Author: John Arnaud

We Got Hitched!

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

By John M. Arnaud

Last Thursday, Total Truck Centers and The AAM Group enjoyed a special visit with representatives from two of our program vendors: CURT Manufacturing, a giant in the towing industry, and ARIES Automotive, whose custom pickup and Jeep accessories help trailblazers everywhere break their own ground.

We spent the day brainstorming ways that Total Truck Centers’ marketing tools and services could introduce CURT and ARIES products—hitches, grille guards, bumpers, seat covers, and towing accessories—to more of our jobbers and their customers.

Thanks to Jeff Perez, Joe Thompson, and Patrick Cripe for flying out to see us. We loved having you and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

To add towing power or aggressive styling to your truck, head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer, or find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck accessories retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

CURT / ARIES Group Shot
CURT / ARIES Group Shot

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Shedding Light on Road Safety

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

by John M. Arnaud

A recent AAA report described deficiencies in standard halogen headlights on roads lacking overhead lighting. Rural roads, which convey 40% of this country’s overall vehicle traffic as measured in miles traveled, are the most likely to exist under such low-visibility conditions.

AAA found that halogen headlights were insufficient to illuminate dark roads at speeds as low as 40 mph. Though high-beam settings offered better results than low, halogen “brights” provided sufficient reaction time only for an additional 8 mph in real-world conditions. With halogen bulbs used in more than 80% of today’s vehicles, the study highlights serious opportunities to improve safety—specifically the ability to see and react to road hazards—using aftermarket HID and LED lighting.

HID and LED lights did a better job enabling faster reactions to road obstacles. In particular, their high-beam settings provided sight distances up to 500 feet—equivalent to 55 mph. No bulb can replicate the visibility of full daylight, and the US still has some work to do to catch up with the lighting output available in Europe, due to restrictions imposed by domestic regulations.

One final tip: Clean or replace your headlight housing at least every five years! Deteriorated or cloudy lenses can reduce intensity and increase scattering.

Total Truck Centers partners with several manufacturers that offer advanced HID/LED products, including Anzo, PIAA, Pilot Automotive, Putco, Race Sport, Rigid Industries, Vision X, and Westin Automotive. So head in to your Total Truck Centers retailer to find the bulbs perfect for your application. Or find a store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Superchips and Edge Products in the House!

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

By John M. Arnaud

Total Truck Centers and The AAM Group yesterday hosted sales and marketing leaders from two giants in the tuning industry: Powerteq’s Superchips and Edge Products. In the all-day collaboration, we discussed how Total Truck Centers’ marketing tools and services could help secure broader exposure for the companies’ leading-edge tuners.

For proof of visit, we all gathered at the end of the day for a group photo. The bright sun caused as many squints as smiles, but we got the shot!

Superchips and Edge Products Visit Total Truck Centers
Superchips and Edge Products Visit Total Truck Centers

Thanks to Bryce Castleton and Jim McGinn for making the trip out from Utah to see us. We loved having you and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

To give your vehicle a custom performance overhaul with an Edge or Superchips tuner, head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

AAM HONORS RALPH ACCINNO AT ANNUAL MEETING

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

Former Board Member Recognized for Invaluable Contributions

Thanking him for his years of service and support, Total Truck Centers parent company The AAM Group presented Ralph Accinno with a custom painting at a special dedication held during its recent Annual Membership Meeting. Accinno, retiring founder of Racer’s Equipment Warehouse in Rhode Island, provided many years of leadership on AAM’s Board of Directors and served as a tireless advocate for the group to affiliated vendors and other members.

AAM President Tim Odom commented, “We could not let Ralph leave AAM without a thank you. Among our members, Ralph was our most vocal supporter, and his endorsements always made a difference to AAM. He gave AAM meetings a unique character by way of his optimism, encouragement, infectious humor and even his occasional antics, which kept us on our toes. Fiercely loyal, Ralph set aside his own needs when the needs of the group or others were greater. I consider Ralph a personal friend, and I want to thank him personally for all he has done to mentor me in my role at AAM.”

L to R: John DeBalso (AAM Vice President of Purchasing and Vendor Relations), Ralph Accinno
L to R: John DeBalso (AAM Vice President of Purchasing and Vendor Relations), Ralph Accinno

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

To Oil or Not to Oil: (That’s Not Really the Question)

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

John M. Arnaud

Over the years, the air-filter experts at K&N have proven (in their in-house filtration test lab, no less) that the secret to increasing airflow to your engine without sacrificing protection lies in their exclusive air filter oil. This oil, which permeates a filter’s cotton fibers, grabs dust and other microscopic contaminants and keeps them from entering your system. Non-oiled paper filters don’t even come close.

So the question isn’t whether you should be using an oiled filter (you should); instead, you should be asking “How much should I use?” and “How do I apply it?” The answers to those questions depend on which delivery system you use: squeeze bottle or aerosol applicator. Read on for the scoop from K&N:

Squeeze Bottle

Apply the air filter oil evenly along the crown of each pleat, then allow the oil to wick for 20 minutes before touching up any light areas on either side of the filter.

 

K&N Squeeze Oil
K&N Squeeze Oil

Aerosol Bottle

Spray the oil evenly along the crown of each pleat, holding the spray nozzle about 3” away from the filter. Allow the oil to wick for 20 minutes, then touch up any light areas on either side of the filter.

 

K&N Aerosol Oil
K&N Aerosol Oil

Most K&N air filters are oiled at the factory, so reoiling shouldn’t be necessary until it’s time to clean your filter, usually at 50,000 or 100,000 miles, depending on your application. K&N’s Recharger kits contain everything you need to freshen up your filter, including filter cleaner and your choice of oil dispenser.

Head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer to pick up a K&N Recharger kit, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Small Business Week Salutes Big Dreams

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

by John M. Arnaud

 

National Small Business Week starts next week (May 4–8), and Total Truck Centers wants to make sure our local retailers get all the credit they deserve.

Since the early 60s, Small Business Week has recognized this nation’s independent businesses, which generate two out of every three new jobs in this country and help to power our economy from coast to coast. Beyond the numbers, however, small businesses represent a core American truth: the prosperity available to those willing to follow their passions through hard work and determination.

Though Small Business Week is a time to soak in the kudos, it’s also a terrific opportunity to engage your customers and promote your business throughout your local area. Here are some ways you can do just that:

  • Participate in any activities sponsored by your local Chamber of Commerce.
  • Talk up Small Business Week and the importance of supporting local businesses with your customers via social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
  • Extend special discounts or promotions to your customers to thank them for their support.
  • Announce and host an open house in your store to celebrate the occasion. (Email is a great way to communicate a last-minute event!)
  • Partner with a local performance or automotive club to share your expertise on a particular subject or host a workshop. For example, you might demonstrate how to perform an installation or talk about exciting new products.

Total Truck Centers would like to congratulate all of our entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the courage, grit, and determination required to pursue their dreams and help us grow the industry we all love.

Truck junkies: Head in to your local accessories retailer next week to share your support and appreciation. Or find one using our dealer locator.

Truck aftermarket retailers: If you would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

CURT’s TruTrack™ Hitch Is One Heavy Hitter

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

by John M. Arnaud

The weight-distribution trunnion hitch just got served. CURT Manufacturing, a leading producer of towing products, today announced its new TruTrack™ hitch (17500), which offers advanced design features that deliver the smoothest, safest ride on the market.

CURT TruTrack Hitch
CURT TruTrack Hitch

The TruTrack resists trailer sway in a couple of different ways. First, whereas most traditional weight-distribution hitches use regular spring bars to connect to the trailer frame, the TruTrack features a pair of trunnion-style spring bars and heavy-duty, adjustable support brackets, which are set at fixed positions by the user and hold the spring bars in place, both vertically and laterally.

Second, the TruTrack uses an integrated spring/cam system instead of standard pins and bolts. This CURT innovation builds up pressure to actively stop sway and then relaxes to make smooth turns. Hardened components achieve longer life, while a hex castle nut enables easy adjustment and fits most industry-standard couplers.

Another big benefit of the TruTrack system is the installation: instead of relying on a pile of washers and pins, this CURT weight-distribution hitch uses a pair of interlocking nuts and preset holes that offer specific angles and on-the-fly adjustment—no more tilt-angle guesswork or disassembling the hitch head.

Stop into your local Total Trucks Centers retailer to check out the newest addition to CURT’s towing lineup. Or find your closest affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Rigid’s D-Series Lights: What You Need to Know

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

by John M. Arnaud

Several times a year, Rigid Industries shines a spotlight on one of its product lines. This spring’s shining star? The D-Series, whose lights are designed to fit into small spaces without compromising lumens or heat dissipation. They’ve also endured Rigid’s famous Torture Tested program, so they’re tough enough to beam you out of whatever trouble you get yourself into.

Rigid Industries D-Series
Rigid Industries D-Series

The D-Series is Rigid’s original light cube. Coming in at a compact 3” x 3” size, D-Series lights mount just about anywhere: pillar bars, horizontal bars, vertical bars, handlebars, license plates, trailers, and more.

Making either 1,568 or 3,096 lumens, D-Series lights offer more surface cooling than any comparably sized light, while emitting a variety of lux patterns: spot, flood, driving, diffused, wide, and hyperspot, which offers an astounding 93,000 Candelas at peak intensity.

Light covers provide both protection and custom light colors. Choose from clear; opaque; translucent yellow, blue, red, green, and gray; black; and even camo.

The D-Series family of lights from Rigid Industries includes the Dually and D2 (land and marine), HD Dually, D2 HD, and all the installation accessories you could ever need. Kits include mounting brackets and hardware, as well as a plug-and-play wiring harness with Deutsch connector and switch.

Stop into your local Total Trucks Centers retailer to check out Rigid Industries’ extensive selection of top-of-the-line LED lighting solutions today! Or find your closest affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.