The combination of a low weight chassis, a long body and a 9.1 metre reach crane on a new DAF 18 tonner is bringing increased flexibility to the delivery operations of the leading independent builders' merchant

The truck makes up to 15 drops a day of a wide range of building materials from bagged sand and aggregates, to bricks, blocks and hard landscaping materials.

The 5.85 metre wheelbase LF55 is fitted with a 6.63 metre long double-dropside body capable of carrying up to 12 pallets or one tonne dumpy' bags. Sitting right at the back of the truck is an Atlas 105/A2 crane that has a reach of up to 9.1 metres.

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The installation kits and guides for car stereo systems are handy and helpful not only for beginners but also for those who want to try their hand in doing small repairs or remodeling.

Installation may mean adding new features or replacing the stock audio system. You can customize the stock audio system of your car by replacing the stereo, speakers and amplifier with those of your choice.

Before actually starting the installation task, double-check that you are in ready possession of the needed tools, like screwdrivers, wire stripper, crimper, wiring ties, butt splices, the dash bit, etc. In some cases, you may require an antenna adapter. These are readily available with your stereo retailer.

The best way to install your car speakers, stereos, amplifiers etc is to follow the instructions given in the instruction manual. Every car has a specific model of audio system. So, plan what best you can install in your vehicle.

In most cars, the front speakers are preferably round, while the rear speakers are oval. It is better if you choose to retain same stock location for speakers, to avoid breaking the door panel or the retaining dips in case of removing speakers installed in doors.

Basically, car stereo installation includes radio installation, front speaker, rear end speaker installation and the selection of equipment.

You can upgrade your car stereo system and install equipment with better features. For example, you can choose a head unit with remote control and a rigid face.

The head unit is the mostly likely part that is upgraded whenever there is any new arrival in the market. After all, the speakers and stereos determine the quality of sound produced.

Some of the other components which are upgraded in a high-end car stereo are amplifiers, alternators, cables, audio processors, woofer enclosure, equalizers, DVD, navigation etc.

You need to constantly upgrade the alternators according to your vehicle’s current capability in terms of the electrical system. If you want to install very large audio systems in your car, then you may need loads of batteries to control fluctuations in current flow and thereby enjoy your favorite music for longer periods. You would not run out of power.

In the US, to assist you in high-end or custom car stereo installations, there are a couple of learning centers, namely The Syntec Technical School and Mobile Dynamics.

If music is your passion, then install an audio system perfectly suited to your car and listen to your favorite music endlessly.

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I think many of us with vehicles seriously overestimate or underestimate what we could tow with it. You might look at a boat, utility trailer, or travel trailer and ask yourself “I wonder if my car could handle that?”

Now where would you go for that kind of information? Most people would go straight to the owner’s manual of their car. The problem is, the information in that manual will be so watered down and generic that you can’t really trust it.

It’s going to say something like this: “towing capacities are calculated under the assumption of a standard equipped vehicle, normal driver, and trailers. Any other equipment or passengers will reduce the amount of weight your vehicle can handle.”

Huh? So how on earth can you evaluate your real towing capacity? The first thing you have to understand the vehicle manufacturer is using a completely stripped down version of the car or truck to beef up the towing rating. Makes sense right?

They’re trying to sell cars, and if you’re a family with a tent trailer, seeing a super high towing rating on that little station wagon could be the factor that gets you to buy. That’s why you need to bring a skeptical eye to that owner’s manual.

The last thing you want is to load up your trailer with a few quads or motorcycles, head up to the mountains, and then have your transmission go out because you trusted the manufacturer’s published towing capacity. That could be a very expensive getaway.

Here are some terms you want to be familiar with in evaluating your actual towing capacity:

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)
You know all those times you’re headed down the interstate near the border of the state you’re entering or leaving? One of the best ways to find out your unloaded vehicle weight is to stop at one of them, pay the $5 or $10 fee, and have them weigh your car or truck.

If you do stop at one of those weigh stations, try to have your gas tank as full as possible to make the measurement more accurate.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
This is the maximum weight your tow vehicle can be without wrecking your car, truck, or suv. There are a few places you might find this number – it might be under the hood in the engine compartment, or on a sticker in a door frame, or maybe even in the owner’s manual. It’s important to know this number because the foundation for safe towing is not attempting to pull something that is just too heavy for your car.

The bottom line when towing is not to overdo it. When you buy a vehicle, if you know it’s going to be used for towing, be realistic about the capacity of the car or truck you’re buying.

The lightweight family sedan you’re buying is probably not intended to pull a 20 foot boat, or a large travel trailer. If you know you’re going to be doing lots of traveling, camping, RVing, and other recreation, be honest about what type of tow vehicle you’re going to need.

I would recommend buying a solid 8 cylinder engine with a transmission calibrated for heavy duty jobs. I would rather overkill on the vehicle than risk doing thousands of dollars in damage to my car or my trailer. Not to mention the people I’m sharing the road with.

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