The Red River in Fargo, North Dakota is exceeding it’s banks. RealTruck has a satellite office located in the swamped city and today we decided to lend a hand to the city’s efforts to fight the 2011 flood!
The river was at almost 38 and 1/4 feet early this morning (4-8-2011) and with it expected to crest at 39.5 feet on Sunday before dropping down, the mayor is calling for all hands on deck!
“We are probably going to have the third highest crest in 125 years,” said Mayor Dennis Walaker to the Fargo Forum.
RealTruck’s IT department and a few other employees call Fargo home. This year, hundreds of thousands of of sandbags are being deployed throughout city neighborhoods to step up the flood efforts. Planning and implementation of this strategy has been happening for months.
It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it! - Kelvin Daniels near overland flooding.
Waiting for instructions and the next call of duty.
Over at BornRich.com, a guy named Willie Elder from Colorado uploaded pictures of his beautifully restored 1939 Dodge pickup truck. Only, he went down a different road with his truck when he chose to do his restoration.
His classic vehicle is now a BBQ Grill!
“The hood lifts by remote control to offer shade while grilling. When not in use, the hood protects the grill.”
While it’s fully functional as a meat machine right now, he says he plans on adding a few more features including a radio.
Ever wonder what it would be like to modify your ride? I mean, REALLY modify it without having to become a gearhead?
Automobilemag.com reports that Jeep is going to provide customers with a modification kit by the end of this year!
“As previewed by the JK8 Independence concept shown here, Mopar plans on rolling out a pickup conversion kit for the JK Wrangler by the end of the year. Patterned after the military-spec J8 Wrangler pickup that’s been teased to us over the years… the conversion kit allows anyone to transform a four-door 2007-2011 Wrangler Unlimited into what Mopar calls the JK8: a two-door pickup with a 50-inch long cargo bed.”
The Mopar folks are saying this can easily be done in a day or two over the weekend by your average, everyday car enthusiast. Just as long as you’re comfortable with some average power tools.
This week’s manufacturer spotlight is Core Products USA, makers of such awesome products like the Core Trax Tie Down Track System and Core Ratchet Tie Down Straps. Although Core has been around for 12 years, the founders have been kicking around the industry for over 22 years. That’s what we call experience under your belt. (Some might mistake that for gray hairs in the beard!)
They’ve got a lot of new changes coming this year and we had the opportunity to talk to Mark A. Crisafi about what’s on the horizon. In addition to a first ever full sized catalog, Core is going to be getting an all new website to provide consumers, OEM and retailers with easier access to information. You gotta love that!
What new products or developments does Core have coming out in 2011?
Several new additions: Lock-IN-Load attachments for our CORE Trax Systems.
“TuGGer” Rope Pull Ratchet (tie down locking rope)
“End Cap” (finishing cap for the end of Uni Trax 1000 tie down systems)
New MSK packages (Money Savings Kits/Containment Packages) Part of our “consumer designed” packages, They include:
RV/Toy Hauler Kit
Service Bed Kit
P/U Truck Kit
Utility Trailer Kit
Mark A. Crisafi at Core
We have also made several “Value added” upgrades to some of our leading/current items such as:
Cargo Sport Bag – Not only have we added a free shopping tote bag and pair of d-rings, we have added a clip to the Core Lok Adjusting Perimeter Strap, as well as a new Cam-Lock easy release lever for easier adjusting of the perimeter strap.
Cargo Safety Cover – we have added a clip to the Core Lok Adjusting Perimeter Strap, as well as a new Cam-Lock easy release lever for easier adjusting of the perimeter strap and carabineers for quick attachment to truck beds or trailers.
The Uni Trax 1000 has been redesigned for extra holding prowess!
We now offer our MAXX TRAX (commercial grade) Tie Down Trax to consumers through our “Money Saving Kits.”
How has Core changed the aftermarket accessory industry?
When the founder (Mark Crisafi) began selling these types of products in the early 90′s there was little understanding of the benefits from key products such as our Core Trax. Now you can see our products on OEM’s within the RV and Trailer industry and similar/competitive designs on a host of the “Big five” OEM’s.
What is the best kept secret about your tie downs?
The Strength and Versatility of the Trax tie down systems. Once it is used your wonder how it got along without it!
What do you think the future holds for your product?
We continue to expand and refine our line-up. We also continue to expand internationally, as well as to militaries throughout the world. We feel our outlook is strong.
What do you think the aftermarket industry will look like in five years?
Much the same as it is now, however the biggest change will be in the B & M retailers. I believe there will continue to be significant thinning of brick and mortar retailers. The retailers that exist in a few years will be much more professional and competitive operations. The online retailers will be the main force/push in the changes that will occur within B & M retail store.
As to the aftermarket, it has and will be driven first by automotive enthusiasts, this has been, and will be the nature of the aftermarket and will adjust with the vehicles of the time!
What challenges has Core faced over its lifetime?
Like every business, growth comes with its set of challenges and Core has not been immune to these. That said; working to keep cost down and stable and finding the right mix of staff to emulate the philosophy of the company would be among the top two challenges.
What has been your most popular product recently? Has it change compared to years past?
The two retail markets “Brick and Mortar” and “Online Retailer” have a different mix. One large change would be in our MSK’s (Money Saving Kits). These kits are packaged with a selection of Core Products chosen by consumers. These five select MSK’s also have a special reduced price as a package than if the consumer purchased the items separately.
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Mark is a pretty awesome guy. He knows his product and his industry pretty well. Realtruck carries an extensive line of Core products, including:
Raptor Magnum 5″ Oval nerf bars are ideal for the larger trucks of today. They are made out of 304 stainless steel, which is polished to a mirror finish. You have the option to get their cab length or wheel to wheel styles, giving you the exact length you want. The flawlessly welded end caps ensure a clean sleek finish, offering a moisture tight seal, warding off the corrosion process.
It was probably inevitable, but Toyota announced today that it will shut down all of it’s North American factories because of parts shortages from Japan.
“The temporary shutdowns are likely to take place later this month, affecting 25,000 workers, but no layoffs are expected, spokesman Mike Goss said. Just how long the shutdowns last or whether all 13 of Toyota’s factories will be affected at the same is unknown and depends on when parts production can restart in Japan, he said.”
During the shutdown workers will be training or have the option of taking vacation or time off without pay. Toyota did give forewarning that this could happen, but there was no indication of when and there is still no idea of how long.
Coverking manufactures car, truck and suv covers as well as custom seat covers, floor mats, car bras, dash covers, rear deck covers, molded deck covers and much more. They believe in making high quality products at affordable prices and from now until 4/30/11 RealTruck.com is offering 10% off all Coverking auto accessories.
If you are looking to restore a classic or you just want to preserve the integrity of your everyday ride, Coverking has you covered, literally. The Coverking products we carry are made to protect and sustain the value of your investment, but that’s not all. Coverking also designs their products to offer that custom look everybody seeks.
The For F-150 XLT EcoBoost Report at Consumer Reports
We’ve mentioned it before and we know you’re upset, but Ford really is getting rid of the V8. Here’s the first report on how their truck with out their signature engine stacks up. Consumer Reports gives an overview of their Ford F-150 XLT EcoBoost study and the results might surprise even the most adamant of v8 fanatics.
“Opting for two fewer cylinders and two turbos adds $750 to the price tag, positioning this as a step up from the volume-selling 5.0-liter V8. (There’s also a 6.2-liter V8 available as a more traditional top-dog engine option.)… Spending the extra $750 does get you some more power. Compared to the 5.0-liter V8 (360 hp, 380 lb.-ft. of torque), the EcoBoost has five more horsepower and 40 more lb.-ft. of torque. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need to flog the smaller engine to get to that maximum torque: max EcoBoost torque is at 2500 rpm compared to 4250 rpm for the 5.0L.”
Well… color me interested in taking a test drive and possible gunning the engine up a hill a time or two to check this out for myself.
The tragedy in Japan has widespread effect, including worldwide manufacturing of vehicles and vehicle accessories. According to The Business Journal in Milwaukee, Ford is closing its Kentucky Truck Plant for one week starting Monday. The reason is due to the lack of parts from Japan and less demand from individual truck buyers.
The impact on aftermarket accessories still seems to be up in the air. Industry analysts agree the general consensus is there will be a delay in shipment and development of some accessories, but the overall impact is unknown. Aftermarket Business reports that Japan’s role in the development of vehicles and accessories is complex, “Sorting out Japan’s role in the global automotive supply network is akin to putting together “a huge jigsaw puzzle,” according to Phil Magney, vice president of automotive at IHS iSuppli. “There’s a lot of speculation and unanswered questions, and in general those who would be directly impacted are electronics manufacturers.”
Industry experts suggest that delays and the full scope of the impact won’t be felt for weeks or perhaps even months.
From now until 4/30/11 RealTruck.com is offering some pretty stellar deals! With spring in full swing, spirits are high and I think the RealTruck team has gone nuts with April Deals.
If you are shopping for a high quality tonneau cover that best fits what you need, then you have come to the right place. Truxedo is offering a huge array of high quality truck bed covers that offer protection and style at affordable prices. We are offering a huge line of Truxedo tonneau covers including the Truxport, Lo Pro QT, Harley-Davidson, Edge, Deuce and the TonneauTrax tonneau covers. With this huge selection of Truxedo tonneau covers you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for.
From now until 4/30/11 you are going to receive a FREE tailgate seal with each Truxedo tonneau cover purchase. But that’s not all! Truxedo is also giving away a free Reese Retractable Ratchet Strap with each Truxedo TonneauTrax tonneau cover from now until 4/30/11.
With these huge deals how can you go wrong? Get your tonneau cover as well as all your truck accessories at RealTruck.com.
Raptor Magnum 5″ Oval 
It was probably inevitable, but Toyota announced today that it will shut down all of it’s North American factories because of parts shortages from Japan.
The tragedy in Japan has widespread effect, including worldwide manufacturing of vehicles and vehicle accessories. According to 
From now until 4/30/11 RealTruck.com is offering some pretty stellar deals! With spring in full swing, spirits are high and I think the RealTruck team has gone nuts with April Deals.