Come on. Everyone knows only REAL men drive trucks. I’m not talking about those wussy mid-size pickups or SUV’s either. I’m talking about the real deal here, guys. I’m talking about the full-size pickup trucks like the F350 Superduty or the Chevy Silverado truck.
Full-size pickup trucks were once the stalwarts of the work force. Trucks were only used for hauling dirt, construction materials, and other same-type things. Now with most working families unable to afford owning two vehicles have made the pickup truck the vehicle of choice for some soccer moms.
It used to be pickup trucks came with one uncomfortable bench seat, no air conditioning, and a cassette deck if you were one of the lucky ones. This year’s trucks offer a plethora of different options to choose from. Most buyers spend more time debating which options to get than they do worrying about engine size or if it has four-wheel drive.
It can be a confusing and daunting task finding which trucks might work best for you, so we’re going to help out a little. Here is a look at some of the full-size pickup truck models for 2007 with a breakdown of each by the respected experts at Car and Driver Magazine:
2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO CREW CAB - GM redesigned this truck inside and out for ’07, offering a vastly stiffer structure, a new coil-over front suspension, beefier brakes, a new rack-and-pinion steering system, standard stability control, more muscle, and bigger payloads. Pros: Impressive underpinnings, expanded roominess, upgraded interiors, enhanced work ethic, plenty of power, many choices. Cons: Four-speed automatic transmission, still thirsty in models with bigger V-8s.
2007 DODGE RAM SRT10 REGULAR CAB - Maybe we don’t need a 500-hp, V-10–powered pickup truck that can run to 60 mph in under five seconds, but its nice to know there’s one out there if we need it. Pros: A more brazen, decadent, and totally bad-ass ride can’t be imagined. It also handles well for such a big truck. Cons: This is not the vehicle you want to drive to the Earth Day festivities or to pick up Al Gore in the carpool.
2007 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW - The F-150 is quiet, comfortable, and car-like. It can be outfitted like a luxury car, with a DVD player, heated seats, and a power sliding rear window. Pros: Up to 10,500-pound towing capacity, classy interior, refined road manners, handsome exterior design. Cons: Extremely overweight and therefore slow, no stability control, horrible gas mileage.
2007 NISSAN TITAN CREW CAB - The Titan is the he-man of the full-size pickups. With a potent all-aluminum 5.6-liter V-8 producing 305 horsepower and 379 pound-feet of torque and fronting a standard five-speed automatic transmission, this bad boy can tow up to 9500 pounds and romp to 60 in 7.2 seconds. Pros: In terms of power, payload, performance, and price, this is a very attractive package. Cons: It lacks the posh interior of a Ford F-150 truck and the quiet refinement of a Toyota Tundra.
2007 TOYOTA TUNDRA REGULAR CAB - This truck finally makes a direct challenge to the full-size pickups from Ford, GM, and Dodge. For the first time, Toyota’s biggest pickup matches the domestics in size, power, and capabilities. Pros: Big-truck style and swagger, serious power from optional V-8, serious work ethic, Toyota detail refinement. Cons: Its in-your-face styling may be too much macho for some. They’re called sissies.
December 2nd, 2008
The demand for Used yamaha atvs has dramatically increased over the past few years. Today everyone who needs a used ATV, cannot afford to purchase a brand new ATV. If you are also tight on budget, then buying an ATV will not be a bad deal. A used ATV is more economical than a new ATV. If you are planning to buy a used ATV, then you will have to do a lot of research. Otherwise you might be sold a defective or faulty used ATV. There are used ATV dealers who sell them that are in a good condition. You can also take along a mechanic or an ATV expert with you when you are going to see the used ATV for Sale. The mechanic will tell you the condition of the used ATV and whether it is a good idea to buy it or not. He will also be able to find out any hidden damages or faults in the used ATV. You can get a good used ATV for the smallest amount of money. Private sellers often advertise their used ATVs in newspapers. You can check your newspaper to find a used ATV for Sale in your locality. You might even be able to find a used ATV in a really good condition for a reasonable price. You can also approach a used ATV dealer, who thoroughly assesses the used ATV before putting it for sale. Still, it is advisable to check the reputation of the used ATV dealer before making a deal. You can also browse the Internet and find cheap used ATVs online in genuine sites like www.atv-trade.com. Though you cannot touch or see the used ATVs online, you can compare and examine the used ATVs. The best part is that you don’t have to go anywhere for the purpose. There are many websites displaying used ATVs for sale.
People tend to buy the cheapest used ATV, and end up paying out more on the repairs. Nowadays, most used ATV dealers conduct thorough tests on the used ATV before putting it for sale. These dealers also offer warranty to assure the quality of the used ATV. These warranties may range from a period of 6 months to one year. The condition of the used ATVs depends on the usage of it and its maintenance by its previous owner. You must look for the used ATV that is best used by its previous owner.
Used ATVs rarely come with the warranty of the original ATV manufacturer. So, used ATVs certified by used ATV dealers are a good option. By buying a certified used ATV, you can be satisfied that the used ATV you are buying has been thoroughly inspected and is in condition to be given an extended warranty.
December 2nd, 2008
During the war, Coast Guard aircraft found one thousand survivors and directed rescue units to the scene. Coast Guard aircrews rescued one hundred survivors additionally by landing in the open sea [below: Hall PH-2 medevac, circa 1942]. On occasion, the aircraft had to taxi ashore because weight of those rescued prevented the aircraft from taking off.
By 1941 the Coast Guard was very interested in developing the helicopter for search and rescue. LCDR William Kossler had represented the Coast Guard on an inter-agency board formed in 1938 for the evaluation of experimental aircraft, including the helicopter aircraft. However, World War II interrupted these plans. The Coast Guard, incorporated into the Navy on 1 November 1941, was tasked in early 1943 with developing the helicopter for antisubmarine warfare. Sikorsky HNS-1 and HOS-1 helicopters were ordered and pilot training began at Brooklyn Air Station. Coast Guard personnel trained British pilots who undertook a joint British-American helicopter trial on board the merchant ship Daghestan. In fact, during the war all Allied helicopter pilots were trained by the Coast Guard at Brooklyn Air Station. The Daghestan, fitted with a landing deck and carrying two HNS-1 helicopters, crossed the Atlantic in convoy in November 1943.
A photo of a Coast Guard aircraftAdditional helicopter evaluation tests were carried out on the cutter Cobb. This old coastal passenger ship had been converted into the world’s first helicopter carrier. On 29 June 1944 CDR Frank Erickson made the first landing on its deck in Long Island Sound. A photo of CDR Frank EricksonAs the war progressed and the U-boat threat moved deeper into the North Atlantic and then abated, the service re-oriented its helicopter research from antisubmarine warfare to search and rescue. CDR Erickson pioneered this Coast Guard activity, developing much of the rescue equipment himself and carrying out the first lifesaving flight. He delivered two cases of blood plasma lashed to an HNS-1’s floats following the explosion on board the destroyer USS Turner off Sandy Hook on 3 January 1944.
One of the early helicopter’s most successful rescues occurred in 1945. A Royal Canadian Air Force plane crashed in a remote area of Labrador. Two ski-equipped aircraft tried to rescue the nine survivors; however, one crashed on landing and the other was trapped on the ground by the snow after having successfully flown out two survivors. The only way to rescue the remaining men was by helicopter. A Coast Guard HNS-1 was disassembled at Brooklyn Air Station, loaded into a C-54 transport A photo of a Coast Guard aircraft and airlifted to Goose Bay, Labrador. There, LT August Kleisch flew it 150 miles to a staging station and then on 35 miles more to the crash site. Obstacles such as a frozen engine and skis that would freeze solid to the ground were overcome and all were rescued.A photo of Stewart Graham In 1943 an Air Sea Rescue Squadron was formed at San Diego, Calif. The primary impetus for this was the increasing number of offshore crashes, mostly by student pilots. These were the result of the rapid expansion of military aviation during the war. Initially, the amphibious PBY-5A and high speed rescue craft were chosen as the rescue vehicles and additional squadrons were formed. In December 1944 the Office of Air Sea Rescue was established at Coast Guard Headquarters. By 1945 Air Sea Rescue was responsible for 165 aircraft and nine air stations. During that year, it had responded to 686 plane crashes. The PBY-5As were replaced by Martin PBM-5Gs following the war.A photo of a Coast Guard aircraft
With the increasing responsibilities in defense readiness, law enforcement, fisheries patrol, and environmental protection, the Coast Guard acquired a new generation of aircraft to replacing its aging fleet. During the 1980s, 1990s, and into the new century, the primary aircraft in the Coast Guard inventory were the HU-25A, HU-25B, and HU-25C Guardian,A photo of a Coast Guard aircraft the HC-130H Hercules, the HH-65A and HH-65B Dolphin, and the HH-60J Jayhawk .A photo of a Coast Guard aircraft The HU-25C Guardian is the service’s first multi-mission jet. It is nearly twice as fast as any aircraft in the inventory and can get to the scene quickly to perform its role. Sixteen new HC-130H Hercules turboprop aircraft have joined the Coast Guard fleet and replaced earlier models. The primary missions of the Hercules are long-range surveillance and transport. A photo of a Coast Guard aircraft
December 1st, 2008
Recreational Vehicles are becoming a more attractive way to get away from home and still have the comforts of home along for the ride. Several years ago RV’s were thought of as an affordable way to get away, more on the lines of camping. Today there are still campers available that fit that, however the majority of the RV’s are more like a home on wheels. To have a better understanding of what is available, I will tell a little about each class of RV’s and list some of the manufacturers.
Luxury Motor Coaches are the most comfortable and most expensive RV’s on the market today. They are built on air ride suspensions to provide a comfortable ride that almost floats over the road. The Class A Diesel luxury motor coaches are manufactured up to 45 feet in length, and have as many as two bathrooms. King size comfort Air beds provide a comfortable nights sleep, and a full kitchen includes microwave, stove, oven, marble or corian counters and even a dish washer. Most have plasma TV’s, surround sound systems, navigation systems, in motion satellite systems so watching TV while driving down the road is just a part of the luxury. The cost of Luxury motor coaches starts just under a half a million dollars and varies with size, and options to several million dollars. Some of the manufactures of Luxury Coaches are Prevost, Newell, Blue Bird, American Coach, Beaver, Newmar, Foretravel, Monaco and Winnebago.
Class A Motor Homes are the largest and most comfortable motor homes, and includes the luxury motor coaches. The options and cost vary from the luxurious models listed above to the more affordable smaller gas motor homes. All of the Class A motor homes today have full bathrooms, comfortable beds, full kitchens and offer the comforts of home away from home. They start at under a hundred thousand dollars and go to those listed above. In addition to those listed above, some of the manufactures are, Airstream, Damon, Coachmen, Fleetwood, Gulf Stream, Holiday Rambler, Tiffin, and Thor.
Class C motor homes have a van looking front, are usually smaller in size than the class A. Most are gas, provide similar comforts, such as full size beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and booth dinettes that turn into beds for additional sleeping. They vary in size and cost, usually starting around fifth thousand dollars. The majority are manufactured by those listed above.
The Fifth Wheel is the most luxurious of the pull behind trailers. The Travel Trailer is also a pull behind unit that is very similar to the fifth wheel trailers. Many have King or Queen size beds, full bathrooms, kitchens and sofas that convert into beds for additional sleeping. They vary in size and cost from around twenty thousand dollars. In addition to those already listed, some of the manufactures are, Forest River, Four Winds, Jaco, Keystone, Leisure Travel and Travel Supreme.
December 1st, 2008
The first ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) actually was built with six wheels instead of four. It was developed sometime during the 1950s in Japan and was primarily desinged to deal with the mountainous topography and isolated rugged regions of that country. Particularly during spring when the ice thaws and river flow would increase substantially, Japanese mountain roads and paths that weren’t maintained regularly often become impassable with more typical vehicles. In addition, these early ATVs became popular in rural areas where the absence of roads in rough terrain makes passage difficult despite the need to traverse this kind of terrain efficiently. When Honda first exported an ATV* to the United States in 1970, their US90 was sold primarily as a recreational ride. Though it is still in use, even to this day, the growing number of ATV users quickly discovered that its excellent efficiency over rough ground offers a wide variety of uses for the ATV.
Honda, due to the patents it took out on ATV design and engine placement, enjoyed a virtual monopoly on the market at the beginning. Its initial release in the western market, the US90 was designed by engineers specifically for joy rides. Later that year, Honda once again used clever tactics to trademark the name ATC and proceded to rename the US90 model as the ATC90. The ATC90 had 7 hp passing through a dual-range 4-speed gearbox with automatic clutch and featured large balloon-type tires that can eat up rough terrain. Honda continued forward and released two more ATCs during the ’70s which were also revolutionary.
As the ATV moved into the next decade, models were beginning to become clearly divided into two major usage groups. One for sports and one for utility use. Sport models are usually built for performance: they are lightweight with relatively high power, have good suspensions and a low center of gravity. These models can accelerate quickly, have manual transmissions and some can run up to 75 mph. Since they permit traveling in most terrains, these models became highly popular with hunters and thrill riders.
On the other hand, it’s value as a utility vehicle is easy to understand. Given its construction, an ATV generally boasts remarkable strength for its size, body construction and cost. With a mechanical structure able to withstand significant loads, and wheels which allow passage over demanding terrain, it becomes a nearly perfect machine for farm use and on construction sites. And, of course, an ATV requires only a fraction of the fuel that typical heavy machinery consumes.
When Suzuki, long a dominant Japanese vehicle company, released their first high performance 4-wheel ATV in 1983, the Suzuki LT250R, it quickly become the leader in 4-wheel ATV development. Later in 1987, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a decree to shift 3-wheel ATV production to 4-wheel machines. Quite naturally, Honda responded with its FourTrax TRX250R, which then became the most versatile and most popular modle in ATV history. There were other entries as well making a splash in the ATV market. In particular Kawasaki’s Tecate-4 250 and Yamaha’s Banshee 350 which also became quite a popular machine.
Times have changed and today a new era is beginning as Kawasaki trumps the market with its KFX700 V FORCE. This is the first V-Twin powered, ultrahigh performance sport ATV. Mind-boggling? Absolutely, the sheer diversity of new models is astonishing. Even SeaDoo is sticking in the game with their Bombardier ATV. Artic Cat also has a brand new 2007 700cc model. And you can check out the Polaris, Can-Am and Cobra ATVs as well as the Honda ATV, Suzuki ATV and Yamaha ATV. We’re talking big, fast, high performance machines these days - and the price has escalated to match. But it’s a wild ride if you’re up for it.
November 28th, 2008
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