The Hitch Mount Bike Rack - Why is it So Popular?

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Can you imagine being able to get your bikes loaded and unloaded in less than 2 minutes? No more taking off the front wheel when trying to squash it into the back of you car. No more hassling to put the wheel back before you ride. A hitch mount bike rack will be the time saving solution. This article will explain why its the top selling bike rack on the market.

So why choose the hitch mount bike rack and not the trunk mount, roof top or spare tire mount carrier?

Well first off for security. It's easy to lock your bicycles onto the carrier and the rack to the car. Although a determined thief would be able to steal the bike if they really wanted to, it certainly prevents just any passerby from taking your bikes are riding away with them!

Secondly the rack is separate from the actual car. No more scratches or smudges on the body of the vehicle.

Yes, all bike racks come with padding and they say that there is no way that your vehicle will get damaged, but I'm not so sure. I have often noticed cars with ugly marks on them left by a trunk mount or roof mount. I for one had to treat the roof of my car for rust damage after using roof racks for just a year.

Thirdly, is the fact of being able to get into the trunk of your vehicle whether the bikes are loaded or not.

There is no way that you will pull that off with a trunk mount bicycle carrier.

Don't even think about it!

Some hitch mounts do prevent you from opening the hatch completely but there are some models that have been developed which swing away or fold up, while still attached to the back of the car. These models are a bit more expensive, but they save you a lot of trouble in the long run, because you make up time by not having to unload your bikes and the rack, when you want to get into the trunk.

Lastly, the hitch mount seems to come out tops when it comes to stability. I find this to be the more highly rated feature of this particular rack.

If you are going to be traveling over rough terrain, you don't want your bikes rattling on the back of your car. Can you imagine the damage to the paint work of your bikes? There is one model in particular that stands out for stability. It supports both the back and front tires, holding them firmly in place.

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Mens Bicycle - 3 Essential Expert Tips to Know When Buying a Mens Bicycle

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One of the most important steps is to conduct a needs analysis-of yourself. What type of cycling do you plan to do? Which features and components would best suit your biking needs? Do you plan bike short, moderate, or lengthy distances? These are all important considerations, to ensure that you find the best mens bicycle for your particular needs. Starting your search for a men's bike based on your own needs, will help to narrow down your search.

Secondly, you can conduct your search either online or offline. The main benefit of searching online is that it's either to compare different bikes and features. You also can avoid traffic jams, long lines in stores, and pushy salespeople. However, there are also some benefits of shopping offline. There are no shipping costs, and you can test ride different cycles. This latter benefit is particularly useful, as making a final decision about which bike to buy will be much easier.

The third and final important step is to determine which bike and features best meets your needs. Road bikes are excellent for racing on roads and for lengthy distances. The frames are usually comprised of lightweight aluminum or steel, and are available with 24-30 speeds.

Meanwhile, front-suspension mountain bikes are ideal for smooth or somewhat rugged terrain. They're perfect for dirt jumping and need less upkeep than other types of bikes. These bikes tend to be fairly lightweight and less bulky than other all-terrain bikes.

If you want a more rugged cycle, then consider a full-suspension mountain bike. These are perfect for off-road biking and particularly up steep inclines and on rugged terrain. They feature robust frames and huge, chunky tires.

Then there's a hybrid bike, which is ideal for roads or level dirt. If you need a cycle for ride of moderate lengths then this is the perfect bike for you. Features of this type of cycle include a large frame and somewhat narrow tires. As with the physical features of this bike, the price is also moderate.

Finally, the comfort bike is another common mens bicycle variety. This is also ideal for casual rides on roads or dirt surfaces. Typically, this variety of two-wheeler has roughly 18 speeds and an affordable price tag.

When shopping for men's cycles, it's important to know what to look for. While the crossbar on a man's bike is parallel to the ground, those for women's bikes are slanted downwards. However, some women whose bodies aren't "standard" often choose men's bicycles.

The essence of a bike is the frame. While "standard" bikes tend to be composed of steel or aluminum, high-end bicycles include titanium or carbon fiber. It's important to consider the pros and cons of each material type. The main features that you should consider are the weight, sturdiness, and flexibility of the materials. The best material is the one that best accommodates your riding needs.

Another important component of a mens bicycle is the handlebars. The main options you have are a straight handlebar and a dropbar. You can usually find straight handlebars on mountain bikes, comfort bikes, and hybrids. Meanwhile, dropbars are common for road bikes and racing bikes.

Then there are the gears and brakes. Typically, the more gears you have, the easier it will be to ride on a variety of terrains. While road bikes tend to have a caliper-style brakes, mountain bicycles usually have disc brakes.

Another important matter to consider is the mobility of the cycle. Many of today's bikes include a quick-release axle that allows you to easily remove the back tire. Then you can mount it onto a bike rack, or place it inside your vehicle.

Following these tips will help you to choose the best men's bicycle for your cycling needs. While using this methodical approach will take more time, it will ultimately be worthwhile. Be a man with a plan and an outstanding bike!

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Kayak Trailers

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Trailex and Rack and Roll are known to manufacture the best kayak trailers. Some of these are as follows.

Single trailer: It's easy to assemble and it carries a single boat. It's made up of aluminum which makes it durable and light in weight. It can carry up to 200 lbs and has rubberized steel suspension that protects road bounces on the boat. When it comes to repairs, accessories like spare tires, front parking jack, Aluminum box for paddles, life jackets e.t.c are available.

Multi trailer: Its features matches the single one. However, this multi one has vertical supporters to carry two boats, high speed wheels and epoxy coated leaf spring that holds up to 250 lbs. The two vertical risers can be placed at any point along the T bar and a safety cable can then be used to keep your boat safe. The other one is Trailex 16. It has an adjustable under carriage and a separate padded area for the paddles. It's capacity is up to 1200 lbs.

Rack and Roll: It's very easy to assemble and light in weight. In fact its considered the safest method for transporting. It's advantages includes durability, has aerodynamic capacity, operates with less noise and can be folded and stored when not in use.

AAA kayak trailer that has # UKT4 model is also amazing. It comes with rubber protective strips to prevent damages and has adjustable carrying arms. It carries four kayaks which may be up to 12 inches long and 32 inches wide with a maximum capacity of 1200 lbs. Mostly, this gadgets are made of aluminum reason being it's durable, light weight, stronger, rust resistance and has a long life span.

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Protect Surfaces From Damage Due to Construction Equipment

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Many indoor construction projects rely upon heavy equipment to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Unfortunately, some construction equipment can inadvertently damage finished surfaces while performing work. Today there are heavy-duty products available that reduce or eliminate the damages that result from standard equipment.

These products include tire covers that offer incredible protection to finished flooring of any kind. These protect against the black scuffmarks and damages caused by the rubber tires used for heavier construction equipment. Made from denser grade professional fabrics, these covers slip over even the largest wheels and tires and remain in place while equipment is driven and moved. These covers can also have company logo information printed on them as a clever marketing effort.

Other traditional problems or damages occur from leaks or spills. In the past, many professionals had to create their own solutions for this issue in order to avoid permanent damages to finished flooring. Today, professionals can use absorptive pads or panels that can be custom mounted to almost any size of vehicle or construction equipment.

In addition to worksite protection materials, there may be some construction equipment items manufactured to ensure the safety of the employees who use them. Such items include safety guards for the entry points of some larger machines. These guards often caution a user to be careful when entering or climbing into a piece of heavy machinery. Today, TireSocks.com makes a whole range of safety and work site protective materials available through their web site.

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Bicycle Racks For Cars - Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Car Bike Racks

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The trend of buying bicycle racks for cars has been increasing quite dramatically in recent months. This is not only to do with the high cost of gas but, the growing popularity of a very family orientated sport. The problem is that there are also a lot of returns of bike racks because people buy the wrong bike carrier and end up with scratches or loose racks and are generally unhappy with their purchase.

So if you are thinking of getting car bike racks anytime soon, read through this article to find out what common mistakes you can avoid when buying a bike carrier.

1. Choose The Correct Bike Rack for Your Car
There are 5 main types of bicycle racks for cars and trucks. They are the roof mount, hitch mount, trunk mount, tire mount, and truck bed mount. The type of rack you buy will depend on the type of car you have among a few other things.

If you have a car with a hatch back and no hitch receiver, your choice would be narrowed down to a trunk mount bike rack or the roof top bike rack. Now, you need to check that the model you are going with, will fit the car you drive. Also make sure that the rack includes all the extra's like locks, extra bars or straps if you need them. More expensive racks often have good padding for protection, life time guarantees and good customer support, but they don't always include all the parts you need.

The fine print and reviews of most products will soon let you know.

If you have a hatch back, but want a hitch mount bike rack, because of the reason that you need access to the trunk, then all you need to do is get a hitch receiver fitted. Before you rush out and buy a hitch receiver make sure you know how many inches it should be so that your rack fits it. Also be sure to get the hitch mount bike rack that is as swing away type or can be lowered. Some models are fixed so you won't be able to open your trunk anyway!

2. What Type of Bike Do You Have?
A 4 bike rack will carry 3 bikes comfortably but you often find the 4th will only just squeeze in if not at all. This is because the carrier is designed for general frames and not for ladies bikes, kid's bikes, a tandem and so on. Be sure to ensure that your bike frame and size will be best suited to the rack you choose.

3. Choose a bigger rather than a smaller rack
Bikers get so into their riding that they often rope the whole family in. So if you are planning on only getting a bicycle carrier for one or two bikes, maybe think of getting one for 3 bicycles. They are not that much more expensive and you will most likely find yourself inviting a friend or family member along because you have the extra space for friends.

4. Be Careful of Damaging the Paint Work on Your Car
This happens to those people who buy the trunk mount bike rack that come with straps. This doesn't imply that this type of rack is a bad one, just takes the necessary precautions to prevent scratches. You can buy some cheap rubber padding and put it between the frame and car for extra care. Also make sure the car is clean and dust free when you attach the rack to avoid the sandpapering effect. Lastly choose a rack that is going to fit your car properly. A bad fit will mean it will be a tad loose and end up rubbing badly. If you do have to get a trunk style bike rack, then choose one that doesn't rest on the back bumper. That will help you out a lot.

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Bike Rack Options

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A bike rack is a frame used for holding a bike in position and protecting it from theft. These are commonly used on vehicles and in garages.

Some of the bike rack options are roof mounted bike racks, rear ball/hitch mounts, trunk racks, wall mounted bike racks, folding bike racks, spare tire mount racks, front bumper bike racks, and tandem carrier bike racks. With an array of models available, one can choose a rack as per his individual requirements. Bike racks are used for the protection of both the bike and the vehicle.

A roof mounted bike rack is frequently used, and it is ideal for carrying bikes in cars, trucks, and other similar vehicles. A roof bike rack can hold up to four bikes at a time. Some roof mounted bike racks come clamped with a camper roof and are used as a conventional roof rack for sports vehicles.

Rear hitch-mount racks are another commonly used type. Rear hitch-mount racks, better known as receiver hitch racks, can carry up to five bikes. To carry one or two bikes, rear ball-hitch mount racks are ideal. A vehicle with a high front end can use a front bumper rack, and this rack can hold up to five bikes. Trunk racks can hold up to three bikes, and are safer than other racks. In addition to these, there are spare tire mount racks to mount a spare tire in the bikes. Wall mounted bike racks and folding bike racks are some of the bike rack options that help save space in a garage.

Bike racks are usually used on vehicles such as cars and trucks. All the bike rack options are available in a wide rang of sizes, styles, and budgets. For those who want to shop from home or office, bike racks can be ordered through the Internet.

Car Guide

Discount Rims That Fit Your Budget

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Some people are unsure about purchasing discount rims for their vehicle. They may think that because the price is slashed, that they are no good. That is far from the truth. There are some good deals out there; you just have to find them. You can find a dealer that will offer you a good price even if it's a name brand or custom made.

If you're looking for a deal on some of the more popular packages, that might be a difficult task. When they first come out to the public, people get those first. After that, it may be slim pickings. However, a dealer may be able to work out something with you if you do find one of the popular packages.

Searching

The fastest way to look for what you want is to conduct an online search. The only thing about this is you won't be able to see the merchandise in person. Other than that, you can find some good deals at some of the online stores. There are some online dealers who will kick in shipping costs at no charge to the customer. You can't beat getting free shipping.

Regardless of what kind of vehicle it's for, you will have a wide selection to choose from. It may take you a while to find what you want. Take your time and see what best fits your vehicle and your budget.

If you need assistance, you can call or e-mail store representatives who will be happy to help you with your purchase. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to purchasing this type of product. Don't be in a hurry and end up getting the wrong thing. Take your time to look through the selections. There is a style for every budget.

Check Out Overstocks

Another thing about getting a deal is you can check out merchandise that is overstocked. Many times when a store wants to get rid of their excess inventory, they will offer the old stock for a lower price. This way, they can get rid of them faster. They want to make room for the new shipments.

In addition to the excess merchandise, you can also get rims that are slightly damaged. Stores are more than eager to get rid of those which no one else wants. They'll mark it down as much as they can to get them out the door.

Discount Specialists

There are some places such as Tire Rack and JC Whitney that sell discount rims. These stores are among the online retailers that can offer good bargains because their businesses generate a lot of sales. They won't be hurting for selling merchandise at slashed prices. In addition to those online stores mentioned above, some others include American Racing, Konig and Eagle. These online retailers can also offer bargain or reduced prices.

When checking the prices, make sure it is a price you can manage. There's nothing worse than purchasing something that's out of your financial reach. There may be some custom made or name brands that you like. If they're out of your price range, you'll have to settle for lesser known brands.

The secret to finding good discount rims is the time and work you exert into looking for the best deals.

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Bicycle Tires

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A bicycle is one of earliest modes of transportation developed by man. With the invention of the wheels, man was mobile and continues to be. Wheels have undergone numerous changes to help people attain great speeds by themselves or when combined with motorized gadgets. The efficiency and utility of bicycle tires is determined by their ability to convert the force produced by riders. This undemanding mechanism helps riders move forward. It is important to use bicycle tires that are recommended for a particular bicycle frame. Bicycle tires are available in varying sizes and widths. Tires are ranked as per their rolling resistance, uniformity of speed in a straight line and ability to remain upright at turns.

Bicycle tires help balance a bicycle when riders are off their seats while attempting to create extra speed through side-to-side maneuvers. This is common when racing or hiking. At a professional level like this, bicycle tires that are used are very different from regular counterparts. Bicycle tires are likely to wear off because of local weather conditions. Tire size, tread patterns, rubber compounds, and frequency of bicycle usage regulate wear and tear of tires. In case of a puncture, bicycle tires can be repaired in a matter of minutes by mechanics. Tubeless tires offer maximum resistance to punctures.

Bicycle tires may be of regular or off road varieties. Users need to be attentive to air pressures within attire and have them filled as and when required. When inflating bicycle tires, they need to be checked with accurate meters. This helps fill an accurate amount of air and prevents chances of tire bursts and accidents. Bicycle tires are available at showrooms and with local mechanics. Potential customers may opt for online shopping to find a creditable bicycle tire source. Apart from the regular design tires that are fitted in a bicycle at the time of purchase, owners may choose to replace them with broad width tires that are stylish and preferred by many.

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Tirerack Review

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Tirerack, a highly professional wheel company is considered as a performance specialist for all your tire and wheel products and services.

The company established an online presence in the year 1996. At Tirerack, customers have the power and convenience of thoroughly researching the performance products offered and order these, from the convenience of their homes or offices.

The company's forte lies in offering high quality and high performance products, expert online advice, speedy shipping as well as competitive pricing structures. The Tirerack team prides itself as "your performance tire and wheel specialists" and this has been the motto of the company since its first inception in 1979.

The company offers a broad spectrum of automobile services and products and specializes in tires and wheels. Among its large inventory of products, customers have the option of browsing or buying tires and wheels by "size, brand, winter tires or by type of vehicle". Besides wheels and tires, the online tire shop also offers brakes, suspension systems, floor and cargo mats, lighting, air intake systems and a wide range of automobile accessories.

The website additionally features a catalogue in order to facilitate search of online products and services offered by the company. Tirerack is increasingly popular for its highly recommended installer program. The company happens to be associated with a huge network of independent installers who can proficiently handle the customer's installation needs. This service is however optional and is available before checkout.

In a bid to promote the ever growing interest in automobiles among car lovers, Tirerack also sponsors various motorsport events, racing series, championships and schools. The list of events can be viewed on the Tirerack events calendar.

The team members at Tirerack are extremely qualified in their respective fields and are able to offer precise fitments, performance advice as well as friendly services. This achieved because the team members spend almost 80 hours a year, learning in the classrooms or working behind the test vehicles and wheels.

The primary focus of the company is to offer high quality products from reputable manufacturers at exceptional prices.

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Cheap Bike Racks

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Using bike racks is a safe way to prevent your bike from being stolen. Bike racks are devices to which a bicycle can be attached in order to prevent theft. Bike racks can be attached to any automobile such as a car, truck, trolley, or bus for transporting bicycles. Usually, bike racks are found on the fronts of buses and trolleys.

Available in a variety of mounting designs, bike racks provide a wide range of features to meet the needs of any individual. Easy-to-assemble bike racks offer high security. They provide safe and convenient bicycle parking. Types of bike racks include roof bike racks, tow ball mounting racks, trunk racks, spare tire mount racks, and more. They can be constructed out of high-quality steel, iron, aluminum, or plastic. The cost of bike racks depends on the material used.

Today, a number of companies are manufacturing inexpensive bike racks. Most of the bike racks available on the market today are easy to use. To compete with their rivals, several companies are revising the prices of bike racks. They offer high-quality bike racks at less expensive prices.

Just like expensive bike racks, inexpensive bike racks also offer advantages such as security and simplicity. Moreover, they offer versatility by permitting an individual to attach any type of bicycle: tandems, tricycles, and trailers. By purchasing inexpensive bike racks, one can save a little money

Inexpensive bike racks can be purchased online. There are websites offering cheap bike racks, high-quality bike racks, and free bike racks. Shoppers can select any type of bike rack by searching online. Bike-racks-plus.com and orsracksdirect.com are some of the websites offering cheap bike racks on the Internet.

Whether the bike rack is inexpensive or of high quality, be cautious that you are purchasing one that guarantees excellent security. Before purchasing cheap bike racks, make sure that they offer easy installation and high bike security.

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Roof Racks Are Easy to Find on the Web, Just Make Sure That You Do Some Research Before You Buy

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Owning a car is all very well and good but sometimes you simply won't have the space you need in order to travel with extra luggage. This is where roof racks come in and you can find a good range of options on the web - you should find several different styles available.

When you're shopping online, it's important to remember that research is really what helps you get a good deal. You don't want to buy anything until you've seen what's available on today's market as well as where all the best deals are to be found.

Take your time while you're shopping online and don't ever feel like you need to rush into a purchase. It's a good idea to learn what roof racks are available on today's online market before you actually make a decision either way - making notes while you browse the web is a good idea.

Having a pen and paper with you so that you can note down any good prices and products should help you figure out what you're looking for and how much you'll need to spend. You may also want to consider bookmarking a few web pages so that you can come back to them later.

Just be sure to do your research properly. You don't want to buy something and then regret it when you see it priced cheaper somewhere else. It's always a good idea to set aside a few hours to really concentrate on finding what you need.

Overall, buying roof racks on the web is a great way to save yourself some money. As long as you do some serious research before you actually part with any cash, you should be fine. Remember that it's a good idea to keep track of your progress so make some notes and bookmark pages as you go.

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Hydrogen Fueled Cars - The Top 7 Secrets to HHO Technology

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You can make savings on gas mileage of up to 50% and if you take a look at how fuel prices are just soaring at the moment., well you might just be interested in this, especially if you are a multi-vehicle family. This would be an important chance for you to make a significant move in helping with reducing current global warming.

You will be pleased to know that there are several means of improving your mileage, saving money and promote environmental issues. You may already know a few but I'm sure there will be some that you may not have heard of before.

Secret #1: Make sure that you get your gas when it's cooler which is probably at night or early morning. The reason being that temperature influences whether gas expands or contracts, so you really will need less fuel to fill up your car with gas when it's not hot out there.

Secret #2: Maintaining a car properly will also help with fuel consumption as a poorly maintained car can waste up to 15% on fuel consumption. It is very important to clean your filters, replace faulty spark plugs or injectors and to change the oil every 3,000 miles, improving efficiency if you use a synthetic oil like Mobile One.

Secret #3: Keep an eye on your tire pressure as this too will influence in over working the vehicle, making it even harder on the engine. You should not over do either so check out the correct pressure in the vehicle manual and driving with cool tires will also reduce wear and tear.

Secret #4: Make sure you travel with the lightest load possible as the lighter the vehicle is the less fuel it will consume and it will also drive and respond better and you will also feel like the car is going faster.

Secret #5: Drive at a reasonable speed but always take notice of speed restrictions and never race drive. You could also trying changing to neutral when going downhill but the underlying fact is that by driving at 55 MPH instead of 75 MPH you will reduce mileage by 20%.

Secret #6: Another way to help with fuel consumption is by reducing drag, so keep your windows right up and remove any kind of roof rack if it is not in use.

Secret #7: Have an alternative fuel booster like a water fuel saver or an HHO gas system installed into your vehicle. This change depending on what vehicle you own will result in you saving up to an incredible 40% on mileage. You will find that these HHO systems are very cheap and simple to install.

Fuel savings are possible, you just have to work at it. I am sure you will be just raring to go, especially with the way gas prices are today. You can discover all about these HHO gas converters on the links below, which will answer any more doubts you may be having.

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How to Start a Lawn Mowing Business - What You Need

Many people get into the lawn mowing business without having all of the proper equipment. This leads to not being able to complete the mowing jobs efficiently enough to make a profit and will ultimately lead to failure. New Commercial equipment is best because it usually comes with a three year warranty but the down side is you pay top dollar. Used commercial equipment is second best because it is built to last and it holds its value very well. Homeowner equipment is not well suited to your mowing business. These mowers are only made to be used for about 1 hour once per week. They will fail on you. The only cheap equipment I buy are push mowers. I have found that, when used commercially, a $120 push mower will last as long as a $650 push mower. About 2 years.

Here is the Basic Equipment Needed to Start your Lawn Mowing Business.

1. A good reliable pickup truck

Stock your truck with these supplies:

Spare set/sets sharp blades.
Tire repair plug kit.

Small air pump. (with cigarette lighter adapter)
Full set of tools. (Home Depot sells a good set of Husky tools in a case for about $120)
Spool of Trimmer line. (Get the good stuff. Cheap line breaks.)
Envelope for gas receipts and expenses.
Ledger to record expenses. (Most of your expenses are tax deductible.)

2. Landscape trailer.

You will need a trailer that is at least 8' long. An 8' trailer can hold all of the
equipment on this list. A 12' trailer trailer would be better though because it does allow for adding more equipment as you expand. You will need a two trimmer rack and a blower rack for the trailer. In my area I can find used trailers for about $600 and new for anywhere up to $1600 for a 12' trailer.

Also you can check eBay for used trailer listings.

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What Are Tie-Rod Ends...Do I Need Them?

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What are tie rod ends? Your life depends on them!

All vehicles, no matter what make or model have tie rod ends.

On vehicles with Rack and Pinion Steering there are only two, but on others, there are four.

The tie rod end attaches to the steering knuckle on each front wheel on Rack and Pinion Steering.

On non-R&P steering, there is one attached to the steering knuckle on each front wheel and one attached to the long bar that controls both wheels for steering, called a Tie Rod Drag Link.

This link is connected to the pitman arm coming from the steering gear-box and also connected to an idler arm for stability purposes.

The little tie rod ends on non R&P screw into a sleeve with both right-handed threads and left-handed threads.

When you have the toe-in set on your vehicle, the technician can loosen two bolts and nuts and twist this sleeve¡...this makes the tires go out or in.

It is very important to have these tie rod ends greased every time you have the oil and filter changed in the engine.

Why? Well, if you don't grease them then, when will you? :-)

The importance in greasing them is to keep them moving freely.

If they get dry they will wear out quickly.

If they wear out, they can come apart.

If they come apart, you won't be able to steer your vehicle. Not a good thing.

Now, grant you, on some of the newer vehicles the manufacturers decided to leave off the grease fittings.

These tie rods come pre-packed and will last a very long time.

But, you should have them 'checked ' at each oil change.

Some have a threaded hole for the grease fitting, but they have a small cap over them.

You can remove the cap and add a fitting so you can grease it.

Any time you replace a tie rod end, be sure to grease it, and the others if you can.

Take care of your vehicle so it will take care of you and your family!

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Cargo Van Ladder Racks

Ladder racks are flat open framework that needs to be mounted on top of a vehicle, especially on pickup trucks. They are used to carry various loads. This includes long pipes, boards, tools, logs and timber. They can be mounted to create a roof framework that supports cargo and baggage. They have integrated locking systems that keep the load from falling off during transition.

Most cargo van ladder racks are constructed from durable, lightweight and rustproof aluminum. They require minimum maintenance and are easy to clean. Most of the racks include adjustable arms that can be fitted into most vans. Other varieties have racks of optimal widths, to fit on regular vans and mini vans. The fixing of the ladder rack onto the van is an easy task, as most of them come with a mounting hardware and step by step visual guides. The rack can be easily installed on top of the van, within a few minutes.

In addition to plain aluminum racks there are racks available in many different colors to match the panels or other trim of the van. A ladder rack's weight capacity depends on its size and make. However, 300 lb is the weight limit for most of them because of the limited structural strength of the van roof. It is important to check a manufacturer's credibility before making a purchase. This helps to find an authentic product and prevents freak accidents caused by ladder racks caving in. Some cargo van ladder racks offer two different types of mounting gear for vans, with and without drip wells. It is essential to balance the features, capabilities and cost of a ladder rack, along with the use it will be put to. If a rack requires any alteration, it should be specified at the time of purchase.

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Bicycle Tubes - $2.99 Special or the $10.00 Deluxe?

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There is no rocket science to buying bicycle tubes, but if you’re the type that loves off-road riding or cruising 20 miles outside of town you may want to buy with a few extra features. Of course maybe your real passion in life is changing a tire in the mud hole on the side of the highway or pushing your bike back to town. What features might keeps you riding? Here’s a list.

Size of Bicycle Tube: If weight is not a big issue, buying a tire that is wider then you will need gives more puncture protection. If the tube is not inflated to its maximum capacity the rubber wall thickness will be greater than normal and thus less prone to damage.

Material Used: The most common bicycle tube is typically made of butyl rubber, a synthetic version of the real thing. It is much less expensive but not as flexible, thus more prone to pinch flats. It holds its air well and rarely requires refilling and easy to purchase in any and all of the local bike shops and hardware stores. Butyl tubes typically weigh 100 to 150 grams.

There are some specialty ones as well. Some manufacturers make a thick-walled version with a significantly thicker rubber layer on the tread side to resist glass and thorn damage. Other tubes are made with more sophisticated technology to shave 10 or 20 grams off the weight.

You’ll pay twice the price for a natural latex rubber bicycle tube but with its greater elasticity it will last longer. Natural rubber is more resistant to punctures and pinch flats. As an added bonus it weights significantly less giving you greater peddle efficiency. Some, like the Michelin bicycle tube weighs as little as 65 grams when using natural latex. As with everything it has its down side. Natural rubber is somewhat more porous than butyl, thus tends to lose air pressure over time. Be sure to bring a pump for top ups!

Tire Sealant: Additives are available to inject into your tire. In fact some tires like the Slime Self-Sealing Tube come with a tire sealant already inside. The compressed air inside the tube drives the sealant through small puncture wounds and seals the hole on contact with the outside air. You’ll never know you ever had a puncture. It can be added afterwards to some tubes but it depends on the type of tube stem. Presta valves are usually a no-no as the sealant clogs the valve.

Tire Liners: You can add a thin strip of Kevlar or plastic between the tire and tube to offer an extra layer of protection, but they can be a pain to get in place when changing your tube, so I’d prefer to use a tire sealant or heavy walled tube to start with.

Types of Bike Tire Tube Stems: There are typically two choices of tube stems, the Schraeder valve and the Presta valve. The Schraeder valve is the old fashion design you are familiar with on your car tire. It is readily available, can be filled up with the standard gas station pump, and always has a valve stem that can be removed if you wish to add tire sealant.

Presta valves are newer; more aerodynamically designed and require smaller port holes in the bike rim. This is particularly important to the road rim manufacturer. The road rim is so thin that the port hole can affect significantly the rigidity of the rim, creating a weak spot where the valve penetrates the rim. The smaller the valve the smaller the hole. Thus presta valve rule here! They do have other advantages as well, but also do have their own problems. Nothing is ever a clean win!

Visit for a more complete discussion of the pro’s and con’s of the various types of bike tire tube stems and bicycle tubes in general, or for that matter anything in connection with bicycle riding.

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Roof Racks - Utility Maximised

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Roof racks maximizes the utility of your car by amplifying the luggage carrying capacity. A nice and durable roof rack is the one, which optimizes the luggage space without spoiling the appearance of your vehicle. For an excursion or an expedition, racks and car roof boxes prove to be very helpful. They come in various shape, structure, colors and load bearing capacity. You can choose according to your vehicle type and need.

Further, there are special roof racks for special category of cars. Like, if you have an SUV, you can find a sturdy and durable roof rack for it. Something, that matches with the beefy look of your sports utility vehicle. The vehicle has a limited carrying space in the inner compartment. You will never have to compromise with inner space occupied with luggage. Car roof racks and boxes are ultimate solutions for space management of your car.

If you are enthusiastic about mountain biking then roof racks are very useful to you. You can leave to your favourite terrains with your bike placed on the rack. If you are a travel enthusiast then roam about carefree with your luggage kept in car roof boxes. This overhead storage of your luggage leaves you with plenty of space within the car. Install this rack and you will no more experience a cramped or packed feeling sitting inside the car.

The bulky baggage full of your trip essentials and belongings needs safeguarding. Roof boxes and racks help in effective storage of your holiday stuff. Car roof racks are able to carry a good amount of load. It enables you to mount your bags and cases with a firm hold. Another point that makes them unique is the looks. It does not mess up the outward show of your vehicle. You can easily find these useful car accessories online.

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Online Tire Sales - Consider Total Costs To Save Money

Many people head straight to their local tire store or automotive parts store when they need new tires. But the internet has revolutionized the way many people shop, and you can also find great deals on tires. Before you head out to your local retailer, you should check out the available online tire sales.

Many websites offer information and reviews on different types of tires. This can be helpful if you are unsure of what type of tire you need and don't want to have to worry about a high pressure sales person. Most sites that offer tire information as well as prices from different competitors. You can also visit the websites of your local tire stores to find out what their prices are and if they are currently running any sales.

Knowing what everyone in town is charging for tires gives you an advantage. You only have to make one trip to the store that has the best price. But before you head out, it is beneficial to see if you can find a better deal from an online retailer. It is possible to net big savings if you buy your tires online. Online retailers will often have great prices and can ship your tires fast from a regional warehouse.

You will have to compare the cost of buying tires online plus shipping to the cost of buying them in your local store. If the amount is significantly less for comparable tires then buying online is probably a good choice. The only drawback to buying tires online is that you will have to have them installed, and as long as the cost of installation, tires, and shipping is less than what local retailer are charging you can save some money from buying online. Some online retailers include installation with a tire purchase in a local store, so be sure to check if they have retailers near you.

If you are ready to do some online shopping, there are few sites you should check out for information and prices. These sites can probably answer all your questions about which type of tire is right for you and give you an idea of what price each type of tire is going for.

1010tires.com is a good site to go for information that will make your tire buying experience easier. It contains a wealth of information about all types of tires and explains the situations where specialty tires are needed. You can also get driving tips to make the most of your new tire purchase. You can order tires right from the site as well and they often run sales.

Another site you can go for online tire sales is TheTireRack.com. They have a great selection of tires and also have frequent sales and clearance events. You can also use their site to find a local installer to install the tires you purchased online. You can also get help picking the right size tire for your car as well as other tire related information. They have warehouses in a few different states to facilitate faster shipping and delivery.

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Creating More Space With Closet Organizers

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Closet organizers are a great way to create more space in your closet. Many homeowners look into their overstuffed closets and wonder what they can do to contain and organize all the stuff that needs to be there. If you are like many homeowners you will decide that purchasing a closet organizer is the most practical way to get a handle on it, this way you don't need to knock out any walls in your home to expand the closet.

One of the first steps that you need to do when you are getting ready to get into this project is to decide if you are going to be able to accomplish this project on your own or do you need to hire a professional to do the job? Doing it yourself will definitely save you money if you feel like you can take the project from beginning to end. Otherwise you may be better off by hiring someone that specializes in closet organization and letting them do the job for you. Either way that you decide to go there are some things that you will need to keep in mind.

Tackling the Job Yourself

If you have decide to go ahead and do it yourself the most important thing to do is make sure that you lay it out properly. This means making sure that you incorporate all the necessary storage items you need and making sure that the system you are purchasing will actually fit in your closet.

When you begin to lay out your organizer make sure that you get everything in the closet that you need. For example if you have lots of shoes make sure that you leave plenty of storage area to accommodate them. This way your closet will not looked overstuffed even after you install the organizer.

When you do your measuring make sure that you leave extra room so that the organizer will actually fit. Many times a homeowner measures right down to the 16th of an inch and forgets to leave some "play" in the measurement. The reason for this is because walls are never perfectly square. They always run out a bit and if you did not leave room for it you will not get your closet organizer to fit properly.

Hiring a Professional

When hiring a professional it is important to make sure that they actually listen to what you need. Many times a professional will try to "up-sell" you and then you end up with the project costing more then what you anticipated. For example an electric tie racks sounds great but they cost a lot more than just a standard tire rack and they each do the same thing.

Make sure that any professional you let in your home is licensed and insured. This is important as often times "fly-by-night" business spring up and they may look professional but you will later find out that the job will be done by not correctly or you will find that your deposit is long gone.

Whether you do it yourself or you hire a professional make sure that you have carefully laid out your plan. With closet organizers preparation is the key to success.

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Types of Bike Tire Tube Stems - Do You Care

Buying a bicycle tube is getting just as complex as buying a hamburger these days. Ten questions later and you’re still trying to get back on the road, and all you really care about is getting one that will fit, not blow up on you and let you get back to the serious business of riding.

But there is one feature that will put a quick stop to any motion. That might be the types of bike tire tube stem. If you don’t get the right one not only will it not fit into the valve hole on your rim, but if you go to top up your air pressure you may find that your air pump fitting doesn’t work and you’re stranded with no way to adjust your bicycle tire pressure or fix a flat. Thus it is best to confirm the exact configuration of your of bike tire tube stem BEFORE you need to know what you are talking about.

It is also a critical piece of information when purchasing a bicycle pump as you need to know what fittings are necessary to match pump nipple to the types of bike tire tube stems that you expect to have on your bike.

There are typically two types of bike tube stems. The most common is the Schraeder valve, or sometimes spelt as a shrader or Schrader valve, you pick and the newer, sleeker design of a Presta valve.

The Schraeder valve is the old fashion design you are familiar with on your car tire. It is readily available at most local hardware stores and bicycle shops. It can be filled up with the standard gas station pump, and always has a valve stem that can be removed if you wish to add tire sealant for some level of puncture resistance if that is a feature that you desire.

Presta valves are newer and more aerodynamically designed. The slimmer profile requires a smaller port hole in the bike rim making it particularly important to the road rim manufacturer. The road rim is so thin that the size of air valves port hole can affect significantly the rigidity of the rim,

Too large of a hole to give access to the air valve for tire inflation can create a weak spot on the rim especially when discussing heavy riders or jumpers. The smaller the valve the smaller the hole. Thus presta valve rule here! They do have other advantages as well, but also do have their own problems. Nothing is ever a clean win!

Visit for a more complete discussion of the pro’s and con’s of the various types of bike tire tube stems and bicycle tubes in general, or for that matter anything in connection with bicycle riding.

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Bicycle Designs & Styles - Choosing Between Custom Made Cycles and Factory Built Bikes

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Currently there are many types of bicycles available. Even so, the standard safety bicycle design developed in the 1800's is the basis of our current bicycle designs. The types of bicycle most commonly used today are mountain bikes, cruisers, touring bicycles, racing bikes, BMX's and utility bikes. The class a bicycle falls in hinges on a number of elements; style of construction, number of passengers, gearing and propulsion.

Mountain bicycles were intended for trail and mountain riding where the terrain is tough. The frames are constructed to resist the rough treatment of riding in natural settings. In addition, special tires and gearing make it easier for riders to get the power they require to keep moving.

BMX bicycles are another unique style. These cycles usually have little 16 - 24 inch traction treaded tires. They are small framed, making them easier to maneuver and much faster. BMX bikes are usually used for racing and even for doing fantastic tricks.

Racing cycles are designed for road cycling and they are all about speed. They're light weight and have excellent handling. Racing bicycles use drop handlebars, positioned lower than the saddle. This puts the riders body in the best possible aerodynamic posture. The closeness of the derailleur gear ratios permit the rider to pedal at the most effective cadence.

Touring bikes are unique in that they have racks mounted on them to carry the riders gear. These racks are attached to the frame of the bicycle in front and back. The wheel base is also longer than on a standard bike, which makes it able to carry more weight. Also, features such as wider tires and additional water bottle mounts are commonly incorporated.

Tandem bicycles carry two or more passengers at once. Tandem refers to the way the seats of the bicycle are set up, and not to the number of passengers it will carry. All the passengers of a tandem bike pedal, providing power. In most tandem set ups, the front rider controls the steering just like in a standard bicycle.

Low rider bicycles are normally home-built, extraordinary customized bikes. They have normally got an old-school curled banana seat with a extremely tall sissy bar. Ape-hangers are the norm for handlebars, giving the bicycle a "chopper" look & feel. They're normally chromed to the limit and have glittery, high spoke-count wheels.

Recumbent bikes & trikes are designed so that the rider is reclining back in a low-statured position. Also commonly referred to as 'bents. The seat supports the passengers back and the legs are extended forward to the pedals. The seat and pedals are usually at the same height. Tires used on recumbents are commonly smaller and farther apart than they are on an upright bike. Recumbents can be guided using either over- or under- seat steering.

There are other types of human powered vehicles referred to as "bikes" too. Though they are not technically regarded as bicycles, they work on the same general principles. They include unicycles, tricycles and quadracycles. Fun to ride, no doubt, none of these styles are used very often.

Despite the multitude of bicycles that are commercially available, there are always those that want to construct their own. Building a bicycle, trike, or tandem at home is fun and not awful hard. In fact, nearly anybody with a can-do attitude, a a couple of tools and some simple instruction could build a decent bicycle.

Bike building can be done in a shed or garage and it's an excellent small project. For individuals that want a custom-made bike without the custom built cost it's an excellent choice. The bicycle you make could bring back a old-time style or lead the pack into the future of bike construction.

Whether you decide to ride a factory built bicycle or a unique custom bike, the important thing is to get out there and ride! Next time, we'll discuss the important topic of bicycle safety.

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3 Tips For Finding the Cheapest Tires

If you're looking for the cheapest deals on tires then you need to read this article. We're going to look at 3 tips for finding the cheapest tires.

1. House Brands

A lot of tire dealers offer their own "house brands" that are as good as the major brands like Goodyear, Hancook, Firestone, etc. In fact, many of these house brands are made in the same factories, using the same technologies, as the major brands.

In some cases these tires can even offer better warranties than a major name would. Some tire dealers offer road hazard guarantees on their own brand of tires, for example.

What this means is if a tire is damaged by any kind of road hazard, they'll repair or replace it at no cost to you. This may even apply in extreme cases, like if a piece of shale was to completely shred the sidewall of the tires on your Jeep when you are driving off-road.

2. Buy Online

Like almost everything you want to buy these days, there are lots of websites selling tires online. This ranges from familiar names such as Walmart, to names that might not come to mind right away when you think of tires like Amazon, or even dedicated tire sellers like Tirerack.com.

Buying online is often cheaper because the sellers don't have as much overhead as your local tire store. Their selection is often wider as well, since they can "stock" an unlimited number of brands and models.

The main thing you need to consider when buying online is service and support. How are you going to get the tires mounted? If you can't do it yourself, you will need to deal with a local shop to do the work for you. Most tire stores aren't all that willing to install tires bought elsewhere so check to see if the website has a partnership set up with any local shops who will do the mounting and balancing for you.

3. Watch For Sales

Keep an eye on your local newspapers for sales. If you know you're going to be in the market for new tires, but don't need them right away, you will often find good deals if you watch carefully.

Just keep in mind that you need to be flexible for this to work. You're not going to find deals on snow tires the day after the first big dump of snow!

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Discount Tire Company Review

There's no doubt about it - a big change is happening in the world of tires. With small independent stores ever increasing their prices, more and more people are choosing to buy tires online from a discount tire company.

The reason for the increase in tire prices over the last few years is mainly due to the cost of oil. Back in 2004 prices were around $35 per barrel, just two years later, prices more than doubled to $75 per barrel.

It's clear to see, oil price is at an all time high. This has a huge knock on affect to the US rubber and tire industry.

"If you look at it from a tire manufacturer's perspective, an oil-price increase is a triple whammy for us," said Jim Davis, a spokesman for the world's largest tire maker, based in Ohio.

"Oil is a major ingredient in the production of tires. It affects the cost to make tires, it affects the cost to heat or cool the plant where we make tires and, of course, the trucking cost to ship the tires."

Now this might all seem like doom and gloom, but don't go spending the college fund just yet, as approaching a discount tire company could just be the answer.

A large discount tire company can cut costs in a number of ways, giving them an advantage over more traditional independent tire stores. First of all they tend to buy in bulk, which means they save on the wholesale price. They also focus more towards the Internet market, resulting in smaller staff numbers and less overheads. A discount tire company will probably not fit tires themselves, but partner with local independent garages which do the fitting for them, this can also reduce the end price of your tire.

So which discount tire company to choose? there are many out there, but one which comes highly recommended is The Tire Rack Established in 1979 they are a leading discount tire company with award-winning customer satisfaction and warranty support.

The Tire Rack website is easy to use, even for complete novices. Simply select the model of your car from the drop down menus, and up pops a list of suitable tires. Customers are also encouraged to write reviews on specific tire models, which is a great feature as it gives you an insight into the general opinion.

Installation used to be one of the main deterrents of buying tires online, but Tire Rack now provide a selection of good installation options. Each order comes with full instructions on how to get going, with these easy-to-follow installation guides you should be done within minutes. But if the DIY approach isn't for you, then Tire Rack have partnered with local tire stores to do the fitting for you. Simply enter your zip code on their site and they display a list of recommended installers local to you.

I'd recommend you buy tires online at The Tire Rack.

The future cost of tires might be better than it seems!

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General Grabber HTS - Best SUV Tire

I've been researching the best tires for my SUV and I am very impressed with the General Grabber HTS.Consumer Reports and the Tire Rack rate this tire best. Tires are the most important safety feature of your vehicle - it is important to get a top performer. These tires are outstanding. Tire Rack ran 22 tests on these next to Bridgestone and Pirelli - no slouches in tire performance. The Grabber HTS was highest in EVERY test. Not only that but General engineered these with low rolling resistance meaning better gas mileage and better for the environment. AND they are priced affordably. Bottom line is that this tire has the best of all worlds.

I had assumed that low rolling resistance meant poor stopping - after all how can you have low resistance and still grab the road to stop. General figured it out. I can personally attest to the stopping power and grab of these tires. They performed exceptionally in a couple emergency situations. Reports indicate that the Grabber HTS also does well on snow and ice. Best yet, these tires are less expensive than many of the tires that perform worse. For me putting my wife and family on the best tires at the best price is a no brainer.

External Testing

The Grabber HTS is an SUV and Light Truck tire in the "all season tires" grouping.

This tire places General at the top of the list by Consumer Reports. Often there are trade offs between traction, rolling resistance, noise factors and comfort but the Grabber seems to be able to roll all the best qualities into one tire.

Consumer Reports is not the only source rating this tire highly though. FourWheeler Magazine tested the tires on the Ford F-150 4WD. Even though this is not a snow tire, they found the Grabber HTS to be very good in snow.

If you want to save money on your tire purchase these tires are priced on the lower end of the spectrum enven though their performance is tops. I found the Grabber HTS for under $100 I am looking at a 235 70R 16 for my Pilot and they are $96 each. I was looking at tires with worse performance in the $150 range from other tire dealers. My local tire dealer would have mounted them for me but the wait was too long that day. I drove to a big box retailer across the street to have my tires mounted. I saved money and got a lifetime balance and rotation. And I'll be able to find one of these stores wherever I go.

Tested against two top brands, the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenze and the Pirelli Scorpion, the General Grabber HTS was the clear leader. The Grabber bested these two top of the line tires in every category (except one tie with the Bridgestone in cornering).

Tested against the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza and the Pirelli Scorpion STR - the General Grabber HTS was the WINNER in EVERY TEST below except the tie noted

Testing Categories

Ride comfort - winner

Noise Comfort - winner

Handling - winner

Overall Road Rating - winner

Performance - Dry Track - winner

Cornering Stability - winner

Steering Response - winner

Braking Modulation - winner

Handling Predictablity - winner

Overall Track Rating - winner

Performance - Wet Track - winner

Cornering Stability - winner

Steering Response - winner

Braking Modulation - winner

Handling Predictablity - winner

Overall Track Rating - winner

Slolam Time Dry - winner

Slolam Time Wet - winner

Lap Time Dry - winner

Lap Time Wet - winner

Stopping Distance Dry - winner

Stopping Distance Wet - winner

Average Cornering (g-force) Dry - tie with Bridgestone

Average Cornering (g-force) Wet - winner

Consumer Survey Results:

Rated against 68 other Light Truck / SUV Highway All-Season tires and based on consumer experience, the General Grabber HTS is the highest ranked among consumers purchasing this type of tire.

Tire Technology

Beside the performance the HTS demonstrated on the road, General also engineered the tire with a lower rolling resistance to get better fuel economy and thereby dropping CO2 emissions.

Major Tire Performance Technologies

The Grabber HTS is the flagship of the General Grabber line and it incorporates 4 key technologies that enhance the performance of this tire.

1. Duragen - Ultra-high strength steel belts, micro fiber casing reinforcements, and broader tire contour provides even wear, longer mileage and confidence in challenging conditions.

2. Adaptive Performance - Response Grooves, Stabilink Bars and 3 kinds of siping for enhances steering response and reliable performance

3. Comfort Balance - a tread cushioning and noise capturing system for a quieter, more comfortable ride.

4. Eco-Ride - Improved tire compound increases fuel economy and minimizes CO2 emissions.

Best Tires - General Grabber HTS

I love these tires. I honestly didn't expect to experience a big difference in ordinary driving. I saw the tests and statistics and recognized that in emergency situations, bad weather and such that the Grabbers have tested to function the best. That is valuable to me because when I am driving in bad rain or have to stop quickly I want my tires to perform. However, improved responsiveness was evident immediately to me. The next thing I experienced is a noticeably quieter ride.

These tires get 2 thumbs up. My hearty recommendation!

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