What Are Window Vent Visors

We're lucky that we live in a day and age where there are more automotive and truck accessories than ever before. It seems that if there's something that will make driving around in your car, truck, van or SUV a bit more pleasant, that someones already invented an accessory to do the trick. Such is the case with window vent visors. At Auto Truck Depot we get a lot of questions about these accessories, as some people aren't even aware what these helpful accessories are.

So What Are They?

Window vent visors work to channel water, snow and sleet away from your vehicle's windows. How many times have you been on the road in bad weather, but you still wanted to open the window to let a bit of fresh air in? Without window vent visors, its pretty much impossible to do this, without letting a bunch of water into the vehicle.

And not only do these visors work to keep the rain out of your truck or van, they also look fantastic. We all know that it's the little details that can make a vehicle look its absolute best. It's amazing to see what a transformation takes place when visors are installed. Visors really do add to the overall look of just about any type of vehicle.

The best accessories that we sell at Auto Truck Depot are the ones that make a vehicle look great, while adding to the overall functionality and drive-ability of the vehicle at the same time. These types of window visors definitely hit the mark in both departments. And since they're very affordable and simple to install, they are always a big hit with our customers.

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Get a Step Up with Truck Running Boards

There's a special relationship that truck owners have with their vehicles that car owners just don't get. Yes, car enthusiasts can do some pretty cool things to trick out their cars, but the extras that these folks add on don't usually have the functionality of good truck accessories, like slick truck running boards. The best truck accessories are both good looking and functional and truck running boards are the ideal example of exactly what we're talking about here. There's just something about running boards that make a great looking pickup look even better.

Safety Steps for Vehicles

If you have kids, elderly relatives or people who just need to get a boost to get into your truck, running boards are the ideal solution. At Auto Truck Depot we hear from pickup truck owners every day who need to get the additional leverage for stepping into their trucks, that you can only get with a good pair of running boards. Noting matters more than the safety of our loved ones and passengers, so it's nice to know that running boards make getting into and out of trucks a heck of a lot safer.

And they look great too...

And it doesn't hurt that the best running boards also happen to make trucks more attractive. With safety and improved looks, who wouldn't want a nice set of truck running boards on their truck? Fortunately, there are lots of different styles of running boards that truck owners can choose from. Not every model will look good on every type of truck, so it's nice that truck owners have lots of different boards to choose from when they order theirs from AutoTruckDepot.ca.

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Creating the Ultimate Work Van

Businesses of all sizes depend on work vans to get the job done – day in and day out. We've seen businesses that have a single van and we've seen businesses with whole fleets. And regardless of the size of the company, nearly all of them need to get the right work van equipment to take their stock vans and turn them into the ultimate work vans.

Easing into the Transition

If the idea of adding every piece of  work van equipment that you might need all at once makes you nervous – have no fear. Businesses grow and change over the years, so there's really no need to overdo it and get equipment that your business may not be ready for just yet. You can take a modular approach and add work van equipment as the need arises.

Where to Start?

We've seen lots of different companies get started with customizing the inside of their work vans. And while no two businesses are exactly the same, many of them start off with adding shelving units and/or screen panels. These are two of the most popular business van accessories and they can be the foundation of the changes that you make to customize your business vehicles.

Whether you're planning on going all in and getting a lot of equipment installed in your van, or easing into the transition, we have all the shelving units, screen panels and other work van equipment you need to get on the path to your ultimate business van. And if you need custom installation assistance, we can help you out with professional installation services to get your new equipment installed quickly and efficiently.

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A “User-Friendly” Pickup Truck: Running Boards Make it Possible

There's nothing like getting up in the morning and heading to work in your pickup truck. We know how much pride truck owners take in their vehicle, and that's why it's always exciting to see so many people driving the best pickup trucks. Of course, getting up into a full-size pickup truck isn't always that easy. And it's not just kids or smaller folks who can have difficulty getting into full-sized trucks. There are often times when we could all use a step up. And that's why running boards are some of the most in-demand truck accessories on the market today.

They Look Good Too

Of course, you may not have any problems getting into your truck. But that doesn't mean that you won't benefit from having running boards on your truck. Let's face it – running boards just make a truck look better. Whether you're talking about a traditional running board or a step bar, these accessories just plain look great on pickup trucks.

Easy Installation

It isn't too hard to get boards or steps installed on a pickup truck. For folks who like to tinker with their trucks, getting them installed is relatively quick and pain-free. In fact, the boards that we sell all come with instructions and the hardware you need, so the process isn't difficult at all. However, if you just don't want to deal with doing an installation on you own, we can take care of getting your running boards installed in no time. 

Running boards and truck steps make it easy to get older family members and children into your truck. And since they look great too, getting them installed on your truck is a win-win situation.

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Is it Time for a Truck Box?

No matter how many cool automobile accessories hit the market, there's something that we just love about the traditional truck box. And since truck boxes have really improved in recent years, there's even more to love about these big, sturdy and attractive truck accessories. There's just something about having a nice truck tool box installed that makes a good looking pickup truck transform into a great looking one.

Of course, we all know that there's more than aesthetics to consider when purchasing a truck box. First and foremost, you'll want to get one that suits your needs. If you're in the construction, plumbing or any other field that requires you to have tools with you everywhere you go, then a truck tool box has to be easy to access and extremely secure.

Here's the most important features of a truck box, as we see them:

-    Security – a tool box that's located in your truck bed has to be secure. And to be secure it has to be tough and equipped with good locks.
-   Size. Since you can pick up truck boxes in differing sizes, it's important to make sure that you get one that's got enough room to fit all your essential tools. And since you never know when you might add a new tool to your collection, you'll want to make sure that the tool box you get has a bit of extra room for expansion in the future.

Keep these key features in mind, and be sure to check out the wide assortment of truck boxes we have available. Once you've picked yours out and have it installed, your truck will look great and your cargo will be more secure than ever before.

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Truck Canopies: Does Your Truck Need One?

Back in the day, pickup truck owners didn't have the luxury of some of the truck accessories that area available today. Back then, you threw whatever you had in the back of the truck, and prayed that it didn't rain, or that no one would steal your gear while you were away from the truck. But thanks to the invention of truck accessories, like truck canopies, all truck owners now have options to keep their cargo safe, sound and protected from the elements.

Do You Need a Canopy?

We talk to a lot of truck owners on a daily basis. And to be totally honest with you, truck canopies aren't for everyone. For example, if you have tools that you need to get to throughout the day, and they are small enough to fit into a tool box, then a truck tool box is more up your alley. For people who need more versatility, though, truck canopies may be the best answer. These truck accessories cover the entire bed, and allow truck owners to lock up everything – big or small – that's in the bed of the truck. And those pop up showers will never soak the groceries in the back of the truck again.

Not Your Grandpa's Truck Canopy

If you can remember back to the older canopies – you know the ones that were made from solid metal – then you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that truck canopies have come a long way, in terms of construction. These days there are canopies made from fiberglass, plastic or steel. And today's models are also available in some pretty slick styles, so you'll have a field day picking out the canopy that looks best on your truck.

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What Kind of Tonneau Cover is the Best?

Tonneau covers have come a long way over the years. We can still recall just a few years back when you hardly saw these covers on any trucks at all. Of course, that's all changed, as you don't have to go far to find plenty of pickup trucks with tonneau covers installed. And since these handy covers provide security and, very often, improved fuel economy, it's easy to understand why they have surged in popularity.

Which Kinds are Best?

Any time we talk about a truck accessory being the best, we have to bring up the fact that every scenario is different. For example, if you just want a tonneau cover that can be used to cover up the groceries in case it rains, then a soft cover or even a simple truck box may be best. However, if you do a lot of work with your truck, then a different type of tonneau cover may be called for.

Here are some of the basic types of covers that are available today:

-    Fiberglass Covers
-    Retractable Covers
-    Trifold Covers
-    Soft Covers

And while all of these covers are nice, each is different, so there's really no way to say that one is better than another – they're just different, for different tastes and needs. As you get familiar with the different types, you'll be able to focus in on the models that you like the best.

You can check out some of our best tonneau covers on our website or stop by our store to see some in person. By seeing some of these covers for yourself, you'll be better equipped to decide which types of covers will be the best for your own, particular needs.

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Tips for Finding the Best Trailer Hitches

For some people, trailer hitches just aren't that important. But we know that these overlooked truck parts are more than simple accessories, they are necessities. And for trucks or SUVs that do any kind of hauling at all, there's just now way to get by without a reliable, tough trailer hitch. Of course, these days we're seeing more and more top notch hitches become available, so it can be hard to decide which one to get.

Here are a few tips to help find the best trailer hitches:

-    Don't skimp. Remember that a good hitch is the proverbial lynch pin that will keep your trailer securely locked in behind your truck. Now, no one wants to go overboard and spend too much for a hitch, but it's important to stay away from knock-off brands or flimsy models. Be sure that you get one that's built tough.
-    Installation Concerns. We always recommend that people know exactly how a particular type of hitch is installed. Different models use different installation methods. Some require drilling, while others don't. You don't necessarily have to install the hitch yourself, as we can always take care of that for you. But it is a good idea to at least understand how the trailer hitches you plan on purchasing are installed.

These are just a couple of quick tips to help you pick the best trailer hitches for your vehicles. If you are curious to see some of the newest models, be sure to stop by or check us out on the web to see all the top hitches from the best manufacturers. We have all the best hitches in stock, so you're sure to find one that you'll like.

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Brake Controller Considerations

If you're like me, and have spent some time hauling trailers around, you know how important it is to have a responsive brake system. And when there is a trailer involved, you can't just rely on the brakes of the towing vehicle alone. It's safer and easier to drive when you have brake controllers installed on your vehicles when they're towing any type of trailer. These handy controllers help to evenly distribute the stopping power of your braking system and keep trailers from going into the dreaded jack knife while you're on the road.

Food for Thought

Here's a few of the things you need to consider when buying brake controllers:

-    Should you go wireless? You don't necessarily have to hard wire a brake controller. These days there are some very reliable wireless models available. I like to keep things simple, so I am really impressed with how easy it is to install a wireless system. However, if you don't mind doing a little wiring or hiring someone who does, you can still get a hard-wired unit for your truck & trailer.
-    Axle count. Most controllers are designed for a specific number of axles. This is very basic, but important to mention. Don't buy a brake controller, unless it is designed for the exact amount of axles that you'll be hauling.
-    Price. Like anything else, we know that the bottom line matters. Luckily, there are quite a few controllers to choose from these days, so it's not too hard to find one that will suit just about any budget.

There you have it – our top tips for buying the right brake controllers - for safe driving when you're pulling a trailer.

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Don't go without a Fuel Transfer Tank

Working on a job site with lots of vehicles can mean that a fuel transfer tank becomes an indispensable accessory. I've seen plenty of contractors over the years trying to get by without one, and it always ends up costing these guys more in the long run. And with fuel prices being what they are today, it's more important than ever for construction contractors and other companies that use a lot of gasoline, to scrimp and save every penny. Of course, it's easy for me to say that a fuel transfer tank makes life easier, but there's still getting these tanks installed to think about.

Luckily, it's not hard to get most of these tanks installed; unless you plan on getting a huge, industrial size tank. For most job sites, though, the bigger models aren't really necessary. Most of the best selling tanks are simple to install on a pickup truck. Of course, if you don't want to bother with installing it yourself, you can always have us do the installation for you.

One of the things that really impresses me with today's best tanks are the stylish options that are now available. I know functionality is the most important concern, but it's always nice to get gear that looks good on your truck too – especially if you use your work truck for personal driving too. Some people don't care all that much about the looks of a fuel tank, but if you do you can find some pretty sharp models available these days.

The better transfer tanks are built to last for years, and most people end up having them installed on their trucks for the long haul. So make sure that you take your time and purchase the fuel transfer tank that will best suit your business needs.

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What More Can I Say About Truck Bed Boxes?

Truck bed boxes are our most popular item here at Auto Truck Depot so I always feel compelled to blog about them.  The questions we receive usually revolve around which manufacturer is “the best” and which box or boxes are right for a customer’s vehicle.  I’ll state it again for the record that we only pick the best in truck box manufacturers, so regardless of which company you choose you’re getting a high quality product.  As for which box…that’s a matter of personal preference.

These are the questions we generally ask our customers:

1.    What do you intend to haul in them? IE. Tools, purchases, outdoor sports equipment, etc.
2.    Do you have a problem with having holes drilled into your vehicle for installation?
3.    How much room do you need remaining in your truck bed?
4.    Is there a particular color you are looking for?
5.    Will you be hauling fuel?
6.    Is this a business vehicle or personal use?

Functional use questions are always first and foremost on our minds because there is a big difference between someone who wants a truck box to have a lockable storage unit should they happen to want to haul something securely for the day and someone is a construction contractor that needs to haul the same (expensive) tools and equipment around every day.
From an aesthetic perspective, some truck owners want a box that will match the color of their vehicle.  Others care about damaging their vehicle and want something that is non-invasive.  Some truck bed boxes do snap on, while others need to have holes drilled in order to keep them placed securely on the vehicle.  So we always want to ask if they have a problem with holes being drilled into their vehicle.

I try to cover a lot of questions in the blog, but really it is best to just come on down and check them out for yourself.  Our sales team can help you with any additional questions you may have about truck bed boxes.

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Rollup Tonneau Covers: Do you Really Need a Hard Top Cover?

Rollup Tonneau Covers are a practical and affordable purchase for your truck.  They give you the same amount of protection that a trifold or fiberglass Tonneau cover can give you, but at a cost that is much more affordable.  Much like shades in your home, you use a pull mechanism to roll back the cover.  This means you only have to use the cover when you need it.  This is highly practical for people who don’t want all the fuss of having to deal with full or partial coverage.

We offer basic rollup Tonneau covers and “roll and lock” covers so you can secure the contents of your truck bed should you need to run into a store.  These types of covers come in variable thicknesses and level of effort involved.  You can get a rollup Tonneau cover that is under $300 and ones that are over $1000.  When people are purchasing a rollup cover over a folded or other harder surface retractable cover they do tend to go with the lower end models and that makes sense.
 
Installation of these types of Tonneau covers is easy-peasy, as they say.  Most of them work on a clamp system making them one of the types of covers that we actually endorse people putting on by themselves at home.  This creates a greater level of affordability for our customers.  They are all pretty durable and the feedback from our customers (so far) has been great.  Naturally, they aren’t going to last as long as say an aluminum or fiberglass model would, but then again you aren’t paying as much so it probably evens out over the course of five years.  If you want an affordable protective solution for your truck bed check out our rollup Tonneau covers.

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Who Makes the Best Pickup Box?

A pickup box is a highly useful piece of aftermarket equipment.  Probably our top selling item, in fact.  Customers ask us a lot which is the best pickup box or truck box that we sell.  My answer is: all of them.  I say this because I specifically only choose those vendors that create quality, top-of-the-line items.  Our two top sellers: Tradesman and Weather Guard are pretty much identical in construction.  They were made by master craftsmen and will last you forever, practically.  I don’t think when it comes to items we stock in our showroom that I could choose which is the best product line, I think I would just ask someone first what they want to use a truck box for and go from there.

You see, there are all types of truck boxes out there.  Boxes that will haul huImage via Wikipedianting dogs, boxes that will haul tools, boxes that can safely haul liquids—I mean, really, if you can think of something that could be hauled in a box, trust us, Tradesman and Weather Guard thought of it first.  Do you want to haul power tools in your pickup box?  Weather Guard has tool boxes that can be fitted onto your truck.  Do you not like to share the driving experience with your hunting dog, Flash, and would prefer he have a comfortable bed in the back of the pickup?  Tradesman has a nice dog box that would do him nicely.  Are you afraid of keeping unlocked guns in the back of your truck?  Tradesman and Weather Guard both have L-Shaped boxes that can store hunting and fishing equipment.

Really, these products are expansive and customizable.  We love the added utility these truck boxes add to our trucks, vans, and SUVs.  You can put on a single gullwing, or add to the configuration with side boxes, underbed boxes, and L-shapes.  They can be hard resin or metal, steel colored or powered white and black.  They can fit under Tonneau covers or be stand alone.

So when asking which truck box is the best, it is really a question we should ask of you?  What pickup box suits you best?

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Receiver Hitches: What are They and Why Do I Need One?

Receiver hitches are but one of the many types of hitches we sell here at Auto Truck Depot.  A hitch is just a piece of equipment that enables you to attach a trailer or object to your truck or vehicle.  There are ball hitches, gooseneck hitches, weight distribution hitches, fifth wheel hitches, ball hitches, and receiver hitches.  A receiver hitch is a type of hitch that contains a “receptacle” that can accommodate an insert, such as a ball mount or bike rack.
Image via Wikipedia
We don’t sell a phenomenal amount of receiver hitches at Auto Truck Depot because the types of customers we see daily usually have large trailer needs for which receiver hitches just aren’t suitable.  We do get, however, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts who come in to purchase a receiver hitch for their larger bike racks or smaller trailers.  A receiver hitch would be well suited for someone who wishes to attach a smaller trailer to their vehicle to haul their four-wheeler or jet-ski.  It would not be suited for someone who want to hook up a horse trailer and so that they can drive their 18 hands high Shire horse to a show.  It would also not be suitable for someone who wants to haul a camper behind their vehicle.  However, it would be suitable to put on an RV for the purpose of hauling your Honda Civic behind it.

Receiver hitches –even the industrial duty ones, top out at about 15,000 pounds loaded weight—that’s the trailer weight, fuel weight, and cargo weight.  Usually, people will purchase a receiver hitch when they are looking to haul something that is less than 10,000 pounds.  Beyond that most folks upgrade to a fifth wheel, gooseneck, or other type of weight distribution hitch.  It’s just safer that way.  But if you aren’t intending to haul a herd of steer or a yacht behind your truck then you can absolutely get away with purchasing receiver hitches.

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Trifold Tonneau Covers: Who Doesn’t Love Them?

Our trifold Tonneau covers and other retractable lines are always popular with customers.  People simply want that option if they are going to buy something that covers their truck beds.  I mean, you bought a truck over an SUV because you wanted that open bed experience.  The covers are just an accessory that can help you protect what you are hauling, but they shouldn’t prevent you from full functional use of the truck design. 

Having a trifold Tonneau cover makes it that much easier when you are putting smaller items into the back of your truck.  Do you really want to life the entire cover to throw some groceries in the back?  Heck no.  You just want to pop back one of the folds, shove the bags in and be on your way.  Don’t get me wrong, those fiberglass Tonneau covers are beauties to be sure.  They just aren’t as “easy in, easy out” as a retractable cover like a trifold or soft top can be.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: it all comes down to personal preference.  There are people who like the simplicity of fiberglass covers and don’t mind that the entire cover needs to be lifted to put stuff in and out.  They like the way it looks and operates.  And there are people who want the option of pulling back just a little bit of the cover to put something in.  I’m certainly not going to tell anyone which aftermarket product they should buy.  I’m just here to explain the benefits of each one.  And from my vantage point, I can see that the retractable covers are highly versatile.  So when I hear people explain that they want a cover so they can haul groceries or shopping bags in the back of their truck, of course, I’m going to recommend a trifold Tonneau cover.

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Popular Truck Bed Boxes

Truck Bed boxes for trucks literally come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  There are L-shapes, gullwing, dog boxes, side boxes, drop down boxes, tool boxes—if you can think it up there is probably a truck box already made for it.  Metal, hard plastic, fiberglass…powder coat, stainless steel, sports team themed—I’m telling you there are a lot of bed boxes out there to choose from.

Here at Auto Truck Depot we keep a huge selection in stock because they are probably our best selling item.  In fact, I’d almost hazard a guess that the gullwing truck box is probably the top seller at our store.  They are highly functional, useful pieces of aftermarkImage by jp1958 via Flickret equipment.  People can safely store tools in their bed boxes or even purchases that they just made at the store.  A truck box can keep the items safe from the destructive nature of the elements, as well as, preventing lightweight “loose” items from flying out the back of your vehicle.  And when you purchase something like a gullwing truck box you are buying a storage unit that won’t take up too much space in the back of your vehicle (most of them allow you to store items under them) thus enabling you to still use the full range of your truck bed.

Other popular types of Truck bed boxes include tool storage boxes.  Weather Guard makes a really popular line of tool storage boxes for trucks that our contracting customers just love.  Not only do they come in the gullwing, L-shape, underbed, and rail top shapes, but also they have compartments for all of your tools.

You really have to come down to the show room and have a look because I cannot describe them all.  Suffice it to day we carry a lot of truck boxes because they are utilitarian and attractive.  Our customers simply cannot get enough of our line of bed boxes.

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Buying a Fuel Transfer Tank

Fuel transfer tanks are mostly purchased by either contractors or farmers, in my experience.  The average truck owner who doesn’t need to fuel a large tractor or another truck in their fleet isn’t going to go to the trouble to purchase a fuel transfer system.  He or she is just going to go out and get a plastic or metal gas can and shove it in the back of their truck for emergencies.  Therefore, when we decided to stock fuel transfer pumps and fuel transfer tanks we went to those companies who provide high quality, durable units.

There are a lot of companies who sell liquid transfer tanks that they know will be used for fuel transfer, but they won’t go the extra mile to have their units certified for fuel.  I even know a lot of folks who have these systems and use them as fuel transfer tanks with no problems or issues to speak of.  However, I don’t feel right about selling a product that a company won’t stand by.  That’s why all of our sales staff know to explain to customers that if the product doesn’t say specifically that it is a fuel transfer tank then it should not be used to haul fuel of any kind—only water.

Yes, it is cheaper to purchase a liquid transfer tank, but ask yourself why?  Why is it cheaper?  If you are going to all the trouble to buy a 75 gallon transfer unit then you are serious about hauling fuel.  Don’t skimp on quality and safety just to save a few bucks in the short term.

When you have to make an important purchase like this, go with the best.  Pick a company like Weather Guard who will stand by their product.  If you have any questions about fuel transfer, storage, or pumping systems please ask anyone here at Auto Truck Depot.  All of us are glad to answer questions and point you in the right direction for making your purchase of a fuel transfer tank.

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Retractable Tonneau Covers: So Many to Choose From, So Little Time…

Retractable Tonneau covers are very popular with our truck crowd.  Tonneau covers, in general, are popular but more and more we’re getting inquiries for the retractable Tonneau covers (as opposed to the hinge-lift) types.    These bad boys come in manual and electronic models for ease of use.  So whether you want to fold up your Tonneau cover by hand or push a button via remote control, we have a retractable cover that will suit your hauling needs.

People love retractable Tonneau covers because it allows you to only “partially” open your vehicle cover should you only need to put in a smaller item.  This comes in handy when it’s raining or snowing and you don’t want to have to expose the full bed of your vehicle to the weather.  It’s also nice for when you’re just feeling lazy and don’t feel like opening up the entire cover just to throw in a bag of groceries.  A lot of people like having the partial option when their cover is remote controlled because it enables you to start opening the cover before you even get to the vehicle, so you can make a quick exit from a crowded parking lot. 

Most of our Tonneau covers are no-drill, clamp-in designs.  We don’t believe that a product needs to be invasive to be secure.  So don’t worry about having to drill holes in your truck just because you have a fancy, remote-controlled retractable Tonneau cover.   Products should be functional, attractive, and non-invasive because you never know come resale time what the next owner will want from their vehicle.

Because of the popularity of these products with our customers, I can assure you that you will find in our showroom a Tonneau cover to fit whatever requirements you may have.  We have roll back soft tops, hinged fiberglass, fold back aluminum, and (of course) retractable Tonneau covers.

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The Versatility of Checkerplate on your Truck or SUV

Checkerplate, or “Diamond plate” is a type of stamped or hammered metal used for running boards, step boards, and truck boxes.   This type of metal stock is also used for stairways and industrial catwalks because of its “no slip” qualities.  Here at Auto Truck Depot we carry a lot of diamond plate products.  Most of our truck boxes are made from powdered checkerplate, and we also carry a line of running boards that are made from this material, as well. 

Our lines of checkerplate products were stocked because they are functional, durable, and—let’s face it— they look great.  Tell me with all seriousness that diamond plate metal doesn’t have a tough look to it.  It has a much more industrial look than say molded plastic.  When you have diamond plate anything on your vehicle that says subconsciously to others that you own that vehicle because you need it for hauling, working, and doing other rough and tough stuff with it.  Heck, diamond plate can even make an SUV look tough!

Not only does diamond plate look good, but the no-slip quality makes it perfect for running boards and other functions that require that extra bit of “grip” to it.  When you have a checkerplate running board you don’t need to worry about putting on rubber step covers.

We think that diamond plate products are useful, versatile, and look great on your truck which is why we carry so many of these products in stock.  If you are looking for a truck box or running board in diamond plate metal then come on down to our showroom and ask one of our sales representatives to show you our line of checkerplate products.
Image by InspiredinDesMoines via Flickr

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Brake Controllers Installation: Do it Yourself or Let Us Handle it For You?

Brake controllers installation can be either super easy or a pain in the behind, depending on what make and model vehicle you own.  Some vehicles literally have a dashboard plug in box that makes installation literally a snap.  With others you need to get down into the wires and start messing around to get them to work.  As a general rule of thumb with any installation, I say that unless you’re a mechanic you should allow someone else with mechanical certifications to install or work on items that are either mission critical (transmissions, engines, etc.) or safety-related (brakes, brake controllers, gooseneck hitches, etc.).

The process of brake controllers installation for those vehicles without a quick plug box already built into the dash is very tedious and requires that someone be adept at vehicle wiring.  He or she would have to know how to create that connection from your vehicle’s own braking unit and your trailer breaks; they would need to understand how to tap into the brake light switch in order to run the necessary 12 volt power wire, ground wire, and brake light wire from the controller and then back again to the trailer’s brake wiring connector.  Yes, you can read books and manuals on how to do this, but why take that chance?

We certainly don’t charge a fortune to install brake controllers, and our team is so familiar with not only brake controllers installation but just the installation in general of all of the products we stock that it makes sense to have them do it.  They can get it done exponentially quicker than you could at home and you would have the added security of knowing it was done right.  And that’s my opinion on whether or not to do-it-yourself or have one of our technicians perform the brake controllers installation.
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The Scoop on Fiberglass Tonneau Covers

Fiberglass Tonneau covers are just one of the many types of Tonneau covers we carry here at Auto Truck Depot.  People who want a light-weight cover look at the soft tops, aluminum, and the fiberglass.  The people that go for fiberglass Tonneau covers (generally) want a more polished, uniform look.  Fiberglass aftermarket products tend to look as though they were purchased with the vehicle, as opposed to being an afterthought product. 

The fiberglass models come in colors that will match your vehicle and a lot of our customers really like having that option.  Most of the fiberglass covers also come with hinged lids, which, again, are really popular with our Auto Truck Depot customers.  They are lightweight and flip up with easy locking mechanisms that enable you to leave them open while you move things in and out.   They are one option for folks who want something that has a “hard” top to it, but still not put a lot of excess weight on their vehicle like a truck canopy would.

Naturally, molded fiberglass Tonneau covers aren’t going to be as cheap as a soft, folding top cover would be, nor are they as expensive as the average truck canopy.  The customers that choose the fiberglass models are usually aware of this and going for form, as well as, function.  This is why our line of fiberglass covers tend to be from those manufacturers who have a more stylistic bent to their designs.

It really comes down to personal aesthetic preference in the end whether you choose fiberglass, cloth, or aluminum tops.  Do you like hinged tops? Folding tops?  Do you want a colored top?  That kind of thing.  We do keep in stock a rather big selection so come on down and take a look at our line of fiberglass Tonneau covers.

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Help! I Need a Pickup Truck Box!

We had a lady in the other day who needed a pickup truck box ASAP to haul her horse tack and equine equipment.  She’d filled every single nook and cranny of her trailer and still needed more space.  Turns out she had one of those riding drafts so, yep, she needed a lot of equipment and extra space to store it in.  We walked her through the various truck boxes we sell here in our storeroom and she decided on a gull-wing that would still give her enough room for her gooseneck hitch.  I always think it’s interesting to hear what people need their truck boxes for.

Most people use a pickup truck box for tools.  People want some lockable box on their truck to store their power tools or specialty tools that they’re afraid might get stolen.  Others just want some covered space in case they need to buy stuff on a rainy day.  Some people use them to haul hunting dogs, others use them for guarding hunting rifles.  There really isn’t any single reason for owning them that sticks out because they are so generically useful. 

A truck box enables you to securely haul items that you feel are important enough to not have stolen, and they also allow you to keep items safely covered from the elements.  Rather than purchase an SUV truck and limit what can be hauled in the back, you can still purchase a pickup truck and  have the same secure storage options as you would with an SUV when you purchase a pickup truck box.
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Buying a Fuel Transfer Pump

A fuel transfer pump is one of those specialty purchases that we don’t see a lot of in our store.  People who are buying these items are usually either farms who need to haul diesel fuel to various parts of their farms or contractors of some time.  What I’m saying is that the average truck or van owner isn’t buying liquid transfer tanks or fuel transfer pumps, which is why we don’t carry a plethora of models like we do with our trailer hitches or truck boxes.  We found the two most reliable vendors for fuel transfer pumps, GPI and Weather Guard, and decided to stick with their products.

These vendors make high quality products that are known for reliability and that is exactly what you need when you are dealing with combustive fluids.  GPI (Great Plains Incorporated) specializes in fuel transfer systems and provide complete packages that include the suction pipes, grounded hoses, and both automatic and manual nozzles.  Weather Guard, while not specializing in fuel transfer, still makes models that can compete at GPIs level.  Their products have the exact same transfer rate, as well as, consumer rating scores.

When buying a fuel transfer pump from us we take the guesswork out of “quality” by only providing high quality products, so all you really need to do is look at the transfer rate, whether you want/need a manual or automatic pump, and price.  We sell various sizes in both lines, so you can speak with a salesperson about which size would be right for your need of use. 

Like I said, this isn’t one of those purchases that we see customers clamoring for daily, but it is an important purchase for customers that do need a fuel transfer system, which is why we only stock the best in fuel transfer pumps.
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Folding Tonneau Covers: What’s the Benefit?

Folding Tonneau covers are just one style of Tonneau cover that we sell in our showroom.  A lot of people like these covers because they find great benefit in their ease of use.  You don’t have to open the entire cover to put something in your trunk.  We sell multiple makes and models of Tonneau covers in our showroom, but the folding Tonneau covers seem to get the most interest most-likely for this reason.

You can purchase a “soft” Tonneau folding cover or a hard tri-fold.  I don’t really have a preference when it comes to hard or soft covers.  Usually I recommend the lighter weight folding Tonneau covers for people who have women or teens that also use and operate the vehicle.  It just makes it easier on them when they need to haul something in the truck.  Also with folding Tonneau covers you can still use or install a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch to your truck bed.

Tonneau covers in general are great for keeping whatever is in your truck bed from being rained on, snowed on, etc, and they also do a better job than truck liners of keeping the bed of the truck free of debris and weathering.  They are less invasive than putting down a liner—most of them don’t even require that you use screws to install them anymore.

When people ask me about the benefits to the tri-fold Tonneau covers over the other types of covers we sell in the showroom, I break it down like this: 1) ease of use, 2) convenience, and 3) non-invasive.  You don’t need to drill into your truck bed to install it, it doesn’t take two grown men to lift the cover, and they are usually more lightweight than other truck bed covers.  So when you’re looking for Tonneau covers check out our inventory of folding Tonneau covers first.
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My Favorite Truck Box

A truck box can be one of the most useful aftermarket items that someone can purchase for their truck or vehicle.  They come in all shapes and sizes, colors and textures, and for all types of purchases.  You can buy a truck box to haul your hunting dogs.  You can use them to store fishing equipment.  Some you can use to haul liquid and others are pretty much tool boxes attached to the back of your vehicle.  I remember when I was looking through the Tradesman and Weather Guard catalogs for the first time to make a selection for what we would carry in the store and I felt like a little kid who’d been set loose in a toy store!  I was imagining what I would carry in the back of my truck box once I purchased it; what I could use it for.

I like all of the truck boxes we carry.  Let me say that first.  However, my favorite truck box has to be the gull-wing truck boxes (with tool compartments).  These particular truck boxes still leave enough room to go down to the local lumber yard or home improvement store to pick up large items to haul.  They are also lockable so you can keep tools or other important items safely stored away.  They aren’t too big, but at the same time they still have a lot of room for hauling power tools and other items you may need should you take your home improvement skills on the road.

My next favorite truck box would have to be Tradesman’s dog box.  They are very secure items that allow a lot of ventilation, but at the same time, can keep your pooch warm in cool weather.  I’m not one for letting my dog in the cab of my vehicle.  Sure he’s man’s best friend, but he also sheds when nervous and tries to sit in my lap while I’m driving.  With the truck box, he feels safe so he sheds less, and that way we both have a good traveling experience.

Those would have to be my two favorites (this week).  Ask me two weeks from now and I may have a different “favorite” truck box.

Ask the Expert: Do I Need Brake Controllers in Calgary?

Brake controllers in Calgary are a very important safety feature for those larger hitch and trailer systems, alongside the selection of the hitch type itself.  The whole goal of weight distribution hitches and brake controller systems is to prevent trailer sway and pressure upon your truck’s suspension system. 

Do I need brake controllers for my trailer system?

My answer would involve asking 1) what are you hauling, and 2) what type of hitch you currently use on your vehicle?  My short answer would just be to say “yes”, because I think that it can never hurt, only help, to apply additional safety mechanisms to your rig setup.  When it comes to “bling” for your truck or vehicle, less can be more, but when it comes to safety “more” is more. 

Think about it this way: it is a dark and snowing night.  You’re hauling livestock in inclement weather on a well-traveled highway.  You have to brake suddenly because the person in front of you doesn’t know how to drive in snow very well yet.  What happens behind you?  Are you 100% certain that the vehicles behind you know you’re breaking?

Because most large trucks and vehicles now have built in receptacles for aftermarket brake controller systems, installing them is easier than ever before.  In fact, some of them have what is called a “quick plug” built into the dash somewhere that hooks up to the standard brake controller.  This makes the installation process cheaper and easier.

There are a few products out there that I absolutely recommend to customers: weight distribution hitches, gooseneck or fifth wheel hitches, running boards, and brake controllers Calgary.

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