SEMA Pickup Products
Editor’s picks from the 2011 SEMA Show; great accessories to make your pickups more productive and perform better
Every year, the Specialty Equipment Market Association puts on a trade show in the Las Vegas Convention Center known as the SEMA Show. It’s the Mecca for motorheads and car enthusiasts of all types.
With hundreds of project vehicles and thousands of aftermarket parts, the SEMA Show can give you the vision to make your vehicle be everything you dreamed it could be.
Although there are plenty of cars at the show, pickups definitely do not take a back seat. From slammed street machines to lifted off-roaders, pickups are everywhere you look.
When our ProPickup team was done walking the miles of aisles at the 2011 SEMA Show, we found these products that can make your pickups ones you can be proud of – and your company more productive.
Dick Cepek’s Crusher is a tough radial that features a tread pattern specifically designed for demanding off-road traction as well as excellent handling on the street. Three-ply sidewalls and “Skull-and-Cross-Bones” SideBiters can take on the toughest terrain. Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels; dickcepek.com; (800) 222-9092
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Convert-A-Ball Mfg.’s Adjustable Cushioned Fifth-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter Cushioned adapter adjusts infinitely from 12 to 16 inches, allowing the use of a gooseneck ball to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. It installs in minutes. Convert-A-Ball; convert-a-ball.net; (800) 543-1732
A.R.E. is making the steel toolbox option from its commercial DCU caps available for its CX and MX Series of fiberglass truck caps. This gives the pickup owner more style options without giving up the function of A.R.E.’s popular tool boxes. The Fiberglass Contractor’s Package includes two steel toolboxes, a Tower Series roof rack, two painted aluminum side doors, and a painted aluminum rear door. A.R.E.; 4are.com; (800) 649-4273
A tree strap is an important tool in your winch rigging box and Bubba Rope’s Tree Hugger gets the job done. Designed to protect winch lines and trees during off-road vehicle recovery, the Tree Hugger is made from 100 percent polyester webbing with a breaking strength 58,000 pounds. It includes a Cordura jacket, reduced eyelets, stitched-in label, and duffle bag. Bubba Rope; bubbarope.com; (877) 499-8494
RetraxPRO bed covers are made with industrial-strength aluminum, giving them the strength to support distributed loads of more than 500 pounds. The cover rolls up in the front of the bed and can be latched or key-locked in any position. Retrax; retrax.com; (800) 206-4070
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Rancho’s RS7000MT shock absorbers provide a highly effective dissipation of heat, making the shocks extremely resistant to overheating during extreme use. The shock design features a high-pressure gas charge separated from the internal oil to maximize damping efficiency and control. Each shock includes a 46mm bore and piston and 14mm chrome piston rod. Rancho; gorancho.com; (734) 384-7806
The MKi9000 by Parrot is a hands-free Bluetooth device for an iPhone and iPod with external adjustable double microphone, wireless remote control, and automatic phonebook synchronization. Parrot; parrot.com; (877) 972-7768
Liquid Wrench brought a six pack of products to the show, including lubricating oil, penetrating oil, dry lubricant, silicone spray, chain lube and white lithium grease. Liquid Wrench; liquidwrench.com; (866) 973-6247
Rock-Slide Engineering’s Step-Slider is a functional slider with an integrated step that is deployed when the door is opened. Constructed of 3/16 steel and made in the USA, the slider is available on all Jeep applications and Ford vans. Rock-Slide Engineering; rockslideengineering.com; (435) 752-4580
The CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus technology is Continental Tire’s premier all-season tire, developed to deliver improved fuel economy and tread wear, reduce harmful CO2 emissions, and provide outstanding wet braking. Continental Tire; conti-online.com; (800) 847-3349
Smittybilt M1 Bumpers are manufactured out of 3/16-inch cold rolled steel with 1/4-inch mounting plates and are topped with Smittybilt’s Signature Series, two-stage powder coat. Each M1 comes standard with 7/8-inch solid D-ring mounts and Ultra Bright driving and fog lights. The winch mount system can hold up to a 16,500-pound winch. Smittybilt; smittybilt.com; (888) 717-5797
Hellwig says its Heavy-Duty Air Kit has the largest air spring on the market. The heavy-duty hardware and components provide improved ride with increased capacities. Hellwig Products; hellwigproducts.com; (800) 435-5944
To use Super Spare, simply connect the bottle to a flat tire, connect transfer hose to the bottle and connect the other end of the transfer hose to any inflated tire. The puncture is sealed and the tire is inflated to a safe driving pressure. Super Spare; superspare.co; (208) 482-7616
Banks Ram-Air intake system for the 2011 Ford 6.7L Power Stroke features an enclosed housing that helps it inhale cooler, denser outside air and improves flow up to 26 percent for increased power and improved mileage. Banks Power; bankspower.com; (800) 601-8072
Warn’s VR10000-s Winch is equipped with 100 feet of WARN Spydura synthetic rope. A ballistic nylon sliding sleeve polished aluminum hawse fairlead provide extra rope protection against abrasion and wear. Features include a 10,000-pound capacity, low-profile design; a separate control pack for various mounting options; a three-stage planetary gear train; and a 12-foot lead. Warn Indutries; warn.com; (800) 543-9276
Volant Performance builds an air intake kit for the Ford F150 Eco Boost. Volant says its Venturi filter adapter provides a smoother flow of air to the MAF sensor. Volant; volant.com; (909) 481-3888
PullRite’s new SuperRail Mounting Kit with B&W hitch adapter allows an existing B&W customer to convert their current B&W for use with PullRite’s automatic SuperGlide sliding hitches for short bed trucks. The SuperGlide automatically adjusts the spacing between the trailer and the pickup cab during turns. PullRite; pullrite.com; (574) 259-1520
Yakima’s Whisper Bar prompted Yakima to bring a wind tunnel to the SEMA Show to show off the rack’s super-quiet characteristics. Sleek designs and a variety of mounting options make this a practical and stylish cargo carrying option. Yakima; yakima.com; (888) 925-4621
The Air Hose Repair Kit by AirHoseRepairKit.com includes everything you need to repair compressed air hoses. AirHoseRepairKit.com; (702) 302-4100
Rigid Industries’ E-Series 10-inch Light Bar is available in three spot/flood configurations featuring unbreakable polycarbonate lens, UV 3800 polyester powdercoat, over/under voltage protection and 50,000-plus hour lifespan. Rigid Industries; rigidindustries.com; (480) 655-0100
In-Drive’s AT500 features a GPS module, cellular transceiver, three-axis accelerometer, internal antenna, cable management system, microphone, two 2-watt speakers, SOS button, and a customer care button. In-Drive; in-drive.com; (404) 573-5800
Phoenix Systems’ V-12 DIY Reverse Brake Bleeder is designed to give enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers a brake-and-clutch bleeding kit at an affordable price. The kit can also provide a combination bleed including reverse, pressure, vacuum or bench to bleed ABS systems and clutches. It comes with an instruction DVD. Phoenix Systems; brakebleeder.com; (435) 673-0777
Lazer Star’s Bullet Style rigid-mount light comes in amber and red LED, and features a black anodized finish. Lazer Star; lazerstar.net; (800) 624-6234
The Baja STZ by Mickey Thompson is designed for excellent steering response, superior grip and great all-weather traction. The aggressive tread design, variable density nylon over wraps, serrated tie bars and shoulder scallops. Strategic siping provides for improved stability, long wear and traction in wet or icy conditions. Mickey Thompson Performance Tires; mickeythompsontires.com; (330) 928-9092
Bodyguard Truck Accessories’ Extreme Front Replacement Bumper for 2010-12 Dodge 2500 & 3500 HD features winch mount, fog light openings, and wrinkle black powder coat finish. Bodyguard Truck Accessories; bodyguardbumpers.com; (877) 785-8939
aFe’s Ford Power Stroke Rear Differential Cover has a 5-quart lube capacity (factory cover holds 4 quarts) for maximum rear-end protection. Features include a magnetic drain plug, magnetic tipped fill plug, built-in internal and external fins, and a large sight glass. aFe; afepower.com; (951) 493-7155
The TonneauMate by TruXedo is a universal tool box that fits most full-size trucks with or without a tonneau cover. An elevated design leaves the pickup bed usable. The TonneauMate is lockable and supports loads up to 250 pounds. An adjustable mounting design allows the box to be placed in the front, middle or rear of the pickup bed. TruXedo; truxedo.com;(877) 878-9336
Extreme Max Products says its EXT3000 Digital Inverter Generator has the highest power-to-weight ratio on the market, putting out 2800W and weighing in at 70 pounds. The unit is quiet, features an electric-start, 4-stroke engine and runs 10 hours on a fill. A parallel kit is available. Extreme Max Products; extrememax.com; (651) 357-1861
BOLT’s Cable Locks expand its line of locks that program to a vehicle’s ignition key. The Cable Locks are made from 1/4-inch coiled cable with 1/16-inch black vinyl coating and are coil sprung for compact storage. BOLT; boltlock.com; (877) 251-8798
General’s Grabber AT features a wide, flat footprint for maximum ground contact to increase traction (both on- and off-road) and to improve stability and braking on the highway. The tire features a five-row lug pattern with strategically placed sipes, resulting in many biting edges. General Tire; www.generaltire.com; (800) 847-3349
American Work Cover Jr. tool box by Truck Covers USA can replace the American Roll Cover canister lid to provide the convenience of a toolbox without any loss of bed space. Features include heavy-duty metal construction, OEM-grade locking mechanisms and gas shock opening. Truck Covers USA; truckcoversusa.com; (858) 622-9135
Dynotech builds custom steel, aluminum and carbon fiber drive shafts for OEM support and replacement, as well as for racing, muscle car, hot rod, four-wheel drive, and specialty applications. All Dynotech drive shafts are hand-assembled, computer-welded and high-speed balanced to the highest standards in the industry. Dynotech; dynotechengineering.com; (800) 633-5559
Extang’s Encore tonneau cover is a low-profile, hard panel tri-fold cover offering easy access from both front and rear. A rear latch locks the cover at the tailgate and the front panel has a separate rotary latch and lock. Textured panels, powder-coated frame and rubber corners help resist dents and scratches. The sealing system is integrated with rails for the ultimate in weather protection. Extang; extang.com; (800) 877-2588
The AluRack by A.R.E is a pickup cap accessory featuring 100 percent aluminum construction, over-the-cab design and rear roller crossbar for easy material handling and removal. A.R.E.; 4are.com; (800) 649-4273
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs are designed to improve ride and increase vehicle stability. Many of the kits use the vehicle’s factory holes for “no drill” installation. Firestone also offers the Air-Rite air accessory system, which enables drivers to make adjustments with a push of a button installed on the dashboard. Firestone Industrial; firestoneip.com; (800) 247-4337
Race Ramps built its 7-inch Trailer Ramps with a flap cut-out to accommodate trailer doors that incorporate an extension flap. These ramp extensions are designed to safely and easily get low-ground clearance vehicles on and off trailers without scraping. Race Ramps; raceramps.com; (866) 464-2788
The 84 Tooth Ratchet is a ratchet from GearWrench built for strength, speed and access. The low-profile head provides access in tight spaces and features a ratchet arc of just 4.3 degrees, making it perfect for use in applications with minimal clearance. The 84T Ratchet is also available in several handle configurations to meet a variety of needs including offset, long, stubby and locking flex, and comes in a variety of drive sizes including 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-inch in combo and mixed tool sets. GearWrench; gearwrench.com; (800) 688-8949
Hellwig’s F-150 Sway Bar for lifted pickups is designed for improved traction, better cornering, and safer driving. Heat-formed and treated for high durability and performance, the kit allows for fast, easy bolt-on installation with basic tools. Hellwig Products; hellwigproducts.com; (800) 435-5944
Headlight Restoration Kit by 3M restores plastic lenses to a like-new condition, improving the look of your pickup and the function of its headlights. 3M; 3MCarCare.com; (888) 364-3577
General Tools makes a variety of thermometers including this IRT657-12:1 Wide-Range Infrared Thermometer, which features a backlit LCD display, over-range indication, auto measuring capability, and temperature data storage. General Tools; generaltools.com; (800) 697-8665
