SEMA News—April 2014
TRUCKS, SUVs & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS
Truck, SUV & Off-Road Gear
New Products From the 2013 SEMA Show
The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road category continues to build momentum, presenting lucrative opportunities for the automotive aftermarket. At the 2013 SEMA Show, the Ford F-Series was named the Show’s Hottest Truck in the annual SEMA Awards, which honor vehicles most often featured by exhibitors in their booths. Once again, the Jeep Wrangler also reigned supreme as the Show’s Hottest 4x4-SUV.
With items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions, the market covers a wide variety of products and accessories. The following pages feature new Truck, SUV & Off-Road applications that debuted at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along with the products, we’ve interviewed several industry executives for their perspectives on current trends, along with advice for selling into the category.
View a complete listing of New Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road Products on PDF.
Two 8-ft.-long super-bright LED strips light the pickup box automatically when the tailgate is opened. Kit is easy to install and includes everything needed; no drilling required. LED strips can be easily trimmed to length for short boxes. | Auto Mats & Accessories Cut-to-fit vinyl mat with hundreds of possible configurations. Plain or with four-color process logo and retention fastener for secure fit. | |
The original Dynatrac free-spin HD hub conversion kits provide added durability and improved fuel economy. The ability to manually lock and unlock the hubs is a favorite feature for off-roading. Eliminating the risk of unit bearing failure and expensive replacement is a benefit to enthusiasts and work-truck owners alike. | Custer Products
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Dynatrac says its heavy-duty ball joints are the strongest, most durable and highest quality available anywhere, and a new application has just been released specifically designed to work with the new axle shafts in ’12–present Jeep Wranglers. Dynatrac ball joints are manufactured in the United States using all U.S.-made materials. |
The original Dynatrac free-spin HD hub conversion kits provide added durability and improved fuel economy. The ability to manually lock and unlock the hubs is a favorite feature for off-roading. Eliminating the risk of unit bearing failure and expensive replacement is a benefit to enthusiasts and work-truck owners alike. | |
The die-cast aluminum fuel door features a patented cam-action hinge that prevents rattling and is available in black or gunmetal. Made in the U.S.A. and features a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. |
The ProRock 80-IRS is an easy-to-fit assembly and is designed to maximize ground clearance and strength. The ProRock 80-IRS can be secured in the front or rear of common frame-rail or tube-chassis designs with narrow output flanges to maximize half-shaft lengths to reduce operating angles. Gear ratios from 3.54 to 5.38 are available. | |
Full Throttle Suspension
| Full Throttle Suspension
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EZ Connector Inc.
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Made in the U.S.A. CST Dirt-Series 2–3-in. adjustable 2.5 coil-overs provide a level stance while improving the stock ride and handling on GM/Chevy ’07–’13 2WD/4WD 1500 pickups and SUVs as well as the ’14 2WD pickup. Each CST coil-over is built by hand and features vehicle-specific valving for optimal ride quality, lift and travel. | |
Cequent Performance Products
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Made in the U.S.A. Constructed of precision, laser-cut 1/4-in. or better steel with CNC-machined ball-joint tapers. These 4-in. fabricated lift spindles allow the use of 33–35-in. tires with minimal or no trimming using 8–10-in.-wide wheels with up to 5 in. of backspacing. CST also offers complete 1–10-in. lifts for the GM 2500HD. | |
Warrior Products
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Three pieces; 10W LED reaches excellent lighting output. Combines 1W LED as position lamp. Has an aluminum die cast as lamp body and reaches good performance of heat dissipating. Lighting output more than 200,000 cd. Unique optical design with straight projecting is unique. IP-68. Low power consumption. Apply in off-road/truck. | |
The ’11–’13 Ford F-250/F-350 transfer case indexing plate and crossmember features a CNC-machined steel plate that allows the user to index or rotate the transfer case downward to correct driveline angle of large, lifted applications. With this in use, the user can run a stock front driveshaft on 10- to 16-in. lifted trucks and larger with the use of a custom driveshaft. | Rampage Products Backup camera for use with iOS and Android devices. Creates its own hotspot and includes a patent-pending magnetic adjustable mount. | |
The Scorpion electric bedliner gun is the next step in the evolution of the spray-in truck bedliner market. Working in conjunction with Wagner SprayTech, Scorpion has created a unique system that has little to no overspray and eliminates the need for an air compressor. This new gun is sold in conjunction with Scorpion’s 1- and 2-gal. kits. | WeatherTech
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I am really impressed with the growth I am seeing with bumper and step manufacturer N-Fab and light-bar manufacturer Rigid Industries. These two companies make great products for the off-road market and are doing a fantastic job of branding and marketing A.R.E. hasn’t focused on the off-road market in the past, but we recently released a new truck cap that has been well received by off-roaders. It is called the Overland Series, and it features a spray-on protective coating for extra strength and durability. —Bryan Baker |
LED lighting is hot in the off-road market, such as Rigid Industries and X-Vision fog and driving lights and light bars. Retailers should look to products and installations that do-it-yourselfers do not want to install themselves, such as remote starts and lift kits. The biggest hurdles in the next few years will be stocking inventory for the increased number of vehicle models and keeping up with technology advances in vehicles for aftermarket product installations. —Charley Holden | |
Evolution-series shocks give increased ride quality and the control needed when heading into the unknown. They use Fox-proven damping technology to provide a comfortable ride and predictable handling in a verity of conditions. | Titan Fuel Tanks Fuel transfer and storage equipment featuring a 60-gal. holding tank and 10-gallon-per-minute pumping capacity. Available in either AC or DC models. | |
A.R.E. Accessories LLC The entire painted fiberglass tonneau cover opens using a front hinge system, and the cover features side doors for easy side access to the truck. Available for the Toyota Tacoma 73.5-in. bed, the cover features 4 in. of storage room above the bedrails and offers various options, including remote keyless entry and LED rope lighting. | Runner-Up—Best Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
A world first in all-terrain couplers. Now anyone can hitch a travel trailer or any trailer quickly and easily without assistance. Provides a solid link between the tow vehicle and the trailer for a smooth, silent ride. The company says that the articulation of the heavy-duty universal makes it the best on- or off-road coupler available. | |
A 55-gal. after-axle replacement tank for diesel Econoline, cab and chassis vehicles with cut-away cabs. This tank fits model years ’99–’10. |
A.R.E. LED light, LED rope light and auto on/off switch options. | |
This two-piece framed wire mesh grille overlay is made out of high-quality materials. The 1/2-in., precision laser-cut frame extends around each of the real bolts to give it a unique, studded look. The woven wire mesh is formed to give it an extra dimension. Available in show chrome finish or gloss black powdercoat. Installation is a 1/2 hour. |
Designed for trucks and vans carrying heavy loads. Large 60mm bore sizes for greater hydraulic oil capacity than standard aftermarket shocks. Improves vehicle stability. Reduces body roll when turning. Durable design for maximum control off-road, hauling and towing. Precision-engineered valve system controls vibration and spring oscillation. | |
Designed for trucks and vans carrying heavy loads. Large 70mm bore sizes for greater hydraulic oil capacity than standard aftermarket shocks. Improves vehicle stability. Reduces body roll when turning. Durable design for maximum control off-road, hauling and towing. Precision-engineered valve system controls vibration and spring oscillation. |
Framed wire mesh grille overlay is made out of high-quality materials. The 1/2-in., precision laser-cut frame extends around each of the real bolts to give it a unique, studded look. The woven wire mesh is formed around the frame and bolts to give it an extra dimension. Available in brute, chrome and all black (shown). Installation in a 1/2 hour. | |
AMI’s new billet fuel-filler dust caps address the growing concern over dust, water and debris settling into the filler mouth on new capless fueling systems. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, they are easy to use and come with a tether. |
’14 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra accessories. AMI is up to date with application for all of its product lines, including fuel doors, third brake light covers and emblems. | |
Unlike other tow hooks, Amanda’s Speed Hook allows multiple-function towing capabilities. By quickly slipping the tow strap through its eye and over its hook, the user eliminates the need for shackles and prevents knots from forming. Even when an extreme tow calls for shackles, the user can directly hook one to the eye of the Speed Hook. |
The Antigravity YTX12-24 is capable of producing 1,200 CCA yet weighs only 5 lbs. It is said to be the world’s smallest, most powerful automotive race battery. Capable of starting 1,000hp high-compression motors in a package only 6x3.4x5 in. Made in the U.S.A. of the latest in high-discharge lithium iron phosphate cells. | |
Retailers should ensure that their websites offer detailed information on the products they’re selling. The site’s form and function have an effect on the perceived quality of the products being offered. If a potential customer lands on a website to learn more about a product he or she is interested in and finds “call for more info,” you’ve lost a sale. OEM and governmental constrictions on new vehicles remain a hurdle. Items such as high-level encryption in ECUs, tire-pressure monitors, integrated axle carrier/ring gears and complicated diesel emissions systems make it very difficult for the aftermarket to come to market with performance-oriented modifications. Also, the level of research and development required to overcome these increasingly complex new vehicle systems potentially risks pricing performance parts outside the budgets of the average consumer. —Christian Hazel |
As the Wrangler platform ages, we’re now attracting those vehicles’ second owners, who may not always have the same discretionary dollars as the original owners at first but will spend a lot of money over time on building a Jeep to their specifications. The four-door Jeep Wrangler has brought a whole new segment of consumers to our market who wouldn’t have considered buying a Wrangler before due to a lack of space for older kids or a second set of adults. Any retailer in the off-road or truck market that is not looking at this segment specifically is potentially missing out on some very nice As for challenges, we will need to continue to lobby to fight any governmental policies that affect our industry adversely, whether it’s over-regulation that limits vehicle modification, business operations or even land use. —Henk van Dongen | |
Engineered around the demands of Ultra4 Racing, this air-operated locking differential features a ring gear bolt-locking system, increased case strength, deeper clutch gear engagement, improved internal oiling and the ability to handle misalignment in steeply offset steering axles. On-demand traction available at the push of a button. | BedRug Inc. and Advantage Sold as a separate front and rear kit and installs without the need to remove any seat brackets or the center console. The material is 100% waterproof, dries quickly, resists all harsh chemicals and will not stain, stink, mold or mildew. The 1/4-in. polypropylene foam insulates the interior from road noise and heat. | |
The Tire Tread ArmPad by Boomerang adds comfort and style to the ’07–’14 JK Jeep Wrangler. The Tire Tread ArmPad is custom molded of durable soft-touch polyurethane and installs easily to the existing Wrangler center console lid. Installation requires no drilling or cutting. Also available for ’01–’06 TJ Jeep Wranglers. |
Bold design provides aggressive styling without cutting the body. Painting and installation are easy, while engineered inner pieces maintain a tight seal for added protection. | |
Bold pockets add dramatic styling that redefines the ’14 Silverado. Each set adds 2 in. of tire coverage, is ready to paint and is easy to install. |
ColorTek rigid tire covers feature dynamic full-color graphics printed directly to the molded plastic face. Not a wrap or decal and will never peel. | |
This amazingly little snatch rope is ideal for ATVs, UTVs and side-by-sides. Its compact size stores easily in a gear bag or utility rack. Co-branded product leveraging two trusted, well-known brands to create one compelling product. The packaging underscores the toughness and quality of the product. | Bug Buster Windscreen
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Bulldog LED Lighting
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Single-row LED light bars that are manufactured in the U.S.A. Shown is the Mini Spike and 4-in. single row. Sizes from 2 to 50 in., including the curved bar. The single row will work great on all vehicles, cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTVs/ATVs. Made in the U.S.A. with American parts from American factories. | |
CargoGlide’s XL signature-series low-profile SUV cargo slide; no-drill application. Assorted finishes available: carbon fiber, wood, aluminum, steel, 100% extension. Get your gear. |
Interior center console lockbox for the ’11–’14 Jeep JK Wrangler. Welded 16-gauge carbon steel. Hinged tamper-resistant lockable lid. Access openings for interior console electrical and access ports. | |
Bulldog LED Lighting
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Single-row LED light bars that are manufactured in the U.S.A. Shown is the Mini Spike and 4-in. single row. Sizes from 2 to 50 in., including the curved bar. The single row will work great on all vehicles, cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTVs/ATVs. Made in the U.S.A. with American parts from American factories. |
Automatic Cargo Light
PN: 5400L
Dynatrac
Remote-control wireless towing light bar. The 2.4Ghz transmitter works up to 1,000 ft. Runs 20 hours before needing to recharge. Stop, turn and taillights. Nearly indestructible case. Uses are towing, repo, RV, pulling AG equipment, trailers, etc.
Dynatrac Products Co. Inc.
Dynatrac Products Co. Inc.
AMP Research
Dynatrac Products Co. Inc.
Complete bolt-on kit. Includes replacement radius arm for improved travel, matched track bar drop bracket and Pitman arm for correct steering alignment. Transfer case re-clocking ring for proper driveline angle. Available with coil springs or spacers.
System is 100%-bolt on. All four factory bump stops incorporated for durability. Impact struts included. Ability to re-use stock wheels. Does not increase track width.
Sealed magnetic combined trailer and camera/data connector with plug-n-play and easy no-drill installation into OEM mounting holes. Backward-compatible adapters with all older connectors.
CST Performance Suspension
Features Tru Turn 360° for best-in-class castering performance and a high-performance Sharkskin finish for outstanding corrosion resistance. Raises and lowers 35% faster than conventional jacks, with a soft-touch grip for increased comfort.
CST Performance Suspension
JK full-width front bumper. Powdercoated, 11-gauge HRPO steel with provisions for winch and OEM fog lights. Includes D-ring shackle mounts and brush guard.
Bigtime Auto Parts/Austin International Mfg. Inc.
PMF Suspension
Scorpion Truck Bed Linings
TechLiner three-side hanging POP graphic display is visible from above to all customers and does not take up valuable counter or showroom floor space.
Technology items such as reverse cameras, reverse sensors, blind-spot sensors and safety items such as better headlights for improved visibility all seem to be growing in popularity. Pickup-truck interiors continue to improve and become more luxurious, as do their SUV counterparts, and the vehicle manufacturers continue to improve gas mileage for both segments. A recent example of this is the new ’15 Ford F-150, which has been reduced in weight dramatically with a shift to aluminum as a major part of the truck body.
Tonneau covers are the hottest pickup products currently, including hard folding and hard roll-up covers from BAK Industries. The new designs are more attractive, secure and versatile. In SUVs, it’s interior protection, such as MacNeil DigitalFit floor liners and cargo liners. Seat covers are also gaining in popularity, and towing products comprise another growing category.
Fox
PN: 6000002
PN: WorkCoverLS
McHitch Automatic Trailer Couplers
Titan Fuel Tanks
A.R.E. Accessories LLC
Ablaze Grilles Inc.
AL-KO
AL-KO
Ablaze Grilles Inc.
Allsales Manufacturing Inc./AMI
Allsales Manufacturing Inc./AMI
Amanda Products
Antigravity Batteries
JK Wrangler owners are even more accessory-minded than previous-model Jeep owners. LED light bars, larger wheels and tires with a simple leveling system, 2.5-in. or shorter lifts and aftermarket flares are still among their first modifications, and power-adders for the factory 3.8L and 3.6L or V8 Hemi or GM LS/Gen III/Gen IV engine swaps are still going strong. Consumers are becoming more selective with their spending and expect real performance improvements from the components they install.
Being a Jeep-oriented company, we’ve found that the hottest-selling products tend to be for the JK (’07–present) and TJ (’97–’06) Wrangler applications. Our exterior accessories are currently doing very well, especially our XHD modular bumper systems, performance vented hood and Hurricane fender flares.
ARB 4x4 Accessories
800-462-8435
Boomerang Enterprises Inc.
Bushwacker Inc.
Bushwacker Inc.
Boomerang Enterprises Inc.
Bubba Rope
Bug Buster Windscreen is an alternative solution for a side-by-side windshield option. It addresses two problems that are created when using a solid windshield: dust from behind the vehicle and heat from the motor is sucked back into the cab. With no windshield, the user has the potential of being hit in the face by flying debris and bugs.
The Bulldog single-row curved LED light bar was designed for the purpose of creating a sleek look along the roofline of trucks as well as bumpers. This new sleek design can be added in the lower grille of cars as well. Sizes come in 30, 40 and 50 in. Bulldog curved LED light bars can be made to include both white and amber lights. Made in the U.S.A.
Bulldog LED Lighting
CargoGlide
Bestop
