by L Baures | Jul 16, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
July 14th, 2018, the Natrona County 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Sale was held at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Casper.
4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) are organizations for youth to learn. Not just about farming or agriculture, but also to develop as a young entrepreneur, learn leadership and valuable life lessons.
A list of successful people who started their career in 4-H includes former Ford Motor Company CEO, Harold Poling.
The Junior Livestock Sale is a bittersweet event for these youth. Throughout the year they will train, groom and prepare their animals for shows and for this sale.
To sell the animal is great news, it’s a business transaction (hopefully a profitable one) but it is also goodbye.
Ross Sutton, General Manager of Fremont Motor Casper Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Trucks attended the auction with his wife.
They wandered the stalls back and forth, carefully examining each project. Understanding perfectly how this works Mr. Sutton and his wife also have children who participated in 4-H and FFA.
He said in an earlier interview, “Not only is it valuable for the kids involved but has a great impact on the local economy. It brings businesses in the community together.”
This year they purchased 10 animals in total; 2 steers, 6 pigs, a sheep, and a goat. All of the animals/meat will be donated to local charities in the area.
One of the hogs purchased was from 4-H and FFA member, Kendra Meyer and a steer from Jordyn Renquist.
Kendra Meyer
13-year-old Kendra has participated in 4-H for many years. Based in Evansville, WY, her family raises and produces hogs for market, Kendra grew up around them, however, this is only her 2nd year showing pigs.
The most challenging part of pigs she says is teaching it to walk with the stick.
Twice a week she spends time walking around with the animal and weighing it.
Her favorite part of the process is selling and although her least favorite part is cleaning the pens, she hopes to come back again next year. She will now take the animal to show at State Fair before handing it over.
With the earnings from the sale, Kendra will spend it towards next years Junior livestock sale animals. Kendra also raises goats and rabbits and says the goats are her favorite., “…they are fun!”
She also would like to thank the buyers. Without them, it is not possible for any of this to happen.
Kendra Meyer in the ring at the 2018 Natrona County Junior Livestock Auction
Kendra walking with her pig in the barn
Jordyn Renquist
In her 7th year in 4-H, she used to show pigs, but Jordyn decided she wanted to do something more challenging this time.
In her first showing steers, she says the biggest challenge is building trust with the animal. “…because once you break the trust, it’s hard to get it back.
Her earnings from this year will go towards paying back equipment purchased and towards next years animals. Next year, Jordyn is going to do a lamb, a steer, and two pigs.
This talented young lady is also on the meats judging team, so if you happen to be at the grocery store at the same time, you might want to see which steak she picks out!
Jordyn is extremely thankful for the experiences she gets to have through 4-H and FFA.
“All the opportunities I get ‘cos most kids don’t have the same opportunity to raise an animal from being very young to market weight.”
Jordyn Renquist
Here are some more photos from the day.
Check out last years event here.
2019 Natrona County Jnr Livestock Auction
by L Baures | Jul 16, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is the right kind of tire?
There was this one time (not at band camp) I ended up stranded in the mountains of Wyoming, in the dark, no cell service, and a known bear to be in the area. This happened due to a bad tire, and boy, I don’t want to go through that again. I learned first hand that tires really do make a huge difference and in Wyoming for example, where there are a lot of gravel and dirt roads, cheap tires are not worth the risk. It’s worth noting too, that new trucks usually come equipped with highway tires (unless upgraded through the dealership or from the factory). These may do ok short term on dirt and gravel roads, but perhaps not the best for long-term use. Choosing the right tire for the type of terrain, weather and driving you do is important. Here, we are looking at all-terrain tires.
What are ‘All-Terrain’ tires?
A fully fledged rock crawling or oversized mud tire is great for those purposes but not very civilized for every day driving. A more practical all around tire that is is acceptable on the highway but also capable of negotiating sand, gravel, dirt. These will also perform to some extent on snow.
Treadwear ratings
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Administration) has a wear rating system to determine how long the tire will last. The higher the number, the longer it will last. The way it works is a control tire is given a rating of 100. A tire grade of 200 is expected to last twice as long as that of a tire with a 100 rating. NHTSA says that of current tires,
- 15% are rated below 200
- 25% are rated 201 – 300
- 32% are rated 301 – 400
- 20% are rated 401 – 500
- 6% are rated 501 – 600
- 2% are rated above 600
Traction ratings
NHTSA traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C”. This rated for how well the tire can stop on wet pavement. ‘AA’ being the best and ‘C’ being the worst
Which All-Terrain Tires are the best?
Ford F-150 Raptor, photo: Ford
After talking with some tire experts at Fremont Motors and checking out research and reviews, we came up with a list. These are the tires that consistently come up (from various sources) as the best all-terrain tires. In no particular order;
BF Goodridge All-Terrain T/A KO
According to the BF Goodridge tire rating system, this all-terrain tire gets a score of 8/10 for off-road performance. It gets an 8/10 for braking, 6/10 for comfort, and 6/10 for fuel efficiency. It also features ‘Stone Ejectors’ to protect the tire as well as ‘Mud-phobic Bars’ in the shoulder to aid traction in mud. This tire passes ‘Severe Snow Traction Requirements’. Treadwear/traction rating is not yet rated by the NHTSA, however, the manufacturers rate it at a 9/10 for wear.
BF Goodridge
Mud and snow rated, the Cooper Discoverer A/T3 get’s amazing ratings for dry and west performance as well as tread wear. Cooper tires rate them at about a 6 for off-road performance but around an 8/10 for quietness. They come with 60,000 miles of treadwear protection with the NHTSA treadwear rating at 560. Traction rating is an ‘A’.
This tire comes with a choice of two sidewall designs. Nitto rates these as 4/5 for dry performance, 4/5 for wet performance,3.5/5 for comfort. For quietness, Nitto gives a 4/5 and off-road performance 3/5. Treadwear rating of 500. It’s worth noting the Terra Grappler G2 gets a treadwear rating of 600. Traction rating is ‘A’.
Winter rated and available with a studdable option, this all-terrain tire comes with a 45-day trial. It features an aggressive 5-row tread pattern that is also self-cleaning. General Tires say that the acoustics of the tire are highly engineered to make the aggressive tire still quiet on paved roads. NHTSA treadwear rating is 640. Traction rating is ‘A’.
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlar / Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
With sidewall made from DuPont™ Kevlar® (the same as bulletproof vests), this tire is more resistant to punctures in the sidewall from rocks. It also features a wrap-around tread for extra grip in mud, sand, and rocks. The MT/R is the top of the line all-terrain tire from Goodyear. Other options include the Wrangler DuraTrac which an all-terrain tire that is winter rated unlike the MT/R with Kevlar. The MT/R seems to have limited availability in sizes according to my search. The MT/Rs are more towards an aggressive off-road tire vs the DuraTrac that is more of all around all-terrain. From personal experience, the DuraTrac’s are not exceptional in wet mud, but do good in snow, gravel, and rocks. NHTSA wear rating for the DuraTrac is 500 and the MT/R is not rated.
-
-
Goodyear M/T R
-
-
Goodyear Duratrac
Looking to switch out tires soon? Most of these tires should be available at your preferred Fremont Motors dealership. They will also be able to assist with sizes if you still have the same size as the factory tires. Not sure how to figure out what size you need, check out our article on What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?
“Search | Safercar — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).” Tires Rating, NHTSA, 2018, www.safercar.gov/Vehicle-Shoppers/Tires-Rating/Search?brand=Goodyear.
Using your truck for hunting?
Check out Top Pickup Truck Accessories for Hunting
by L Baures | Jul 11, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is resale or residual value?
Resale or residual value is an approximate valuation of a vehicle upon selling it. Cars and trucks are depreciating assets, which means, they are most likely losing their value (worth) every day. They get used, worn and even if your vehicle sits in your garage, it’s still aging. There are a few exceptions though. Vehicles that are classics or very rare may appreciate in value and become worth more over time.
How much do vehicles depreciate?
In our article, ‘What is my Trade Worth‘, we cover this topic more. In short, “the average vehicle depreciates 15-20% a year. According to CARFAX over 6 years, the average vehicle loses 60% of its total value.”
Some cars and trucks DO hold their value better than others!
Factors that can affect resale value are; brand reputation, supply and demand, gas prices, and warranty. Here is a list of the top 10 vehicles for 2018 that are predicted to hold their value the best according to KBB.
1. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been top of Kelley Blue Book’s, “2018 Best Resale Value Awards: Top Ten Cars” for quite a while now (four years to be exact), so it’s no surprise it’s still no.1. Nicknamed the ‘Taco’, it’s a smaller truck that packs a punch, especially in the off-road world with TRD Pro and TRD Pro Off-Road versions.
Toyota Tacoma, Photo: Toyota
2. Toyota Tundra
The Tacoma’s big brother, this full-size pickup from Toyota is expected to retain 64.7% of its value according to Kelley Blue Book. The Toyota Tundra is made in Texas and only made for the U.S. market. A 4.30 rear axle ratio is standard on the 5.7 liter equipped trucks with the tow package. Towing capacity is at 9,900 lbs on the 4×4 double cab.
2018 Toyota Tundra
3. Toyota 4Runner
Another Toyota lands a top spot on the best resale value list. This time it’s an SUV, the 4Runner. Currently in its fifth generation, and remaining mostly unchanged since 2009, the 4Runner has proven a steadfast vehicle. A good four-wheel drive system, along with optional 3rd-row seating and impressive ground clearance make this SUV a winner for families in the mountains. And, it holds its value.
Toyota 4Runner, Photo: Toyota
4. Jeep Wrangler
Ah. A break from typing Toyota. Coming in at number four is the Jeep Wrangler. The infamous Americana off-road beast got a redesign for 2018. More features added inspired by Jeep enthusiasts. When you get a Wrangler, it’s not just a car. It’s a way of life. Ride around in the summer with the top off or go muddin’. At least you’ll be comfortable knowing it made the top ten list of vehicles that keep their value the most. Check out this video we did of a Jeep Aventure in Wyoming.
2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Photo: FCA
5. GMC Sierra
This pickup from General Motors, despite the changes coming for 2019 it still holds a strong place as the 5th best vehicle to hold it’s value. The GMC’s stand aside from their sister Chevy trucks with a little more luxury and refinement. The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali won Truck Trend’s, ‘Truck of the Year’ award.
2019 GMC Sierra AT4, Photo: GM
6. Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevy Silverado is the 3rd most popular vehicle in the state of Wyoming and 6th best vehicle at holding its value. The Chevy’s independent suspension set up gives it a smoother ride for highway miles, especially with the MagneRide™ available on the High Country model. ZR1 packages available for off-road.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado High Country
7. Ford F-Series
Most popular truck in the United States (including Wyoming for 2017), this award-winning pickup truck series comes 7th. For the 2018 model year, the F-150 got a mid-cycle refresh with new styling cues and added technology. Top of the line trim levels on both half-ton pickups and Super Duty’s have Multi-Contour with Active Motion® (massage) seats. F-150 Power Stroke diesels are now hitting dealer lots throughout the country.
Ford Super Duty, Photo: Ford
8.Chevrolet Colorado
A mid-sized pickup that returned in 2015, the Chevrolet Colorado has always made the KBB top value list. The Colorado ZR2 edition (off-road trim) is a Motor Trend ‘Truck of the Year’ finalist for 2018. Diesel and gas options are available, with the diesel estimated fuel economy at 28 mpg on the highway. Off-Road.com reported on an AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) converted Colorado potentially going into production. The ZR2 Bison.
9. Honda Ridgeline
A mid-sized pickup that looks very car-ish. This Honda has a 5’3 bed is standard and it has a towing capacity of 5000lbs.
Honda Ridgeline, Photo: Honda
10.Subaru WRX
The only car on this list, the 2018 AWD turbocharged sedan comes in at no.10. With a rally heritage and cult following, this driver enthusiast car is one of few cars still available with a manual transmission. Stiff suspension and a loud exhaust paired with almost 300 hp means you’ll either love or hate this Subaru. The more powerful STI trim has a driver control center differential (DCCD).
2018 Subaru WRX, Photo: Subaru
2019 Top 10 Vehicles With the Best Resale Value, Trucks and SUVs
Source: “2018 Best Resale Value Awards | Kelley Blue Book.” Kbb.com, Kelley Blue Book, 2018, www.kbb.com/new-cars/best-resale-value-awards/.
by L Baures | Jul 10, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
It has happened, and it will happen again. Children are curious and they wonder what that handle on the inside of the door is, and some children may even pull it, resulting in the door opening. There’s not much you can do from the driver’s seat to avoid it, if your child isn’t listening, or they may be acting in complete ninja mode. That is unless you have the child locks set to LOCK in order to avoid this.
Setting the child locks will only lock the rear doors. They will not open from the inside (ie. by a curious child) but will still open as per normal from the outside.
There are several different ways to set the child locks, depending on the manufacturer. For Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Volkswagen’s, you must use your key (the same one you put in the ignition) to put the locks on. Open a rear door and along the edge, you’ll see a symbol that looks likes either a child or a padlock. Next to that, there will be a slot for you to insert the key. Turn the key towards the inside of the car. It’s always a good idea to test it and make sure!
For Toyota’s, Ford’s, Lincoln’s, and some other manufacturers, again on the rear door, there will be a little switch that you slide down or slide across to set the locks. There is usually a sticker on the door to tell you which direction is lock or unlock.
Some newer models of vehicles may have an electronic switch on the inside of the cabin. This may be next to the rest of the door lock controls or somewhere on the center console. Consult your owners manual or contact us for more information on these.
Check out the video below for a demonstration on a Volkswagen.
You might also like; Tips and Tricks: Cool your Car or Truck down in the Summer Heat-Video
by L Baures | Jul 9, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Does Adaptive Cruise Control have different names?
Yes. There are several autonomous cruise control systems out there. They are now becoming more and more popular in newer model vehicles. Depending on the manufacturer of the vehicle, the system may be called; Adaptive Cruise Control, Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, or Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
What exactly does Adaptive Cruise Control do?
It could potentially be described as cruise control for traffic.
The autonomous cruise control system is an extended version of cruise control. The driver is able to turn the system on or off. When the system is engaged, it will function like a regular cruise control until the vehicle gets close behind another one, within line of site. The vehicle uses sensors or lasers to detect this and will begin slowing down.
For example, you are driving on the highway with cruise set to 70mph, you are approaching a slower moving vehicle ahead (say it’s doing 65mph), the autonomous cruise system will detect this and adjust the speed of your vehicle accordingly. This helps to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. The distance at which the vehicle begins to slow down at can be adjusted by the driver.
Autonomous cruise control is a major step towards autonomous vehicles. Cars that are equipped with ACC are considered level 1 autonomous. For more information on autonomous levels check out this article.
Lasers and sensors
Some vehicles use lasers in their autonomous cruise control systems and others use radar. Laser-based systems cannot detect other vehicles in bad weather conditions. Laser-based systems also may not work great on dirty vehicles, due to the lasers needing to be exposed. Radar-based systems are more popular and are used by major brands such as Toyota and Dodge.
Some ACC systems will come to a complete stop
Not all Autonomous Cruise Control systems are equal. There are basic systems and advanced, and of course, the price varies depending on the system. Some systems, when activated will cancel out below a certain speed, such as 25mph. Therefore the driver is still responsible for braking below these speeds. Other systems will combine with technology such as pre-collision braking. This means that when ACC is ON, the vehicle will come to a complete stop. Depending on the system, it may also then speed up again when the gap between the vehicle in front increases.
Do you have a question about a vehicle feature or something you’re not quite sure how it works, let us know and we’ll help you! Comment below or send us an email to [email protected]
by L Baures | Jul 6, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Charles from Casper Wyoming asked us,
“Why don’t RAM put their best engine (the Cummins) in their best looking truck, the Power Wagon?”
Photo: FCA
A very valid question, thanks to Charles for submitting. It’s a common question, believe it or not, that has been floating around for years now. There are gas and diesel options on just about every other RAM truck, now including the 1500’s with the EcoDiesel. So why isn’ there a diesel option on the RAM Power Wagon?
-
-
2017 Power Wagon Review
-
-
-
-
Photos: L Baures
Quick overview of the Power Wagon
The name Power RAM/Power Wagon name has been around since the 1940’s with the Dodge Power Wagon. Back then it was a nameplate and the truck was not a dedicated off-road truck (other than maybe moonshining?). A Cummins turbo diesel engine was available as an option from 1989-1993. Around 2005 is about the time the truck became more of an off-road vehicle. The only pickup that comes with a winch from factory. A 12,000lb WARN winch. (Check out our funny video on how to use the Power Wagon Winch) Today, the Power Wagon is an off-road beast with locking front and rear diffs, disconnecting sway bars and of course the winch. It has the 6.4L Hemi V-8 with a 4.10 axle ratio, Bilstein shocks, steel bumpers and a factory lift to mention just some of the features.
Why no Cummins option
The reason the Power Wagon does not have a Cummins option is that just about everything that makes it a Power Wagon is not very compatible with the Cummins engine. The V-8 gas Hemi engine takes up less room than the inline 6 Cummins. Road and Track mentioned the fact that there would not be room for the winch if there was a Cummins in it. Another reason is that the Cummins engine is also much heavier than the 6.4L Hemi. The Cummins is 1050-1150 lbs dry, whilst the 6.4L HEMI is around 500lbs. Probably not a great idea to have a nose heavy off-road truck. Better throttle response from a gas engine might just be what you need as you’re trying to negotiate a rock.
Photo: FCA
Sure, RAM could probably find a way to overcome these factors but a lot of engineering would have to be done. The real question is, is it financially viable for the company to completely redesign and engineer a truck that is about to be replaced. The answer is no. Perhaps in the future when the truck is redesigned we could see a diesel-powered Power Wagon, but don’t hold your breath.
Still want a diesel heavy-duty off-road truck?
If you’d rather replace the winch with a Cummins engine, there is always the option of a RAM 2500 with the off-road package. The package includes Bilstein shocks, off-road decals, tow hooks, transfer case skid plate and Hill Descent Control.
2018 RAM 2500 Off-Road Package
Would you like to submit a reader question?
Send your question to [email protected] and don’t worry, if you want to remain anonymous, we can do that too!
Bowman, Zach. “Ram Had 3 Diesel Options for the Power Wagon, Chose None.” Road & Track, Road & Track, 6 Oct. 2017,
Parks, Seth. “Making the Case for a Diesel Ram Power Wagon.” The Truth About Cars, 22 June 2017,
Recent Comments