The Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association just finished its annual Spring Expo & Off-Road Show at the Indianapolis Convention Center. As you'd assume by the name, this is just like the big Las Vegas show but on a more manageable scale with a more truck-focused subject matter. That's why we try to go each year. That and the fact we get a chance to see what clever new products will be hitting the market. One our favorite parts of the show is the New Products display that allows us to see what new problem-solvers will be the "next big thing" that you need to know about.
From our point of view, it gives us a front row seat to those businesses that are dealing with truck buyers on a daily basis at the retail level. That means just about all of these people are truck people, too, so these new products are more than just a way to make a buck, but in many cases also a way to help their buddies. Of course, some of these ideas are ones we wish we had thought of. But a truck show wouldn't be anything without some interesting four-wheeled rigs to look as well. It never ceases to amaze us that every vehicle that gets personalized can have a personality as unique and individual as the owner who built it.
We even saw a huge display of vehicles, which is trying to promote the fact that many of the vehicles, as well as the aftermarket parts built for them, have hugely "green" (meaning environmentally friendly) sides to their good looks. Unfortunately, these shows aren't open to public, but if by chance you're planning on opening up a truck store or looking to go into the truck publishing business, we'd recommend getting to one of these regional shows. In the meantime, here are a few things we saw and liked.
The New Products section has everything displayed in one easy location. This is always our first stop to see who's come up with the interesting ideas. This is also a good place to make a mental note of who you'd like to talk to at some point as well. It's always interesting to us to find out how they came up with the idea.
Hushpower muffler
Had a chance to see a new type of muffler that looks like it could work quite a bit better than some of the more traditional products out there. The Hushpower muffler is specifically made to reduce the engine noise without any loss in power, and we're told radiating heat is hundreds of degrees less than some other systems as well. Hushpower.com
Swift Hitch
The Swift Hitch is a mobile wireless camera system especially made for people who have multiple tow vehicles. The camera has a magnetic mount and the portable handheld screen goes wherever you do. They're even working on a system that can toggle back and forth between multiple cameras. Swifthitch.net
Titan Exhaust Air Jack
Think we saw this last year, but we still like it. The Titan Exhaust Air Jack is essentially a heavy-duty bag that inflates with your exhaust gases to lift your truck or SUV out of any sand, snow, dirt, or mud where you need a lift. And it all fits in an easy carry bag. Airjackusa.com
Battery Quick-connect
This battery quick-connect part from Pilot Automotive could make life much simpler when looking for 12-volt power. Hooking up those accessories just got a lot easier when you don't want to splice and dice into your electrical system. Maybe this isn't brain surgery but we like that it could make our life easier for something we might hook up later. Pilotautomotive.com
Little magnets
Little magnets are an easy way of keeping harmful filings away from the more temperamental pieces inside your engine. No doubt with all the worrisome issues floating around the auto industry, small and relatively inexpensive things like this will become standard procedure for those of us looking for every advantage we can find. Pilotautomotive.com