Automotive Business

Archive for January, 2012

If you are in the market for a potter’s wheel but don’t quite know where to start, there are a few basic things to consider before making a decision. You don’t just want to run out and buy any old wheel without putting some thought into it. This is especially true if you plan to throw lots of clay on it.

The first place to start is with the size of the wheel head. If you plan on only making pots that are smaller in scale, the size probably doesn’t matter too much to you. If you plan to make larger pots, a fourteen inch wheel head is the most desired. The next step is to consider the size of the motor. To avoid constantly ordering wheel replacement parts you will need to make sure that you get a motor that is strong enough to handle however much clay you like to use. Most amateurs don’t need that strong of a motor since they don’t use that much clay on the wheel. For those who are really advanced, you will probably want to get a wheel that can center at least fifty pounds of clay. Since it take many years to become this advanced you could buy the smaller motor and be just fine.

Something that most people might not consider is that if you are left handed, you will want to get a wheel that spins in the opposite direction than most people at potter programs prefer. This point might be moot since you might already have gotten used to working with the wheel made for right handed people. If you do want a wheel that works in the opposite direction make sure to note it when ordering your particular model.

Many potters’ wheels have a work space attached. This allows you a platform upon which you can place your pottery glazes, tools, water bucket and more. You will need to have somewhere that you can work aside from your wheel head, so ordering a wheel that has it in one handy package can be quite convenient. If you plan to make your very own personalized workspace then you can simply ignore this added feature. Another feature that can either be included or sold separately is a splash pan. This pan helps to keep all the clay and water from splashing everywhere. If a wheel doesn’t have this feature it isn’t a deal breaker, you can buy a splash pan anywhere.

You are cruising around town and your car is running fine. You jump on a highway and speed up to the flow of traffic. Suddenly, the steering wheel gets a vibration and starts to shake a bit. Why is this?

Your car is an amazing vehicle. Talk to an enthusiast, mechanic or sales person and they can spend hours telling you about all the intricate technology and gadgets incorporated into the vehicle. This is true for even the cheapest cars available these days. All of the technological advances, however, can’t hide one key thing – the most important area of the car is where the tires meet the road.

Depending upon your vehicle and tires, the total area contacting the road may be as little 4 by 4 by 1 inch if you count all four tires. That small contact area will support a car weighing a thousand pounds or more. The key to getting a smooth ride is to making sure the car balances correctly on those four contact areas.

When the balance goes out of whack, the ride becomes rough. When it is the front tires that have a problem, your steering wheel will vibrate and shimmy. There are two common causes of this. Either the tire is out of balance or you’ve bent a rim. Let’s take a closer look.

Your tire is made of rubber. How’s that for an obvious statement? Regardless, it means the tire is not perfectly round or will go out of round slightly for a host of reasons. The issues can be as simple as low air pressure to a shape change from whacking a pot hole/curb/small tree. When this occurs, the balance of the tire goes bad and it will wobble slightly at higher speeds. You will feel this wobble in the steering wheel as a shaking. To correct it, get the tire balanced at a local tire store.

The second cause of steering wheel shakes at high speed is the bent rim. This is much more common than most people would expect. How do you bend rims? It is pretty easy. You could hit a pot hole. You could hit a sudden upwards elevation change on a street that is being worked on. Hit it fast enough and you can bend a rim going over steel plates…railroad tracks…the list is nearly endless.

The bad news is there is no quick and easy fix for a bent rim. Well, actually there is – buy a new rim. The problem is a new rim costs good money, particularly if the dealer has an exclusive deal on the rims. You could try getting the rim re-finished, but it rarely works and can actually weaken the rim in some cases. In short, it is best to just pony up and pay for a new rim if the shaking bothers you enough.

If your steering wheel shakes at high speeds, the good news is your car is not falling apart. It might be as cheap and simple a fix as getting a wheel rebalanced. On the other hand, you might have to pony up for a new rim, but that’s a lot less costly than fixing a steering system or suspension.

For many RV’ers, this question is a burning issue. For others, it isn’t even on the horizon. It all depends on what kind of RV you’re in and what you’d like to move into.

For example, I’ve been towing travel trailers for several years. What is my next RV going to be? I’m planning to get a fifth-wheel toy hauler. Why? I want the toy hauler for the flexibility in the ways I can use it. I want the fifth-wheel version because of the floor plans which are not available in the bumper pulls. But, that’s just me. This article is about what you want.

By the way, the descriptive terms you’ll hear can be confusing. A fifth-wheel is a fifth-wheel. That’s what people call it. On the other hand, there isn’t one standardized term for the others. You’ll hear people refer to them as, “travel trailers,” “bumper pulls,” “tow-types” or a few other terms. For the sake of this article, I’ll use the term, “bumper pull” because it best describes the hitch location.

Now that we understand the terms, let’s look at the basic differences between the two. The most obvious difference is where the trailer is hooked up to the tow vehicle. The hitch for the bumper pull is, of course, located at or near the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. The fifth-wheel hitch is located in the truck bed over the rear axle.

The first thing that becomes apparent is that you won’t be using a car to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. The location of that hitch requires a truck. The bumper pull trailer can be towed by either a car or a truck.

There’s another factor about the fifth-wheel trailer that requires that a truck be used as a tow vehicle. The design of the fifth-wheel frame is such that it tends to be heavier than that required for a bumper pull trailer. That additional weight needs the strength only a truck can provide.

So, why do people choose one over the other? One reason is the size of the unit. The longer a trailer is, the more likely it is to be designed as a fifth-wheel. The smaller it is, the more likely it is to be a bumper pull design.

The main issue here is the stability of the trailer when it’s being towed. The pivot point (the hitch) of a bumper pull trailer is a few feet behind the axle of the tow vehicle. This can cause the trailer to exert leverage on the truck. The longer units need a good anti-sway hitch to keep the truck and trailer under control if you’re hit with side winds.

The pivot point for the fifth-wheel hitch is over the axle of the truck. There’s no way the trailer can exert leverage on the truck if a gust of wind hits it. That is the main reason why the longer trailers tend to be fifth-wheel units.

Another factor in the choice is the cost. The fifth-wheel units tend to be more expensive than a bumper pull trailer of the same size. That’s why most of the smaller, less-expensive units are bumper pull’s. They’re lighter and less expensive to produce.

There’s a huge difference in the amount of living space you get for every foot of space the trailer takes up on the road or in the camp ground. A bumper pull trailer that is 30 feet long will give you about 25-26 feet of living space. The rest of the length is the tongue sticking out in front of the trailer. As for overall length of the truck and trailer, that whole 30 feet is added to the length of the truck.

A fifth-wheel uses the length more efficiently. A 30-foot fifth-wheel will, in most cases, give you about 30 feet of living space. Because the hitch is over the rear axle of the truck, the amount of trailer hanging out behind the truck will be more like 24-25 feet. The combined length of the truck and trailer will be 8-10 feet shorter for the same amount of living space.

Most of the fifth-wheel trailers require at least a 3/4-ton truck as a tow vehicle. Most of the bumper pull’s can be handled safely by a 1/2-ton truck. The main reason for that is the amount of weight placed on the hitch.

Most of the bumper pull trailers are designed to put about 10% of the total weight on the hitch ball. Putting that much weight on a hitch 3-4 feet behind the axle works as a lever to lift the front of the truck. A good weight equalization hitch becomes extremely important as the size of the trailer moves into the medium or large sizes.

The fifth-wheel trailer is designed to put about 15% of the total weight onto the hitch pin which is over the truck axle. That amount of weight, by itself, requires a heavier-duty truck.

So, where does that leave you? If you already have a 3/4-ton truck or larger, your choices are pretty wide open. It comes down to which floor plan and price range work best for you.

If, on the other hand, you have a car or a small pickup truck, you’re pretty much limited to a smaller bumper pull trailer. Most of the cars and small pickups are limited to trailers weighing 3,500 pounds or less. Trailers that light aren’t going to offer a lot in the way of creature comforts. At the same time, they do offer an inexpensive entry point into the wonderful world of RV travel.

It all comes down to where you are and where you want to be in the grand scheme of things. The tow vehicle will dictate the size and style of trailer you are able to safely pull. If you want to pull something bigger, you’ll need to upgrade your tow vehicle.

The other main factor is, of course, your budget. It’s true that you can save a lot of money on your vacation travel if you travel light with a tent or, even, a pop-up tent trailer. Because hotel and restaurant costs can add up pretty fast, camping can be a real bargain.

However, there comes a point where you’re no longer camping to save money. You’re camping because you really enjoy the RV lifestyle. Let’s face it, a new 3/4-ton truck with a matching fifth-wheel trailer can easily approach $80,000 – $100,000! You can’t camp enough to save that much money!

So, as for the question of fifth-wheel vs. bumper pull, the bottom line is this: how much are you willing to spend? Most of the bumper pull units are at the low end to the mid-point of the scale. Most of the fifth-wheel units will start from the mid-point and range up through the high end of that same scale.

Where are you and where do you want to be?

There are a lot of types of wheel chairs out there. Some may look familiar, while others just seem so bizarre. However, the variety in designs of wheel chairs is just natural, considering that different people need to do different things.

Wheel chairs empower people who have experienced some disability because of life. People, who are unable to walk, whether through the ravages of time or through accidents and incidents, make use of wheel chairs in order to make their lives a little easier.

Here are the different types of wheel chairs:

1. General -this type of wheel chair is the most common type of wheel chair in existence today. With a foldable metal frame and sling supports for the back and the seats, you most often see this type of wheel chairs in hospitals.

The design of this wheel chair has gradually improved over the years, becoming safer for use and more flexible to the needs of the passenger.

Variations on the wheels of this wheel chair also allow it to do just about anything and go anywhere. Useable either alone or with a friend, this wheel chair has proven to be one of the most versatile types of wheel chair around.

2. Self-propelled -this wheel chair is specifically designed to give the user independence. Self-propelled wheel chairs can be pushed by the rider themselves. This type of wheel chair makes use of large wheels in order for the user to reach them and push him/her along.

Some self-propelled wheelchairs even incorporate designs that allow the user to go up and down stairs and inclines unassisted.

Some people have developed designs of this type of wheelchair that incorporate features which enable just about any person with nearly any disability to propel him/herself.

This type of wheelchair is preferred by individuals with a strong sense of self. They feel that no accident should hinder their will to live and their independence.

3. Motorized -these wheel chairs are powered by motors and do not need the manual efforts of the user in order to move. This type of wheel chair is probably the most convenient for the users.

Although it does not really come with the sense of accomplishment that a manual wheelchair brings, it does have its advantages.

A motorized wheel chair, especially a very high-tech one, can gather people’s admiration. Sometimes, a disabled person needs that boost of confidence more than the sense of accomplishment a manual wheelchair provides.

This type of wheelchair also helps conserve a person’s energy. This allows the user to do more activities and be more active in his/her life.

Although the costs of a motorized wheel chair are obviously higher than manual wheel chairs, the new breakthroughs in technology may be worth it. Motorized wheel chairs are now more mobile and easier to use.

And people are always looking for convenience, right?

4. Sport wheel chairs -these wheel chairs are specifically designed to be used by people in playing their favorite sports.

Hey, just because you can’t run doesn’t mean you can’t play, right?

These wheel chairs are made for three things: speed, sturdiness, and maneuverability.

Like a finely tuned car, these wheel chairs were made to compete.

The wheel chairs are customized to each person, making sure that the wheel chair does not hinder the person’s athletic abilities.

And that, my friend, is empowerment.

There are many options and brands available on the market for vehicle headlights, but there is one in particular that still has customers confused as to the usefulness and legality of its use. This is the HID light kit. The HID (high intensity discharge) headlight is one that burns much brighter, and has a bigger span of light that can give you a higher field of visibility in comparison to traditional standard headlights. This remarkable light is created by utilizing the heating of a particular inert gas called xenon. This is achieved through the use of a ballast that converts the onboard power to a more powerful rate more able to heat the gas and create the light.

Although it has become an incredibly popular headlight technology it first began back in 1991 when BMW released the landmark 7 Series. Little did they know that the technology would evolve to now be available in nearly any model or brand of vehicle, regardless of car, truck, or motorcycle, in the industry.

Although over the course of the past couple of decades they have become highly popular, there are many who question whether or not they are beneficial and legal. To begin with they can in fact be legal, however this depends upon how they are used. If they are within a particular temperature range, 4300k to 6000k, then they will produce a yellow to bluish color of light. The light within this range is safe to use to not just see well on the road that you are driving on, but also not so intense that it could harm an on coming driver. Anything above that range creates an intense purple color that can be dangerous when you driving against it. Any thing above 6000k will also likely get you ticketed.

The benefit to xenon headlights can not be over stated. Many experts feel that when you are driving much of the information that you use to drive with comes from what you are able to see. If this is compromised because of inferior lighting from a halogen bulb then you are putting yourself at risk.

Ultimately it is important to understand that although there is a smaller number of drivers on the road at night, of those who will be involved in an accident, 40% will be killed. That is terrible odds and ones that can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken. One of these are utilizing the power of HID lights.

Does your ABS light come on consistently and you do not know what is wrong! Well, when you check your code, you may see that it says that your front wheel sensor is damaged. However, that is not always the case. A lot of times, your ABS wheel sensor is just fine; they just need to be cleaned. Of course, if you take it to a shop, they are going to tell you that you need a new one. So we are going to go over how you can clean your own ABS wheel sensor in your Toyota and save yourself a lot of money. After you clean it, if you are still having the problem, you will need a new one. However, most people have noted that nine times out of ten, this does indeed fix their problem.

First of all, before you get started, you are going to want to make sure you have everything that you need to perform the job. The only things that you are really going to need are a ratchet, jack, wheel lock and, of course, a rag or paper towel to clean it off with. After you have all of this stuff, you can feel free to get started. This should only take you an hour or two to do yourself.

Getting Started On Your Wheel Sensor

First, you have to choose which side you want to get started on. You can choose either the passenger side or the driver side; it does not really matter. However, whichever side you do choose, that is the side that you, of course, need to jack up first. Before you jack up the car, you need to turn the steering wheel to the opposite side that you are working on. For example, if you are working on the driver side, then you are going to want to turn the wheel to the passenger side. Also, when you get it jacked up. You should use a jack stand, not just the jack. You never know how long you will need to have this car jacked up, so you will want the jack stand.

After you turn the wheel and get everything all set up, you will notice that you should be able to locate the ABS wheel sensor very easily. It should be located directly mounted to the knuckle. To take this off, you are going to have to remove the two bolts that are holding them in place. In most Toyota cars, they are 10mm bolts. However, some of them can change from time to time. Overall, there will be about four bolts you have to take out. To do this, just follow the ABS sensor around so that you can remove all of the bolts. When you get the sensor off, you will notice that it is all covered in dirt. Take your rag or paper towel, and start whipping it off. As you do, you will notice that the very middle of it has a sliver strip that you could not see before. A lot of times, dirt blocks this and can cause problems, as you found out. After cleaning it, simply reverse the steps you did to reinstall it. Also, be sure to check both of the front ABS sensors. The one on both sides of the car!

Still Having Problems

Most of the time the procedure discussed above will fix any problem that you are having with your ABS sensor. If you have cleaned both of the front sensors and there are still problems, then you do have a damaged ABS sensor. At this point, you need to get new ones and replace them. If you want, you will be able to install them the same way you cleaned the other ones. However, instead of cleaning the old ones and putting them back on, you can simply put on the new ones. Overall, this is a one day job that can save you a ton of money. Most people do not notice how much money that they can save by doing this themselves until they actually do it!

While visiting RV show, I poked around in a 5th Wheel Toy Hauler or two. WOW! If your idea of camping is staying at the Ritz, this is the Toy Hauler for you. These bad boys use the 18-wheeler hitch known as a 5th wheel, which mounts in the center of a pick up bed. Up to three axles are needed to support weights up to, and exceeding, 17,000 pounds.

While smaller 5th Wheel Toy Haulers are available, most people own them for their massive roominess and unrivaled luxury. They are the most expensive of the conventional Toy Haulers.

First the good news: The 5th Wheel Toy Haulers I saw had fabulous kitchens, snack bars, full size pantries, and impressive woodwork and flooring. The kitchens were well lit and housed a full-sized microwave, refrigerator, range and oven. I was very much taken back by all of the counter space and ample cabinets. These certainly do provide a dream kitchen for the open road. A 5th wheel can come equipped with up to three slide-outs and a raised forward master bedroom making this the undisputed king of spaciousness. The overstuffed king-size bed and plush sofa quickly invite you to sit back and fire up the home entertainment center. Now someone, please make another Margarita.

What really sets the 5th Wheel apart in the Toy Hauler world is the availability of a totally enclosed cargo area, or as they are often referred to, the garage. Larger units have a solid wall and sealed door separating the toys from the living space. I even found some with a separate outside door to the garage. This feature is two-fold. One is for keeping the mud out of the living room, and the other for keeping the wife happy. If you are like me, and carry way-to-many tools, you’ll appreciate having all of those garage cabinets.

Now the other news: A 5th Wheel Toy Hauler can be really heavy; up to and exceeding, 17,000 pounds. You guessed it, that means a g big powerful tow rig. I’m not a huge fan of diesel pickups. However, I’ve found that if you want pulling power and something vaguely resembling decent mileage, then a diesel is definitely the way to go. Fortunately diesels have long lives, and there are plenty to be found in the used market.

Towing these very large barn doors can be challenging in high winds or when an 18-wheeler passes by. The 5th wheel hitch will help to maintain control and minimize white knuckles in what might be a hairy situation with a travel trailer. It also can be helpful when maneuvering these monsters into tight RV spaces and through downtown traffic.

Unless you have big rig experience, you will no doubt find towing one of these a little different from your basic rear hitch type of trailer. Because they are so large and tall, and so close behind the driver, they will keep you on your toes, especially driving though town. If you are not careful, to your dismay, you could look in your rear-view mirror just in time to witness the trailer laying a stop sign flat! I’ve been there, and done that.

Finding the right Toy Hauler for you is ultimately a personal decision. But if you require lavish accommodations with a separate toy garage, the 5th Wheel Toy Hauler may be exactly what you are looking for.