April Truck & SUV GearTruck & SUV gear from such manufacturers as American Truck Beds, ATS Diesel Performance, Bully Dog, Sanderson Racing, and Thermovac.
| Bedding a DualieOwners of light and medium dualie trucks have had a difficult time finding a bed that allows for a fifth wheel and provides adequate storage. The wait is over with the introduction of All American Truck Beds' latest design. Using rust-free fiberglass, this design transforms a standard truck bed into storage central, as well as allowing full towing capabilities. Retail prices start at $8780. All American Truck Beds574/262-8865. www.allamericantruckbeds.com
| Store DoorsMany CJ, YJ, and TJ Jeep Wrangler owners remove the doors before plunging into the great outdoors. But what to do with these doors? Lean them against the wall in the garage, where maybe they'll fall over? The Door Caddy will safely keep them in one piece. Made of steel, the Caddy mounts in minutes and holds both doors at once, out of harm's way. $89.95; Sanderson Racing Technologies 770/945-6539. www.doorcaddy.com
| Heavy Metal Nowadays, bumpers on pickup trucks seem likely to buckle at the slightest provocation. But when you install the new Road Armor Extreme Duty bumpers, you'll fear nothing. The bumpers use 1/4-inch integrated gusseted sub frames with a 3/16-inch steel skin and can be finished to match your paint. Winch-incorporating models are also available. Retail prices start at $1350.TrailReady425/353-6776.www.trailready.com
| Big DogWhen serious power is needed, many turn to the Dodge Cummins 24-valve diesel engine. But there are always situations when more is better. The Torque Dog Plus '03 is a plug-in module that can increase horsepower by advancing fuel timing and altering fuel delivery. It's programmed to switch three separate ways: stock, 40 horsepower, and 80 horsepower. $595;Bully Dog Technologies 866/285-5936. www.bullydog.com
| Triple Tough If you have a PowerStroke, Cummins, or Duramax diesel, ATS Diesel Performance introduces its new TripleLok torque converter, designed with a three-disc clutch pack to handle three times the torque of competing torque converters. The billet-steel cover eliminates warping, common with stock stamped covers, and allows the lockup feature to be maintained during downshifts. Prices start at $1370 ATS Diesel Performance 303/431-7973. www.atsdiesel.com
| Park It Here While most pickup trucks and their owners lead a life of hard work, there are times when kicking back and casting a rod at the local fishing hole can reduce stress, as well as put dinner on the table. The new Tailgate Seat is ideal for fishing, camping, ball games, or anywhere outdoor comfort is needed. It's made of tough plastic and includes four fishing-pole holders, two drinkholders, and a fishing-lure tray. In black or gray for $89.95.Thermovac Plastics Inc. 620/431-3270. www.chanuteks.com/thermovac
February Truck & SUV GearTruck & SUV gear from such manufacturers as Agri-Cover, Xantrex Technology, Slide Systems, PML Inc., Eagle One, Hannibal USA, BC Systems, and Webasto Products
| 'Tis the SeasonWith the Snow Sport Personal Utility Snow Plow, you can have fun with your truck all year. The Snow Sport plow mounts to a two-inch front-receiver hatch and can be attached and removed in no time. It's available for most late- model full-size and compact pickups and SUVs and made of heavy-duty aluminum with a turf-friendly rubber cutting edge. $1195Agri-Cover, Inc.800/233-4655www.mysnowsport.com
| Do It AllMotorists short on vehicle-storage space need emergency tools that can do more than one thing. The Xpower Powerpack 300 Plus will jump start a car, inflate tires, and provide up to 300 watts of AC power or 12-volt DC to run cordless phones, 13-inch televisions, and radios. It comes with a built-in emergency light and jumper cables. $129.99Xantrex Technology Inc.800/446-6180www.xantrex.com
| Low-Profile SlidingMounting such items as ski racks, bike racks, and caps on the bed of a truck can be an exercise in frustration. Slide Systems' trick setup uses two low-profile rails that mount to the top of a truck bed, allowing the user to add a score of different accessories. The system also works with the Rollerbox series of storage boxes.Slide Systems LLC888/917-5433www.slidesystems.com
| Big CoversMost off-roaders know the differential is an oft-ignored driveline component that's expected to work trouble free forever. Reality paints a different picture, however. PML Inc. has released a line of finned diff covers to fit on Dana 80 and GM Allison differentials. They increase the fluid capacity of the differential, meaning it will run cooler longer. PML Inc.310/671-4345www.yourcovers.com
| Dust OffAs Old Man Winter assails the finish on your truck or SUV, don't forget to keep your wheels clean. Most wheels have a clear coat that's vulnerable to salt and brake dust. Eagle One has released A2Z All Wheel Cleaner. Spray it on, use an old paintbrush to break down the surface tension, then rinse. The results are awesome. $4.99Eagle One Industries800/432-4531www.eagleone.com
| Getting Away from It AllSUVs offer impressive off-road manners, but sleeping in one is less than ideal. Mount the Hannibal Safari Equipment Rooftop Tent on the lid, and you have a home away from home. Tested in Africa, the system folds for transport, then flips open to become lodging. It's built of Marine-grade plywood and waterproof, wax-impregnated polyimide 380g cotton ripstop fabric. From $1295.Hannibal USA, Inc.866/4X4-RACKwww.hannibalusa.com
| Spill This--Not!Does driving make your drinks spill? This well-crafted holder is better built than those of most vehicles, and its ability to keep the dry side up is impressive. Made of anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, it uses sealed bearings to maintain a level surface for drinks. $24.95-$129.95.BCSystems866/456-9322www.bcsystems.ws
| Power Top Today's vehicles have trained us to push a button to operate door locks, open the truck doors, or fire off the alarm. Webasto Product has introduced the E-Z Power Tonno to feed our remote- control habit. Dual motors open and shut the tonneau cover on cue. Webasto claims it takes one hour to install and doesn't require drilling. $1150Webasto Product North America, Inc.800/860-7866www.webastous.com
