Whichever way the economy turns, you'll have to pry the truck keys from our cold, dead hands. We know you share the feeling--a meteor could be barreling toward earth, and you'll be busy looking for quick ways to make more horsepower or searching for an expandable panic room to set up in the bed of your pickup. So we view this group of cool new products we've got here, compiled from the most recent SEMA show in Las Vegas, as a simple way to stimulate the economy -- and stave off that meteor.
Locked H3
ARB's Air Lockers are legendary in the off-road world. So is the Hummer H3. Put the two together and you've got an H3 with an air-locking differential. The traction device is activated by a dash-mounted switch, and an onboard air compressor engages the locker. For now, the kit is available for the rear locker only and costs less than a grand. ARB says the H3 front Air Locker is being developed.
ARB 4x4 Accessories; 425/264-1391.
www.arbusa.com
Better Fuel Economy
It's difficult to argue with the ecometer's appeal: Auto Meter's newest device can save fuel (which saves you money at the pump) and the CO2 emissions it would have released. This "eco-gauge" can be mounted anywhere, thanks to E-Z View, a dial face that rotates 350 degrees. It's easy to install, too--a single wire runs from the gauge to the OBD port--and in mere moments you can see real-time mpg, plus there's an eco-graph for improving your skills at driving efficiently. It runs about $70.
Auto Meter Products; 866/248-6356.
www.autometer.com
Here's the Scoop
This Super-Scoop from Banks is for 2007-and-later applications. By improving airflow, you can actually get better fuel economy. The Super-Scoop brings cool, dense air into the engine and is compatible with Banks' ram-air intake system: Together, they're said to boost air density by 46 percent. It works in all seasons and costs about $160.
Gale Banks Engineering; 800/601-8072.
www.bankspower.com
Innovative Bedliner
BedRug/Wise has just the ticket for those who want a liner that installs as easily as a drop-in, but provides the functionality of a spray-in. The five-piece BedTred--tailgate, sidewalls, floor, and bulkhead sections--is made from 0.25-inch-thick rubber mat, with a textured, nonskid surface bonded to a layer of water-resistant foam, bonded to a layer of nonwoven carpet. That setup serves as an insulator toward heat and noise. Pricing has not yet been announced.
BedRug/Wise Ind.; 800/462-8435.
www.bedrug.com
Power Stroke Intake
BD Diesel Performance's Super Air Scoop 6.4-liter intake kit promises better fuel economy and turbo response, power increases, and reduced EGT and emissions. The kit includes a ram-air-style scoop and ducting with reduced bends, increased diameter and smoothed-out corners to allow for cool ambient air, plus a washable air cleaner. MSRP is $365.
BD Diesel Performance; 800/887-5030.
www.dieselperformance.com