Making Sense of the Aries Modular Jeep Bumper

The Aries Modular Jeep Bumper is one of the coolest, and most complicated, of  Tonno Cover Depot's Jeep Accessories. In this blog, I will walk you through the details you need to know if you're looking to order a modular bumper. The product is relatively new, and man does it impress. While perusing through the product page may give you the information you need, some of the complexities of the product construction and great variety of customization may leave you scratching your head. To start, let's talk a little bit about the available materials.

The modular bumper is available in two different materials; 3/16" T6 TIG welded aluminum, or 3/16" MIG welded carbon steel. So, what's the difference? What it comes down to is the materials impact resistance and weight. The carbon steel is much heavier than aluminum, which could weigh your Jeep down a little. The biggest issue with carbon steel is that it can rust. Yes, it is plated to protect against corrosion, but after extended use, especially off road, the coating could wear down and your bumper may be exposed to rust. The up side, however, is that carbon steel will outperform aluminum for sheer strength any day. Its impact resistance is much high, and it's more reliable as support for a winch, which can be added separately.

The aluminum, however is much more lightweight. This can be beneficial, but the biggest benefit to aluminum is that it's rust proof. Yep, you heard me right. Because of it's elemental properties, aluminum doesn't react with oxygen, meaning no rust will form. This longevity comes at the price of impact resistance. While aluminum is still durable and able to take a hit, it won't hold us as well against a heavy impact with a large object, like a boulder,

So, once you've made up your mind on the material you want to use, you'll need to consider your finish. Aries offers two tones, either a textured black or silver. Both finishes are available in both materials,so you don;t need to worry about choosing material based on style. Each customisable segment can be finished individually, so you can choose a unique colour pattern rather than just flat black or straight silver if you want. So all you need to worry about is how the bumper will look on your Jeep.What patterns will best match your vehicle's style; what will work best with your Jeep build?

Now you've got to plan out which components you want. Every bumper requires a center piece, that just makes sense. Without the center piece, nothing else would come together. But do you want a large bumper? Are you trying to build a rugged looking off road beast that can plow through the brush without fear of scratching? Alternatively, do you want something that's a little more subtle, or low profile?

This will help you determine whether or not to put on the side extensions. These extensions, as I mentioned earlier, can be colour coded as you'd like to make the style more your own. If you're looking for a big bumper with full protection, these are the way to. If not, you can instead cap off the ends of the center piece to leave you with a more low profile design.

Then it's on to the bush guards. These bars add a unique look to your bumper, but they're more than just a pretty feature. They will help protect your Jeep's lights, hood, front end, fenders, and quarter panels from scratches and other damage caused by branches and other wilderness obstacles.

So, how much ripping around in the bush do you usually do? Are you a big off roader, or do you usually stick to gravel roads and secondary highways? If you aren't carving trail, the bush aren't necessary unless you're a big fan of the style. Do you want all three? If you've installed the side extensions, you can have all three pieces, or you can stick with just the center piece. Likewise, you could choose to leave the bush guards off entirely if you don't need them.

Once you've selected the number of guards, if any, you'll need to choose the material. Just like the core bumper, there are two available      finishes for the bush guards; 304 grade stainless steel or textured              matte black. While this choice is primarily driven by aesthetic                  preference, there are a couple of physical elements to consider.

304 grade stainless steel is a very high grade metal. This means that it     contains a large quantity of nickel within the alloy. The more nickel,       the better rust resistance the metal will have. 304 is one of the top             grades, so you can be sure the stainless steel will stay looking sharp         keep intact for a long time. It does, however, scratch more easily than       the matte finish. While this won't affect the longevity of the part, these thin scratches will become more and more pronounced over time, and may eventually wreck the look of the bumper. These scratches, if they're small enough, can be buffed out with a stainless steel polish fairly easily. So if you're willing to perform the polish, or the potential for scratches doesn't worry you, this material will last longer. The matte won't scratch as easily, but if there is a heavy impact, the matte finish could chip or peel off, and once this happens your guard will begin to rust. There is, unfortunately, very little that can be done at that point.

No matter which configurations you choose, you will have access to all of the Aries line of related accessories, and there is a tonne of them. From winches and tow hooks to OE light mount cutouts and tabs, Aries has though of everything needed to keep you out of trouble on the road, or off of it. Once all of your pieces have been ordered, installation is a breeze. Mounting it is often a 2 person job, but all you have to do is take off your factory bumper and install the new, modular bumper to your factory anchor points.

And the final touch? A rear bumper assembly of course! The rear bumper is available in three pieces, a center chunk and two side extensions just like the front. And also like the front, you can customise the colour and material of the bumper. Do you want it to match the look on the front, or do you want to change it up a bit?

And now you have the most personalised Jeep Wrangler bumper around! You'll be drawing eyes across town, including your own. The true value in the Aries Modular Bumper, though, is its versatility and durability when it counts, out in the wilderness. With the potential for hard working, functional off road accessories, and a 22 1/2" x 7 3/4" winch housing, you'll never feel like your vehicle is missing anything out there again!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.tonnocoverdepot.ca

Nissan Pickup Truck Cab Style Guide

In this overview, I will help walk you through the different styles of Nissan cabs. This is a must read before purchasing any tonneau covers or accessories for your truck, as the type of cab you have may impact the part number or availability of your desired product.

Nissan Titan Pickup Truck Cab Styles

1. King Cab

A 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.

2. Crew Cab

A Crew Cab has 4 doors that all open in the same direction. There are door handles located on the outsides of all 4 doors.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

New Truck Bed Covers from UnderCover: Ultra Flex & Ridgelander

One of our favorite tonneau covers has always been the UnderCover Flex. This cover is one of the top, best-selling tri-fold covers we carry, and for good reason. The UnderCover Flex is easy to use, has a solid and sturdy construction, and not to mention, it looks fantastic on any pickup truck.

UnderCover is also renowned for its series of solid one-piece truck bed covers like the Classic and LUX. These covers are constructed of the finest materials and quality craftsmanship, and have been the staple of UnderCover's product line for a while now, but UnderCover has just recently introduced two new covers that are definitely worth checking out; the UnderCover Ultra Flex and RidgeLander.

UnderCover Ultra Flex Tonneau Cover

The new Ultra Flex tonneau cover is like a beefed up and improved version of the already amazing UnderCover Flex tonneau cover. This cover has a similar design, but with improvements like tighter seals, improved drainage systems, latches that provide better security and are easier to use, and panel undersides that have a protective carpet-like finish. If that's not enough, UnderCover has even decided to include some must-have features like saddlebags that mount inside your truck bed for additional storage and dual-rail lighting for accessing your truck bed in the dark!

If you're a fan of the UnderCover Flex, you definitely need to check out the Ultra Flex, because they've really outdone themselves with this new hard folding cover. And this isn't the only new cover to be added to the collection!

UnderCover RidgeLander Tonneau Cover

If you're looking for maximum truck bed security and versatility in a tonneau cover, you can't overlook the new UnderCover RidgeLander. The RidgeLander has a similar construction and all the benefits of the UnderCover Classic with its solid 1-piece design, sturdy construction, and OEM styled centered lock. This cover has always been a gem, and now with the UnderCover RidgeLander, it comes equipped with a built in perimeter track system that provides a base rack system that can be customized to fit your lifeststyle and needs perfectly.

This cover comes equipped with Quick Mount Legs and Two Vortex Aero Load Bars, which can be adjusted or moved, and used with the many available Rhino-Rack add-ons to help you carry your gear. Loading up your truck with bikes, snowboards, and camping gear has never been more convenient. 

To take a look at these covers for yourself by visiting our UnderCover Tonneau Cover collection.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

A Jeep Builder's Heaven

When you think Jeep Accessories, what comes to mind? Do you wonder why I would put them in a separate category from other automotive accessories, or do you begin picturing the most modded out Jeep Wrangler you can think of?

A Jeep is a unique beast. For some, it's just a vehicle to get them from Point A to Point B, just another brand. For others, they're a cool looking car that is reliable, and capable of doing more than a sedan or other small car. But for some, the name Jeep carries weight, it means a whole lot more than just "metal box on four wheels". Jeep Building is a culture, an art, a lifestyle. It doesn't matter where on the spectrum you fall, if you see a custom Jeep build it's going to evoke some kind of reaction. It's because they're different, it's because they have a heart.

The culture is expansive and stretches back for many years. Now, a Jeep owner can join up with their local Jeep Club to get involved in outdoor events like camping, trail driving, and car shows to help bring people with common interests together. So, what can Auto Truck Depot and Tonno Cover Depot offer to Jeep builders?

Whether you're new to Jeep building or you're a seasoned veteran, whether you're aiming for style or off-road functionality, we have a wide range of accessories that will meet your needs. One of our most customisable product is the modular bumper.

Jeep Modular Bumper

Completely customisable, the Modular Bumper can be built to match your Jeep's build and your personal style. There are 6 interchangeable pieces that can be put together in 16 unique combinations to create a more personalised look for your vehicle. 

Each bumper has a mandatory center section. From there, you can chose to install two side extensions or cap off your center piece for a smaller bumper. You can also add 1 to 3 bush guards on your center piece and side extensions. The bumper is built large to help protect your Jeep from scratches or dings when you're driving off road. Depending on your needs, the bumper can be purchased with T6 TIG welded aluminum or MIG welded carbon steel, the difference being in the bumpers weight versus impact resistance. Once installed, there are even more customisable options, including light mounts, winch mounts, and tow hook attachments so you'll be ready for whatever the wilderness has to offer. There are also matching Rear Bumper configurations!

Jeep Tube Doors

Are you looking to give your Jeep a rugged, off road look and increase operational safety when in the wilderness? Then our Jeep Tube Doors may be for you! Mounted on your factory hinge points in place of standard doors, these tube doors give your jeep the doorless style that is often sought by builders, while still providing a barricade to prevent falling out of the vehicle. Another benefit to these doors is that in the event of a rollover, you will be able to quickly and easily climb out of the vehicle without getting pinned or risking a jammed door holding you in the Jeep. 

Jeep Security Cargo Lid

The Jeep Security Cargo Lid is another builder oriented accessory, especially for those who like to go topless. Without a roof covering your jeep, you expose the interior of your vehicle to a lot. Generally speaking, the vehicles are designed to deal with this, but the same can't necessarily be said for your cargo. Serving the same purpose as a tonneau cover, this tri-fold style lid covers up your Jeep's trunk, protecting your gear from wind while driving, rain, and dirt. The cover even locks, to keep your belongings out of the prying hand of potential thieves, bipedal or otherwise, It's a great option when you often find yourself in bear country and need to keep your food out of sight.

Accessories

Tonno Cover Depot has a wide range of Jeep Accessories beyond the ones mentioned here. I have included the major players, the items that could make or break a build, and ones the big ones. How you add the finishing details are up to you. We have Tow Hooks, Tire Relocation Brackets for your spare, Roof Light Bars, and more. Most of these builder style accessories are made by Aries, so they are all very compatible.

Whether you're new to the game or looking to continue accessorizing, we have something for you. Jeep building is a longstanding art with a deep rooted history upheld by people who just love their vehicles and the outdoors.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.tonnocoverdepot.ca

10 Best ATV and Biking Trails Near Calgary

With the summer getting close to full swing, we want to help you get the most out of the nice weather. To this end, I have researched some of the most interesting and beautiful biking and ATV trails to help you find new trails to ride. Make sure you're ready to go with great accessories like the Swagman SEMI 2.0 2 Bike Hitch Rack to get your bikes out there!

Whenever you are out enjoying the vast wilderness that our great country has to offer, remember that is indeed our soil. Canadians are very proud of our lands, and we should always strive to keep them clean and undamaged. Please be considerate of the wildlife and plants that live in these areas, and leave no trace so that you, and many others, can return to enjoy these same trails over and over again.

 

Burnt Timber (ATV)

Burnt Timber is located west of Cremona near Waiparous. With a whopping 95 kilometers of trails, this area ranges from easy to challenging and has something to offer everyone. The terrain varies from flat wide open spaces to forested areas all in sight of the mountains.

The area is very remote, with Cochrane being the closest service. Cell coverage is limited, so you should keep in mind that with 95 kilometers of trail to ride, you’re best to pack a GPS to ensure you don’t get lost, and two-way radios to keep in touch with the rest of your crew are never a bad idea. Be sure you obey all local posted signs, as this area is a provincial park.

Fallen Timber North Recreational Area (ATV)

 Fallen Timber North, located just south of Sundre, is smaller than its nearby sibling trails, Fallen Timber South. These trails, however, are often less busy in the summer than their southern counterparts and they are also very remote. GPS and two-way radios are recommended here as well due to spotty cell phone coverage.

 This area features it’s own local camping ground a short distance from the trails, ideal for a weekend trip. Please note that they do not allow staging ATVs in the campground, or for ATVs to be ridden to or from the trails. To get your quads or bikes up there more easily, consider a truck bed extender like the X-Treme Gate Slide-Out. Stick to the trails, be respectful of local signage and other trail users, and have a blast!

Fallen Timber South Recreational Area (ATV)

The Fallen Timber South area, known locally as the Ghost snowmobile trails, is one of the largest in the area. They feature over 180 kilometers of well-groomed trails that are open year round. Large hills, forest cut lines, and alpine riding are common in this area, and the trails offer options for all skill levels.

 These trails are known to get extremely busy in the summer months, especially on long weekends. Reports of intoxicated drivers causing serious damage to the trails and natural environment have been increasingly common, which often leads to shutting the trails down to ATV use for a time. Please tread carefully on the terrain and be sure to respect the land around you so it can be used for many years to come.

 

Ghost River Area

 Ghost River area features an OHV trail that runs point to point and almost 12 kilometers. It is beautiful terrain along the Rockies rated at a moderate difficulty. While it is a shorter trail, there are various places long the way to explore. You are best to ride it down to the end, then turn around and ride it back up again. Always be respectful of the environment and stay on the designated trails.

 

Mclean Creek Recreational Area (ATV/Mountain Biking)

Mclean Creek, located 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary, is one of the most popular OHV sites in Alberta. There is a nearby campsite and designated staging areas for loading and offloading OHVs. There are over 77 square kilometers of terrain to explore from May to October, including a lot of creek crossings and endless mud pits, so be prepared to get coated in mud. There is a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels, and there is also fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities available as well.

Please note that they do not allow vehicles over 1000 pounds, and they request you stay on the designated trails.

Topp Notch (MTB)

Topp Notch is the first purposefully built mountain biking trail inside a national park. Starting in Banff, the trail is a single-track 6 km loop with an elevation change totaling 600 meters and it is rated advanced. The trail was hand made, with beautifully crafted bridges, benches, berms and technical rock gardens. This all adds up to a beautiful, flowing trail that is extremely varied. The trail is also open for day and night riding.

 

Moose Mountain Trailhead (MTB)

This trail, located near Bragg Creek, primarily caters to the downhill crowd. There is a shuttle that can be ridden to the top, or you can ride up the road or a path beside it. The trail down runs 39 kilometers single track and it is full of technical features like wooden platforms, jumps and drops. It is rated advanced, although most of the features can be avoided allowing for beginner and intermediate routes as well.

Nose Hill Provincial Park (MTB)

Nose Hill Park is perfect for anyone looking for a less intense ride without much travel. Located within the city of Calgary, Nose Hill has over 60 square kilometers of land stretching across an isolated plateau. The top of the hill offers an incredible view of the city and mountains, and the trails go through forested areas, open fields with plenty of short hills, as well as a small lake. There are no artificial technical elements, just the steep hills.

 

(Photo credit: Ryan Drescher)

Big Sweat (Valley of Five Lakes/Wabasso) (MTB)

Multiple different trails cross back and forth across each other through this valley. The trailhead begins near Jasper and offers a variety of choices throughout the trip that will bring you either higher up for a fantastic view or lower down for a more technical ride. All of these trails go to the same location, except one extends all the way to Lake Wabasso and affords several routes back. At 32 kilometers of trail, there are tonnes of options for the adventurous biker, including night riding. There are various restrooms along the way, and there is winter biking available as well. If you're going to be camping in the area, check out the Swagman RV Bike Ladder Rack to help get your bikes out to the trails!

Get the most out of your summer and explore some new biking and ATV trails. Respect the environment, have fun, and enjoy the land we are so blessed to live in!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Rundown: DU-HA Humpstor Truck Bed Storage Case

Truck Bed Storage is one of the most difficult things to master when using a pickup. There are a wide range of options for bed storage use. You could leave your box completely open for large cargo, and use your own bins if you need to store smaller gear. You can add Truck Racks to increase your storage space and tonneau covers to secure your entire bed. But sometimes, these options just won't cut it.

The DU-HA Humpstor Truck Bed Storage Case is an all in one, secure case designed to last. It's durable construction is engineered to survive your hard working lifestyle to help keep your gear safe. Not only is the DU-HA a storage case, gun case, and toolbox all in one, it's also designed to mount directly above your wheel well, a space that almost never gets used for standard cargo hauling, leaving your valuable bed floor space free.

If necessary, the case can even be removed easily to free up space if you have larger cargo to carry. These brackets can also be adjusted to your height preference, or to make the case more compatible with other accessories, like tonneau covers.The rubber seal around the lid protects the interior of the case against moisture and dust, so even if it is exposed, your cargo is secure.

The Humpstor comes with organizer/gun rack rig that is constructed from soft materials so it won't scratch or damage your cargo. Used as a gun rack, it can hold 2 shotguns or one scoped rifle upright, and serves as a legal gun case in most places. It even has lockable latches so you can be sure that your cargo is safe.

The DU-HA Humpstor Truck Bed Storage Case is durable and versatile, allowing you to carry a wide range of cargo safely. If you're having a hard time keeping your truck bed organized, or you're looking for a secure storage container that's more compact and less costly than a large toolbox, this may be the product for you.

For more information, or to order your new DU-HA Humpstor, check out our website, or get in touch!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.tonnocoverdepot.ca

Ford Pickup Truck Cab Styles

The great thing about standards is that nobody ever has the same ones. This is as true for companies as it is for people. Each brand of pickup truck is going to have slightly different names, dimensions, and elements for their different cab styles.

When purchasing a tonneau cover or other truck bed accessories for your Ford pickup truck, you will often need to know the cab style. This overview will walk you through the various distinguishing elements so you can quickly and easily identify what your vehicle is.

Ford Pickup Truck Cab Styles

1. Regular Cab

A regular cab has two doors (one on the passenger side and one on the drivers side). There are no back seats. This is the smallest size cab Ford makes.

2. Super Cab

A 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.

3. Super Crew Cab

A 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. This is the largest cab style Ford offers.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Rundown: UnderCover Flex Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers are one of the best ways to enhance your truck bed. They provide security for your cargo while protecting it from the elements, and increase the efficiency of your truck bed storage. If you are thinking about adding a Tonneau Cover to your truck, the UnderCover Flex is a product you must consider.

The UnderCover Flex exceeds the competition for durability, functionality, and security. This cover is made for simplicity. There is absolutely no drilling necessary for installation, and once installed, removing it is easy. Unlike most other tonneau covers, the UnderCover Flex is made of a high quality FRP composite material that is lighter, stronger, and even more dent resistant than aluminum. If security is a consideration, this product has it.

The flex panels automatically latch to the covers mounting rails and the slam latch system secures your belongings when the tailgate is locked. The UnderCover Flex sits inside the bed rails, which include a rubber seal and drain tubes that carry water away from, and out of the truck bed--making this the most water resistant cover yet, and ensuring your cargo stays dry and protected.

Slam latches ensure your cargo is secure, and also allow for easy access from either side of your truck bed. The UnderCover Flex has three riding positions: full coverage, 3/4 coverage, and full bed access. The cover can be safely secured for driving in any of these positions with latch locks, and its unique prop rods keep the panels held out of the way for full truck bed access and maximum truck bed storage efficiency.

Find out more about the UnderCover Flex Tonneau Cover.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

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

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

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. 

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

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

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

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

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

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

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

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca