Now is the perfect time to do much needed maintenance on your ATV/UTV.  Many ATV/UTV owners are preparing to store their ride away for the winter, but with a little planning, any enthusiast can utilize their all terrain vehicle throughout the year without having to pay a shop's expensive fees. By following a simple maintenance check list you can be ready to ride by the time the cold winter winds start to blow.

Change your oil and filters:  Some professionals recommend changing out your ATV's oil for a winter formula for better operation in colder climates. By using the right kind of oil, you'll ensure proper engine start and less wear and tear on your machine.  

Stay energized:  Checking your battery to make sure it's in tip-top condition will ensure you have the starting power you need on those cold blustery days. If your battery has seen better days, its best to replace it now instead of trying to jump start your ride in the bitter cold. Some professionals also recommend installing a carburetor heater to certain ATV models.

Keep the fuel flowing:  If any moisture is allowed to condense in the fuel tank you could have problems with your fuel lines freezing up. It's best to keep your tank as full as possible and to use fuel additives when necessary to keep the fuel flowing.

Make tracks:  During winter months, many riders replace their stock tires with larger diameter tires for more ground clearance and increased traction. Another option is adding a track conversion system to your all terrain vehicle, which enables your ATV to ride on top of the snow, much like a snowmobile. Before using a track system or tire chains, make sure they are legal in your area and the right fit for your machine.

Accessorize:  By adding a few accessories you can turn a winter ride into a toasty excursion. Everything from cabs, windshields, heated grips and hand warmers are available to make a winter ride more enjoyable. Also, be sure to keep your hands and face protected from frostbite by investing in the proper winter apparel necessary to keep you covered and warm on a winter ride.

Now get out there and ride:  While some ATV riders go off-roading, others stay close to home and use their ATV as a valuable tool during the winter months. Jack McGregor, an ATV rider from Jamestown, ND enjoys using his SnowSport All Terrain Plow to clear his driveway.

The SnowSport All Terrain Plow is manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company. This utility plow is made specifically for all terrain vehicles and can be used 365 days a year for not only snow removal, but also landscaping projects.

"Plowing out the driveway is one of those tasks that have to get done, so why not have fun doing it. My SnowSport All Terrain Plow has literally turned my ATV into my most valuable winter tool. It's so easy and fun, my wife and I often fight over whose going to use it," said McGregor.

The SnowSport All Terrain Plow is perfect for plowing in tight spaces that traditional full size plows can't reach and is terrain-friendly, so you don't have to worry about it tearing up your grass or landscaping pavers. With no wiring or hydraulics to get in the way, all you have to do is attach the plow and drive. The best feature of the plow is that it doesn't get in the way of using your ATV this winter. The complete system can be easily installed and removed in a matter of seconds. You can plow your driveway or path, remove the system, and go on a winter ride without any hassle.

The SnowSport All Terrain Plow is available for ATVs, UTVs, and Zero-Turn Mowers and comes in six different blade lengths. It has a three-point angled blade, which allows users to maneuver hard to reach areas in the yard and driveway. The blade connects to your all terrain vehicle by a 1 ½ inch interceptor that slides into a front mount, so there's no tricky wiring or complicated install. The blade is made of corrosion resistant anodized aluminum, making it easy for anyone in the family to lift on and off the mount. The blade also features a one-inch thick rubber cutting edge designed to improve scraping ability. The manufacturer offers a 3-Year warranty on the complete plow system, plus free shipping. For more information, call (888) 405-4159 or visit http://www.snowsportatv.com/.

In a budget-conscious economy, more pickup truck owners are holding onto their truck longer than originally planned. If you're one of these truck owners, there are a few affordable accessories that can help you get the most of your truck and extend the life of your truck.

Truck Bed Liners and Tailgate Protectors

One way to extend the life of your truck is to protect the truck bed with a bed liner. There are a few options to choose from including spray-on or drop-in mats/rugs. By protecting the truck bed from rust, corrosion and scratching you will extend the life of your truck and keep it looking like new. Another nice option for extending the life of your truck bed is a tailgate protector. A stainless steel tailgate protector can protect the tailgate from damage and also creates a flat surface to set tools on or acts as a make shift fish cleaning station after a long day of fishing.

Storage Pockets and Cargo Organizers

Truck bed storage pockets and cargo organizers can help you utilize the truck bed space you have by creating additional storage from wasted space. Storage pockets keep your truck bed organized and clean all while providing easy accessibility to items at the rear of the truck. Store tools, sporting gear, shopping bags and other everyday items safely and securely with a variety of truck bed storage systems. Keeping your truck bed clean and debris free will extend the life of the truck and guarantee a better resale value in the future.

Roll-Up Truck Bed Covers

Another truck accessory that will extend the life of your truck is a roll-up truck bed cover. These affordable roll-up tonneau covers are easy to install and give you 100 percent bed usage for hauling your gear. You simply roll up the cover to retrieve items in your truck bed. A high quality and budget-friendly option is the Access Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota automotive accessory manufacturer.

This soft roll-up cover is made of heavy-duty, double-coated vinyl material that holds up to the elements and numerous years of use in all different weather conditions. The roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck model. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling your gear.

A truck bed cover can also provide you with immediate gas mileage improvement, which will help you save money in a down economy. A truck bed cover will help you save at the pump by reducing drag and making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. Most truck owners can see as much as a 10 percent increase in their fuel economy.

"The Access Cover is great. It makes my truck look fantastic. Very easy install. I had my doubts at first, but this has to be the best cover made," said Adam K. of Ft. Stewart, GA.

For more information on the Access Roll-Up Cover and other truck accessory products that help you get the most out of your truck, visit http://www.agricover.com/ or call (866) 895-5953.

With a down economy and the potential for higher gas prices this summer, many Americans are looking to take a more budget-friendly vacation or trip. Taking a "staycation," instead of a traditional vacation, is a great option to save money. A staycation means you spend your vacation exploring what your city, county and state have to offer instead of traveling far and spending an excessive amount of money.

Many state and county parks and recreation sites offer the opportunity to go kayaking, canoeing, sailing, biking and fishing or just rent a cabin and relax. To find what your area has to offer, simply conduct an online search for your state's tourism department. This will reveal all the travel destinations and activities available to you, so you can best plan your staycation this summer.

Bringing essential gear with you instead of buying or renting it when you reach your destination is another way to save money. Make a list of needed supplies, including food items, clothing and other gear you'll need and pack your vehicle ahead of time.

If you're hauling kayaks, a boat or any other large recreation items, you'll need to use your pickup. Your truck bed is a great place to store items during your road trip, but you'll want to make sure those items are protected from the elements and prying eyes. One way to protect your gear is with a roll-up truck bed cover. These affordable roll-up covers are easy to install and will give you 100 percent bed usage for hauling your gear. You simply roll up the cover to retrieve items in your truck bed. A high quality and budget-friendly option is the Access Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company.

This soft roll-up cover is made of heavy-duty, double-coated vinyl material that holds up to the elements and numerous years of use in all different weather conditions. The roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck model. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling your gear, making it a great option for your summer road trip.

A truck bed cover can also provide you with immediate gas mileage improvement, which may come in handy as gas prices tend to increase during the summer. A truck bed cover will help you save at the pump by reducing drag and making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. Most truck owners can see as much as a 10 percent increase in their fuel economy.

One Access Cover owner found the truck bed cover to come in very handy while on vacation.

"Incredibly well made and functional product. If I would have carried a dozen of these with me on vacation I could have sold them all," says Mike C. of Carpentersville, Ill.

For more information on the Access Roll-Up Cover, visit http://www.agricover.com/ or call (888) 874-7205.

Spring fever is setting in and many of us are starting to plan our summer road trips. Right now is a great time for you to get your truck and gear in tip-top shape before you hit the road. Whether going to the lake for a weekend of fishing and relaxation or camping in the great outdoors, you need to have the right gear. While there are many experts that can help you determine what gear to buy, it's determining how to get all of those items to your destination safely and efficiently that can be the real test. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when packing up your truck for your summer trips.

Get organized and save space by compartmentalizing your gear into containers. You'll be able to find items within seconds of opening the tailgate and unpacking will be much quicker once you reach your destination. Mark Sedenquist, publisher of RoadTripAmerica.com, suggests a combination of clear plastic containers, duffel bags, soft backpacks and cardboard boxes for organizing your gear while traveling. It's also a good idea to place items you'll need right away toward the back of the truck bed. For example, pack a cooler with your packed lunch or your tent and sleeping bags last, since they will be some of the first items you'll want to unpack and set up.

While your truck bed is a great place to store items during your road trip, you'll also want to make sure those items are protected from the elements and prying eyes. One way to protect your gear is with a roll-up truck bed cover. These affordable roll-up covers are easy to install and will give you 100 percent bed usage for hauling your gear. You simply roll up the cover to gain access to items in your truck bed.

A truck bed cover can also provide you with immediate gas mileage improvement, which may come in quite handy as gas prices tend to increase during the summer. A truck bed cover will help you save at the pump by reducing drag and making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. Most truck owners can see as much as a 10 percent increase in their fuel economy.

Through a little research you can find many different truck bed covers available. A high-quality and budget-friendly option is the Access® Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by ACI (Agri-Cover, Inc), a North Dakota truck accessory company. This soft roll-up cover is made of heavy-duty, double-coated vinyl material that holds up to the elements and numerous years of use in all different weather conditions. The roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck model. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling your gear, making it a great option for road trips.

"I put on many highway miles during the year and in talking to other owners with a similar truck without a box cover, I am amazed at the savings in gas mileage I'm getting with my cover. The Access Roll-Up Cover is such an attractive addition to my truck. It really finishes the look I want," says a customer from Bismarck, N.D.

For more information on the Access® Roll-Up Cover and to find out how it can protect your gear this summer and save you money at the gas pump, visit www.agricover.com or call (888) 685-2558.

As the long winter sets in, many all terrain vehicle owners are preparing their ATV for storage, but there are a growing number of ATV enthusiasts who desire to ride all year long. Each year more and more ATV riders are setting a trend by hitting the snow trails with their ATV. There are even ATV winter excursions offered by ski resorts across the country. You can create your own ATV winter adventure by checking off a few maintenance items before hitting the winter trails.

Winterize your Ride
One way to make sure your ATV will start in colder weather is to invest in quality fuel antifreeze for your tank. Fuel additives prevent gas lines from freezing up, ensuring that your ATV will start better in cold conditions. It is also a good idea to change the engine oil to a colder weather formula for improved engine performance. While riding in very heavy snow or plowing, be on the lookout for ice buildup around the radiator and brakes. If ice and snow pack around these areas, overheating may occur or the brakes may not function effectively.

Make Tracks
During winter months, many riders replace their stock tires with larger diameter tires for more ground clearance and increased traction. Another option is adding a track conversion system to your all terrain vehicle, which enables your ATV to ride on top of the snow, much like a snowmobile. Before using a track system or tire chains, make sure they are legal in your area.

Accessorize
By adding a few accessories you can turn a winter ride into a toasty excursion. Everything from cabs, windshields, heated grips, and hand warmers are available to make a winter ride more enjoyable. Also, be sure to keep your hands and face protected from frostbite by investing in the proper winter apparel necessary to keep you covered and warm on a winter ride.

Clear the Way
While some ATV riders go off-roading, others stay close to home and use their ATV as a valuable tool during the winter months. Jack McGregor, an ATV rider from Jamestown, N.D. enjoys using his SnowSport All Terrain Plow to clear his driveway.

The SnowSport All Terrain Plow is manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company. This utility plow is made specifically for all terrain vehicles and can be used 365 days a year for not only snow removal, but also landscaping projects.

"Plowing out the driveway is one of those tasks that has to get done, so why not have fun doing it. My SnowSport All Terrain Plow has literally turned my ATV into my most valuable winter tool. It's so easy and fun, my wife and I often fight over whose going to use it," says McGregor.

The SnowSport All Terrain Plow is perfect for plowing in tight spaces that traditional full size plows can't reach and is terrain-friendly, so you don't have to worry about it tearing up your grass or landscaping pavers. With no wiring or hydraulics to get in the way, all you have to do is attach the plow and drive. The best feature of the plow is that it doesn't get in the way of using your ATV this winter. The complete system can be easily installed and removed in a matter of seconds. You can plow your driveway or path, remove the system, and go on a winter ride without any hassle.

The SnowSport All Terrain Plow is available for ATVs, UTVs, and Zero-Turn Mowers and comes in five different blade lengths. It has a three-point angled blade, which allows users to maneuver hard to reach areas in the yard and driveway. The blade connects to your all terrain vehicle by a 1 ½ inch interceptor that slides into a front mount, so there's no tricky wiring or complicated install. The blade is made of corrosion resistant anodized aluminum, making it easy for anyone in the family to lift on and off the mount. The blade also features a one-inch thick rubber cutting edge designed to improve scraping ability. The manufacturer offers a 3-Year warranty on the system and a 90-Day No Risk Guarantee. For a FREE DVD, call (888) 463-6214. Fina a local dealer in your area or shop online now with FREE Shipping.

As the leaves start to turn, most homeowners put away their lawn and garden equipment as they wrap up landscaping projects before winter sets in. However, fall is actually a great time to start landscaping projects, because a beautiful lawn and garden next year starts with preparations this fall. Every year, a lot of time, money, and effort is devoted to the pursuit of a beautiful and well-maintained home landscape. According to the 2006 American Time Use Survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend an average of two hours per day on lawn and garden maintenance.

While a beautiful yard won't magically appear out of thin air, there are ways you can better utilize the time, money and energy you spend on maintenance. Keep these tips in mind when tackling the landscape for fall and winter.

• Rake and clean up leaves. If left scattered on the lawn, grass won't come up as well in the spring. Don't worry about removing leaves from plant beds, they actually help insulate and feed plants during the winter months.

• Clean out rain gutters and make sure water will flow away from walkways and driveways, which could ice over and become hazardous in the winter.

• Shut off water to all outdoor spigots to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Plant perennial flowers, ground covers, spring bulbs, trees and shrubs in early fall so they have time to establish strong and healthy roots. Some of the best sales on perennials are in August and September when greenhouses are trying to close out their inventories.

• Mulch your plant beds, except iris rhizomes, which are prone to rotting. A layer of organic mulch will help roots get established before the ground freezes solid. Mulch also helps to retain soil moisture and prevent future weed growth.

• Find accessories or attachments that enhance the equipment you already own. Zero turn mowers and ATVs have become versatile landscaping machines with the abundance of new attachments now available.

Take for example, the SnowSport® All Terrain Plow manufactured by ACI (Agri-Cover, Inc.), a North Dakota truck accessory company. This utility plow is made specifically for ATVs and can be used 365 days a year for not only landscaping projects, but also snow removal. With a SnowSport® All Terrain Plow a homeowner can easily level, spread or push dirt, gravel and snow anytime of the year. You don't have to worry about your lawn with this plow, because it is specifically designed to be turf-friendly.

However, your lawn and plant beds may not be the only items that need to be readied for winter. If you live in a rural area, the maintenance of a gravel driveway may also be on your fall to-do list before the winter winds start to blow. Marc G., a retired teacher from Jamestown, N.D. knows he faces the daunting task of leveling his steep gravel driveway every fall to get rid of deep ruts left by rainstorms and water run off.

"I wanted something that would make the job quicker and without the back breaking work of shoveling the gravel. When I came across the SnowSport ATV plow I thought it was a perfect fit for my project. Besides, in a couple more months I can use it to plow snow out of the same driveway," said Marc.

The SnowSport® All Terrain Plow is available in five different blade lengths and has a three-point angled blade, which allows users to maneuver those hard to reach areas in the yard and driveway. The blade connects to your ATV by a 1 ½ inch interceptor that slides into a front mount, so there's no tricky wiring or complicated install. The blade is made of corrosion resistant anodized aluminum, making it easy for anyone in the family to lift on and off the mount. The blade also features a one-inch thick rubber cutting edge designed to improve scraping ability. For more information on the SnowSport® All Terrain Plow or to find a dealer near you, call (888) 463-6214 or visit http://www.snowsportatv.com/.

One of the most overlooked items that will instantly improve your gas mileage is a routine engine tune up. If your vehicle is running at peak performance, your gas tank will too. Keeping your engine tuned can increase gas mileage by up to 4%. Fall is a great time to do a routine maintenance check before the cold weather sets in and we're less likely to look under the hood or take our vehicle to the shop. Things to consider when tuning up your truck, according to tests conducted by the Federal Trade Commission.

Oil It Up: As most auto body technicians will tell you, checking and changing your oil is one of the most overlooked items you can do for your vehicle. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine, ensuring your engine will run at peak performance.

Keep it Clean: By replacing your air filters regularly you can increase gas mileage up to 10%.

Pump It Up: Check your tires to make sure they're properly inflated and aligned. Proper inflation can improve gas mileage up to 3%. If you don't know what the proper pressure is for your tires and vehicle, consult your owner's manual.

Overhaul Your Drive Style: It's hard to make changes, but if you really want to see improvements it is suggested that you avoid unnecessary idling, stop and start gently, use cruise control when conditions and weather permits, and combine errands or carpool. Your wallet and the earth will thank you.

Roll On Down the Road: The easiest and most rewarding step you can take to see immediate gas mileage improvement is to install a truck bed cover on your pickup. A truck bed cover, also known as a tonneau cover, will reduce drag, making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. They are also great for protecting your gear from the elements and improving the look of your truck.

There are several different tonneau cover options available on the market today. The Access® Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by ACI (Agri-Cover, Inc.), a North Dakota truck accessory company, is an affordable and high quality option. Made of heavy-duty, double coated vinyl, the roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling larger items. The company estimates that you can save over $270 within the first year of installing an Access® Roll-Up Cover on your truck bed.

One customer comments on the company's website. "I put on many highway miles during the year and in talking to other owners with a similar truck without a box cover, I am amazed at the savings in gas mileage I'm getting with my cover. The Access Cover is such an attractive addition to my truck. It really finishes the look I want," Richard F. of Bismarck, ND.

For more information on the Access® Roll-Up Cover and how much gas money you could save, check out our online gas savings calculator.