autolife

Monster Trucks are Awesome

November 15, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

There, I said it. Monster trucks are freaking awesome. Who would have thought that jacking up a vehicle to absurd proportions and giving it gigantic tires could be so awesome?

Well whoever that first person was, I salute you. But, like a whale confined to a pool.. it almost feels wrong that monster trucks are used for shows in little arenas. They deserve to be out in the WILD. Showcasing their illustrious beauty and dirt moving tires to the world.

So I decided to make a list of the ways a monster truck should be used. Let’s take a look.

Morning Traffic: Have you ever been sitting in the morning rush with horns and irritated drivers hating their lives? Me too, I’ve been one of those people and it isn’t fun. But, if I had a monster truck I could just drive over them. Hopefully they wouldn’t die but this isn’t an exercise in kindness after all. The joy might be in the crunch of commuters being left in my dust.
Taking a girl on a date: Yeah, stretch limos are nice for prom but we’re grown ups here. I want to pick up a girl in a monster truck and judge her on the amount of time it takes to climb in. No footstools for you miss. Maybe I could have a stop watch and it’d be a chart I could keep? The better.. the more potential? Still gotta iron the details out.
A police chase: Okay hypothetical right, but if a cop pulled me over for driving on city streets in my monster truck I think it’d be pretty great to take off. Maybe I could fill up the tires with some slime too, or have the air pressure low enough that spike strips wont worry me. All rubber tires? I don’t know, but it’d be awesome. Except they’d shoot me, they do that a lot.
Uber driver: I would love to pick someone up in one of these. Maybe out in the country so it wasn’t hyper illegal. Actually, uber eats might even be better. You could pull up to someone who lives on the second story without getting out of the monster truck. It would definitely save time.
Four wheeling: Oh yeah how’s your 3 inch lift kit? Mine is several feet, you squirt! Let’s ignore the fact that a monster truck would tip, it’s all about the pissing contest for this one.
Putting lifted trucks to shame: Piggybacking off our previous point, the guys that lift their street legal trucks as high as they can go deserve to be shamed too. There’s always a bigger fish to fry – and that could be me in my monster truck!
Handicap Parking Space Vigilante: Alright get this, I wait for someone who doesn’t have the right to park in a disabled space and then.. I crush their car while they’re inside shopping or whatever. We’ve all seen these people that take handicap spaces and some street justice could do the trick.
Skipping drive thru lines: Just like cutting through traffic, I could get a handheld extender pole to couple with my truck and snatch the order when the cashier is handing the food to the driver. It would have to require a lot of precision and timing, but it could be done.

The truth of it is I just want a monster truck. A 12 ft tall, 12 ft wide thing of beauty. They’ve been used to help people in floods.. that could be my angle. Flood preparation. Let me know how you’d use a monster truck!

The 4 Best Tire Deflators

November 15, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

Getting tire deflators speeds up the process of getting your tires to the best PSI for riding trails and offroading. Prices vary and so does quality of brands.

If you pick up some automatic tire deflators you can have a set PSI you like your tires at and just screw them in. Then walk away – they’ll stop when they get to the right pressure. It’s a simple process that takes a bit of pressure off you(bad pun).

Let’s take a look at the best tire deflators available:

ARB ARB505 E-Z Deflator, Orange

ARB’s EZ deflator is a simple solution for offroaders. This kit has an adjustable brass hardware gauge and includes a carrying bag. It’s one of the most popular options and for good reason, ARB is a well-known brand and their products just work.

You won’t pay too much either. If you want a simple setup and don’t mind it taking a bit more time than an automatic deflator. But, when we say “a bit more time” it isn’t much, maybe 3 or 4 minutes max.This is a great choice and value overall.

Staun Automatic Tire Deflators (Standard Duty 6-30 PSI)

The Staun Automatic Tire Deflators are well.. automatic. That’s the point! You can adjust these to the PSI of your choosing, then just set and forget. They have 3 different models covering PSIs between 1 all the way up to 55.

So, if you’d like your tires to be anywhere in that range and want an automatic option, you can get that with these. They’re made in Australia from solid brass. You’ll pay more for these than a typical tire deflator kit.

But, the big benefit is you get four solid pieces and you don’t have to rely on any hosing or valves. While other kits with more parts could wear down over time, you won’t have the same issues here. They’re a great brand and value.

Quick Tip If you plan on buying an automatic deflator, take them off after they reach the set psi you want. That's because when you're driving over obstacles the increased pressure could cause more air to get out than you would like.

Boulder Tools All New Heavy Duty Rapid Tire Deflator Kit with Valve Caps, Valve Cores & 4-in-1 Tire Valve Tool

Boulder Tools has a very affordable tire deflator kit. If you are looking to save money and you’re not too keen on automatic deflators, this will do it. It does have a very solid construction, but it also has a lot of parts.

For simplicity sake, it might not be the best but they have a solid reputation and top it off with a 1 year warranty. It comes in a handy carrying case with plenty of extra parts. The tire pressure gauge is a handy way to keep track of your progress.

BILLET4X4 TRAILHEAD Tire Deflators

Do you guys think Billet wants you to know their products are made in America? We do, and suddenly we’re feeling very patriotic. Their automatic tire deflators can get you from 1 to 55 psi. The deflator kit includes a pressure gauge and a nice pouch in addition to the hardware.

Calibrating these can be a bit of a pain. You’ve got to set it, and check it that it deflated to the PSI you wanted. For each one of these this process requires a bit of work with a real tire. An air pump will be handy so you can keep refilling until you get it just right.

How do tire deflators help?

When you’re driving around every day on paved roads, it helps to have your tires pumped up to the recommended PSI. It saves you gas, and it’s easier on your car. Once you decide to go offroad and start dealing with uneven surfaces, deflating your tires gives them a bit more slack to sink into something.

For an example, let’s imagine you’re trying to drive over a large branch. Your tires are pumped up though, and when you can’t make it – they start to spin. As your tires rub against the branch there is no give, and they do not conform to the shape of the object they’re trying to move past.

In the same example, let’s imagine you have properly deflated tires. You approach the branch and instead of your tires spinning against the object – the slack provided by less air allows your tire to “grip” the form it needs to overcome.

As you can see this is a huge advantage when it comes to offroading.

Conclusion

Automatic tire deflators are neat, but they do cost quite a bit more than single piece kits. The ARB tire deflator kit is our favorite when we considered overall value.

A quick note about automatic deflators is that you don’t necessarily need 4 of them. By the time you put all four on your first tire might already be deflated. They can be bought individually and we’ve seen some offroaders suggest that they only needed two. It’ll be more affordable to buy a couple instead of a set.

Let us know if you pick up something from this list and how it worked out for you, we love feedback from our readers!

The 4 Best Wheel Cleaners for Brake Dust

November 13, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

Keeping your wheels looking clean is a small detail that’s a finishing touch on car care. But, there’s one culprit for many car owners and auto-detailers. That is brake dust. The natural by-product of using a resource that withers away with use. Brake pads and especially metallic pads are going to leave behind a significant amount of residue.

So what’s the best way to clean brake dust? Well, we took a look at the options on the market. The good thing is they’re affordable and the top brands all do a good job. With some more specialized.

Here are the 4 best wheel cleaners for brake dust:

1. DipYourCar Brake Dust Pro

DipYourCar has a strong wheel cleaner that is made to fight the buildup of brake dust. This is a spray and set type of application. You spray it on your wheels, when the time is right for you to wash it off it’ll change colors to a dark red.

It’s a 32 oz bottle, as far as price goes it’s on par with other brands. But, since you’re buying a larger bottle it will seem like it costs more. It’s pretty neat how it changes colors, like some other brands of wheel cleaner. We’re bad with time and numbers so yeah, neat feature.

They recommend using a power washer to clean it off, but a hose should work just fine. Just don’t flood the wheel with water, if you have a high pressure nozzle that would work much better.

If you’re sensitive to smell you’re going to be in for a surprise! This.. does not smell good. Maybe you can test your nostrils. It’s recommended you use a wheel brush to compliment this. Chemicals do work but they need a little bit of help sometimes depending on how bad the brake dust is. This is a PH neutral product, you don’t have to worry about it staining.

2. Adam's Deep Wheel Cleaner

Adam’s Deep Wheel Cleaner is one of the best selling brands for car owners with a vendetta against brake dust. It has the same color changing properties as DipYourCar after application. You spray it on, let it sit, and when it changes color you know to spray it off.

It’s a made in the USA product, which they’re very rightfully proud of. People love this stuff and it’s probably the best selling cleaner in the category. This is another PH neutral product that still kicks butt despite its lack of acidity.

Brake cleaners just tend to smell because of their chemical composition, and this one is no different so be prepared. It has a satisfaction guarantee, if you’re not happy then you get a refund.

But, nearly all their customers are happy. A product that’s affordable and just works. We love it. Just remember it’s targeted specifically for brake dust. If you want an all-around cleaner, there are formulations that are better suited. Eagle One’s All Wheel and Tire Cleaner would be a good option.

3. Eagle One All Wheel and Tire Cleaner

Eagle One has made a well-regarded all around wheel cleaner for a great price. The 64oz option is cheaper than some 16oz brake dust cleaner brands. This product works by foaming. It’s not made specifically to remove brake dust, instead, it targets all the general crud on your wheels.

So if you want an all around solution this is it. You’ll have to put in a little more elbow grease than you would with a formulation specific for dust. Your wheels will look great though, and you get a lot of this product for cheap.

If you pair this with a scrubbing tool you have a nice one two punch to keep your wheels clean.

4. TriNova Wheel Cleaner

TriNova Wheel Cleaner is another all-around option for keeping your wheels free of dirt and grime. It’s a degreaser that’s PH balanced so no worries about stains. Just like Adam’s cleaner, this product is made right here in the USA.

There aren’t any fancy color changing formulas going on here like in some competitors workings. But, it’s the same application process. Spray this on, let it sit. You’ll know it working when you see the dirt starting to slide down your wheels.

We love that they’re cheap and that it’ll work on all types of wheels.It may be only a few dollars cheaper than the others but it’s enough to buy a burger. They have a good reputation and back their product with a satisfaction guarantee.

How can I prevent brake dust?

There are two main culprits. The first is, you’re probably using semi-metallic brake pads if you have a lot of brake dust. These pads perform well and they’re common in heavier vehicles. But, they leave a lot of residue.

So if it’s really bothering you, look into buying ceramic brake pads and using those instead. Metal pads chip away every time you brake, whereas ceramics make much less dust.

The second option is, upgrading your current brake pads to a better brand. It may be no fault of yours, but a higher quality brake pad isn’t going to chip as less. If you’ve bought the car used or you just don’t like your stock pads – it might be time for an upgrade.

Conclusion

Some people go as far as waxing their wheels to prevent brake dust sticking to the rims. But really, a regular clean is going to do just as well. Even low-dust pads are going to produce dust. It’s the nature of a consumable(brake pad) resource. When it degrades you’re left to clean up the little pieces.

We recommend getting a wheel brush as well, to get off the bits of dust that aren’t budging. You can get a nice wheel brush for cheap. Mothers Wheel Brush is always a safe bet. For owners dealing with a lot of brake dust we recommend Adam’s Wheel Cleaner and for the people looking for an all-around cleaner, we recommend Eagle One.

If you purchase one of these, let us know how it went and if you gave it a thumbs up or down. We would love to hear. Have fun cleaning.

ATVs or UTVs – Which is better?

November 12, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

It can be a tough choice deciding what will fit your riding style between ATVs and UTVs. We have some pros and cons for you to help you make an informed decision.

Pros for ATVs:

They cost less. A typical ATV is going to run you in the general direction of a 1/3rd less than a UTV.
Better traction and suspension on average if it’s a 4×4.
They’re faster. Less overall weight and components makes for a better ratio.
Can get into tighter spots. If you’re going trail riding with lots of trees and obstructions you’re going to need to factor in the width of your UTV to see if it can even get where you want it to go.
It’s easier to haul. For a UTV you’re going to need a toy hauler or some way to get it where you need to go. ATVs can fit in your truck. Just get an ATV ramp and you’re set.

Pros for UTVs:

Safer. A roof and a roll bar over your head is going to offer much more protection than an ATV would.
A smoother ride overall. You’re going to be more comfortable. They aren’t going to get all the places an ATV would but if you just want to take a friend or loved one along on a trail ride, they’re the best option.
Bring your girlfriend or buddy along. With UTVs, the best part is having some company right beside you. Offroading is an enjoyable experience of course, and it’s something lovely to be able to share that with someone.
Upgrades! ATVs have lots of upgrades as well, but adding comfortable seats and backrests along with some speakers is pretty easy to do in a UTV. You’ll have an easier time mounting lights and other peripherals as well.

Why aren’t there more roundabouts in America?

November 12, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

If you’ve traveled to other countries or even in some parts across the USA you’ll probably have seen roundabouts used in your lifetime. I know here in Arizona I’ve seen them about three times on highways way out of the way of the city. But, when they’re used properly and everyone knows the rules they really can speed traffic up.

There’s also the benefit of them using no electricity, no streetlights, and an improved flow of traffic. So why the heck don’t we use roundabouts more in the States? The simple answer is that roundabouts aren’t always the best solution because it depends on the amount of traffic overall. They’re great for intersections that have about the same volume and fairly low amounts of traffic.

So the two main reasons I found that we don’t use them more often are:

They aren’t good for intersections with an uneven distribution of traffic. This is where traffic lights shine. They can be timed to get a gauge of the regular flow. Some directions are going to need longer lights to accommodate that.
For many places they would work well, lights are already installed.
Since we aren’t used to them in the states it’s easier for communities to install lights.

They’re a great way to slow traffic down as well. You won’t have the same amount of fatalities from accidents you would when it comes to a stoplight. You can’t really speed 50 mph through a roundabout, but you can get up to maybe 25 mph.

The verdict is they’re awesome – in certain situations. In many countries, they work very well. The Netherlands uses them all over with good results.

If you’d like to read more about roundabouts, wikipedia has a great article(as usual).

How to use a roundabout?

This is something I didn’t know how to do until very recently, but there’s no harm into owning up to something. Learning is fun. The state of Michigan released a video on their use after installing several. It’s pretty good you can watch it below.

The 4 Best Bed Extenders for Ford F150s

November 8, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

If you’re hauling a lot of cargo and have started to find your space slim, a bed extender can be the solution to your problem. It’s also nice just being able to leave the gate open when you need to grab something out of the back of your truck.

Getting a bed extender can be a game changer for anyone who uses kayaks, ladders, or any awkward shapes you need to haul.

When it comes to choices, there isn’t a lot of competition in the marketplace.

There are two main players, ford OEM and AMP Research. But, both brands have a lot of happy customers so there isn’t much room for competitors to come in. There is one bed extender that doubles as a ramp for dirt bikes. With that said, we looked at the available options and picked out the winners.

Here are the 4 best bed extenders for f150s:

AMP Research Black Truck Bed Extender

The AMP Research truck bed extender has a nice powder coat finish and is made in the USA. We’ve already talked about how they pretty much own the market for truck extenders, but it isn’t because they have a monopoly.

They just consistently put out a great product and this one is a good example. It comes with a 3-year warranty. The U shape design folds back to keep in your truck bed when not in use. So you’re able to close your latch.

It doubles as a nice little secure cargo space when your latch is up as well. Preventing certain items from sliding all over the place(like dog food). You can get it in black or silver, but we’re a little partial to black. It matches our soul or something.

We find it refreshing to see an American company doing well and making quality parts. The install will take a little bit, you can see an overview of the process in the video below. The process is going to be similar for all models.

Bed extender Bracket

If you do not want to drill, you can buy a separate bed extender bracket kit from AMP. It’ll fit 2004-2018 F150 models.

ReadyRamp Bed Extender and Dirt Bike/Motorcycle Ramp

The ReadyRamp is a functional option for truck owners who have a dirt bike or motorcycle under 600lbs. Even if you don’t plan on using it for those things, having a ramp for heavy objects is a big plus.

There isn’t anything like it available, and that’s pretty neat. The have a patented 3-piece design that is made with a metal construction. It’s cheaper than some of the plastic competitors on the market that only function as an extender.

Value-wise, for anyone who owns a dirt bike this is a winner. And it’s strong enough to be used in heavy-duty applications when it comes to regular hauling. You won’t have to drill with this, it mounts to the included hardware on your truck and includes all the brackets.

ReadyRamp will find all standard Ford F150 models from 1986-2018. If you’d like to check out their sizing – they have a handy website here.

X-Treme Gate for F150

The X-Treme gate truck bed extender took a different style approach compared to the usual curved extenders we see. What makes this different is it has a fold-out design. You attach it to your truck beds gate and fold it out when you need it. When you don’t need it you can fold it away.

It adds up to 10 square feet, but it has a big drawback. It’s an entirely plastic system and there are a lot of moving parts. For anyone who wants to haul heavy things or even just something that could clank with force – this gate won’t inspire confidence.

What it’s great for is being concealed if you don’t like the idea of a permanent metal extender attached to your truck bed. If you need something light duty and want to have the option to fold it away, then we could see the appeal. Made for 2009 models and up.

Genuine Ford Bed Extender

Ford has a line of OEM bed extenders for their trucks. They’re pretty neat in that there’s a latch in the middle that you can undo, and the sides will fold in. Making it so you’re able to stow these when not in use.

The installation will take some work, you’ll have to make a few cuts to make room for the pins in your bed liner. Like with all fold-able options, it’s a double-edged sword. This is a heavier duty alternative compared to the Extreme Gate, but it’s still not going to compare with the strength of AMP.

Plastic just can’t handle repeated use as a metal alloy could. Yet nearly all customers are happy with it so they must be doing something right. As for price, this is the most expensive option of the bunch. Which you would expect out of an OEM model. We think it’s a good choice if you need the space, the plastic is thick and it’s pretty darn secure.

How does a truck bed extender work?

Bed extenders increase your cargo space by .. extending when you pull out your latch. There are two main styles. The first is a static extender – a metal piece that isn’t going to fold. You attach it to your liner and flip it out when you need it.

The second option is a pull-out design. Ford OEM and the Extreme Gate use variations of this. The fold-able setup latches together when you need it and is easy to break down and stow when you don’t.

Final Thoughts

For us, the AMP Research bed extender is our favorite option. There is a reason they have so many models and are so popular. They offer a good warranty, the product looks good, and it’s one of the best values out there.

Have a dirt bike or motorcycle under 600lbs? Well – you should probably just get the ReadyRamp. The metal construction, price, and utility of their design make it one of the best options for anyone hauling dirt bikes.

Fords OEM model is as heavy-duty composite plastic. But, it’s still plastic. If you want something that is going to last you a long time we recommend AMP or the ReadyRamp. Plus, AMP has a bracket option to save you from drilling into your bed liner which we thought was pretty cool.

If you choose one of these extenders let us know how the install went, we’d love to hear!

Offroading is Manly Meditation

November 5, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

The other day I was thinking about the post regarding what gets people into offroading. Lots of the reasons involved teamwork, sight seeing, and having fun through challenges. Then it hit me that beyond that – people have hobbies as a sort of meditation.

Through repetition and the journey of improving ourselves, we get better. On a recent plane ride there was a movie called Ramen Heads. These guys dedicated their lives from teenagers to being the best Ramen makers in Japan.

The craft, excellence, and routine they put into it blew me away. For them, it wasn’t so much of an occupation as it was an identity! Have you seen someone working, with their soul withering away?

I have, it used to be me. So when you see people engulfed in their art, even if it’s making Ramen, it really makes you wonder.

What drives those kind of passions?

What can convince someone to get up every day and do the same thing they’ve been doing for 20 years. Well, it’s the same thing that makes people offroad the same trails over and over again. It’s the process in the moment just as much as it’s the journey.

Too often do I find myself getting caught up in the day to day sludge of things, or worried about what’s coming next – but when I take a moment to appreciate the process that’s when I realize there’s my reward. It’s not so much the hill you made it over as it is the moment you were in the midst of struggling the most to get over that hill. That’s your pay, that moment.

If any of you have weight-lifted or participated in a strenuous activity you’ll know that there is a point when you could lift or do something – but it’s close. In fact it’s so close that the only thing making the difference is in your head. What’s holding you back is a mental block and on some days you’ll have it and some days you won’t.

Is every hobby a form of meditation? I think we need to expand the definition – according to the internet it’s “the act of meditating”. But meditating is just another hobby. It’s a hobby where you do nothing and while I’m not hating on it, I just think it’s funny that people don’t realize there’s so many things that bring stress relief and joy to our lives.

If you’re not harming your family or yourself and you’re engaging in an activity that’s fun then it seems to me that’s a form of meditation as well. Getting better and refining ourselves is a part of being human.

I guess I just felt inspired to get this off my chest, enjoy your 4 wheeling and manly meditations(or womanly).

Why Offroading is important

Really, this heading should say “Why every hobby is important” but – have you met someone who doesn’t have a “thing”. Those people that are going to work and going home every day. If you know that person, introduce them to your meditation. I’m guessing that it is something outdoors if you’re reading this, and that’s the perfect cure.

Not everyone has a friend with a nice jacked up ride – let’s help each other meditate 🙂

List of Manly Meditations

With all of that said, I thought it’d be fun to put together a list of “manly meditations” for you guys with some popular hobbies that might interest ya’ll. It’s stuff I want to try eventually. Finding time for the outdoors isn’t always accessible depending on where you live. I think I’ll keep adding to this list so if you have any input let me know.

Woodworking – being able to work with your hands has to feel absolutely amazing. For me, this is on my list and maybe for you too. I remember growing up watching “This Old House” all the contractors finding solutions to every problem caught my interest. Which later grew seeing youtubers and people online being so creative. I mean it’s just wood right? But that’s what makes a hobby transformative, people find their groove and carve it. If you want to see some crazy stuff there’s a guy called DiResta on youtube that is a pro at his craft.

RC Offroading – So you might not be able to go to your favorite getaway, but maybe you could get into RC offroading and kits. For about 300 bucks you can buy a nice beginners option with working 4×4 parts. There is a whole community of these guys dedicated just to building and upgrading their offroad rc vehicles. You can find them over at reddit.com/r/crawling

Smoking– No not that kind of smoking, the kind with the food. This is a hobby that will pay you dividends and your mouth will be thankful for it. I’ve only written two sentences and my mouth is salivating thinking about a smoked brisket. It’s pretty much a science if I understand it right.

There are different rubs, temperatures, intervals, types of smokers, types of wood chips, and a whole freaking myriad of subtleties that they don’t agree on. I love the passion for this hobby and it seems like there’s almost as much enjoyment in the details as there is in the food.

Side Hustle– This is probably the top of my list, because money is the only thing keeping a roof over my head. Finding a way to bring value to peoples lives and make money is a pretty large part of being human. I haven’t found something worth going after yet – or maybe I’m a scardey cat. That would take a post in itself, though!

Some things I’ve seen people do for beer money included answering surveys, writing an ebook, reselling on amazon, or something called “retail arbitrage”. Where you go to a store, buy something that’s selling for more on Amazon and pocket the difference. All of those are time intensive, but some people seem to do pretty well with them.

Piano – It always seemed like such a beautiful instrument, when I see someone playing the piano I’ve got to stop and soak it in. The melody and feelings that notes can convey always captivated me. How can an instrument playing a certain tone make me feel fear or happiness? Part of that intrigue is almost as much of the reason that I want to learn someday.

Writing – This is in progress for me. Writing got a hold of me when I first read a Harry Potter book. Being able to feel the characters and see what they were doing through words seemed so powerful. The passion was something you could feel – improving my writing is something I strive to do everyday and my current hobby.

Well I hope you’ve liked my list of things I think could be meditations. If you agree or have any thoughts of your own, or hobbies to add – leave a comment!

The 3 Best Off Road Jacks

November 5, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

Hit the road without a Jack, and you won’t come back no more no more no more… because you’ll be stuck – in a puddle of mud and shame. When you’re offroading there’s always a chance you’re going to need to swap out a tire, so get a jack made to handle your ride in adverse conditions. A jack that’s made to get muddy.

You’re gonna want something that can get up under lifted tires, and can handle some dirt. Well, we’ve got you covered – in knowledge.

Here’s our review of the 3 best off road jacks:

Hi-Lift Jack 48" Steel and Cast Jack

The Hi-Lift jack is a heavy duty cast and steel jack, you could even say it’s the cream of the crop. This is the original off road jack, seen on the back of a four wheeler near you. It was the first to land on the moon of saving off roaders so to speak.

You can use it for manual winching if you want, but we’d rather leave that to the recovery kit and let this do what it’s good at – getting us UP. The all metal base is good for construction and longevity purposes, but it might get a little sinky in unsure footing. So there are additional attachments you can get for a wider base.

As we always say, you can’t be heavy-duty without the heavy and this is nearly 30 lbs of steel. Your lift kit will be appalled that something can move it so easily, but everyone needs to be knocked(or lifted) off their high horse eventually.

This jack is different because you can use it for several things, and one of those is the “lift mate” function. Instead of jacking up your car frame, this jack can be positioned to lift up your tire so you can slide a mat or whatever you need under there for more traction.

We recommend getting a wider base for the footing. That’s our only criticism if you’re planning to use it off road.

Smittybilt Trail Jack 54"

The Smittybilt trail jack was introduced to try and get some of Hi-Lift’s market share. But to do that, they had to offer a jack with a higher potential lift height and it had to be cheaper. They accomplished both of those goals with this option.

So, that makes it a qualified competitor and people tend to agree. You do have to keep this thing oiled before use so that it stays in good condition. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you. The base plate is pretty wide at 28″ which will help outdoors. Its a heavier jack at about 37 pounds.

A couple things to watch out for if you purchase this, first – it will rust if you don’t clean it off properly after use. Just like all metallic components have the potential to rust, this is no different. So clean it. Secondly, it doesn’t fit some Hi_Lift jack mounts if you’re planning on buying one of those with it – the hole pattern is in some instances. (we’re looking at you Jeep JK fender mount kit)

Hi-Lift Jack for UTVs

Catering to all shapes, sizes, and generally being a body acceptance advocate – Hi-lift had to come out and offer something for their UTVs out there. The Hi-Lift UTV jack comes in 2 varieties, a 36″ extension and a 42″.

The form factor is a bit smaller and the range that it can extend – but it’s still going to hit you at 30 lbs. This will mount easily behind the seats of your UTV, saving you some more room than the original jack would.

Have a rzr? Might want to look at picking this up.

I'm stuck in the mud and my jack is sinking!

Bring a wooden board with you, these jacks are great – but surface area is the number one thing you’re going to need to properly dig in when it’s a bit muddy. Hopefully you have a buddy that can winch you free to more solid ground before you have to resort to such measures though.

How to use your off road jack

Try it out at home first, if it’s brand new you need to work it a bit to make sure the mechanism is functioning properly.
Before every trip lubricate your jack and then bring some wd40 with you on the road to have before you use it out there. If it’s new it might not be broken in, so it’s better to be prepared.
Bring some gloves.
Locate a rock rail or a sturdy bumper. Do not use this on a plastic bumper or sheet metal.
set the tongue on your jack to the lifting position – then slide it up to your sturdy bumper.
Push down to lift your vehicle, don’t use a pulling motion.
When you have your vehicle lifted don’t get underneath it if it’s only supported by any of these jacks. Most likely you’re going to be on less than ideal grounding, and accidents happen. It’s not like sitting on some concrete – and even then we always use jack stands. So what we’re trying to say is just be careful.
Hit the reverse latch mechanism and start lowering your vehicle slowly with the handle.

Final thoughts

We’ve never seen a category completely dominated like Hi-Lift does for offroad jacks. They basically have one competitor that can hang or even exist and that’s Smittybilt’s design. It’s cheaper, it’s durable and it has it’s own set of weaknesses just like any product.

If you want to keep with the tried and true – Hi-Lift has so many variations on their jacks that it’ll just blow your socks off. But, Smitty’s customers are plenty happy as well and they save a good bit of money relative to Hi-Lift’s.

Both options are good – and if you get one from this list make sure you tell us how it worked out for you because we’d love to hear. Ride safe and we hope you don’t have to use your jacks too often 🙂

The 4 Best Hard Tonneau Covers for F150

November 4, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

A tonneau cover fixes what some people dislike about trucks, the trunk space they’re used to having in cars. If you need to keep things in the back of your truck securely, having them exposed to the open air isn’t a welcoming thought. Tonneau covers are great for storing things confidently and they might even help your aerodynamics a little bit.

There are hard truck bed covers and there are soft ones. For us, we have a preference towards the hard shells. They last longer, they can put up with more, and they are less likely to give way.

So we did some work and found you the 4 best hard tonneau covers for f150s:

Extang Hard Tonneau Cover

Fit: 2015-2018 F150s 5.6 ft, 6.6 ft and 8 ft bed

The Extang hard tonneau cover is a tri-folding design made of hard plastic. It comes in 3 sizes and fits F150s from 2015 till 2018. The seams of this model lay flush when it’s flat. You won’t notice the sections unless you look very close, it’s a well made unit thanks to the plastic molding.

Since it’s a tight seal, it’ll keep the moisture out. It’s gonna take some muscle to lift at 54 lbs, but you don’t get heavy duty without the heavy. You’re not going to need tools to install this, like some other systems it uses a drill-less clamp mounting system.

You can stand on this thing and it’ll hold the weight and it’ll stay secure once you put your latch up. If you want something strong, durable, that’s going to keep the water out – this is our favorite if you’re not considering the price. If you are trying to save a bit then check out the Gator cover below, still a solid choice.

This cover is one of the pricier options – if you’re looking for a hard tonneau cover they’re all going to lighten your pockets a bit more than a soft/vinyl version would. Extang gets a lot of repeat buyers because they make quality products that people are happy with in the long run. There’s a 3 year warranty.

Gator Hard Tonneau Cover

Fit: 2015-2019 F150 5.5ft or 6.5ft bed

The Gator hard tonneau cover is the only bi-fold we’ve reviewed. It has less parts, yet it’s one of the sturdiest covers we’ve come across and it weighs about 60 lbs. If you’ve got an F150 from 2015-2019 this is something to take a look at.

Why? Well, it’s made in the USA for one and that’s pretty rare these days. With that – they’re confident enough in their product to give a 3 year warranty for buyers. Compared to the one years that we’ve seen, it’s a nice upgrade.

In terms of price, this is one of the most affordable options in its class and they didn’t sacrifice quality. You don’t have to drill into your truck to install this, it uses clamps. You’ll be able to get it installed in under an hour. This is the best value buy of all these products. For what you get and what you pay – it’s a nice deal.

Syneticusa Aluminum Hard Tonneau Cover

Fit: 2004-2018 F150s 5.5 ft or 6.5 ft bed

The Syneticusa hard tonneau cover is an aluminum panel core that folds in four stages. You’ll be able to fit this on your F150 anywhere from 2004-2018 with a 5.5 or 6.5 ft bed. One of the biggest pluses about this model is that it’ll fit such a wide range of trucks. Lots of people we know are loyal to F150s, so when you upgrade you can bring this with you.

There’s no soft vinyl in this, it’s a heavy duty option that will keep your bed secure. When you close your tailgate after properly installing – nothing is going to stick out. There are no straps or anything that someone could pull.

For installation, you might be happy to hear that there are no tools needed or maybe you expect it by now! The mounting hardware is included but you won’t have to drill anywhere through your bed. Just use the brackets and bolts.

A big problem we have is there is only a 1 year warranty, which is less than ideal if you’re gonna pay this much for something.

Undercover Hard Tonneau Cover

Fit: 2015-2019 F150s 5.5 ft or 6.5 ft bed

The Undercover hard tonneau cover is the first design featuring fiberglass. They use it to make the panels stronger so they can hold up to a beating. It fits F150s from 2015-2019 with 5.5 and 6.5 ft beds.

They did include a 3 year warranty which we think should be standard as the minimum on these covers. The heaviest cover we’d covered so far(hah) at 70lbs. It’s going to be an extension of your vehicle so it might as well feel like it!

Installation is easy, just make sure to align everything properly.

Do I need to drill to install a hard tonneau cover?

None of the covers we featured here require drilling, and while it’s true that there are some models that do – it’s becoming much less common in general. People don’t want to damage their truck and deal with the hassle of it all. Clamp and pressure fit systems are the current thing.

Some people get a little hesitant with clamps compared to something that’s drilled. That’s because their is always a possibility of them losing the same assured grip you’d have with a nut/bolt. But, with well-made products it’s a non-issue. Just make sure to follow the directions and properly install these. If you do you’ll be set.

Conclusion

When we went over and considered price, quality, and warranties there was a sweet spot. The Gator cover is our favorite. All of these options are quality, but price being the biggest factor led us to that choice.

If you end up getting one of these, let us know what you think of it. We’d love to hear.

The 4 Best Cargo Bar Dividers for Trucks(2019)

November 4, 2018 by Beast Auto Leave a Comment

So you have your truck bed, and like most people, you don’t have the most time for constant organization. When you take a sharp turn and you hear the clank. “Dangit! What’d I leave in there? “

It’s happened to us all, but getting a bit more organized doesn’t have to cost you. Cargo dividers are a great option for truck owners to divide their bed.

You can even use two of them for heavier things. Ratcheting cargo dividers all work the same way, but they aren’t always made with the same standards.

Let’s take a look at the 4 best cargo bar dividers for your truck:

1. Heininger Heavy Duty Cargo Bar for Trucks

The Heininger cargo bar is specifically made with big trucks in mind. This is the heavy duty option of it’s class. Why do we say heavy duty? Well, it weighs nearly a 1/3rd more than the closest competitor. Make sure that this fits your truck bed, the range is from 59″ to 73″.

Rubber feet are going to keep it from slipping and a quality made ratcheting mechanism will hold up in times of stress.

This is the best seller in cargo bars for a reason – people don’t like stuff sliding around their truck and they especially don’t like heavy stuff sliding around! Can’t blame you – keep your cargo secure with a heavy duty option.

It does cost a bit more than the competition but the difference is clear. A heavier, bigger diameter design with specialized feet will give you the peace of mind when you’re rounding a corner.

2. Keeper 05060 Ratcheting Cargo Bar with Storage Net

The Keeper Ratcheting Cargo bar comes with a net and while you could buy one separately, packaging it together makes this a good and convenient pickup. Their cargo bar alone is a quality full metal design.

The ends of the feet are metallic as well, and the plastic is molded over them. Cargo bars should be heavy duty – and this one is. All while being affordable. If you want a divider but you also have smaller things, or maybe you just like the idea of having a net for assurance then this is a great pickup for your truck.

It has a 30 inch adjustable range. So anywhere from 40 inches to 70 inches wide it can ratchet. That means it’ll fit in every truck bed and most likely your passenger vehicle unless the interior is super small or large. The range it fits into covers nearly all vehicles, though.

You get a one year warranty on this product for any defects or malfunctions.

3. Stoneman Cargo Bar for Trucks, Vans, and SUVs

The Stoneman Sports Cargo bar has a nice red finish and a weight capacity of up to 175 lbs. It has a ratcheting range of between 43 inches and 72 inches. So pretty much the same as our above option and it should work for nearly all trucks.

A heavy duty steel construction along with a one year warranty is why we think it’s a pretty good deal. But, above all it’s cheap – but not cheaply made. If you like the look of the red paint and would like to save a few bucks then go with Stoneman.

The design is simple but the one thing we don’t like is you can’t lock the feet of the ends in place. Over time if it gets banged around it could get loose. So you might have to tighten it back up once every few months.

4. ABN Cargo Bar for Trucks, Vans, and SUVs

The ABN Cargo Bar is a ratcheting divider with a range of between 40 and 70 inches. Like every other bar we’ve covered, it has a one year warranty. It’s a lightweight bar, not even four pounds. If you have some groceries or cargo that isn’t too heavy – this will work just fine.

The paint job isn’t as nice as the other ones we’ve looked at but it’s affordable and no one is going to see it anyways. These feet are rubber, compared to other options that’s a plus. They aren’t as likely to slip and have more of a grip against your truck bed walls. While a harder material is less grabby, the bit of give that rubber has really helps it nestle itself in there.

Looking for something cheap that doesn’t slip? You might want to get this one.

Conclusion

For us our favorite was the Heininger. Yes, it is a bit more expensive but if I’m going to throw down a tiny amount of money in this scenario – the peace of mind trade-off makes it well worth it. You’ll only need one bar, so might as well get a strong one just in case!

But, cargo bars all tend to be well made these days and from mostly metal construction. We’re sure you’ll find a quality product with whatever you choose. If you do end up picking something on this list, tell us about it and why. We’d love to hear it.

Don’t take those corners too fast! 🙂

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