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PROFORM Parts Introduces "Stubby" Adjustable AN Wrenches
 Let's face it: it sucks having to turn wrenches in cramped quarters. These short-handled, adjustable AN wrenches from PROFORM provide instant headache relief. They're available individually in the 3 to 8 AN size (wrench #67723) or the 3 to 20 AN size (wrench #67224). Want both? Order part number #67722. Heck, even if I don't have AN fittings in my engine compartment, I'd be inclined to buy one just 'cuz they're so darned pretty.
Vision X HID 4500 Series 35-Watt HID Light
 Vision X just released their new HID 4500 Series 35 watt HID light. This is a compact unit that features faster start-up time, reduced power draw, and is available in a variety of beam spreads and housing colours.
Black Diamond Releases X2 Jeep Wrangler 7" Suspension System
 Black Diamond has released the follow-up to its revolutionary XCL Jeep coil-over suspension system that first debuted in 1996. The X2 system features tremendous versatility, allowing it to work on 1987 to 2006 model year Jeep Wranglers (YJ or TJ). All versions of this kit provide a 7" lift system with coils in front, leaf springs (over axle) in the back, and enough clearance to fit 37" tires.
Warn Wireless Winch Control System
 Now available at Warn retailers is the new Warn Wireless Control System. This new remote will retrofit to all Warn winches with a 5 wire electrical system and has a range of 100'. We can't imagine the situation where you would be winching from 100' away but if if you need to, it is now do-able.
JK Synergy Suspension System® by Poly Performance for '07+ Jeep® JK Wrangler
 Poly Performance's new JK Synergy Suspension System is the hot ticket for JK owners who are nursing a sick desire to slip 40" rubbers under their Jeeps. The three stages allow you to choose the components necessary to lift your JK to perfectly fit whatever tire size you crave, all the way up to 40". Everything is 100% bolt-on so backyard mechanics can save some bucks by doing the installation themselves. This is a good thing...have you priced big tires lately?
GE e1050 Digital Camera Features Built-in GPS
 Why are we talking about a camera when this is a 4x4 site? Because this camera has a built-in GPS. That means it can tag each image with the exact location where it was taken. Think of the possibilities! Better yet, we'll list some for you.
New Pit Bull Tire Sizes
 Pit Bull Tires will be introducing 21 new sizes in the next 2 months. Three of those new sizes are now available: 31x1150-15LT/C GROWLER Polyester, 32x1150-16LT/C GROWLER, and 39x1450-15LT/C Maddog.
Superlift Level-It Torsion Key Leveling Kits
 Superlift's new Level-It systems provide an inexpensive way to deal with factory nose-down problems on late-model trucks and SUVs. They're also a budget-friendly method for accomodating larger tires or leveling your 4x4 after a lift, or compensating for the weight of a winch or snow plow.
America Receives a National Solution for Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
What is particularly noteworthy about this news is that California's attempt to have this legislation waived has failed. That's probably a relief to automakers because California was seeking much stricter regulations. Passenger vehicles would have had to achieve 47 mpg (US) and full size trucks and SUVs would have to get 27 mpg (US). So while this new legislation will undoubtedly be waved about as proof that the Bush Administration is taking a tough stance on global warming, the fact is that it is probably making the automakers happy because one of their biggest (and stridently green) markets, California, can no longer set their own fuel economy requirements.
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May 2008 Cover Shot
 Darren's 4Runner on the Francis/Weaver Lake traverse.
Hypermiling: a Common Sense Response to Rising Fuel Prices
 While billions of dollars are spent on alternative fuel sources and hybrid and electric vehicle research, some North American drivers are taking immediate steps to dramatically improve their fuel economy, sometimes even doubling it. And they're doing it for free.
Resource Road Act Introduced
From the viewpoint of a recreational user of Forest Service Roads, I'm not sure if or how this impacts us. But I suppose consolidating everything into one act will make it easier to decipher the regulations. Of particular interest to recreationists is the mention of the creation of the Resource Road Authority that will "resolve disputes and restrict the use of high-use resource roads in order to improve safety."
A land use agreement between the Lil'wat Nation and the Province was signed on April 11, 2008, and features the creation of a winter non-motorized zone in the Upper Callaghan Valley. This doesn't appear to affect 4x4 recreation but since many of our readers are also avid snowmobilers, we are presenting this information for their benefit.
 With today's skyrocketing cost of fuel and growing concern for our environment, today's diesel driver should start taking a long, hard look at biodiesel and its benefits.
HOT4x4's GPS Challenge 2008
 HOT4x4's 3rd GPS Challenge event proved to be another success, particularly if you were looking for a good excuse to re-pack your hub bearings and re-spool your winch line. It was a great way to begin the 2008 'wheeling season although I could have done without breaking a u-joint and ruining my outer axle shaft.
Watch Out for Ticks!
 It's spring, and that means it tick time! So here's your annual briefing on what you need to know. Read it, be safe, and have a good summer!
Interfor Closes Some Forestry Roads in the Lillooet Area
Interfor held a public meeting on Jan. 23 to inform the community of their plans to close some of the active forestry roads in the Lillooet area. The January 30th edition of the Lillooet News contains information from the meeting.
 At first glance, the SPOT Satellite Messenger sounds like a great safety device to keep you in touch with the outside world in the event of an emergency. But it has some pros and cons that potential buyers must carefully consider.
Beware of Those Logging Trucks
The B.C. Forest Safety Council says that January is the most dangerous month for log truck crashes, due to poor weather, darkness, and increased traffic. Anyone venturing onto active logging roads should be extremely vigilant and if you have a VHF radio or scanner, please be sure to monitor the local frequencies.
 The Colorado appears to be the successor to the 60 and 76 series of handheld, outdoor GPS units. It is their top-of-the-line handheld outdoor system, featuring broad compatibility with their map data ranging from detailed topographic maps to turn-by-turn routable city maps. While the Colorado received some notable improvements over its predecessors, the question of whether it is a worthwhile upgrade is a difficult one to answer.
Rock Creep 2007
 This year's Island Rock Creep event was a reprise of trails I've run on previous years, but that didn't stop me from enjoying myself. They were as much as fun as the last time I ran them, and I got to see fresh carnage, which is always enjoyable when you're a spectator...and not parked behind the broken vehicle.
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