Dodge’s New Fuel Price Protection Program Is A Scam

In an effort to boost sales, Dodge has announced a special “Fuel Price Protection” program for their trucks.

Dodge’s latest marketing ploy is bad news for consumers.

Simply put, you get a special credit card when you buy a new Dodge (not every new Dodge, but most). You can use this credit card to buy fuel for $2.99 a gallon at any service station for three years following your date of purchase, regardless of the actual market price. Sounds great right? Everyone else is paying $4-$5 a gallon for gas (or diesel), but you’re only paying $2.99 (provided you buy normal 87 octane gas – they’re not paying for premium). Except for the fact that it’s really not that great of a deal. Read more…

Product Review: Nasta Step Bars

Mark, one of our readers, provided us with a review of Nasta’s stainless steel step bars for the Toyota Tundra. Thanks for your efforts Mark – other Tundra owners will be grateful!

The complete Nasta step bar kit. Download the installation instructions (pdf).

The step bars themselves are made from stainless steel, so they look good, they’re strong, yet still lightweight. Nasta adds a protective wrap to the steps so you can make certain you don’t scratch them during install – a nice touch. Installation is simple enough because the truck is pre-drilled for step bars at the factory. Start by opening up the box and making sure you have all the parts, then get under your truck and remove all the factory bolts from the stock mounting holes. Read more…

TundraNetwork.com $500 New Member Giveaway

It’s the beginning of May, so it’s time to announce the TundraNetwork.com new member contest!

In exchange for joining TundraNetwork and letting us know what you think, we’re going to give you a cup or two of coffee for your time. The first 100 people to join TundraNetwork.com will each get a $5 Starbucks gift card – here’s how it works.

1. Join TundraNetwork.com. For the month of May, the first 100 people who join TundraNetwork.com, fill out a complete profile, and upload a photo of either themselves or their Tundra will get a $5 Starbucks gift card.

2. Participate. Get involved – comment on other people’s photos, participate in a forum discussion, start a new blog topic, it’s up to you.

3. Watch for an email. We’ll confirm your email address and send you instructions for getting your gift card.

4. Start enjoying TundraNetwork.com. Here’s what you can do as a TundraNetwork member:

• Share photos and videos of your truck with friends and family, whether they’re members or not.

• Network with other Tundra owners, just like you would on Myspace or Facebook.

• Blog about parts you’ve installed on your truck, mods you’ve made, or your future plans for your Tundra.

• NEW! Post in our brand new forums. We’ve got a forum feature that’s great for asking and answering questions.

Our goal is to create a complete community for Tundra owners. Join TundraNetwork.com and let us know what you think, and you’ll get a free cup of coffee for your trouble. Read more…

Product Review: Extang Solid Fold Tonneau Cover

Extang is one of the most well-known brands in tonneau covers. In fact, it’s one of the most popular Tundra accessories according to AutoAnything.com. Mark, one of our readers, installed and reviewed an Extang solid fold tonneau for the Tundra.

The Extang Solid Fold is a very simple tonneau cover install that can be done by one person.

The kit itself is brutally simple – in fact, the installation instructions are only two pages(pdf). Because there’s no lock, no struts, no complicated brackets, you can put on the tonneau without any tools. Extang claims the tonneau cover can be installed in as little as five minutes, and it probably can be if you’re in a hurry. But 10-20 minutes is more reasonable if you’re interested in being careful to make sure it’s squared-up properly by measuring all corners a few times. Read more…

Should In-Car Alcohol Detection Systems Be Mandatory?

Of the 42,000 traffic-related deaths each year, approximately 18,000 are said to be caused by alcohol. Considering most of these deaths (if not all) could be prevented, it makes sense to consider mandatory alcohol detection systems in all cars.

Studies have shown that current alcohol detection systems, known as interlock devices, do a great job of preventing drinking and driving. However, most consumers and manufacturers have resisted installing these systems in all cars. Vehicle manufacturers dislike interlock devices because of there bulk and expense. Consumers dislike them because they’re very intrusive. Many drivers (most of whom are responsible and sober) resent having to breath into an interlock device in order to start their car, and understandably so.

But what about a more passive system for detecting alcohol? No bulky breathing device, no expensive equipment. Just a simple set of completely passive sensors that keep people from drinking and driving. Technological advances in alcohol detection are making this idea a reality. Read more…