We decided on a bed mat instead of a liner. We won't be carrying any dirty
loads, mostly just luggage and my wheelchair. We got one that's custom made
for the Quad, and the thing is so sticky that you can't slide ANYTHING
across it. We had to lay a packing quilt in the bed to even be able to load
my chair!
We got one of those roll-up bed covers. Works like a roll-top desk, just
slides itself into a box across the front of the bed. Cool! We looked at
several fiberglass covers, but they all seemed pretty flimsy, and not secure
at all. This one is extruded aluminum and seems really tough.
So far we've made one trip to Las Vegas (230 miles by way of Death Valley)
and we're getting 20 MPG. Not bad since the engine isn't broken in yet. It
should improve at 15-20K miles.
We have the dark gray interior, which is OK except for the Charcoal
carpeting. It shows every little speck of dirt. We bought deep rubber
front mats to replace the factory mats. That seems to be helping it stay
cleaner.
On another subject, our 'other' car is a Ford Police Interceptor. I
'inhierited' it when we got the Quad. It was my wife's car until she drove
the Quad. At least now I can make changes to THAT one without having to ask
permission!
So far, so good. Like the truck, but thinking we maybe should have gotten a
Lincoln Blackwood. Same type of vehicle, just a lot bigger. Of course,
the price tag is biger too!
:-)
Steve & Tarona Stanfield
Ridgecrest, CA
"andy levy" <andylevy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:b2hfeb$ed5$1@bent.twistedbits.net...
>
> Dakota Reading List wrote:
> > We just got our first Dakota, a 2003 Quad Cab with all the available
options
> > except the leather upholstery and the roof rack. The wife doesn't like
> > leather, and I think a roof rack on a pickup looks silly...
>
> Welcome! I've got an '03 QC on the way myself. I think they're still
> rare around these parts. This will be Dak #2 for me. Mine's pretty
> well loaded as well.
>
> > So far (aboput a week now) the Dakota has been a lot of fun. We have
the
> > 4.7 V8, so there is plenty of pwer, and although it rides a little
stiff, it
> > seems like we'll really enjoy having it.
>
> That you will. It's riding stiff mostly because, well, it's a truck.
> Check your tire pressures though. You'll want to run a couple pounds
> less in the rear tires unless you're hauling a load. Makes a *big*
> difference.
>
> > As time passes, I'll be asking questions about certain things: some to
> > improve performance and some cosmetic. At this moment, I really don't
know
> > what's available and worthwhile.
>
> Worry not - we'll spend your money in no time. I've got a TON of stuff
> to buy for my new truck, it's going to cost me a fortune in the first 2
> months I have it.
>
> > The two things we've added so far are an aluminum roll-up tonneau cover
and
> > a nice thick, sticky rubber mat for the bed, I like the tonneau
especially.
> > I was thinking of getting the fiberglas tonneau until I saw this model
at
> > the accessory shop.
>
> Personally, I'd opt for a spray-in bedliner. Plenty sticky and full-bed
> protection.
>
>
> --
> -andy
>
> http://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/ --- andylevy@yahoo.com
> --------------------------------------------
> modesty, n.:
> Being comfortable that others will discover your greatness
> --------------------------------------------
>
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