Whether your car is brand new or old, you can find useful accessories which will improve your driving experience. It is also entertaining to find special accessories for a sports car model if you are into this type of lifestyle. There are many ways in which car accessories can make your life easier, more interesting and safer: from your own comfort to safety on the road for your environment.
How a 4runner Throttle Controller Can Improve the Way You Drive
A 4runner throttle controller is an aftermarket add-on that gives you a lot more control over your vehicle’s acceleration. The controller is installed on the gas pedal cable and intercepts the signal being sent to your engine’s ECU, allowing you to adjust the way your car accelerates. Throttle controllers are popular with truck, SUV and 4×4 owners because they give you better control when towing heavy loads, climbing steep hills or driving off-road. But they’re also popular with sports car owners, as they give them more power when exiting corners. Most throttle controllers work by adjusting the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. This makes it easier to accelerate smoothly or aggressively, depending on your settings.
The gadget has a number of benefits that you are sure to love when you install it on your car. The first benefit of a 4runner throttle controller is that it makes idling easier in traffic or parking lots. Instead of manually controlling the speed, you can let the controller manage it for you by adjusting itself according to the surrounding conditions. When you are driving on slopes, this gadget ensures that there is no rolling back of your vehicle even when it is not moving forward.
Trailer Hitch
If you’re looking for a vehicle accessory to help you tow campers or trailers, then a trailer hitch is the way to go. Trailer hitches are available for all kinds of vehicles, from minivans to pickup trucks to SUVs. The variety of trailers that can be pulled with a trailer hitch includes everything from small utility trailers to full-size boats and RVs.
Hitch Types
Before you buy a trailer hitch, you should know there are different types of hitches that are designed for specific uses. These include:
- Weight-carrying (WC) hitches: These hitches can handle the weight of your trailer and its cargo. Hitches that fall into this category include class I through class V (1 through 5).
- Weight-distributing (WD) hitches: WD hitches are used with weight-carrying hitches and work by distributing the load evenly between the tongue of the trailer and the axle of your vehicle.
- Gooseneck hitches: Gooseneck hitches are mounted in the bed of your truck and use a ball system like those found on weight-distributing hitches. They’re good for heavy loads such as car haulers or horse trailers.
Cargo Carriers: Size and Capacity Considerations
Cargo carriers come in different shapes and sizes; there are enclosed cargo carriers that provide protection for your items from the weather, and there are non-enclosed ones that offer an open-air design. There are also different materials used to make these carriers: steel, plastic and aluminium. No matter what material your car top carrier is made of, it should not be overloaded or it can become damaged while driving.
Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers
A hitch-mounted cargo carrier is designed to attach to the back of a vehicle via the trailer hitch receiver (1 1/4″ or 2″ receiver). These types of cargo carriers are good for people who want to keep their car top free of bulky items; it provides an easy way to transport items on road trips or camping trips. They come in different styles; some have a fold-down feature that allows for easy loading and unloading of items. Some also have a ramp that can be folded up or down to allow easier loading and unloading of wheeled items such as wheelbarrows, bicycles, lawnmowers, etc. Hitch mounted cargo carriers are generally made out of steel, aluminium, or plastic. Let’s go over the pros and cons of each material below:
- Steel Cargo Carrier: Most steel cargo carriers are powder-coated black or white. The powder coating provides extra protection against rust and corrosion. A few steel cargo carriers have a galvanised finish; this also protects against rust. Steel carriers are very sturdy, however, they can be fairly heavy. This could make it difficult for one person to remove from the vehicle when not needed. Most steel cargo carriers come with a built-in locking mechanism so that you can lock your gear onto the carrier (lock sold separately).
- Aluminium Cargo Carrier: Aluminium is a lightweight material that is very strong and durable. Aluminium cargo carriers are usually more expensive than their steel counterparts, but also weigh less (so they are easier to remove from your vehicle when not needed). Just like the steel models, most aluminium hitch-mounted cargo carriers come with a built-in locking mechanism (locks sold separately).
- Plastic Cargo Carrier: Plastic hitch-mounted cargo carriers steal the show when it comes to price! Plastic cargo carriers are much cheaper than their steel or aluminium counterparts, they can also be more prone to damage and breaking. The biggest advantage of plastic hitch-mounted cargo carriers is that they are lightweight, making them easier to handle for most people.
