How to Improve Your Aroma When Traveling: Baking Soda and Sweat

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Mark

I’m Jil Braux, writer at FreshBeetle.com and a frequent guest poster at various blogs across the web. I have recently came back from a very long trip to the jungles of Africa, and have a little tip to share with you today. The science of sweat, behold.

What Is It All About ?

Before I embarked on my journey, I was really reluctant to go out there without a deodorant. I stopped using a deodorant a while before I went, since I was a little bit afraid after reading all of these crazy details about the chemicals inside. It was hot on the radio and TV here in France, and I’m happy for that, since it caused me to stop using these chemicals.

You see, many of the famous deodorants we have all been domesticated to be willing to buy, are not only not so effective but are actually pretty dangerous. A lot of them contain heavy metals and dangerous stuff that believe me – you do not want in your human body. The funny thing, which I did not realize myself until the trip, is that the natural alternative are much more effective, available and even cheap! You’ll see why in a moment, don’t sweat it. After all, neither one of us wants to feel stinky, right?

What Did You Do?

I went out there with nothing on me, but have read before about the efficiency of baking soda (yeah! I didn’t believe that neither) of not getting rid of sweat (which you don’t want to do, believe me), but for neutralizing the bad smell that it usually causes. I tried this baking soda technique, and believe it or not – it worked like a charm! Not only did I not smell badly after even a 4km run in 35 degrees Celsius, but I also felt incredibly better, knowing that the female traveler next to me doesn’t suffer from any type of irregular.. aroma.

What Do You Recommend ?

I would recommend you to use baking soda, definitely. However, Reg (FreshBeetle’s owner) says he used both baking soda and a Thai stone and they both work as effectively. I can not say anything about the stone since I didn’t use it, but you can certainly try it and see for yourself. It seems to have quite a lot of fans all over the web. Good luck with your journeys!

More information about sweating here: http://freshbeetle.com/how-to-stop-sweating-so-much/

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Chia Seed Pudding Recipe For Camping

Posted on May 18, 2012 by bridget

When I am camping anywhere in the world, breakfast is one meal that I enjoy more than any other meal.  I like getting up before the sun rises and do some vigorous exercise and stretching, drink a cup of fresh ground coffee, and eat a light breakfast with my family.

The problem that most of face is that we don’t want to spend all morning cooking and washing dishes while camping.  We almost never cook in the morning on our family camping trips.  Our secret is to make our breakfast the night before and have it ready to eat at camp or on the road.  Fresh fruit, yogurt, or chia seed pudding helps us start our day without making us feel sluggish.

Chia seed pudding has become a favorite beakfast for us both on camping trips and at home.  I could eat it every day, but like everything that is healthy for you, it’s a good idea to mix up your eating too by eating a variety of healthy foods.  Some mornings, all we eat is fresh fruit that we have picked ourselves or bought from a local fruit stand or farm.

After Christopher McDougal published the best selling “Born To Run,” book, many people around the world started eating chia seeds.  Both the  Tarahumara and Aztec people of Mexico have been eating this super food for centuries.  The Tarahumara are a native people of Mexico whom eat this super food while they run in sandals for days.   Christopher McDougal points this out and has helped popularlize chia as an endurance food.  I have seen people at work at chia seeds to their water and sip on it during the day.  It’s one of the most incredible super foods around.

Why Eat Chia Seeds?

The protein in chia seeds is easily digestible and absorbed quickly allowing the body to transport it to the cellular level.  Chia is an excellent source for omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds. Chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don’t deteriorate as fast as flax seeds and can be stored for long periods of time without becoming rancid. Additionally, they do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body. One can literally eat them as along with a glass of water or juice to reap all the benefits.

Chia seeds are rich in fiber-approximately 25% by weight.

Another benefit is they provide you with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.

Here is the benefit that I enjoy more than of the above listed benefits because I am an ultra endurance runner: chia seeds act as a sponge when added to water and forms a gel that is very similar to tapioca pudding. Chia seeds absorb more than 12 times their mass in water. This single fact can significantly prolong your body’s ability to remain properly hydrated on long hikes, ultra endurance runs, and marathons. This sustained regulation of proper hydrations helps your body to absorb and regulate essential electrolytes and nutrients more effectively.

Basic Chia Seed Pudding Recipe:

  • 2 cans of organic coconut milk or nut milk alternative of your choice
  • 1/2  to 1 can of filtered water (the entire liquid should be approximately 1 liter or 1 quart).
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • splash of vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • maple syrup or organic sweetenr to taste.

Mix everything up well in a stainless steel bowl. Set aside for an hour or so in the cooler or in a cool place. Mix in berries when it is tapioca like consistency. That’s it!  We have 4 people in our family and we easily finish this amount in one sitting.  Double the recipe for more people.  If you are camping in a motor home or have access to electricity and a blender, you can make your own coconut/nut milk.

Basic Nut Milk Recipe

  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup almonds
  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • dash of salt
  • maple syrup or date sugar to taste.

Blend on high for approximately 60 seconds.  Use or refrigerate.

If you have never experience nut milks and chia seeds, you are in for a real treat on your camping trips.

Where To Buy Chia Seeds

You can buy chia seeds from your local health food store.  However, you are going to pay a lot for it.  We order our chia seeds in 25 pound bags, as well as many other ogranic products from Azure Standard in Dufur, Oregon.  We have a food buying coop to avoid shipping charges.

To learn more about easy healthy eating alternatives for both home and on camping trips, visit Campward Bound.  It’s my personal digest of products that I use and the impact they have on my family camping adventures.

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How To Avoid Family Camping Vacations Disasters

Posted on May 12, 2012 by bridget

When our family wants to spend some quality time together, we usually take a family camping vacation.  There are so many unique places to visit that are best seen by camping.  Even when compared to Disneyland, we often favor our family camping trips over the crowds and heat of theme parks.  This is not to say that theme park vacations are a poor choice.  We just prefer the flexibility that camping vacations allow us.

I wish that I could say that our first family camping vacation was a big success.  We reserved a large 3 bedroom retreat cabin in Colorado for a week.  I forgot the directions to the cabin and had to call my sister in-law in the middle of the night to get the address of the cabin.

Problems immediately started when we drove from California to Colorado crammed in our  family Honda Accord station wagon.  We were not prepared for camping along the way.  My wife and I each had sleeping bags.  The 2 kids had fleece blankets as they would never stay inside a sleeping bag.  They were cold the entire trip to Colorado.

We packed most of our camping equipment and food in grocery bags.  This worked fine until we ripped most of the bags after one night of camping out.  The entire drive to and from Colorado was stressful because we were so disorganized.  We learned quickly that having storage containers would have greatly improved our trip.

Our next trip was much better.  Each of our boys had brand new North Face sleeping bags.  We slept on air mattresses that held air.  We bought a cargo carrier for our roof rack.  I went so far as to rent camp grounds and cabins so we were not without a campsite.  We made a wonderful family camping vacation to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, and Mt. Rainier National Park.  After getting ourselves properly organized, we fell in love with camping vacations.

How To Eat 5 Star Restaraunt Quality Food On Your Family Camping Vacation

Do you think that I am kidding?  We are talking about a camping vacation, right?  Eating is every bit as important as sight seeing.  If you don’t eat well on your camping trip, then you may as well go home.

We take our eating very serious.  I pack an adjustable Coleman Dual Fuel adjustable stove.  It works as good as any home gas stove.  I can fill it up at any gas station.  The first rule to follow is forget everything that you have been told about “camping food”.  My wife packs t-bone steaks, whole organic chickens, fresh pacific salmon, lamb, and other incredibly delicous food.  Most of our meat, poultry, and fresh fish is cooked on a Frontier caste iron griddle that we bought at a garage sale for a few bucks.  The taste is so good that we started using the griddle at home too.  We try to find food that is locally grown.  We have been able to purchase everything from raw organic milk to cherries, peaches, and wild huckleberries that we picked ourselves.  When we see a sign advertising “Farm Fresh Eggs”, we usually stop to see what else is being sold.  Why go to a grocery when you can find better home grown food?

3 Essential Peices Of Cooking Equipment For Making Camping Meals Worth Bragging About

  1. Stainless Steel Wok with cover.  Nothing beats easy stir fried foods while camping.  Everything is so easy to cook.  Clean up is easy.  My wife makes steamed cakes in the wok by placing a round baking pan on top of a vegetable steamer.  We have fresh baked cakes several times a week on our  vacations.
  2. Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker.  The pressure cooker can cook an whole chicken with potatoes and vegatables in less than hour.  Dried beans and legumes are fully cooked in under an hour.  A pressure cooker is better than a microwave.  When not being used a pressure cooker, we use it for making pasta.  It also doubles as our storage container for cups and eating utensils while we travel.
  3. Cast Iron Griddle.  We like the cast iron griddle because the food tastes so good.  We cook everyting from omelettes to grilled lamb on the griddle.  We carmelize onions to top our steaks and omelettes.  After using a cast iron griddle to make omelettes, I have never tastes anything as good as what make in any restaraunt.

It is not a long list.  Did you notice that only the Cast Iron Griddle is actually made for camping?  You don’t need specialized camping cooking equipment to make gourmet meals.  I bring cooking devices that I use at home.  Everything does at least double duty.   Keep your food in a good cooler.  Buy groceries for only a few days.

The Real Truth About Family Camping Vacations

When I think of a family vacations that my parents took me on, they were often rushed and stressful.  Dad always crammed too much in to a short period of time.  He was obsessed with perfection and spent hours leveling the family trailer.  We had a camping tent the size of carnival tent that seemed to consume more time setting up than leveling the trailer.  Our family vacations felt like they were work camps for low level convicts. The worst part was the unpacking-it consumed at least one day with dear old dad.

I changed my family vacation policy and wrote into our family bylaws that having fun is mandatory.  Keep your camping trip simple.  Take only equipment that is necessary.   Focus on a few camping destinations so you don’t spend your entire vacation driving.  My wife and I enjoy the driving trip so much because we only drive a few hours each day when we change camping locations.  We explore small towns and drive scenic biways.  Camping should be almost as relaxing as staying at a nice hotel or resort.  Some campgrounds are as luxurious as a resort.

We don’t have any set rules except for having fun. My kids and I pamper my wife so she will continue to love family camping vacation trips.  She never washes dishes, clothes, sets up camp, or any hard labor. Every year we try to do something different and see an area that we have never seen before.  This year we are planning a visit to North Eastern Oregon to the Wallowa Mountains.  It’s an extremely remote area and highly endorsed.  The photos that we have looked remind me of the Swiss Alps.

Imagine Seeing The Grand Canyon Or Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Each Morning When You Wake Up

Visiting National Parks for a family vacation is one of the most rewarding experiences.  Some parks such as Yellowstone are so large that you can spend an entire week there and still not run out of things to do or see.  Visit the National Park Service website for the most up to date information.  Here is a partial list of National Parks that I have visited over the last 8 years with my family.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon is great to visit at any time of the year.  However, camping is not advised or allowed in the winter unless you pack in to the bottom.  If my kids were a little older, I would take them on back packing vacation to the bottom of the Grand Canyon because it is 5,000 feet lower than the rim.  I hiked the bottom of the Grand Canyon in January and it’s warm compared with the snow covered rim.  This park is one place that can truly only be experienced if you make the hike to the bottom.  It really is another world on the bottom.  You can hike down the Grand Canyon while there is still snow on the room and by the time you make it to the bottom, you will be shedding most of your clothing for shorts and tank tops.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is like America’s largest zoo.  Expect to get caught in a traffic jam caused by many of the park’s bison, elk, moose, or deer.  I think it’s rather unfortunate that most of the bear had to be relocated to the back country because of people feeding them and getting too close.  My favorite campground in the park is Madison Junction because there are hot springs adjacent to the Madison river than you can bath in.  They were closed for years.  I rediscovered them 3 years ago and never saw a soul bathing in them.  The geysers, cones, and mud pots will thrill both you and your  kids.  I have been going back to Yellowstone every few years since 1979 and have never tired of this beautiful park.

Grand Teton Park is adjacent to Yellowstone and must be visited if you are staying in Yellowstone.  The Teton mountain range is characterized by tall snow covered jagged peaks that rise over 7,000 feet off the valley floor.  While it’s close in proximaty to Yellowstone, there are few similarities. I have hiked extensively in the back country.  It’s just as beautiful driving through the park as hiking in it.

Glacier National Park Montana

Glacier National Park borders Canada.  It’s truly a remarkable park with so much snow and glaciers.  The mountains look different from any other mountains that I have visited in the US.  Going To The Sun Road is one of the most amazing roads to drive and bicycle on the planet.  Even though the summit elevation is only 6,646 feet above sea level, you feel that you are above the clouds and on your way to the sun. This is the highest point at which you can drive your vehicle in the park.   Many trails such as Hidden Lake trail will take you even higher.

Yosemite National Park, California

I have spent a good amount of time camping both in the back country of Yosemite and car camping in Yosemite Valley.  The rock formations are stunning with their dome like features.  This park is best visited in the off season because traffic is horrendous.  The weather is mild year.  Autumn is my favorite time because the fall colors of the aspen and cottonwood trees are outrageous.

Zion National Park, Utah

Our family loves Zion National Park because of the incredible rock formations.  It’s a great place to bring your family for a vacation.  Free shuttle bus service will bring you around much of the park.  We like to hike through parts of the “narrows”, a famous trail that follows the Virgin River through a narrow canyon that becomes so narrow that you eventually have to walk through the river.  My wife really enjoys Zion because the night weather is warm.  She usually requires a sub-zero down sleeping bag to keep her warm when the temperature dips below 60 degrees.I have visited each of these parks and if you asked me right after I left the park, I would say that it was my favorite park.  All of them are so incredible that it’s hard to say which park is my favorite.  The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is the most visited national park.  I have never visited the park, but it has to be beautiful to have so many visitors.

Make sure that you have all your camping equipment in order.  Bring a portable water filtration system, adequate family camping tent, and warm sleeping bags for comfort.  Do things that your family likes to do.  I have more fun watching my wife and 2 kids enjoy themselves.

Mark Keeler is an active camper and writes about his camping adventures at Campwardbound.com.  I write only about products that I truly believe in.  Stop by and say “Hey!”

 

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Baking Soda – A Must Have Camping Supply

Posted on April 26, 2012 by bridget

You might be scratching your head as to why baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda is a must have camping supply. The answer lies in its versatility. Most campers choose items based on their multipurpose uses — even more so for hikers. For example, a needle isn’t just for clothing repair, it can also be used as a first aid device for removing splinters. If the needle is magnetised it can even be used as a makeshift compass under the right conditions.

As it turns out, bicarbonate of soda can take the place of many everyday items; both on a camping trip and around the home. Perhaps one of its better known multi purpose uses, other than for baking, is as a fridge deodorant. Leave an open box in the refrigerator and all of those weird unidentified odors will soon be history. This can also work in your cooler but I wouldn’t recommend leaving a tub of open baking soda in there as it can be easily spilled.

A tub of bicarbonate of soda can also be used to keep your pearly whites in tip top condition while out in the wilderness. Dip your toothbrush straight in and use it in place of your toothpaste. The main ingredient of toothpaste is baking soda anyway so this isn’t such a big change. Once you get used to it, it actually works pretty good.

If you have forgotten the dishwashing detergent you can also use the trusty bicarb. Put a tablespoon or so in your dishwashing water and scrub away. If you regularly camp in areas without regular plumbing I thoroughly recommend this simply due to the fact that bicarb of soda is less harmful to the environment.

Bicarb can also take the place of your soap.  Sprinkle some on your damp cloth and give yourself a nice refreshing shower or sponge bath. If you use a camping shower you can also be safe in the knowledge that you aren’t polluting the environment with modern pollutants.

If you’ve been out hiking and you find yourself a bit on the stinky side, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda under your armpits and also rub a little bit on the outside where you have been sweating. You won’t be smelling like you’ve been freshly perfumed, but you also won’t have fellow campers keeping their distance either.

Bicarbonate of soda is also a surprisingly good dry shampoo. Sprinkle a goodly amount on your palms and rub it in your hair. The powder will attract all of the dirt granules (which you then comb out) and absorb all of the excess oil, keeping your hair nice, shiny, and clean. Some people swear by this method and have even given up using traditional shampoo altogether.

So there you are. Using a small tub of bicarbonate of soda can replace all of these items in your pack. You have effectively removed the toothpaste, dishwashing detergent, soap, shampoo, and deodorant in one fell swoop. Great news for campers and especially good news for hikers where every little bit of weight saved is a bonus.

For more ideas on unusual camping equipment and supplies check out the site over at High Tech Camping.

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7 Beginner Camping Tips You Should Follow

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Mark

If this is your first camping trip, you are probably a bit overwhelmed with what to do. There are so many things to remember that it can be extremely confusing knowing where to start. Here are 7 simple guidelines you should follow to make things easier:

Pick a good tent

Choosing the right tent is imperative. Otherwise, the rest of the trip will not be enjoyable. For most people, a simple 3 seasons tent will be enough, but if you are camping in the winter than you will need a 4 seasons model.

Also, consider going one size up. For instance, if 3 people are coming, think about getting a 4 person tent. Often times 3 person tents really only live up to their name if 3 small people are crammed in there.

Practice putting up the tent

Some people wait until they get to the campsite to try it the first time. This just leads to mistakes. Instead, you want to get used to putting up the tent prior to leaving to make sure you can do it quickly.

Choose a good location

It is very important to go with a flat, soft soil area. However, stay away from the bottom of hills or valleys. Also, make sure you put the tarp underneath the tent to protect it from damage.

Dress in layers

If you do not, you will either be too hot or too cold. Either extreme can be a recipe for disaster. Bringing layers is the simplest strategy for maintaining a good core temperature.

Figure out the way to use a GPS or map

Sure, you might have hiked in the location 100s of times before. However, every now and then you might not be paying attention and get lost, or you might even end up off the trail. In this instance, you will need navigation skills, particularly if all the trees in an area look the same.

Learn basic skills

You need some essential camping abilities, such as ho to use a utility knife, tie a knot and build a fire. This is important for having a successful trip.

For more information on basic outdoor survival skills, check out this site.

Come preparedIt is very important that you bring the right equipment. Obviously a quality tent is important, and this has been covered. Make sure you also bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad, as the ground will be hard. Otherwise, your back will probably be sore.

Make sure you bring the appropriate food, and also a good utility knife and rope. Be certain you have lots of water. This is both for drinking and cooking.

Conclusion

Camping is complicated, particularly for those just starting out. Use these 7 simple tips, and you will make your first trip a success.

Read more from RamboMoe at preparedforthat.com

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Double Sleeping Bag

Posted on April 5, 2011 by bridget

Sleeping bags are a necessity for anyone who likes to camp or spend time in the outdoors. Although many people assume sleeping under the stars is going to be uncomfortable, luckily that is not always the case. Just because one is camping does not mean that comfort should be sacrificed. Double sleeping bags have been designed to accommodate those people who want comfort when they camp. Available in a range of sizes and materials, a double sleeping bag is a great choice for couples who camp together.

Double Sleeping Bag Basics

A double wide sleeping bag is generally the size of two single sleeping bags put together. These bags can comfortably sleep two people on an overnight trip, making them a great option for couples who are traveling or camping together. For convenience, the bags often have a zipper on each side. This makes it ideal for one person to get in and out without rousing the other sleeper. A great feature with many double sleeping bags is that they have the option of being split in two to form two separate bags. This versatility appeals to many campers.

Double Sleeping Bag Materials

Double sleeping bags come in a variety of materials which determine their level of comfort and sturdiness. Many bags on the lower end of the cost scale will be made of synthetic materials. Those looking for a lightweight double sleeping bag will find that many lightweight bags are made of polyester or silk floss. Those who want a sleeping bag that will keep them warm in the coldest climates will find that most heavy bags are made of goose down.

Benefits of a Double Sleeping Bag

There are many advantages to buying a double sleeping bag. Many couples are used to sleeping next to each other, and they will find that a double sleeping bag allows them to do that. They can also be warmer and cozier than individual bags. One benefit that surprises most people is that double sleeping bags are often less expensive than individual bags. Their cost-effective nature means that even those who like to camp alone many find that they enjoy the use of a double sleeping bag.

Although designed with couples in mind, there are many people who enjoy the space, comfort and low-price a double sleeping bag has to offer. Those looking for a convenient way to camp should be sure to check out the benefits of a double sleeping bag.

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Submersible LED Lights

Posted on April 5, 2011 by bridget

LED lights are fast becoming one of the most popular forms of light technology.  Some of these lights are made to be water-resistant, making them an excellent choice for those who use fishing lights or require lighting for their boat or boat trailer. The use of submersible LED lights for these activities has some clear advantages that make them a popular choice over incandescent light bulbs.

LED Technology

LED lights are a relatively new technology that have changed the way light bulbs work. LED, which stands for light emitting diode, works when electron movements illuminate a tiny diode contained inside the light. LED lights are much brighter and last longer than incandescent light bulbs, making them a popular choice for those who need a bulb that performs well underwater.

Submersible LED Fishing Lights

LED submersible lights work very well for those who require a light while they are fishing. Many fishermen report that they have great success using these lights over halogen lights. One big benefit of LED fishing lights is that many can be set to shine a certain color with just the push of a button, as opposed to halogen lights which typically are available in only one color. Most submersible LED fishing lights are battery powered and can often be used both above and below the water, giving them a versatility which fishers will appreciate.

Submersible LED Trailer Lights

Many who own boat trailers really like submersible LED lights. Trailer owners repeatedly give these lights good reviews, and report them to last far longer than the incandescent bulbs. A big benefit of using LED trailer lights is that there is no wiring that needs to be connected and disconnected every time the trailer backs into the water. There is also much less chance of a light shorting out because of its exposure to water. This is very convenient for the trailer owner. Many people also prefer these submersible trailer lights because they are bright and easy to see, and they have to be changed far less often than an incandescent light bulb.

Submersible LED lights are a convenient light for those who need a light that performs well underwater. While they often cost more than incandescent lights, many people find that their long life span make them a worthwhile choice. Fishers and boaters alike find that LED lights are an excellent option when a bright, long lasting light is needed.

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Jeeps For Sale

Posted on March 31, 2011 by bridget

The Jeep is one of the most iconic American vehicles. First manufactured in 1941, Jeeps have always been thought of as a tough, outdoor vehicles. After its introduction, the Jeep quickly became a popular vehicle worldwide. Those looking for Jeeps for sale today may be interested to know that Jeep has several different models to suit different needs. Along with their most popular model, the Jeep Wrangler, there are currently four other Jeep models available. Those looking for a little more off-road excitement may also want to check out lifted Jeeps for sale.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the oldest SUVs on the market. It is the token vehicle people think of when they hear the Jeep name. The Wrangler is modeled after the very first vehicles Jeep manufactured during World War II. Wranglers are very popular because they are excellent vehicles for navigating off the beaten path. Those looking for a classic off-road vehicle will find that a Jeep Wrangler is a great choice.

Other Jeep Vehicles

Today Jeep has an expanded lineup of vehicles which include the Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Compass, and Liberty, as well as the popular Wrangler. These vehicles are all designed for everyday driving, yet they all retain the capabilities of being 4×4 vehicles. Camping enthusiasts who are looking for a vehicle to support their outdoor lifestyle will find that all 4×4 Jeeps for sale would be capable of doing the job.

Off-Roading With Lifted Jeeps

Those looking for some serious off-road fun might consider finding lifted Jeeps for sale. Lifted Jeeps will have a raised body or suspension which allows for bigger tires and better clearance over rocks. While fun to drive, lifted vehicles do have their disadvantages. The lifted Jeep will usually get very poor gas mileage and the higher center of gravity means it can tip easily and is not easy to drive on the road. A lifted vehicle also usually requires a lot of tune-ups and maintenance, since it is driven much harder than an ordinary vehicle. Nevertheless, many people love the look and feel of lifted Jeeps when venturing off the beaten path.

Outdoor enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike love the rugged look and feel of Jeeps. Their popularity has only increased over the years. Whether it be a Jeep Wrangler, a lifted Jeep, or another Jeep model, there is a Jeep for sale to fit almost every situation.

 

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Lifted Trucks For Sale

Posted on March 31, 2011 by bridget

Those looking for a vehicle with a commanding presence, quality off-road performance and a rural feel may want to consider looking at lifted trucks for sale. Lifted trucks are most popular in Chevy and Ford models, and there are certain things to look for when purchasing one of these vehicles.

Things To Know Before Buying

When looking for a lifted truck, first realize that it should have a DOT crash bar. Because the bumper of a lifted truck is raised as many as 18 inches higher than normal, it leaves the risk for smaller cars to be pulled under the larger tires in an accident. The DOT bar is positioned to prevent this from happening.  It is also important to understand that lifted trucks drive very differently on the road. They are often much harder to handle because they have a higher center of gravity. Finally, if you are buying a used lifted truck, be sure to inspect it thoroughly, since many lifted trucks meet with a lot of wear and tear.

Body Lift vs. Suspension Lift

There are two common ways to lift a truck: a body lift and a suspension lift. A body lift will raise the vehicle 1 – 3 inches in order to allow bigger tires, but it doesn’t increase ground clearance at all. It also doesn’t improve suspension and many times other modifications such as raised bumpers may need to be added. Alternatively, suspension lift kits replace the front and rear leaf springs and shocks, allowing for the suspension to be raised. This allows for the vehicle to be raised anywhere from 4 – 18 inches. Most good lifted vehicles have been raised by suspension kits.

Popular Lifted Truck Models

Those looking for a lifted truck will find that there are many Ford lifted trucks for sale. Ford trucks are known for their toughness, and many will find that they are a popular option. Ford’s most popular truck models are the F150, F250 and Ranger. Another well-known truck manufacturer is Chevy. Common Chevy models are the S10 and the Silverado. Buyers will find that both makers produce trucks which are rugged, dependable, and work well for lifting. Lifted trucks are very popular vehicles for off-roading, monster truck rallying, or just driving with a commanding presence.

Following these pointers and knowing the models when looking at lifted trucks for sale will help you to identify a quality lifted truck.

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LED Trailer Lights

Posted on March 31, 2011 by bridget

Those who are looking for new tail lights for their truck or trailer may notice that LED lights now occupy a place on the shelves next to the traditional incandescent lights. LED trailer lights are quickly becoming the new standard for vehicle lights. They are extremely popular because they are brighter, last longer, and are more energy efficient than their incandescent counterparts.

What Are LED Lights?

In order to see why LED lights are preferable, it helps to understand how they work. LED stands for light emitting diode. Each light contains a tiny diode which is illuminated through electron movements. Unlike incandescent lights, no filaments are used in the light bulb. This means that they will last much longer than traditional bulbs.

Why Are They So Popular?

One of the biggest reasons why LED truck and trailer lights are well-liked is because they have a much longer life span than incandescent lights. Typical incandescent lights last about 126 days, while LED lights last an average of 4000 days. Although they are more expensive up front, purchasing LED trailer lights is more cost effective because they will need to be replaced less. This is because they don’t contain many of the small wires found in standard light bulbs and can generally withstand the shock and vibrations of the road much better than light bulbs. Truck and trailer owners who use them will find that there is a decreased likelihood of a light going out while driving.

Are There Other Benefits?

Along with lasting longer, there are several other noted benefits of LED trailer lights. They rely on far less battery power than incandescent bulbs, and tend to be less of a drain on the car battery. Some are even solar-powered. They also light up quicker than incandescent bulbs. This improves the braking response time of vehicles following LED trailer tail lights, sometimes up to 16 ft. and 65 mph. Finally, LED lights are generally much brighter than incandescent bulbs, a feature which is always beneficial when one is concerned about safety on the road.

It is clear to see that LED trailer lights are preferable to incandescent light bulbs because they are brighter, last longer, and are more efficient. They are an excellent investment and save money in the long run because they have to be replaced far less often. Given their great benefit over incandescent lights, LED lights are a convenient and functional way to light up the trailer.

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