings and head out to the Rockies. Make more room for your winter adventures by adding a cargo box to the roof of your vehicle to help you travel comfortably, and load your skis because you don’t want to miss out on what Alberta has to offer.
Norquey Ski Resort
Mount Norquay, Lake Louise, and Sunshine village are known as the big three, and are all located in Banff National Park. If a weekend getaway in Banff is what you are looking for, Mount Norquay is the ideal place to hit the slopes with your friends and family. Mount Norquay is located right in town and offers world class skiing, dining, tubing, and more.
Sunshine Village: TeePee Town LX
Sunshine Village is located just outside of Banff, and they recently opened the TeePee Town LX chair lift. This is the first heated chairlift in Canada and can move up to 1,200 people per hour at 305 metres per minute. If you plan on travelling with skis or snowboards, you may want to consider adding a ski and snowboard mount to your vehicles roof rack or hitch to save space inside your vehicle. This is especially useful if you plan on visiting multiple ski resorts with a car full of family or friends.
Not far from Sunshine Village is Lake Louise Ski resort. Ski both sides of this beautiful mountain, take a run on a world class terrain park, and finish the day off with some fine dining in the lodge.
These three incredible ski resorts are only hours from each other so you can experience all three in a single weekend, and that’s not all. You can also ski Canada’s highest base elevation of 1,697 metres at Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park, or you can check out the 104 trails of Castle Mountain 2 hours west of Lethbridge. And if you’re looking to spend some time in Calgary, you may want to spend the day enjoying winter festivities at Canada Olympic Park, or head out to Nakiska, Calgary’s closest mountain only 45 minutes away.

If you need a hand with racks or other vehicle accessories to get you set for the winter, be sure to give us a call.

Auto Truck Depot

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

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Protect Your Battery From Winter Damage


Battery issues are the number one cause of vehicle break downs, and the cold winter months don't help the situation. Batteries can die at any time, but they are most likely to croak in the winter due to power output drops, a decrease in the battery's ability to accept charge, and of course an increased power load from things like heaters and other electronics. 
Jump Starting Dead Battery
There are various tips that can help you avoid a dead battery this cold season, and one of the first things you should do is check the clamps and connections on your battery for corrosion. Keep your connection clean to ensure your battery is able to get a strong connection to your vehicle. If you have a struggling battery that is over 5 years old, replace it. You are better off replacing it before it leaves you in a roadside situation.
Keep your battery fully charged. A full charge can protect your battery from freezing, especially if left unused for more than a day at a time. Optima Batteries explains that an uncharged battery can freeze at warmer temperatures because the sulfuric acid and distilled water are not properly mixed. This can be avoided by keeping your battery fully charged when the car isn't in use with an advanced battery charger. You can also avoid trouble by making sure everything electrical is turned off when parking your car. This includes the radio, heater and lights. To increase your chances of starting a vehicle that has been parked in the cold, be sure to turn off everything electrical before turning the ignition. 
If you are unable to start your car or turn on any lights, there's a chance your battery might be frozen. Optima Batteries suggests that you do not try and jump start a frozen battery. You should check the battery casing for cracks, and if any are visible, a replacement battery is needed. If the casing appears to be okay, it is best to remove the battery from your vehicle to a warmer location to thaw on its own. Once this process is complete, reinstall into the vehicle, and if there are no problems starting, there is likely no lasting damage done to the battery. Optima recommends fully charging your car battery to prevent further issues from occurring.  
If your vehicle is in need of a new battery, check out our Optima Batteries.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca
Works Cited:
Optima Batteries. What Happens if My Car Battery Freezes?. N.p.: Power Source: What Powers Your Passion?, 20 Jan. 2014. Optima Batteries. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/experience/power-source/what-happens-if-my-car-battery-freezes/.
AA. Battery Breakdowns: Most Common Cause of Battery Breakdown at Any Time of Year but Particularly Winter. ,N.p.: Breakdown Advice & Information, 20 Sep. 2014. AA. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/winter-flat-battery-breakdown.html