by L Baures | Sep 28, 2018 | Automotive News
What is a Ford F-150 Raptor?
If you’re not yet familiar with the beast of an F-150, which is called the Raptor, it’s a 450hp off-road pickup truck. The SVT Raptor first arrived on the scene in 2010. Production stopped in 2014 but was started back up in 2017. SVT, by the way, stands for Special Vehicle Team. Ford gathered a group of driving enthusiasts along with key suppliers to create specialized vehicles for a niche market. That’s how the Raptor began, but it is no longer badged as an SVT. In 2014, Ford merged their performance divisions together to create, ‘Ford Performance’. The new division “…will unify SVT, Team RS, and Ford Racing as a single, cohesive global brand”. said Alex Nunez from Road and Track.
New for 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor
Although the Raptor is already a well equipped off-road truck, there will be some additional features added for the 2019 model year.
Off-Road Cruise Control
A new system, called Trail Control™ which will essentially be a cruise control for off-road applications between 1 and 20 mph (depending on driveline positioning). The system will use engine torque to tackle steep terrain. Automatic braking and power distribution can also be applied to each individual wheel. This makes it easier for the driver to concentrate on steering.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor, Photo: Ford
Recaro Seats
Normally found in sports cars, the 2019 Ford Raptor will get a set of plush bolstered Recaro seats. Ford says the seats provide ‘aggressive support’ to keep you firmly in position whilst driving. Blue Alcantara stitching and accents complete the design, inspired by the Ford GT Supercar.
Recaro seats as standard in the 2019 Raptor, Photo: Ford
New Colors
Velocity Blue, Ford Performance Blue, and Agate Black are new colors for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor.
Fox Suspension
Ford also stated in their press release that, “While Raptor has plenty of torque and horsepower, building a high-performance off-road truck isn’t just about engine power – it’s also about the suspension. Raptor’s suspension upgrades make it even more capable of clawing away at the terrain.”
Fox Suspension as standard on the 2019 Raptor, Photo: Ford
Raptors will get the FOX™ 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks that come with ‘Live Valve’ technology. Sensors are placed around the body of the truck and in the suspension to calculate and adjust the suspension for maximum comfort. Ford says that,
the suspension even knows when the truck is in the air
and will set the dampers to full stiffness for when the trucks lands. Presumably, because you don’t want to be bounced into oblivion upon landing.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor in the air, Photo: Ford
Coming to Wyoming
With the Ford F-150 Raptor being a niche vehicle, they can be tricky to find. Luckily, Fremont Motors in Wyoming so far has two 2019’s on the way. To find out more contact Fremont Motor Riverton or Fremont Motor Ford in Sheridan, WY.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor, Photo: Ford
by L Baures | Sep 26, 2018 | Automotive News
Dinosaurs in Wyoming
Wyoming is steeped in dinosaur history. Wyohistory.org states that the first Jurassic mammal (Dryolestes) was discovered in Wyoming back in the 1870’s. Since then, many other discoveries of Jurassic fossils have been found in Wyoming. A Diplodocus was found in 1899 near Medicine Bow, which, Scottish philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie had several replicas made of. These replicas were then sent to Museums in the U.K. and other parts of the World. This was a pivotal moment in history given this was the first time many people were able to see the mount of a dinosaur.
Other discoveries of dinosaurs in Wyoming include; Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, Supersaurus vivianae, Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as tracks from the likes of Pterosaurs‘.
The children’s movie, “The Good Dinosaur” is set in Wyoming.
Photo: Toyota
Toyota Land Cruiser and Tundra’s perfect for Wyoming terrain.
During this summer, world-renowned Paleontologists Dr. Phil Manning and Dr. Victoria Egerton came to northern Wyoming to survey an ‘undisclosed’ site. Accompanied by a team from the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, they made their journey across the rugged Wyoming terrain in a Land Cruiser and a couple of Tundra’s provided by Toyota U.S.A.
“It’s an off-road adventure through a rough and tumble world that existed millions of years ago, at a time when there was a salt water sea covering the area we’re presently exploring,” said Paleontologist Manning “What the sea left behind was rugged terrain and steep slopes that are extremely hard and sometimes dangerous to traverse. Some of the bones we are discovering weigh hundreds of pounds and are brittle and very fragile. So, it’s imperative we excavate and transport them safely in vehicles that can smoothly handle the rough landscape. We are very grateful Toyota is helping us preserve a very important slice of history.”
Funnily enough, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the original vehicle in the movie, “Jurassic Park“.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is part of the team
The discoveries won’t be staying in Wy.
The team says they have discovered several animals dating back to millions of years ago and are, “hot on the trail” of multiple dinosaurs in Wyoming. The bones will go back to the 500,000sq.ft. Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Photo: Toyota
Got an appetite for exploring dinosaurs in Wyoming now? Check out these activities around the State.
Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail
Wyoming Dinosaur Centre in Thermopolis
University of Wyoming Geological Museum in Laramie
The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite
Tate Geological Museum in Casper
Western Wyoming Community College
(note: don’t go diggin’ up bones without permission!)
by L Baures | Sep 25, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Window Tinting in Wyoming
Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash
What is the purpose of tinting the windows on your car or truck?
There are lots of reasons why a window tint on your vehicle is beneficial. MSN.com says, both Cheyenne and Jackson, WY are among 20 of the sunniest cities in the U.S. Adding to this is the higher altitude in parts of Wyoming, which increases the intensity of the sun rays. Driving in the harsh sun can be dangerous because you can’t see, but it’s bad for your eyes too. Adding a window tint reduces the harshness and glare from the sun.
A window tint in Wyoming can help reduce the heat building up inside your vehicle on scorching hot summers day. According to 3M™, their Crystalline Series Window Film, “… rejects up to 60% of solar energy and up to 97% of heat-producing infrared rays for the ultimate in comfort”. The light and heat from the sun can cause damage to the inside of your vehicle too. This could be warping and/or fading of interior materials.
Privacy is another reason for tinting windows. Probably the most important reason would be to keep valuables out of sight, but then there are bad hair days and nose picking. There are also window tint films available that are shatter resistant. This could help protect occupants of the vehicle from glass shards, should the window get broken. This may be an important factor too if you live somewhere that gets a lot of hail storms.
How is window tint darkness calculated?
How dark the tint is, is measured by, ‘Visible Light Transmission’. This is calculated as a percentage (the difference between the natural light outside and the amount of light that travels through the window with the tint.
The lower the percentage number, the darker the tint.
For example, a window with 80% VLT will have a very slight tint. A vehicle with an 18% tint will be very very dark (and probably illegal depending on your state law).
What is the window tint law in Wyoming?
Even although there are lots of benefits to tinting the windows on your vehicle, there needs to be a limit as to how dark the tint can be. For safety reasons such as still being able to see other vehicles and potential hazards around you. The law is different for each state, so be sure to check the legal limit for the state you live in.
Wyoming Statute Title 31, Motor Vehicles part 31-5-962.
Sunscreening devices.
Front side windows
“(d) A sunscreening device, when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials of the side wings or side windows, or both, located at the immediate right and left of the driver, shall be a nonreflective type and have total light transmission through both the sunscreening device and glazing of not less than twenty‑eight percent (28%)”.
This means the front side windows on your vehicle cannot have less than 28% VLT. Remember that some vehicles come with a window tint from the factory, so if more tint is added this will add more darkness and reduce the VLT.
Rear sides and back window
(e) A sunscreening device, when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials of the side windows behind the driver and the rearmost window, shall be a nonreflective type and have total light transmission through both the sunscreening device and glazing of not less than twenty‑eight percent (28%)”.
Windshield
“(c) A sunscreening device when used in conjunction with the windshield shall be a nonreflective type and may not be red, yellow or amber in color. A sunscreening device may be used only along the top of the windshield and may not extend downward beyond the AS‑1 line or more than five (5) inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield”.
Exceptions
“(h) The requirements of this section shall not apply to windows behind the driver of trucks, buses, motor homes, ambulances, limousines and multipurpose passenger vehicles, to windshields on motorcycles or motor‑driven cycles”.
In the eyes of the law, a multipurpose vehicle is a passenger vehicle that can carry less than 10 people that is built on a truck chassis or equipped with off-road features.
Have a question you’d like to ask us? Comment below or send us an email [email protected]
2014 Wyoming Statutes :: TITLE 31 – MOTOR VEHICLES.” Justia Law, law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/2014/title-31/
by L Baures | Sep 21, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Which 2018 half-ton trucks resale value is the best?
Here is the list for which half-ton trucks resale value is best for 2018 model years.
1.Toyota Tundra
2018 Toyota Tundra Limited, Photo: Toyota
Top of the list with the best resale value for half-ton pickup trucks is the 2018 Toyota Tundra. Not surprising given that Toyota has several vehicles in our Top 10 Vehicles that Hold Value the Most list too, and Tundra takes the win for the trucks. The truck is expected to retain 53.7% of its value after 60 months. The Tundra is available with a choice of two engines; a 4.6L V8 and the 5.7L V8. Towing packages on the 4×4 Tundra allow a 4.30 rear axle to haul up to 9,900 lbs. Assembled in Texas, the 2018 model year Tundra gets updated front-end styling, Toyota Safety Sense -P as standard and an available TRD Sport package.
2. Ford F-150
2018 Ford F-150, Photo: Ford
In second place comes the 2018 Ford F-150. The nations most popular truck choice, and Wyoming’s most popular choice. The F-150’s is expected to keep up to 49.8% of its value after 60 months. With a plethora of engine choices including a V6, V8, turbocharged EcoBoost and now a Power Stroke diesel, the F-150 is a dependable, rugged and versatile light-duty truck. The Raptor version of the F-150 is an off-road beast ready to take on the outdoors. The 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine puts out 375hp, 470lb-ft torque and the V8 395hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. These engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
3. Chevrolet Silverado
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country, Photo: Chevrolet
In third place comes the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. Also the 3rd most popular vehicle in Wyoming. This half-ton trucks resale value is expected to be 47.3% after 60 months. The Silverado as 6 trim levels to choose from and 11 special edition/packages on 2018 model years. 2019 will see an all-new design for the Chevy half ton truck. There are three gas engine choices on the Silverado, a 4.3L V6, the popular 355hp 5.3L V8, and the performance-based 420hp 6.2L V8. Both the Silverado and Sierra boast an independent coil-over-shock with twin-tube shock absorber suspension set up. Z71 spec trucks have monotube shocks whilst the top trim (High Country) has MagneRide suspension. This creates a smoother ride for highway driving.
4. GMC Sierra
2018 GMC Sierra All Terrain, Photo: GMC
Unlike the GMC Sierra’s big brother pickup that came top of the Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks with the Best Resale Value, the Sierra half-ton, comes in fourth. The truck is expected to retain 46.8% of its value after 60 months. The Sierra is based on the same platform as its sister truck, the Silverado. Engine choices are the same, but the GMC version offers more luxury, refinement and distinctive styling. An eAssist package is available SLT Crew Cab models. eAssist is a fuel-saving technology that uses a 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack alongside the ‘start-stop’ technology. For example, at a stop light, the engine cuts out to save fuel, battery kicks to keep the vehicle running, then upon moving again, the engine starts back up.
5. RAM 1500
2018 RAM 1500 Rebel, Photo: FCA
In fifth place come the 2018 RAM 1500. Renamed from Dodge to RAM Trucks in 2009, this half ton is the second most popular vehicle in Wyoming. An all-new truck design is now available for 2019, however, 2018 model year shapes are still available under the term ‘classic’. 2018 model year RAM 1500’s are expected to keep around 41.8% of their value after 60 months. Trim levels include a Tradesman (Work Truck), Express, Big Horn, Rebel (off-road), Sport, Night (black styling), Laramie, Laramie Longhorn (Western styling), and Limited (ultimate Luxury). The latest UConnect infotainment system allows easy smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for equipped models. Engine choices include a 3.6L V6, the popular 395hp 5.7L Hemi and the 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel.
6.Nissan Titan
2018 Nissan Titan, Photo: Nissan
In sixth place comes the 2018 Nissan Titan. The Nissan truck is the newest member to the half-ton truck market in the U.S. Titan’s arrived in 2003 and are now on their second generation design which came out in 2016. This half-ton trucks resale value is expected to be 40.7% of its value after 60 months. The half-ton from Nissan comes equipped with the 390 horsepower 5.6L V8 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission.
Data provided by KBB.com for Sept/Oct 2018.
Which Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks have the Best Resale Value
What Exactly Is of Isn’t Covered Under a Bumper to Bumper Warranty
by L Baures | Sep 18, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Bumper to bumper
Usually, this warranty covers the vehicle for around 3 years or 36,000 miles (which comes first). Some manufacturers offer up to a 6 year/ 72,000 miles bumper to bumper such as Volkswagen. The term ‘bumper to bumper’ is an expression used in the automotive world to describe which parts of the vehicle the warranty covers. The term is a tad misleading. Whilst a bumper to bumper warranty will cover most parts of the vehicle from the front bumper to the rear bumper, it does not cover ALL of them.
Photo by Liam Pozz on Unsplash
What do you mean bumper to bumper doesn’t cover all the parts of my vehicle?
Chances are, you’ll most likely never make a warranty claim on either bumper. Unless perhaps one just randomly fell off whilst driving off the dealer lot, but not likely. Parts not covered by a new vehicle bumper to bumper warranty are mainly wear items ie. parts of the vehicle that deteriorate through constant use. Not covered, are parts such as wipers, tires, brake pads, brake rotors, light bulbs, and window glass. (Just to confuse the situation even more, depending on the vehicle make, some of these parts may be covered for a shorter time).
Parts that are damaged by you, an accident or an act of God are not covered by the manufacturer. As an example, you’re driving along and a rock hits the windshield causing it to crack. This is an insurance claim and not a warranty claim. Also, anything on the vehicle that fails due to improper maintenance will not be covered.
Vehicles that are declared a total loss or are on a ‘salvage’, ‘rebuilt’, or ‘junk’ title. Racing or competing in the vehicle will also void the warranty.
Think of a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty more in terms of a manufacturer defect warranty.
Manufacturers will pay to replace and repair parts that fail due to defective material or workmanship.
For example, parts that are fitted at the factory. Parts and systems covered include; the electrical system, engine control module, engine, transmission, safety equipment, and emissions systems.
Modifications and alterations
Any modifications or alterations to the original vehicle, generally void the manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle.
Why?
Because years of research, development, and engineering go into producing a vehicle for its intended purpose/market. For example, a manufacturer builds a truck and is confident that the wheel bearings are adequately designed to withstand the forces of normal driving (as equipped from the factory). Let’s say the truck comes with 19″ wheels from the factory, but someone decides to put 24″ wheels on the truck. The manufacturer has not tested whether the wheel bearings can withstand the force from bigger wheels. Therefore if a wheel bearing were to fail under these circumstances, it is through no fault of the manufacturer.
Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash
If upgraded parts and/or accessories are purchased and fitted by an authorized provider, these may be covered under a separate parts warranty. For example, Mopar has a ‘parts and accessories limited warranty’. The times and mileage for which these parts are covered may be different from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Ask your local dealer or read the small print in the owners manual if your ever unsure about warranty coverage. Coverage alaso varies between manuafcatures, vehicles models and year of production.
If you are interested in learning more about what is or isn’t covered under your manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, check out some of the links below.
Mopar Warranty for Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM Trucks
Toyota Owners Manual and Warranty Information
Ford Warranty Guide
Volkswagen Warranty Booklet
Chevrolet Warranty Information
GMC Warranty
Buick Warranty Information
How long is a New Vehicle Warranty?
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