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11/25/10

Monster Trucks


A monster truck is an automobile, normally a pickup truck that has been customized, with very large wheels and suspension, and is used for amusement. Many times, they are featured along with Motocross races.

Usually, in a monster truck show, a monster truck crushes smaller vehicles beneath its massive tires. Monster trucks can run up and over most man-made obstructions, and hence they are equipped with remote shut-off buttons, called Remote Ignition Interrupter (RII). This is done to prevent an accident if a driver loses control at any time. The term "monster truck" was coined by United States Hot Rod Association founder Bob George.

Driving a monster truck is somewhat like "figure skating" with a huge truck. Drivers are free to choose their own routes around a track and its barriers. They often try a 'Donut', also called a Cyclone, which involves rotating a truck at a high speed, in a circle, even intentionally rolling the truck over. Additional items, such as a movable home, are frequently placed on a track for drivers to crush them.
Monster trucks now have specially made tubular chassis, with engines, just behind a driver, and these engines usually run on methanol. Axles are modified to have a terrestrial gear reduction at the core to help turning tires. All trucks are supplied with hydraulic steering in both the front and the rear, and front wheels are controlled by a steering wheel and rear wheels by a toggle switch.

As far as safety issues are concerned, a driver's seat is in the center of a cab for better visibility, and there are clear floorboards for easier navigation. Drivers need to wear fire-suits, and helmets, and most moving parts on the truck are safeguarded.

Monster trucks are popular in rural areas of the United States, and people from cities are also becoming attracted to them. They are frequently portrayed as a form of motorized professional wrestling and have names rather than numbers and sponsors.

Trucks provides detailed information on Trucks, Truck Accessories, Truck Rentals, Moving Trucks and more. Trucks is affiliated with Truck Part Services [http://www.e-TruckParts.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller

11/24/10

Become a Truck Driver


Are you unemployed? Or have you worked in an office for years and want something different to do to earn a living? I know Doctors, Lawyers, Police Officers, CEO, etc. who have decided that after years of service that they were either tired of it, or just didn't think that their field was worth it anymore. They are now truck drivers, going all over the country sight seeing and getting paid for it.

Anyone can be become a truck driver, provided they are not felons and are not alcoholics or drug abusers. All you have to do is get in touch with an accredited truck driving school. Most companies now that will only hire from these type of truck driving schools.

Just as when you try to go to work anywhere nowadays you must pass a pretty extensive background check to even be considered for these truck driving schools. Once you get accepted to the school, the first thing you will be required to do is a Drug Test. This is the first of many Drug Test you will endure through out your new career as a Truck driver.

The next step is a DOT Physical, this requirement is to make sure you are physically able to be a Truck Driver. You may want to read through what is involved in the Physical because this is what disqualifies most people from getting into a Truck Driving School.

Now that you have this out of the way, you must find a way to pay for this school. Some companies will give you a pre-hire letter. This means that they will offer to pay for this school upfront but you must agree to stay on employed with them until the debit has been paid, usually within a year or so. They will take this out of your check, each week.

Now you have your hire letter and everything is set, the school has called you and set up a time for you to get started. Most schools will provide you with a way to get to the school, and a motel/hotel for you to stay in while in school. Of course you are the one paying for this. They will most likely provide transportation to and from their school to the motel/hotel and DOT physical and Drug Test.

Lets say you will arrive on Sunday before school begins on Monday. You get checked into the motel/hotel, go swimming, get something to eat etc. but do something relaxing. Because when the school begins it is grueling, they only have 3 weeks to teach you.

This is broke down into part classroom work and then part yard/road training. Here is a table I created from PTDI a school that come highly recommended.


Basic Operation - includes Orientation, Control systems, vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, backing and docking, coupling and un-coupling. 18(22) hours of classroom and 24(29) hours for range and street/road driving.
Safe operating practice for Basic Operation - includes visual search, vehicle communication, speed management, space management. 8(10) hours classroom and 17(20) hours street/road driving.
Advanced Operating Practices - includes night operations, extreme Driving conditions, Hazard perception, Emergency maneuvers/Skid avoidance, Skid control and recovery, Passive (unmarked or uncontrolled) railroad crossings. 14(17) hours of classroom and 3(4) hours of yard/driving.
Vehicle Systems and reporting malfunctions - includes Identification and Maintenance, Diagnosing and Reporting malfunctions. 6(7) hours of classroom and 0(0) hours of yard/driving.
Non Vehicle activities - includes Handling and Documenting Cargo, Environmental issues, Hours of service requirements, Accident procedures, Managing life on the road/Personal Resources, Trip Planning, Communication Skills.43(52) hours of classroom and 0(0) hours of yard/driving.

This is a total of 148 hours minimum and 178 hours maximum. This accredited truck driving school will teach you the basics of truck driving, they will most likely teach enough to know to get your CDL License.

So if you can pass a Drug Test, and DOT physical and are not a felon or a drug abuser, and you want to change careers give Truck Driving a chance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_J_Cox

11/22/10

11/17/10

Christmas Truck Parade


Every year Victoria, BC The Island Equipment Owners Association (IEOA) has a lighted truck parade, quite something to see, this year was no exception. Hope you enjoy the ride.

11/12/10

11/09/10

Vented Mud Flaps


Big Rigs Cutting down on Fuel Consumption.........

These Vested Mud Flaps are catching on


11/06/10

Monster Dump Trucks - Tropic of Capricorn - BBC travel


Simon Reeve is in Newman, Australia, to meet the drivers of monster dump truck and the longest, heaviest trains in the world. Take a closer look at the world of Iron Ore mining with this fascinating clip from BBC travel show 'Tropic of Capricorn'.

11/05/10

How to Get Commercial Truck Insurance Coverages

If you have started your own business where you may use trucks to make deliveries, than the primary thing that need to be in your head is that you need to get commercial truck insurance. Trucking insurance is very different from car insurance even though they do the same thing. The first factor for this is the size of the vehicle, semi trucks are very large. Being larger also means it has more power and mass and during an accident is essentially a wrecking ball on wheels. Think about that next time you try to force one over.

Having a truck out on the road may be one of the most expensive assets in your company so you need to make sure you do everything you can to keep it protected and insured. It saves your lot of money. Risky situations can be seen and met anywhere in the open road, and the damage it may cause to future victims and the equipment can be costly enough to bring a company down. And that's why truck owners think about the best truck insurance.

There are too many parts to a policy to get a quote just online and think something is covered when it is really not. One example to think about is gap insurance. That is a policy that coves the value of the truck compared to what is still owed on it.

Commercial Truck Insurance Coverage's that every owner/operator should be concerned with are:

* Primary Liability Insurance: * Bodily Injury Insurance * Hospital and medical bills * Rehabilitation * Long-term nursing care * Funeral expenses * Lost earnings * Pain and suffering * Other damages * Non-Trucking Liability Insurance * Medical expenses or death caused to other people * Property damage caused to other people * Physical Damage Insurance * Collision insurance * Comprehensive insurance * Fire and Theft with Combined Additional Coverage's * Other Commercial Truck Insurance Coverage's that you should consider: * Uninsured Motorists * Motor Truck Cargo Insurance * Most insurance carriers will help you with financial responsibility filing for state and federal filings

Truck Insurance is not something you want to start a business without, especially if you have valuable assets on the road and away from your business. The business owner has to worry about their trucks on the road. It is therefore preferable to obtain an estimate for insurance for commercial trucks to ensure that wealth and businesses are protected.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Wyatt

11/03/10

Thinking About Buying Some Truck Accessories? - Read This


If you are thinking of buying truck accessories for your truck, there are a few things you need to consider before doing so. Things such as what needs tweaking, what needs more feature, what can I do to make this look like this, where can I go to buy the truck accessories I need, and how many accessories should I buy first. These are common questions for many who are looking to beautify their trucks by accessorizing.

Truck Accessories have the potential to provide a truck with many useful features, as well as enhancing the beauty of the truck. There is a never-ending list of accessories available which can be classified into interior and exterior accessories. Both these types have their own function. It's up to you to make the choice as to what function you choose.

In general the most popular truck exterior accessories include bumpers, fender flares, graphics,emblems, grille guards, hood ornaments, hoods, scoops, mirrors, racks, cargo accessories, roll pans, running boards, splash guards, tool boxes, truck steps, tire covers, visors, wings and spoilers.

Interior truck accessories may include, liners, consoles,racks, dash covers, trim, door accessories, floor mats, horns, instrument panel covers, seat covers, seats and steering wheel covers. The effectiveness in investing in interior truck accessories not only make you more comfortable while driving. They also keep the interior clean, and give the truck that "new" look that most people want to hold on to.

If you are planning to buy some accessories, you must remember that the list literally can go on and on, bringing some people to confusion. What you need to have in your truck and for what purpose will definitely help you choose the best and appropriate accessories. When you have decided to add a few modifications to your truck by adding truck accessories, it is highly recommended that you do a little research before choosing.

One thing you must remember is this, some accessories bring beauty, while some accessories bring comfort. Before running out and buying 30 different truck accessories, your best bet is to take a look at the main reason you are buying first. Start out with a couple of truck accessories at a time, then work on buying more once you have stepped back and taken a look at what you have done so far.

Buying truck accessories is another thing. It is much easier to shop online for truck accessories, then to go to 10 different stores searching. Not only does it save you time, it also save you money. Most stores that sell accessories online, offer discounts to those who buy a certain amount, or even for just choosing to shop online. While purchasing accessories online, you have the option to see everything that is offered, at multiple sites if needed, from the comfort of your home or office.

Last but not least, when buying accessories, whether it be online or in store be smart and stay informed. Do not let someone sell you something that you do not want, or have no idea where it goes. Stick to what you want, and try not to over do it. Sometimes more is less, but in the case with trucks, less is sometimes more.

Red Fox is an internet marketing expert in the automotive industry, specifically for Discount Tires and Truck Accessories

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R_Fox

11/02/10

Commercial Truck Tire Wear and Handling


Mike Beckett and M.D. Alignment describe tire wear and handling problems and causes for commercial trucks.