Technical Editor Fred Williams
Power of Giving
Price: $30
Setting up your shop or garage is always an organizational nightmare. Where do you put stuff and still have room to work and a way to get power to the tools? This simple 12-outlet power strip from Snap-on Tools solves the latter problem easily. Mount it to a wall, a work bench, or a ceiling rafter with drop cables. It is made of corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum and features a 15-amp circuit breaker and a 6-foot, 14-gauge, three-conductor contractor grade power cord. Plus it's available at Costco.
For more information, contact:
Snap-on Tools
www.snapon.com
Hauling Presents
Price: $1,500
If you use your pickup truck on the farm, this may not be the best option, but if you're looking to explore the outback of America and use your truck as a camping/exploring rig, then check out the Expedition One rear tire carrier for fullsize trucks. Currently offered for Tundras, this swing-out unit hauls a fullsize spare tire and four Expedition One jerry cans, and houses a rear winch mount, keeping vital equipment outside of your bed in the bed.
For more information, contact:
Expedition One
801.627.2921
www.expeditionone.biz
Roll-Proof Toy Box
Prices: $20, $115
Finding a safe place to mount your trail tools, gear, and spare parts can be a struggle. Swag Off Road's new Action Packer Baja Bin takes your basic Rubbermade Action Packer and surrounds it with a lockable aluminum skeleton. The bin can be attached to your buggy, Jeep, or pickup and keeps valuables from sliding around or bouncing out. It also has tie-downs for extra gear on top. The Action Packer is about $20, the aluminum Baja Bin about $115.
For more information, contact:
Swag Off Road
541.915.2775
www.swagoffroad.com
Holiday Hooves
Price: $375+ depending on size
Everyone needs new tires. Whether you're building a rockcrawler, a mud bogger, a dune jumper, or a daily driver that does all three, BFGoodrich Tires has a set to fill your big holiday stocking. Maybe Santa will send you new BFG Krawlers, now available in 42x14.50R20, but you better leave the garage door unlocked because they're not going to fit down the chimney.
For more information, contact:
BFGoodrich Tires
877.788.8899
www.bfgoodrichtires.com
Web Editor Jason Gonderman
EZ-Down Tailgate Damper
Price: $69.99
Tired of straining over lowering your pickup's heavy tailgate? There is a solution! The EZ-Down Tailgate Damper is a simple and affordable upgrade that allows for the controlled hands-free lowering of your truck's tailgate. It installs in 15 minutes, and all of the tools are provided.
For more information, contact:
EZ Down
877.393.6963
www.ezdown.com
Amp Research Powerstep
Price: $1,115
How many times have you heard complaints from your wife, girlfriend, elderly parents, or short friends about not being able to get into your truck? While factory running boards and other steps are more suited to mini-van and street use, the PowerStep from AMP Research is built with the off-road truck in mind. The biggest flaw of a typical running board is it gets hung up on rocks and other objects very easily. The PowerStep fixes this by retracting safely to its confines underneath the body when not in use. There are PowerStep applications for everything from fullsize pickups to Jeep Wranglers.
For more information, contact:
AMP Research
949.221.0023
www.amp-research.com
Hobart Multi-Tool
Price: $24.99
Who can't use a good multi-tool these days? The good people at Hobart Welding Products have just released their newest creation, a 15-in-one tool. It has a stainless steel body, is spring-loaded for easy use, has an LED light built in, and even includes a nylon pouch for storage. This new multi-tool has all the gadgets required to saw, cut, screw, and pry on just about anything.
For more information, contact:
Hobart Welders
800.332.3281
www.hobartwelders.com
Craftsman C3 Combo Kit
Price: $249
The Craftsman C3 Combo kit includes a cordless impact wrench and a cordless drill. The impact wrench is a 1/2-inch drive and produces up to 200 lb-ft of torque, perfect for changing tires or loosening stubborn bolts. The compact cordless drill included in the kit has a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, a two-speed gearbox, and a 24-position adjustable torque clutch. Both are powered by the same 19.2V lithium-ion battery pack, making them convenient to use in the shop or to carry with you on the trail. Both also come with an LED work light for nighttime wrenching.
For more information, contact:
Sears stores
www.craftsman.com