Automotive Business

Archive for June, 2011

A fifth wheel trailer is a type of camper that is towed by a truck with a special hitch. It provides accommodations for sleeping, bathing and dining. This type of trailer is a great way to provide all the comforts of home while traveling or camping. There are standard models available that provide all the necessary facilities for living short term. There are also luxury models that are quite elegant and spacious and are perfect for people who decide to RV full time.

Fifth wheel prices can range from fairly inexpensive to very pricey depending on the size and amenities included. Smaller units can start at around $10,000.00 for a new model and provide adequate living and dining areas. Luxury models can exceed $100,000 and can be quite spacious. These are homes away from home and may include televisions, Internet capabilities, living areas, bedrooms, luxury kitchens and dining areas, and fully equipped bathrooms. The casual traveler can get away with a smaller model with no problem but people who travel often and want to travel in style often choose more luxurious accommodations so they can travel in style.

Although fifth wheels are more expensive than travel trailers, many people prefer fifth wheels because they are much easier to tow. Because a fifth wheel is hitched in the bed of your truck, there is more stability than with a travel trailer which is hooked on the back of a truck of SUV. People who have towed both travel trailers and fifth wheels say it can be difficult to pull a travel trailer, especially in windy conditions, because the trailer will sway from side-to-side. Fifth wheels will have little to no sway, making them easier to tow and less detrimental to your gas mileage.

Choose what your minimum requirements are and compare those with your budget. You may be able to get more amenities at a lower cost by purchasing a used fifth wheel. You should also consider how the fifth wheel will be towed. The type of vehicle used may determine the maximum weight allowed which will affect your decision. Shop around at local dealers and do research on the Internet for the models that will suit your needs.

Buying a fifth wheel is like buying a home or car. They are investments and care should be taken in picking the right one for your needs. Shop multiple dealers and look at several models before deciding on the one you want. Make a visual inspection first to determine if the amenities are what you want and need. Get a list of all the equipment and features included and compare all of them. Make sure it comes with a warranty to cover any maintenance and repairs that may be needed.

These vehicles depreciate quickly so purchasing used ones can be a great value. However, make sure you are getting a quality vehicle. Check the Internet for consumer reports on makes and models. Check every aspect of the fifth wheel for use, wear and damage. Many newer models that are well cared for will be ideal for your use and will not cost as much as a new one.

The important aspect about buying a fifth wheel is to take your time. Research your options. Ask friends or those you know who have purchased them. Get consumer reports on individual models to determine which ones hold up the longest and have the best resale value. Compare prices to be sure you are getting the most features for the best price.

The power of the subconscious mind is an amazing thing. The use of images to create what some call a wheel of fortune or a dream wheel can be a very powerful tool to manifest desires into your life if you choose to use it.

Ready? Alright, let’s get manifesting. On a large piece of cardboard or poster board draw a circle in the middle, about 1/4 quarter of the size of the board. In this circle place a picture of your higher power, whatever it may be for you, ie, God, Allah, the universe, your creator. This is to be the hub of your board, your divine intelligence, your supplier so to speak.

Next divide your wheel into 4 equal parts. Then label each section for an area of your life that you would like to manifest to. Examples are, financial or business, spiritual, family, social or recreational. You can use your own. In each section place pictures of things you desire to manifest. You can get these images from magazine, the internet, etc. For example, if you would like a new home for your family, search for a picture of the home you would like to manifest and place it in the family section. Feel free to write affirmations or time frames near each picture. You could write something like “My Supplier, creator, etc., will manifest this home to us by a date of your choice. Or whatever words feel right, and strong to you. Do this for each section of your dream board.

Take your time on this project and make sure the pictures represent strongly your truest desires as closely as possible. This is such a fun and powerful exercise.

Finally, place your wheel of fortune where you can see it as often as possible to let the power of the subconscious mind work, and let the images sink in. Perhaps placing it near a desk or a place you spend a lot of time at. Make sure you look at it each morning when you awake and each evening before you go to bed for the best results. Believe and watch the dreams start to come true. It may not happen over night, but if you stick to this powerful exercise you will eventually manifest what you desire in your lives. It’s worked for so many others, and it has worked for me personally. I have been through a few boards already, and it is always fun to create new ones.

Here are a couple of good book recommendations that will enhance this experience for you. “The Power of the Subconscious Mind” by Joseph P. Murphy, PHD (unleashes the power of the subconscious) and “The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity” by Catherine Ponder. (includes a section on building your wheel of fortune.)

I would love to hear your comments and your success stories.

To your success,

Terry Poster

Alloy Wheel Repair: Depends on Extent of Damage to Alloy Wheels

Alloy wheels can make a big difference in a car or motorcycle, with improved handling and a beautiful appearance. Because of this, enthusiasts have been upgrading to larger wheels for years, replacing basic steel wheels and hubcaps to set a vehicle apart from others and to provide a smoother ride.

The staging area at the repair facility.To capitalize on this trend, manufacturers have begun to change their styling to appeal to consumer demand for larger and flashier wheels, equipping even everyday vehicles like SUVs, compact cars, vans and motorcycles with larger-diameter alloy wheels.

While they look great, alloy wheels present a problem. Wheels from European manufacturers like Volvo, as well as 2- and 3-piece wheels, like BBS, tend to be soft and are more easily damaged. When they are damaged – bent or curbed, among other potential issues – do you need to completely replace them?

Replacing your wheels – through a dealer or local performance wheel shop – can cost hundreds of dollars and take days, depending on the severity of the damage.

Repair vs. Replace

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. Because replacing a factory wheel can range from $350 to $2,000 per wheel (for some Porsche wheels), those who didn’t want to invest in wheel replacement from a dealer began asking about having them “bent” back out – and the wheel rim repair industry was born.

So long as safety isn’t an issue (that is, when a wheel can be repaired by a professional technician without jeopardizing the lives of the passengers relying on the wheel to do its job), then alloy wheel repair is an excellent choice for economy and cosmetic restoration. But when a wheel has been damaged severely, Metro Wheels will not compromise your safety: if there’s any question, we’ll err on the side of not repairing what could lead to serious injury.

Our Team of Experts

Metro Wheel’s repair facilityOne of the better-known alloy wheel repair businesses in the country is Metro Wheels, Inc. in Marietta, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Metro has one of the largest wheel repair facilities and wheel networking capacity in the country, with the expert team to repair alloy wheels quickly and safely.

At Metro Wheels, we teamed up with the sharpest engineers to design a state-of-the-art wheel repair facility. Our repair processes assure 95-100% wheel accuracy at completion.

Wheel repair in many areas has been saturated with many companies claiming that they can fix any wheel. But the truth is that many of them are “fly by the night” companies with a sledgehammer and a torch. This is not the proper way to fix any wheel. Some can make the wheel unsafe by not properly applying consistent pressures in a specific way with an exact heat. They stress crack the wheel beyond safety standards and call it a repaired wheel. But you could be jeopardizing your safety and that of your family by using someone without proper experience.

Because we have been in business for over 15 years, our experience in alloy wheel repairs exceeds most shops’. Our aluminum wheel repair specialists can repair most wheels that have been curbed, scraped up, cracked or chemically damaged, providing excellence in both structural and cosmetic repairs; and our professional, certified welders are second to none.

Checking the wheelMetro Wheels uses its own engineered equipment and guaranteed processes to return damaged, scraped and, in most cases, cracked wheels back to their original factory specifications. Because your safety is our highest priority, we will not repair any alloy wheel that cannot be safely ridden on after repair.

Metro Wheels’ Repair Process

The repair process is straightforward. First, we mount the wheel accurately on a vehicle simulator. With the proper heat, consistent hydraulic pressure and light vibrations under pressure, the alloy wheel will move – without cracking – back to its original condition. If there is a crack that can’t be seen by the naked eye (under chrome or paint), it will instantly pop out; our certified welders will then fill and repair the crack. After the wheel has cooled, it will retain its original strength. Heat, consistent pressure and vibration are key to an excellent wheel repair.

detailing areaWhen a wheel is delivered to Metro Wheels, it is either dropped off by the owner, shipped in or picked up in the metro Atlanta area from our wholesale customers. We generate a work order for each individual wheel detailing the customer’s information and any special instructions. Each wheel is assigned a unique work order number that is engraved on the inside of the rim, so that Metro can track its history precisely. This number also makes it much easier to track the wheel throughout the repair process.

Once identified, each wheel is washed thoroughly to remove all brake dust, because the dust could be hiding additional scratches, gouges or cracks. Metro uses a pressure washer system with a diluted acid-based cleaning compound that will not damage a wheel’s existing finish.

wheel washerThis is particularly important because brake dust removal is essential to determining the level of damage to a wheel. But it must be done correctly, because wheels with a polished or anodized finish can be damaged if the wrong washing compound is used. For instance, a two-piece wheel with a bright lip that is not chromed is typically an anodized finish, a chemical treatment that is very hard to see. If the wrong cleaner or acid is used on such a finish, the wheel surface will be streaked; however, this anodized finish can be stripped off and any scratches buffed out.

Once thoroughly cleaned, one of our expert technicians performs a complete inspection of the wheel for radial and lateral runout.

Radial runout is vertical, and Metro measures to see just how much the wheel is out of round with a micrometer gauge that measures to 1/1,000 of an inch. If a wheel has 5/1,000 of an inch radial runout, you could put a dial indicator on the wheel and then spin the wheel. The distance the wheel traveled up and down while spinning would be 5/1,000 of an inch both in the high and low position – or swing.

Lateral runout, on the other hand, is how much the damaged wheel will wobble from side to side. On some larger diameter wheels subjected to a hard pothole hit or curb, the wheel will be bent and, if hit hard enough, it will bend and twist the spokes. Most lateral runout can be corrected with pressure on the back of the wheel. But when the lateral runout cannot be corrected, the wheel is not repairable.

Lateral runout is the hardest type of repair to accomplish. It also happens to be the most deceptive, because while a wheel may look like it has only minor rim damage, it can actually be fairly significant and not easily seen to the naked eye unless the wheel is spinning. This is especially common on newer front-wheel-drive cars, where much of the force is cantilevered to the back.

The next point of inspection is for alloy defects such as curb rashes and cracks. Metro recommends that the tires be removed for this inspection because most damage cannot be seen otherwise.

Cracks can be Serious Business

Cracks are of particular importance, because they are the single most common type of damage that can leave a wheel beyond repair. When a wheel bends near the base of a spoke, haze marks in the finish can sometimes be seen and indicate cracks. Because repairing a wheel is not always best in a particular situation, it is important that the wheel is thoroughly examined.

# We value your safety above everything else and, for that reason, Metro Wheels considers a wheel to be irreparable if cracks appear: Near the base of a spoke# Near the lug area# On the inner lip of the wheel away from the spokes. (But if a crack is smaller in size, this type of damage is usually salvageable.)

Cracks are particularly common on chrome-plated wheels, where the chroming process tends to render the wheel more brittle than a standard-finish wheel. Sometimes, if a chrome wheel is bent severely, the chrome has to be removed because there can be cracks underneath the chrome. In the case of a cracked chrome wheel, Metro will grind the chrome out and re-weld it.

Finally, we inspect for finish defects, searching out poor paint finish or additional scuffs and scratches.

Once fully inspected, all information is added to the wheel’s work order. Metro then confirms the cost of the work with the customer and remarks on other items that might be involved, such as valve stem types, tire mounting and any other details. Once approved by the customer, work begins.

Color and Finishes the Way You Want

paint boothIf the wheel needs refinishing, it is first stripped using an acrylic medium similar to sand. This medium is superior to steel shot or metal oxide, which are more commonly used. Though they remove the finish more quickly and are cheaper, they also rough up the surface and tear away some of the metal. This is particularly destructive when you want to retain any original cast markings that the manufacturer has displayed.

The wheel is placed in a blast cabinet with circulating plastic beads, removing the finish without removing metal. But we do not do this in every situation, because old paint is always the best primer base. We will sometimes fill in the existing finish, prep the surface and cover it with new paint.

The next step in the process is straightening the wheel. This removes the majority of the damage as well as any side-to-side wobble.

After straightening, our welders rebuild the outer lip and repair any scrapes or cracks. Metro uses a Tig welding process which matches the base alloy with the weld alloy. The weld is then ground down or relathed and renders the wheel back to its original condition.

Metro typically returns the wheel to 1-10/1,000 of an inch, where factory tolerances are typically 15/1,000 of an inch radial runout. (For comparison, approximately 25/1,000 of an inch can be detected by the human eye.)

Once the wheel is true, it is time to refinish, re-machine or re-polish the wheel. Metro uses a computer color-matching system to match the factory paint finish. If the color is not on file, our painters can match by eye, or deliver a custom finish that is white, anthracite or matched to the owner’s specifications.

paint mixing areaMetro backs its wheel finishes with a limited lifetime warranty provided by the paint manufacturer. We assure that the wheel will be free of material defect. While this warranty does not cover previous repair wheel scraping or damage to the finish due to the use of improper cleaning chemicals or customer error, it does cover discoloration, fading or peeling for no reason.

If the wheel has a machined finish, it is put on a lathe. Metro has a wide array of CNC programs for most factory and many custom wheels. If we don’t have it in stock, our programmers can write the program needed to perform the exact cut.

Upon completion, each wheel is subjected to a final quality check. It is examined for runout and the finish is checked for dirt or dust in the paint, unevenness or orange peel. If everything checks out, the wheel is ready for tire mounting or delivery.

Mounting Your Repaired Wheels

bridgeportUpon request, Metro can mount your repaired tires. This is important because we can mount low profile tires without damaging the wheel. Some wheels are harder to install than others and it is not uncommon for wheel mounting facilities to damage a wheel during tire installation. There have been many times when we have sent out a wheel that looks great, but was re-damaged by an inexperienced tire tech.

Metro wheels can also repair your motorcycle wheel using the same process but on different machines. We accept motorcycle wheels without the tire mounted, and containing the barring. Generally, wire wheels do not repair as easily as alloy wheels. Metro will make some basic repairs to wire wheels but we ask that, if the wheel is substantially damaged, owners try to replace it instead – for your own safety.

In addition to repairing alloy wheels, Metro Wheels can replace wheels from our stock of more than 50,000 parts and even exchange wheels using our Core Exchange Program and wide network of sources.

With our available capabilities, Metro Wheels can also customize a set of wheels, or repair rare or out of production wheels. Polishing and chroming are two popular options, and we can provide just about any shade or color of painted finish.

Metro Wheels developed this intensive repair process through more than 15 years in the business. We are meticulous in providing alloy wheel repair that meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards – and you can rely on that.

Learn more about alloy wheel repair at Metro Wheels.

For all of you reading this article, there are 5 types of Aluminum Wheel Finishes:

1. Painted2. Polished3. Machined / Brushed Aluminum4. Two Toned5. Chrome

I’m here to clear up some confusion.. if you’re still wondering about them. You might want to take notes. Just kidding.

Painted Aluminum Wheels can come in Silver, Blue, Black, or pretty much any color that your little heart desires. The most common color is of course Silver, but I have seen some 2006 Ford Mustang Rims come in Blue! I know, right? But hey, it matches the car so it looks pretty good. Another painted finish is Hyper Silver. Okay, so you know how Silver is just like.. plain? Hyper Silver is Silver, but has a shine to it. Think of Silver as a person who meets regular standards & Hyper Silver as a person who goes above & beyond-which is why he shines so much. Got it? Get it? Good.

The polished finish is just pretty much a shiny look on the wheel. Think of it as a shiny ring.. kind of. If you put a chrome & polished OEM wheel together, then you’ll know the difference in a second. If you look at the 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Wheels, you’ll see a polished Factory Rim & a chromed Original Wheel. See how the polished finish is not as bright as the chrome?

Machined / Brushed Aluminum is the finish that looks like there’s a bunch of little lines/scratches on the face of the wheel. It kind of looks like a Stainless Steel Fridge.. if you have one or have ever seen one before. This is the typical finish seen most cars. Probably even yours, and you didn’t even know it until I told you.

Two Toned wheels have a chrome and a painted accent. They add “flair” to the wheel. The painted portion of the wheel can come in any color; whether you want it to be the same color of your vehicle or not. When you see these wheels, you’ll notice that the edge of the rim & some of the spokes are chromed while the other spokes are painted. It really is a simple process.. for the people that do this everyday.

The last finish is a chrome finish, which is the easiest finish out of all of them. Why? Because when you look at a chrome wheel you see your reflection. Chrome does not only come on Aluminum wheels, but also on Steel wheels. Thinking about it, I think you can chrome any OEM wheel; whether it’s an old steel wheel or new aluminum one-chrome is always an option.

It really is up to you about how you want your wheels to look like; any wheel can be sanded down to be chromed and any wheel can be chrome plated. So now you’re a wizard at the different Alloy finishes. Hooray.

It is a sad fact, but some us or our loved ones will have trouble with mobility at some time in their lives. This could be due to long term physical problems, muscular problems, or obesity. The short term problems could be from surgery or something like a car wreck could cause someone to have problems getting around. It is very sad to see someone we love and care about being left behind because they have trouble being mobile for even a short period of time. Wheelcare Scooters has designed and developed some of the most durable and innovative mobility scooters around.

A decision to purchase a mobility scooter can be such a relief for the person that needs the scooter and for the caregiver of that person. The person needing the mobility scooter will need make a few decisions about what type of mobility scooter that will best fit their needs. The 3 wheel or the 4 wheel scooter. The 3 wheel scooter is perfect for the inside of the house. The 3 wheel scooter has smaller turning radius which is great for inside or smaller places. The frame is designed to be smaller and therefore will be lighter. This will make for easier transportation and storage.

The 3 wheel scooters are also great for the smooth surfaces of the sidewalks and places like the mall. But this in not to say they can not be used outside. The upgrades will also allow you to modify your scooter and to make it more user friendly and customized for the individual. The tires can be upgraded to bigger tires or even a different tire thread. The use of the pneumatic tires will mean a softer ride but the air pressure will have to be maintained and the tire will go flat if punctured. The solid tire, while eliminating the maintenance of the air filled, it will not give as soft a ride. The batteries can also be upgraded to a larger one. This will allow the user to go longer between recharging the unit.

The accessories will allow everyone to make this mobility scooter an extension of their very on desires and their needs. If you need a canopy because you like to stay outdoors, there is one available. Medical accessories like a cane holder or even a cup holder is waiting to be applied. The swivel seats, arm rest that raise or adjust, and easy to use controls are just a few of the things that will make the mobility scooters easier for the person to get up and get mobile.

Flyer and Bobbin Spinning Wheels – The Other Kind of Spinning Wheel

So, you are going out to buy a spinning wheel! You walk into a store and you are asked, “What type of spinning wheel are you looking to purchase?” You have read somewhere that there are two types of spinning wheels, the spindle and the flyer and bobbin. You know that you want a more modern spinning wheel, like the ones that you saw at a spinning demonstration or in a current spinning magazine. You have decided that you want a smaller spinning wheel that you can spin while you are sitting down. So you tell the sales person that you want a Flyer and Bobbin type of spinning wheel. Good choice, you have narrowed your field a bit.

A Flyer and Bobbin spinning wheel is one that has a larger wheel on the back or bottom of the spinning wheel, it has a drive band or string that goes around the wheel but it also has what is called a ‘mother of all’ in the front or on the top of the spinning wheel. This ‘mother of all’ is a flat or worked piece of wood that has one or two wooden pieces that are on each side. These one or two wooden pieces are called maidens. The maiden’s job is to hold the bobbin and the flyer as well as the orifice. The flyer is a U shaped piece that has hooks attached to it and are called flyers. The bobbin fits inside the flyer and its job is to hold the fiber once it has been spun. There is usually a piece of cord that goes around the bobbin at one side and this is called the brake. If you look at the flyer closely you will notice that there is an opening that goes through to the bobbin. This is called an orifice.

At the bottom of the spinning wheel you will notice what looks like a foot plate. This is called the treadle and is where you would put your foot to work the spinning wheel. Unlike the spindle type of spinning wheel where you work the wheel by using you hands, this type of spinning wheel is worked with your foot. Spinning wheels of this type come in single and double treadles. In other words, there are some spinning wheels that have only one treadle and you use one foot to operate it, while the double treadle wheel has two treadles and you would use both feet to operate it.

You also need to know that a flyer and bobbin wheel can come in a single drive or a double drive. WHAT! You say, I am really confused now! This is really a simple concept. A single drive means that there is only one drive band, or string that goes from the wheel to the bobbin. A double drive means that there is one very long drive band or string that is wrapped around the wheel and the bobbin so that it looks as though there are two strings that wrap around the wheel and the bobbin.

There are many different styles of the flyer and bobbin spinning wheel. There are the traditional spinning wheels which is the longer spinning wheel. Typically you would think of this type of wheel as the ones used in the colonial days or in the Saxony region of England and were used in conjunction with the Great Wheel. Many different companies have come out with many beautiful and ornate wheels that are of the traditional style. Many of these wheels are from the Baltic area, Poland and Scandinavia. There are equally beautiful ones that come from New Zealand.

Another type of spinning wheel which uses the flyer and bobbin style is called a traveler or a castle wheel. This is a more compact, upright spinning wheel and is one that can be taken with you if you have a class or just want to meet friends for a spinning outing. This type is great because it takes up little room in the house and in the car. It is just as easy to spin on as the traditional style of spinning wheel. Some of the more modern wheels tend to be made in an upright configuration.

Which ever style you decide to get, whether it is a single drive or a double drive, a single treadle or a double treadle, a traveler or a traditional, it will truly be an heirloom to be passed down for generations to come. Pick out your wheel with much care, as they are expensive but they will last and last as long as you take care of your wheel. However, if you are a true spinner, this will not be your last spinning wheel. Personally, I have one traditional and one traveler and I love and use them both!

Enjoy your wheel. Keep spinning and keep learning.

A pottery wheel is a major requirement in clay sculpturing. It is available for both kids and adults users. This wheel has many different sizes and designs. Anyone who is interested in buying it today can choose Brent pottery wheel styles. This company is a Giant in the pottery wheels industry and it emerged in 1967. It has made a good reputation for itself, which is the reason why no customers should fear buying its products. In addition, it offers a wide product line, which guarantees that every shopper can get his or her suitable potters wheel.

A major benefit associated with these items is the fact that they are durable. In other words, they feature steel craftsmanship, which makes them strong and long lasting. This is an advantage to every potter who wants to save money in future. Another detail associated with these products is variety. Whether one is a beginner or expert, Brent has a device for him or her. Furthermore, it offers both adults and children exceptional ceramics wheels. Any person who is looking to purchase this item should know that there are two types.

First, there are electric powered styles with sturdy magnet DC flywheels and high tech electronic controls for speed. These electronic controls act as a replacement for mechanical speed controls. There is a huge collection of these reliable products. It is good to know that some of these potters’ wheels have a control circuit that is able to withstand a fifteen ampere load or less. The only way to find this out is conducting a through online search. Those who will take adequate time searching will as well discover that Brent pottery wheel varieties do have different speed ranges.

This is what determines if they are powerful or not. Regardless of the model, each Brent’s ceramic wheel comes with a drip free worktable. A few styles have steel tables soldered from a metal plate. Note that tabletops can be made of any material as long as it is strong and elegant. For instance, now one can find some styles made of reclaimed organic fiber plus renewed thermoplastic materials. Such materials are water-resistant, and cannot rust easily, not to mention that they are all “green” and natural. Table height is a concern for most serious potters who spend hours working. This is why Brent provides items with extendable legs.

What is more, these detachable legs allow portability and easy storage. The company allows customers to explore all possibilities. There is no way one can miss a high quality pottery wheel from its collections. As many know, some parts determine the usefulness of this item more than others do. For instance, the wheel head’s construction is very essential. Most of them are made of cast aluminum and usually marked with concentric circles. This construction makes centering of clay easy. For top performance, most devices have a self-tensioning drive belt too. It is good to point out that there are so many features that one could feature when writing about a brent pottery wheel. Note that these items are available on the Internet and they have different structures and price ranges.

Good sports coaches work on The Wheel of Success. There are four arcs to The Wheel of Success:

1.Hard Work makes teams more Confident.

2.Confidence enables them to Win.

3.Winning is Enjoyable.

4.Enjoyment makes Hard Work easier.

And so the wheel goes round and round and success comes more and more often.

The point is that Winning starts with Hard Work.

In this day it is fair to say that most business people work long hours. In many cases the hours seem to be exhausting and perhaps somewhat over the top. But the fruits of their labors do not always lead to success.

So, what is going wrong? Why does the Hard Work not lead to the desired results?

The answer is that their work is not Well Directed.

Have you ever watched a football team where all the players are working their socks off, running around like demons and getting nowhere? Such teams do not have a plan, they have no direction.

Good managers excel at directing the efforts of their teams. But there is a paucity of good leaders in the business arena. Why is it that when more money spent on training than at any time in previous history a proportionate number of good leaders are not emerging?

I think that there are two reasons. The first is the criteria that is often used for selecting leaders. In working with many large corporations I find that by far the most common practice is to promote the person who is currently doing the best job at their current level. This is a classic case of promoting the best salesman and hoping he’ll turn out to be a good sales manager.

The problem is that the newly promoted individual is often given little or no mentoring in their new role and no specific training in either the tasks they need to perform in their new role or in leadership. The result is that they go on doing the things they’re good at, the things which have brought them success and they do more and more of those things.

Hence they work longer and longer hours doing more and more of what they have always done. And this does not help either them or the colleagues whom they are supposed to be managing.

A lot more care needs to be taken over the selection of leaders. Good employers select people for promotion based on leadership criteria rather than on the ability to carry out tasks.

The second reason why employers do not get the leaders they need is because they do not give their newly promoted managers appropriate support. Promotion brings with it a great deal of stress. The individual knows that more is expected of them. They know that they need to deliver more to justify their new position and their new reward package.

We are working in an age when Redundancy can strike at any time and where failure is frowned upon, even vilified. The fears of redundancy and failure hang over all managers like the sword of Damocles.

These emotional issues are always hidden by the mangers, but they go on churning around inside them and hinder decision making and output. No-one wants to make a mistake, least of all a newly promoted manager. In such circumstances outside coaches are often highly beneficial.

Why specifically are outside coaches?

Because the last thing that a newly promoted executive wants is to admit to his colleagues or his new boss that he/she does not know what to do. You have no idea how many times newly promoted executives have said to me that they find it an enormous relief to be able to talk in complete confidence to someone about their fears and concerns.

At the end of a recent coaching program a client wrote to me: “In 18 years at (name of his company) this is the most useful exercise as a manager I have undertaken. It has opened doors, taught me a lot and clarified a huge amount.”

Good coaches know a lot about business. They have been there and done it. They know and understand the pressures. They are good at helping managers and leaders plan how best to direct their hard work so that it improves their confidence. And once their confidence is up, they can start winning. Then they will enjoy themselves and the hard work will become a whole lot easier.

Worried about the need to frequently change out your Trikke wheels? Don’t be! Your Trikke scooter is known as a low-maintenance human powered vehicle. It is made up of parts that are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of free-styling for hundred of miles before replacement of any part is needed. As long as you follow the standard precautions for safety detailed in your Trikke manual, you only need a couple of minutes prior to climbing on for a quick safety check: ensure the tightness of screws with a pair of 5mm allen wrenches; check the effectiveness of your Trikke brakes, and eye the condition of all three of the Trikke wheels. Like any other vehicle, your Trikke wheels carry the weight and do require regular maintenance.

So what is required for your Trikke? Let’s see. First, what type of Trikke wheel do you have on your Trikke scooter? Different tires will require different levels of maintenance. Depending on the model, your Trikke scooter may have either a polyurethane Trikke wheel or an air-filled rubber tire. Each will have its own advantages and disadvantages.

The polyurethane Trikke wheel is a hard plastic wheel that is non-sparking, non-conductive, and impervious to oil, ozone, and grease. Your poly Trikke wheels are designed to turn effortlessly, and they offer almost no resistance when used over flat and smooth surfaces like the pavement of your sidewalks, roads and neighborhood lanes. This makes the poly wheels perfect for Trikke beginners since they provide smooth runs that make it easier for the newbie to get moving.

Furthermore, the poly Trikke wheel is very quiet, doesn’t leave marks on floors, and is very durable, outwearing the rubber Trikke wheel by months in ordinary free-wheeling activities. However, the polyurethane Trikke wheels are of little use on rough surfaces. And their very design makes them slippery enough to skid through water puddles. You could even lose control of your Trikke scooter when road obstacles like bumps or holes are encountered. Avoiding them will ensure a safer ride for you, improved lifespan for your Trikke scooter and many hours of laughter, wild fun and full body workouts for you.

Meanwhile, the air-filled Trikke rubber tires are better at cushioning, provide better traction on rough and uneven surfaces and protect floors. Ultimately they offer more Trikke riding versatility. You won’t be limited to smooth pavement with the air-filled Trikke wheels, and you can travel smoothly with better control when carving over varied terrain and climbing uphill.

The down side is that the pneumatic Trikke wheels require more maintenance. It is imperative that you check the air pressure of your Trikke wheels every 7 to 10 days and add air as needed with a pump possessing a precise gauge to ensure you’re inflating your tires to the recommended pressure. Don’t rely on a test of the firmness of your Trikke wheels by using your hands. Instead use an accurate tire pressure gauge capable of measuring pressure above 80psi. Maintain an air pressure of 80psi in the rear Trikke wheels and 75 in the front to ensure optimum performance of your Trikke scooter. Furthermore, you have to avoid sharp objects on the road that can puncture your rubber Trikke wheels like jagged rocks or broken glass.

Though Trikke polyurethane wheels are expected to last longer than the pneumatic rubber Trikke tire, the overall lifespan of your Trikke wheel actually depends on your riding style and riding surface preference. If you’re a laid back rider who only requires speed and a gradual workout for improved muscle tone over smooth pavement, then you will get a lot more miles out of your Trikke wheels. However, for the energetic and adventurous Trikke riders who love performing tricks on their Trikke scooters and prefer deep carving and very rough terrain, then expect to replace your wheels more frequently.

Once you notice part of your wheel is starting to show signs of wear and tear, you can just rotate the wheels so the less abraded portion will be more exposed to the ground. If you deem your Trikke wheel unusable because of large holes or deeply eroded surfaces, it is time to replace it with a new one. Just order a Trikke scooter wheel replacement by going to the Buy Now button at the website, and then proceed to the Showroom for parts and accessories.

Once your new Trikke wheels arrive, replacement is easy and simple. You just need two 5mm allen wrenches to loosen the screw holding the Trikke wheel in place, and secure the new Trikke wheel by replacing and tightening the screws. Check the air pressure, and then off you go for more adventures, fun and a great workout. Enjoy!

5th Wheel Hitch Installation – 5 Critical Steps to Make it a Dream Not a Nightmare!

Whether you decide to install your own 5th wheel hitch or you get it professionally installed there are 5 critical things that absolutely need checking before the job begins. These 5 things may seem obvious but you will be amazed just how many people turn a simple 5th wheel hitch installation into a nightmare.

Let’s take a look!

Buy a frame kit purpose built for your vehicle

You’re going to be towing a lot of weight. Transferring this weight correctly through your vehicle to the ground is critical. A purpose made frame kit will have all of the fixing points, bracing attachments and brackets designed and made to fit perfectly to your vehicles frame. Not to mention avoiding a lot of frustration, time and money trying to make a generic frame kit fit.

Can your vehicle take the weight?

Just because your vehicle looks like a beast doesn’t mean it can perform like one. Be sure to read your owner’s manual regarding the maximum tow load capacity for your vehicle model.

The maximum tow load capacity is the maximum weight your vehicles frame or chassis can handle combined with your vehicles engines torque. If it’s not clear, call the manufacturer. It could save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Centre the weight between the rear axle and the cabin

Your particular vehicle will include a ‘sweet spot’, a point between the cabin and the rear axle that will keep your vehicle evenly weighted on all tyres while towing a heavy load. Your owner’s manual should have a diagram indicating exactly where this ‘sweet spot’ is located. A badly balanced 5th wheel hitch will place uneven pressure on your tyres causing premature wearing and poor handling.

Securely fix to the vehicles frame

Your 5th wheel hitch will come with a rail kit. This kit has been designed to attach to the frame or chassis of your vehicle. The rail kit will transfer the weight of the 5th wheel trailer evenly and safely to the ground directly through your vehicles frame. Your vehicles body panels or associated parts have not been designed for this so don’t be tempted to use anything other than the vehicles frame to save time.

No plastic liners!

Be sure to remove any plastic liners that may sit between any fixing points of the rail kit and your vehicle. It might be quicker in the short term just to leave the liner in place however, over time the plastic liner will wear and cause the fixing point to shift. This will cause the distribution of weight through the vehicle to the ground to be inefficient putting unnecessary strain on your vehicle and future structural problems for your vehicle.

Owning a 5th wheel trailer will open up a world of discovery. Travelling around the country and seeing the sites in the comfort of your very own 5th wheel is an amazing experience. Avoid potentially dangerous accidents. Make sure your 5th wheel hitch is installed correctly and enjoy the view.