Best Money Saving Articles Online

The Functional Purpose of Wind Deflectors

Aug 21, 2009 More Saving

Some people may think that wind deflectors are not really a necessity, or anything too important to have, but if you ask those who use them they will tell you they will never go back to their pre-wind deflector days. There are so many different reasons why wind deflectors make driving a great experience.

I love keeping my windows open, and I know I’m not the only one. Those of you that own a jeep, or a convertible, or who maybe just like to keep the sunroof and windows open know exactly what I mean. If you hate sitting in a stuffy car as much as I do, you’ll love window deflectors.

I hate rolling down my window to realize that the oncoming noise of wind and traffic is too loud and I have to roll it back up. Window deflectors are great because they actually reduce the oncoming noise.

Another reason why I’ll roll my window back up so quickly is because I hate how the wind will come in and whip and tangle my hair. Wind deflectors actually solve this problem too. You never have to worry about lose items being tossed in the wind, or the oncoming air hitting your face.

Wind deflectors can make it so you can roll your window down even while it is raining outside. You don’t even have to worry about the rain coming into your vehicle.

Wind deflectors also allow air conditioners and heaters to perform better as they let stale air exit the car freely. They also get rid of obnoxious fogging that happens to your windshield and other windows.

When looking for a wind deflector for your car you will be presented with two main options, a tape-on, and an in-channel. The tape-on is one that attaches to the car using adhesive tape that works great, as well as looks great. In-channel is only available for certain vehicles, but is attached to the window by tucking the wind deflector right into the window channel of the vehicle.

No matter what type of car you have you can find the perfect window deflector for it. You will never go back to not having a wind deflector after you have felt the difference of them for yourself.

Tags: auto accessories, automotive accessories, car accessories, More Saving, suv accessories, truck accessories, Vent Visors, Wind Deflectors

Rancho RS9000XL, RSX, and RS5000 shocks: A Comparison.

Jul 31, 2009 More Saving

Rancho shocks are popular upgrades and there are several choices available so it’s pretty common to hear customers ask about the difference between the Rancho RS 5000, RS9000XL and RSX shocks. They’re all reputable products, yet each is built for different uses and driving experiences. The Rancho RS line of shocks are geared toward the Jeep, truck, and SUV markets especially if the vehicle will be used in off-road conditions.

The entry-level is the Rancho RS5000 shock absorber. The RS5000 is a general-purpose shock. It is most often installed as a factory replacement for vehicles with worn out shocks or upgraded suspensions. It’s also recommended for the budget-minded consumer. The RS5000 was engineered for use ranging from street to mild off-road. The result of this is a ride quality that’s often bumpier than what the factory shocks provided because firm shocks are ideal for off-road driving and this comes at the sacrifice of some street comfort.

An upgrade from the RS5000 is the RSX shock. The uniqueness of this shock is the incorporation of an automatic “impact-sensing” valve that opens and closes depending on how quickly the piston is forced in or out. This provides a broader range of comfort and control across the driving spectrum from street to aggressive off-road.

The greatest aspect of the RSX is that each shock is engineered specifically for the vehicle for which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in concert with the vehicle’s weight. The Rancho RSX has a downside in that it’s not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and larger SUVs (not at this time, anyway). This isn’t to say that the RSX can’t handle heavy off-road use, because it can. It just can’t handle the extreme weight of certain full-size vehicles.

An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL features a manually-tuned valve system that allows the driver complete control of shock firmness setting. This provides the widest range of control across the driving spectrum from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city/urban driving, and firm for off-road driving and even towing.

There are nine settings to choose from so even the pickiest drivers (or their passengers) can find a suitable comfort level. In addition to manual tuning, there is an auxiliary remote control unit called the RS999705 myRIDE wireless remote control. It allows the shocks to be adjusted at the touch of a button while the vehicle is parked or in motion. The RS9000XL was designed with today’s bigger trucks in mind so in addition to the typical 2-1/8″ and 2-3/8″ body diameters found on most shocks, the RS9000XL is also available with a 2-3/4″ body for select full-size applications.

When choosing the Rancho shocks that are right for you, a couple things you should consider are your budget and what kind of driving they’ll be used for. RS5000 shocks cost the least, RSX cost approximately 40-50% more, and RS9000XL cost approximately 40-50% more than that. If you’re looking to save money or merely replace your old, worn out shocks, the RS5000’s will work adequately. If you’re still on a budget, but want a ride superior to what an RS5000 offers, then the RSX is recommended. If budget is not an issue, or if you want the best shock available without getting into the “extreme” off-road shocks, then the RS9000XL is recommended.

Tags: auto accessories, auto parts, auto repair, car accessories, car parts, cars, Jeep, More Saving, Parts and Accessories, Shopping, suspension, SUV, truck accessories, trucks, vehicles

A Review of Rancho Shocks

Jul 30, 2009 More Saving

Rancho shocks are available in several varieties so it’s not uncommon to hear customers ask, “What’s the difference between the Rancho RS9000XL, RSX Reflex, and RS5000 shocks?” All three are reputable products from a company that helped pioneer the off-road industry, yet each is built for different uses and driving experiences. The Rancho RS line of shocks are geared toward the Jeep, truck, and SUV markets especially if the vehicle will be used in off-road conditions.

The entry-level is the Rancho RS5000 shock absorber. The RS5000 is a general-purpose shock. It is most often installed as a factory replacement for vehicles with worn out shocks or upgraded suspensions. It’s also recommended for the budget-minded consumer. The RS5000 was engineered for use ranging from street to mild off-road. The result of this is a ride quality that’s often bumpier than what the factory shocks provided because firm shocks are ideal for off-road driving and this comes at the sacrifice of some street comfort.

The Rancho RSX shock is an upgrade from the RS5000. The RSX is unique in that it incorporates an automatic “impact-sensing” reflex valve. This valve automatically opens and closes depending on how quickly or slowly the piston is forced in or out. This provides a broader range of comfort and control across the driving spectrum from street to aggressive off-road.

The best feature of the RSX is that each shock is specifically engineered for the vehicle upon which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in conjunction with the vehicle’s weight. Unfortunately, there is a downside of the RSX shock — it’s not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and full-size SUVs. Does this mean that the RSX can’t handle off-road use? Absolutely not, it is very capable off-road. It just can’t handle the excess weight of certain full-size vehicles. Perhaps Rancho will address this in the future.

The RS9000XL is a step up from the RSX. The RS9000XL features a manually-tuned valve system that allows the driver complete control of the softness or firmness of the piston movement. This provides the broadest range of comfort and control across the driving spectrum from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city/urban driving, and firm for off-road driving and even towing.

There are nine possible settings so a quality ride can be had by even the pickiest drivers (or their passengers). In addition to manual tuning, an auxiliary RS999705 remote control unit is available that allows the shocks to be adjusted at the touch of a button while the vehicle is parked or in motion. The RS9000XL was designed with today’s bigger trucks in mind so in addition to the typical 2-1/8″ and 2-3/8″ body diameters found on most shocks, the RS9000XL is also available with a 2-3/4″ body for select full-size applications.

When selecting the best Rancho shocks for your needs, you’ll have to consider your budget and what kind of driving they’ll be used for. As expected, RS5000 cost the least, RSX cost approximately 40-50% more, and RS9000XL cost approximately 40-50% more than that. If you’re looking to save money or merely replace your old, worn out shocks, the RS5000’s will work adequately. If you’re still on a budget, but want a ride superior to what an RS5000 offers, then the RSX is recommended. If budget is not an issue, or if you want the best shock available without getting into the “hard-core” off-road shocks, then I recommend the RS9000XL (and the myRIDE wireless remote)!

Tags: auto accessories, auto parts, auto repair, car accessories, car parts, cars, Jeep, More Saving, Parts and Accessories, Shopping, suspension, SUV, truck accessories, trucks, vehicles

Truck Bed Covers Are Good Investments

Jul 25, 2009 More Saving

If you’re debating the worth of truck bed covers, it’s time to stop wondering and start shopping. You won’t have to pay as much as you think, but once you see everything you’ll gain from them, especially over time, you’ll be willing to pay almost anything, as they can even bring you more money when it’s time to sell your vehicle.

As with many things, you should look for a cover in the mid range of prices. This ensures you will get the quality you’re looking for without having to pay a huge amount of money. There are some things to look into, like a soft-top or hard-top cover, when it comes to how much you can pay and what you want.

One thing you’ll notice immediately is how much easier it becomes to clean your truck bed, now that you have this protection in place. To preserve the cover itself, you’ll need to avoid using cleaners that might damage it, but don’t worry - some products have been specifically developed for you and your truck’s needs.

Hard-top covers cost more than soft-top ones, but for many people, they’re worth the money, especially if you have to move anything expensive around. Without the ability to lock it up that comes with the hard covers, you won’t have the peace of mind that comes with knowing people won’t be able to steal your stuff.

The idea of the money you’ll save has already been mentioned, but it is the biggest motivation for getting the cover in the first place. At some point, you’re going to want to resell the truck, and you’ll want it to look as good as possible. The cover will keep the bed looking as good as if you’d just bought it.

Something that might surprise you is that the cover can actually help you save on gas. When you apply it, you actually give your whole car better wind resistance. There won’t be as much drag holding you back as you drive, and the miles you get to the gallon will save you as much as ten or fifteen percent in gas costs.

All of this combined provides little argument for those who are opposed to truck bed covers. Still, you should shop around to save as much money as possible at the initial time of purchase, and to be sure you get a good warranty. After all, you want the actual cover to be as good as everything you’re getting out of it.

Tags: a, auto, automobile, automobile;truck, c, car, e, More Saving, o, r, road, t, truck, truck accessories, Truck Bed Covers, Trucks-SUVS, v, vehicles

Truck Bed Covers Are Stylish

Jul 1, 2009 More Saving

Whether the truck is built for work, speed or show, truck bed covers can be very stylish. These covers were designed to provide insurance that the bed of the truck will not be harmed by whatever is being carried on the back. Some truck bed covers were designed to protect the contents of what is inside the bed of the truck.

The first style of truck bed cover is the cheapest kind. There are two types of these; one is a simple rubber mat that is cut to custom fit a truck bed. The other is a plastic insert that simply slides into the bed, creating a perfect fit.

One of the most common stylish truck bed covers is called a truck cap. Not only does a truck cap cover the entire bed, but when installed correctly a truck cap will keep all contents dry. These caps usually have a window or two, and match the color of the truck.

One more form of material that can be used as a truck bed cover, is called a tarp. A tarp style cover has strips that run from side to side, and then there are snaps used to hold the tarp in place. Tarps will keep the contents of the truck dry until the tarp is wound up, and then there are puddles.

The most costly type of truck bed cover is called the Tanaeu cover. These covers really set a truck off as far as style. This cover is constructed of fiberglass and is somewhat heavy. There are assisted lifting components installed to take the weight off of the person lifting the cover. These covers can be waxed the same as the paint of a truck and are extremely durable. The only bad thing about a Tanaeu cover is the ability to load things. One must load everything through the tailgate and driving with the cover up will decrease gas mileage considerably.

No matter which truck bed cover you choose, the truck bed will be protected. Which degree of protection will be up to how much your finances allow. Purchasing of a new truck will include a truck bed cover as an extra option, and will be rather expensive no matter what type is picked.

Tags: auto, car, More Saving, truck, truck accessories, Truck Bed Covers

Pickup Tonneau Covers Revealed

Jun 27, 2009 More Saving

Pickup truck tonneau styles of covers vary from the high-end one piece aluminum covers to the roll ups and low-end homemade versions. Prices vary from around $100 for materials to make your own up to $2000 for custom-made pickup truck bed covers. Truck bed covers save gas - up to 10%

One can purchase tonneau covers to cover differently. The least expensive cover is the roll-up canvas tonneau cover. Also there are the retractable tonneau cover, the fiberglass tonneau cover, the folding tonneau cover style and aluminum and “drop down” truck bed cover styles.

Roll-up tonneau covers are popular and cheapest in cost. Roll ups are attached with clamps and some require light drilling. In high crime areas, this may not be the best option unless you rarely carry valuables. They take up little space and can be easily rolled up and be set aside.

As opposed to a hard tonneau cover, retractable ones are available to give you the ability to haul large items without taking out the cover. It does need some room at the front of the bed for the storage canister but it is a very good value anyway.

Tonneau covers made of fiberglass are exceptionally weather-tight but are heavy. It is necessary to remove it to transport large things and removing it is a bit time consuming. They weigh about 150 pounds and are usually the same color as the truck.

Folding Tonneau Covers: Are a good value as an alternative to expensive retractable or solid tonneau covers. They may leak a little water into the bed because of the way they are constructed. Their security and durability come at a fraction of the weight and cost of a fiberglass cover!

Tonneau covers made of aluminum are similar to retractable as they give you the ability of hauling large objects without removing it. With aluminum tonneau covers, you have to sacrifice some of your space for the storage container at the front of the bed.

Retractor Type “Drop Down” Truck Bed Covers: These are new to the scene of bed covers. They allow access to the truck bed without removing the aluminum cover. The retractor can be locked down every 12 inches if needed.

Tags: More Saving, truck accessories

How To Choose Right Truck Bed Covers

Jun 13, 2009 More Saving

If you are thinking about whether or not to purchase a truck bed cover, you should know that there is one main advantage to using a cover. A study by Ford Motor Company has revealed that using a truck bed covers increases the performance of your car by up to 10 per cent. This is by allowing the movement of air over your truck hence reducing the amount of drag on the truck. Your truck bed normally traps air increasing drag.

There are primarily two types of truck bed covers that are available, the soft cover and the hard type. The hard covers are more durable and offer more security whereas the soft covers offer more comfort and versatility. Soft covers allow you to easily access your bed while still protecting you from theft and intruders. It also shields you from the elements.

The roll up soft truck bed covers are hugely popular with consumers as they offer the most ease in accessing your bed. It is easy to move and arrange when you need to load and unload items from your truck. Most truck bed covers have a locking mechanism to keep your cargo safe but be sure to check before you buy.

Many companies offer the various types of truck bed covers. On of the most well known is Extang. Their range of bed covers for trucks is extensive to suit the needs and requirements of the individual. The selection offers traditional snap down and roll up truck bed covers.

But what makes a good truck bed cover? The cover needs to provide the necessary comfort and protection and be comfortable to the user. So it is essential that the material that is used has a good balance in providing both. The cover also has to be as lightweight as possible without compromising on durability and strength.

Truck bed covers have gone through many stages of development. Previously, truck bed covers were made using plastic or fiberglass. The newest products use aluminum and is available to purchase from many different sellers. Aluminum offers an excellent option as the material is strong and durable and much lighter in weight than both plastic and fiberglass. It can also be molded to make a more aerodynamic design hence saving you money on fuel.

Tags: auto, car, More Saving, truck, truck accessories, Truck Bed Covers

What To Look For In Truck Bed Covers

Jun 2, 2009 More Saving

When you get a brand new truck, you really want to do everything that you can to make sure that it is taken care of. When looking for truck bed covers, there are a few aspects that you need to delve into before you actually make your purchase. This is going to be the perfect guide for those who are in the market for a new truck bed cover.

The first thing that needs to be done before any looking or buying is conducted is you need to set a budget for yourself. Some of these covers can get incredibly expensive and if you are not careful, then you could be spending a lot more than you ever bargained for. You can search for prices throughout the entire internet, which is really going to be your best source for information.

After you know how much you can afford to spend, you can then start searching for truck bed covers that you within your specific price range. You can also look for promo codes and web discounts; this all just depends on where you are choosing to buy your bed cover. It is vital that you take your time and do not rush into anything, buying products off the internet needs to be conducted wisely.

Quality is going to play a HUGE role in your decision to buy a truck bed cover. You do not want to buy something that is simply going to fall apart after a year or so. Invest in something that will last for years, and make sure to check out each and every brand. These brands will always offer something different so see what you can find!

Now, before you entire purchase is made, you need to look into one very important aspect to your purchase and that is going to be a warranty. Some companies do not offer a warranty and if something happens to your truck bed cover, you will not be able to replace it. Make sure that you look into a company that will allow you to get your cover replaced if something ever happens.

When it comes to buy truck bed covers there are so many places that you can look and purchase. The main thing that you need to remember is the quality, price and warranty aspects of the initial purchase. Do not waste your money on something that is going to be ruined in a couple of years.

Tags: auto, car, More Saving, truck, truck accessories, Truck Bed Covers

Truck Bed Covers - A Buyer’s Guide

May 25, 2009 More Saving

Truck bed covers pertain to any type of hood that wraps a pickup’s cargo box. Truck bed covers can be soft or stiff. The use of a truck bed cover is to provide a sleeker looking truck while draping a storage corner in the truck. A truck bed cover can protect materials such as heavy furniture and groceries from theft, damage, and weather conditions like rain.

Apart from hiding a messy cargo bed, truck bed covers also provide an advantage when it comes to saving money on gas. An uncovered truck bed results in greater wind resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to propel the vehicle. It is estimated that a truck bed cover can help save up to 10 percent on fuel costs.

Truck bed covers come in three main types, including soft, hard, and retractable. Each of these styles has certain pros and cons, so truck owners should carefully evaluate these before choosing which style of truck bed cover will best suit their needs.

Hard truck bed covers are made from aluminum, fiberglass, or rigid plastic. In general, a hard style cover is smooth and can be purchased in a color to match the rest of the truck. To gain access to the interior of the truck bed, one end of the hard style truck bed cover can be lifted up. This is typically the most durable of the various truck bed covers, and it is able to withstand many types of weather conditions.

But, you should be aware that there are some downsides to this style. First, it is very difficult to take off, so it is not recommended that truck owners who frequently haul vertical loads that protrude higher than the sides of the truck use this style. It’s also one of the more expensive styles available.

The soft type is made from a durable fabric. It has bows to maintain its shape under tough weather conditions like rain or snow. They can be attached to the truck using snaps, a groove and tongue set-up, or Velcro. There are some models that can be rolled up, while some have hinged lids.

The soft style can actually hold up under the weight of two people standing on it, and some truck bed cover manufacturers even offer a soft style cover with a built in tent. However, a soft truck bed cover is not as secure as a hard truck bed cover.

Considered as the most popular among truck owners, the retractable type of truck bed cover offers a lot of convenience. It allows truck owners to drag large things out without having to remove the cover. However, space may not be maximized in this kind of truck bed covered, and it can also be prone to leaks.

Truck bed covers are available in a range of prices. Retractable ones are often as inexpensive as $500, while the hard kind may sell for as little as $600. A soft cover is typically the least expensive with pricing starting around $200. For the best deals, truck owners should compare prices online, since there are a number of websites that offer truck bed covers at discounted prices. In addition, shopping online is more convenient than shopping in person.

Truck bed covers serve a number of purposes. They make a truck look great, protect a load, and save on fuel costs. Truck owners should thoroughly research the features of each kind of truck bed cover before buying online and making a final decision about which cover has the most to offer for their particular needs.

Tags: auto, car, More Saving, truck, truck accessories, Truck Bed Covers

Your Choice, Your Call: Fantastic Bed Liner Options For You and Your Truck

Apr 10, 2009 More Saving

If you?re like most new truck owners, you?re seriously considering bed protection. Fortunately you have options ? lots of them. Here are the highlights:

1) No Bed Liner. Obviously, it’s the most affordable and easiest option in the bunch. This would work perfectly well, given that you don’t lug anything that could disfigure your truck’s whole look. But the inevitable might still happen and you won’t have a choice but to carry something that could potentially damage the paint’s finish. If you opt to add a bed liner in the near future and your truck has scrapes all around, it may get a tad more expensive. This is because it will now require a new paint job on the entire finish just to protect your bed and liner from any unwanted moisture, as well as prevent rust from developing around them. This is a good choice if you are planning on having your truck rented.

2) Rubber Bed Mat. This one leans more on the traditional side, but it might just be worth the shot. It’s already a fact that any piece of rubber can help avoid scratches and will also provide an ample surface with a lot more friction than the factory bed. Bear in mind, though, that anything less than a quarter of an inch in thickness is a big no-no if you’re thinking of adding rubber mats for your truck. It is more advisable to purchase thick ones since these are not prone to bunching up - a situation that can make transport potentially dangerous. To prevent any moisture from building up underneath the mat that may lead to the truck bed’s early rusting, one should get a mat with a bottom surface that’s appropriate for such. Ready-to-use mats are preferred since they fit more comfortably, while the ones we usually cut up ourselves end up lopsided and ill-fitting in our trucks if not professionally done. The best part is these amazing mats won’t burn a hole in your wallets, considering the fact that they only cost around $75 to $100.

3) Plastic Bed Liner. Usually called “drop-ins”, these types can be applied easily and quickly, they do a great job of shielding the bed from any form of decay. This is ideal if you usually slide items onto your truck because plastic is slippery enough not to scratch. They are also very easy to clean. The only major disadvantage of this kind of liner is that items have a tendency to move around a lot, even when properly secured, because of how slippery plastic is. Another thing to consider is that plastics attract humidity, which means you have to take it out once in a while and clean the truck bed properly. This kind of liner can be had between $250 and $400.

4) Plastic Coatings. I’m sure you’ve seen the ads that endorse “special” truck bed paint that you can apply yourself with a professional finish. With a roller and paintbrush, you can install your very own “spray-in” bed surface over the weekend. This conception is wrong, unless you have had experience doing this before. There are high chances of screwing up the first time. The worst is that it doesn’t bond properly to the bed at all times. There could be large chunks that would flake off any time. While these products shouldn’t be condemned all together, none of them seem to work. Proceed with great care.

5) Spray-In. This is by far the most popular option, and for good reason. It?s the best looking and most durable bed liner there is. The bed is sprayed with a special polyurethane ?paint? that protects the bed from scratches and chemicals. The coating is permanent, the texture is rough (which keeps things from sliding), and the material is nearly indestructible. In fact, unlike every other option listed here, a spray-in liner will last forever.

Lots of companies offer spray-in bed liners, but the top two are Line-X and Rhino. While you may hear lots of differing opinions about the two products, it?s fair to say that they?re basically the same stuff. However, the installers are not the same. In fact, any stories you hear about a bad Rhino or Line-X liner have more to do with the person that installed the liner than the product itself. The best way you can make sure you get a good spray-in liner is to find out how long the installer has been in business. If you have any doubts about them, get references and check them out. Your local new car dealer is also an excellent place to get a recommendation for a good installer. You should be able to get a quality spray-in liner with a lifetime warranty installed for $300-$400 (under rail). Over the rail should add about $50. There are other names out their in spray-ins, and I’m sure that some of them are just fine. However, since they?re not usually any cheaper than Line-X or Rhino, I don?t recommend them.

6) Carpet Liner. The carpet liner is usually a strong outdoor carpet with a thick rubber or vinyl backing. They?re surprisingly strong and they have the benefit of being soft. They?re especially popular with people that are going to add a camper shell to their truck. The biggest advantage to them, in addition to being plush, is that they?re removable. If you like the idea of being able to see your factory finish whenever you want to, this might be a good option for you. Cost is about the same as a good plastic bed-liner, about $350. The only thing we don?t like about these is that they don?t seem to stay attached, but that probably has to do with the way they?re installed.

You can also add plywood to your truck bed, and there are some cool commercial roll-up systems that literally unload your truck for you (like Load Handler). Lots of options are a good thing when it comes to truck bed protection.

Tags: autos, cars, hobbies, hobby, More Saving, pickup, truck, truck accessories, truck accessory, truck part, truck parts, vehicle accesory, Vehicle Accessories, vehicles