The value of a personal injury claim has a direct relationship to the amount of your medical bills. Why Because a claim with medical bills of $500.00 is worth three to five times more than a claim with $100.00, or less. And that

Thinking about buying a cargo trailer, horse trailer or even a motorcycle trailer but arent sure which trailer to buy As you might have realized, choosing a trailer now-a-days can be perplexing. Its not surprising given the amount of trailer manufacturers and different types of trailers available.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a trailer. One of the first considerations is to choose an established trailer manufacturer. As with most everything, you usually get what you paid for, so try to choose the best trailer that you can afford.
Deciding on what type of trailer you need for your application will help in narrowing down the manufacturers. There are trailers for almost every conceivable type of cargo, from motorcycles to horses to concessions. If you have to haul it, then theres a trailer made to haul it or at least one that can easily be converted to do the job.
After choosing a manufacturer, figure out what size trailer youll need. Trailers come in several different widths and lengths. If youre considering an enclosed trailer, youll also need to consider the height of the interior. If your trailer towing needs require that you spend very much time inside the trailer, choose one with enough interior height to keep you from bending your neck or back when standing.
Open or Enclosed Trailers
The next step in choosing a trailer is figuring out whether you will need an open or an enclosed trailer. An open trailer is one which exposes the cargo to the outside elements. If inclement weather isnt a factor for your cargo, then an open trailer may be the most economical choice. Open utility trailers can range in price from about $900 to $2500 new.
Open utility trailers are well suited for many applications including small landscaping businesses that are just starting out and need a way to haul their landscape equipment. As their business grows and they decide to move up to an enclosed trailer, the open utility trailer will still be incredibly useful for hauling all sorts of material such as mulch, rock and plants.
Another plus for open trailers is their weight. Open utility trailers tend to be lighter and provide less aerodynamic drag than enclosed trailers.
While open trailers are economical and very useful, they do not provide the protection from the outside environment that an enclosed trailer will. Enclosed trailers also offer an added measure of security because the trailer functions as a portable, lockable storage building.
Enclosed trailers tend to be heavier and less aerodynamic than open trailers. Enclosed trailers usually cost in the $1600 to $5000 range new, but can go much higher.
Single or Tandem Axle
Once youve decided on either an open utility trailer or an enclosed cargo trailer, youll need to decide whether the trailer should have a single axle, dual axle or possibly even three to four axles.
Single axle trailers have just one load bearing axle. Trailers with single axles come with and without brakes, but as a general rule of thumb, most single axle open and enclosed trailers come without brakes. If you plan on hauling more than 3000 lbs, trailer brakes need to be considered. In fact, its a legal requirement in most states.
Anything heavier than 3000 lbs should be hauled on a dual axle trailer, be it an open or enclosed trailer. Dual axle trailers use two load bearing axles and usually feature either leaf springs or independent torsion bar suspensions. Brakes are recommended for dual axle trailers and again may be required depending upon where you live. Also, dual axle trailers tend to track more accurately than single axle trailers over varying road surfaces.
Rear Access
If you decide on an enclosed trailer, next you have to decide on either a ramp rear door, double rear doors or one single barn-type door. Choosing the type of rear access will greatly depend on the cargo you intend to haul. If youre going to be hauling a motorcycle, race car or any other type vehicle, then a ramp rear door will provide the easiest loading and unloading method.
Be sure though when purchasing a trailer with a ramp door that the ramp is spring assisted as some of the ramp doors can be very heavy. Ramps are also nice for hauling furniture or other heavy items where youll be using a dolly to load and unload them.
If you will be using the trailer quite often and will be in and out of it, then a ramp can become rather cumbersome. Enter double door trailers. It is much easier to open the doors, step in and get the tool or item you need and then step out and close the door than it is to drop a ramp every time you need access. Too, you have to consider the clearance needed for opening a ramp rear door.
Single barn type rear doors are usually found on smaller enclosed trailers and are comparable in convenience to double rear doors.
Trailer manufacturers are aware of the ramp issue and most now add a side door for access to their enclosed trailers giving those that require a ramp the best of both worlds.
Trailer Brakes
In addition to the various types of trailers, there are several types of trailer braking systems.
Electric braking systems are the most common type of braking systems found on trailers today. These type braking systems connect the brake system on the tow vehicle to the brake system on the trailer. This is accomplished by installing a brake controller inside the tow vehicle. The controller senses the braking force of the tow vehicle and in turn activates the brakes on the trailer.
A hydraulic surge brake system consists of an actuating cylinder that is usually integrated with the trailer tongue assembly. As the tow vehicle applies its brakes, the "surge" of the trailer towards the decelerating tow vehicle compresses the surge actuator. As this cylinder is compressed, force is applied to the master cylinder and from there to the braking cylinders.
Surge braking systems are more expensive and usually only needed if youll be using several different tow vehicles that would each require a brake controller.
Electric brakes are usually preferred over surge brakes because their operation is independent from the tow vehicle. If for some reason the tow vehicle loses its brakes, there would not be enough deceleration surge to activate the surge brakes. However, with electric brakes, the driver could manually activate the brake controller thus allowing the trailer to slow the entire rig.
In some states, any trailer with brakes is required to have a breakaway system. In the event that the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle, the trailer brakes would apply automatically to stop the run away trailer. Trailer equipped with electric brakes carry a separate battery to activate the breakaway systems. Surge brakes use a cable that locks the breaks in a breakaway situation.
Informed Buying
The most important aspect of buying a trailer is to be an informed buyer. Ask lots of questions. Any reputable dealer will be glad to answer your questions and in fact, should ask you a lot of questions regarding your intended cargo load. Ask about the warranty. Does the manufacturer stand behind its work Most established manufacturers offer a very good warranty program and will go out of their way to satisfy a customer.
To help in your search for the perfect trailer, you can visit http://www.trailershopper.com where youll find hundreds of new and used trailers for sale by individuals and dealers.

About The Author

Derek Chastain
Derek is the webmaster for http://www.trailershopper.com, an online resource for buying and selling trailers of all types.
You may reprint this article on your site, ezine or newsletter as long as the link to http://www.trailershopper.com is not removed.

Every winter drivers should take active steps to protect their car from road salt.
Road salt is necessary for safe transportation when snow and ice accumulate on roads and highways and cause dangerous driving conditions.
Salt was first used in the 1930s in snow and ice control to make roads safe and passable by creating a lower freezing temperature of the water. It is the most available and cost-effective de-icer. It is easy to store, handle, and apply.
Some 15 million tons of de-icing salt is used each year in the U.S. and about 4-5 million in Canada.
Salt keeps snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and to allow snowplows to remove accumulations quickly and efficiently.
Studies show that salt use reduces accidents by 88%.
Washing your car during wintertime is one of the best things you can do to maintain the value of your car. Mud, salt, rain, sleet, and snow can damage your cars clear finish. Mud and salt caked on the undercarriage promote rust, especially in older vehicles, and can also affect how well your car drives.
To prevent winter damage, it is recommended that you wash your vehicle every 10 days. Wash your vehicle whenever the temperature is 40 degrees F. and above. Do it during the day so that it dries completely before freezing evening temperatures begin.
Immediately after washing the vehicle, open and close all doors, the trunk, and other parts of the car with locks several times before parking it to prevent locks from freezing.
Always wash your car right after a snow or rain shower. Rain and snow collect pollutants in the air and drop them as acid rain which can damage the cars protective finish. Snow and sleet also include the corrosive road salt.
Wash the underside of your car often during the winter months in car washes that do not use recycled water.
Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water which is saturated with road salt.
Any paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen should be taken care of immediately.
Wax your car at least every six months. Put a good heavy coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt and cold temperatures.
More frequent waxes are needed if your car is red, black or white because these colors are more susceptible to acid rain and UV rays.
When spring time rolls around, treat your car to a good wax job again. Be sure to remove all road grime and salt off of the car before you begin waxing.
For more information:

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Since there are many factors that go into determining your auto insurance rates, there are many chances to lower your rates.

If you change jobs and your drive to work changes or you stop working or you work from home, you should contact your insurance company.

If you have a teen driver and they go to school over 100 miles away without a car then you should be able to get a discount.

If you get married and are in your teens or twenties call your insurance company and see about combining your policies.

Take defensive driving if your state allows it for a discount.

See if increasing your comprehsive and collision deductibles will save you a lot of money. You need to compare what youre saving and how much more you will have to pay if you file a claim. For example, if you go from $500 to a $1000 deductible and it lowers your insurance $50 per 6 months then it saves you $100 a year.

It will take you 5 years to break even from what you are saving compared to how much more you have to pay.

Now, if it saves you $250 every six months then it would be more worth your while.

See if combining your auto and home insurance polices will qualify for a multi policy discount with your current company. This could be a substantial discount.

One of the biggest ways you could save $200-$500 or more a year is shopping around for insurance. The auto insurance industry is very competitive and this is great news for smart consumers like yourself. Shop for auto insurance quotes here and see how much you can save.

About The Author

A. Chris Tijerina is the publisher of the site http://www.insurance-for-cars.com which answers your most common questions about auto insurance.

info@act33.com

The law requires you buy auto insurance. So if you must get cover, how can you reduce costs Heres 7 easy ways to get the best possible auto insurance deal.

* Multiple Quotes

Get multiple quotes - use the internet and call a few brokers. Its easy to gather some good comparison quotes.

Remember to get different types of quotes e.g one from a direct-sell insurance company; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet.

Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim How financially secure How reputable Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.

* Different type of car

Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that $100k sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout. If youre planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before you buy. I once set my heart on a beautiful, high performance, highly tuned Pontiac.

Luckily I checked the auto insurance before I bought it, because I couldnt get insurance. Every broker, every insurance company flat turned me down because I lived in a high car-crime area. So I had to forget the car of my dreams until I moved up-town.

* Age and Value of Car

Maybe youre buying a used car Maybe your car saw better days a few years ago, and now values much lower So why pay for high-priced auto insurance In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive coverage

A good rule of thumb multiplies insurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if youre quoted $1000 premium and your car is worth less than $10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings.

* Higher deductibles excess charges

Most auto insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before your auto insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.

Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from $250 to $500 deductible can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to $1000 and you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim !

* Multiple Insurances

I guess this might come under the Get Multiple Quotes heading, but its still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer.

This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner and auto insurance. Either way its worth asking about multi-policy discounts.

* Low Mileage

More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car pool

Either way, look for low mileage discounts.

* Good Driving Record

A good driving record always reduces your auto insurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Dont speed, dont drive dangerously, and youll save money apart from other benefits !

* Bonus Tip

Okay, I said 7 Ways..., but heres some extra tips. Fit anti-theft devices to your car. Go on an advanced driver training course. Use daytime running lights. If youre a college student away from home, consider adding to parents policy.

This short article covers the things you must consider when shopping for auto insurance. Follow these tips and youll slash your auto insurance costs.

© DigiLectual Inc. 2004

http://www.autoinsurance--quotes.com/

Discover valuable information and tips to help slash your auto insurance costs.

Go ==> http://www.autoinsurance--quotes.com/

** Attn Ezine editors / Site Owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include my resource box as listed above.

If you do use the article please send me a note to neil@autoinsurance--quotes.com so I can take a look. Thanks. Check out other great articles at http://www.autoinsurance--quotes.com/articles.htm

About The Author

Neil Stelling is Marketing Manager of New York based, DigiLectual Inc.

Researching your new vehicle is a daunting task in todays world. Once you have narrowed your next vehicle down to 2 or 3 choices it is time to research. Take out a sheet of paper for each vehicle and write down pros and cons for each one. Also on each sheet of paper list the attributes which are most important to you. This list might include:

MPG - if you put a lot of miles on your car this factor could make a big dent in your wallet if you pick the wrong car.

Engine power - HP is a big factor for many people out there.

Price - nothing needs to be said about this one.

Interior space

Repair costs - consider the average costs to repair a fender-bender.

Insurance costs - this is often overlooked by buyers and can catch you by surprise.

Standard options.

Anything else, which is a factor to you. The idea is to custom tailor your list to meet your needs. If you dont care about engine power then leave it off your list.

Now how do you get the information which is on your list Here is a list of excellent resources to use in your search.

Offline:

Consumer Reports Magazine

Auto Week magazine

Your local newspapers auto section

Local dealers

Online:

Consumer Reports - requires a subscription just like the magazine.

Edmunds.com

Kelly Blue Book

NADA guide book

Car.com

After your research is done you should have a clear picture of which car is right for you. What do you say Clear as mud Well take a step back and if you have 2 vehicles which are comparable you will then have to resort to one of the following.

Go with your gut feeling. You know the one which says get the Porsche not the Yugo. Ask your wife, husband or SO. you might want to let them in on the decision a little earlier than this if they will be driving the car too. Flip a coin. Ask your god for some divine intervention

Good luck!

About The Author

Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.

kevin@schappell.com

ARA - Every time you park your car, youre taking a risk.
Just ask David J. of Stanford, Conn., whose 1998 high-performance Acura Integra Type R was stolen right under his nose just one month after he installed a top-of-the-line security system for $1,500.
Mothers Day is a long-held tradition of revering the woman who gives the gift of life.
"Mothering Sunday" is another early Mothers Day tradition that has shaped the way we celebrate our mothers today. This English holiday dates back to the 1600s, and involved young servants who pampered their mothers with fine delicacies. While we continue to celebrate the mother figure in modern America, it is most often with traditional gifts of flowers and cards. But if Mothers Day is indeed about the most personal sentiment and respect for a mother, a gift of gratitude should warm their hearts forever.
car was tire tracks in the newly fallen snow.
"They found it three weeks later, stripped clean," he added.
Davids experience is not unusual, says James Cooper, CEO of Ultimate Security Systems Corporation of Irvine, Calif. Despite manufacturers claims to the contrary, most security systems are easy to overpower and hardly even slow down a professional thief, said Cooper, whose firm created and markets the PowerLock anti-theft system.
Every 25 seconds
The National Insurance Crime Bureau www.nicb.org reports that 1.1 million vehicles are stolen nationwide each year. Thats one vehicle every 25 seconds in what has become a $7.5 billion-a-year-industry, according to the Insurance Information Institute www.iii.org, a trade organization. Its an industry, moreover, dominated by organized auto-theft rings that steal cars to fill contract orders. And no wonder: A $20,000 stolen vehicle can be stripped and sold into $30,000 worth of parts, insurers say.
Your car doesnt have to be a high-performance vehicle like David Js to be an attractive target for a thief with a list of parts, or with orders for a particular make and model of a car. Different models of the popular Toyota Camry and Honda Accord swept eight of the top 10 list of cars reported stolen in 2000, according to an annual study conducted by CCC Information Services Inc., a Chicago-based supplier of software and communications systems to auto insurers. Chevrolet and Ford pickups captured the

How To Tell When to Buy an OEM or an Aftermarket Part for Your Motorcycle

This is always a difficult one to answer when shopping for motorcycle parts and I firmly believe that each one of us must decide whats best for our bikes AFTER carefully evaluating each of the possibilities.

For me

Well... it really depends on what I am looking for - just replacement or improvement - , the availability of the part, my budget and other things. Sometimes I buy OEM, others aftermarket motorcycle parts.

Keep reading. You will find some views that will hopefully help you decide the next time you shop for motorcycle parts.

What a heck are OEM parts

OEM parts stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer parts which not necessarily mean the OM Original Manufacturer actually produced them. You know, many motorcycle and automobile manufacturers dont manufacture each of the parts used in their vehicles. They frequently have the parts designed and manufactured by outside independent companies and then, install them in their machines or put them in their own boxes to be sold as OEM parts!

Good to know when buying OEM Motorcycle Parts:

When you buy OEM Motorcycle Parts you are buying the exact same original part the manufacturer used to build your motorcycle, that means:

Same performance as the part installed in your motorcycle right now. The part wont be better nor worse than the original part you want to replace.

Normally OEM parts a more in some cases MUCH more expensive than aftermarket parts.

Motorcycle and car agencies clerks will normally tell you OEM Parts are higher quality and the best option for replacements. Is this true Well sometimes it is, sometimes its not.

Normally after a certain period of time, the manufacturer will allow the company that originally designed/produced the part to sell it in their own box at a considerably lower cost, making it: an Aftermarket OEM part! :-

BE CAREFUL if your bike is still in its guarantee period make sure you use only OEM parts and have them installed by authorized mechanics. If you dont do so, you will probably void the guarantee.

What about Aftermarket parts

Aftermarket parts should perform as well as OEM parts but are produced by companies other than the original manufacturers.

Things to know when buying Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:

MAKE SURE YOUR GUARANTEE PERIOD IS OVER. In many cases, you can VOID your guarantee if you have an aftermarket part installed by an unauthorized mechanic in your machine. I know I said it before, but its worth repeating; I happened to me! :-

Equivalent aftermarket Suzuki motorcycle parts are normally cheaper than OEM parts. Sometimes up to 70% cheaper!

Aftermarket parts can have lower,the same or higher quality than the original.

When buying aftermarket parts make sure you are getting AT LEAST the same quality as the OEM part. If possible try to get some reviews about brands and performance. You can do it in the Internet, with your favorite mechanic or with fellow riders.

If you are looking for high performance parts and devices, you know the kind: carbon fiber, titanium, aerospace aluminum parts and gizmos, well you will probably find them as aftermarket motorcycle parts.

OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts, sooner or later you will be shopping for them...

Enjoy the ride!

Daniel Levy

About The Author

Daniel Levy is the owner and contributing writer of www.Japanese-Motorcycles-Only.com. He loves motorcycles and Web development. For more great info visit http://www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com/. If you need motorcycle parts, check this page: http://www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com/bike-bandit.html.

News from Secure Towing
Millions of Americans are frequently unprepared for the inevitable car mishaps or breakdowns that are bound to eventually happen.
As a result, many motorists have taken steps to ensure that roadside assistance is available when dreaded breakdowns and repair problems occur.
Secure Towing.Com is an online service that operates through a network of contracted service providers who have arrangements with the companys dispatch to perform road and towing service for SecureTowing.com members. The result is an affordable service that provides peace of mind, comfort and a feeling of security to millions of motorists.
Secure Towing.Com has been very successful, offering a valuable service that appeals to its 16 million motorists across America who recognize the value and convenience of an emergency road and auto service. When on the road, Secure Towing.Com customers know they are covered and protected by an organization that exhibits great customer care and has been providing these services for motorists since 1962!
The dispatch center provides benefits to over 16 million people a year and helps 100,000 stranded motorist each month. Secure Towing.Com is the number one rated dispatch service for on-time arrival and customer satisfaction, according to a global marketing international consumer center.
The company now has over 45,000 tow truck companies contracted nationwide to better serve its members.

About The Author

David Moceri is President and CEO of securetowing.com, a fast and excellent on-the-road 24-hour service protection. A complete description of Secure Towng services can be viewed at www.securetowing.com.
gcaplan@vibedirect.com

Enjoy your car... thats simple huh Well its not really that simple. Here is a list of things to think about after the sale.

Notify your insurance agent about the new car.
Read the entire owners manual. Familiarize yourself with the service requirements. Understand when you need to change oil, filters, and other major things like timing belt and driveline fluids.
Get used to operating the heating/AC controls and the radio so you do not have to fumble around and risk an accident while on the highway.
Pop the hood and find the oil filler cap, the oil dipstick. If you bought a car with an automotive transmission there will be a dipstick for the transmission fluid also.
Find the spare tire and jack. Make sure you know where to jack the car when changing a tire and how to remove the spare when you need it. There is nothing worse than getting a flat tire in a new car and having to struggle to change it the first time.
Accessorize! Its your car and it should make a statement about you. There are plenty of aftermarket items to make your new car unique like yourself. Wheels, bug guards, window visors and more are all available at part houses like CarParts.com

About The Author

Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
kevin@schappell.com