Electronic Brake Controller Basics

The Toyota Tundra is a capable tow vehicle right out of the box, but there are a number of aftermarket accessories out there that can help to make hauling a heavy load a less stressful and much safer experience. One such item is an electronic brake controller, a device which can improve your truck and trailer combination’s stopping power and help to maintain the stability of your tow rig.

At its simplest, a brake controller relays an electric signal to your trailer’s brakes when you stomp on your Tundra’s brake pedal. Over the years, manufacturers have been able to improve on the simple “on / off” application of a trailer’s braking system in order to offer much more comprehensive control over braking characteristics, varying the amount of braking pressure applied to its wheels as well as the rate at which it is doled out.

There are several different types of electronic brake controllers currently available on the market: Read more…

2012 Toyota Tundra Changes – Minor Adjustments

The 2012 Toyota Tundra has some minor adjustments to an overall solid truck.

The release of the new 2012 Toyota Tundra has many enthusiasts excited for the latest model. According to Toyota, the popular pickup truck will receive some minor adjustments to increase functionality and durability.

This includes an upgrade of a variety of components including: Read more…

Ford Consumer Reports Reliability Rankings Fall, Toyota Still King

The latest findings by Consumer Reports indicate that Ford, and other domestic brands, has slipped in the reliability rankings while Toyota remains on top of the ratings.

Toyota remains king while Ford drops in the reliability ratings.

Ford’s drop was from 10th to 20th and is mostly blamed on the redesign of a few old models, as well as problems with their new electronic systems. This is bad news for Ford, as the automaker has taken years to build up a good reputation for reliability in last year’s Consumer Reports rankings. But, as pointed out by David Champion Sr., director of Consumer Reports‘ Automotive Test Center in East Haddam, Conn., it only takes a few problems to lose that reputation.

Read more…

RV Solar Panel Kit FAQ’s

Believe it or not, there’s such a thing as a solar panel kit for RVs. With a little bit of work, you can install a set of panels on the roof of your RV that will power – or at least help power – all the goodies in your camper. Here are some basic questions and answers from a guest author.

This Sunforce solar panel kit for RVs, boats, etc. can produce as much as 260W of power and costs less than $1,000

Q. What exactly are motorhome solar panel kits?

They are convenient easy to install kits that can convert your motor home to run off of solar power. In each kit you will find a solar panel, a battery to store the solar energy, a charge controller, and an inverter.

Q. Why choose solar power for your RV?

Apart from the savings in money – you don’t have to fuel your gas generator as much nor do you have to maintain it as frequently – solar power makes you more self-sufficient. Read more…

2013 Dodge Ram To Have 8-Speed Automatic

A source at Ram has confirmed that the next generation of the Ram 1500 will offer at least one eight-speed automatic transmission. This is expected to boost fuel economy by about five percent over the current model, but it’s unclear just how much this will add to the window sticker. At this time, the likelihood of an eight-speed transmission in a Ram HD truck is “low” – at least for that 2013/2014 time line. Still, the source said that an 8-speed was likely in an HD truck at some point.

When compared to the current five-speed transmission available on the Ram 1500, the new eight-speed’s additional gears will better utilize the V-8 Ram’s substantial horsepower and torque. Shorter low gears are also expected to address dissatisfaction with the Ram’s current transmission ratios, and increase its competitiveness in towing and acceleration. Read more…