by L Baures | Feb 28, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
How to remove the ‘Easy-Off’ tailgate on RAM trucks
The RAM easy-off tailgate can be removed from the pickup box for ease of use for mounting an in-bed camper with an overhang. You may also choose to install a tailgate net, louvered or vented tailgate for ease of 5th wheel towing.
Rear view camera and remote keyless entry disconnection
- Open the tailgate
- Between the end of the truck and tailgate, you’ll have electrical connectors for the backup camera and remote keyless entry. Disconnect these connectors by pushing inward on the locking tab. The locking tab is on the side of the connector.
- Connect chassis plug and bracket then tailgate plug. (These parts are provided in the glovebox in new trucks. If they aren’t in the glove box, check the storage bins in the rear floor-if equipped or under the back seats).
- Tape the tailgate harness and bracket against the tailgate (forward facing part). This should avoid the connected getting damaged or corroded.
Removing the RAM ‘easy-off’ tailgate
- With the tailgate open, make sure it is supported by something underneath.
- Unhook the cables on either side by releasing the lock from the pivot
- Lift the tailgate up to about a 45° angle
- Lift the right side of the tailgate higher to release from hanger bracket
- Slide tailgate to the right, releasing the bracket on the left.
- Remove tailgate
NB: Mopar makes a point of saying in the owners manual that the tailgate should not be stored loose in the bed of the truck
Fun fact: Driving with the tailgate down or off does not increase fuel efficiency or aerodynamic efficiency. Check it out, TV hit show, Mythbusters actually tried and tested the theory! “Closing the tailgate actually improves fuel efficiency because it creates a type of airflow called a separated bubble within the bed of the truck”.
2017 RAM 1500 Night Edition Photo: FCA
RAM 1500 What’s new for 2018
What Would You Get on Your Prestige Plate?
“Owner’s Manual RAM.” Official Mopar Site | Service, Parts, Accessories & More”
“Driving With Tailgate Up Is Fuel Efficient.” Discovery, Mythbusters, 18 Sept. 2014″
by L Baures | Feb 27, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Car sickness, aka motion sickness.
According to encyclopedia.com, nearly 80% of the general population has, at least one time in their life had motion sickness. It’s a fairly common problem that can cause nausea, vomiting and in general a lot of discomfort during car/truck travel.
What causes car sickness?
Dr Gupta, CNN chief medical correspondent says the condition is a disequilibrium. Basically a discrepancy between the senses. Whilst your eyes might be telling your brain about your movement, your ears may be telling it something different. Such as whether you are moving, not moving, which direction and at what speed.
Which cars are best if you have car sickness?
This was going to be the original title of this article, however, after conducting some research, it was clear this was no easy task to define. In a Bachelor of Science Thesis on behalf of Volvo Cars study by NATHALIE KARLSSON and HELENA TJÄRNBRO the conclusion states, “Due to the large individual differences it is almost impossible to guarantee a car that does not cause motion sickness”. Having done my own research, I came up with the same answer. Some people get car sick due to the smell, others the view and then there’s the suspension. All of these could be contributing factors, but some will be more relevant for one person and maybe not another. For example, one person preferred a stiffer suspension set up, whilst another felt more comfortable in the softer suspension.
The short answer is, test drive a variety of vehicles (and ride as a passenger) to see which one works for you!
Tips for avoiding car sickness
- Be a driver if at all possible (it seems people are more susceptible to motion sickness as a passenger and esp in the rear seats).
- If you must be a passenger, look out the front window and look for the horizon in the distance.
- Products are available on the market such as medications or sea bands.
- Reduce strong odors in the vehicle.
- Open or crack the windows to allow fresh air in the vehicle.
- If you are a passenger with a bad driver, let them know you how fell so they can try to drive more smoothly.
- Be smooth with gear shifts (in a manual transmission).
- Avoid reading
- Eat a light meal before traveling
- Don’t have the heater blasting on full hot
Do you suffer from car sickness? Which vehicles make it better/worse?
If you’d like to help us out with some research to compile a list of cars and trucks that make it worse or better let us know. Do you know what causes your specific kind of motion/car sickness? Did you ever get in one vehicle that was so bad you couldn’t bare it. Which vehicle do you drive to make it bearable? Do your kids suffer from car sickness, if so, what do you do to make it easier for them? Do low profile side windows help or hinder? Let us know, by commenting below, send us a message on Facebook or send us an email, [email protected].
CNN. “How CNN’s Dr. Gupta Treats His Carsickness.” CNN, Cable News Network, 2008, www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/07/15/car.sick/index.html.
KARLSSON, NATHALIE, and HELENA TJÄRNBRO. “Motion Sickness in Cars Physiological and Psychological Influences on Motion Sickness.” CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY.
Nield, David. “Here’s Why You Get Car Sick: Your Brain Thinks It’s Being Poisoned.”ScienceAlert, 12 Aug. 2016, www.sciencealert.com/here-s-why-you-get-car-sick-your-brain-thinks-it-s-being-poisoned.
by L Baures | Feb 27, 2018 | Automotive News
Ford Edge ST
The sporty ‘ST’ trim package has been previously added to cars like the Focus and the Fiesta. Now, Ford has decided to make a sporty looking SUV by adding the ‘ST’ package to the Edge.
Photo: Ford
The Ford Edge is a mid-sized cross-over and the ST version will be the top of the line. The Edge ST will have the 2.7L twin-turbocharged V-6 EcoBoost engine. This means the engine will be putting out 335hp with 380 lb-ft of torque. “Edge ST puts a new animal on the road – a performance SUV with a track mentality,” said Hau Thai-Tang, executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing. “From a performance standpoint, and with its SUV silhouette and versatility, it sets a new standard, Edge fans will love to drive.”
What does it have?
- ST-tuned sport-tuned suspension
- Sport mode
- Quick-shifting 8-speed transmission
- AWD (with selectable traction control)
- Performance brake package available
- SelectShift® Paddle shifters
- Bolstered seats
- Post-collision braking
- Evasive steering assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go and lane centering
- SYNC 3 with AppLink™
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Photos: Ford
On paper, this crossover/SUV has more horsepower than a Subaru WRX STI, but who will buy this? It’s not the only powerful SUV on market, there’s the Dodge Durango SRT out this year as well the Jeep Trackhawk. The Ford Edge ST, like the other suped-up SUV’s gets a mild makeover in terms of looks.
Exterior
- Wider Grille
- Dual exhaust
- 21″ wheels
- Freshened fascia
- LED headlamps
- LED fog lamps
- Signature lighting
- Redesigned hood
Technology
As well all the safety technology that will be available on the Ford Edge ST, the interior will also be getting a sporty upgrade.
- All new rotary shift dial (Ford says to free up space)
- Wireless charging pad for smartphones
- Auto start-stop technology
- 8″ touchscreen
- FordPass™ Connect
- Wifi hotspot
- Bang and Olufsen (B&O) PLAY premium audio system
- Ford+Alexa App support
- 180º front and rear camera
- Active park assist
- Rain-sensing wipers
Ford Edge ST models will be built in Canada and are expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms summer 2018.
by L Baures | Feb 26, 2018 | Automotive News
Chicago Auto Show Unveils New TRD’s
At the 2018 Chigaco Auto Show, Toyota unveils three new editions coming for 2019. The 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra TRD Pro editions. Jack Hollis, Group Vice President and General Manager of the Toyota Division gave a press release presentation during the show.
Photo: Toyota
Hollis says during his presentation that performance packages have been offered from Toyota since 1979. That is almost 40 years! We have come to know those packages as TRD (Toyota Racing Development) or TRD Pro. Hollis went on to give us some statistics including; 40% of all Toyota Tacoma’s, Toyota Tundra’s and Toyota 4Runner’s sold in 2017 were equipped with a TRD package. A staggering 56% of Tacoma’s sold in 2017 were TRD grade.
The Toyota slogan, “let’s go places”, is exactly what they mean with the TRD packages for the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner.
Whether it’s for rock crawling, water wading, or negotiating sand, snow, mud or dirt. Toyota is adding some new features to the 2019 TRD lineup to make them more capable. One of the biggest changes will be to the shock absorbers, which will no longer be Bilsteins. Internal Bypass Fox shocks will now be standard on the TRD Pro’s.
2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Projector beam headlights and LED daytime running lamps will be standard along with Rigid Industries LED fog lights. As well getting an inch wider track and Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar All-Terrain tires, here’s what else can be expected;
- 2.5″ Fox front shocks (with 46mm pistons and 8 bypass zones)
- TRD tuned springs for an extra 1″ of lift
- Larger front sway bar
- 2.5′ rear shocks (with 11 bypass zones) paired with 2″ piggyback reservoirs
- Updated front skid plate with red TRD lettering
- Exhaust gets a black chrome tip
- Black grille
- Black badging
Interior
- Entune premium JBL audio system with sub and amp
- Navigation
- App suite
- TRD branded seats and floor mats
Available for the Tacoma, will be the Desert Air Intake.This allows for better air quality and filtration whilst driving in sandy and silty offroad environments.
2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
The Tundra will also get the Fox shock absorbers, and TRD tuned springs, increasing front lift by 2″. This increases front wheel travel to 1.5″. It will also get the black treatment similar to the Tacoma with the black grille, and badging. Rigid Industries LED fog lamps will be added as well as LED headlights and accent lighting. A new hood scoop will be added and TRD Pro will be stamped on the rear quarter panels on the bed.
Photo: Toyota
Forged Aluminum (lightweight) BBS wheels will be added to reduce unsprung mass, improving cornering capabilities. A dual exhaust with black chrome tips finishes off the black accents on the vehicle. A 1/4″ skid plate will also be added.
2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The 4Runner will receive the Fox shock absorbers on the front as well as TRD tuned springs. This gives the SUV a 1″ lift and nearly 1″ of wheel travel. A roost shield will be added to protect the inverted shock design on the rear. A roof rack gets added on top and the 1/4″ skid plate on the bottom. The 4Runner will get 17″ TRD alloy wheels, a wider stance, and Nitto Terra Grappler all terrain tires. Also included;
- Premium JBL audio
- Integrated Navigation
- App Suite
- TRD Pro floor mats
- TRD shift knob
- Red stitched Softex seats with logo
- LED fog lights
- Black grille
- projector beam headlights
Photo: Toyota
For more information, you can check out www.toyota.com or Fremont Motors Toyota in Lander or Sheridan.
“2018 Chicago Auto Show.” Livestream, Toyota, 8 Feb. 2018, livestream.com/Toyota/Chicago2018/videos/169949680
by L Baures | Feb 22, 2018 | Automotive News
Everybody deserves a turbo
For 2018, Fiat has decided to make their entire car lineup turbocharged. The standard 1.4-liter engine that is in most of the 500 lineup will now get the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine. Previously only available in the track-ready sporty Abarth model of the Fiat 500.
More Pop
The new Fiat 500 models will still be called the Pop, Lounge, and Abarth. The Pop and Lounge will get the new engine along with twin intercoolers and a sport-tuned exhaust. This means horsepower will now be at 135hp with 150lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like a whole lot of horsepower but the car is so cute, tiny and weighs about as much as a bag of potatoes, making these cars as much fun as go-karts. Fiat will still offer the option of a 5-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission is a 6-speed.
Photo: Fiat
Additional updates to Pop and Lounge models
- ParkView rear backup camera.
- Body-color front and rear fascias.
- 16″ aluminum wheels.
- Performance braking system.
- Sport suspension
- Side-sill ground effects
- Sport spoiler
- Fog lamps
- Turbo badging
Abarth
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Photos: Fiat
The tuned version of the Fiat 500 id the Abarth model. It puts out 160 horsepower and 183lb-ft torque. The Abarth has performance suspension and a three-mode stability control system with torque transfer control (TTC). Also standard on the Abarth is 16″ Black Aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires. The exhaust is a concentric “double-tip” dual-exhaust system that Fiat says, “…delivers a high-performance look with menacing Abarth-tuned sound”.
Free day at a race school
Photo: Fiat
Speaking of the Fiat 500 Abarth, customers who purchase one will get a free track day experience. The track day is at the Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving in Arizona the official race school of Dodge and SRT (where Challenger Hellcats can be also be found).
New colors
Three new late-availability colors will be added to the existing choice of eccentric colors. Brilliante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl, and Vesuvio Black Pearl. Nothing Italien sounding about those names at all?
Open-air fun
All the 2018 Fiat 500 line-up will also be available in a ‘Cabrio’ (ie convertible) option.
Photo: Fiat
The new Fiats can be ordered now and are expected to arrive in the Spring. For more information, feel free to contact your Wyoming Fiat dealer.
by L Baures | Feb 19, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Ground clearance is the distance from the lowest part of the vehicle to the ground. The bigger that distance is, the more ground clearance (clearance of the ground) the vehicle has. This is particularly useful for off-road situations where the car or SUV (sports utility vehicle) needs to clear objects such as dirt mounds, rocks or even snow.
Whilst pickup trucks can also have good clearance, they are not always the most practical option if say perhaps, you need to seat more people. It may also just be a personal preference or it comes down to cost and/or feature availability that you may choose an SUV.
Here are some of the 2017/2018 model year SUVs with the best ground clearance numbers.
SUV’s with the best ground clearance
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee (Trailhawk Edition) has an air suspension which gives it a huge advantage. The luxury off-road SUV can be lowered or raised with just the push of a button. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a staggering 10.8″ of ground clearance when raised.
Photo: FCA
- Jeep Wrangler. Unsurprising the Jeep Wrangler comes in next with the new 2018 Wrangler JL Sahara and Rubicon models. With 10″ and 10.8″ of ground clearance respectively. No wonder these machines have an off-road cult following.
Photo: FCA
- Toyota Sequoia. The flagship full-size SUV from Toyota has great ground clearance at 10″. Not only can this large vehicle negotiate obstacles off-road, but can do it whilst seating people in the 3rd row.
- Ford Expedition. The 2018 model year Ford Expedition is a complete redesign of the full-size SUV. 9.8″ of ground clearance is impressive for a 3rd-row vehicle that doesn’t really have much of an ‘off-road’ history like some of the vehicles mentioned above do.
Photo: Ford
- Toyota 4Runner. The TRD Pro is the top of the off-road equipped model of the 4Runner. With a little extra height on this trim level, the TRD Pro makes 9.6″ of ground clearance.
Photo: L Baures
- Toyota Land Cruiser. Next in line is another one from Toyota. The Land Cruiser is a proven capable vehicle that has been around since the dinosaurs. OK maybe not quite that long, but it’s been a while. The Land Cruiser comes in with 8.9″ of ground clearance.
Photo: Toyota
- Jeep Cherokee. Don’t judge this little one by its size when it comes to ground clearance. The Jeep Cherokee may be smaller than the rest but it can keep up with the big boys. The Cherokee Trailhawk (off-road trim) has 8.8″ of ground clearance.
Photo: FCA
Now you know which SUVs have the best ground clearance available in Wyoming.
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