Big-bounce theory
Anyone who has had to trailer their rare/expensive hobby or racecar (or any vehicle, for that matter) lives in fear that their precious cargo could be damaged in transit.
One way to reduce that possibility is with the Chassis Stabilizer from Mac’s Tie Downs.
This item consists of a sturdy rubber bladder that, once inflated by compressed air (up to 20 pounds per square inch) and strategically positioned beneath the vehicle, significantly reduces the severity of undulations due to uneven (or rough) road surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of damage.
The Chassis Stabilizer sells for US $300 and can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at www.macscustomtiedowns.com.
Good to pay
Most public toll operations make available electronic pass systems that are quicker and easier for you to pay the fees.
Tonic Concepts sells a variety of elegant cases that will fit all major transponder variations.
Each can be attached with your choice of a non-permanent dash mount, or with 3M Velcro strips that allow the cases to be mounted to the windshield.
Prices range from about US $8 to just over $20 each, with discounts available for multiple-case purchases.
The full range of transponder case designs can be viewed and purchased at www.tonicconcepts.com at www.myshopify.com. or
Keep metal new
It’s no secret that the various metal parts, such as brake rotors control arms and exhaust pipes will eventually show signs of oxidation.
Until recently, your only options were to either coat the part in some oil-based coating or spray-paint the item(s) in a shade that approximates the colour of metal.
A better solution is at hand with Rust Prevention Magic from ECS Automotive Products.
This paste-like product can be brushed onto any bare metal part that has been heated to 50C, which allows it to melt into the surface.
After being wiped dry, Rust Prevention Magic forms a barrier that prevents oxidation from forming. You can purchase a 240-millilitre jar for US $35 from www.ecsautomotive.com.
Driver for tiny jobs
Your usual variety of power and non-power screwdrivers will work just fine for most tasks, but might be too large for those micro-sized jobs.
In those instances even a supersmall manual screwdriver could be awkward to use. The Model 500 Cordless Precision Screwdriver from General Tools could be exactly what you need.
This mini-flashlight-sized, battery-powered and ergonomically designed device comes with eight different interchangeable slotted, Phillips and Torx bits and operates in forward and reverse modes.
The Model 500 sells for US $30 and can be purchased from the manufacturer at www.generaltools.com/500.
Ramp up and carry
There are numerous truck ramps on the market designed to help with your all-terrain vehicle, motorcycles, snow sleds or garden tractors.
The RampXtender from Extreme Max also doubles as a bed extender that increases your full-size truck’s cargo area when the tailgate is lowered.
Both the eight-foot-long (2.5-metre) heavy-duty aluminum ramps (each rated for 1,500 pounds/680 kilograms) can be fitted together in a rectangular shape to create an extendible wall that will effectively add an additional two feet to the box.
The universal fit means the system can be fitted to just about any full-size pickup.The RampXtender sells for US $400 and can be purchased at www.extrememax.com.