By Brine K. Lloyd,
Service Director

Hey everyone, it’s that time of year again! You know what I’m talking about, the time of year when hunters start to get the “Fever”. Although it’s not deadly it has a way of spreading very fast. In fact, the serious hunter looks forward to the “Fever”, so since it’s here lets talk about the hunt or should I say the transportation for the hunt. Most of us will be using a 4X4 truck to get around in this year and, yes, I know you pay big bucks each month to own that 4X4 and you’re going to use it while hunting, but you don’t have to destroy it in the process. Here are a few ideas to help protect that investment.

First thing is the outside of the truck, nothing looks worse than a scratch going down the side from limbs and brush so protect it with a Body Panel Wrap. They are light weight, fairly easy to install, protect the paint from scratches and at the end of the hunt you can remove it and store it for next year. Next is the Brush Guard with full wrap around coverage to protect the headlights, grill and radiator and for the serious hunter a Winch is the way to go, “NO MORE WALKING OUT”. Rear Tail Lamp Covers protect and really look good!

Skid Plates help protect the gas tank, transmission pan and transfer case. Don’t forget tires, yea, I know you have good tires already, but do you really have the tires you need; are they aggressive enough for good traction in the mud? If not, your stuck and walking while that big “buck of a lifetime” is in the bed of your truck for hours going bad. Talking about beds, a Bed Liner is a must for hauling game home from the woods.

Now, let’s talk about inside the truck. Seat Covers are the way to go – they protect from dirt and blood and help protect the seats from sharp objects; camo always look good. Floor Mats, not the standard ones that came with the truck but good rubber raised lip mats that hold water and mud on them and don’t drain onto the carpet. This will keep the spouse happy and keep you hunting more instead of cleaning carpet. Many items are offered to help make your ride to the woods more enjoyable, so look around for them.

Let’s talk about maintenance. Face it, your vehicle can look great and have awesome tires, but if it won’t run or move you’re not hunting, so starting from the basics; tire air pressure needs to be correct. Too much air results in reduced traction and too little results in poor handling and fuel mileage. All filters should be clean; clogged fuel and air filters decrease horse power and fuel mileage and can cause your vehicle to stop running completely. Spark plugs, plug wires and distributor cap need to be checked every 30,000 miles.

Replace when needed, because if they are bad and they get wet (you know they will!) you’re “dead in the water” and walking or putt-putting back home. All fluid levels should be checked, topped off or changed before and after the hunting season. We recommend you change the engine oil and filter, lube all points and check the transmission fluid and transfer case fluid and top them off or change if dirty.

Check the coolant level and coolant strength, top off as needed or change if coolant is dirty or the strength weak, check the brake fluid level and top off, if needed. Check the rear and front differentials, if the fluid is low or dirty change it. Water can get into both units through the vent tubes so if you’re in deep water and/or heavy mud it is possible for the fluids to get dirty. I promise you it won’t take long for either of them to lock up if the fluid is left unchanged.

Always check all belts and hoses and replace as needed and have the brakes checked for wear and have the brakes checked again after the hunting season is over. Last, but not least, have the 4X4 checked out, all linkages checked, the hubs and bearings auto or manual checked along with the C. V. boots (if a C.V. is busted do not go into deep water or mud until it is replaced) any parts found damaged relating to the 4X4 should be replaced before using the vehicle off road. Check all lights for blown bulbs and replace.

Now you should be ready to use your vehicle while hunting and be protected from cosmetic and mechanical damage.

Have fun this hunting season and from your friends at Town & Country Ford and Mark’s Outdoors

See You in the Woods.