By Ian Harwood

The successful collaboration between Ford and Harley-Davidson has produced ten F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. Ford has sold more than 70,000 Ford Harley-Davidson F-series trucks since the brands teamed up in 1999.

Looks:

This truck will definitely stand out. The front end features a six-bar billet style grille with the classic Ford blue oval in the centre. The headlights are trimmed in black and the driving lights are recessed into the bumper. The fender trim gives the appearance that the truck has been lowered but it has not. The factory 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted accents and the Harley-Davidson logo on the centre cap help to achieve this look. This vehicle incorporates a fully retractable running board that can be found on the Platinum series F-150. It gives it a clean appearance when the doors are closed and the practicality of a step when the doors are open. New graphics on the bodyside of the truck are done in a unique snakeskin texture. The snakeskin is inspired by tank inserts on premium-level Harley-Davidson motorcycles and also comes into play in the interior. The truck box features chrome lettering spelling out Harley-Davidson along the top just like the Lincoln pickup. The paint selection for this truck is tuxedo black and white platinum tri-coat, marking the first year white has been offered.

In The Cab:

Interior trim panels are covered in high-gloss Tuxedo black paint, while the console lid and upper steering wheel carry the snakeskin leather. The kick plates found in the door sills are brushed aluminum with a snakeskin texture. All interior chrome surfaces feature a satin finish. Premium snakeskin leather-trimmed seats come with accent colour inserts and a unique cloisonné badge. These badges are produced by the same company that makes badges for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The console has a limited-edition serialized plate which includes laser-engraved VIN and build numbers. Standard on these trucks are the 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen that offers a range of menu options, giving the customer important information on everything from fuel economy to towing performance. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and the screen is positioned between the tachometer and the speedometer. The voice-activated navigation system integrates several functions, including climate control and SiriusXM satellite radio, into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch screen.

Power:

Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the 6.2-litre V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore technology to produce impressive horsepower and torque. The gasoline engine delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque and provides a trailer towing capacity of 3,400 kilograms. This engine has a SOHC valvetrain with roller rocker shafts that allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing. Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel efficiency and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions. Due to the larger bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque

Are you are like me and wonder why in a time where every politician can’t wait to tell us about how they support “green” and “environmental responsible” initiatives, but are so slow to embrace the electric powered car?

Currently only Ontario has an active rebate program in place to compensate those who take the step of owning one of these vehicles. The program provides rebates up to $8,500 dependant the battery size but sadly limits the first 10,000 applicants who qualify. You also then qualify for a special green-coloured licence plate that allow PEV owners to travel in the province’s carpool lanes until 2015 regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. Owners can also use recharging stations at GO Transit and other provincial parking lots at no charge. In January 2012, Quebec has earmarked 50 million dollars for a similar program but will reduce the maximum rebate slowly each year until the fund runs out. There is also a ceiling of 10,000 for all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and 5,000 for conventional hybrids.

In BC politicians are all giddy for bike lanes (even though in many parts it rains 200 days a year)  spending millions on their development, but just this month announced that after years of pressure from special interest group a rebate for clean energy vehicle owners. Sadly it pales in comparison to their provincial counterparts as the maximum rebate is $5,000 and the total fund only consists of 17 million dollars. Strange that in a city like Vancouver where every taxi is some sort of hybrid the government doesn’t see the real value of getting into low emission vehicles.

After recently driving the Nissan Leaf I must say I’m a convert. It is the perfect vehicle for those that drive under 150 km a day want to save money on fuel and reduce their carbon footprint.

Hope fully governments of the day can also be converted and put more financial support and less lip service towards their green image.

Have a great holiday season and until next year…Keep it Rollin’.

Most kids dread the thought of the summer coming to an end. As the days grow shorter it is a clear sign that back-to-school is right around the corner. For me, I always used to look forward to summer’s end, as it meant the opening of the Pacific National Exhibition (or PNE for short) and more importantly, the rides! The Rollercoaster and Bumper Cars were by far my favourites, as I loved the speed of the old wooden coaster and the thrill of being behind the wheel of a car! Well, it wasn’t technically a car, but it had a gas pedal and a steering wheel so it felt like one to me. They were also super expensive to go on as it was long before the days of All-Day Passes. Years later, I would still go on the rides with my kids and although it was fun, it was not quite the same thrill as when I was young.

Recently I had an opportunity to spend a day out a local track courtesy of Porsche Canada to whip around in three new models of theirs (Cayman R,  Carrera GTS Cabriolet and a brand spanking new Carrera S). The event is designed for companies and individuals who want to put their vehicles through their paces in a controlled track setting. The cost for the day is $250 which includes guidance from the six certified instructors on hand, at least four sessions on the track and a tasty lunch. Morrisport Advanced Driving, who coordinated the day, are the same folks who put on the event Budd Stanley reported on in the Speed & Sound section a few issues ago.

Like Budd, I went through an extremely informative hour-long classroom session and then spent several laps in the passenger seat going around the half-mile track with my excellent instructor and legendary race car driver, Tony Morris Sr. He showed me where and when to brake, where I should be looking and when to pin the accelerator to the mat. By my sixth or seventh lap, he told me I was a natural…but I think he just wanted me to write something nice about him…mission accomplished Tony!

Not only do you learn a heck of a lot about handling a car and get a great workout, it is a rush like no other. Climbing to speeds of 200 km/h down the straightaway and then hammering on the brakes before stuffing it into the corner sends a rush through your whole body.

It is a day any enthusiast with a sports car should consider trying at least once. It’s a bit more than that all-day pass at the fair, but a thousand times the thrill!

Until next issue…Keep it Rollin’

It is hard to believe that visual systems have only been around in passenger vehicles for a few short years. In the late 1990s the only place you would find them were in garbage trucks and recreation vehicles. A few years later, luxury cars began adopting the technology and nowadays, they are found in most any model depending on which option package it has.

Each month we have at least six vehicles that come into our test fleet, so it gives us a great feel for the overall scope of what is available in today’s marketplace. And what is available today are vehicles that are extremely difficult to see out the back end of. In the past, poor visibility came as a result of owning a sports car or two-door coupe. Now, with the introductions of the SUVs, CUVs and light trucks in particular, the back end seems a whole lot further back than ever.

In the U.S., an advocacy group called Kids and Cars says that every week at least fifty children are backed over and that at least two of those incidents are fatal. This is why I believe the back-up cameras and sensor packages should become mandatory safety equipment in all passenger vehicles. Yes, you read that correctly….safety equipment. There is talk of cameras being mandatory in some vehicles by 2014, but I believe both should be considered mandatory safety equipment.

Governments and manufacturers have implemented some great safety features such as airbags that save lives in the case of collisions, but many could be avoided with the simple implementation of visual and sensor equipment. The vehicles that come into our fleet generally are of the full-load variety, so when one comes in without a backup camera, you quickly realize how much guessing goes into reversing. With front and rear motion sensors, they not only help to alert you when you are getting too close to a stationary object, but also when something is moving in the path of the vehicle.

These products would, of course, add to the purchase price of new vehicles, but if consumers realized the incredible safety benefits, I’m sure they would agree it is a small price to pay.

If your vehicle doesn’t have a back-up camera already, consider installing an aftermarket one. There are many on the market that start at just over hundred bucks and go up from there, and are available in both wired and wireless configurations. It will truly give you that extra peace of mind every time you put the gear shifter into “R”.

Until next issue….Keep it Rollin’.

Great Idea for Convenience….Not The Green Factor

Each day I receive anywhere between ten and fifty news and product releases from different manufacturers and service companies that are spreading the word about how fantastic their respective company is performing or perhaps the next latest or greatest thing coming to the marketplace. Some end up in our Starting Lines feature or the New Product section, but a good number contain information that is only suitable for that special place we call “Deleted Items” as they contain information that no one outside their own company or  saythe free world has any interest in, much less are about. Things that rank rate right up there with our friends on Facebook  who take the time  to let us know they are “…in transit heading to work” or “…is ready for bath time”.

One that escaped going to that special place was from Daimler North America that displayed the subject line, “car2go Comes to Canada”. The people that bring you the smart fortwo announce that in June, 2011 Vancouver would become the first Canadian city to launch its car2go mobility service program with 225 environmentally compatible smart car2go edition vehicles. car2go was initially launched three years ago in Ulm, Germany, and then a year later in Austin, Texas. So far they have more than 35,000 customers in the two cities and there have been more than 600,000 fully automated rental transactions.

What’s really cool about this program is that unlike traditional car sharing programs, the car2go is free-floating, and not station-based. Their vehicles are distributed throughout the city and can be accessed on-demand or reserved for up to 24 hours in advance. Members can use the car2go smartphone apps, website or a telephone hotline to find the nearest vehicle within the 47-square-kilometre pickup and drop-off area. They can use the vehicle for as long as they like, without having a specific return time or return location. Rental prices are 35 cents/minute, $12.99/hour or $65.99/day which includes fuel, parking, mileage, insurance, maintenance, cleaning, GPS navigation and a 24/7 telephone support. Pretty cheap if you consider a twenty minute trip which takes you from one side of the city to the other would run you $7.00. Way cheaper than a cab…that is if you could find one!

The release played up the “Green Factor” but the true benefit is really the “Convenience Factor” as most of the people that will utilize this service most likely don’t own a car anyway.

Until next issue…Keep it Rollin’

Ford F-150

By Ian Harwood

Have you ever looked at something and said to yourself, “I wish I invented that”? Well, Ford’s competitors are saying that right now in their respective boardrooms. The Eco-Boost engine could turn out to be a game changer. It has propelled Ford Motor Company to the front of the pack.

Looks:

The 2011 Ford F-150 has received some major changes under the hood, but cosmetically it has remained the same.

In The Cab:

The back-up camera that is integrated into the rear view mirror has been increased in size.

This will help when hooking up to your trailer. I felt the older version was a little small and I’m glad they made this improvement. The instrument panel now has a built-in inclinometer that helps you judge your angle, especially when you’re towing a larger trailer. You can now have the option of locking out the higher gears on the transmission by pressing the minus button on the shifter while in drive.

Safety first:

The F-150 features standard Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags, Advance-Trac with roll stability control, and front seat-mounted air bags called “K-bag” that help improve side impact protection.

Power:

The F-150 gives you a choice of four engines.

The entry level engine is a 3.7L V6 that produces 302 horsepower while still maintaining good fuel economy. Twin independent variable camshafts, a forged steel crankshaft and six-bolt bearing caps give a strong powertrain that can produce a lot of torque at low revs.

The 5.0L V8 also uses twin variable camshafts for torque at low speeds and can produce up to 360 horsepower with 380 lb-ft of torque.

Stripped from the Super-Duty engine compartment, the 6.2L V8 is now available in the F-150. This cast iron block engine can produce a whopping 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine found in the Ford Raptor.

Finally, there is the Eco-Boost engine. Lots of talk about this engine and how fuel efficient it is, but after testing it myself, I was thoroughly impressed with the amount of torque and power it had. I could pull out in traffic with a 2,900 kg weighted trailer with ease and get up to cruising speed in very little time. This twin-turbo 3.7L V6 engine uses the same technology found in the turbodiesel truck engines. Water-cooled turbochargers, piston cooling jets and oil cooler all help this engine perform in a wide torque band while delivering 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

Roadworthy:

Ford brought its traveling road show to Vancouver with four F-150s featuring all the engines in the line-up. They set up shop at Pitt Meadows Airport and gave me a chance to experience these vehicles in a variety of situations. I drove all four and two of their competitor vehicles, a Chevy ½-ton and a Ram 1500 Hemi. The first exercise was a straight-line drag race. I ended up with a faster time on the Eco-Boost than I did with the 6.2L, which made me surprised. After all vehicles were tested, I honestly have to say the Ram 1500 had the best time. I drove it again just to make sure and I had the same result. Next up was the trailering exercise. I hooked up the 2,900 kg trailer and proceeded out on the highway. After trying all vehicles including the Chevy and Dodge, I found the Eco-Boost V6 to have the fastest acceleration and the most torque.

Verdict:

I encourage everyone to try out the F-150 with Eco-Boost and see for yourself. Let me know what you think.

Sticker price:

Starting at $19,999

Pump frequency:

3.5L V6 Eco-Boost  12.9/9.0 L/100 km (City/Highway)

3.7L V6   12.8/8.9 L/100 km (City/Highway)

5.0L V8  13.9/9.7 L/100 km (City/Highway)

6.2L V8 16.9/11.4 L/100 km (City/Highway)

Warranty support:

3 Year/ 60,000 km Basic

5 year / 100,000 km Powertrain

24-hour roadside assistance

By Dean Washington

I had the opportunity to take in my first NASCAR Sprint Cup race recently when I attended the Kobalt Tools 400 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I had been to a Nationwide Series race once before, but that was on the road course at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, so I was excited at the opportunity to see the action on a mile-and-a-half oval.

Ten of us in all made our way down to the desert for a weekend of fun and racing, and we got that and more. I travel to Sin City for conventions regularly, but rarely stay for the weekend. I now know what I’ve been missing….especially when the boys are in town.

There were signs of NASCAR everywhere. And I guess for good reason. The speedway holds 137,000 spectators and every seat was sold. And you can imagine that ninety percent of them were from somewhere else, so the party was on! No matter where you went it was a sea of Junior, Stewart and Gordon merchandise. We spent a night down at the Fremont Street experience and it felt like one big tailgate party.

The race, though, was still the highlight of the weekend. The neat thing about oval racing is there always seems to be some drama. Unlike many forms of racing, like Formula One, there is rarely a time when a driver runs away with the race after the first lap. This race was no exception as Tony Stewart just fell short of tracking down Carl Edwards for the checkered flag.

The only slight blemish on the day was the four hours it took to make the usual 45-minute bus trip back to the strip. Standing in a line for over two hours would have been annoying if we had not just experienced the feeling of over one hundred thousand people standing on their feet cheering every time the race was set to go green. It still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

Until next issue…Keep it Rollin’

By Ian Harwood

There are several reasons why people might customize their vehicles with suspension lift kits, and there is quite a bit to know before you get started. Installing a lift kit requires some hard work, along with some mechanical experience.

Installation: Many manufacturers offer manuals for installing lift kits onto certain vehicles; however, some installations are quite intricate, requiring some welding or cutting in order to add some necessary components. In this case, having a mechanic or a few knowledgeable friends around will help make the job go smoother.

Additional Modifications: Upgrading to taller tires also means that a number of components may require part upgrades or some tuning to compensate. For instance, a truck’s engine is tuned for specific gear ratios to propel the vehicle. When adding taller tires, the gear ratios must be changed accordingly, since the engine has to spin much larger, heavier tires. You will also be required to purchase a speedometer recalibration tool, so you have an accurate reading. Again, consult with more experienced individuals for further insight.

Highway Driving: Larger, wider tires can sometimes result in instability on roads or a noisy, uncomfortable ride, particularly at high speeds. Also, more aggressive off road tires tend to wear faster on the highway and traction might not be as great as you would expect on wet roads.

Weight: Larger tires are heavier, which can put a lot of strain on your suspension, particularly if it is a stock suspension. Trusted, durable suspension components and lighter aluminum wheels can sometimes help to reduce the strain.

Handling: Adding truck suspension lift kits will undoubtedly raise the vehicle’s centre of gravity, resulting in less-stable turns. This is a common issue when installing lift kits, but is mostly just a matter of becoming accustomed to a vehicle’s change in performance.

Legality: Some suspension lift kits are such a serious change in your suspension system that it may not be legal. Check the suspension regulations within your province to be sure.

A Few Useful Accessories: Before installing a lift kit, it’s a good idea to first examine if any components will be affected by your vehicle’s new height. Here are a few useful accessories that may need to be upgraded:

Brakes: Stock brakes do not always accommodate larger tires, or will wear easily due to the added strain.

Drivetrain and Differential: Axles, gears, differential covers, lockers and more ensure that your drivetrain is up to par with your suspension.

Replacement Parts: Longer Control Arms and Track Bars to compensate for the additional height of your truck.

Shocks: For those taller lifts, longer shocks will ensure the smoothest performance both on and off road.

Other Parts: Steering linkage, slip yoke, drive shaft length, u-joint angle, and brake lines are all worthy of consideration before installing suspension lift kits.

Search the internet. There are many sites which offer complete instructions on various suspension lifts. You can download a copy before you make the purchase, and know exactly what is involved.

By Dean Washington

It is not often in the event business that, after a show is moved from a city or meets its demise, it has a chance in hell of being resurrected. I know, Montreal got back its Formula One race, but more fall into the distant memory column rather than the one that seems be filling up in a disproportionate amount over the past few years…gone forever.

Enthusiasts all over Canada have had that empty feeling inside on many occasions after losing what seems like event after event. I can still remember that feeling like it was yesterday when word came down that Vancouver had lost its Indy race to Edmonton, especially knowing that it was a slim-to-none chance we would ever see racing on the streets of Vancouver ever again.

I had a similar feeling last year when word came down that the Langley Good Times Cruise-In had been canceled. Sure, there is no shortage of shows to attend over the course of the year. In a 20-mile radius from my home, I can attend multiple show & shines and swap meets each weekend from May through to September, but big events like this that draw the large crowds are getting tougher and tougher to find.

So when I recently got the call from the Cruise-in’s president, Riccardo Sestito, that the show was coming back in 2011, I couldn’t have been more pleased. It seems like the committee had worked out the issues with the city and law enforcement that seem be tops on the list of show killers – safety and liability. Although it appears that it may be a slightly smaller version of its former self, Sestito promises the September event that in the past drew over 100,000 spectators per show will still be as grand as the previous thirteen before.

I guess sometimes there is life after death after all!

Until next issue…Keep it Rollin’

By Ian Harwood

The days are getting shorter, the air is getting colder, and the rain has started. I know most of us would like to pack up and head south for a warmer climate, but that is not always possible. It is time to start thinking about storing that recreational vehicle, off-road buggy, camper, or second vehicle. There are a few things to know before parking it and walking away.

First, fill the gas tank up full. This will help eliminate any moisture build-up in the tank. Also put a bit of fuel stabilizer in with the gas. Wash and clean the vehicle very well. Scrub underneath the vehicle as much as possible and get any mud, dirt, or grass off. These will cause rust if left for a long period of time. Give the vehicle a good coat of wax and vacuum the interior. Be sure to clean all the nooks and crannies and under the seats so nothing is left, including that French fry lodged between the seat; you would be surprised what that can turn into after six months. Wipe all rubber parts and seals with a rubber dressing to stop them from drying out and cracking. Change the engine oil before you store it and let the engine run for a bit to make sure all the internal components receive the new oil. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean properly. You may remove the battery for the season or purchase a battery charger that delivers only a charge when needed.

If the vehicle is going to be outside, do not cover it up with a tarp. This can cause damage to the paint if exposed to strong winds. If you can put it under a roof or car port, that would be better. Of course, nothing would be better than storing it in a garage. In a garage you could cover it with a proper vehicle cover that can breathe and help keep the dust off. It is a good idea to place a pan under the engine or a garage mat to stop any potential leaks that can make a mess of your garage floor.

Spray a lubricant on the brake rotors to keep the moisture off and help reduce rust. Spray hinges, crevices, and anything shiny with a coating of WD-40 to prevent rusting. This can be wiped off in the spring with a degreaser. Stuff the exhaust pipe with steel wool. Rodents would love a place like this for the winter. Check to see if the antifreeze is still strong, otherwise change it. If it is an RV you are storing, you must flush the water and sewer lines out with RV antifreeze. Fill your washer fluid container with winter washer fluid to prevent freezing and cracking of the fluid container.

Next you’ll need to decide whether to raise the vehicle for storage or leave it sitting on the ground. Flat spots on the tires used to be the main reason to store a vehicle raised off the ground, but with modern-day tires, this has become less of an issue. Generally, if the vehicle is only parked for the winter, storing it on the ground should be fine. Over-inflating your tires by 5-8 pounds can help prevent flat spotting over the winter. If you are raising it off the ground, your next decision is whether or not to remove the wheels. Some people prefer to remove the wheels when storing a vehicle, rather than have them in a high traffic garage area where they can be damaged. Adjust your insurance accordingly.

Call your insurance agent and let them know the vehicle has been stored. They can recommend the appropriate amount of insurance. If you’re putting your “winter beater” vehicle on the road, be sure to reinstate the insurance policy for it as well.

Ian Harwood is the manager of Custom Truck Parts in Surrey, BC and has over 20 years experience in the truck accessory business. You can contact him at ian@rpmcanada.ca