Truck bed covers are often referred to Tonneau covers. "Tonneau" is a French for "cover" and since the 1970s has been used to describe the cover that goes over the pickup truck's bed. This cover is used to protect the contents of the bed from wind and rain, and to secure it away from thieves. But the benefits not only stop there. They can improve the look of your truck and improve the drag on your vehicle, saving you gas.

When the truck bed is uncovered it pulls the air downwards which is poor aerodynamics and means when you are traveling at high speed there will a lot of drag on your truck. The noise associated with this drag can be very loud. By covering your bed, a truck bed cover can reduce the drag and associated noise meaning that your truck will consume less gas when you are on a long trip consisting of high speeds like on a highway or freeway.

Truck bed covers come in three different types.

Hard truck bed covers are made from fiberglass, hard plastic or aluminum. These types of covers are typically smooth and are colored the same as the truck itself. Most are hinged so that you just need to lift up one end to get access to whatever is in the tray. These are the most expensive types of covers.

Soft truck covers are made from toughened fabric like material and have bows to keep their shape under snow and water. They attach to the truck tray with snaps, Velcro or a groove and tongue system. Some can be rolled up or others are hinged lid models.

Retractable bed covers are a popular choice. When you need access to the tray they roll up inside a canister that sits at the back of truck.

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SET UP

Use care when handling cylinders. A hoist or other equipment must be used for heavier items.

1. Place cylinder on test stand.

2. Install correct fittings into ports.

3. Attach hoses to ports.

4. Set relief valve to operating pressure of cylinder.


STANDARD TEST

Make sure that the relief valve is set for the appropriate level. Fill cylinder with oil by alternately introducing oil into the extend and retract ports. Inspect all parts of the cylinder for leaks or damage.

5. Fully extend rod.

6. Check extend length to print.

7. Wipe rod.

8. Inspect rod for scratches or other damage.

9. Fully retract.

10. Check retracted length to print.

11. Pressurize retract/rod end port to relief pressure and hold.

12. Check for leaks around rod seal, head seal, port welds.

PISTON BYPASS INSPECTION

This test is to determine whether oil is leaking past the piston seals. Such a leak would allow the cylinder to drift while in operation.

13. Check for bypass over piston.

1. Disconnect hose from extend/base port (while retract/rod port is still pressurized).
2. Check for oil flow from extend/base port (should be none).
3. Reconnect hose to extend/base port.

14. Fully extend and pressurize extend/base port to relief pressure and hold.

15. Check for leaks around base and port welds.

16. Check for bypass over piston.

1. Disconnect hose from retract/rod end port.
2. Check for oil flow from retract/rod end port (should be none).
3. Reconnect hose to retract/rod end port.

COMPLETE TEST

Clean up and send to paint booth.

17. Fully retract with air pressure only.

18. Remove hoses and fittings.

19. Turn cylinder over to drain excess oil.

20. Plug ports.

21. Stamp with inspector number when complete and satisfactory.

22. Complete test report.

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Automotive scan tools are actually small computers run by programs like all other computers. Computers themselves, when demythologized, emerge from the fog as remarkably simple devices that think in 1's and 0's. They're not that smart. The true "intelligence" and complexity of any machine ALWAYS lies with the program within. When purchasing automotive scan tools and software, evaluate first the frequency with which you either personally or professionally encounter technological and mechanical change, and choose automotive scan tools with software upgrade options that will adapt an existing unit to new industry developments without requiring unit replacement with each advance in technology.

Pro-link scan tools and software offer you countless benefits in application and upgrade capabilities. Keynote features range from diesel engine fault ECU input monitoring, programmable EEPROM data, and comprehensive database storage of all proprietary OEM specifications. Pro link scan tool software packages offer comprehensive diagnostics on Detroit Deisel DDEC I/II electronic engine controller systems, Bendix ABS and ATC systems, Volvo VED 12systems, and even Mack Trucks with V-MAC II and Marine engine troubleshooting for boats! Each of these Pro link software packages proactively anticipates the many complex problems that can arise from increasingly complex technology. You can also expect to benefit from specific diagnostic capabilities such as ECU input and output status monitoring, displayed data parameters in either English or metric readout, user-created custom data lists, and clear diagnostic fault codes and compression testing options.

The first time buyer normally asks the obvious and intelligent question, "When do I know it's time to upgrade my pro link scan tool software?" Need and circumstance determine upgrade requirements more than any generic feedback can advise. Personal vehicle owners normally upgrade their automotive scan tool with new software when they purchase their next vehicle. Professionals face more variables and greater frequency of upgrade because they service multiple vehicles of diverse make and model, and they face industry changes every day as a standard course of business.

Each time the government requires a new safety feature and issues a set of safety compliance standards regulating its performance, vehicle technicians will need to upgrade pro-link scanning tools with software that can effectively diagnose safety devices and proactively identify potential malfunctions. If you run a service shop, make especially certain that your automotive scan tool software reflects the latest safety compliance laws. Not only must you observe these standards due to governing authority, but the problematics of insurance can only harm your business if you neglect to upgrade your software and later find yourself held liable for an accident outdated technology failed to prevent. Please do not assume that this cannot happen to you because it already has to someone in the world today. It does not, however, have to repeat itself in your personal world or the lives of your clients.

It simplifies life and better serves outcome to simply upgrade automotive scan tool software anytime you learn of a feature that specifically addresses a change or new type of problem you encounter. Automotive scan tool software loads into the unit via CD or a plug and play card similar to software and expansions cards on PC's and laptops. The process is simple. The results will astound you and serve you well.

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