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Suzuki says this new Equator, developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America-and named "4X4 of the Year" by 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine-offers a well-rounded blend of comfort, style, utility and off-road capability, and we can’t argue. It’s available for 2009 in Extended and Crew Cab, short- and long-bed and rear- or four-wheel-drive (4WD) variations. Beyond that, very few of today’s pickup alternatives are fuel-efficient compact or midsize, and this very competitive new Suzuki Equator line provides another set of excellent choices.

A set of unique Suzuki styling elements-including the hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate-differentiate Equators from their Nissan Frontier cousins. Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available "high-utility" bed with a spray-on bedliner and a cleverly useful tie-down system with adjustable tracks. Of course, the wide range of available accessories includes specialized bed components for securing and transporting a motorcycle or ATV a relatively simple task.

The somewhat Spartan interior tries hard to strike a balance between car comfort and truck function. Extended Cabs and Crew Cabs have a fold-flat front passenger seat and flip-up rear seats with removable storage boxes underneath. Among the handy convenience features are a dual glove box with lock, a center console box with a 12-volt power outlet, additional power points and cupholders and storage for one-liter bottles in the front doors. The available Premium, Sport and RMZ-4 packages include cruise control, power mirrors, locks and windows and remote keyless entry, while a Sport package adds eight-speaker-plus-subwoofer Rockford-Fosgate audio with steering wheel controls, a six-CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, an auxiliary input jack, wireless Bluetooth and, on the Crew Cab RMZ-4, even a factory moonroof.

Standard engine is a 2.5-liter DOHC four good for 152 hp and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, while an optional 4.0-liter DOHC aluminum block V-6 ups the ante to a more robust 261 hp and 281 lb.-ft. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual (standard with the four-cylinder only) or a five-speed electronically controlled automatic, with or without available shift-on-the-fly 4WD with an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. Available for serious off-road duty is a comprehensive system with four-wheel active limited-slip traction control, an electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent and Hill Hold Control.

The Equator’s long 125.9-inch wheelbase contributes to comfort and stability, while its 206.6-inch overall length (Extended Cab or Crew Cab with standard bed) provides a good balance of maneuverability and utility. Front suspension is steel double-wishbones, and the rear solid axle uses long-travel overslung leaf springs. Available wheel/tire packages include "rugged-trail" P265/75R16s on 16-inch off-road-style wheels and "long trail" P265/65R17s on 17-inch wheels. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds with the 2WD V-6 Sport Package.

Both on- and off-road, given the Equator’s rugged capabilities, we found its ride surprisingly smooth and its handling reasonably agile. Its engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering gave good response and fairly good on-center feel, and its standard four-wheel anti-lock discs (with electronic brake-force distribution) delivered excellent stopping power with no discernable fade. EPA-rated fuel economy for the four-cylinder five-speed manual 2WD base Equator is 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, while the same truck with automatic gets 17 city, 22 highway. With the optional V-6 and automatic, fuel economy falls to a still-respectable 15 city, 20 highway mpg.

The Equator Crew Cab offers three trim levels, all powered by the V-6 with five-speed automatic. The base Crew Cab is 2WD, while the Sport offers the choice of 2WD or 4WD. An RMZ-4 (a name well-known on Suzuki motocross bikes) model comes with Dana 44 axles, electric rear locking differential, Bilstein high-performance shocks, skid plates and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail P265/75R16 tires. It also boasts fog lamps, chrome mirrors and door handles, a bed extender (the better to accommodate motorcycles), special RMZ-4 seat material with red stitching, chrome instrument cluster and vent trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

On the safety front, all Equators come with dual-stage front airbags with front seatbelt and occupant classification sensors, front-seat side airbags and side curtain bags front and rear, plus a tire pressure monitoring system. Extended Cab and Crew Cab models provide three-point seatbelts for all rear-seat occupants, including the center position.

Author: Gary Witzenburg

autoMedia.com boasts more than 60,000 pages of original articles, including more than 2,100 features researched and written by leading automotive experts, covering car buying, maintenance and technology. For automotive advice you can trust, read more about the 2009 Suzuki Equator, including the latest pricing, rebates and incentives, photo galleries and more, along with details on all Suzuki Models.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Witzenburg

Suzuki Equator Review
2009 Suzuki Equator. Some may question the wisdom of introducing a new pickup truck at a time when environmental and economic concerns have many buyers choosing smaller vehicles.

Suzuki Equator Prices
Suzuki’s new Equator pickup truck is available as an Extended Cab with a 6-foot bed or in a Crew Cab configuration with two bed choices, 5-foot and 6-foot.

Suzuki Equator 2009 Pickup Truck
Suzuki Equator 2009 has been launched by Suzuki as the midsize pickup truck at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

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If you are tired of carrying your tools home everyday after work or find your tools lying cluttered in your pickup trucks, then you could get yourself a truck tool box.

What are pickup truck tool boxes?

Over sized tool boxes that are typically mounted in the bed section of a pick-up truck are called truck tool boxes. These boxes store all kinds of things that range from drill bits, hammers, small levels, large levels, screw drivers, bolts, rivets, power drills, battery drills and other items, because of this, the life of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, iron workers and similar workers has become simplified.

These tool boxes are sturdy and can withstand plenty of things. They also come in a large number of models that have many different shapes, styles, colors and materials. The most popular colors that tool boxes come in are black, white, natural steel or aluminum. The materials that are used in making these truck tool boxes are heavy-duty plastic, heavy aluminum and steel. The cheapest from the list is plastic that will surely serve the purpose of a basic tool box but will not be as durable as the others. The aluminum one is lightweight and slightly more durable than the plastic tool box. The wipe clean finish that is usually black or natural aluminum in color makes it a good buy. Steel is of course the strongest, sturdiest and the longest lasting, because of this, it is also the costliest of the truck tool boxes.

What are the different types of truck tool boxes?

Crossover Tool Box

The most popular style is the crossover box that fits directly behind the cab and slides snugly over both the sides of the truck bed. This truck accessory is typically bolted into place in order to prevent possible theft. This truck tool box come in various models, each of them specially created with the user in mind.

Side Mount Truck Tool Box

This is a tool box that mounts to a side rail and has a notch in it so that the bulk of the box sits over the rail and then onto the bed. Gas struts assist in opening this tool box from the top. Not only that, it also helps in holding the top open. Luckily for buyers, this box is available in sizes that fit all pickup trucks.

Drawer Truck Tool Box

This tool box is a boon for owners who require smaller storage area or do not want to give up as much bed space as a larger tool box requires. This tool box is tall and narrow and sits just behind the wheel well. For more storage space, it has a number of drawers too that are hidden behind a stainless steel locking front door. This truck tool box fits with caps, be protectors and tonneaus.

Slide System Truck Tool Box

Like the name suggests, this truck accessory is fastened to the rail system on the truck bed. This enables you to slide the box to the end of the bed in order to access the contents. There is a wide choice available that ranges from one with multiple drawers to a box with large storage areas.

By Rachna Gupta Published: 10/20/2007

Can A Tool Box Be Sexy? This One Is!
When I look at tool boxes, I don’t think sexy, I’m looking at the things it will carry and how easy it is to get them in and out and so on.

Titan Wheel Well-Perfect Side Mount Truck Toolbox
This side mount tool box fits at the rear of your wheel wells giving a comfortable, lockable storage place for your tools and hardware. This Titan truck bed toolbox has side opening lids allowing you easy access from both side.

Truck Tool Boxes: Organize To Save Time And Money
Straighten up your work vehicle and minimize the hassle of searching for everyday work items.

Technorati Tags: crossover tool box, drawer truck tool box, side mount tool box, truck tool box

Selecting the right accessories can be the main concern of a pickup owner. ‘Where to begin’ and ‘what to choose’ are just some commonly asked questions that can lead to a perfect truck modification. Actually, there are countless truck accessories that are available in your local shops and online stores. From performance parts like stabilizing shocks and program tuners to interior enhancements such as seat covers and floor mats, numerous accessories are available to suffice your particular needs. If you are having a hard time in enhancing your vehicle, it is ideal to start with its outer appearance. Enhancing the external will provide you a nice looking ride and let you experience more comfortable and safety trip.

It is a great decision to begin with the basic exterior accessories before making major modifications so that you can see the difference and development, making it easier for you to balance everything. Tonneau covers, fender flares and nerf bars are some of the efficient accessories that you may want to consider. Each add-on will surely improve the look of your vehicle as well as boost its road performance. Below are some details about these enhancements.

Tonneau covers, also known as tonno, are made to cover the truck bed. This accessory is a must-have especially if you frequently store your equipment, gears and other personal things in the back of your truck. The multitude of truck bed covers varies in design, materials used, colors and sizes. There are soft and hard covers that come in various configurations including retractable, hinged, folding, roll-up and tool box tonneau. Apart from completing the appearance of your rig, this kind of accessory provides security and protection. Your valuable stuffs underneath it are protected from direct sunlight, rain, snow and other harsh elements. Your precious things are safe from the snooping eyes of thieves with the use of tonneau. Not to mention the improved gas mileage that you can have because of the aerodynamic property of truck bed covers.

Fender flares, on other hand, allow you to define your vehicle personality. This accessory is carefully manufactured to provide perfect fit on most types of pickup trucks. In addition to style, the impressive features of fender flares protect your ride. This add-on helps your truck to resist mud, stone, sand, debris and other road fragments that you may encounter during off-road driving. Fender flare is made to be very flexible in order to endure the extreme impacts and tolerate wide temperature range. Various colors and finishes of fender flare are available on the market to satisfy your meticulous requirements.

Another essential accessory for your truck is nerf bar. Nerf bars are commonly known as side steps or running boards and made of tubular steel bars that can be installed to the underside of your rig. This truck add-on can be made of stainless steel, powder-coated steel or chrome. The main purpose of this accessory is to help the driver and passengers in boarding and getting out of the truck. With this product, children and elderly can easily get in and out of the pickup truck without feeling tensed that they might fall on the ground or slip.

The benefits of having accessories installed on your truck will stay year after year. Just choose the apposite  truck accessories  that fit your vehicle as well as your needs and budget.

By: Karl Cruz

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Karl Cruz is an article contributor for 4WheelOnline, your online resource for quality off-road truck accessories such as warn winches, truck leveling kits, bumpers, stabilizing shocks and truck wheels.

Top 10 Most Popular Full-Size Pickup Truck Accessories
Well SEMA.org also conducted a study of the top 10 most popular full-size pickup truck accessories. Here are the results from that study including their percentages with heavy duty trailer hitches winning the most popular accessory.

The Most Versatile Trucks Plus Truck Accessories: Mud Flaps
At one time, the humble mud flap or splash guard were nothing more than truck and auto accessories of thick black rubber, meant to protect your truck from stones, dirt and other debris thrown up from the road.

The Leading Brands For Ford Truck Accessories
One of the easiest do-it-yourself addon accessories that you can purchase for your Ford Truck is a billet grille, and Carriage Works and RPB manufacture great grilles that are both high quality and reasonably priced.

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Video: CORR Truck completes double front flip, sticks the landing

Amazing! 

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Spray On Bed Liner

A spray on liner is the first choice for many truck owners. Why? Great looks is one reason. A professional spray on liner is permanent and gives a truck a finished, custom look. Why you can even choose colors to complement the look of your truck paint. Plus you get a lifetime guarantee and the liner is repairable. Spray on liners are tough too and able to take rough treatment. The downside is cost. You’re looking at high prices.

Drop In Bed Liner

Another alternative and a much cheaper option is a plastic liner. These are often one piece and are custom made to just drop in. Another type is made in separate pieces front, bottom and sides custom fit your truck. Besides low price another advantage to these liners is toughness. A heavy plastic liner can take the roughest cargo like concrete blocks with no problem. Even the best spray liners will be damaged by very rough cargo that will not bother a heavy plastic liner. Also the plastic liner can be easily replaced after a long time of rough use.

Roll On Bed Liner

If you like the look of a spray on liner but not the price, how about a do it yourself option. You can get a kit to apply truck bed paint to your truck and get most advantages of a spray on liner at a small fraction of the cost. Brands of truck bed paint include Herculiner and Plasti-Kote. These paint coatings both contain rubber texture for a look like a professional spray lining.

Depending on how you use your truck, there is a best truck bed liner for your truck. The best choice may not be the most expensive either.

Puzzled about choosing a bed liner? Get tips on our site for choosing bed liners for trucks.

We invite you to visit http://www.BedLinerForTrucks.com for answers to your truck bed liner questions.

By: Al Bullington

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

 
How to Get Cheap Truck Bed Liners The Easy Way
Finding heap truck bed liners may be easier than you think. Applying a do it yourself bed liner is one of the best ways. That gets you a cheap bed liner.

Popular Truck Bed Liner Options
Purchasing a truck, for personal or work use, is a fairly large investment. To protect that investment many truck owners are using a truck bed liner to protect their asset.

A Spray on Bed Liner is a Permanent Fix to Protect Your Truck
A pickup with a standard bed just looks somewhat bare and unfinished. Pickup truck bed liners finish the truck bed with a custom look.

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A hybrid truck or car is a relatively simple type of automobile. Simply stated, a hybrid truck, car, or anything else that runs on gasoline is a vehicle that uses two fuels: electricity and gasoline. The driver of a hybrid vehicle can switch back and forth between these propellants. In the near future, there could be no more running out of gas at the least opportune time. For this reason, the US military has been using hybrid trucks and cars for decades; when essential personnel such as group and installation commanders plus re-supply vehicles and other critical equipment run out of gas, lives and the mission could be lost. Hybrid vehicles have the potential to eliminate these problems.

How Do Hybrid Trucks and Cars Help the Economy?

Most of the civilized world depends on cars for personal transportation. Similarly, large trucks are primarily responsible for hauling supplies and food all over the world. These gigantic vehicles not only use huge amounts of gasoline, but their exhaust is also a serious pollutant in the environment. Hybrid trucks, built for the long haul, help the economy by using a limitless fuel-electricity-which is much less expensive to obtain and utilize. Keeping the environment clean affects everyone; it is expensive to keep our food and water sources unpolluted. Hybrid vehicles that primarily use electricity as a propellant go a long way toward helping the economy by reducing the demand for gasoline. Hybrid vehicles also keep the cost of living down, because consumers no longer have to pay a week’s salary just to fill up their vehicles, especially farm vehicles. By adopting hybrid vehicles as a standard, we can create a domino effect that will eventually have long term results on both our economy and environment..

The hybrid trucks are a positive step on the road to meeting the zero-emission requirements that may be imposed in urban centers like New York City, Houston, and Los Angeles. Anyone flying into the Los Angeles area is literally shrouded in air pollution. The economical and environmental health of the United States is slowly disintegrating, and unless Americans are willing to make lifestyle changes and support the manufacture of hybrid trucks, large equipment and cars, this disintegration will continue until the very air we all breathe is toxic. Companies that use heavy-duty hybrid trucks are eligible for a large federal tax credit. This alone indicates that the federal government is cognizant of the harm to our health and wallets caused by an over-dependence on gasoline.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Trucks, Cars, and other Vehicles

No type of energy source is without its disadvantages. Older Hybrid trucks and other vehicles have batteries that must be re-charged, which some might find inconvenient because on the average, it takes about three hours to re-charge batteries of this type. A hybrid vehicle’s capacity for acceration and climbing is still inferior to that of vehicles powered exclusively by gasoline. Accessories like heaters, radios, CD players and air conditioners drain the battery even more quickly than driving alone. Since battery recharging stations are rare, the owner of the hybrid truck or other vehicle will most likely need to purchase a battery charger for personal use.

No form of transportation is without problems. It is a simple matter of weighing the pros and cons of owning a hybrid vehicle, and making an informed decision.

By: Dan Riffle

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Are you a Greenie? Are you tired of ridiculous GAS PRICES? Check out Dan’s hybrid car blog for the latest inside scoop on all things hybrid! Save the environment and save some $$$.

Vision Industries Tests Fuel Cell Hybrid Truck - Fuel Cell Today

Fuel Cell Today - Informing the fuel cell industry. Fuel Cell Today provides market based intelligence on the fuel cell industry, including surveys, news, images and investment information. 

2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid Review by Automobile Magazine 

The 332-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 underhood, however, is identical to those used in GM’s other full-size hybrid trucks. So too is the 2-mode hybrid transmission, which switches between an infinitely variable mixture of gasoline and electric.  

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During the Specialty Equipment Market Association (or SEMA) show, show goers were enthralled by the various gadgets and gizmos for vehicles and cars that were put on display. People were also able to learn about new things and new techniques to help them get the best out of their vehicles without spending much. Car lovers who are also looking for 1993 Ford Probe GT parts were also here so as to check if the products that they needed were able at the mentioned show.

There were also tons of vehicles on display and these vehicles ranged from the smallest creations one could ever imagine to the largest and most powerful ones that could and would help out man as they go about their everyday lives.

Phoenix Motorcars, one of the leading creators of unique vehicles, also sent out, displayed, and showcased the kind of vehicles that they have been able to craft. As per this year’s SEMA Show, the company was intent on exhibiting their sports utility truck. No, it was not just like any other pickup truck that you could see anywhere. These trucks are actually said to have zero emissions. They are powered by electricity and not by any kind of fuel or gas. And yes, these trucks are already ready to take on the highways, the streets, and any other kind of road there is on this planet. The battery of this Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck is actually the revolutionary Altairnano NanoSafe battery pack.

According to the creator of the Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck, this vehicle has actually been crafted with fleet vehicle owners as the target. These units would very much help out owners take on the various challenges that they face everyday and in the process still be able to take in the right kind and amount of profit.

This vehicle can actually be used to transport not only one or two passengers but actually a full of five inside its cabin and still have a full load at its truck bed. Plus, despite being loaded that much, the Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck can still speed up to 95 miles per hour on the highway.

By Jason Moore Published: 11/11/2006

Here Come the fef Electric Trucks: Move Over T. Boone?
Energy baron T. Boone Pickens has been loud and clear with his message about fuels for commercial fleet vehicles

Electric Vehicles International (EVI) rolls out hybrid
Electric Vehicles International (EVI) introduced its full-electric (EV) and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Smith Electric trucks get pro reviews at Work Truck Show
Smith Electric Vehicles (now in the U.S.!) took advantage of their appearance at The Work Truck Show to allow some industry professionals a chance to try out their all-electric Newton.

Technorati Tags: electric truck, sports utility truck