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Posted on January 3rd, 2012
Kay Why Dee
Julian Maimin Demonstrates his Hard Cover Bak Tonneau
Fox News LA is running news articles about innovators in California called Saving the California Dream Series. Back in December they ran a particular story we felt close to and deeply inspired by. This is the story of how Julian Maimin of Bak Industries started his business and more importantly, what it took to get where he is today.
Maimin came to the United States illegally from South Africa. These days, he’s a legal resident and runs a multi-national company, but back in the day he was working for $4/hour. He had a dream of making beliners more cost effective through better innovation. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted on May 26th, 2011
Kay Why Dee
Being around for 11 years means you know your business and more importantly, you know what your customer needs. TruXedo, makers of truck bed covers, introduced the Original TruXedo Tonneau Cover back in 2000. Since then, they’ve been growing and reshaping themselves to fit the needs of the industry and more importantly… their customer.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted on May 18th, 2011
Kay Why Dee
Go Rhino Dominator II Nerf Bars
Go Rhino!, makers of hitches, grille guards, nerf bars and running boards, has been in business for over 36 years. Since 1975 they’ve been making high quality auto accessories and creating patents on products designed to meet international ISO ratings.
Years ago, they were the first on the market with a modular grille. Being one step ahead of the competition means always having a good feel for what the customer needs.
We spoke with Kathryn Gallagher, the Marketing Manager at Go Rhino! about how their business runs and what it takes to make top selling products like the Go Rhino Dominator II Nerf Bars.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted on April 20th, 2011
Kay Why Dee
Husky Liners Molded Mud Flaps
Being in business for over 23 year means Husky Liners knows the road and has it all mapped out. Providing mud flaps, floor mats and liners, bug shields and organizers is all about keeping in touch with the consumer and staying on top of the industry. Made in the Heartland of the USA and offering a lifetime guarantee on all their products, Husky keeps one step ahead of the rest with unbeatable value.
2011 is shaping up to be a great year for this solid brand and RealTruck had an opportunity to chat with Andrea Coleman, the Regional Sales Manager for Husky.
What is your most popular selling product?
We started our company offering Rear Cargo Liners in black only and quickly saw the need for matching floor liner protection. So, our Husky Liners are still our best selling products followed up by our Custom Molded Mud Guards.
How has Husky changed the aftermarket accessory industry?
Husky Liner's Owner, Bob Tyler
We coined the term “floor liners” and educated the public on how to protect their interiors no matter what their occupation or hobby.
What is something people don’t know about your products?
Regarding our Custom Molded Mud Guards, I am not certain that everyone knows that we are the only company that provides the paint protection film to go in between the vehicle’s paint and our mud guards to prevent any potential damage.
What do you think the future holds for your product?
We hope to offer additional quality products for vehicle protection that our repeat customers have come to ask for by name – Husky Liners and our newest product line, our Husky WeatherBeaters.
When people are upgrading their vehicles, what do you recommend they first buy?
Floor and/or cargo protection of course! Go ahead…get dirty! We’ve got you covered from front to back.
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Husky's USA Factory
I’m an owner of some Husky Weatherbeater Floor Mats myself and I have to say they completely live up to my expectations. Spring can get pretty muddy where I live and it’s saved my carpet’s interior on more than one occasion.
I’ve also found the GearBox underseat storage to be a lifesaver. Who would have thought I carried that much stuff around with me in the truck. I’m sure if you’d have asked my family they would have told you the truth about the situation from the start.
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Posted on April 17th, 2011
Kay Why Dee
Husky Liners is a leader in the vehicle accessory market. They use the latest in technological advances to design quality products at affordable prices. Husky Liner specializes in the design and manufacture of custom fit floor mats and cargo liners, heavy duty floor mats, custom molded mud guards and various aluminum accessories.
- Husky Liners Bug Shields offer a state of the art design. The Husky Liner bug shields are made out of heavy duty urethane and are designed to protect your vehicle’s leading edges from flying debris such as rocks and bugs. The heavy duty urethane (invisible film) is pre-cut to fit your vehicle’s contours perfectly. Offering the same qualities of a traditional bug shield, the Husky liner bug shield won’t hinder your truck’s style.
- Husky Liners Consoles and Organizers are designed to fit underneath the rear seat of most pickup trucks including Chevy, Ford and Dodge. These Husky Liner storage containers give you a hidden compartment to store all of your loose tools and other debris. The GearBox storage boxes are durably constructed out of black textured polyolefin, sure to stand the test of time.
- Husky Liners Floor Mats and Cargo Liners protect your vehicle’s interior carpet. These floor mats and cargo liners are employ a custom fit design, ensuring a perfect fit. They offer either a treaded design or large lipped channels to keep water, mud, and other debris from staining your vehicle’s carpet. The custom fit design ensures that they will mold to the contours of your vehicle. Husky floor mats and cargo liners are available for your front, second and third seat floor areas as well as your trunk or cargo areas.
- Husky Liners Mud Flaps are styled to form fit the exact specifications of your cross-over, SUV or truck. These mud flaps are longer and wider than your traditional mud guards. The wider and longer design offers optimal protection to your paint finish from flying debris such as mud, rocks and moisture. The Husky mud flaps are made out of highly durable thermoplastic, which withstands the harshest of conditions.
- Husky Liners Racks and Carriers are designed to add protection to the rear of your cab. This rack is ideal for contractors and offers an attractive way to add function to your truck. This rack mounts easily to your bedrails and offers a louvered design which acts as a sun block to your interior. The Husky headache rack is made out of aircraft grade aluminum which is going to ensure long lasting durability as well as resisting the corrosion process.
- Husky Liner Truck Bed Accessories are made out of high grade aluminum which ensures a corrosion resistant and lightweight design. The Husky truck bed accessories offer a louvered design which helps reduce wind resistance, lowering your fuel costs and ultimately saving you money.
- Husky Liners Officially Licensed products are exact replicas of the original antique sign. They give you an authentic look and feel. Husky Liners bakes the enamel to the 18 gauge steel, ensuring corrosion resistance. These Officially licensed products are offered in an array of different styles including neon collection, vintage collection, aviation collection, gasoline and oil collection, drag strip collection and the automotive collection. Husky Liners Officially licensed products are ideal for any interior setting.
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Posted on April 6th, 2011
Kay Why Dee
Core Big Maxx HD Cargo Bar
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)
“Cobra” Retractable Ratchet Strap (Pull feed & retracting 8′ X 1 7/8″ mounting ratchet strap)
“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:
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Posted on March 30th, 2011
Kay Why Dee
Time for another Brand Spotlight and today we’re shining it on Stampede! RealTruck carries Automotive Lights, Bug Shields, Deflectors and Visors, Fender Flares, Mud Flaps and other Truck Bed Accessories. I had the pleasure of interviewing Deb Holdampf, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stampede. I wanted to know how they’ve stood the test of time in such a competitive market. I also made sure I asked her what secret projects they were working on and what she thought the industry would look like in the future.
How many years has Stampede been operating?
Stampede is an American owned family business that was started in Bloomington Minnesota in 1989 by Loyal and Karen Tullius. Starting out primarily as a private label hood protector manufacturer, Stampede supplied hood protectors to companies such as, LEER Truck, Ziebart International, Penda Corporation and J-Mark Inc. It was during this time the name STAMPEDE was formed and customers began purchasing the STAMPEDE branded hood protectors.
In 1996 Stampede relocated to Camanche, Iowa, after purchasing 70 thousand square foot of manufacturing space on ten acres, and it was this move that gave Stampede the room to increase our product offering to meet customer requests.
What challenges has Stampede faced over its lifetime?
Stampede has experienced many challenges throughout its 22 years in business. Over the first several years we faced as many as 16 direct competitors, all selling smoke hood protectors, today Stampede is one of three plastic manufacturers still producing these types of products. Other challenges were the typical challenges business face, such as price increases on raw materials, freight and finding new sources as we grew into other types of products, mostly operational challenges of a growing business.
In 2008, Stampede, like most businesses, faced their largest business challenge. Every business, in every industry had to change, get creative just to survive these turbulent times. Today, although business has rebounded, we know that there will always be new challenges but are confident we will be ready to respond regardless of that challenge.
Deb Holdampf, VP of Sales and Marketing at Stampede Truck Accessories
What new products or developments does Stampede have coming out in 2011?
Stampede is currently working on a new style of Hood Protector, “HOOD ARMOR”. It is a 3 piece application, available for most late model truck applications in chrome/smoke color, shipping box size will be 36x10x5, eliminating oversize shipping charges. Look for this release late summer 2011.
How has Stampede changed the aftermarket accessory industry?
In 2001, Stampede became product leaders in the automotive aftermarket by introducing new unique products such as our full line of licensed Mossy Oak® and Realtree® Camouflage Accessories, Hood Protectors, Sidewind Deflectors, Taillight Covers, Fender Flares, Bedcaps, and Rocker panels. Rocker Panels have since been replaced with Stampede’s CAMO HIDE Program, partial or full wrap offerings made with 3M Controltac film.
In that same year, Stampede was the first to offer Chrome Plated accessories Hood Protectors, Sidewind Deflectors and we released our Specialty Series Hood Protectors. These specialty Hood Protectors featured the American Flag with and without an Eagle, a Checkered Flag, plus many more designs, all have gained us additional national, as well as global exposure. Interestingly, shipments to Kuwait included many different models of the American Flag style Hood Protectors.
What do you think the future holds for your products?
Stampede has continued to add other products to our product mix, at the request of customers. In 2008-2009 we began offering Fender Flares and Bedcaps in Black ABS. It has helped round out our product offering as a company. Stampede’s business has increased in all categories of the products we offer and we believe this will stay strong for years to come.
What do you think the aftermarket industry will look like in five years?
The aftermarket is constantly changing and evolving. As manufactures, we must first listen to the needs of our customers, recognize the coming changes, and finally react to the changes, so we can continue to grow with the industry.
The Stampede Camo Bug Shield
What has been your most popular product recently? Has it change compared to years past?
Stampede has enjoyed 10 years of record growth, so it is difficult to pick our most popular product. Although the Camoflauge and Chrome Truck Accessories were added over 10 years ago, they still remain two of our most popular lines with customers. Smoke Hood Protectors, Sidewind Deflectors and Black Fender Flares, Bedcaps are all strong, growing lines with our company. We do expect good results with the release of the Hood Armor line of accessories coming late summer 2011.
We believe that Stampede Products longevity in the market place can be attributed to many factors. Some of these factors include:
- Customer Service is Key. We believe that customer service extends from the office to the manufacturing facility, and customers report back to us that they appreciate the personal touch we add in this area of business.
- Quality Products. We work very hard to design and sell only the best quality products. Automotive products that are adhered to the outside of the vehicle take tons of abuse from the weather and road conditions. We use only the toughest, UV Stable products available to ensure the products function well as well as look good for years!
- Creative New Products. New product development helps Stampede remain on top in their category.
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We here at RealTruck can’t help but agree! It’s why we enjoy carrying the Stamped line. The only thing Deb forgot to mention was the lifetime limited warranty they offer on most of their products. You can’t beat that.
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Posted on March 9th, 2011
Kay Why Dee
While only being on the scene for four years, Prestige Fender Flares has been bringing their unique look and easy to install design to the truck accessory market like pros. Offering three designs – OE, Wide and Rivet Style, Prestige competes in the automotive accessory market by offering a product that is made of durable material, ready to paint (if needed) and a five year warranty. Although, you’ll find the Prestige Fender Flare is made so well, you won’t have to familiarize yourself with that warranty.
We spoke with Jim Wortham, the Vice President of Sales at Prestige, about how being the new to the game can be a challenge for an experienced team of car and truck accessory manufacturers
What kind of challenges have you been facing being so new to the market?
Our primary challenge is due to the fact that we’re the ”new guys on the block”. We’re playing catch-up to the competition that’s been around for many years. BUT, we are rapidly closing in on them!
What new products or developments does Prestige have coming out?
New flare applications for the Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra, JEEP, 2011 Ford Super Duty and others will come available throughout 2011.
Sounds like you guys keep on top of the new model releases. How do you think Prestige has changed the aftermarket accessory industry?
Prestige Fender Flares has changed the aftermarket fender flare business in several ways – here are the most noticeable:
- A high quality product at a much more affordable price.
- Larger “on hand” inventory levels of product enabling PFF to fill orders quicker than the competition.
- The choice of 2 finishes for all flare applications – standard (smooth) or textured - NO other flare manufacturer offers this!
What do you think the future holds for your product?
Jim Wortham, Vice President of Sales at Prestige
Our product line and brand is becoming more recognized and accepted everyday - in a very competitive arena we have focused on the cumulative needs of our customers and they’re giving us the opportunity to show them how different we are from the others.
What do you think the aftermarket industry will look like in ten years?
The automotive aftermarket will remain a vibrant industry for many years to come. Consumers are keeping their vehicle longer, taking better care of them and definitely personalizing their ride. From wiper blades & oil changes to custom wheels and other accessories – the future looks great!
Jim has some great insight regarding the consumer mindset. People are definitely keeping their vehicles for the long haul. They’re also taking the time to make upgrades to ensure the long term value, trade in value, look and overall functionality of the truck remains top grade. Prestige Fender Flares’ low profile design is a truck accessory that improves the look of your vehicle while protecting it from rock and other debris that may chip your paint.
RealTruck.com always offers free shipping* on fender flares and low pricing. Check out our current savings!
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Posted on February 14th, 2011
The Herrick
Bully Dog is a leader in the manufacturing of numerous performance products including programmers, air intakes and exhausts. Today I am going to take you through a quick tour of their products.
Bully Dog Performance Chips
Bully Dog Triple Dog GT Performance Chip – This bad boy offers up to 4 performance settings and is able to match current driving settings with power levels to obtain optimum horsepower and torque. It is equipped with a full color monitor, which displays a wide range of parameters and acts as a tuner for making drive train adjustments and clearing diagnostic codes. This chip was designed to increase performance and give you better fuel economy.
Bully Dog PMT Performance Chip – This is a on the fly downloader, gauge and monitor rolled into one revolutionary package. It gives you the option to use as a touch screen or push button navigation. The full color screen is enhanced with the best contrast and resolution of any screen in the industry and will rival the competition. This bad boy offers free internet upgrades and will optimize performance and horsepower as well as bettering your fuel economy.
Bully Dog WatchDog Performance Chip – This performance chip studies your driving habits and makes suggestions on what you can do to improve your driving technique. It offers a full color LCD screen and a gauge monitor that can display up to 20 different parameters. This performance chip is designed to enhance horsepower and torque as well as improve your fuel economy.
Bully Dog 6 Position Performance Chip For Ford Powerstroke – Designed to increase horsepower and torque as well as enhancing tranny shifting. It features 6 different settings including high idle, valet, stock, +50hp, +75hp and 110hp. If you want to optimize horsepower, torque and better your fuel economy on your Ford Powerstroke, this chip is for you.
Bully Dog Exhausts and Mufflers
Bully Dog Exhaust Tips – Throw some bling onto your factory exhaust. These exhaust tips are available in either stainless steel or ceramic, offering corrosion resistance. Both finishes look great and will enhance any 4″-5″ exhaust system.
Bully Dog Rapid Flow Turbo Back Diesel Exhausts – These exhaust systems add horsepower and offer a full body sound. They are available in 2 different finishes including ceramic coated stainless steel and aluminum. By offering the lowest degree of mandrel bends providing a free flowing an unobstructed path for gas to escape. The Bully Dog exhausts not only look and sound great, but they also add 20 more horsepower.
Bully Dog Air Intakes
Bully Dog Rapid Flow Induction (RFI) Air Intakes – The Bully Dog air intake system was designed to increase your engines breathing capabilities. They are going to increase your horsepower, torque, fuel efficiency all the while decreasing gas temperatures. The lifetime reusable 4″ cotton filter is going to keep dust, dirt and other debris out, while allowing a steady flow of air to enter.
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Posted on January 10th, 2011
The Herrick
RealTruck.com is proud to offer aFe to anyone looking to add HP & power to almost any vehicle out there.
aFe carries many different products including:
- aFe Air Filters
1. aFe magnum Force Air Intake Replacement Air Filters
2. aFe Magnum Force Air Intake Pre-Filters
3. aFe OE Direct Fit Stock Replacement Air Filters
4. aFe Torque Booster Air Intake Tube
- aFe Air Intakes
1. aFe Magnum Force Stage 2 Cold Air Intakes
2. aFe Magnum Force Pro Dry S Cold Air Intakes
3. aFe Magnum Force Stage 1 Cold Air Intakes
4. aFe Super Stock Air Intake
- Exhaust and Mufflers
1. aFe Large Bore 4″ HD Diesel Exhausts
2. aFe Mach Force XP Exhaust Systems
3. aFe Diesel Straight Flow Exhaust Mufflers
4. aFe Diesel Exhaust Tip
- Throttle Body Spacers
1. aFe Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer
These products are all designed using the latest in technological advances to give you the most bang for your buck. From air intakes to trottle body spacers, aFe products are going to add HP and performance to your diesel truck as well as your stock race car.
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